Jennifer’s Review: Devil in Spring by Lisa Kleypas

DEVIL IN SPRING
Series: The Ravenels #3
Genre: Historical Romance
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Release Date: February 21, 2017

An eccentric wallflower…

Most debutantes dream of finding a husband. Lady Pandora Ravenel has different plans. The ambitious young beauty would much rather stay at home and plot out her new board game business than take part in the London Season. But one night at a glittering society ball, she’s ensnared in a scandal with a wickedly handsome stranger.

A cynical rake…

After years of evading marital traps with ease, Gabriel, Lord St. Vincent, has finally been caught-by a rebellious girl who couldn’t be less suitable. In fact, she wants nothing to do with him. But Gabriel finds the high-spirited Pandora irresistible. He’ll do whatever it takes to possess her, even if their marriage of convenience turns out to be the devil’s own bargain.

A perilous plot…

After succumbing to Gabriel’s skilled and sensuous persuasion, Pandora agrees to become his bride. But soon she discovers that her entrepreneurial endeavors have accidentally involved her in a dangerous conspiracy-and only her husband can keep her safe. As Gabriel protects her from their unknown adversaries, they realize their devil’s bargain may just turn out to be a match made in heaven…

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Devil in Winter is my second favorite book of all time….after Jane Eyre. I didn’t want to get my hopes up about this one because of this fact. But it was everything I dreamed…..and MORE!!

à la Mode St. » fashion

Wouldn’t it be dull if ever-after was always happy, with no difficulties or problems to solve? Ever-after is far more interesting than that.

à la Mode St. » fashionLisa Kleypas, I don’t know how you do it. But thank you …..and I love you….and I want to lock you up in my basement….I mean, my heart. Don’t worry, only my absolute favorite authors get a special place in my basement….I mean, my heart.

Pandora…..is a hot mess!! And yet a breath of fresh air. What an amazingly written character. She is the definition of feminism, and I love that Lisa wrote her like she did because she is so relevant!!! This whole book is relevant to this day, especially with the entire women’s movement. I honestly wonder if today’s current events helped Lisa to write this book.

Pandora has zero interest in getting married, and she isn’t just being coy. She has ambitions and desires to work. She has dreams that cannot be fulfilled if she gets married. She wants to own her own business and her own money and her own life. I loved how tough she was and how she fought and fought for her rights to be a married woman and keep her independence and…..dignity.
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“Not every girl who attends a ball wants to be Cinderella.”

à la Mode St. » fashionGabriel…..Holy Lord. He is the perfect mix of both Sebastian and Evie. I loved that he wasn’t an asshole like his father because it just wasn’t in his character. He and Pandora get caught in an awkward, compromising position that isn’t even that compromising, but Gabriel is an honorable man and does the right thing by Pandora. On the other hand, Pandora wants nothing to do with Gabriel and his marriage offer. She is very adamant about turning him down….multiple times. Lol! But after spending a week together and getting to know each other, she eventually changes her mind. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book. To me, Pandora made this book extra special, but Gabriel pulled out all the swoons.
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”Every night for the rest of my life, I’ll dream of the afternoon in the holloway, when I was waylaid by a dark-haired beauty who devastated me with the heat of a thousand troubled stars, and left my soul in cinders. Even when I’m an old man, and my brain has fallen to wrack and ruin, I’ll remember the sweet fire of your lips under mine, and I’ll say to myself, ‘Now, that was a kiss.’”

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And can we just take a moment and talk about how much I loved that Lisa put Sebastian and Evie in so much of this book???!!! All of my heart for this couple.

Everything about this book and these characters just MADE SENSE. The ending surprised me but I can tell Lisa is gearing up for either the next book or a whole spin-off series! (Yes, please!)

#DGRFave Review: Goodbye Paradise by @SarinaBowen

GOODBYE PARADISE
Series: Hello Goodbye #1
Genre: MM Romance
Author: Sarina Bowen
Release Date: March 21, 2017

Most people called it a cult. But for twenty years, Josh and Caleb called it home.

In Paradise, there is no television. No fast food. Just long hours of farm work and prayer on a dusty Wyoming ranch, and nights in a crowded bunkhouse. The boys of the Compound are kept far from the sinners’ world.

But Joshua doesn’t need temptation to sin. His whole life, he’s wanted his best friend, Caleb. By day they work side by side. Only when Josh closes his eyes at night can they be together the way he craves.

It can never be. And his survival depends on keeping his terrible desires secret.

Caleb has always protected Josh against the worst of the bullying at the Compound. But he has secrets of his own, and a plan to get away — until it all backfires.

Josh finds himself homeless in a world that doesn’t want him. Can Caleb find him in time? And will they find a place of safety, where he can admit to Josh how he really feels?

Warning: Contains a hot male/male romance, copious instances of taking the Lord’s name in vain, and love against the kitchen counter. This book was previously released under the title: In Front of God & Everyone.

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Caleb,” he whispered against my skin. “Just make me yours.”
“You,” I said, kissing him on the forehead, “are already mine.”

When was the last time you read a romance that was so powerful and sweet that you felt it touch your very soul? For me, that was today and this romance was this book. THIS BOOK. My god. I sobbed my way through almost the entire thing. I couldn’t help myself. It wrecked me and it owned me all at once. I don’t have enough praise to describe everything that was this story. All I know is that Caleb and Josh’s story is one that will stay in my heart forever, and as a voracious romance reader, I don’t make that statement lightly. It was just that good.

Nothing had ever felt better than lying in Caleb’s arms.

Caleb and Josh have been best friends for as long as they can remember. And Caleb has been Josh’s confidant and protector just as long. Growing up in a religious cult where a man’s worth is measured by his strength and ability to withstand hard labor, brainy Josh has always been at the bottom of the food chain. Caleb has always looked out for him and protected him, and Josh has been secretly in love with Caleb just as long.

When it becomes evident that Josh will soon be tossed out, Caleb makes a plan to escape. Having nothing to their name, no IDs, no money, they only have each other to lean on when they end up in a world that Josh had no idea existed and Caleb only had quick glimpses of.

Caleb has always been the strong one, but Josh has always been his strength. Unbeknownst to Josh, Caleb has been in love with his best friend but much better at hiding it. Now that they’re out, there’s nothing holding them back from being together but each other.

Maybe I’d craved him all my life, but I was his first, too. I felt powerful because of it.

This was such a powerful story of an emotional journey of two boys growing into men with nothing to guide them through it but each other. There’s no crazy drama, no silly angst. Absolutely nothing to take away from the incredibly poignant romance.

The secondary characters only served to strengthen the story and add another touching layer to something that was already solid to begin with. I loved the friendships and bonds that these boys formed through their journey. Every secondary character drove the plot further and just connected me to the story that much more.

I adored Caleb’s strength, but what I loved even more was Josh’s silent and unassuming strength. They balanced each other so well and their undying devotion to the other was nothing if not incredibly touching.

Hi baby,” he said under his breath. He leaned in and kissed me on the lips, right in front of God and everyone.

This book is exactly why I’m such a huge fan of this author. It was romantic and powerful, sweet and emotional, it was touching and poignant and everything that I love about romance. It was one of the most unforgettable romances I’ve read in a long while and I simply can’t recommend it enough.

Geri’s Review: Devil in Spring by Lisa Kleypas

DEVIL IN SPRING
Series: The Ravenels #3
Genre: Historical Romance
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Release Date: February 21, 2017

An eccentric wallflower…

Most debutantes dream of finding a husband. Lady Pandora Ravenel has different plans. The ambitious young beauty would much rather stay at home and plot out her new board game business than take part in the London Season. But one night at a glittering society ball, she’s ensnared in a scandal with a wickedly handsome stranger.

A cynical rake…

After years of evading marital traps with ease, Gabriel, Lord St. Vincent, has finally been caught-by a rebellious girl who couldn’t be less suitable. In fact, she wants nothing to do with him. But Gabriel finds the high-spirited Pandora irresistible. He’ll do whatever it takes to possess her, even if their marriage of convenience turns out to be the devil’s own bargain.

A perilous plot…

After succumbing to Gabriel’s skilled and sensuous persuasion, Pandora agrees to become his bride. But soon she discovers that her entrepreneurial endeavors have accidentally involved her in a dangerous conspiracy-and only her husband can keep her safe. As Gabriel protects her from their unknown adversaries, they realize their devil’s bargain may just turn out to be a match made in heaven…

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The night we met, I felt you like an electric shock. Something about you calls to the devil in me.”

This book is everything a historical romance should be. From its unforgettable characters to its sparkling and witty dialogue, Devil in Spring not only met but exceeded my very high expectations. I loved this book and these characters so much.

Lisa Kleypas has a way of capturing emotions without wasting many words. Her characters are vibrant and so full of life. She easy for readers to not only understand and sympathize with these characters but full on fall in love with them.

Dangerous creatures, wallflowers. Approach them with the utmost caution. They sit quietly in corners, appearing abandoned and forlorn, when in truth they’re sirens who lure men to their downfall. You won’t even notice the moment she steals the heart right out of your body—and then it’s hers for good. A wallflower never gives your heart back.”

Pandora might be my favorite Kleypas heroine to date. I still love Evie but Pandora overcame so much more. Her journey was such a joy to read. Actually, there’s a level of joy permeating this book that I was smiling all the way through it. Sure. There were some tense and emotionally fraught moments as well but there was never any doubt about the payoff, which is the HEA.

I have much love for Sebastian (Devil in Winter) and Derek Craven (Dreaming of You) and Hardy Cates (Blue-Eyed Devil) but Gabriel…*heart eyes* He’s Sebastian St. Vincent’s son but he is also Evie’s. Which means, he’s the best of both worlds and it shows. Not to say that he doesn’t have flaws. He’s still very much a product of his generation and lives a privileged life. But he’s also kind and loyal and just so attuned to Pandora’s needs which makes him more appealing. As far as being a romantic hero, he’s perfect.

You guys! The way he treats Pandora and the way he went about courting her heart will seriously melt your heart. It’s one of the best parts of the book and Lisa Kleypas spent a lot of time building their relationship. It’s so good and so romantic.

There were so many scenes and dialogue in this book that I really want to share all of them but I won’t because it would be so much better to experience them yourselves. Trust me you will be laughing and sniffling at all the heartfelt dialogue in this book.

I haven’t even talked about how Seb is with Gabriel (OMG! So cute and lovely!) or Seb with Evie (*swoons*) or Gabriel with Evie (*heart eyes*)! Their relationship with each other is #goals. And Gabriel and Pandora is OTP! Full stop.

She was so endearing, so indomitable, that Gabriel was wrenched with a feeling he’d never known before, as if all the extremes of joy and despair had been compressed into some new emotion that threatened to crack the walls of his heart.”

As for cameos from the Wallflower gang…yes! We do get Evie and Seb as well as Westcliff. I wish we could’ve seen more of the other couples but I really can’t complain. There’s also a great set-up for the next book in the series, which I am now dying to read.

This book made me so happy. It truly did. And it also makes me want to re-read The Wallflowers series again.

There was magic in the world, and it was woven throughout each ordinary day, the same force that pulled the tides and drove the rhythm of a human heart. Inspired”

Jennifer’s Review: Vicious by @lj_shen

VICIOUS
Series: Sinners of Saint #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: LJ Shen
Release Date: December 27, 2016

Emilia

They say love and hate are the same feelings experienced under different circumstances, and it’s true.
The man who comes to me in my dreams also haunts me in my nightmares.
He is a brilliant lawyer.
A skilled criminal.
A beautiful liar.
A bully and a savior, a monster and a lover.
Ten years ago, he made me run away from the small town where we lived. Now, he came for me in New York, and he isn’t leaving until he takes me with him.

Vicious

She is a starving artist.
Pretty and evasive like cherry blossom.
Ten years ago, she barged into my life unannounced and turned everything upside down.
She paid the price.
Emilia LeBlanc is completely off-limits, my best friend’s ex-girlfriend. The woman who knows my darkest secret, and the daughter of the cheap Help we hired to take care of our estate.
That should deter me from chasing her, but it doesn’t.
So she hates me. Big fucking deal.
She better get used to me.

AMAZON

HEY!!!…YOU!!!…..Yeah, you. Pay attention. You need to read this book. I know everyone says that about the book they love (*rolls eyes). But, seriously. You need to read this book.

 Ok. If you don’t love assholes, then you probably shouldn’t read this book. But if you love assholes……this is the most perfect asshole in all the books I’ve read. I have never met a more perfect asshole. I mean, this guy is actually mean. Like……really really really narcistic mean. And he doesn’t get better….ok, maybe marginally better.

And

I

LOVE

HIM

Like I have deep, down love for this man. For VICIOUS. Ugh. Just give him to me. This man is seriously MESSED UP. He’s got some serious issues. Like he needs therapy. And I still love him.

Love this!: It all starts in high school when Emilia’s parents begin working for Vicious’s parents at their estate. Vicious is a tortured soul, but we don’t find out about his demons until much later. WE HATE HIM….for most of this book. He hates Emilia and always find a reason to torture her, despite that Emilia does nothing to make him hate her. For most of this book, he doesn’t even say her name.
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Catering to me. Serving me. Envying me. She was going to stay small and insignificant. Uneducated and opportunity-less. And above all—mine.

à la Mode St. » fashionThe timeline jumps several times during this book, and it’s effortless. I loved every second of the torture that was Vicious and Emilia. I loved the mystery of their relationship because of the timeline. I loved how LJ Shen MADE ME LOVE HIM. She did. She took my heart in her hands, and said, “JENNIFER, YOU WILL HATE VICIOUS SO MUCH, YOU WILL LOVE HIM.” And I did. So thank you, LJ Shen, for making me hate…I mean, love him. ALL THE HATE/LOVE FOR VICIOUS.

Emilia was just as perfect as Vicious.
Swallow. Blink. Sigh. Blush. Look away.
She was a genuinely nice person who didn’t deserve how he treated her. And I love how it takes a long time for him to get back in her good graces (a looooong time). I love her smart mouth and how she doesn’t put up with his shit. He takes her to the brink of insanity and torture, dragging her along. Wanting her but not claiming her and not wanting her to be with anyone else. He RUINS HER LIFE!!!! And I still love him.
clouds walk antonio mora: The beauty of this book is that Vicious learns to be a marginally better person, but in the end, he is still who he is. And she loves him for it. And she doesn’t try to change him. I loved living along with these characters as they grew and changed.
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”We’ve waited a long time for this. I want the real thing. Not the watered-down version. And the real thing is not only beautiful. It is also ugly. I want your truth.”

à la Mode St. » fashionI could not put this book down. It is brilliant. Genius. This book blew my mind. The writing. The character development is ON…POINT! LJ Shen can write like a motherfucker!
I will be reading this book again and again and again.
I will be reading ALL of LJ Shen’s books.

#DGRFave & Review: Royally Matched by @EmmaChse

ROYALLY MATCHED
Series:
Royally #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance 
Author: Emma Chase
Release Date: Feb 21, 2017

Some men are born responsible, some men have responsibility thrust upon them. Henry Charles Albert Edgar Pembrook, Prince of Wessco, just got the motherlode of all responsibility dumped in his regal lap.

He’s not handling it well.

Hoping to force her grandson to rise to the occasion, Queen Lenora goes on a much-needed safari holiday—and when the Queen’s away, the Prince will play. After a chance meeting with an American television producer, Henry finally makes a decision all on his own:

Welcome to Matched: Royal Edition.

A reality TV dating game show featuring twenty of the world’s most beautiful blue bloods gathered in the same castle. Only one will win the diamond tiara, only one will capture the handsome prince’s heart.

While Henry revels in the sexy, raunchy antics of the contestants as they fight, literally, for his affection, it’s the quiet, bespectacled girl in the corner—with the voice of an angel and a body that would tempt a saint—who catches his eye.

The more Henry gets to know Sarah Mirabelle Zinnia Von Titebottum, the more enamored he becomes of her simple beauty, her strength, her kind spirit…and her naughty sense of humor.

But Rome wasn’t built in a day—and irresponsible royals aren’t reformed overnight.

As he endeavors to right his wrongs, old words take on whole new meanings for the dashing Prince. Words like, Duty, Honor and most of all—Love.

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What a strange pair we are. The sad boy and the frightened girl.

I couldn’t have picked a better book to read on Valentine’s Day. This book! ALL OF THE FEELS! For someone that grew up on the classics and adores all thing Jane Austen, this story was calling to my inner mushy parts. This heroine is my spirit animal. A more shy and introverted version of my spirit animal, but still. It melted my cold black heart. I’m seriously on the swoon train, on the way to swoon city here and I plan on riding the train over and over and over again. Don’t get me started on the perfection that’s Henry or the laugh out loud bits and the glorious writing. Because gah! Just. GAH. Where do I even begin?

There are meetings in books that stand out, that alter the course of the story. Profound encounters between characters when one soul seems to say to the other, “There you are—I’ve been looking for you.”

Henry is a boisterous, quick-witted, happy go lucky ladies man. The wit and humor is strong with this one, ladies, and I loved it. I LOVED IT SO HARD.

Not that kind of proposition. I don’t want to sleep with you, Henry.”
“Who said anything about sleeping? I’m talking about sex. Good sex. Lots of it.”
That puts a flush on her pretty cheeks and she laughs. “I don’t want to have sex with you.”
I pat her hand. “Now you’re just being silly. The cat-and-mouse game can be tantalizing, but it’s not necessary.” My voice drops to a whisper. “I’m a sure thing.”

It’s exactly what you would expect from an Emma Chase male POV. Pure. Awesome.

Henry is quick to jokes and smiles but if there’s one thing he struggles at, it’s politicking. Much to his disappointment. The one thing he yearns for is his grandmother’s approval. As the heir to the throne since his older brother abdicated, he can’t seem to do anything right. So what’s one more grand bad decision in a line of them? May as well star in his very own royal version of the Bachelor. Except the last thing he expects is to meet the unlikeliest of women that takes his breath away.

Sarah Mirabelle Zinnia Von Titebottum is a shy, introverted bookworm. She’s the exact opposite of everything about him. It’s funny because I’m not typically a reader that enjoys the shy and mousy heroines, but there was just something so endearing about Sarah that tugged at my every heart string. It was impossible not to like her, to connect and to feel for her.

Sarah only goes to the show to support her sister and to narrowly escape a project at work that would be a nightmare come true for her; force her to speak publicly. Whatever her reason may be, the last thing she expected was the attention of Prince Henry. And as much as she thinks that he’s everything she doesn’t need and guaranteed to break her heart, his presence is a magnet that seems to draw her into his orbit with a mere look.

He’s so damn comfortable, so sure and confident in his own skin. And he makes me feel that way too. Beautiful and bold. Brave. Like I could do anything—say anything—be anything. But at the moment, all I want to be is his.

The romance in this book? OH MY FEELS!!!! This is by far, one of the swooniest books I’ve read from Emma to date. It was pure perfection. I mean, yes, it was also absolutely sexy. But it was so much more than that, too. It made you feel all mushy and warm. It was as sweet as it was sexy and you couldn’t help but fall head over heels for both Henry and Sarah. They may not make sense together at first, but their connection was such a palpable one that you’re rooting for them from the very start. I adored it. Oh my god, you guys, I adored it so hard!!

My darling girl. I’ve never had someone who was just mine, body and soul—mine to protect and hold and love. And that’s what Sarah is . . . she belongs to me now. We belong to each other.

Do you see?!!!

Look, if this book isn’t on your TBR you’re seriously missing out. It packed everything I loved into one incredibly satisfying read. It had humor, romance, steam, AMAZING characters, a perfect story, and flawless writing as only Emma Chase is capable of. It. Was. EVERYTHING.

I’m not going to fall. I can’t. Because Henry has shown me how to fly.



Emma Chase is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the hot and hilarious Tangled series and The Legal Briefs series. Emma lives in New Jersey with her husband, two children and two naughty (but really cute) dogs. She has a long-standing love/hate relationship with caffeine.

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Release Blitz, Review & Giveaway: Sex Says by @authormaxmonroe

SEX SAYS
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Author: Max Monroe
Release Date: February 21, 2017

From New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Max Monroe comes a new standalone romantic comedy.

Lola

My name is Lola Sexton, and I’m a sex addict.

Okay…that’s a lie.

Truth is, I’m a serial dater turned dating and relationship columnist for The San Francisco Times. My readers call me Sex. Sex Says.

I love my job.

I love my life.

And I hate Reed Luca.

Reed

My name is Reed Luca, and I’m a liar.

Ironically, that’s the truth.

I’m 31, and my occupation is…well, complicated.

My favorite kind of woman comes in all shapes and sizes, but always has a big brain.

I’ve never hated anything.

Lola Sexton hates me.

Luckily, it’s a thin line between love and hate, and with my help, pretty Lola will only be able to straddle that line for so long.

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SEX SAYS SPOTIFY PLAYLIST


Somewhere along the way, hate had morphed into dislike and then reincarnated itself into lust, and then, like had blossomed. I liked Reed. Probably too much. But I couldn’t help it. That intriguing bastard was too much fun. Infuriating bullshit columns aside, I couldn’t not like him.

It’s official. Lola Sexton is my spirit animal and Reed Luca is my current obsession. Max Monroe have ruined me. Done and ruined me for any other man. They are now the proud owners of both my ovaries and possibly my first born. I offered all three to them for just another hit of the crackilicious addiction that was this book. They don’t know it yet. But it’s totally true.

Because ermahgerd! How is this the first book I’m reading by them? HOW? I’m kicking my own ass for this as we speak. What? I’m flexible like that. *sniffs indignantly*

He was unlike anyone I’d ever met. And did I mention I hated him? I did.

If you know me even a little, then you already know that the enemies to lovers trope happens to be my crack of choice. I pant for it like the addict that I am and each time I get a hit, it gives me the pervy happy feels. #TrueStory

And this book? This was the mother of all hate lust. It was the holy grail of enemies to lovers. It was deliciously sexy, kooky, quirky, and laugh till you have tears in your eyes and your stomach hurts kind of good.

Moving my gaze up from his crotch—it admittedly moved a little slowly—I finally settled my focus into the face of none other than my archnemesis. Reed Luca, looking fresh as a fucking daisy and smirking like the devil himself.

Lola was one of the best heroines I’ve read in a while. She was a woman after my own immature little heart. She was a funny, quirky, sharp witted, sarcastic ball of fun and I loved her. I SERIOUSLY LOVED HER. How can you possibly not love a free spirit that likes to roller skate to work and writes a relationship and sex column full of wit and humor. You can’t! You seriously can’t.

Enter stage right, Reed Luca, sexy archnemisis and bane of Lola’s existence. Ever since his video response to her latest dating article went viral, he’s been a thorn in her side. A sexy thorn. But she doesn’t want to focus on that. She hates him. She may also wonder about the size of his penis…while hating him. And Reed was determined to drive her out of her ever loving mind and right into his bed. And let me just tell you, I applaud his methods. Wholeheartedly.

Lola Sexton was fun, and even better news, she thought I was too—she just didn’t realize it yet. She was antagonistic and opinionated and completely off her rocker. And now, I had her right where I wanted her.

The banter between these two was amazing. AMAZING. Every single time these two went at it with their verbal foreplay my ovaries got a happy tingle. Because oh my god did they go at it. With insults that is. What were you thinking, perverts? But I digress.

The romance was a slow sizzle, which I loved all the more.

Something about her drugged me right into oblivion—and despite knowing the downsides of addiction, I couldn’t make myself stop loving it.

I was at the edge of my seat, screaming for these two to finally go at it and rip each other’s clothes off. I couldn’t get enough. I was invested from beginning to end and loved every sarcastic barb with the heavy underlay of lust. It was delicious. Delicious I tells ya!

Add in a whole bunch of amazing secondary characters that only served to make the story that much more fun, and I was putty in these authors hands. PUTTY.

Reed This: Sometimes people can be at two ends of a line and end up next to one another. Because intimacy and love— they’re powerful enough to curve that line into a circle.

Basically what I’m trying to say here, is they have got themselves a new fan in me. If this book is anything to go by, I’ve been seriously missing out.

If you’re looking for a quirky, addictingly fun and super sexy story that’s as refreshingly different as it is tears in your eyes hilarious, you’ve found your next read. You’re welcome.
ENTER HERE

 

#DGRFave & Geri’s Review: Pretty Face (London Celebrities #2) by Lucy Parker

PRETTY FACE
Series: London Celebrities #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Lucy Parker
Release Date: February 20, 2017

Highly acclaimed, award-winning author of Act Like It Lucy Parker returns readers to the London stage with laugh-out-loud wit and plenty of drama

The play’s the fling

It’s not actress Lily Lamprey’s fault that she’s all curves and has the kind of voice that can fog up a camera lens. She wants to prove where her real talents lie—and that’s not on a casting couch, thank you. When she hears esteemed director Luc Savage is renovating a legendary West End theater for a lofty new production, she knows it could be her chance—if only Luc wasn’t so dictatorial, so bad-tempered and so incredibly sexy.

Luc Savage has respect, integrity and experience. He also has it bad for Lily. He’d be willing to dismiss it as a midlife crisis, but this exasperating, irresistible woman is actually a very talented actress. Unfortunately, their romance is not only raising questions about Lily’s suddenly rising career, it’s threatening Luc’s professional reputation. The course of true love never did run smooth. But if they’re not careful, it could bring down the curtain on both their careers…

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This was Luc Savage. Award-winning, career-making, ego-curdling Luc Savage. Get-in-my-way-and-I’ll-crush-you-like-a-bug Luc Savage. And her driving instinct was to touch the tips of her boots to his—and then stand her ground until he stepped back first.”

Sometimes I feel like the book goods are smiling down at me and they send me a book that ticks all of my “how romance should be” boxes. Reading Pretty Face by Lucy Parker is definitely one of those times. And oh my gosh, I don’t have enough words to express how much I love this book.

WARNING! Long, gushy review ahead! #Sorrynotsorry

Luc Savage, one of London West End’s premier director/producer is restoring the Queen Anne theatre and capping it off with a new play. Problem is Luc lost not one but two of his female leads, and he’s desperate to find a replacement.

One of the names considered playing the role of Elizabeth is Lily Lamprey. Lily is famous for playing a dumb, conniving bimbo on Knightsbridge, a label that spills over onto her personal life. It doesn’t help that she looks the part: curvy, blonde and a voice that rivals Marilyn Monroe’s—seductive, breathy and totally inappropriate for theatre. Naturally, Luc is not thrilled and made his opinions about Lily known.

If she was as vacant as she looks on screen, she wouldn’t be able to tie her own shoes.”

But even with Luc’s prejudice, he couldn’t quite deny that there’s some raw talent there. He also can’t deny his attraction to her the moment they meet. And Luc doesn’t want to risk the success of his play and his theatre. So he vowed to keep things professional between them, which worked spectacularly for, um, about 5 minutes.

They released each other’s hands; their eyes met again. Game on.”

Pretty Face is full of laugh-out-loud dialogue, quick witted banter and scorching chemistry between Luc and Lily. Despite her appearance, Lily is a hard worker and resolute. I love her so much. She’s not all cowed by Luc or anyone else for that matter really.

Lily knows a thing or two about double standards and being judged based on your looks. But she had a goal: West End. And she’s willing to work her ass off to get there but she won’t ever compromise herself to get it even though she’s insanely attracted to Luc.

Giving in to their feeling could have repercussions on their career, especially on Lily’s. Something that Lily and Luc was all too aware of. Lily had been accused of sleeping with most of her male co-stars, so giving in to her attraction to Luc would give people the ammunition to write Lily off as the bimbo who got the part because she shagged the director. It’s terribly unfair and it made me even more emotionally invested in the romance between Lily and Luc.

Luc and Lily ended up becoming of my favorite couples of all time. I have a weakness for grumpy, taciturn heroes with hidden sweet side, and Luc fits the bill perfectly. And Lily is just awesome. She’s aware of her looks without being conceited about it, and she’s geniunely a nice person. The evolution of their relationship, including the conflict organic and real. The conflict also felt organic. And their banter is beyond hilarious!

How old is Trix?”

“Twenty-six.”

“I see,” Luc said. “And you’re also twenty-six?”

Lily narrowed her eyes slightly. “Yes.”

“Mmm. And Dan is—”

“Not twenty-six.”

“No. I’d say he’s somewhere around my age.”

“Quite possibly. Are we going to arrive at your point anytime soon?”

“No point.” Luc’s voice was bland. His experssion was not. “Just an observation.”

“That some of us are twenty-six and some of us like to make leading comments?” 

The writing is stellar. I can’t believe this is just her second book because Lucy Parker writes like a seasoned pro. Her characters are nuanced and there’s an emotional depth to them. It’s funny without trying too hard to be comedic. It’s just perfect.

I don’t throw out comparisons to Atticus Finch lightly. He was my first boyfriend.”

“He’s fictional.”

“When I was ten, that was a minor drawback, easily outweighed by the staunch devotion to human rights and penchant for natty waistcoats.”

Gah! I have so many highlights I could share but I won’t or else this review would never end. I didn’t even touch on how well written the secondary characters were and how much they add to the story. Just go, pick up the book and enjoy this spectacular romance from Lucy Parker. You won’t be sorry!

 


Lucy Parker lives in the gorgeous Central Otago region of New Zealand, where she feels lucky every day to look out at mountains, lakes, and vineyards. She has a degree in Art History, loves museums and art galleries, and doodles unrecognizable flowers when she has writer’s block.

When she’s not writing, working or sleeping, she happily tackles the towering pile of to-be-read books that never gets any smaller. Thankfully, there’s always another story waiting.

Her interest in romantic fiction began with a pre-teen viewing of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (Firth-style), which prompted her to read the book as well. A family friend introduced her to Georgette Heyer, and the rest was history.

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#DGRFave & Review: Grievous by @JMDarhower

 GRIEVOUS
Series: Scarlet Scars #2
Genre: Dark Romance
Author: JM Darhower
Release Date: February 6, 2017

Once upon a time, there was a girl who stopped believing in fairy tales after her innocence was stolen.

Morgan Myers is tired. So damn tired. Most people either push her around or brush her off, and she’s not putting up with it anymore. Determined to reclaim the life that had been stolen from her, she puts her trust in the last person she ever expected to: the notorious they call Scar. Morgan sees a side of him that few people seem to know—the man, not the myth. Lorenzo. And what she sees, she likes, a lot more than she thought she would.

But fairy tales aren’t real, as life likes to remind her. Some dragons, you just can’t slay, no matter how hard you fight them. And when hers comes back around, breathing fire, she’s forced to face some unimaginable horrors. But there’s a white knight in combat boots out there that isn’t afraid of monsters.

You see, it’s impossible to be afraid of something you see every day in the mirror.

AMAZON

She wants the fairy tale with the happy ending. All I have are bullet holes in a house with no soul.

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a fan of duets or trilogies. It always starts out great and then fizzles out for me at the end. That’s why I’m so blown away right now after finishing this book? Because this was quite possibly the best conclusion that I have ever read. Period. It couldn’t have had a better ending. Talk about going out with a bang. DAMN. I’m still calming my tits over here.

Maybe we’re all crazy. Maybe the trick in life is just to find someone whose crazy plays well with your own.

Everything only got better with book two; Morgan being one of them. As much as I liked her in book one, she was even better here. She’s this amazing combination of strength and vulnerability, tough as nails personality with a splash of pain. She was absolute perfection. If only every heroine I read was more like this woman. She totally had me under her spell.

All the puzzle pieces begin to click in place with Grievous, and when that puzzle starts to finally come together? Mind. Blowing. Filled with twists and turns, action and steam, I couldn’t have asked for a better conclusion to a story that hooked me from the beginning.

As for Lorenzo? Mother. Of. God. THIS MAN.

Whatever this is I’m feeling, I want it to stop. I want it to go away. I want to stop fucking seeing her every time I blink. I want to stop fucking thinking about her every time I pause to take a deep breath. She’s like an infection that’s settling into my chest. I would rip out my own organs if I thought it might purge her from my system.

He’s a violent, messed up, insane killer, and I loved his so muh muh much. I’m talking slightly questioning my own sanity over how much I loved him. The man has loose marbles rolling around in his head. He’s not all there, get me? He’s downright certifiable at times, and yet he’s one of the most endearing anti-heroes I’ve read in a long while.

The woman’s touch is witchcraft. It’s a sin to give in, but seeing as sinning is my specialty, I let her dark magic consume me, because what do I have to lose?

Grievous was a high-octane, dark and violent ride that was filled with twists and turns and enough heat to set your kindle on fire. It was danger and lust, violence and love. It. Was. Everything.

The woman has got me all fucked up here, flipped upside down and inside out. It’s like the striking of a match. All it needs is that spark.

If you had any doubt about the raw talent that is JM Darhower before, this book will make a believer out of you. Trust me. It’s an absolute must read!


DON’T MISS BOOK 1 IN THIS DUET!

MENACEAMAZON | MY REVIEW

Blog Tour & Review: P.I.T.A by @ BrookeBlaine1

P.I.T.A. (L.A. Liaisons, #3)
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Author: Brooke Blaine
Release Date: January 30, 2017

As one of the most prestigious wedding coordinators in Los Angeles, Paige Iris Traynor-Ashcroft is known for being classy, elegant, and the orchestrator of many happily-ever-afters.

But in the words of Paige herself: “What a crock of shiitake.”

Known affectionately (or not) as P.I.T.A. to those closest to her, she’s never been one to buy into the whole monogamy thing for herself. Sure, her BFFs are getting picked off by Cupid one by one, but his arrows have nothing on her semiautomatic.

Richard “Dick” Dawson does his best to live up to his name. A long-time frenemy and manwhore extraordinaire, he thrives on pushing limits, pushing up skirts—and pushing every single one of Paige’s buttons. He’s the itch she can’t scratch, and doesn’t want to. Or does she?

What happens when blazing-hot rage turns to crazy, unexplainable lust? Surely not…love? Because that would just be a total P.I.T.A.

 

Amazon US | Amazon UK

 

That was how it always was with us—constantly trying to one-up each other, always fighting for dominance. It put things back on comfortable ground.

So this book….*giggles*
Sorry. As I was saying…*wiggles with glee*
Dammit. Back to the subject at hand…*flails with happiness*

I give up! I can’t. I just can’t talk about this book without a goofy grin on my face. It’s impossible. Because this story was EVERYTHING I love about a good rom com; undeniably flawless storytelling, fabulous characters that you want to be your own BFFs, swoony hero, a heroine so sassy it’ll make you jealous, enough antagonistic hate/lust to make a cynic swoon, and so many laugh out loud parts that I won’t recommend reading in public for fear of judgy side eyes. It was perfect. Perfect I tells ya!!!

You know, this is a perfect example of why I call you Pita.”
“Why? Because I stick up for myself? Because I call people out when they’re assholes? Because I have fucking balls of steel?” One of the bellhops we passed stopped in his tracks at my admission, and stared at me with wide eyes. “What?” I asked. “You wanna see my steel balls? Dawson, put me down so I can show him.”

Paige and Dawson have been frenemies almost as long as they’ve been friends. The only thing constant between them are their snarky barbs and sarcastic remarks. It doesn’t matter that they grew up together or that their parents are friends, Paige can’t stand the guy…right?

A successful party turned wedding planner, Paige is the unlikeliest of them all; the kind that doesn’t believe in marriage. Her parents show and tell marriage successfully burned the idea of a happy marriage right out of her. Richard “Dick” Dawson has been one constant in her life… a constant pain in the ass that is, but when some seriously comical circumstances put them together, the undeniable sparks between them fly.

Remember when I said Dawson was a breast guy? That wasn’t the whole truth—Dawson was a sex guy, plain and simple, one of those rare men who wanted to worship every single inch of you, and I was more than willing to let him.

Watching two of her girlfriends find relationship bliss doesn’t mean that Paige wants it for herself. Especially not with her former best friend turned bane of her existence. So why does the man have to be so blasted sexy, persistent, and damn it all, irresistible?!
Dawson was just….rarrrrrrrr. The man was sex on a stick. He was funny, swoony, and just total perfection. I couldn’t get enough of him, especially when he was determined to drive Paige out of her mind with either frustration or lust.

I’d be up for show-and-tell anytime you wish, love, but if you could sit on my cock sometime soon, I’d love to fuck you.”

This book was by far my favorite in the series. I adored every single hilarious page of it. And it was hilarious. Like laugh until you have tears in your eyes hilarious. Not only is it my favorite Brooke Blaine book, but it may easily be my favorite rom com I’ve read to date. Yeah. It was that good.

I want to be the goddamn reason you can’t wait to wake up in the morning. I want you to be unable to sleep if I’m not there with you at night. And I want to be the only fucking man that you let come near you when you’re moving those hips like you’re having sex on the dance floor.”

If you’re looking for a swoony rom com, this is a no-brainer one-click. Seriously.

As for me? I’m off to stalk Brooke instantly for Quinn’s book, because that hooker has been teasing me with the what ifs too long. TOO LONG I SAY! And what can I say? Patience has never been a virtue of mine.


You could say Brooke Blaine was a book-a-holic from the time she knew how to read; she used to tell her mother that curling up with one at 4 a.m. before elementary school was her ‘quiet time.’ Not much has changed except for the espresso I.V. pump she now carries around and the size of her onesie pajamas.

Brooke enjoys writing sassy contemporary romance, whether in the form of comedy, suspense, or erotica. The latter has scarred her conservative Southern family for life, bless their hearts.

If you’d like to get in touch with her, she’s easy to find – just keep an ear out for the Rick Astley ringtone that’s dominated her cell phone for ten years.

You can connect with Brooke here:

 Website Facebook |  Twitter |  Instagram | Amazon Author Page |  Brooke & Ella’s Facebook Group

If you’d like to be the FIRST to know about a new release, sale, giveaway, or upcoming signings & events, make sure to join Brooke’s newsletter:

http://eepurl.com/brxPkP

And make sure to follow me on Bookbub!

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/brooke-blaine

Read the series!

Licked (L.A. Liaisons, #1)

Licked Cover
Amazon US | Amazon UK

Hooker (L.A. Liaisons,#2)


Amazon US | Amazon UK

Blog Tour, Jennifer’s Review & Giveaway: How To Date A Douchebag: The Failing Hours by @SaraNey

How to Date a Douchebag: The Failing Hours
Genre: New Adult, Sports Romance, College Romance
Author: Sara Ney
Release Date: January 31, 2017

Zeke Daniels isn’t just a douchebag; he’s an asshole.

A total and complete jerk, Zeke keeps people at a distance. He has no interest in relationships—most assholes don’t.

Dating? Being part of a couple? Nope. Not for him.

He’s never given any thought to what he wants in a girlfriend, because he’s never had any intention of having one.

Shit, he barely has a relationship with his family, and they’re related; his own friends don’t even like him.

So why does he keep thinking about Violet DeLuca?

Sweet, quiet Violet—his opposite in every sense of the word.

The light to his dark, even her damn name sounds like rays of sunshine and happiness and shit.

And that pisses him off, too.

AMAZON | B&N | KOBO | iBOOKS

The clock on the wall counts the seconds, steady as the rhythm of my beating heart, which thumps wildly within my chest until the glass door to the library opens, propelled by a gust of wind.Some new fallen leaves flutter in, the heavy doors slamming from the draft.

Along with them? Zeke Daniels.

He shuffles in, dark gray sweatpants hanging low on his hips, black Iowa Wrestling hoodie pulled up over his head, the university’s bright yellow mascot screen-printed across the chest. Backpack slung over one shoulder, black athletic flip-flops, and a pair of black sunglasses perched on the bridge of his strong nose complete the overall ensemble.

He is utterly…ridiculous.

Unapproachable.

Daunting.

His arrogance knows no bounds; I can see it in his loose gait, the exaggerated swagger, and the too-casual way he’s dragging his flip-flops across the cold, marble tile floor. It’s noisy, irritating, and completely uncalled for.

In the moment, my mind drifts to his personal life, and I theorize that he listens to heavy metal music to sooth his foul temperament, drinks his coffee black—as black as his soul—and his liquor straight up. I imagine once he’s had sex with someone, they’re never invited back. I go one step further and theorize that they’re never invited to spend the night at his place, either.

Zeke Daniels makes his way to a table at the far end of the room, near the periodicals, one out of the way with plenty of privacy.

Sets his bag down in one of the four wooden chairs. Flicks on the small study lamp. Plugs his laptop cord into the base and stands.

Turns.

Our eyes would have met then were it not for those ludicrous sunglasses. I choose the exact moment he lifts his gaze to look down at the ground. Busy myself with shuffling papers on the counter. Count to ten instead of chanting, Please don’t come over, please don’t come over, please don’t come over…

But luck isn’t on my side because he most decidedly does.

Makes his way over like a predator at a pace so deliberate, I’m convinced he’s doing it on purpose. As if he suspects I’m watching from under my long lashes, dreading his imminent arrival.

He basks in my discomfort.

The distance between us closes, his strides purposeful.

Twenty feet.

Fifteen.

Ten.

Eight.

Three.

His large hand reaches up, pushing down the hood of his sweatshirt, his fingertips pinching the earpiece of his sunglasses and pulling them off his face. My eyes follow the movements as he folds them closed, hanging them on the neckline of his hoodie.

His gaze lingers—those clear gray eyes famous around campus—and finds the shiny silver bellhop bell perched on the counter with the sign next to it that reads, Ring for help.

Ding.

The tip of his forefinger presses down on the small bell.

Ding.

He hits it again, despite me standing not three feet in front of him.

What an ass.

This book has ALL MY LOVE! Oh my…….Zeke and Violet have ruined me! I was giggling so much throughout this entire book. Zeke is absolutely hilarious, and Sara Ney writes the male POV PERFECTLY!
This book is the epitome of why I love assholes so much. Zeke is a pissy, giant bear. Ugh. I loved him. He’s so broody and angry all the time. Zeke needs a tutor, but Violet stands him up because he is so damn intimidating. He is forced into a Big Brother role by his coach and ends up partnering with Violet anyway. Violet is such a good person, but Zeke is not good. He is downright mean and grouchy.

My Violet & Zeke:

 : Violet is happy sunshine, but not in an annoying way. She truly cares about people, but she is a stuttering little mouse. Zeke and Violet couldn’t be more opposite. But they have no idea how much they have in common. They are both lonely, so they truly need each other.

Zeke pounces and stomps all over Violet through most of this book. She puts up with some of it, but there is a pivotal point where she puts her foot down. I loved how Zeke had to learn to let go of some of his issues. I could truly feel how he wanted to feel something good for Violet, but he is a true douchebag.

Once Zeke and Violet get it on…..Holy Hot Panties! I was hot and sweaty and laughing at the same time!

This book is all kinds of my favorite. I love broody Zeke. I love mousey Violet. I love the writing. I love the FEELS. I didn’t expect the feels and the swooning. Zeke falls HARD for Violet, and I fell HARD for Zeke and Violet.
à la Mode St. » fashion

Soon she’s going to have me holding babies and volunteering with old people, I just fucking know it.
Whatever.
I’d do it.
I’d do it just to see those eyes of hers light up. I’d do it because when her small, slender body is pressed against mine, mine lights on fire. I could get used to these feelings, could get high now that I know how fast my heart beats when she’s near.

à la Mode St. » fashionSara Ney writes the male POV so well! I can’t believe this was my first book that I’ve ever read by her. I will definitely be reading all of her books.


In The Series:

How to Date a Douchebag: The Studying HoursAmazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes

Purveyor of all things witty & romantic, I love: iced latte’s, traveling, and bright, bold colors. On any given day, you can find me in my office, lovingly gazing at my bookshelf or shuffling my Bic felt-tip pen collection. I love hand writing letters, and sarcasm.

I live in the midwest, but “Will Write for Travel,” and believe everyone should follow their dreams, no matter how big or small. My favorite authors include Cindy Miles, S Walden, Suzanne Enoch, Tessa Dare (to name a few). I am a glutton for Historical, RomCom, Sports and MC romance.

One husband. Two daughters. Plenty of chaos.

 

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