Review: Bombshell by CD Reiss

BOMBSHELL
Series: Hollywood A-List #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: C.D. Reiss
Release Date: May 1, 2017

From New York Times bestselling author CD Reiss, a standalone romance about a nanny, a Hollywood star, and a love they never expected.

Hollywood bad boy Brad Sinclair always gets his way, whether it’s the role he wants or the bikini-clad model he has to have. But when a bombshell gets dropped in his lap in the form of a dimpled five-year-old from a forgotten relationship, he knows his life is about to change forever.

Cara DuMont isn’t exactly thrilled when she gets assigned to be the nanny for the latest box-office king. She has one rule: no celebrity fathers, especially single ones with devilish good looks and rock-hard abs.

But as soon as Cara meets Brad and his adorable little girl, she knows she’s in for a world of trouble. Because there’s something about the way Brad looks at her that makes her believe that some rules are meant to be broken…

AMAZON | iBOOKS

He was the hurricane and the eye of it. A constellation of angles and planes that curled around the world and complemented it. 


It’s been a hot minute since I read a CD Reiss book and I’m not really sure why. I loved her Songs of Submission series, but for one reason or another, I haven’t had a chance to dive into her more recent releases. I figured it was time to change that and what better story to do that with!

A hollywood heartthrob turned daddy overnight and a highly sought after nanny that’s sworn off celebrity fathers clients? Bring. It. On.

Cara DuMont is a highly sought after nanny in the industry. She’s beautiful, educated, and children love her. But beauty isn’t a plus in her profession. She’s always having to worry over gossip of supposed affairs and the jealousy and insecurities of the women who think she can seduce their men away from them while watching their children. After watching her friend go through hell after an affair gone wrong, she’s officially sworn off celebrity fathers. She already has a job lined up but fate has other plans when she falls for a 5 year old with tears in her eyes and the most famous daddy of them all…Brad Sinclair

Brad is used to getting his way. He’s a hollywood heartthrob that always has a woman or two at his side, never turns down a party and doesn’t take much seriously. When he finds out that he has a daughter he knew nothing about after her mother dies in an accident his life takes a complete 180. Now he has a child that doesn’t seem to stop crying and the only woman capable of calming her down is one that doesn’t want to work for him.

This guy could ruin me. He had all the tools to do it. He was gorgeous and laid-back. He listened when I spoke and had a daughter who was just about perfect.

I absolutely LOVED Cara. She was such a strong heroine. She’s witty and funny and isn’t afraid to give Brad hell when he needs it. She owns her sexuality, which is one thing I’ve always enjoyed about CD’s heroines. It doesn’t take long before the chemistry between them is too much to deny, but with so much on the line, can they give in?

I wanted to fuck her blind. Fuck her open. The dick told me to go into the shower and take her. The dick hadn’t been refused in years. The dick got what it wanted and right then it wanted Cara DuMont so bad I thought the blood rushing to it would break it.

The pacing of the story was PERFECT. It was a delicious slow burn and I thought I’d combust if these two didn’t get together soon. I loved watching the effect that Cara had on Brad and watching him grow up and truly become a father. I loved their chemistry and their banter. But most of all, I absolutely LOVED Nicole. This child stole my heart with her smiles and her tears. She totally stole the show and I couldn’t get enough of her.

Bombshell was a romance full of heart and sizzle. It was sexy and swoony and never failed to put a goofy grin on my face. It was the perfect weekend afternoon read and I can’t wait for more in this series.

You’re going to make me crazy about you,” he said.
“I have that effect on people.”

 

Review & Excerpt Tour: Arranged by Lexi Blake

ARRANGED
Series: Masters & Mercenaries #13.5
Genre: BDSM Romance
Author: Lexi Blake
Release Date: April 25, 2017

Kash Kamdar is the king of a peaceful but powerful island nation. As Loa Mali’s sovereign, he is always in control, the final authority. Until his mother uses an ancient law to force her son into marriage. His prospective queen is a buttoned-up intellectual, nothing like Kash’s usual party girl. Still, from the moment of their forced engagement, he can’t stop thinking about her.

Dayita Samar comes from one of Loa Mali’s most respected families. The Cambridge-educated scientist has dedicated her life to her country’s future. But under her staid and calm exterior, Day hides a few sexy secrets of her own. She is willing to marry her king, but also agrees that they can circumvent the law. Just because they’re married doesn’t mean they have to change their lives. It certainly doesn’t mean they have to fall in love.

After one wild weekend in Dallas, Kash discovers his bride-to-be is more than she seems. Engulfed in a changing world, Kash finds exciting new possibilities for himself. Could Day help him find respite from the crushing responsibility he’s carried all his life? This fairy tale could have a happy ending, if only they can escape Kash’s past…

AMAZON

“Did you enjoy the dessert? They had been planning on serving crème brûlée, but I remembered you like gelato. Strawberry.”

She turned and Kash was standing in the doorway, the tie to his tuxedo undone and the first few buttons of his shirt open, showing off golden skin.

Oh, how the girls must swoon over that man.

Unfortunately for him, she was a woman and not a girl. She curtseyed, recalling her etiquette classes and going down deep, to show her respect for the crown. “I thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Come now, Day. I asked you not to call me that long ago, and now it appears there’s even less reason. We were friends then. We’re going to be husband and wife in a week. Shocking how quickly that woman can move when she wants to.”

He looked so composed, but she couldn’t forget that he’d only found out his mother was dying this afternoon. That was when she’d seen the real man. She’d interrupted them with her silly dress and she’d seen the shock and pain on Kash’s face before he’d smoothed it out and gone back to being the polite royal he’d become.

“Are you all right?” She asked the question for two reasons. First, she wanted to know the answer and second, to see if they really were still friends.

His lips curved up slightly. “I’m faring quite well. We Kamdars are made of sterner stuff than this. Did you enjoy the dinner?”

So, not so friendly he would talk about private things with her. It was good to know where they stood. They needed to have a long conversation about how this was going to work. They might be marrying to protect the Kamdar line and to give his mother some peace, but they needed a plan of action about how best to achieve their goals.

Partners. That was how she’d decided to look at this. They were partners. And if she ended up governing the kingdom while he was out fucking around with supermodels, she wouldn’t get her heart broken.

Just humiliated.

Yes, they needed a talk and perhaps a contract.

“I enjoyed the meal very much. The company left something to be desired, but I suspect I’ll get used to dining with windbag politicians.” She turned back to the balcony, leaning against it. The view from here was spectacular. Beyond that, it was soothing in a way.

“Yes, Mother told me they’re giving you trouble.” He joined her, leaning beside her, their bodies so close but not touching. “I’ll talk to them, ensure you have your funding.”

“Don’t. It can wait a few weeks. I need to go back to them and introduce myself as their new queen.” She wasn’t about to let them think she sent her husband in. If he behaved as he so often did, he wouldn’t be around much and it would be up to her to keep everyone in line.

“Is that why you agreed to this arrangement? Because you wanted power?”

“I agreed because I care about this country. I’ve spent the last ten years of my life working here and trying to ensure that our children get what they need to make it out in the world. I agreed because your mother is excellent at putting one in a corner. I agreed because someone has to and I wasn’t sure who you would bring home if given the chance.” She shuddered at the idea of some brainless model attempting to be a role model for Loa Malian girls.

“Ah, you don’t think I have good taste in women.”

“I think you have an unquenchable appetite for them, Your Majesty, and that is something we should talk about.”

“Ah, the wifely lectures begin,” he said with a sigh. “Please proceed. I’m anxious to get this over with so I can be properly chastened.”

“I only ask that you attempt some discretion, Kashmir. I don’t expect you to be faithful in any way, but I do expect you to not humiliate me.”

He turned, frowning a bit as though she’d surprised him. “You don’t expect me to be faithful?”

It was time for some honesty. “I don’t think you can be. How long have you kept a single woman? A month? Three?”

“Six,” he replied. “I was with Tasha Reynolds for six months before we went our separate ways.”

“And were you faithful to her?” She already knew the answer to that question.

“We had an agreement.” He frowned as though the conversation wasn’t going at all as he’d expected. “She was on set much of the time. She knew I had a highly stressful job, so she was understanding. I gave her the same options.”

“Excellent, then let’s be fair with each other. As long as we’re both discreet, this marriage of ours doesn’t have to mean the end of our lives.”

 

His queen. The last fifteen years of his life had been about the world revolving around him, being the ultimate authority figure. But here and now, he realized she could be his sun.”

Ever since Kash was first loosely introduced back in Love and Let Die, I’ve been curious. He never had a solid presence in the M&M series, but when I saw that he’ll be getting his own book, I was intrigued. The playboy king in an arranged marriage? Sign me up for that!

I’m the first in a hundred years to be arranged by someone else. I suppose my mother thinks I’m incapable of selecting a proper bride.”

I couldn’t wait to see the woman that will bring this womanizer to his knees, and boy did she!

Day and Kash were once friends that could have been something much more, but life had other plans for them. They’re two very different people but life has brought them back together in much more interesting circumstance because Day is the woman Kash’s mother picked to be his bride and future queen of Loa Mali. While Day has dedicated her life’s work to serving the people of Loa Mali, she’s also as far from the traditional bride as a woman can get and not just because she refuses to sit back and be the little woman. She’s a woman with a core of strength and she’s not afraid to say what she wants or even demand it.

I cannot be that queen from long ago who allowed herself to be kidnapped and taken away. The choice will be mine. The choice to be queen. The choice to have you. I will make these choices not because I’m about to be royal, but because I am a woman and that is what I do. I will not play that game with you, love. I won’t give over and then protest that I had the choice taken from me. I will choose and accept the consequences. I wanted to show them who they are getting as their queen, not some gentle flower who will stand by her man and wave, but a woman who will fight for them as I fight for myself. As I would fight for you.”

I have to say, part of the reason I enjoyed this book so much was Day. I loved the way she put Kash in his place and I also loved the way she was his strength and support system. Kush hides a lot of depth behind his easy smile and playboy ways, and also a secret that’s so deep even he’s afraid to admit it to himself.

This book was very different from any of the others in the series or anything I’ve read from Lexi to date but it was also a refreshing change of pace. While this particular set up is not my usual go to, I certainly enjoyed it. Day and Kash were great together, even though Kash’s insecurities and the way he took them out on Day at times made me want to either throttle or kick him in the nether regions.

While this is #13.5 in the series, you can easily enjoy this as a standalone. However, you’ll appreciate all the cameos a lot more if you read the series in order.

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog int eh world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

#DGRFave Review: Too Hard To Forget by Tessa Bailey

TOO HARD TO FORGET
Series: Romancing The Clarksons #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Tessa Bailey
Release Date: April 25, 2017

This time, she’s calling the shots.

Peggy Clarkson is returning to her alma mater with one goal in mind: confront Elliott Brooks, the man who ruined her for all others, and remind him of what he’s been missing. Even after three years, seeing him again is like a punch in the gut, but Peggy’s determined to stick to her plan. Maybe then, once she has the upper hand, she’ll finally be able to move on.

In the years since Peggy left Cincinnati, Elliott has kept his focus on football. No distractions and no complications. But when Peggy walks back onto his practice field and into his life, he knows she could unravel everything in his carefully controlled world. Because the girl who was hard to forget is now a woman impossible to resist.

 

AMAZON | iBOOKS

They called him the Kingmaker, because so many of his players had gone on to be first round NFL draft picks. That man. The one who visited her bed nightly. Well. In her dreams anyway.

Show of hands; who likes a good grovel?
How about an EPIC grovel?
How about a grovel that lasts for almost the entire half of a book?
How about when that grovel is wrapped into one of the sexiest and most delicious second chance romance stories?
And what if ALL THAT is written by the queen of dirty talk, Tessa Bailey?
Confession time, this was possibly my least anticipated book in the series. *cringes*
Don’t look at me like that! It just wasn’t, ok? Something about Peggy never really struck out at me, but boy am I eating my words right now because not only did I love her but this ended up being one of my top favorite Tessa Bailey books. Ever. True story.

Three years ago Peggy Clarkson fell for a man that was completely off limits. She was the popular and bubbly cheerleader, he was the closed off and brooding football coach. Their relationship was forbidden, their love was unexpected, and their end inevitable. Three years have passed and both their lives haven’t been the same. While Peggy has plowed her way through a string of failed engagements, Elliot has been married to his football coaching job. Now Peggy is back in town and she knows the one thing that may fix her broken self is to leave Elliot in her dust when she walks away from him this time around. But fate has other plans…

Man oh man did this book grab me from the very first. I love a good forbidden factor and Elliot and Peggy’s beginnings were certainly that. Peggy was always quick to smile and sunny and drew everyone into her orbit. Elliot is a man that only had two constants in his life; football and religion. Now I have to say, I was a little nervous about the religious element of the book. Tessa managed to take that fear and make into one of the hottest things I’ve ever read. Holy moly that one scene in the beginning that involved a certain Our Father prayer? *fans ovaries*

Every single detail of this book had a deeper reason. I loved the way that the author tied in Elliot’s self loathing, religion, and guilt into a particular kink that Peggy had developed. Both of these characters had such depth to them that you couldn’t help but fall for both of them. You want to be mad at Elliot for the way he treated Peggy but you just can’t. And then there’s the angst. Sweet mother, the angst! The first half of I want you but I can’t have you, I want you but I don’t forgive you push and pull? DE-LE-CIOUS. I was rooting so hard for both of them and I loved getting peeks into their past. The flashbacks were done so flawlessly that they seamlessly flowed into the story.

And then there’s the second half of the book that is one. long. delicious. grovel. Oh my god! It was so good. I don’t even have words. I cried, I swooned, I couldn’t stop reading.

This was easily one of my favorite Tessa Bailey books to date. It was EVERYTHING. EVERYTHING. It was swoony and ridiculously sexy. It was addicting and unputdownable. It was one of the most satisfying second chance romances I’ve read in a long while and I simply can’t recommend it enough.


ROMANCING THE CLARKSONS SERIES

TOO HOT TO HANDLE | TOO WILD TO TAME |
TOO HARD TO FORGET | TOO CLOSE TO CALL | TOO BEAUTIFUL TO BREAK

Review: Lost Rider by Harper Sloan

LOST RIDER
Series: Coming Home #1
Genre: Western Romance
Author: Harper Sloan
Release Date: April 25, 2017

In Lost Rider, the first Western romance in New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Harper Sloan’s Coming Home series, an injured rodeo star encounters an old flame but will she be just what he needs to get back in the saddle?

Maverick Austin Davis is forced to return home after a ten-year career as a rodeo star. After one too many head injuries, he’s off the circuit and in the horse farming business, something he’s never taken much of a shine to, but now that it’s his late father’s legacy, familial duty calls. How will Maverick find his way after the only dream he ever had for himself is over?

Enter Leighton Elizabeth James, an ugly duckling turned beauty from Maverick’s childhood—his younger sister’s best friend, to be exact, and someone whose heart he stomped all over when she confessed her crush to him ten years back. Now Leighton is back in Maverick’s life, no longer the insecure, love-stricken teen—and Maverick can’t help but take notice. Sparks fly between them, but will Leighton be able to open her heart to the one man who broke it all those years ago?

Written in the vein of Diana Palmer and Lindsay McKenna, this Texas-set series is filled with sizzle, heart, and plenty of cowboys!

AMAZON | iBOOKS

 

She was my compass when I was lost without direction. She was the pull I always felt to come home but never had the balls to try, knowing that it might be too late.

It’s been a long while since I read a Harper Sloan book. While I enjoyed several of her Corps Security books, her others just didn’t jive with me. But being a sucker for Western Romance, I simply couldn’t pass up the chance to give this a shot, and I’m glad I did. There’s a distinct difference in the writing style that I really enjoyed. Besides that, the blurb for the book instantly hooked me

Leighton James isn’t a woman that you can have and let go.

Leighton James has been in love with Maverick Davis for as long as she can remember. But when she finally grew enough strength to admit to her feelings, he broke her heart and left it shattered beneath his cowboy boots as he ran as fast as he can from the town he grew up in. Now ten years later, after a career ending injury and his father’s death, he’s begrudgingly back. But many things have changed since he left and Leighton is no longer the little girl with stars in her eyes that he left behind. She’s now a woman that’s not afraid to tell him exactly what she thinks of him and she certainly doesn’t mince words.

All she had to do was walk into a room and I forgot it all. I forgot because she became the only thing I wanted more than my need to chase my dreams. The only thing I craved more than escaping.

The first 35% of the story had me completely hooked. I loved the unresolved tension between Leigh and Maverick. I loved their angst and I seriously loved their banter. Leigh is a firecracker and it was entertaining as hell watching her tell Maverick exactly what she thinks of him. Maverick is determined to right the wrongs of his past mistakes, the biggest being pushing Leigh away and never telling her his feelings. He’s not letting her go a second time and he’s prepared to fight for her this time around.

Then somewhere around the 35% mark, my interest began to slowly wane, and somewhere around the 50% mark I found myself almost disengaged from the story completely. I felt like the we got so much in that first 30% that everything following that was almost…dare I say…filler. There was a lot of conversations about the past. Numerous and repetitive. You get Maverick explaining why he left and the secrets he’s been hiding. But because you get that revelation so early in the story, there’s nothing really hooking you anymore. Yes, you get the development of their relationship, but it’s already fairly obvious of where it’ll go, so the rest of it kind of started to feel like mundane detail. All of the excitement is packed in the first quarter of the story and the rest is Leigh and Maverick talking, living their lives, and interacting with the locals and Maverick’s brother and sister. I really felt like the last 70% could have easily been cut down and the reader wouldn’t have lost out on much.

Did I enjoy it? Yes. For the most part. The first quarter was enough to tide me over and while I did have to push myself to finish, it was still a sweet read. The steam factor was just enough and didn’t feel like it was overshadowing the romance.

Head over boots, cowboy. Head. Over. Boots.”

And I’m hooked enough that I’d be curious to check out the next book in the series.


PRE-ORDER BOOK 2 IN THE SERIES, RELEASING JULY 18, 2017

KISS MY BOOTS

AMAZON

Review: Pipe Dreams (Brooklyn Bruisers #3) by Sarina Bowen

PIPE DREAMS
Series: Brooklyn Bruisers #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Sarina Bowen
Release Date: May 2, 2017 

A goalie has to trust his instincts, even when taking a shot to the heart…

Mike Beacon is a champion at defending the net, but off the ice, he’s not so lucky. A widower and a single father, he’s never forgotten Lauren Williams, the ex who gave him the best year of his life. When Lauren reappears in the Bruisers office during the playoffs, Beacon sees his chance to make things right.

Lauren hates that she’s forced to travel with the team she used to work for and the man who broke her heart. There’s still undeniable sexual tension running between her and Mike, but she won’t go down that road again. She’s focused on her plans for the future—she doesn’t need a man to make her dreams of motherhood come true.

Lauren plays her best defensive game, but she’s no match for the dark-eyed goalie. When the field of play moves to Florida, things heat up on the beach.

One of Mike’s biggest fans doesn’t approve—his teenage daughter. But a true competitor knows not to waste the perfect shot at love.

AMAZON | iBOOKS | KOBO

Image result for the lucky one gif

 You’re my happy thought, Lo.”

 

Lauren Williams may be known for being an ice princess, but she’s also one of Nate’s trusted right-hand man. So when Becca suffered a concussion and has to rest, Lauren had to step in and take over her job (temporarily) as manager of the Brooklyn Bruiser’s front office. The problem is Lauren would rather be anywhere else than in the Bruiser’s office. Readers of this series will remember her aversion to hockey and the team but we never really knew why. We do have an inkling that she and the Bruiser’s goalie had a thing in the past but it was never fully revealed in the other books yet.

In Pipe Dreams, we finally get to know the reason behind Lauren’s aversion to hockey. And yes, it does have to do with her past relationship with Mike Beacon. Mike was the former captain of the Bruisers. We found out that he stepped down as captain after his estranged wife fell ill and he had to devote his extra time with her. What we do not know then was that this event was also linked with the demise of his and Lauren’s relationship.

Image result for hockey skating gif

I have been intrigued with Lauren since the series began. I thought there was more to that whole ice princess routine than meets the eye. But at first, I thought, “Oh no, she’s going to cause trouble for one of our heroine, isn’t she?” But then Sarina Bowen sort of turned that on its head when she volunteered to babysit for Becca’s neice (sic) in the previous book.

Since then, my opinion on Lauren changed. I wanted to know why she’s the way she is. I loved that she’s capable, accomplished and ambitious. She’s also heartbroken and vulnerable. And boy, her past with Mike was a doozy. It’s tragic and it’s one of those things where you really don’t have any choice in the matter. And that’s what makes Lauren’s heartbreak even more relatable.

Related image

I was prepared to hate Mike for what he did with Lauren. But when I started reading this book, I realized that things are more complicated than that. Mike had to make the best decision he can for his family, and while I feel for Lauren and I wish he didn’t break her heart, I understand where his coming from.

It also really helped that Sarina Bowen didn’t write Mike’s wife as this shrew who had no personality except to be the bad guy in the story. Again, it was more complicated than that. I actually felt sympathy for Mike’s family especially his daughter. Okay, I admit I was a little leery when it seemed like Elsa is going to be the “obstacle” that’s going to keep our main couple apart. But again, Ms. Bowen did her character justice. She’s not just a prop but a real character with a story arc.

Image result for hockey puck gif

The whole team featured prominently in this book as they chase the Stanley Cup. I enjoyed seeing them in action. My only complaint about this book was  [su_spoiler title=”Click to view spoiler” style=”fancy” icon=”chevron”]the baby thing. I don’t mind that she wanted one via insemination but I couldn’t quite understand why she really, really wanted one. And the way she easily accepted Mike’s offer was a bit weird.[/su_spoiler]

Apart that, I liked this one a lot. I’ve always enjoyed Sarina’s writing. Her characters are simply likable and her stories tends to really resonate with me and with a lot of readers. Pipe Dreams is an enjoyable, low-angst, second-chance romance that shouldn’t be missed.

Image result for hockey black and white gif

 

 

 

Review & Giveaway: Dr. OB by Max Monroe

Dr. OB
Series: 
St. Luke’s Docuseries #1
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Author: Max Monroe
Release Date: April 25, 2017

It’s just a docuseries about your career as an OB/GYN, they said.

It won’t interrupt your life during or after filming, they said.

It is a great opportunity for the hospital and your practice, they said.

Well, they—the television executives who seem intent on ruining my career and personal life with a fair number of creative liberties—lied.

Now I’m stuck dealing with the consequences of believing them.

Instead of being known as Dr. Will Cummings, Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Luke’s Hospital, I’m now being called Dr. Obscene.   

What devotion I’d hoped to earn in respect, I’ve instead received in patients flashing me seductive smiles and flirtatious winks during their exams.

How’s a guy supposed to convince the most perfect woman he’s ever met that he’s not as much of an idiot in real life as he appears to be on camera?

With all of the show’s side effects taking root like parasites, it’s going to take a lot to persuade Melody Marco to be anything more than my new nurse.

But I can’t get her out of my head.

I want her.

 Good thing I’ve never been one to back away from a challenge…           

Get ready, Melody.

 The doctor is in.

AMAZON | iBOOKS

Disclaimer:

We know you have a choice in authors, so we thank you for reading with us today.

Please keep your feet up and your families mildly fed during reading.

In case of a laughter induced bathroom emergency, a family member will most likely be in there to prevent you from saving your clothes. Take this time to survey the area for alternate bathrooms, keeping in mind that the closest toilet may be behind you.

In the event that your oxygen is choked off by hyena-like laughter, a mask will not drop from the compartment above you. There is no bag, and it will not inflate. Oxygen is not flowing. Take a minute to start breathing again before continuing to read.

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Disclaimer to the Disclaimer: All readers welcome. We are not overbooked. Find a copy on Amazon, iBooks, Kobo, Nook, or Google Play.

Dr. OB Playlist: https://goo.gl/ePIUcU


Tiny Tease:

“Oh, come on. If I were really trying to torture you, I wouldn’t have protected you from the fact that Savannah has been in there trying to convince Georgie that, and I quote, it’d be the most natural thing in the world for you to be her obstetrician.”

Internally, I cringed. Externally, I cringed. In fact, it felt like Kline had just jabbed me in the back of the throat with his finger, and my gag reflex was doing nothing more than reacting accordingly—hacking cough, choking sensation, slight nausea.

I loved my career as a physician in obstetrics, but I’d sign up to flip burgers at the nearest fast-food joint if it meant avoiding doing vaginal exams on my sister. The mere thought was worse than that disgusting horror flick called The Human Centipede.

Seriously, if you’ve never seen that movie, don’t fucking see that movie.

      That flick is more traumatic than the blue waffle and that “Two Girls One Cup” site combined.

Jesus. Don’t Google those either.

 https://goo.gl/KEO9E9

My traitorous gaze moved down his shoulders to his back and landed on his perfectly firm ass. Sweet baby pigeons in a kayak, my new boss was an Adonis.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Max Monroe are my spirit animals. Their humor is right down my alley; a lot dirty, a little campy, and always on point. When I’m in the mood for a steamy Rom Com, their books are my go to. I know that when I pick up a book of theirs, I’m in for a pee my pants and laugh till I cry sort of humor, and Dr. OBscene most definitely delivered on that end.

…ever since the stupid show had aired that first night, every woman I encountered either hit me or hit on me and nothing in between. It was getting old. I bruised easily, for Christ’s sake.

When the idea was first pitched to him, a documentary TV show based on his successful career as an OB along with 2 other doctor friends seemed like a good idea to Dr. Will Cummings…until it aired. All of sudden, a few clever slicing and editing tricks, and he looks more lascivious than professional. Women either want to jump him or judge him…or both. The show goes from exciting to the bane of his existence in the span of the very first episode and things only get worse. Soon women are sticking phone numbers up their nether regions or bedazzling their hoohas with date invites. There’s only so much a man can take before he loses his mind.

Enter Melody Marco, his new nurse and a woman that has no idea who he is or seen his show. Melody is back to NY, living with her parents and licking the wounds of relationships past. Coming off of a recent break up she just wants to get her life together again. When her meddling helpful mother gets her an interview at St. Luke’s she begrudgingly goes and surprisingly gets the offer. But nothing prepares her for the effect that her new boss has on her. Sparks fly between these two right away.

She laughed, carefree and easy, and I immediately craved more of it. Had to have it. Wondered how many organs I’d have to sell on the black market to get enough money to pay someone to break in to her apartment and make a video of her doing it on a loop. Okay, that’s creepy. Where the hell did that come from?

Will as far from his TV monicker as he can get. He’s sweet and endearingly awkward. He stumbles over his words and he’s not at all the self-assured play boy that he’s painted to be by the show. Melody can’t help but fall for his boyish charm.

You and I, we make love, Mel, even when we’re fucking.”

I have to admit, part of my lower rating is because Will isn’t my preference when it comes to heroes. Yes, he’s absolutely adorable and he certainly gets ovaries fluttering with his sexy dirty talk, but he struck me as a beta hero. I don’t mind it, not at all. But it’s also not my go to. He’s adorably awkward and sexy, which totally worked for him. But I just couldn’t help but feel like something was missing for me.

The story itself was super cute. It was sweet and steamy and a whole lot of funny. I adored all the secondary characters, especially Will and Melody’s kooky parents. But at times it was also a little too sweet for me. The conflict at the end didn’t quite fit the picture the reader gets painted of Will throughout the book, so it threw me for a loop a little bit. While this may not have been a 5 star read for me it’s still one I enjoyed immensely. I’m completely hooked on this series and can’t wait for more! I adore Max Monroe’s humor and characters and I already know that this series will be an auto-buy for me.

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Review: Before I Ever Met You by Karina Halle

BEFORE I EVER MET YOU
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Karina Halle
Release Date: April 25, 2017

I first met William McAlister when I was just a teenager.

He was handsome, had a beautiful wife and was on the verge of success, having just joined my father as his business partner. Mr. McAlister was full of smooth charm, but back then he was barely a blip on my radar. Just a family friend.

Fast forward ten years: I’m 25 years old and a single mom trying to make things right for her seven-year old son. I’ve made some mistakes, grappled with my demons and now I’m back in the city of Vancouver, getting a second chance at a better life.

I’ve started by working for my father’s production company as an executive assistant. My first day on the job and I already know I could have a promising career there.
That is until I see Will McAlister for the first time in a decade.

Now recently divorced and as sophisticated as always, Will has gone from being my father’s friend and business partner to something so much more.

We’re both older, for one thing, and he just oozes this worldly confidence and stark sexuality. Combined with his tall, muscular build and sharp suits, strong jaw and bedroom eyes, Will has turned into one hell of a distraction. A distraction I’m having a hard time staying away from, considering his office is right across from my desk and I work with him in such close proximity.

But it’s just a harmless crush, right?

It’s just an innocent fantasy of screwing him on his desk, right?

It can’t ever be more because he’s my father’s best friend, business partner, and my boss.

Right?

Wrong.

 

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When I think about Karina Halle, I immediately think delectable anti-heroes, edgy heroines, and her stories are usually dark and twisty with a lot of angst. I never would have used sweet and adorable to describe her stories until now.

Before I Ever Met You is a different Karina Halle altogether and I am glad I got to read it this early because I really, really enjoyed it. Take my opinion with a grain of salt because I haven’t read all her her books but as someone who’s enjoyed her horror-paranormal series and her other edgier titles, Before I Met You was a breath of fresh air. Don’t get me wrong, it is still quintessentially KH but different.

Life is short. And when you find what makes your heart beat, your soul sing, then you have to hang on to it.”

Jackie is a familiar KH-type heroine: troubled, rebellious teenager who made a terrible decision and is now paying for it. Because of those mistakes, her relationship with her parents suffered and now, she’s back in their home, begging for a job and another chance to make a better life for her and her 7-year old son. Despite the guilt and the shame she’s feeling, Jackie remains resilient and it’s one of the things that made me relate with her character. Her decisions and actions made sense throughout the book.

The Mr. McAlister I remember from when I was a teenager was tall, dark and handsome, now he’s all those things magnified. Age has made him one hell of a sexy beast.”

But as much as I liked Jackie, the one character who stole my heart is Will McAllister. Will is her father’s friend and business partner, and 16 years older than Jackie. Will is also seeking a second chance in a town he left for who he thought was the love of his life. He’s back in Vancouver after the humiliating end of his marriage. Like Jackie, love is not his priority at all.

But the moment Jackie and Will meet, sparks started flying. And despite their best effort to stay away, their coming together was inevitable.

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Yes, it’s “forbidden” romance in a sense that there is that 16-year age gap and he’s her boss. But it’s also more than that or should I say, it’s never really about that. I feel like Jackie and Will’s journey as characters go beyond the May-December office romance affair cliche thing. Jackie’s got a lot of emotional baggage she had to deal with and Will was the catalyst that brought those issues to the forefront.

There was nothing sordid about their coming together even though they did keep things under wraps from other people especially her parents. It never felt like the story was about just that, and I really appreciated that Karina Halle took time to develop Jackie’s character. She made me understand and sympathetic to her plight, which is very important to me.

How is that life can be so crazy,so chaotic,so scary.
And yet one kiss from you and all that goes away.”

Will’s character is the same. From the get go, he’s characterized as a mature, caring, and sweet man who is willing to risk everything for Jackie and his boy. I smiled and swooned along with Jackie and I’m pretty sure I was doing the heart-eyes emoji thing every time he does something sweet for Jackie and Ty.

Then there’s the grand gesture.

Anyone who knows me well enough would attest that it doesn’t matter if I got annoyed with the characters or that the book was really slow in the beginning as long as I get my big-ass, grand gesture at the end. And this book’s grand gesture had me like…

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And then there’s that epilogue….

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OMG, I can’t. I was bursting with happiness. All that gooey HEA goodness was just too cute for words.

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Karina Halle is a former travel writer and music journalist and The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author of Where Sea Meets Sky, Racing the Sun, The Pact, Love, in English, The Artists Trilogy, Dirty Angels and over 20 other wild and romantic reads. She lives on an island off the coast of British Columbia with her husband and her rescue pup, where she drinks a lot of wine, hikes a lot of trails and devours a lot of books.

Halle is represented by the Waxman Leavell Agency and is both self-published and published by Atria Books/Simon & Schuster and Hachette in North America and in the UK.

Hit her up on Instagram at @authorHalle, on Twitter at @MetalBlonde and on Facebook. You can also visit www.authorkarinahalle.com and sign up for the newsletter for news, excerpts, previews, private book signing sales and more.

Jennifer’s Review: Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

ATTACHMENTS
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Release Date: April 14, 2011

“Hi, I’m the guy who reads your e-mail, and also, I love you…”

Beth Fremont and Jennifer Scribner-Snyder know that somebody is monitoring their work e-mail. (Everybody in the newsroom knows. It’s company policy.) But they can’t quite bring themselves to take it seriously. They go on sending each other endless and endlessly hilarious e-mails, discussing every aspect of their personal lives.

Meanwhile, Lincoln O’Neill can’t believe this is his job now- reading other people’s e-mail. When he applied to be “internet security officer,” he pictured himself building firewalls and crushing hackers- not writing up a report every time a sports reporter forwards a dirty joke.

When Lincoln comes across Beth’s and Jennifer’s messages, he knows he should turn them in. But he can’t help being entertained-and captivated-by their stories.

By the time Lincoln realizes he’s falling for Beth, it’s way too late to introduce himself.

What would he say . . . ?

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5 (the-part-where-I-give-this-book-stars-that-don’t-even-compare-to-the-book) STARS

What am I supposed to say after this? After any Rainbow Rowell book? Nothing I can say will be good enough. Everything I say will pale in comparison to the Greatness of this book. When a book makes me EVERYTHING so much, I just can’t.

I am doing this review for me. Because this book is too much goodness and I feel like my review is just going to disappear into the chasm of reviews for this book. But I wanted to do it anyway. Because when a book is so Great, I can’t keep it in.


Part of the review where I give a short summary:

1. Beth and Jennifer write emails to each other at work. (They are hil…ar….i….ous. I want to be their friend.)

2. Lincoln (mmmmm….Lincoln) is the IT guy (The cute IT guy), and his job is to monitor people’s emails at work. (This book takes place in the late 90’s.)

3. Lincoln (mmmmm…..Lincoln) enjoys their emails and begins to read them a lot.

4. Lincoln has been seriously scorned by a girl in his past. For most of the book, he is trying to move forward.

5. Lincoln (mmmm….Lincoln) falls in love with Beth……….

6. I know, you’re probably asking “THAT’S IT?! That’s the whole book?!” Because I asked myself the same thing. And yes, it is the whole book. And yes, IT IS EVERYTHING. Do you know why it is everything?! Rainbow….Rowell. I want to read her grocery lists, and so would John Green. (I got the grocery list thing from The Fault in Our Stars.) That’s how good she is.

LINCOLN. Forever and ever Lincoln. I want my own Lincoln. Mmmmmmm……..Lincoln. He’s perfection. He is a cute, nice guy…..the type I usually don’t fall for in a book, but Lincoln is mine forever. And ever and ever. He’s the type of guy that doesn’t know how great he is. He isn’t hard on himself. He just doesn’t realize how amazing he is. And he is AMAZING.


Beth & Jennifer be like:

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Beth – This book was barely about her. The only pov we see is when she is writing emails with Jennifer. And how Lincoln sees her and feels about her. (mmmm…..Lincoln) She has a boyfriend for almost the whole book (no, there isn’t cheating in this book), and I had no idea how Lincoln was going to get the girl!! (mmmm…..Lincoln)

Lincoln & Beth….So much of this book, I was like “Gah! How are they going to meet?!” And “Gah! I love Lincoln!” (mmmmm….Lincoln) And “Gah! I want you to get together!” And you guys, when they get together, it was everything I could have ever asked for. I could live off of their moments.

Reaction GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY This book has a sloooooooow burn. Most of the time, slow burn is a no-go for me. But this book could slow burn forever, and I wouldn’t even care. I cried. I laughed. So much laughing. So much feeling. So much.

Damn it, I can’t even write a review for this book because it’s so unique. It’s not even a book. It’s life. BOOM!

Review: Arranged by Lexi Blake

ARRANGED
Series: Masters & Mercenaries #13.5
Genre: BDSM Romance
Author: Lexi Blake
Release Date: April 25, 2017

Kash Kamdar is the king of a peaceful but powerful island nation. As Loa Mali’s sovereign, he is always in control, the final authority. Until his mother uses an ancient law to force her son into marriage. His prospective queen is a buttoned-up intellectual, nothing like Kash’s usual party girl. Still, from the moment of their forced engagement, he can’t stop thinking about her.

Dayita Samar comes from one of Loa Mali’s most respected families. The Cambridge-educated scientist has dedicated her life to her country’s future. But under her staid and calm exterior, Day hides a few sexy secrets of her own. She is willing to marry her king, but also agrees that they can circumvent the law. Just because they’re married doesn’t mean they have to change their lives. It certainly doesn’t mean they have to fall in love.

After one wild weekend in Dallas, Kash discovers his bride-to-be is more than she seems. Engulfed in a changing world, Kash finds exciting new possibilities for himself. Could Day help him find respite from the crushing responsibility he’s carried all his life? This fairy tale could have a happy ending, if only they can escape Kash’s past…

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His queen. The last fifteen years of his life had been about the world revolving around him, being the ultimate authority figure. But here and now, he realized she could be his sun.”

Ever since Kash was first loosely introduced back in Love and Let Die, I’ve been curious. He never had a solid presence in the M&M series, but when I saw that he’ll be getting his own book, I was intrigued. The playboy king in an arranged marriage? Sign me up for that!

I’m the first in a hundred years to be arranged by someone else. I suppose my mother thinks I’m incapable of selecting a proper bride.”

I couldn’t wait to see the woman that will bring this womanizer to his knees, and boy did she!

Day and Kash were once friends that could have been something much more, but life had other plans for them. They’re two very different people but life has brought them back together in much more interesting circumstance because Day is the woman Kash’s mother picked to be his bride and future queen of Loa Mali. While Day has dedicated her life’s work to serving the people of Loa Mali, she’s also as far from the traditional bride as a woman can get and not just because she refuses to sit back and be the little woman. She’s a woman with a core of strength and she’s not afraid to say what she wants or even demand it.

I cannot be that queen from long ago who allowed herself to be kidnapped and taken away. The choice will be mine. The choice to be queen. The choice to have you. I will make these choices not because I’m about to be royal, but because I am a woman and that is what I do. I will not play that game with you, love. I won’t give over and then protest that I had the choice taken from me. I will choose and accept the consequences. I wanted to show them who they are getting as their queen, not some gentle flower who will stand by her man and wave, but a woman who will fight for them as I fight for myself. As I would fight for you.”

I have to say, part of the reason I enjoyed this book so much was Day. I loved the way she put Kash in his place and I also loved the way she was his strength and support system. Kush hides a lot of depth behind his easy smile and playboy ways, and also a secret that’s so deep even he’s afraid to admit it to himself.

This book was very different from any of the others in the series or anything I’ve read from Lexi to date but it was also a refreshing change of pace. While this particular set up is not my usual go to, I certainly enjoyed it. Day and Kash were great together, even though Kash’s insecurities and the way he took them out on Day at times made me want to either throttle or kick him in the nether regions.

While this is #13.5 in the series, you can easily enjoy this as a standalone. However, you’ll appreciate all the cameos a lot more if you read the series in order.

Cover Reveal: Enemies Like You by Annika Martin & Joanna Chambers

Check out this AMAZING cover of Enemies Like You by Annika Martin & Joanna Chambers & DOWNLOAD the prologue, Enemies With Benefits FOR FREE!

Preorder Enemies Like You NOW!

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They’re dangerous men. Absolute enemies. And totally hot for each other.

Will has never met anyone like Kit. He’s arrogant. Gorgeous. Lethal.

The most expensive bodyguard money can buy. And Will can’t seem to resist him.

A simple command in Kit’s cut-glass accent makes Will want things he’s never wanted, do things he’s never done. Their red-hot chemistry is off the charts.

Just one problem: Will has vowed to kill the billionaire that Kit is hell-bent on protecting.

And Kit has secrets, too—his own reasons for sacrificing his soul, piece by painful piece, to keep one of the worst men on earth alive.

This is a stand-alone contemporary M/M romance.

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They’re dangerous men. Absolute enemies. And totally hot for each other.

Two years ago, the men in Will’s unit were killed in an ambush because they were betrayed. Now he has a chance to go after the corrupt billionaire who sold them out.

One problem: the billionaire’s bodyguard. Nobody knows what he looks like; they only know him by the trail of bodies he leaves behind.

Will their passion destroy them both?

Kit’s a hardened assassin who’ll do what it takes to protect his boss. But when Will moves on the billionaire at an elite party, things with Will and Kit take an unexpected—sexy—twist.

Now Kit has to convince Will to walk away–from his quest for justice, and from the red-hot passion that keeps resurfacing at the most inopportune times.

 Joanna Chambers always wanted to write. She spent over 20 years staring at blank sheets of paper and despairing of ever writing a single word. In between staring at blank sheets of paper, she studied law, met her husband and had two children. Whilst nursing her first child, she rediscovered her love of romance and found her muse. Joanna lives in Scotland with her family and finds time to write by eschewing sleep and popular culture.

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Annika Martin is a NYT bestselling author who enjoys writing dirty stories about dangerous criminals and hot spies. She loves helping animals and kicking snow clumps off the bottom of cars around the streets of Minneapolis, and in her spare time she writes as the RITA award-winning author Carolyn Crane.

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