ARC Review: ☆Seducing the Bridesmaid☆ by @katee_robert

She has a plan. He’s about to change it.

Regan Wakefield is a headhunter in both name and personality: driven, motivated, and unafraid to pursue what—and who—she wants. Naturally, she’s thrilled when her friend’s wedding offers her an opportunity to score Logan McCade, the practically perfect best man. Unfortunately, groomsman Brock McNeil keeps getting in her way, riling her up in the most delicious of ways. But Brock’s smooth southern charm isn’t part of the plan…so how exactly did they end up having searing-hot sex?

Regan may pretend the erotic electricity sparking between them is merely a distraction, but Brock knows better. She refuses to see beyond the devil-may-care façade he presents to the world, while he sees straight through hers. Changing her mind—and getting under her skin—is a challenge he can’t resist. And when he wins, Brock will do whatever it takes to convince Regan that the best man for her is him.

Buy Links
Review
4 stars
She has a plan. He’s about to change it.

This book had to have had some of the best banter I’ve read in a while. That whole ‘I should hate you but still lust you’ thing Brock and Regan had going on? Let’s just say I likey verra much.

Regan Wakefield is a take-no-shit New York headhunter. She’s confident, she’s outspoken, and she has no issues knowing what she wants and going after it…or at least she THINKS she knows what she wants. She has a plan after all, and that plan is to snag the very eligible Logan McCade at her friend’s wedding. On paper he’s everything she wants; driven, motivated, and successful. So why is that when she sees the extreme opposite of what she wants Brock McNeil…

How did that happen? Well, it’s certainly not easy to resists Brock’s southern charm, and when he lay it on her, he really LAYS it on her. Pun most definitely intended.

But Brock isn’t exactly the entitled rich boy that Regan thinks that he is. Too bad it takes her a bit to figure it out.

I absolutely LOVED the banter between these two. Regan definitely didn’t mince words and she had no problems cutting Brock down to size.

It’s okay if you’re intimidated by my overwhelig masculinity. I promise to take good care of you.”
“How sweet of you. But let’s be honest. I’d ruin you for other women, and I’m just too nice to do that to an adorable thing like you.”

Brock certainly didn’t disappoint with giving as good as he got. And as hard as Regan was on him at times, she really deserved that and more

Why, Scarlett, are you calling me difficult? I seem to remember you making irrational claims about my not being as mean as I acted.”
“God, no. I’m just pointing out that you have a mammoth stick up your ass.” He reached for his drink, effectively removing her hand from his arm. “Since I’m petitioning for saintly status, I’m willing to help you remove it.”

As much as I enjoyed their banter, there were definitely times I wanted to throttle Regan for being as tough on Brock as she was. There’s a fine line between confident and brash, and Regan was tip toening right on it most of the time.

She did have her endearing moments. I liked how terrified she was of the outdoors. Logical fear?

Except she was scared of squirrels. Her quirky fear never failed to put a smile on my face.

And of course with sparks like that between them, their sexual chemistry between them was combustible and certainly didn’t disappoint. This book was STEAMY.

I loved Brock. I just wish it hadn’t taken Regan as long as it did to finally get her head out of her ass.

I absolutely love how the authors tied in each book in this series, it really just made each book that much more enjoyable for me. I highly recommend reading all of them in order.

Read it in order:

Book 0.5:
Dare to Resist (Wedding Dare, #0.5) by Laura Kaye
(My Review)

Book 1:
Falling for the Groomsman (Wedding Dare, #1) by Diane Alberts
My Review

Book 2:
Baiting The Maid Of Honor (Wedding Dare, #2) by Tessa Bailey
My Review

Book 3:
Seducing The Bridesmaid (Wedding Dare, #3) by Katee Robert

Book 4:
Best Man With Benefits (Wedding Dare, #4) by Samanthe Beck
My Review

***ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review**

 

ARC Review: ☆Baiting the Maid of Honor☆ by @mstessabailey

A sexy category romance from Entangled’s Brazen imprint…

He’ll own her from the very first touch.

Julie Piper and Reed Lawson have nothing in common. She’s a people-pleasing sorority girl hiding behind her perfect mask. He’s a take-no-prisoners SWAT commander who isolates himself from the world. But when they’re forced together at their friends’ posh destination wedding, one thing is clear—Reed wants Julie more than he wants his next breath. Which is why he’s not about to stand by when she’s dared to seduce another man.

Julie wants neat, tidy sex, so she could get back to what she does best—making everybody else happy. She never expected to slip into a dark bedroom and have her mind blown by rough, demanding hands, and a sinfully filthy mouth—neither of which belong to the best man.

One night should have been all Reed needed to get the blond temptress out of his system, but when one taste is nowhere near enough, he’ll be forced confront the effects of his hellish past. One that may push Julie away forever…just when he realizes he can’t live without her.

Buy Links
Review
5 stars
He’ll own her from the very first touch.

Ladies, meet SWAT commander Reed Lawson…

Yes. That’s precisely what you’ll be doing the second you meet him. He’ll have you a perving, swooning, turned on hot mess in 2 words flat. I’m not even kidding. Just when I think that Tessa Bailey cannot possibly make her dirty talking heroes any hotter, she goes and gives us the tatted up sex on a stick Reed. I swear, I had a hart time focusing half the time. The man would open his mouth, and all I could think was

May I present exhibit A?

Aren’t you going to at least kiss me first?”
“Kissed were?” His voice was a rough , almost inaudible whisper that bathed her in blistering heat.
“Your mouth? Or the slick little pussy you’re hiding from me?”

Sorry. It’s a knee-jerk reaction at this point. But I digress

While this could be read as a standalone if you really want to, I highly recommend reading this series in order. It will make it that much better for you. Besides, every book in the series is fucking fantastic and so worth the read.

When the bridesmaids at Kady’s wedding bet each other to hook up with a groomsman, the tall, dark and broody Reed is the last man southern belle Julie would pick. She wants neat. She wants tidy. She wants polite. And the best man, Logan, fits that to a T. Too bad Reed has his sights set on the sexy blonde, and when Reed wants something, he gets it. Oh does he get it.

If you need servicing while we’re stuck in this fancy-ass hotel for a week, I’m going to be the one to do it. No one else. Not Golden Boy. Not even your right hand. And when you slip between your sheets tonight, think about this. I will service you so hard you’ll be booking another week here just to recover.”

Reed is everything you want in a bad boy hero…and more. So much more. Reed doesn’t do entanglements, and he certainly doesn’t do more than sex, yet something about Julie draws him in and keeps him wanting more.

As for Julie, well I haven’t read a heroine by Tessa Bailey that I haven’t loved yet, and she was certainly no exception. She so endearingly sassy and her quirky southern sayings never failed to put a smile on my mouth. She was no pushover, and she definitely gave Reed a run for his money…but boy was it delicious.

You want me to despoil you? I hope you’re ready because I don’t fuck politely.
“I’m counting on it.”

The banter between them was entertaining and sexy.

But would you expect any less from the talented Miss Bailey? I think not.

This book had everything; romance, hot as hell sex, and dirty talk that will melt the panties right off of you. Might I suggest keeping some spares handy?

I only have one thing to add after finishing this.

Dear Tessa,

For the love of all that’s holy, please GAWD make a spin off from this novel. I need dirty talking SWAT men in my life. BAD.

That is all. I’m off to stalk the poor author for any news of her upcoming releases. And I thank you

Read the series in order:

Book 0.5:
Dare to Resist (Wedding Dare, #0.5) by Laura Kaye
(My Review)

Book 1:
Falling for the Groomsman (Wedding Dare, #1) by Diane Alberts
(My Review)

Book 2:
Baiting The Maid Of Honor (Wedding Dare, #2) by Tessa Bailey

Book 3:
Seducing The Bridesmaid (Wedding Dare, #3) by Katee Robert
My Review

Book 4:
Best Man With Benefits (Wedding Dare, #4) by Samanthe Beck
My Review

***ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review**

 

ARC Review: ☆Falling for the Groomsman☆ by @DianeAlberts

A sexy category romance from Entangled’s Brazen imprint…

She’s the one that got away. He’s the one she can’t forget.

Photojournalist Christine Forsythe is ready to tackle her naughty little to-do list, and who better to tap for the job than a hot groomsman? But when she crashes into her best friend’s older brother, Christine realizes her list needs updating. And fast. Tyler Dresco took her virginity during the best night of her life, then bolted. Now that they’re trapped together at a destination wedding, she’s going to get her revenge.

Tyler has never forgiven himself for how completely he lost control all those years ago. Being in Christine’s arms had felt right…until he realized what he’d taken from her in the hallway of a cheap motel. And oh, how she’s making him pay for it now. The insatiable heat between them has only grown stronger, but every time things heat up, Christine walks away.

With every encounter, things go a little bit further until Christine’s caught in her own trap of seduction. And before their time’s up, Tyler’s not the only one wanting more…

Buy Links
Review
4.5 stars
She’s the one that got away. He’s the one she can’t forget.

To say that I have been greatly anticipating getting my hands on this series ever since I finished Dare to Resist would be a slight understatement. So needless to say when this little beauty arrived on my Kindle, there may have been a little bit of this going on

But here’s the thing, when you build your hopes up for a particular book, the reality can’t possibly measure up, right? WRONG

I BINGED on these and read all 4 books back to back. I highly recommend reading them all in order, and I’ll link my reviews to all 4 books at the end here. I loved how everything was intricately interwoven in each story and the connections in each book just added to the overall enjoyment. But that’s enough about that, let’s get to the review here shall we?

I’m a huge fan of the jilted lover from the past trope, so I was verra excited to find out that Tyler was the bad boy that crushed poor Christine’s heart over 8 years ago.

And now, here they were. Should he say something to her? Break the silence? But what was he supposed to say? Sorry for popping your cherry and not talking to you for eight years. But, hey, can I buy you a drink?” Somehow, that didn’t seem sufficient for the hatred she must feel for him by now.

Tyler knows what a huge mistake he made, he was young, stupid, and ran scared. So when he sees Christine at his sister Kady’s wedding after all the time that’s passed, he knows he has to fix it. But Christine isn’t the young and naive girl she was before, and she’s not interested in anything he has to say. And she’s not about to fall for anything he has to say again

Why are you here, talking to me of all people? Let me guess. You’re feeling sorry for kissing me, and you’re here to apologize again.”
“Fuck no. I didn’t do anything worth apologizing for, Red.”
“I don’t know about that. I mean, maybe you pictured me naked while we were kissing. You’d have to drop down on your knees and pray for my forgiveness if you did.”
“If I dropped to my knees, it wouldn’t be to beg for your forgiveness.”

I couldn’t get enough of these two. The sexual chemistry between them was absolutely palpable. Add into the mix a few snarky insults, a sassy heroine giving the hero hell, and did I mention the smoking hot outdoorsy loving?

This book had it all. I fell hard for Tyler. And is it slightly sadictic of me that I enjoyed the hell out of his groveling? That’s not to say that he came off as weak. Oh hell no. Tyler definitely brought the dirty

How come everyone says you’re so sweet and kind and quiet, but with me you’re so bossy…and…dirty?”
“I have no idea. I don’t act like this around other women. Maybe you bring out the worst in me.”

I simply didn’t want this to end.

And then there was that epilogue. Oh my god! Perfection. I was reading it with this big goofy smile on my face.

So to sum up, would I recommend this book? Are you kidding? Why aren’t you reading it already?!

But I will recommend getting all 4 of these bad boys, finding a comfy quiet corner, and spending some quality time with all the delicious groomsmen and bridesmaids of the Wedding Dare.

I can’t wait to see what the talented Diane Alberts has up her sleeve next.
Read the series in order:

Book 0.5:
Dare to Resist (Wedding Dare, #0.5) by Laura Kaye
(My Review)

Book 1:
Falling for the Groomsman (Wedding Dare, #1) by Diane Alberts
(My Review)

Book 2:
Baiting The Maid Of Honor (Wedding Dare, #2) by Tessa Bailey
My Review

Book 3:
Seducing The Bridesmaid (Wedding Dare, #3) by Katee Robert
My Review

Book 4:
Best Man With Benefits (Wedding Dare, #4) by Samanthe Beck
My Review

ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review

Review: ☆His To Keep☆ by Katee Robert

He’s always wanted her. Now’s his chance to claim what’s his.

School teacher Marceline Bellini gave up everything—men, sex, anything resembling a social life—to raise her young daughter. To be the perfect parent. But when she attends an engagement party in her standard stick-in-the-mud mode, her friends begin plying Marcy with shots. Just enough to convince her that a little fun doesn’t sound like a bad idea… and having some naughty fun is an even better one.

Like finding herself deliciously pressed against a dark alley wall by the very familiar and very hot body of her best friend’s older brother.

After years of waiting in painful silence, police officer Aaron Robinson finally has Marcy’s attention. And man, does he have it. But nothing could have prepared either of them for the rush of fiery lust between them. So he’ll just have to convince Marcy he’s for real. And that a rainy, lust-fuelled romp is the first step to a lifetime of completely imperfect happiness…

Review

3.5 stars
He’s always wanted her. Now’s his chance to what’s his.

If you’re looking for a quick and steamy little read look no further than this novella.

This was a shortie but boy did it pack a steamy punch. It was a tad fluffy, a lot steamy, and great little appetizer to tide you over until the next Out of Uniform book (hopefully Drew’s)

After one too many shot’s at her friend Bri’s engagement party (you’ll remember Bri from In Bed with Mr. Wrong), Marcy decides to leave her pent up little existence for a night of decadence with the one man she never expected to giver her a second glance. She’s had a huge crush on the older Robinson brother since her teens, but when he rejected her back in high school, the last thing she expects is for him to proposition her years later.

Little does Marcy know that Aaron has always wanted her. She may be his little sister’s best friend, and she may have been too young for her back in the day, but she’s all woman now.

So in a haze of alcohol induced passion, they give into the inevitable…but now Aaron wants more.

Aaron wasn’t going to let this fade into memory and move on with his life. No, he had every intention of pushing his way into her life, though God alone knew what role he expected to play.

The last thing Marcy wants or needs is a man in her life right now. All she wants to consentrate on is her daughter. But Aaran has no trouble with trying to convince Marcy he’s the one for her, any means necessary…

There’s a whole lot of wall sex here. Outside the bar wall sex, inside a broom closet wall sex. There’s sex galore. I guess what I’m trying to say here, is this book had some verra hot sex.

And you’ll be getting no complaints from this girl.

Marcy did have her moments of stubborn bitchiness where I wanted to smack her for not seeing sense and being as callous as she was to Aaron at times. But Aaron managed to take my mind off of that most times.

Although nothing I see myself going back and re-reading, I did enjoy this one. It was quick, steamy, easy little read. The perfect filler for those in-between book times.

**ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review**

Review: Temporarily Yours

This soldier’s the perfect hoax…if she doesn’t fall for him first.

Stats whiz Kayla Moriarity knows her way around numbers and algorithms. Men, on the other hand, are unsolvable equations. Now Kayla’s en route to her sister’s wedding—alone and without the fictional boyfriend she invented for her family. Fortunately, her plane comes complete with complimentary cocktails and a ridiculously hot ex-marine in the seat beside her. And that’s all it takes for Kayla’s inhibitions to go sailing out the airlock…

Cooper Shillings has soft spot for people in trouble, but he certainly wasn’t expecting to land in it himself—and definitely not while getting naughty mid-air with a sexy southern belle. When he hears Kayla’s predicament, however, he offers his services as a stand-in boyfriend. After all, he’s heading overseas soon…and how could he refuse a little no-strings wickedness?

It’s the perfect plan. And all Kayla has to do is ensure her family falls for the ultimate bluff, without falling for it—and Cooper—in the process…

Buy Links

She might think this was the end of their time together, but if he had anything to say about it… it was only the beginning.
8334423

It’s not secret that I’m a total Brazen junky. Whenever I need a fix for something sexy and steamy, they’re my go to books. Add into that me being a fan of Diane Alberts, and I just had to snatch this up. Did I like it? Sure. I got my fix. But I was still left feeling like I wanted more. Guess I’m a greedy hussy that way.

This was a quick and sexy little read about 2 people that meet on a flight, have a scorching affair that shockingly leaves them both feeling like they need more even when neither one was looking for it.

Kayla Moriarity is an actuary that can recite the percentage and probability of something happening at the drop of a hat. Sitting at the airport waiting for her plane to take her to see her family for her sister’s wedding, she can’t help but feel a little unease. Because while Kayla may be a wiz with numbers, she happens to have 2 teensy weensy little problems; she lied to her family about having a boyfriend so they would get off her back about settling down and she’s deathly afraid of flying.

Just a tad.

Cooper Shillings is an ex marine that is adjusting to life after leaving the service due to an event that marked him. Feeling a bit off himself, especially since he’s question the new job offer he accepted, he’s not looking for permanence himself.

When he spots the beautiful brunette and strikes up a conversation they both may find the answer to their problems. So what happens?

Some mile high action. Some car action. Some hotel action. In short?

I’m not complaining, trust me. It was hot and Cooper definitely didn’t disappoint in the dirty talk department.

They get to slake their lust, and Kayla gets a temporary boyfriend to appease her family. It’s a win win right? Until feelings get involved…

This was too quick paced for me. I’m not big on the H/h getting together so quickly after meeting. I want to feel the sexual tension, that burn. When it happens too quickly, I find that my interest tends to wane and it was no exception with this one. While it is a novella length and could have easily been a one-sitting read, it took me over 2 days to finish. I kept getting bored and putting it back down. I never really grew invested in the story or the characters.

So in short, this was a cute and sexy read, just not anything I would really go back to.

 

ARC Review: In Bed With Mr. Wrong by Katee Robert

The blind date from hell is about to get hotter…

Brianne Nave is never doing her friends a favor again. When they begged her to go on a blind date, she didn’t expect someone so perfectly gorgeous. She’s a mousy librarian—totally not in this man’s league. And judging by his odd reaction when she opens the door, he knows it, too.

Air Force Pararescuer Ryan Flannery avoids his hometown at all costs. He’s not thrilled about the date until he’s shocked silent by the prickly little librarian’s sweet curves and kissable lips…and her smart mouth. But then an argument leads to a kiss that spirals out of control. How can two people have so little chemistry outside the bedroom when they fit together so perfectly in it?

When their friends strand them in a cabin to “work things out,” Bri’s not sure whether to kill him or put the industrial-sized box of condoms they find to use. Bottom line—Ryan’s career military and hates the tiny town she loves. He’ll leave, just like everyone else in her life. And if she’s foolish enough to give him her heart, he’ll take it with him.

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / iTunes

Review

3.5 stars
They didn’t like each other. Couldn’t carry on a conversation without snipping at each other, and couldn’t snipe at each other without ending up in compromising positions.
This book is exactly why I’m an obsessive Brazen junky. It was the perfect recipe to a deliciously spicy little read for me. I loved it!
Now let me start with saying that I happen to have a type…for my books that is. There is nothing more that I love more than an enemies to lover trope. Something about the snarky comments, insults, and barbs flying back and forth with an thick undercurrent of lust that never ceases to just do it for me. And if that happens to be your type too, then look no further than this book.
Ryan and Bri set the pages on fire, and I loved every fiery and passionate moment of it.
When Brianne Nave agrees on a blind date as a favor to her friend, she’s not expecting much. She doesn’t exactly date much. She’s a little mousy, a little shy, and knows she’s not prime male fantasy material. But when Ryan Flannery shows up on her doorstop, she’s speechless. Until he makes it evident that she’s clearly not what he expected. And this is when the insults start flying.
Bri and Ryan couldn’t have less in common. Bri is a librarian that dreamed of living in the small town where everyone knows you and your business. Ryan is an Air Force Pararescuer, that wanted nothing more but to escape the town and leave it in the past along with his infamous reputation of being the son of the town drunk and the boy that burned the high school down.
To say that these two start off on the wrong foot would be a gross understatement. The snarky comments and insults start flying right off the bat. And let me just tell you. It is
Bri might be a mousy librarian, but she is certainly no push over. If anything I felt her to be a little harsh on Ryan at times. She never really thought twice about throwing his past in his face, even though she knew barely anything about it.
Now Ryan on the other hand was absolutely swoon worthy. I have a soft spot for military men in my books, and he was no exception. While Bri may have been running scared from their sexual chemistry, Ryan faced it head on.

One thing was certain—she thought this was over and done with between them. Well, he damn well didn’t. He wanted to know which was the real Bri—the snarling harpy from their date or the sweet, sexy thing from the porch—and the only way to do that was to see her again. They were going to talk this out, even if he had to lock her in a room to do it.

I loved the banter between these two.

You’re staring at me like you’re thinking—” She blushed and frowned harder. “Knock it off.”
“You’re projecting. I wonder why?” Could it be that you recently had your mind blown?”
“Shut up. We’re in public.”
“That didn’t bother you the last time we were together.”
“Oh my God, will you stop talking?”
“It’s not my fault someone has their panties in a twist.”
She leaned in, kissably close. “Don’t think for a second that you had more than a passing effect on my panties.”

And then when the banter would stop, the clothes would start flying. And let me just tell you, the chemistry between them? SCORCHING

A quick paced, sexy story about two very different people who find out they may have more in common than they thought. A first in a series that is already looking to be an auto-buy for me. I cannot wait to get my greedy little hands on the towns bachelor/sheriff and Ryan’s brother Drew. Would it be possible that Avery might be the girl for him? Not sure. But a girl can hope 🙂

I really enjoyed this book. This was my first novel by Katee Robert, and it certainly will not be my last. It wasn’t quite the amazing 5 star book for me (I tend to be stingy with my 5 stars). But it is a book I wouldn’t think twice about re-reading, and I definitely liked it a whole heck of a lot.

If you’re a fan of witty banter, swoon worthy military heroes, sassy and sharp tongued heroines, and a steamy story that will be sure to get your own panties in a twist then this book is definitely for you. Gotta love that Brazen yumminess!

**ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review**

ARC Review: Blue Lines by Toni Aleo

Opposites do more than just attract in Toni Aleo’s latest Nashville Assassins novel about a very bad boy and the good girl he can’t resist.

The instant Piper Allen sees Erik Titov, she wants him—wants his rock-hard body, sure, but the strength and mystery that lies behind that superstar hockey jock demeanor, too. So when he sidles up to her at a bar and slinks his arm around her waist, she’s lost. What follows is the wildest night of her life . . . followed by inevitable heartbreak the next morning. And then, a few weeks later, a very big surprise: two blue lines on a pregnancy test.

Only a check to the head could make Erik fall for a nice girl like Piper. But since their crazy-sexy night together, he’s been trying to forget about her alluring body by falling into bed with every woman in Nashville, and it’s not working. So when Piper shows up at his house with a baby-bomb to drop, it doesn’t take much for Erik to suggest the nuclear option: marriage. While it’s supposed to be all for show, the second they say “I do,” the ice between them starts to melt into sizzling steam.

Buy Links
Review
4.5 stars
“You need someone to love you and you need to know that you deserve that love, and I want you to let me be that someone.”
I love a good sports romance, add into this mix a sexy, tatted, very man-whorish hockey player and I’m on pervy cloud 9. But this was no smooth ride for me. As much as I wanted to love Erik, I’m pretty sure I wanted to kick him in the nuts more often than not. He had so many things going for him, and then he’d open his mouth and the things he’d say to Piper just had me going

But all that aside, I spent the end of this book in tears. The last part of this book made me cry silly, crocodile tears of joy. I loved it so much.

Piper has been in love with the sexy Erik Titov for months. So when the opportunity to give into their mutual passion shows itself, she doesn’t even think twice. The last thing that she expects is for Erik to leave, and to leave her with a plus sign surprise after their night together.

Erik hasn’t been able to put the alluring Piper out of his mind since that night. But he knows that he’s not the right man for her. So he moves on the only way he knows how, between the legs of many, many, many different women.

So when Piper shows up on his door step with the shocking news that he’s to be a daddy, suffice it to say he doesn’t take it very well. I swear, the things that this man would say to Piper had me screaming

Because I wanted to kick his man-whoring ass. To say that he was a dick to her for the majority of the book would be a gross understatement. Particularly when he proposed that they get married for the sake of image. Really Erik! Way to take the romance out of things!

Piper on the other hand was an amazing heroine. I loved her from the very beginning. Her strength and the way she cared for Erik through thick and thin really got to me. She was such a likable and endearing heroine.

Now as much as I wanted to hate Erik, there were moments where his vulnerability would shine through and we got to see the real man behind the facade. And little by little I began to warm up to him. When the truth behind his childhood all came to light, I can definitely say I understood exactly why he was so hesitant to fall for Piper.

Their story was filled with many bumps, but it was also filled with sweet and steamy moments. I lived for the times where Erik’s sweet side would shine through. And then that ending; perfection!

So as frustrating as some parts of this book were, and as much as I wanted to throttle Erik, I still really enjoyed it and looking forward to the next installment of the Assasins series.

Review: ★Louder Than Love★ by Jessica Topper

In this powerful debut novel, a young librarian grieves the loss of her husband…and discovers a love that defies classification.

It’s been over three years since a train accident made a widow of Katrina Lewis, sending her and her young daughter Abbey back to the suburban town of her youth…the only place that still makes sense. Lauder Lake is the perfect place to hide and heal.

Recluse rocker Adrian “Digger” Graves survived the implosion of his music career, but his muse has long lain dormant. Until Kat hires him to play at her library—not on the basis of his hard rock credentials but rather, because of the obscure kids’ TV jingle he wrote years ago. In a case of mistaken identity, Adrian stumbles into the lives of Kat and her comically lovable daughter.

Using tattoos as a timeline, Adrian unfurls his life for Kat. But as the courtship intensifies, it’s unclear whose past looms larger: the widow’s or the rocker’s. Will their demons ever rest, or will they break these soul mates apart?

Buy Links

Review

5 stars

“You’ve got all this…this love – no, it’s louder than love. It’s passion and beauty built up inside you that deserves to burst out.”

So if you’re anything like me, you probably took a look at that book cover and synopsis and thought you’d be getting an angst filled NA story with a somewhat shy and mousy heroine and a tatted and tortured hero, right? Well you, my friend, couldn’t be further from the truth because this book was not that at all. It was so much more. It was a beautiful, lovely, emotional, and captivating story of love lost and learning to move on again. It was in a word, wonderful.

I’ll be honest, this is not my typical read. But I am so glad that I misjudged that cover and read it, because I would have missed out on an amazing book and a fantastic new author. This is NOT a New Adult novel. I’m not really sure why that genre even appears by this book. This is a contemporary romance with grown and mature MCs.

3 years ago Katrina Lewis lost her husband in a devastating train accident, leaving her a widow and a single mother to her young daughter Abbey.
Seeking solace sends her to the one place that still makes sense to her, her childhood home in Lauder Lake.

When a character and song behind her daughter’s beloved cartoon leads Kat to the idea of inviting the singer of the jingle to perform at the library she works in, her life takes a surprising turn. Through a case of mistaken identity, she meets recluse rocker Adrian.
I can’t help it, this is the image that burned itself into my mind when I read about Adrian. Just give him lighter hair and blue eyes, and yup!

To say that I loved Jessica Topper’s writing would be a gross understatement. I adored the realism with which she portrayed both of these characters. Kat and Adrian were written in such an endearing and pragmatic way, it was hard not to fall in love with them. The way their relationship developed was lovely and realistic. There was no insta-lust, insta-love, insta-anything.

Do you believe in love at first sight?”
“Hmmm, no. I don’t. I believe love involves the commitment of many senses, as well as your head and your heart, so I wouldn’t just rely on my eyesight.”

Jessica managed to write a love story for Kat and Adrian without taking away any of Kat’s love for her husband that passed away. It wasn’t downplayed at all. Kat loved her husband and grieved his loss every day. Yet you can completely understand what makes her fall for Adrian.

When I first read the blurb and saw Kat was a librarian, I imagined yet another somewhat awkward, slightly geeky, introverted heroine. She was not that at all.

I wasn’t sheltered. I was orderly.

She was such an endearing heroine, you can’t help but immediately like her.

Adrian was just amazing. He has battled a multitude of demons in his life, drugs being one of the biggest. Yet the way he is with Kat is not at all what you might expect. He was tender and romantic, but it didn’t seem contrived or fake. It was just perfect.

That’s not to say that this book didn’t have it’s level of steam. It did. But it was written in this understated way that it never took away from the romance.
There was no unnecessary angst thrown into the mix. I honestly can’t think of anything I didn’t like in this book. It was so refreshing to read about 2 grown and mature MCs without any unnecessary drama thrown in to take away from their story.

Kat was an amazing heroine. Your heart broke for her and what she went through. Her pain wasn’t sugar coated or glossed over. I particularly loved the way that her relationship with her daughter was written. I know I’ve said it a multitude of times already in my review, but it was so real, you feel everything right along with her. She had her good moments and her bad moments and I found myself tearing up reading about her struggles.

Kat’s daughter Abbey was the perfect addition to the characters. She was the third character that rounded out the book. I particularly loved the way Adrian was with her. Their relationship was adorable; the way Adrian fell in love with her as much as he did with Kat.

I really cannot write enough praise for this book. It’s a must read. A wonderful, romantic story about a second chance at love. I can’t recommend it enough.

Review Tour & Giveaway: Asking for Trouble by Tessa Bailey

Pretending to be in love has never felt so sexy.
Brent Mason and Hayden Winstead can’t stand each other. She plans exclusive parties for her rich family’s charities. He’s a rough and tumble cop who rigs explosives for a living. Could two people be any less suited for conversation? They think not and prefer to keep it that way.
Unfortunately, their two best friends are deeply, disgustingly in love. Forced together, the mutual attraction simmering beneath the surface of Brent and Hayden’s non-relationship grows with every argument until it explodes into a scintillating night of mind-blowing sex. And it won’t be the last, as far as Brent’s concerned.
Hayden has a secret, though. Her father’s company is relying on a merger to save them from financial ruin, and only Hayden’s marriage to the CEO’s wealthy son can secure the deal. If she’s to protect her family, she’ll have to forget Brent. And he has no intention of being forgotten.

 

If you have any doubt about my ability to fuck the ever-loving sarcasm right out of you, I’ll be more than happy to clear it up.”
No one, and I mean no one can write a dirty talker quite like Tessa Bailey. The woman is the queen of dirty talk and I bow down to her awesomeness. It’s not secret that I have been a huge fan of this series from the very first book, Protecting What’s His, and I swear the series just keeps getting better and better.
I didn’t think anyone could replace my beloved playboy Daniel, but Brent gave him a run for his money. Nothing like a rough and tumble explosives expert with a sense of humor and dirty mouth to make my pervy little heart go all pitter patter.
I knew from the very first chapter that I would love this book. Nothing I love more than the ‘enemies to lovers’ trope. And when it came to Brent and Hayden, you could just feel the sexual tension behind every insult. It was absolutely delicious!
For Hayden and Brent, it was hate at first sight. While they may have to tolerate each other since their best friends are dating, it doesn’t mean they have to like it. But beneath the barbs and insults that they’re constantly throwing at each other, there’s a strong undercurrent of something else: lust.
(In case you’re wondering, YES, Brent reminded me of Ryan Reynolds. It’s the dirty blonde hair, green eyes, sexy with a splash of dirty humor that sealed this particular delicious image for me)

I knew I would love Brent when we first met him in Officer Off Limits. He’s crude, funny, always has a snarky comment, and did I also mention sexy as hell? The man is 6 foot 5 of complete and utter deliciousness. But beneath all the crude jokes, there’s a fantastic man. He works 2 jobs in order to help support his family. So is it any wonder that rick girl Hayden seems to hit his every nerve?
Hayden is not quite the spoiled little rich girl that Brent sees her as. It’s just that that Brent manages to hit all her buttons, and she can’t help but lash out with the only means she has. Right?
But what happens when a dare between two people that are supposed to hate each other, goes a little bit too far?
While Brent never minced his words, I loved that Hayden gave as good as she got. She really gave the poor guy a run for his money. I swear, you could feel the sexual tension beneath all their bickering. 

Aw, what’s wrong, Brent? Jealous? After all, if ever there was someone who deserved to have a jackass named after him, it’s you.”
“Yeah? And what would they name it? How about…Spanky?”
“How about Oversized Dickhead?”
He shrugged. “Didn’t hear you complaining about
my oversized—”
She shot to her feet, jostling the table. “Can I speak with you in private?”
“You need it right now?” He feigned exasperation.“We’re in the middle of dinner, woman. You’re insatiable.”

As much as I enjoyed Hayden’s character, at times I did get irritated with the way she seemed to hit below the belt with her insults. I understood the why’s of it, but it did still grate with me a bit. I felt that there were times that she should have been going after Bret and smoothing things over, not the other way around.

But Brent, my delicious dirty talking Brent, he just made the book for me. I was a highlight whore every time the man opened his mouth. I highlighted everything he said. The man was the Midas of dirty talk. Everything that came out of his mouth was pure gold.

Spread your thighs wide for me. I’m gonna fuck you until my next thrust is the only thing keeping you sane.


I’m going to cram your tight pussy full over and over again,” he growled. “I’m going to fuck you until your ears ring. I’m going to bite you hard. Mark you. Ruin you.”

I know, right? Might I suggest keeping some ice on hand, and maybe a fan while you’re reading this? My ovaries were doing a pervy little happy dance throughout the entire book.

Jesus, baby.” He groaned loudly, shifted. “Been a while?”
Yes. “No. It’s just you…you’re…”
Brent sat up, putting his face right in front of hers.He bit her bottom lip and tugged. “I’m what?”
When she tried to kiss him, he dodged her mouth. “Say it. What am I?”
“Huge,” she whispered.
“That’s right.” His hands slipped up her back and gripped her shoulders. “And you’re going to take it.”

This series has become a guilty pleasure of mine. Whenever I’m in the mood for a super steamy romance with a sassy heroine,a sinfully sexy hero, lots of dirty talk, and a light but engaging plot, I know I can never go wrong with these books. They always hit JUST the right spot.
Now I am sitting on pins and needles in pervy anticipation of the broodingly quiet Matt to get his book. I can already tell it’s going to be a good one.
Now that is all the gushing you’ll be getting from this girl. Go make your ovaries happy and read this book. And I thank you.

Connect with Tessa Bailey

Giveaway

Want a chance to win an autographed copy of Tessa’s first two books Protecting What’s His & Officer Off Limits? It’s the first time they’ve ever been in print!
She’ll be giving away 3 sets. All you have to do is leave a comment below to enter.  Giveaway ends 12/1.  Limited to US residents only.
Increase your chances of winning by visiting the rest of the tour HERE
Copyright © 2015 · Dirty Girl Romance

%d bloggers like this: