Review: Bombshell by CD Reiss

May 9, 2017 by · Leave a Comment

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.”

 

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Review & Excerpt Tour: Arranged by Lexi Blake

May 5, 2017 by · Leave a Comment

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

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

May 2, 2017 by · Leave a Comment

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

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 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Review: Before I Ever Met You by Karina Halle

April 28, 2017 by · Leave a Comment

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.

 

AMAZON | B&N | iBOOKS

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.

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Review: Arranged by Lexi Blake

April 26, 2017 by · Leave a Comment

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

 

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.

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Geri’s Review: All You Need by Lorelei James

April 18, 2017 by · Leave a Comment

ALL YOU NEED
Series:  Need You #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Lorelei James
Release Date: April 4th 2017

A hockey romance burns up the ice in the third sexy Need You novel from the New York Times bestselling author of the Mastered Series and the Blacktop Cowboys® Series.


PR agent Annika Lund can spin any disaster into a win. But revamping the reputation of a notorious Swedish hockey player will take every trick in her arsenal, especially when his agent insists that convincing everyone he’s no longer a playboy is top priority. And that it requires a sham relationship—with Annika playing the part of loving girlfriend.

On fire in the rink and in the bedroom, Axl Hammerquist couldn’t care less about being anyone’s golden boy. So when his agent forces him to play nice with a new publicist, he takes satisfaction in being as much of a pain as possible.

But the more time he spends getting to know Annika, the more Axl starts to think that being Mr. Nice Guy might be worth it if it gets him the girl…

AMAZON | iBOOKS

I have a confession to make. When I started this book, I was sure I wasn’t going to like it.

One, the heroine, I felt, has no personality whatsoever. She’s too perfect for my taste. She has no flaws. She’s basically a walking, talking cliche: tall, gorgeous, rich, blonde heiress who has everything. I have nothing against blonde heiresses for heroines but Annika Lund just left me cold.

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Two, the book started off slow. Not only that it reads like any other sports romances out there. It’s not bad but the story didn’t stood out either.

Three, the hero was just okay. Again, he’s your typical NA-ish hockey romance hero. I didn’t find anything exciting about him even though I liked him better than the heroine.

Then 53% happened, and the story, the character just took off for me. The jokes that felt off at the beginning started to hit me and I found myself genuinely laughing at the banter between Annika and Axl.

“I’m happy I’m not Santa—the poor guy only comes once a year. And he limits himself to just good girls.”

Also, there’s this chemistry thing. It finally worked. I started rooting for these two characters to figure their shit out and have their HEA.

And oh, did I mention that the secondary characters, specifically Annika’s mom, Selka, was hilariously entertaining and entertaining? No? Well, they are. Selka especially. And the whole Lund clan had their own brand of crazy that I found entertaining. Same goes for Axl’s teammates and neighbors.

Then there’s that “big gesture” scene near the end that had me swooning. I admit, it might have been a bit cheesy but IT WORKED!! Big time. It just did.

So yeah. I ended up really enjoying this book. I’m glad I stuck with it otherwise I would have missed this gem:

“What’s a douchecanoe?”
“Worse than an asshat, but not as bad as a twatwaffle.”

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READ THE SERIES IN ORDER

WHAT YOU NEED | JUST WHAT I NEEDED | ALL YOU NEED

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Release Blitz, Review, & Author Q&A: The Player by @ KBrombergDriven

April 17, 2017 by · Leave a Comment

THE PLAYER
Series: The Player #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: K.Bromberg
Release Date: April 17, 2017

Baseball has never been sexier in an all-new novel by New York Times Bestselling Author, K. Bromberg.

Easton Wylder is baseball royalty. The game is his life. His passion. His everything.

So, when an injury threatens to end Easton’s season early, the team calls in renowned physical therapist, Doc Dalton, to oversee his recovery. Except it’s not Doc who greets Easton for his first session, but rather, his daughter, Scout. She may be feisty, athletic, defiant, and gorgeous, but Easton is left questioning whether she has what it takes to help him.

Scout Dalton’s out to prove a female can handle the pressure of running the physical therapy regimen of an MLB club. And that proof comes in the form of getting phenom Easton Wylder back on the field. But getting him healthy means being hands-on.

And with a man as irresistible as Easton, being hands-on can only lead to one thing, trouble. Because the more she touches him, the more she wants him, and she can’t want him. Not when it’s her job to maintain the club’s best interest, in regards to whether he’s ready to play.

But when sparks fly and fine lines are crossed, can they withstand the heat, or is one of them bound to get burned?

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AUTHOR Q & A

DGR: Who’d be your dream cast for Scout and Easton?

KB:You know, I don’t really muses when I write. Most of the time the character is in my head and I see him there. I rarely see an actor or an athlete in this case and think “That’s Easton!”

DGR: What was your favorite scene to write in The Player?

KB: There were so many… I’d have to say the second interaction between Scout and Easton… she lays down the law and he just watches her with a smirk and some serious admiration. And sexual attraction of course.
DGR: What was the hardest scene to write in The Player?
KB:The ending. You want it to be perfect. 
(The problem with my fav scene… is the excerpt has to be super long to make it make any sense… my apologies!)

I’m putting myself out on a limb for a woman who wants to run, when for the life of me, I’ve never been one to stay. But I’m not going anywhere.

K. Bromberg can do no wrong. With each book she writes, her masterful writing gets better and better. I have yet to meet a hero of hers that didn’t melt both my heart and my ovaries, and Easton Wylder is certainly no exception. The man is baseball royalty, sexy as sin, and currently out of the sport that he loves due to an injury.

He’s hard lines and tanned skin. He’s confidence with a half-cocked grin, and he’s desire restrained with the tense set of his shoulders.

Scout Dalton is the woman hired to be his physical therapist, and sparks fly between them right away. Expecting to see his old PT, Doc, Easton has a hard time believing the delicate beauty is who she claims to be. But Scout is also no delicate wallflower and puts him right in his place and straight on his back…for the therapy, of course. What were you all thinking? *evil grin*

Scout is a woman with secrets. She’s fully accepted that nothing good stays in her life and won’t allow herself to put her heart out there, not even for the sexy baseball god that’s determined to prove to her that he’s different. Can I just say how refreshingly nice it was to have a famous hero that wasn’t a playboy? This is a man that knew what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to go after it.

It’s going to be a bitch, isn’t it? To have to stretch me. Body to body. To have your hands on me. To have to watch me get hot and sweaty. To hear me groan when I lift weights and not remember that’s the same sound I made when I came. To rub me out—nice and slow. To be around me so much you’re sick of me, all the while denying there’s something here worth figuring out.”

I loved their mix of easy camaraderie, sexual tension, and banter. They practically crackled through the pages with their chemistry. I love a good slow burn and boy does K. Bromberg bring it with this couple. It was delicious.

We crash together in a torrent of lust and lips and tongues, where wants now become needs. Where greed becomes the game, and satisfying it becomes a by-all-means-necessary type of strategy. Where bodies mesh and meet and tease and pleasure.


Scout was stubborn and proud, almost to a fault. She’s determined to keep her secrets and her heart to herself. Her focus should be Easton’s rehab because it could mean a contract for the entire club, but her focus deviates more and more with each brick that he demolishes on the wall that she’s so carefully built around herself through the years.

This being book one of a duet you obviously get left wanting at the end, but you won’t find this girl complaining. It was perfectly paced and you get just the right amount of story to hook you and leave you salivating for the conclusion. But don’t go getting any ideas now, because Easton is ALL mine.


I want more. I’m going to take more. Right here. Right now. On this rural country road with fireflies outside the window and the scent of her everywhere.


New York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy, and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines, and damaged heroes who we love to hate and hate to love.

A mom of three, she plots her novels in between school runs and soccer practices, more often than not with her laptop in tow.

Since publishing her first book in 2013, K. has sold over one million copies of her books and has landed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists over twenty-five times.

In April, she’ll release The Player, the first in a two-book sports romance series (The Catch, book 2, will be released late June), with many more already outlined and ready to be written.

She loves to hear from her readers so make sure you check her out on social media or sign up for her newsletter to stay up to date on all her latest releases and sales: http://bit.ly/254MWtI

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New Release & Review: Hot Addiction by Lynn Raye Harris

April 11, 2017 by · Leave a Comment

HOT ADDICTION
Series: Hostile Operations Team #10
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Author: Lynn Raye Harris
Release Date: April 11, 2017

Tell Dex I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have let it go this far. I’ve thought for a while that marrying him wasn’t right, that I’m not the woman for him—I should have been brave enough to say so. He deserves more.

When Dex “Double Dee” Davidson was abandoned at the altar by the woman he loved, he threw himself into his military career, training hard enough to get accepted into the elite Black Ops unit known as HOT. The love he felt for Annabelle Quinn burned to ash in the face of her betrayal—so when she crashes back into his life and begs him to save her, he has no problem laughing in her face.

Blackmailed into jilting Dex and forced into an abusive marriage, Annabelle never thought she’d escape the hell of the last five years. But her husband died a month ago and she’s finally free. Except she isn’t. Someone claims that Eric stole a fortune—and they want it back. If she doesn’t return it within twenty-four hours, she’ll be dead—and so will her young daughter. With time running out, Annabelle has no one to turn to. No one except Dex.

When Dex learns that Annabelle’s husband committed treason against the US by selling a top secret military project to the Russians, he has no choice but to get involved. He’ll protect Annabelle and her child, and he’ll find out who’s threatening her. But he won’t fall for her intoxicating sensuality ever again. And if he discovers the secret she’s been hiding from him? It’ll be game over for good…

Another explosive, high-octane thrill-ride from New York Times bestselling author Lynn Raye Harris!

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She’d never felt so alone or so hopeless as she did right now. Dex had been her world once. Now he didn’t care if she lived or died.

It’s like Harris has the midas touch when it comes to romantic suspense; whatever she writes is pure gold. Hot Addiction couldn’t have a more appropriate name because it was the most addictive, high octane thrill ride that was just as entertaining as it was deliciously hot!

Being a sucker for a second chance romance (because ANGST), I downright salivated when I read the blurb to this one.

She’d felt like she’d loved him forever, and she’d never thought he would feel the same way she did. He’d been her best friend’s big brother, and he hadn’t looked at her twice- until suddenly he did. Her life hadn’t been the same after that.

Dex had been Annabelle’s entire world once. He was her best friend’s older brother, the love of her life, and the man she was going to marry…until she left him at the altar with nothing but a text to his sister. Dex has never forgiven Annabelle and he hasn’t been the same man since. Turning to the army and then becoming a HOT operative, he has no time for frivolous things like love anymore. He doesn’t even know if he believes in it. But when the woman from his past that he’s never forgotten shows up on his doorstep begging him for his help, he knows he’ll stop at nothing to protect her.

I said I was going to help you, and I will. I may not like you, but I’ll do everything to keep you safe.”

There was so much animosity and emotion between these two, you could cut the tension with a knife. Annabelle didn’t leave Dex of her own free will and Dex will never know the reasons why. Heck, they no longer matter five years later, because he won’t forgive her anyway. There’s too much water under that bridge and way too many secrets. But when Dex realizes just how much danger Belle is in, somehow the adrenaline and hatred begins to turn into something more. The feelings from the past resurface. But can Dex forgive her the betrayal of their past in order to get a future for them?

She got inside his head and churned his brains to mush. She also made him crazy with need.

I loved the angst between them. Theirs was a slow burn that was a delicious sizzle of need that eventually combusted into a raging storm of emotion and passion. I couldn’t turn the pages quick enough. No one writes suspense and action quite like Harris and man but she outdid herself here. Not to mention there’s a delicious little tidbit about the mysterious Colonel and his potential heroine that I gobbled up with a spoon! HOLY SET UP, BATMAN! SO. MUCH. NEED.

Hot Addiction was a perfect blend of romance and action. I loved watching Dex slowly unravel and realize his old feelings for Belle never left. They burned up the pages together. But now I’m actually shaking with need for the next book because OMG! That. Setup. Have I mentioned how much I need that book? BECAUSE NEED!

If you haven’t read this series yet, I HIGHLY recommend it. Each book can be read as a standalone, but would be better enjoyed if read in order.

Hot Addiction Giveaway

Make sure to head over to the Author’s LIKE page on Facebook.

She will be doing an amazing release day giveaway for all readers!

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Lynn Raye Harris is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the HOSTILE OPERATIONS TEAM SERIES of military romances as well as 20 books for Harlequin Presents. A former finalist for the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award and the National Readers Choice Award, Lynn lives in Alabama with her handsome former military husband, two crazy cats, and one spoiled American Saddlebred horse. Lynn’s books have been called “exceptional and emotional,” “intense,” and “sizzling.” Lynn’s books have sold over 3 million copies worldwide.

You can learn more at her website, www.LynnRayeHarris.com, or come and visit her at her Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorLynnRayeHarris. Lynn loves hearing from her readers! To sign up for Lynn’s newsletter–where you’ll be kept up to date about all of Lynn’s books–text the word HOTTIES to 66866 or go to http://lynnrayeharris.com/newsletter.

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Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: Hot For The Fireman by @Gina_L_Maxwell

April 11, 2017 by · 1 Comment

HOT FOR THE FIREMAN
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Boston Heat #1
Author: Gina L. Maxwell
Release Date: March 27, 2017

Ex-Army Ranger Erik Grady lives for the job. So when his chief at the Boston Fire Department offers him two choices—mandated therapy for supposed PTSD or a permanent desk job at the station, he reluctantly agrees to see a shrink. Only this doctor is unlike anything he expected. Female and curved in all the right places? Check. Hotter than a four-alarm fire? Check. The kind of woman that can heat his blood in and out of bed? Check, check. And oh, yeah, he just happens to have first hand experience…

Of all the men to walk into psychologist Olivia Jones’ office, why did it have to be him? Her one-night stand isn’t playing by the rules of just. One. Night. She’s had her heart broken in the past, and no way is she going there again. And now he’s blackmailing her into three dates? Well, if that’s what it takes to make him see a different therapist, fine. She can handle it. So what if the chemistry between them is combustible? She’s a professional, damn it. She’ll date Mr. I’m Too Sexy For My Bunker Pants. But it won’t end in the fun he expects.

It’s time to see how much heat this fireman can take…

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Leaning a shoulder against the doorway, thumbs hooked in his front pockets and one ankle crossed over the other, Olivia’s worst nightmare and favorite fantasy leveled her with his penetrating stare and wicked grin. “What’s up, Doc?”

I feel like this book needs to come with a warning label. It’s a damn fire hazard is what it is…to your ovaries. Luckily Lieutenant Erik Grady comes equipped with a big fire hose to take care of any…um…sudden combustions. *waggles brows*

But seriously, though. Hot dang! Looks like I got myself a brand new series to stalk from one of my favorite authors, and it has sexy as sin firefighters with Boston accents. Excited is an understatement here! But let’s talk about the book, shall we?

She might as well hand over her body on a silver platter. What was wrong with her? It was like the man shorted out the power to her control center every time he got near. He was like the fricking Vagina Whisperer.

Erik Grady’s wounds from his ex-army ranger days aren’t just surface deep. When his severe PTSD begins to give him panic attacks on his job as a firefighter, he reluctantly agrees to see therapist. If only for the purpose of checking off the box and getting back to work with men he considers his brothers. What he doesn’t expect is the woman sitting behind the desk to be the one that he shared one incredibly hot night with and who left his bed before morning with no note or a way to reach her.

His eyes spoke a truth. That he could have her anytime and anyplace he wanted, that the freedom he’d afforded her thus far was a kindness he didn’t have to give. Because with nothing more than a look—this look—and a gruff command, Olivia would happily give herself over to him.

Olivia isn’t a stranger to heartbreak. Finally ready to get herself out into the dating scene after two years, she’s almost given up hope with her dates from hell. She never expected a stranger to stir her blood hotter than she’s felt in years, but it can’t be more than a night…until the stranger turns out in her office as her brand new PTSD patient.

Erik isn’t about to let the sexy doctor out of his sight again, and he’s not above playing dirty to get her to agree. A bet gets him three dates, but those dates soon turn into something much deeper for them both.

Trust me.”
Her brows drew together. “With?”
His gaze lowered to her succulent mouth, a hundred images of what he could do it flashing through his mind. “Your pleasure,” he said gruffly. “I’m going to set your body on fire with sex so carnal and electric it makes you feel alive. I’ll use my mouth, my hands, and my cock to fuck your tight little body just as my words will fuck your mind.”

Even though these two hopped into bed together less than 15% into the book, the sexual tension between them never diminished. I typically like my books with a good sexual sizzle and burn, and I was surprised on how much of it was delivered here. I adored Erik and Olivia together. Erik went after her with single minded intent and I loved watching him break down all her walls. I also loved the way that Olivia was there for him and helped him with the demons of his past. Erik’s PTSD was no laughing matter, and it wasn’t brushed under the rug. You really get to see him struggle and deal with it. I seriously adored Olivia’s silent strength in helping him though it.

And while I loved Erik and Olivia, there was one other couple that totally stole the show for me at a point and holy crap but I need their story. That set up? Beyond delicious. I loved the secondary characters introduced in the form of Erik’s firefighter buddies and can’t wait for their stories either.

As for this one? It was one sizzling and entertaining read, full of humor and steam that I enjoyed from beginning to finish!

You’d better hold on, gorgeous. This is going to be a bumpy fucking ride.”


Gina L. Maxwell is a full-time writer, wife, and mother living in the upper Midwest, despite her scathing hatred of snow and cold weather. An avid romance novel addict, she began writing as an alternate way of enjoying the romance stories she loves to read. Her debut novel, Seducing Cinderella, hit both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists in less than four weeks, and she’s been living her newfound dream ever since.

When she’s not reading or writing steamy romance novels, she spends her time losing at Scrabble (and every other game) to her high school sweetheart, doing her best to hang out with their teenagers before they fly the coop, and dreaming about her move to sunny Florida once they do.

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Blog Tour & Review: Say I’m Yours by Corinne Michaels

March 31, 2017 by · Leave a Comment

SAY I’M YOURS
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Corrine Michaels
Publication Date: March 27th, 2017

From New York Times Bestseller, Corinne Michaels, comes a new second chance standalone romance.

I spent twenty years waiting for Trent Hennington to open his eyes and see me. But it was all for nothing. He chose to keep himself guarded and let me walk away, proving that my time and efforts were wasted.

I’m done being invisible.
It’s time to move on.

A single dance sets my new reality into motion, and I welcome it. After all, Cooper Townsend is perfect. He’s kind, sexy, and attentive—everything a girl could want.

I thought I got it right this time.
That my heart could mend, and I would be happy.
Apparently, some things really are just too hard to walk away from.

 

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Say you’re mine.”

“I’ve only ever been yours.”

I’ve been waiting for Trent and Gracie’s story. I knew going in that their story is going to be angsty, so I already prepared myself for the onslaught of angst coming my way. And it worked…for the most part.

But this book is so much more than just angst because this book is also about friendship, family, and loyalty. There is a lot of heart in this book.

Gracie and Trent…two people who clearly love each other but can’t seem to stay together. All throughout this series, we see Trent pulling and pushing Gracie away. It was painful to watch. I didn’t understand. I thought Trent was a jerk for doing it not just once but many, many times at that the end of Say You Want Me I was down for Gracie moving on with Cooper.

You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. You’re my heart and my soul. I never want to spend a day without you.”

Now love triangle is my least favorite trope. I avoid it like a plague but in this case, I was willing to give it a go because I really feel that Cooper is a serious contender. And I don’t mind if Gracie would chose to be with him because he’s also a great guy. But a few pages in, it becomes increasingly clear who owns Gracie’s heart and soul.

I loved Gracie. Usually, heroines caught between two men annoy the heck out of me but Gracie was the exception. She was a class act. She didn’t play with Cooper’s or Trent’s heart. And these two men gave it all they’ve got to win her but I felt that part of why I liked Gracie so much was that she chose herself first.

We kiss, and all the reasons I was telling myself about why I shouldn’t do this disappear.”

Trent Harrington was an enigma to me. At first I thought he was just this happy-go-lucky guy who constantly plays with Gracie’s emotions. I hated him…then I loved him…then I cried for him. Something happened in the second half of the book that I didn’t see coming but should have because Corinne Michaels were dropping clues here and there throughout the book. But it was so subtle that I clapped when she revealed the plot twist. Well played.

So overall this book had everything: all the feels, sexy times, angst, and jaw-dropping plot twist that actually made sense. Don’t let the love triangle scare you. Say I’m Yours is a fantastic emotional romance that would tug at your heartstrings and make you fall in love with the people of Belle Buckle all over again.

Corinne Michaels is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author of The Salvation Series (Beloved, Beholden, Consolation, Conviction & Defenseless), Say You’ll Stay, Say You Want Me, and Say I’m Yours. She’s an emotional, witty, sarcastic, and fun loving mom of two beautiful children. Corinne is happily married to the man of her dreams and is a former Navy wife. After spending months away from her husband while he was deployed, reading and writing was her escape from the loneliness.

Both her maternal and paternal grandmothers were librarians, which only intensified her love of reading. After years of writing short stories, she couldn’t ignore the call to finish her debut novel, Beloved. Her alpha heroes are broken, beautiful, and will steal your heart.

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