DGR’S 2017 FAVORITES: JENN’S PICKS

December 20, 2017 by · Leave a Comment

Another year gone in the blink of an eye and the turn of many book pages. And did we have a lot of book pages between us. We had one hell of a 5 star year between the three of us and we can’t wait to share our favorites with you all. Oh wait…we’re not waiting. Well, can’t say suspense was ever a forte of ours.

It’s awesome to see that even with our varying tastes in books, there are some shared faves (*cough* The Duchess Deal *cough*)

But without further ado, I present to you Jenn’s favorite picks for 2017!! *in no certain order*

JENN’S FAVORITES OF 2017 


NOWHERE BUT HERE by Katie McGarry

If anyone could write a Young Adult MC Romance, it’s Katie Mc-fucking-Garry. She is the perfect author for this, and I am so glad that she chose to do it. Because it is flawless.

With all of the violence and sex and just downright MC-ness, you would think that a YA MC Romance just wouldn’t be possible, but Katie gave us the middle finger and wrote this series that blew my mind.

She is the queen of YA in so many ways.

I mean, every YA comes with some angst, which isn’t always my favorite. But Katie includes just the right about the angst that it isn’t too soft…it isn’t too hard…it’s juuuuust right.

 

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

WICKED INTENTIONS by J.T. Geissinger

I read Wicked Sexy last year and was blown away.

After reading Wicked Intentions, my brain and heart and body are bursting!!

These books are the whole package (pun intended).

What I love about this book? EVERYTHING. It seriously has everything you ever want in a perfect book. The feels. The humor. The sex. The dirty talk. The amazing story. The words. The dark. The light. All wrapped up in one perfectly packaged book.

If I could give only ONE BOOK RECOMMENDATION this whole year, it would be THIS BOOK.

AMAZON | GOODREADS | MY REVIEW

THE QUEEN by Skye Warren

I couldn’t gush enough about Skye Warren.

If you know me at all, you know I am a HUGE fan.

This series is one of my favorites of hers, after the Stripped and Endgame series. Lol. Ok. I love all her books. Leave me alone!! Her writing is able to capture beauty in the darkness. And there is A LOT of darkness in her books. Just gimme all the darkness.

Gabriel or Damon. Damon or Gabriel. I can’t choose!!! They are equally assholely, but the reasons for their actions are soooo different that it’s so hard to compare them.

I can’t love one more or less than the other, so I will place them on the same level on my ultimate book boyfriend list.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

THE CASTLE by Skye Warren

GABRIEL.

Can I have him?

Seriously Skye, I want you to write a Gabriel story EVERY…..DAY and send me the story.

No one else.

Just me.

Especially not Lana. BECAUSE HE’S MINE!!

Gabriel has me like….Unf. THANK YOU, Skye Warren, for creating Gabriel Miller….for my pleasure! Just when I think Skye Warren can’t get any better, she goes and drops Gabriel into my lap (yes, please!).

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

EMBER by Rachel Van Dyken

I love when an author makes me hate a character so much, then she turns around and makes me love that same character.

Very few authors can make me do anything, let alone change my mind. I never would have thought I could love Phoenix. I cannot resist a tortured hero. I knew he was tortured, and so I was naturally drawn to him, but I had no idea how the author was going to redeem him for what he did.

I didn’t think there was any way he could be forgiven. I didn’t know if I could forgive him, and I wasn’t even the person wronged. Lol.

I LOVE that Rachel Van Dyken continues to make me LAUGH and FEEL so much in this series. This mafia family has me wrapped around their crooked fingers.

 

GOODREADS | AMAZON 

CROWN OF MIDNIGHT by Sarah J. Maas

You know those books that are so BEYOND that you can’t even give them stars?

THIS. SERIES.

Earth? What is Earth? I am living in Erilea.

What was I thinking waiting so long to read this series? I am utterly captivated. I would even believe that this series has cast a spell on me. Gasp! Maybe it has!!!

These characters. This world. The magic. The mystery. The secrets. The murder. The LOVE. The FEELS.

I am escaping into this series every day, and I couldn’t escape it if I tried. I am shackled to it. I can’t stop thinking about it. If you love Harry Potter, read this book. If you love Hunger Games, read this book. If you love The Lord of the Rings, read this book. If you love books, read this book.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

VICIOUS by LJ Shen

I 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! 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.

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.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

THE DUCHESS DEAL by Tessa Dare

I begged for this ARC.

Literally.

And I’m not even sorry.

Was I surprised by how much I loved this book? Absolutely not.

I will always love Tessa Dare….always.

I always giggle in her books.

I always swoon in her books.

There is almost always a hate-to-love relationship, which is perfection for me.

The Quirk! The Dry Humor! The Witty Dialogue! ALWAYS!

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

UNCONTROLLABLE TEMPTATIONS by Janine Infante Bosco

Janine doesn’t mess around. She jumps right into the center of the Satan’s Knights and writes the President’s book first, and Gawd, it’s beyond.

Jack and Reina find SOLACE in each other. Isn’t that what we all want? Just a little bit of PEACE.

She does it again with the issues. (There was a lot of cursing at Janine for writing a book such as this. For example, “Damn you, Janine!”)

I’ve never read an author like this, especially an MC series like this. This is definitely in my top 3 favorite MC series (with Kristen Ashley and Lauren Gilley). Janine makes it REAL. I came out of this book with HEALED SCARS and NEW SCARS. How did this book changed me? It helped me see that the thing that I viewed as the cause for my struggle can actually be my HOPE.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

THE FAILING HOURS by Sara Ney

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.

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.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

SLEDGEHAMMER by P. Dangelico

Confession: I have a THING for lawyers. And when I say a THING, I mean an OBSESSION.

Maybe it’s the suit.

Maybe it’s the ego.

Maybe it’s the brain.

I don’t know, but I cannot resist a lawyer.

This book is Opposites Attract in all its glory. Hilarious. Feel-good. Snarky, swearing heroine. Swoony.

And did I mention hilarious? He is broody & sweet & the slow burn.

THE SLOW BURN!!! Oh, and the “effing smorgasbord of feelings!!”

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

WOUND TIGHT BY Tessa Bailey

Spontaneous combustion does exist.

Because that’s exactly what happened while reading this book.

Oh man oh man oh man.

The business man and the security guard GET…IT….AWWN!!!!

It’s impossible for Tessa to NOT write dirty words.

The manly banter between these two.

I could just listen to Renner and Milo talk to each other and “fight-flirt” …. all…. day.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

SUTPHIN BOULEVARD by Santino Hassell

Once upon a time, there was a girl named Jennifer who was a idiot because she had never read Santino Hassell.

This will probably go down as one of the biggest regrets of her life.

But once she reads Santino Hassell, it becomes one of the best choices she has ever made in her life.

Santino, Can I slap your ass, I mean hand, for being so dirty?!

I mean, anyone this dirty needs to be handcuffs….damn it, I can’t even talk right now without dirty words spewing out of my mouth because Santino has ruined me.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

 

FIELD-TRIPPED by Nicole Archer

I love that neither Eli or Charlie take themselves too seriously.

What could have been a tear-jerker of angsty proportions (*gag) instead turns out to be one of my perfect reads.

At the same time, Archer weaves those words that evoke just enough feels to make the book mean something.

They are genuine, and their actions are unpredictable, much like real life.

Eli and Charlie have such a rich history that only the few can dream of, growing up together and knowing all the dirty little secrets from those intimate young moments.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

Check out Lana’s list HERE

Check out Geri’s list HERE

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Review: The V Card by Lauren Blakely and Lili Valente

December 19, 2017 by · Leave a Comment

THE V CARD
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Authors: Lauren Blakely & Lili Valente
Release Date: December 13, 2017

A brand new sinfully sexy standalone romantic comedy from bestselling authors Lauren Blakely and Lili Valente!

When you think about how easy it is to lose keys, phones, sunglasses and your dignity on social media, you might figure it’d be a cinch for me to ditch my V Card.

You’d be wrong.

At 25, I run a successful business, live in a fantastic apartment, and have fabulous friends to go out with any night of the week. And yet I’m still a card-carrying member of a club I don’t want to belong to anymore. Good thing I know just the man for the deflowering job—my brother’s business partner and best friend.

Graham Campbell is charming, smart, and, I’m told, oh-so-skilled in the sack. As long as I keep my eyes on the prize, there’s no way this pluck-the-flower project could possibly complicate matters.

***

Work and pleasure. As the CEO of a fast-growing company, I’ve been enjoying both to the fullest. What do I do when the board throws me for an unexpected loop so I can keep my business in my hands? I enlist the help of my best friend’s little sister since she holds a big stake in the company. But then I learn there’s another big stake she wants.

The one between my legs.

I can do this. Seven nights to teach her everything I know in the bedroom. There’s no way I’ll fall for her, even though she’s earning top grades in every single sinfully sexy lesson. And turns out I’m learning something too. The trouble is I don’t have the answer key to what to do when I fall hard for her.

And that throws a whole new hitch in my plans.

 AMAZON | iBOOKS | KOBO | B&N | GOOGLE PLAY 


I can always depend on Lauren Blakely to give me a hot and entertaining book, and with the combination of Lili Valente, I couldn’t put this book down.


Graham & CJ have been friends for years. He is her brother’s best friend, only the brother passed away a couple years ago, and Graham swore he would protect CJ when his best friend died. He is a player, but recently he swore off women for a few months so he could focus more on his career and making the most of his business. He needs CJ’s help with his business, and she needs his help in the bedroom. And the plot thickens….ok, actually, the plot isn’t very thick (*giggles…thick), but it didn’t matter because I enjoyed every minute of this book.

Yes, CJ is a virgin. There is no mystery to this fact (hence, the title of the book). I didn’t mind that this was a virgin story because she wasn’t a bashful, innocent virgin. True, she didn’t have much experience, but when it came time for her “lessons,” she was a quick learner.

This book was pure entertainment. To be honest, it could have been even longer for me. There were definite aspects that weren’t very believable, but I didn’t give one lick about it because the characters were well-developed in a short amount of time that I wanted to keep reading and I can’t forget THE HOTNESS LEVEL OF HELL (that means really really hot). When Graham became her teacher, this book worked its way up to a scorcher.

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New Releases: December 17-19

December 18, 2017 by · Leave a Comment

New releases coming at ya this week!

AVAILABLE NOW

BLOCK PARTY by Stylo Fantome

Things you need for a good Block Party:

1. Awesome food

2. Great Music

3. Fun games

4. A secret spot to hook up with your even-more-secret girlfriend.

Liam Edenhoff is a simple creature. He likes women, tacos, and sex. As long as he has those in his life, everything is good. He’s finally realizing maybe he’s just not cut out for relationships – surely there’s got to be a woman out there who’d be okay with roof top margaritas, casual sex, and no attachments.

Enter a new neighbor – one who is allergic to commitment and prefers her sex casual but frequent. She’s seen him at his worst and is still willing to play his games, on three conditions – discretion is a must, casual is key, and absolutely no drama. Sounds like the perfect arrangement. What could go wrong?

Famous last words when dealing with neighbors.

RELEASING DECEMBER 19

THE HOOKUP by Kristen Ashley

When the new girl in town, Eliza “Izzy” Forrester decides to hit the local drinking hole, she’s not ready to meet the town’s good, solid guy. She’s definitely not prepared to engage in her very first hookup with him.

Then Izzy wakes up the next morning in Johnny Gamble’s bed and good girl Izzy finds she likes being bad for Johnny.

Even so, Izzy feels Johnny holding her at arm’s length. But Johnny makes it clear he wants more and Izzy already knows she wants as much of hot-in-bed, sweet-out-of-it Johnny Gamble.

Floating on air thinking this is going somewhere, Izzy quickly learns why Johnny holds distant.

He’s in love with someone else. Someone who left him and did it leaving him broken. Whoever was up next would be runner up, second best. Knowing the stakes, Izzy will take what she can get from the gentleman that’s Johnny Gamble. And even knowing his heart might never mend, Johnny can’t seem to stay away from Izzy.

Until out of nowhere, his lost love comes back to town. He’s not going back, but Johnny still knows the right thing to do is let Izzy go.

And Izzy knew the stakes, so she makes it easy and slips though his fingers.

But that’s before Johnny realizes Eliza moved to town to escape danger that’s been swirling around her.

And that’s why Johnny decides to wade in.

That and the fact Eliza Forrester makes breakfast with a canary singing on her shoulder and fills out tight dresses in a way Johnny Gamble cannot get out of his head.

SINFUL EMPIRE by Meghan March

The Mount Trilogy concludes with Sinful Empire!

What’s mine, I keep, and that includes Keira Kilgore.

It’s no longer enough to have her in my debt.

No longer enough to own her body.

I want something more.

She can try to resist, but I’ll never give her up.

Nothing will keep us apart.

Not her.

Not my enemies.

No one.

Her debt will only be paid one way—with her heart.

Sinful Empire is the third and final book in the Mount Trilogy.

COWBOY UP by Harper Sloan

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Harper Sloan returns with a passionate and breathless romance about the sparks that ignite when a cautious cowboy and a once-scorned woman open up to each other in the third installment of the Coming Home series.

As the eldest Davis, Clayton has always tried to lead by example. He takes his job as head of the family businesses seriously, making sure the farm and auto shop are running smoothly—along with keeping an eye on his brother and sister. For him, there’s a time and place to let go of the control he holds with an iron grip. And with the way he grew up, coupled with disastrous end to his last relationship, he’s just fine with his quiet, solitary life.

Most of the time.

What he hadn’t counted on was cute, quirky, shy bookstore owner, Caroline Michaels. She’s the proverbial woman next door—well, the next town over, that is. Caroline hasn’t lived an easy life, but after escaping an abusive ex, she’s finally living it for herself. The last thing she ever expected was a one-night stand with Clay Davis, a night she can’t stop thinking about.

So when she falls on hard times and Clay comes out of nowhere to her rescue, she realizes just how impossible it’ll be to stay away from him. Now all she has to do is convince him to live a little…

Will Clay be able to give up the reins and finally settle down? And, more importantly, will Caroline muster enough courage to lasso him up?

BRAVE by Tamara Webber

From the author of NYT bestsellers Easy and Breakable – a new standalone novel in the Contours of the Heart series

Courage means rising up to defend your beliefs…
or daring to question them.

Erin McIntyre was captivating, but forbidden
His professional subordinate
The embodiment of unearned privilege
The daughter of his sworn enemy

Isaac Maat was impossible to read
Smart, ambitious, and emotionally detached
Hotter than anyone’s boss should ever be
And definitely hiding something…

He told himself that getting to know her would help him take down her father.
She told herself that getting under his skin would distract her wrecked heart from its misery.

Neither predicted their private war would lead to an intimate battle in which the victor would be the first one to SURRENDER.

THE MAN IN THE SUIT by Sylvain Reynard

Brazilian Acacia Santos excels at her job as concierge at the prestigious Hotel Victoire in Paris. When her senior colleague is attacked and sent to the hospital, she is tasked with serving one of the hotel’s most mysterious and attractive guests.

Nicholas Cassirer checks into the hotel under an assumed name every three months. Usually, he stays in the penthouse suite with a beautiful female companion but on this occasion, he arrives alone and is displeased in having to deal with someone new. A match of wits ensues as he tests Acacia’s expertise with a series of almost impossible demands. Her intelligence and creativity rise to the challenge, earning his respect.

They strike a tenuous accord until Acacia discovers a famous stolen painting in his suite. Compelled to report her discovery, she contacts a former boyfriend who works for the elite BRB, a unit of French law enforcement that deals with stolen art.

Nicholas is questioned by police and released when it is revealed the painting is a reproduction. Irked with her behavior, Acacia’s supervisor demotes her, threatening dismissal and the cancellation of her work permit.

But Acacia has already attracted Nicholas’s attention. Remorseful that she may lose her job on his account, he offers her a choice—she can wait until her supervisor dismisses her, or she can leave the city of lights behind and become his personal assistant.

Acacia initially refuses his offer, but Nicholas is persistent. He reveals himself as a man who quietly acquires stolen art in order to restore it to its rightful owners. Faced with mounting familial debts and the possibility of dismissal and deportation, she agrees to work for him.

Nicholas opens up a whole new world of beauty and intrigue to Acacia as they travel the globe. Soon the line between employer and assistant is blurred, and the two lonely people embark on a passionate relationship.

Secrets and danger abound as Nicholas and Acacia try to solve the mystery of a piece of stolen art. But Acacia may prove to be the most dangerous mystery of all.

CAN’T FORGET YOU by Rachel Lacey

YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST LOVE
 
Jessica Flynn can’t wait to buy up that patch of unspoiled North Carolina woodland next door and expand her spa. What could be more sensuous than a hot-tub soak under the stars? Jessica would love to bask in the romantic view herself-but first she needs to find the right man to join her in this fantasy. Back in high school, she thought that was the dark and brooding Mark Dalton. But then he left to join the Special Forces, and when he returned to town, it felt like their teenage love affair had never even happened.

Mark Dalton has his eye on the same property for his own business. Yet there’s something he wants to have even more. Because Jessica is sweeter than he remembered, and he’s finding it hard to resist his attraction to the competition. When they finally find themselves alone, deep in the forest, nature can’t help but run a little wild. But if she ever finds out what he’s been hiding all these years, she may never forgive him…

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DGR’s 2017 Favorites: Lana’s Picks

December 16, 2017 by · 2 Comments

Another year gone in the blink of an eye and the turn of many book pages. And did we have a lot of book pages between us. We had one hell of a 5 star year between the three of us and we can’t wait to share our favorites with you all. Oh wait…we’re not waiting. Well, can’t say suspense was ever a forte of ours.

But let’s get to the post, shall we? My (Lana’s) picks for 2017 favorite is below, and this was one of the hardest posts I’ve done all year. It was impossible to chose my favorites this year because I had so many. I had over 30 five star reads. I call that a damn good year. I was finally able to narrow it down to my top 20. These are my unforgettable, my favorite, my absolute top recs.

LANA’S FAVORITES OF 2017 

DRIVE by Kate Stewart

This book. This was quite possibly one of the most unique, memorable, and captivating romances I’ve read in a long while.

There are a few authors I would break my no love triangles rule for, and Kate Stewart happens to be one. Though, I feel it’s fair to say, this is unlike any other love triangle I’ve ever read. It almost didn’t feel like one because as you read the story, you feel in your heart who Stella belongs with. I’m not sure how it’s possible that you feel her love for the other man as well, but you do. No one is a consolation prize. This was such a powerful and emotional story of love, growing up, and chasing your dreams to that one minute past desperation.

If you’re a fan of unique, angsty, and captivating romances, this is a book that’s an absolute must read. It will be a story that I won’t forget any time soon and I’ll recommend blindly to ANYONE. .

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

ACT YOUR AGE by Eve Dangerfield


Confession time: I hate the daddy thing in books. HATE IT. It’s ruined way too many books for me. I avoid it like a bad case of the clap. As in, I don’t touch it with a ten foot pole or a stranger’s vagina. No go. No way. No how…. Unless Eve Dangerfield writes it. Know why? Because this author has a knack for giving me some of the most unique, quirky, unconventional characters and making me fall head over ovaries!

This book was magic. Flawlessly written, make you squirm uncomfortably and laugh out loud magic. Eve Dangerfield is a phenomenal author. She has this signature quirky and endearing quality to her writing that makes the story not only unique but fun. She writes completely unconventional characters that I really don’t think any other author but her can pull off. And boy does she pull it off!

Act Your Age is a book that will take you out of your comfort zone and make you enjoy every kinky second of it. It’s a book that will put a goofy smile on your face and then make your ovaries burn with the fire of a million sexual fires. It was flawlesly written, completely unique, and totally unforgettable. And did I mention RIDICULOUSLY HOT?!

AMAZON | GOODREADS | MY REVIEW

GHOSTED by JM Darhower

EVERYTHING. This book was EVERYTHING. All of the things. Of the angsty, second chance romance feels variety.

You know when you see a book on your feed and find yourself wondering if it’s really worth all of the hype? I can tell you with total conviction, that this book is. It’s a huge step away from Darhower’s other books, pure contemporary, and downright magical.

So what is it about this story that enraptured me so completely? Aside from the multi-layered characters that are full of depth and you can’t help but fall for immediately, it was the writing. The way that this second chance romance unravels and the way the author gives the reader the POV from the past? Pure literary magic.

Ghosted is perfectly paced, phenomenally written, and completely enrapturing. It was full of emotion and a beautiful romance that’ll stay with me for a long, long time.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

GOODBYE PARADISE by Sarina Bowen


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.

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.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

WICKED ABYSS by Kresley Cole


I’m obsessed with this series and it just gets better and hotter with each new installment.

King of Hell meets his match with a smart mouthed and wily fey princess in the 18th installment of this incredible series. It was everything I’d hoped and so much more. Sexy, funny, with Cole’s signature snark and wit mixed in.

Kresley’s Immortals After Dark series has been one of my top favorite PNRs for years and it continues to hold the mark. I swear, I absolutely devoured this book and dreaded it ending. I could read a book from this author every day and nothing else, and I’ll never get bored. EVER. If I can recommend you read one PNR this year, you NEED to make it this one. Trust me on this.

GOODREADS | AMAZON 

MIDNIGHT TARGET by Elle Kennedy


Midnight Target was the perfect conclusion to easily one of my all time favorite romantic suspense series. Talk about high octane action! The bullets were flying, the suspense was spine tingling, and the romance was toe curling! So much love!

There’s so much happening in this book that it was completely impossible to put down. This series reminds me of some of my top favorite RS series from Lora Leigh, Stephanie Tyler, and Pamela Clare. I love the secondary romance storyline we get in each book but I have to say this one was my absolute favorite in the series. Between Sully and Liam, and Ash and Cate, I thought my kindle would catch on fire from the sizzling chemistry.

This series couldn’t have ended with a better book. I laughed, I cried, I swooned, and I was kept on the edge of my seat from beginning to finish.

Did I mention Sully and Liam? Because SULLY AND LIAM!!!!!

Don’t tell me you’re that type of bloke, all old-fashioned and shit.”
“Hey, I’m not saying I need hearts and flowers, but make an effort, man.”
“Sure thing, Boston. I’m going to effort you so hard tonight that you’ll be crying for mercy.”

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

RUCKUS by LJ Shen

Confession time: I was equally ready to part with an ovary to get my grabby little hands on this book and dreading it. I know! I know! Quit looking at me like I’m crazy, I’ll splain everything. I was excited as hell for this book because I live for LJ’s words. LIVE for them. But a part of me was dreading it because Dean happened to date Rosie’s older sister in the previous book, Vicious, and even though their relationship was nothing big and happened when they were young, the last time I read that particular plot device, I absolutely hated it. I should have known better than to doubt the magic that is LJ Shen’s writing, though, because not only did she pull it off, she did so FLAWLESSLY.

Ruckus was everything I’d hoped it would be and yet so much more. It was angsty deliciousness filled with enough chemistry you felt like your fingers will burn just from turning the pages . It was packed full of feeling and so much depth, you can’t help but fall into the vortex of the story. It was beautiful. It was tragic.
It.
Was.
Everything.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

WALK OF SHAME by Lauren Layne

Where has this book been all my life?!! Where?!! I don’t have the words to describe all the love I had for this story! It was addictingly delicious and wickedly funny! Walk Of Shame is a book that will leave you with a full heart and a goofy smile on your face. It will make you swoon and make you laugh. It’s a book that you’d be incapable of reading without smiling the entire time. It was, in a word, PERFECTION.

I’m a sucker for a good enemies to lovers and this was utterly delicious! Witty banter, snarky sarcasm, ah-mazing characters, and enough chemistry to zap your finger with electricity each time you turn the page. So. Dang. Good.

I adored every single page of this book. Every. Single. Page. The friendships between Georgie and her girlfriends, the witty banter between her and Andrew, the slow burn, the crackle of attraction, EVERYTHING. Everything just flowed effortlessly to make for one unputdownable read that left me with a goofy grin from beginning to finish. I can say with utmost certainty that this may have been my favorite book by this author to date. If you’re looking for a witty rom com with a dash of enemies to lovers, you seriously can’t go wrong with this book!

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

HOT VALOR by Lynn Raye Harris

This. Book. GAH! It was worth every single second of the wait. Mendez was everything. EVERYTHING.
Harris can write a hot military hero like no one else. Is it any wonder why I’m addicted to this series. It’s become my crack. Pure and simple.

Lies, scandals, secrets, and espionage. All of it explodes in this incredibly powerful second chance romance. It was a heart pounding, action packed, sizzling story of love lost and found. I don’t even have words for how much I loved it.

HOT Valor was absolutely explosive! It was the perfect blend of action, suspense, and sizzling hot romance. It was delicious. Addicting. A non-stop action packed ride from beginning to finish. If you’ve been eager for more of Ian Black, you’ll be salivating with this book because the mystery finally gets revealed and it’s a doozy! I think I’ll go insane waiting for his book.

If you’re a fan of this series, you simply cannot miss this book. It’s an absolute must read. Mendez lives up to every single promise and then some.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

THE FAILING HOURS by Sara Ney

I feel like an absolute idiot, because I only discovered this author this year.

And then I BINGED on her entire series.

I love a good NA Romance, but with my picky self, a good one is hard to come by. I want the feels. I want the sexual tension. I want the snark and the banter. I want witty characters. I want an endearing alphahole and the smart heroine that brings him to his knees. I want all of that in an effortlessly written story full of humor and steam. OK, so I want a lot. But the thing is, this book had all of those things. ALL OF THE THINGS.

Zeke was the assholiest asshole I’ve read in a while. But he was also full of depth and so incredibly endearing that even when you wanted to, he was impossible to hate. If college romance is your cuppa, you simply need this series and ESPECIALLY this book on your TBR.

GOODREADS | AMAZON 

THE DUCHESS DEAL by Tessa Dare


Is it possible for my swoons to have swoons? Because I’m pretty sure they all mated together in a swooning frenzy and had swoon babies. I mean all of the swoons! ALL OF THEM!!!! This book was everything. EVERYTHING. It was romance perfection. I think my goosebumps had swoons, for goodness sake. No really. I’m not exaggerating even a little. This book was a little peace of romantic heaven. It was everything I love about a great romance; great banter, humor, sizzling steam, and two main characters that you can’t but help and fall head over heels for.

This book is why I read romance. I can’t believe this is my first Tessa Dare book and I plan on rectifying this immediately. I loved every chapter, every page, every word. If you’re a fan of swoony and steamy historical romance with incredibly vivid and multi-layered characters, this is simply not to be missed!

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

BEHIND THE CURTAIN by Beth Kery

Shivers. I have honest to god shivers. This author is simply incomparable. She writes such raw, emotional, sensual stories that are unlike any I’ve ever read. What makes them so memorable is that they’re just so…real. They’re immeasurably satisfying but without having to be wrapped up in a perfect little bow at the end. I truly believe that Behind The Curtain is Kery’s best book to date and easily my favorite by her. It was such a beautiful and poignant second chance romance that was packed with as much heat as it had feeling. I love every page of it.

I absolutely LOVED the way the story unfolded. The author did an incredible job with transitions of past to present. It was flawless. You start in the present, then get the entire flashback to the past, to then continue in the present. There’s no back and forth. It’s fluid and perfect and utterly spellbinding.

If you haven’t read a book by this author yet, you can’t start with a better book than this one. It was so much more than just a romance. I loved every page of it and simply can’t recommend it enough.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

ROYALLY ENDOWED by Emma Chase

Oh.
My.
Swoons.

I can barely form a coherent thought right now. I’m a melty pile of swoony goo at the hands of Emma Chase. The woman is incapable of writing a book that I devour in one sitting with a goofy grin on my face for the entire time. As much as I adored Royally Matched, I think this book totally topped it. I don’t have the words to describe all the ways I loved it. And oh my god, you guys, how I loved it!!!

If you love an incredibly written slow burn romance with a hero that’s simply to die for and a heroine you’ll want for your best friend, this book will be going straight to your top favorites shelf. GUARANTEED. It wasn’t just swoony, it was EPICALLY swoony. Logan owns my heart AND my ovaries. I don’t ever want them back. EVER.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

ONE IS A PROMISE by Pam Godwin

It doesn’t matter what this woman writes, she manages to hook me with just the first page alone. Her words are riveting, crackling with so much intensity, you feel like her characters are going to jump right out of the pages. They’re living, breathing things that are so real, it’s hard to believe you’re reading fiction. Her stories are live wires full of so much chemistry, it crackles and burns. And this book? It was all of those things and more. So much more!

The story itself is addicting; full of angst and sizzle. You spend the entire time waiting for the other shoe to drop. There’s not one calm moment. It keeps you at the edge of your seat the entire time, absolutely riveted to the pages. And when the secrets begin to unravel? You’ll be picking your jaw off of the floor.

This is book one in a trilogy that’s already all released. Each book is just as good and the entire trilogy is simply amazing and a huge rec from this girl!

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

P.I.T.A. by Brooke Blaine

Brooke Blaine, or as I loving refer to as a dirty hooker (She loves it. Swears! She even wrote a book titled Hooker. She knows what’s up), seriously knocked it out of the park with this book. I’m telling you guys, P.I.T.A. may have been my favorite romantic comedy I’ve read to date. I have all of the love for this book!! Besides being laugh until you pee funny, it also had some of THE best banter I’ve read. Now you all already know I love me my enemies to lovers and this book delivered on that front SO HARD. So hard I tells ya! Also, I adore the fact that Brooke writes about such a deep female bond friendship in this series. It’s so rare to find books with true female friendship, a la Sex and the City. It deserves 5 stars for that alone. Did I also mention that Paige was my spirit animal? We’d be total BFFs in real life. Why? Because of conversations like this

“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.”

Mmmm hmm. See?! She’s full of awesome! So let’s catch up here…

Awesome banter? Check!

Seriously hot sexy times (even involving Nutella *scandalized gasp*) Check!

Hot hero? Check!

Amazing heroine and a gang of girlfriends that will make most anyone jealous? CHECK.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

REAPER by A. Zavarelli

Holy.
Hell.

I do believe I just read one of the most tortured anti-heroes ever. And let me tell you, I’ve read A LOT of dark romance. I’ve read the violent, broody, alphahole bad boys, but all of them pale in comparison to Ronan Fitzpatrick.

This was such a dark, captivating story. I was glued to the pages, completely enraptured. My heart hurt for everything that Sasha went through and I wanted her to feel just a little of happiness. It made a dark sort of sense that she would find it in the arms of a ruthless killer that’s a borderline psychopath.

Ronan was just…GAH. This man. His training ensured that he feels almost nothing. No empathy. No sympathy. Most human emotions are far beyond his realm of understanding. But you see more and more of his humanity peak out with each minute he spends with Sasha.

I loved this gritty and sexy dark mafia romance. The story was completely unputdownable and the characters vivid and unforgettable.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

RIPPLE EFFECT by Keri Lake

Ripple Effect was one twisty, dark and erotic mind f*ck.

It was toe curling.

Spine tingling.

Addicting.

Violent.

Keri Lake simply outdid herself with Ripley. This is an anti-hero that I won’t be forgetting for a long damn while. An anti hero that’s so dark, you don’t know if he’d be the start of the biggest fantasy…or nightmare.

All I know is I salivated for each and every episode and couldn’t get enough.

GOODREADS | AMAZON 

THE BRIGHTEST SUNSET by Aly Martinez

How do you even begin to talk about a book that touched you on such a visceral level that you don’t think you’ll ever forget it? How do you put those feelings into words that can even begin to do a book the justice it so deserves? How do you attempt to relay everything that this book was without giving anything away? You don’t. Because it’s impossible.

The Brightest Sunset was a stunning, emotional, unforgettable story of second chances and love beyond all odds. It was phenomenal. It was beautiful. It was everything.

This is the conclusion of what was a simply stunning duet. It needs to be on your TBR. It’s an absolute must read and a story I cannot recommend enough.

One of the most memorable stories I’ve read this year.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

THE HOT SHOT by Kristen Callihan

So were going to…What? Be friends.”
He looks almost boyish then. “Yeah. We are.” His eyes spark. “Fair warning. I’ll still be picturing you naked half of the time. So get used to a bit of leering.”
I snort. “You just had to go and ruin the moment, didn’t you?”
“Probably should get used to that too.”

Do you know why I love that one quote up there? Because it’s the perfect summary of this book. It’s this incredibly endearing combination of humor, emotion, and passion. I seriously couldn’t get enough of it! Opposites attract in this sweet and sexy sports romance and I was absolute putty reading it. A happy pile of swooning goo. Can goo swoon? Hmm…no matter. What’s important is how much I seriously loved this book!

From bickering, to unlikely friendship, to roommates, to lovers, Chess and Finn stole my heart…and I never want it back

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

THE CASTLE by Skye Warren

Alright, confession time.

True story. And usually the mere thought of a trilogy is enough to make me break out in hives. Why? Because I’ll usually find book two to be more filler, and I’m pretty much bored and uninterested by book three. So you may be asking yourself, why on earth did this crazy heifer read a trilogy then? And to that, my doubting friend, I only have one answer for you. Skye Warren wrote it. It doesn’t matter what this woman writes. She can write the damn alphabet and I’ll read it.

If I can describe this trilogy for you in one word, it’ll be intense. And not only does it start that way in book one, but it only gets more and more intense as the story progresses.

The Castle was the perfect conclusion to a series that captivated me from the very first. The Endgame trilogy was a story that kept me glued to the pages. The intensity built with each new book. With each secret that gets revealed. With each depravity that comes to light. It was addicting. It was heart pounding. It was completely unputdownable.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

Check out Jenn’s list HERE

Check out Geri’s list HERE

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Review & Excerpt: Can’t Get Enough by Gena Showalter

December 14, 2017 by ·

CAN’T GET ENOUGH
Series: The Original Heartbreakers #6
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Gena Showalter
Release Date: December 5, 2017

New York Times best selling author Gena Showalter returns with a sizzling Original Heartbreakers tale, featuring a rough, tough bad boy brought to his knees by… a kindergarten teacher?

The king of one-night stands…
To inherit–and destroy–his father’s business at long last, Brock Hudson needs a temporary wife. The ruthless ex-military heartthrob has always avoided romantic entanglements. Women are sweet, but vengeance will be sweeter. Or so he thinks. Only one woman will do, but the vulnerable beauty is more than he bargained for—sexier, wittier, and utterly irresistible.

The queen of the deep freeze…
After an abusive first marriage, Lyndie Scott has sworn off relationships. But still she longs for a child of her own. Turns out, the brawler who used to frighten her with only a glance is the answer to her problems. She agrees to his proposal, with a caveat: spend every night in bed with her, then walk away for good when it’s time to divorce. Even if she’s pregnant.

A marriage of breathtaking inconvenience…
As the days pass too quickly and the nights heat up, Brock battles a sense of possession and obsession. Will the former commitment-phobe convince his wife they’re better off together, or will she pack her bags and go?

AMAZON | iBOOKS


“I expect you to be amazing in bed,” she said. “Like, beyond my wildest expectations. You’ll need stamina to keep up with me.” Maybe. Probably not. “I want orgasms!”He made a strangled sound. His pupils expanded, overshadowing all that luscious green. “I will give you orgasms. I will give you more orgasms than you can count.”

“Also,” she continued, as if she weren’t fighting a wave of lust right that second, “I firmly believe in the Ten Commitments.”

He crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m a little light-headed after all that orgasm talk, but I’m also listening. Do tell.”

“A boy shalt not lie to anyone, ever, not even to flatter, cheat with so much as a look, steal even when desperate, harm others in any way, or make excuses for bad behavior. He shalt compliment when merited, help when needed, treat others with kindness, always, consult his girl when making big decisions, and do his best, not just what’s good enough.”

His gaze searched her face. “The commitments are basic human decency for anyone, not just a potential temporary husband and possible sperm donor. I accept.”

Surprising. And welcome. “When our relationship ends,” she said, “you can go back to your man-whorish ways with my blessing.” A pang cut through her chest, and she swallowed a moan. Did the pang spring from jealousy? Or regret? No, no. Neither one. Probably came from indigestion. Because of the wine. “While we’re together, we’ll be having unprotected sex—if you agree to my terms—so I’ll need you healthy. Speaking of, you’ll have to get tested. I will too.”

“I won’t want a lifelong commitment because of a child,” he said, his tone soft.

Oh, the gall of this man! “I’m not hoping to trap you, Brock. Believe it or not, being married to you isn’t the bow on top of a gift but a burden to bear in order to get what I want.”

“Burden.” He traced his tongue over his teeth, the very picture of masculine pique. “Stop, please. Your flattery is going straight to my head.”

What, had she hurt is feelings? No way, no how. But…

Maybe? The thought disconcerted her, and her shoulders rolled in. “I’m sorry,” she said, and sighed. “I never meant… it’s just…” Another sigh. “Maybe this is a mistake.”

“Now wait just a second.” He swooped in, kneeling in front of her, placing his big, strong hands on her knees. “Getting naked with you does not strike me as a mistake.”

The warmth of his skin burned through her pajama pants, caressing her skin, and she gasped. Tingles erupted and spread, different parts of her reacting in different ways. Between her legs, liquid heat pooled. Her lower belly quivered. Her breasts ached.

Eyes ablaze, he said, “I want you, Lyndie.”

She gulped. “You can have me.”

“If I give you a baby and walk away.”

“Yes.”

He stared at her for a long while before nodding. “Very well. I’ll get a temporary marriage and you’ll get a baby.”

You’ve enraptured me,” he said, his voice nothing more than smoke and gravel. “I would do anything for you.”


Ever since I first met these characters in Can’t Hardly Breathe, I was salivating for Brock and Lyndie’s book. I’m a sucker for the irreverent playboy falling for the sweet girl next door and I couldn’t wait to see the shy Lyndie bring this big sexy man to his knees.

One day, the girl who’d gone from being a battered kid to the battered wife of James Carrington, chief of Blueberry Hill PD, would have a normal life.

Lyndie and Brock both have a past shadowed with pain. Lyndie, attempting to take the reigns back to her own life after suffering years of abuse from her father and later husband. Brock, still drowning the demons of his past with random women and alcohol.

These two have always shared a sizzling attraction, but each had too much to lose to give into it. In his mind, Lyndie is too sweet and good for the likes of Brock. And in her mind, Brock is too much of a playboy to give Lyndie the future she craves. But then Brock brings her a proposal she can’t deny; a marriage of convenience. He needs a wife that he trusts and can later divorce fuss free in order to claim his father’s company. She’ll agree to it if he gives her what she ultimately craves; a baby. Each gets what they want with no strings attached with the agreement to walk away from each other at the end. But nothing is ever really that simple when it comes to feelings.

Gena brings her signature blend of quirky humor and steam that never ceased to put a smile on my face. I adored both of theses characters. I loved Lyndie’s core of strength despite everything she’s been through. And I loved seeing Brock’s sweet and protective side come out more and more with her. Their banter was absolutely everything!

Have you been drinking?”
“Why do you ask?”
“I detect a slight slur to your words.”
“I’m talking in cursive,” she said, waving her hands for emphasis, “and it’s elegant.”

The only quibble I had at times is that I saw more of Showalter’s PNR voice come out with this installment. However, this is simply my own nitpicking quirk and would not bother many others.

The humor and banter in this book was easily my favorite part about it.
Lyndie was adorable and so endearing with her naivety and quirks.

Well, a few months ago, I started reading romance novels. Since I didn’t have a love life, I thought it might be nice to live vicariously through the characters, and it wasn’t long before I noticed a pattern. Somehow the heroines always manage to heal the hero’s broken heart while they’re having sex. Meaning her vajayjay is a magical healing portal. So of course I’m wondering if sleeping with me cured you of all your ills.”

Watching them both fight the stronger feelings between them but inevitably fall harder and harder for each other was incredibly satisfying. With a colorful cast of secondary characters, Can’t Get Enough was one entertaining read from beginning to end.

I’m really hoping to get a book for Brock’s brother next, because he seriously piqued my interest here.

Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the spellbinding Lords of the Underworld and Angels of the Dark series, two young adult series–Everlife and the White Rabbit Chronicles–and the highly addictive Original Heartbreakers series. In addition to being a National Reader’s Choice and two time RITA nominee, her romance novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan (Red Hot Read) and Seventeen magazine, she’s appeared on Nightline and been mentioned in Orange is the New Black–if you ask her about it, she’ll talk for hours…hours! Her books have been translated in multiple languages.

She’s hard at work on her next novel, a tale featuring an alpha male with a dark side and the strong woman who brings him to his knees. You can learn more about Gena, her menagerie of rescue dogs, and all her upcoming books at genashowalter.com or Facebook.com/genashowalterfans

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads


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Release Blitz & Excerpt: The V Card by Lauren Blakely and Lili Valente

December 13, 2017 by · Leave a Comment

THE V CARD
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Authors: Lauren Blakely & Lili Valente
Release Date: December 13, 2017

A brand new sinfully sexy standalone romantic comedy from bestselling authors Lauren Blakely and Lili Valente!

When you think about how easy it is to lose keys, phones, sunglasses and your dignity on social media, you might figure it’d be a cinch for me to ditch my V Card.

You’d be wrong.

At 25, I run a successful business, live in a fantastic apartment, and have fabulous friends to go out with any night of the week. And yet I’m still a card-carrying member of a club I don’t want to belong to anymore. Good thing I know just the man for the deflowering job—my brother’s business partner and best friend.

Graham Campbell is charming, smart, and, I’m told, oh-so-skilled in the sack. As long as I keep my eyes on the prize, there’s no way this pluck-the-flower project could possibly complicate matters.

***

Work and pleasure. As the CEO of a fast-growing company, I’ve been enjoying both to the fullest. What do I do when the board throws me for an unexpected loop so I can keep my business in my hands? I enlist the help of my best friend’s little sister since she holds a big stake in the company. But then I learn there’s another big stake she wants.

The one between my legs.

I can do this. Seven nights to teach her everything I know in the bedroom. There’s no way I’ll fall for her, even though she’s earning top grades in every single sinfully sexy lesson. And turns out I’m learning something too. The trouble is I don’t have the answer key to what to do when I fall hard for her.

And that throws a whole new hitch in my plans.

 

 AMAZON | iBOOKS | KOBO | B&N | GOOGLE PLAY 

✦The audiobook is narrated by Sebastian York and Andi Arndt! ✦
✦Audio on Amazon
✦Audible 


As we settle in, the busboy brings the waters, and I cut to the chase. “So, I hate to crash the Sunday Funday vibe, but I invited you to brunch with an ulterior motive. I need a favor.”She spreads her napkin on her lap with a raised brow. “What kind of favor?”

“I need you at next Monday’s board meeting. As you know, we lost an important account last month when Beaux Rêves in Paris went with a cheaper option. Obviously, they aren’t our only account, not by a long shot. But given how volatile the industry has been lately, I need to make it crystal clear to the shareholders that selling isn’t the right path. With the number of mergers and acquisitions going on, they’re seeing dollar signs, but quick money isn’t the answer. That’s where you come in.”

“You want them to hear from me because of my shares?” she asks, her brow furrowing. “We don’t have anything close to a majority.”

Though CJ inherited Sean’s share of the business when he passed away, that’s not why I need her at the meeting. CJ has a way of putting people at ease, of winning their trust and confidence. She’s a successful business owner in her own right—her accessories company Love Cycle Creations is growing by leaps and bounds every year. Plus, she was courted early on by an accessories conglomerate and she declined—totally the right call, as her company is now a rising star in her field.

I nod. “Of course, but that’s not the only reason. I need to convince them that now is not the time to explore getting into bed with a huge multinational retailer. And to do that, it’ll help to hear from someone with an insider’s stock holdings and an outsider’s perspective. I want them to hear from you in particular since you went through something so similar with Love Cycle.”

“On a much smaller scale, though. My company is tiny compared to Adored.”

“Size doesn’t matter.” I pause to wiggle an eyebrow for effect. “Well, in this case.”

A faint blush spreads on her cheeks. “You and the innuendo.”

“I do love innuendo. I also love Adored. That’s why I want to keep it the way it is—growing, profitable, and independent. I don’t want it swallowed by some faceless corporate giant.” A smile teases her lips for a moment and then disappears. I can’t read her at all, so I’m on the edge of my seat, waiting for an answer. “Please, CJ,” I add when she stays silent for a long beat. “I need you.”

“You need me,” she echoes, her brow smoothing as she sighs. She takes a drink of water, sets down her glass, and runs the tip of her tongue across her lips.

I watch her tongue move, wondering why I’ve never noticed how amazing her mouth is. She has the bee-stung lips of a cover girl, in a shade of pink so deep it brings to mind flushed, hot, intimate things.

Things I should be thinking of in her presence.

In anyone’s presence.

Resist, Campbell, resist…

Finally, just as I’m gearing up to beg, she looks up, a mysterious smile curving her lips. “I know exactly what you need, Graham.”

Damn, that sounded…naughty.

I reach for my water glass, needing something to cool me down since innocent words from a woman I’ve known forever are sending my thoughts straight into the gutter.

“But before I agree to your request,” she adds, her fingers drumming lightly on the white tablecloth, “I need something from you, too. Something I’ve been thinking long and hard about. Very long. And very hard.” Her eyes meet mine, trouble flickering in her gaze.

Glass halfway to my lips, I freeze.

Christ. Who the hell is this sexy-as-sin woman, and what has she done with CJ?

 

✮✮✮Enter to win this amazing THE V CARD GIVEAWAY!✮✮✮

Everything you need for a HOT DATE!
An adorable Kate Spade hand bag to carry the essentials needed for date night ($179), a $75 Gift Card to the Restaurant of Your Choice, and a $50 Gift Card to your Favorite Lingerie Shop to heat things up after dinner!

https://laurenblakely.com/everything-need-hot-date/

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than 85 times, and she’s sold more than 2 million books. In December she’ll release THE V CARD, a sinfully sexy standalone romantic comedy co-written with Lili Valente. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter | Goodreads

USA Today bestselling author Lili Valente writes both naughty things and funny things (that are also naughty). She has slept under the stars in Greece, eaten dinner at midnight with French men who couldn’t be trusted to keep their mouths on their food, and walked alone through Munich’s red light district after dark and lived to tell the tale.

These days you can find her writing in a tent beside the sea, drinking coconut water and thinking delightfully dirty thoughts.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter | Goodreads

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Review: A Cruel Kind of Beautiful by Michelle Hazen

December 12, 2017 by · Leave a Comment

A CRUEL KIND OF BEAUTIFUL
Series: Sex, Love, and Rock & Roll #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Michelle Hazen
Release Date: December 4, 2017

If you can’t get to the Big O, can you get to the happily ever after?

Jera McKnight loves music, swoons for hot guys, but sucks at sex. Jacob Tate is her perfect storm: a pun-loving nude model with a heart as big as his record collection.

When a newspaper-delivery accident lands him in her living room, he’s almost tempting enough to make her forget she’s never been able to please a man—in bed or out of it. Sure, he laughs at her obscure jokes, and he’ll even accept a PG-rating if it means he gets time with her, but he’s also hiding something. And it has everything to do with the off-limits room in his apartment.

Jera pours all her confusion and longing into her drum kit, which pays off when her band lands the record deal of their dreams. Except just like Jacob, it might be too good to come without a catch.

She doesn’t know if her music is good enough to attract a better contract, or if she’s enough to tempt a man like Jacob to give up his secrets, even if they could fix her problems between the sheets. But if this rocker girl is too afraid to bet on herself, she might just end up playing to an empty house.

Fans of Alice Clayton’s Wallbanger or Kylie Scott will love this addictive new series because of its quick sense of humor and adorable found family. Click now if you want to instantly escape into the world of Jera and Jacob’s romance.

AMAZON

I let all the air slide out of my lungs. When his scent rides in on my next indrawn breath, I let go for the first time in a long time.


This was a new to me author that hooked me with the blurb. I’m a sucker for a good rocker romance, especially if it has quirky writing and humor to beat. After finishing, I can tell you three things:

1. This author is clearly immensely talented and I’ll most definitely be checking out all of her future releases.

2. The plot was incredibly unique and unlike anything else I’ve read. I love a story that’s different from the norm, and a cookie cutter romance this is not.

3. The blurb did this book a disservice by comparing itself to Kyle Scott or Alice Clayton. I found nothing quirky or overly humorous about the story. But the thing of it is, it isn’t a bad thing. It WORKED for this story. But it’s also unfair to compare this book to the work of those two authors because it’s not similar in the least. At least in my opinion. I wouldn’t go into this expecting laugh out loud moments, goofy situations, and quirky moments.

Energy floods through me, and I can’t remember a thing about playing it safe. I don’t know if the beat grounding me is his heart, or mine, or maybe just the bass from the speakers. Right now, I love them all.

What I really appreciated about this story, is the realness of the characters. Jera and her “issue” is sure to strike a cord with plenty of women, myself included. Who hadn’t thought there was something wrong with them because they couldn’t reach that pivotal moment easily during sex? Jera’s problems seemed so genuine and real to me, I felt for her. Even when she was frustrating the hell out of me and I wanted to shake some sense into her, I felt for her. I loved her camaraderie with her band members and their tight bond. But most of all, I loved watching her slowly melt for the boy that she never saw coming.

Jacob was….well he was….EVERYTHING. This is no typical cocky alphahole. He was just a genuinely nice, sweet guy. But even though he wasn’t your usual alpha flavor, he was still all alpha. Just a nice one. He cared for Jera. He wanted to take care of her, to be with her, and he had no problems working to prove it. I adored this man. Everything that he’d been through and everything that he’s still going through formed him into one incredible person and I couldn’t get enough of him.

While I didn’t find the story all that humorous, it was very engaging, though at times slow paced. It’s a character driven story, so the slow pace makes sense. I didn’t have that glued to the pages feeling, but I also was engaged enough to keep reading and curious to see how it all comes together.

If you’re looking for something different and unique, you really can’t go wrong with this story. I know I’m definitely hooked and will be reading the rest of the series when it releases.

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New Release & Review: Man Hands by @SarinaBowen & @Blunder_Woman

December 11, 2017 by · Leave a Comment

MAN HANDS
Series: Man Hands #1
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Author: Sarina Bowen & Tanya Eby
Release Date: December 11, 2017

He puts the “screw” in screwball comedy…

BRYNN

At thirty-four, I’m reeling from a divorce. I don’t want to party or try to move on. I just want to stay home and post a new recipe on my blog: Brynn’s Dips and Balls.

But my friends aren’t having it. Get out there again, they say. It will be fun, they say. I’m still taking a hard pass.

Free designer cocktails, they say. And that’s a game-changer.

Too bad my ex shows up with his new arm candy. That’s when I lose my mind. But when my besties dare me to leap on the first single man I see, they don’t expect me to actually go through with it.

TOM

All I need right now is some peace and quiet while my home renovation TV show is on hiatus. But when a curvy woman in a red wrap dress charges me like she’s a gymnast about to mount my high bar, all I can do is brace myself and catch her. What follows is the hottest experience of my adult life.

I want a repeat, but my flying Cinderella disappears immediately afterward. She doesn’t leave a glass slipper, either—just a pair of panties with chocolate bunnies printed on them.

But I will find her.

AMAZON | iBOOKS

I want this woman with every ounce of my being. Since I’m six-three and two hundred fifteen pounds, that’s a lot of ounces.


Dear author duo, I have only one thing to say to you about any and all of your future releases together.

Oh yeah. It’s like that. We’re totes besties now.

Side note: I just threw up in my mouth a little from actually typing the words totes and besties.

But I digress as always. So where was I? Ah yes. Deez nuts. I mean, deez book. I mean this book. For goodness sake. I spend one evening with this book and my inner sassy will not be contained.

Let’s simplify it—we’re looking for a man instead of what you’ve been attracted to.”
“What have I been attracted to?”
“Gwyneth Paltrow, I’m pretty sure. And every time I see her on TV, I just want to kick her.”


Aside from the laugh out loud story, the ridiculously endearing main characters, what completely hooked me on Man Hands was the friendship between Brynn and her girlfriends. It was like watching a comedic version of Sex and the City. And I’m not just saying that because I believe that her best friend Ash is my spirit animal. I couldn’t get enough of these three completely different personalities together and their obviously tight bond and love for each other.

Brynn was easily one of my favorite female characters I’ve read this year. Coming off of a recent divorce of an entirely lackluster marriage, Brynn isn’t looking for Mr. Right. But when her friends tell her to move on with her life by getting under some hot stranger, she doesn’t take the advice lightly. She jumps right on it. Literally.

I wind her hair around my hand and quietly convert carpentry fractions into decimals. Three eighths is .375. Five eighths is…
She gives a good, hard suck.
“POINT SIX TWO FIVE!” I bellow.
Her mouth makes a popping sound as she releases me. “Come again?”
“I’m trying not to,” I gasp.

But what was supposed to be one night of pleasure, turns into something much more. Her random stranger can’t stop thinking about her and won’t rest until he tracks her down and makes her give them a chance.

Did I mention yet how much I freaking LOVED Tom? Because OMG! I freaking LOVED Tom. Here’s an alpha male that doesn’t take himself too seriously and I loved him all the more for it. He’s funny, endearing, sexy as all get out, and impossible not to like. SERIOUSLY.

How do you think we should celebrate?”
“Chocolate and sex,” I whisper.
“Mmm,” he groans into my ear. “I’ll bring truffles and my dick.”

Man Hands was easily one of the funniest, entertaining, and quirky romances I’ve read all year. I had a goofy grin on my face from beginning to finish. Between the shenanigans of the main characters and the shenanigans of the secondary characters, I was in stitches reading it.

There’s no crazy drama. There’s no huge misunderstanding. There’s no angst. Just a light-hearted, romantic, and sexy romp that’s full of laughs and memorable one-liners. It unrolled like the perfect romcom movie in my head as I read it, and I simply can’t recommend it enough if you need something cheerful, uplifting, sweet and romantic. This girl loved every page of it.

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New & Upcoming Releases: December 11-13

December 11, 2017 by · Leave a Comment

New releases coming at ya this week!

AVAILABLE NOW

MAN HANDS by Sarina Bowen & Tanya Eby

He puts the “screw” in screwball comedy…

BRYNN

At thirty-four, I’m reeling from a divorce. I don’t want to party or try to move on. I just want to stay home and post a new recipe on my blog: Brynn’s Dips and Balls.
But my friends aren’t having it. Get out there again, they say. It will be fun, they say. I’m still taking a hard pass.
Free designer cocktails, they say. And that’s a game-changer.
Too bad my ex shows up with his new arm candy. That’s when I lose my mind. But when my besties dare me to leap on the first single man I see, they don’t expect me to actually go through with it.

TOM

All I need right now is some peace and quiet while my home renovation TV show is on hiatus. But when a curvy woman in a red wrap dress charges me like she’s a gymnast about to mount my high bar, all I can do is brace myself and catch her. What follows is the hottest experience of my adult life.
I want a repeat, but my flying Cinderella disappears immediately afterward. She doesn’t leave a glass slipper, either—just a pair of panties with chocolate bunnies printed on them.
But I will find her.

TORRID LITTLE AFFAIR by Kendall Ryan

The best way to get over someone is to get under someone else. And I have the perfect candidate all picked out.

My new assistant is tempting beyond belief with her curvy body and take-no-shit attitude. All those luscious curves, and a juicy ass I’m already in love with. God, the things that I would do to that ass…

But it’s the haunted look in her eyes that speaks to me. Like she’s taken just as much shit in her past as I have—maybe more. We both deserve a little fun.

Love can’t fix everything.

Mind-blowing sex and a few killer orgasms, on the other hand?

I have a feeling those might do the trick.

This is book three in the Forbidden Desires series, but it can be read as a complete standalone.

BRAVE by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Ivy Morgan hasn’t been feeling like herself lately. Not like anyone can blame her. After all, being held captive by a psychotic fae prince hell-bent on permanently opening the gates to the Otherworld is bound to leave some mental scars.

It’s more than that, though. Something dark and insidious is spreading throughout Ivy, more powerful than she could ever imagine… and it’s coming between her and the man she’s fallen deeply in love with, elite Order member Ren Owens.

Ren would do anything to keep Ivy safe. Anything. But when he makes a life altering choice for her, the fallout of his act has far reaching consequences that threaten to tear their lives apart.

If Ivy is going to have any hope of surviving this, she must put aside the hurt and betrayal she feels, and work with not only those she loves, but with an enemy she would rather kill than ever trust. War is coming, and it soon becomes clear that what Ivy and Ren thought they knew about the Order, themselves, and even their enemies, has been nothing but a cluster of dangerous, deadly lies.

Ivy knows she must be more than just brave to save those she loves–and, ultimately, to save herself.

Because behind every evil fae Prince, there’s a Queen….

RELEASING DECEMBER 12

ONLY YOU by Addison Fox

Meet the Brooklyn Brotherhood: three brothers who escaped rough childhoods in Park Heights, Brooklyn who grew into fiercely loyal, sexy men – and who find love when they’re least expecting it.

Fender Blackstone has kept the world at arm’s length, with the exception of his adoptive brothers and Mama Lou, the woman who saved him. Fender is willing to do everything he can to support Lou, but he finds himself drawn to Harlow Reynolds: the daughter of the woman who could destroy everything Lou has worked for.

Even without the emotional turmoil between their families, why would a woman from the highest echelons of Manhattan society ever look twice at a kid from Brooklyn? As forbidden sparks flare between them, Fender and Harlow realize there’s something real forming between them. When Fender’s past resurfaces and threatens the life he’s built, can his love for Harlow survive the aftermath?

Addison Fox’s Only You is an emotional story about love, and what it truly means to be a family.

DANCE WITH ME by Alexis Daria

The second book in Alexis Daria’s dancing duology finds one playboy charmer falling for his new roommate.

Natasha Díaz is having a day. She’s trying to prove she can make it as a professional dancer, but she’s overworked, out of cash, and her roommate has just moved out. When she comes home to find a hole in her ceiling and her bedroom flooded, she’s desperate enough to crash with the one guy she can’t quit. She accepts his offer with one condition: no sleeping together while she’s living with him.

Dimitri Kovalenko has never lived with a woman before. But when Tasha’s in need of a place to stay, he suggests she move in without a second thought. He accepts her condition, hoping she won’t stick to it. They’re good together, both in the ballroom and the bedroom. Since their first dance, she’s never been far from his thoughts. Sure, she’s a pro and he’s one of her show’s judges, but they’re not currently filming, so no one needs to know.

Living in close quarters shows Dimitri a side of Natasha he’s never seen before, and he likes it. A lot. Too bad she’s doing everything in her power to keep him at arm’s length. When an injury forces Natasha to take it easy or risk her ability to dance, it’s his chance to show her that the rules have changed, and she can trust him with her heart.

STAY WITH ME by Cynthia Eden

Shelly Hampton intends to spend the holidays alone in her family’s mountain cabin, but when a snow-covered stranger appears on her door-step, her plans are shot straight to hell. The man before her seems oddly familiar, and he stirs a dark need within her.

It’s soon apparent that John Smith is far more than a normal man—he’s too strong, too fast, and she could swear that he seems to read her thoughts…and know her most secret desires.

But is John a man that she could love…or is he someone she should fear? Because even as the snow fall deepens, a deadly threat is closing in on her little cabin. And soon, Shelly will be trapped on the mountain with a dangerous man…a man who swears that he has come back from the dead, just to be with her.

STAY WITH ME…A “Lazarus Rising” Novel

Author’s Note: All of the books in the Lazarus Rising series are stand-alone titles.

MISS MECHANIC by Emma Hart

Two mechanics. One rivalry.
She’ll prove she’s as good as she says she is.
He’ll prove her place isn’t under the hood.
It’s over it.

“Don’t let the a-holes get you down.”
For twenty-six years, I lived by my daddy’s motto. Which is why “Mechanic Wanted” is all it takes for me to apply for the job at the garage we once owned.
And I meet the biggest a-hole of them all.
Dexter Ryne. Hotter than Hell in July and a firm believer that my place is on reception, taking phone calls and looking pretty. Not getting dirty under the hood of a car.
Determined to prove each other wrong, we make a deal.
I have three weeks to prove my worth as a mechanic. If I don’t, I’m on telephone duty.
If I do, he’ll accept defeat and make my job permanent.
Now, all I have to do is fight my attraction to the cocky little… beep.
Problem is, an engine isn’t the only thing he knows how to make purr…

(MISS MECHANIC is a brand new, standalone romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author, Emma Hart.)

SWEET LIFE by Nina Lane

He knows if she’s been bad or good.

Amidst the sugarplums and mistletoe, fashion stylist Julia Bennett is every inch a scrooge. Known for her ice-queen ways, she’s having a meltdown over a botched business deal and an upcoming milestone birthday. Add the pressure of forced holiday cheer, and she’s ready to dive into the spiked eggnog and not come out until summer.

Warren Stone, president and owner of the Sugar Rush Candy Company, is determined to make Julia slow down and enjoy the holidays. As her friend and confidante for thirteen years, he knows her better than anyone. But when decking the halls leads them to an explosive, sexy night,everything suddenly changes.

When Warren decides Julia is all he wants for Christmas, will she risk their longtime friendship for the gift of love?

SWEET LIFE is a sexy contemporary romance by New York Timesbestselling author Nina Lane. It can be read as a standalone or enjoyedas part of the Sugar Rush series.

DAWN OF SURRENDER by Liliana Hart

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Liliana Hart comes a new story in her MacKenzie Family series…

MacKenzie vs. MacKenzie…

Cole MacKenzie is content to be the sheriff of Surrender, Montana, but he’s needed for a greater purpose. The United States needs a U.S. Marshal with a certain kind of experience to track the leader of the notorious Silver Creek Bandits, as they leave a trail of bodies in their wake with every bank they rob. The leader is smart, cunning, and ruthless. And he’s also his brother.

Elizabeth MacKenzie never dreamed she’d marry Cole MacKenzie, but thanks to her father’s meddling, Cole was hers to have and to hold. Forever. She needed an equal, not a man to rule her life, and Cole fit the bill every in every way. If only he loved her.

One heart is broken and the other is bent on revenge, but love is a choice, and it’s one Cole and Elizabeth are determined to make.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

ALMOST EVERYTHING by Christie Ridgway

This novel was previously published.

Layla Parker travels to Crescent Cove to meet the soldier who tried to save her father in battle. Her dad’s final request was for her to enjoy a month of sun, sand, and fun along with the handsome combat medic, Vance Smith. Despite her sadness, she’s determined to follow through.

Vance is flummoxed when he meets the full-grown daughter of his fallen officer. He’d expected a little girl. But a promise is a promise, and it gets harder by the day to resist the charms of the beautiful woman who threatens the safety of his scarred heart. But he’s honor-bound not to touch her…right? Except there’s the beautiful beach and the beautiful woman and the promise of a beautiful future…all a man could want if only he chose to risk everything.

Get the whole series!
Almost Wonderful (Almost Book 1)
Almost Always (Almost Book 2)
Almost Everything (Almost Book 3)
Almost Paradise (Almost Book 4), coming soon!

Christie Ridgway is the author of over 50 novels of contemporary romance. All her books are both sexy and emotional and tell about heroes and heroines who learn to believe in the power of love. A USA Today bestseller, Christie is a six-time RITA finalist and has won best contemporary romance of the year and career achievement awards from Romantic Times Book Reviews.

A native of California, Christie now resides in the southern part of the state with her family. Inspired by the beaches, mountains, and cities that surround her, she writes tales of sunny days and steamy nights.

RELEASING DECEMBER 13

THE V CARD by Lauren Blakely & Lili Valente

A brand new sinfully sexy standalone romantic comedy from bestselling authors Lauren Blakely and Lili Valente!
When you think about how easy it is to lose keys, phones, sunglasses and your dignity on social media, you might figure it’d be a cinch for me to ditch my V Card.
You’d be wrong.
At 25, I run a successful business, live in a fantastic apartment, and have fabulous friends to go out with any night of the week. And yet I’m still a card-carrying member of a club I don’t want to belong to anymore. Good thing I know just the man for the deflowering job—my brother’s business partner and best friend.
Graham Campbell is charming, smart, and, I’m told, oh-so-skilled in the sack. As long as I keep my eyes on the prize, there’s no way this pluck-the-flower project could possibly complicate matters.
***
Work and pleasure. As the CEO of a fast-growing company, I’ve been enjoying both to the fullest. What do I do when the board throws me for an unexpected loop so I can keep my business in my hands? I enlist the help of my best friend’s little sister since she holds a big stake in the company. But then I learn there’s another big stake she wants.
The one between my legs.
I can do this. Seven nights to teach her everything I know in the bedroom. There’s no way I’ll fall for her, even though she’s earning top grades in every single lesson. And turns out I’m learning something too. The trouble is I don’t have the answer key to what to do when I fall hard for her.
And that throws a whole new hitch in my plans.

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#BerkleyBookmas: Julie James favorite recipe + Giveaway

December 7, 2017 by ·

Dirty Girl Romance is so excited to participate in Berkley Bookmas and we’re hosting Julie James today!

Berkley Bookmas is chock full of exclusive content from authors like exclusive excerpts, deleted scenes, author recipes and more!

Check out the calendar of events below:

Today, Julie James is sharing her favorite holiday recipe, and it sounds absolutely YUMMY!!

Need Cookies for the holidays? I’ve got your back.

When I was a kid, one of my favorite things about the holidays was my grandmother’s cookies. She used to spend days baking, and when we visited her house every Christmas Eve, there would be platters and tins of cookies seemingly everywhere.

Over the years, my cookie recipe book has expanded, but below are two classics that have been party of my family’s holiday traditions for years. Both are kid-friendly, adult-friendly, easy to make, and loaded with chocolate (generally a requirement for all my cookies, snickerdoodles excepted.) Enjoy!

Snowball Cookies

1 cup butter (softened to room temperature)
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 cups flour
1 package Hershey’s kisses
Confectioner’s sugar

Beat butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add flour and nuts. Shape dough around kisses and roll into balls. (Hint for first-timers: you don’t want too much dough; use just enough to cover the Hershey kiss.) Bake on cookies sheets lined with parchment paper at 375 degrees for about 8-10 minutes, or until the bottom of the cookies are a light golden brown. Let cookies cool, then roll them in confectioner’s sugar.

Variation: Mr. James is a little fussier than I am about cookies, and doesn’t like milk chocolate. (Miraculously, we’ve managed to stay married for 15 years despite this character flaw.) So for some of the cookies, I roll the dough around a bunch of semi-sweet chocolate chips (instead of a Hershey’s Kiss), and everyone’s happy. J

M&M Cookies


1 cup butter (softened to room temperature)
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs
2 ¼ cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 pound bag of M&Ms
Julie’s add-on: I also throw in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips because more chocolate = yummy goodness

Beat butter and sugars, then beat in vanilla and eggs. Add remaining dry ingredients, mix well, then stir in M&Ms (and chocolate chips). Bake at 375 degrees on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper for 9-11 minutes, or until light

Bet you’ll be trying these goodies for your holiday treats! I know we will!

ENTER HERE for a chance to win A $100 Visa gift card, and a book/galley/bound manuscript by each of the authors participating.

For tomorrow’s fun, head to one of the following blogs:

· Filed Under: Author Spotlight & interview, Giveaways · Tagged With:
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