Jennifer’s Review: Nothing But Wild by @PDanAuthor

NOTHING BUT WILD
Series: Malibu University #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: P. Dangelico
Release Date: December 15, 2019

Dallas Van Zant.

Water polo god.

Shameless flirt.

Beautiful disaster in the most literal sense of that label.

Trust me, it’s not hyperbole. He’s in big trouble with the law.

What does this have to do with me, you ask? Unfortunately, a lot. For some reason, which I still can’t quite wrap my brain around, I’ve been talked into driving him around as part of his plea deal.

Problem is, he makes me nervous. I’m not good with people, men in particular, popular athletes especially. I’ve worked really hard to get my disability under control and one minute in his company and all my hard work flies out the window.

To top it all off, I promised myself that I was going to make some serious changes this year. I’m tired of feeling awkward around boys. I’m tired of never having had a boyfriend. I’m tired of being lonely. And he’s wrecking my plans.

But I’m also not the type to turn away a person in need. So I’ll do what I must to help him out.

I’ll just pretend that I’m not enjoying his company. And I’ll ignore the fact that he’s sweet and funny. And I’ll tell myself every day that he’s out of my league.

Because I’m as inexperienced as they come. And Dallas Van Zant is nothing but wild.

AMAZON | iBOOKS | KOBO | B&N

Dora“What d-do you t-think you’re doing?”

“Watching out for you.”

“Hardly, y-you’re trying to r-ruin my good time!” I shout over the music. Taking my arm, he tugs me away, off the dance floor, and leads me to the wall on the far side where it’s only slightly quieter.

Leaning a shoulder against the wall, he crosses his arms and the t-shirt he’s wearing pulls tight, showcasing the complex network of muscles and veins of his arms. Thirsty. I’m very thirsty all of a sudden.

Next, his blue gaze goes soft and sensual. If he thinks I’m going to capitulate that easily, he’s seriously delusional.

“I have a deal for you.”

Not what I was expecting but whatever. “I d-don’t n-need a deal.”

“You don’t know what the deal is. How could you know you don’t need it?”

“Because I d-don’t n-need or want anything from you.”

“Well that’s not very fair. You haven’t even heard my proposal yet. How do you know you don’t want something you don’t know?”

“You’re not going to l-leave me alone tonight, are you?”

“Not until you hear what I have to say.”

“Fine. G-G-Get on with it so I c-can get back to dancing.”

“Let me be your wingman.”

I’m speechless. For the first time in my life I am legit speechless. One minute of silence passes. Two minutes pass. “I d-don’t get it…”

“You’re giving me rides to the shelter.” He shrugs like all this makes perfect sense. “In return, I’ll be your wingman.”

“My wingman?” I repeat. I don’t know if I should laugh. I mean, he’s funny. This proposal is hilarious. The scary thing is, I think he’s serious.

“You still working on that list? How many do you have left?” I say nothing. I admit nothing. “Huh…” He studies my face. “I take it that means all of them.”

“I g-got a makeover, didn’t I? And the Ferris wheel. I got that one d-done––” I snipe defensively. Yeah, I’m losing this argument or whatever you call this, this negotiation.

Reaching out, he takes a piece of my hair and tugs. “You look beautiful,” he says without missing a beat. “I like the makeover.”

Wait…did he just throw it out there that he thinks I’m beautiful? And I’m supposed to roll with it like the plate tectonics of the planet haven’t just shifted? What kind of game is he playing?

“What kinda g-game are you playing?”

He looks momentarily confused. “No game.” He leans in for a closer look, eyes narrowed. “Are you drunk?”

“No!”

“Then I’ll repeat myself because you’re hard of hearing tonight. I wanna help you.”

“You w-want to h-help me with m-my list…are you drunk?”

“You wanna be bad, right? I know bad.” He proudly pats his chest. “I’m the king of bad. All I’m sayin’ is––that’s my department. Let me help you be bad.”

I giggle because, dear me, he is serious.

He leans in, his mouth inches from my ear, and murmurs, “Say yes, Dora. I know you want to.” The silky purr slides over my skin, pebbles my nipples, and makes me shiver. Then he looks into my eyes and smiles. And that look, that devil-may-care look, seals the deal.

What do I have to lose? Except possibly my heart. But I’ve already tried it the safe way and it hasn’t worked in my favor. That’s why I throw caution to the wind.

“Okay…you’re on.”

“Good.” He takes my wrist and leads me away again.

“W-Where are we going?”

“To dance.”

And irrepressible smile grows on my face. I. Am. In. Trouble.

JENNIFER’S REVIEW

Me before reading this book: Wtf is water polo?
Me after reading this book: Water polo is the best sport in the whole world! Give me all the water polo God-like creatures!


Dallas.

Dallas Van Zant is the playboy we all love. And as usual, there are things underneath that he doesn’t let many people see. But he does SEE Dora. He sees the sexy girl in the corner, even though she is shy and curvy.

Dora.

There is nothing better than reading a heroine that I can relate to. I love the shy, stuttering Dora who loves Dallas from a distance. I love that her body is curvy and real.


Don’t get me wrong. I love a good insta-love, but I love that Dallas and Dora’s love built slowly. They became friends first. Sometimes it’s hard to believe when a playboy suddenly turns into a magical unicorn and stops sleeping with all the women, but I actually believed it when Dallas started falling for Dora. I love that the story is low-drama. It’s simple. It’s easy. It’s perfect.

This book has swoons coming out of its wavy pages. I knew I would love it because it’s written by P. Dangelico. Everything she writes is worth it.
Dangelico loves romance in all forms, cuddly creatures (four legged and two), really bloody sexy pulp, the NY Jets (although she’s reconsidering after this season), and to while away the day at the barn (apparently she does her best thinking shoveling horse crap). What she’s not enamored with is referring to herself in the third person and social media so don’t expect her to get on Twitter anytime soon. Oh, and although she was born in Italy, she’s been Jersey Strong since she turned six.

Connect with P. Dangelico:

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#DGRFave & Jenn’s Review: Debase by Rachel Van Dyken

DEBASE
Series:
Elite Bratva Brotherhood #1
Genre:
Contemporary Romance, Dark
Author:
Rachel Van Dyken
Release Date:
April 30, 2019

Debase, the final book in the Eagle Elite Series and the first new book in the Elite Bratva Brotherhood by #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Rachel Van Dyken.

With blood on my hands, I held her.

With death in my soul, I took from her.

With the devil in my heart, I coveted her.

There are many definitions of Hell.

My list was exhaustive, my definitions tragic.

Tonight I was adding something new to the very top.

Girl number six thirty-two.

She arrived on my birthday, the same day, every year, I play Russian Roulette and pull the trigger.

She was my omen.

My end game.

She made it personal.

And for the first time in my life, I gave in.

A virgin mob boss with no soul.

My name is Andrei Petrov.

They call me the devil.

All I want is for the pain to end.

All she wants is for me to share it.

I am the last remaining heir to a dynasty that should burn in Hell.

And my last wish remains for it to die with me.

AMAZON | NOOK | iBOOKS | KOBO | SMASHWORDS

I slid my tongue into her mouth. I tasted, I took, I was greedy with each kiss. With blood on my hands, I held her. With death in my soul, I drank from her.

With the devil in my heart, I coveted her.

I wanted closer.

More.

My gloves felt too hot for my hands.

My hands too big to contain the weeping leather as I pulled away from Alice and stared into her big blue eyes.

“You don’t want this,” I whispered.

She bit down on her swollen lip and reached for me, I stood still as her warm hands touched both of my cheeks. “Lie.”

I let out a hiss of air at her touch. “Walk. Away.”

“Kiss me again.”

“I can’t do that.” I needed to stop doing that.

“Can’t or won’t?”

I told myself one more kiss, one more touch. I told myself it would be okay, that I was still in control.

That I was above this.

That no woman had ever owned me.

No woman had ever taken everything.

My chest heaved as I stared at her mouth, unable to move, completely rooted to the floor.

Alice moved her hands to my jeans and slowly unbuttoned them. I didn’t stop her, I needed to fucking stop her, but it was like I’d drank this paralyzing poison from her lips and couldn’t function, could only watch her as my soul floated above my body, mocking my inaction, telling me that this would be the end of me.

The very end.

Letting her in.

Keeping her there.

I would give her everything.

And then I would lose control.

Lose my mind.

Lose my heart.

I would lose.

So would she.

“Alice…” My voice cracked. “I wish…” Her hands stilled on my jeans like she was ready to pull them down. “I can’t. I wish I could. I can’t.”

How could she possibly understand?

How could I explain the gut-wrenching fear of looking in the mirror and knowing that one choice kept me sane. One choice.

And that was sex.

He’d made that choice.

I wouldn’t.

I couldn’t.

I couldn’t trust myself, couldn’t trust it wouldn’t happen to me too, and hurt someone like her.

Someone so very… perfect.

Without blinking, Alice gripped my jeans, indecision etched on every pretty part of her face.

She was beautiful.

So damn beautiful.

I gripped her wrists with my hands and pulled them away from the very real temptation of getting completely naked and sinking into her, feeling her clench around me, her tight heat.

Shit.

I pulled her into my arms, and she rested her head on my shoulder. Just because I couldn’t let her touch me, couldn’t cross that line, didn’t mean I couldn’t make her happy, I would kill to watch her face in the throes of multiple orgasms.

I quickly gripped her by the hips and put her up on the cold granite countertop.

“Andrei what are you doing?” She looked down at me uncertainty in her blue eyes.

I moved my hands to her ass and pulled down the black leggings she’d been wearing, all the way down to her ankles, right along with a pair of lacy underwear that were bright pink, and perfect.

“Andrei?”

“Yes?”

“Seriously, what are you doing?”

I gripped her knees with my hands and then spread them wide. “What’s it look like I’m doing?” I smirked. “I’m feasting.”

Her eyes widened.

Never underestimate a virgin with an extremely vivid imagination and heightened sexual appetite.

I wasn’t a fucking monk.

I would like to think I knew more than most men, because I’d seen it all, watched it, inadvertently studied it.

If someone gave me a diagram of a woman, I could point out over twenty-two ways to get her off — with my tongue, a feather, my fingers, take your pick.

“You don’t have to—” She let out a gasp, gripping the edge of the granite, turning her hands white.

I chuckled darkly against her right thigh and bit. “I’m sorry, what was that? I don’t have to?”

“I’ve never, nobody has ever… done. This.”

“Tell me,” I asked gently before I dipped my tongue inside her and flicked.

Her entire body jerked.

“Tell me he never touched you like this, tell me nobody has ever touched you like this.”

“Never,” she rasped. “You.” That word was like a gunshot going off in my soul. “Only you, Andrei.”

“Me.” I flicked my tongue again, and gripped her by the ass, pulling her almost completely off the counter while I sat beneath her and sucked her off in the most primitive aggressive way I knew how.

With every ounce of energy I had in my physical body.

With my soul.

I used every weapon in my arsenal.

632 stars!!

Bear with me because this is series is hard to review without spoiling, but I promise no spoilers!

Dark. Twisted. Raw. And yet….Funny. How am I laughing during all this darkness? Because Rachel Van Dyken creates these terrible yet…loveable characters who embrace their darkness and just lie in it. I adore the banter between these guys from all of the previous books. I could read an entire book (or text message chain) of just these guys talking to each other!! Rachel takes all of her characters with her in this series, so we can follow them and always get more of each couple/character. Because I ALWAYS WANT MORE!!


Andrei. The tortured anti-hero. Well, and the anti-hero who also like to torture. Torture is his specialty. Andrei’s history is dark and unthinkable, but he is trying to come out of that darkness. Unfortunately, he has to endure it until he can be free of it completely. He has a plan to be free, but one girl is getting in his way, in his mind….and in his pants. Andrei is constantly wearing a mask, hiding who he really is and his scars. He doesn’t allow himself to trust others easily.

There is a clear comparison between Phoenix and Andrei. As a lover of everything Phoenix (He’s mine!), I quickly became obsessed with Andrei as well. They have a similar past, and Phoenix helps Andrei in his own twisted way, helping Andrei find some light in all of the darkness.


Alice. I love the heroine in this book. Much like the previous heroines, Alice is a strong woman. But unlike the previous heroines, she isn’t jaded. She has been through the unthinkable and struggles trusting people, especially men. But this doesn’t stop her from seeing the (potential) good in Andrei. Of course, Andrei is always pushing her away because he doesn’t want to taint her in any way, but he can only resist for so long. Andrei ends up having to protect her and the rest is for you to read and find out what happens. ?

This is technically a spin-off of the Eagle Elite series, so I am uber excited about where she is going with this spin-off!! BUT I would definitely recommend reading the previous series because ALL of the characters are included in this book. I love the multiple points of views because there is always something happening, and she keeps you guessing the whole time!

Blood in. No out.

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

Connect with Rachel:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelVanDyken
Website: http://rachelvandykenauthor.com
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/RVDNewsletter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachvd
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachVD
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2cNVwL9
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/RVDGR
Rachel’s Rockin’ Readers: http://bit.ly/RachelsRockinReaders

Jenn’s Review: Disturbing His Peace by Tessa Bailey

DISTURBING HIS PEACE
Series: The Academy #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Tessa Bailey
Release Date: April 24, 2018

She’s got probable cause to make her move . . .

Danika Silva can’t stand Lt. Greer Burns. Her roommate’s older brother may be sexy as hell, but he’s also a cold, unfeeling robot. She just wants to graduate and forget about her scowling superior. But when a dangerous mistake lands Danika on probation—under Greer’s watch—she’s forced to interact with the big, hulking jerk. Call him daily to check in? Done. Ride shotgun in his cruiser every night? Done. Try not to climb into his giant, muscular lap and kiss him? Umm…

Greer doesn’t let anything—or anyone—distract him from the job. Except lately, all he can think about is Danika. He’s wanted the beautiful, cocky recruit since the moment he saw her. But she’s reckless and unpredictable, and Greer is painfully aware of what can happen when an officer doesn’t follow the rules. Probation seemed like a good idea, but now Danika’s scent is in his car and he’s replayed her voicemails twenty times. Christ, he’s a goner.

Danika’s melting Greer’s stone-cold exterior one ride-along at a time. Being together could have serious consequences… but breaking a few rules never hurt anybody, right?

AMAZON

I’ve been dying for Greer’s book from the moment I opened the first book in this series, Disorderly Conduct. Of course, I will read Tessa’s grocery lists, so I’m a little biased.


Greer is grumpilicious, which I just made up to mean grumpy and grouchy and growly…..and delicious! This is my favorite type of hero. Greer is the lieutenant in charge of training the up-and-coming officers in the police academy. He is straight-edge and doesn’t give an inch when training. But Greer has been hurt and lost too many people in his past. In his mind, everyone leaves, so he doesn’t get attached to anyone. His kind of brokenness is not for Danika.

Danika is the heroine who helps everyone. She is the glue that keeps everything and everyone together. If any family or friend needs her, she will bend over backwards to help. Which is why she is in the police academy because it is in her blood to automatically help people. Her and Greer are automatically drawn to each other. This also means that no one is there to help her, which is why Greer is perfect for me….I mean her. Danika gets in trouble, and Greer puts her on probation….and punishment is needed. I’d like Greer to punish me a little bit. Too much?

I have 2 words for you, Tessa. Elvis. Stamps. Because this part made me swoon 3 ways to Sunday!!

Tessa, you little sneaky dog, you. I see what you did. I’m not going to spoil it for anyone, but the bedroomness is yu…mmy. Danika needs to give up…control…in the bedroom, if you know what I mean. Yep, you know what I’m talkin’ about.

And I can’t do a Tessa review without mentioning The Dirty Talk….because if you don’t know already, Tessa Baily is the Queen of The DT!


THE SERIES

DISORDERLY CONDUCT | INDECENT EXPOSURE | DISTURBING HIS PEACE

Jenn’s Review: The End Zone by LJ Shen

THE END ZONE
Genre: New Adult Romance, Contemporary
Author: LJ Shen
Release Date: April 3, 2018

Jolie Louis is a smart girl.

She knows that her best friend, Sage Poirier, is a bad idea.

He’s a walking, talking cliché. The Adonis quarterback with the bulging biceps and harem of fangirls trailing behind him on campus like a stench you can’t get rid of.

Sadly, it is also the very reason she can’t seem to stay away from him.

No, wait. That’s not fair. They’re also roommates, at least until May, when they graduate from college.

Jolie is already straddling the line between friendship and more when Sage comes to her with an offer she cannot refuse: be his fake girlfriend and live for free for the rest of the semester.

She tells herself that she can handle it.

He’s just the boy she saved ten years ago, right?

Wrong. So very wrong.

He is a man now, and she is his captive

Heart, body, and soul…

** THE END ZONE is now available with an extended epilogue and surprise bonus content that will blow fans of L. J. Shen away! **

Download now or read today FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

AMAZON | AUDIO

Excerpt from the Vicious extended epilogue:

Emilia

Kneel.”

There’s menace in this voice, and I grew to love the man who carries it like a loaded weapon. Every word is a sharp edge of a knife, sinking into my skin.

Kneel.

Sit.

Open your mouth.

Touch yourself.

Repeat after me: Vicious, I’m yours.

Most married couples fall into a blissful, albeit drowsy domestic routine of laundry, family dinners, and Netflix.

Most married couples are not Vicious and me.

We were different from the beginning. A yin and a yang, fighting over which color took more space, black or pink. We started out as enemies, and I think that, although we are still crazy in love, we will always be rivals on some level. We will always be passionate, and angry, and desperate.

We will always be us.

I’m sorry, I don’t take orders from people who aren’t my boss,” I say coolly, dropping my funky, colorful bag at the door and erasing the distance between us in wide, confident steps. He is standing in front of me, his Armani suit impeccable, his raven hair slicked back, his icicle blue eyes devouring me in ways that make being eaten alive worth it. He scans the length of me, a slight sneer on his face. I’m still me, even so many years later. The tips of my light brown hair are still cherry-blossom pink. The soles of my shoes are yellow, for Christ’s sake.

That could be arranged, if you continue your sass.”

How is that going to work, Vicious? Are you going to re-employ me against my will?” For the past eighteen years, I’ve been managing my own gallery in L.A. A gallery he bought for me shortly before our engagement. I have a career, an income of my own. Truth is, he gave me a push, but the entire journey to where I am today was made by me, and only me, and he knows it.

He cups my cheek, yanks me by the hem of my funky powder blue blouse with little suns into his body and leans down for a kiss. Our lips brush briefly, promising scattered clothes and ragged breaths, just as the door swings open and our son walks in. He slams the door behind him, his eyes still intently glued to his phone.

Vaughn is a spitting image of his dad. So much so, that sometimes it scares me.

At sixteen, he has the walk, talk, and air of Vicious when the latter was a senior in high school. Rangy, strong body, thick-fringed blue eyes, skin so fair he looks like he defies the sun, and cheekbones you could use as a sharp weapon. More than anything, he has that uniquely-pissed facial expression that tells you that he just doesn’t care.

Not about your problems.

Not about your feelings.

And certainly not about what you think about him.

You wanna know what this book is about?

This book is about L.J. Shen making the Douchebag-Man-Whore her bitch.

This book is exactly why I love L.J. Shen. Like Sara Ney, L.J.Shen can make me hate/love the douchebag.
Sage is a Grade-A Douchebag-Man-Whore. He is the college quarterback, soon to be drafted, and can get anything he wants, including women. After a recent incident, he is lusting after his roommate, Jolie. He has never felt anything for her before now. Sage and Jolie have been best friends since they were kids. Jolie has been in lurrrrve with Sage since then as well, but OF COURSE he doesn’t know it, and OF COURSE he is a Douchebag-Man-Whore. There is no way she is going to put herself out there only to get hurt and lose her best friend in the process.

I love love love the fake relationship stories, and that is exactly what happens. Sage convinces Jo Jo to be his fake girlfriend, and it quickly escalates into something more. Were there a couple of predictable cliché moments? You betcha. Did I care? Not one bit. I read this book in one sitting and enjoyed every second.

I loved this short by L.J. Shen. I wish it was a full book, and those are the best kind of novellas.

L.J. Shen is an International #1 best-selling author of Contemporary Romance and New Adult novels. She lives in Northern California with her husband, young son and chubby cat.

Before she’d settled down, L.J. (who thinks referring to herself in the third person is really silly, by the way) traveled the world, and collected friends from all across the globe. Friends who’d be happy to report that she is a rubbish companion, always forgets people’s birthdays and never sends Christmas cards.

She enjoys the simple things in life, like spending time with her family and friends, reading, HBO, Netflix and internet-stalking Stephen James. She reads between three to five books a week and firmly believes Crocs shoes and mullets should be outlawed.

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Blog Tour, 5 Star Review & Giveaway: Say You’ll Remember Me by @katiemcgarry

SAY YOU’LL REMEMBER ME
Genre: Young Adult
Author: Katie McGarry
Release Date: January 30, 2018

“Doesn’t matter who did it. Not anymore. I did the time. It’s over.”

When Drix was convicted of a crime–one he didn’t commit–he thought his life was over. But opportunity came with the Second Chance Program, the governor’s newest pet project to get delinquents off the streets, rehabilitated and back into society. Drix knows this is his chance to get his life back on track, even if it means being paraded in front of reporters for a while.

Elle knows she lives a life of privilege. As the governor’s daughter, she can open doors with her name alone. But the expectations and pressure to be someone she isn’t may be too much to handle. She wants to follow her own path, whatever that means.

When Drix and Elle meet, their connection is immediate, but so are their problems. Drix is not the type of boy Elle’s parents have in mind for her, and Elle is not the kind of girl who can understand Drix’s messy life.

But sometimes love can breach all barriers.

Fighting against a society that can’t imagine them together, Drix and Elle must push themselves–Drix to confront the truth of the robbery, and Elle to assert her independence–and each other to finally get what they deserve.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Google Play | B-A-M | Kobo

Order SAY YOU’LL REMEMBER ME, register and you will receive AND THEY ALL LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER, a novella that features your favorite Pushing the Limits and Thunder Road characters!

From the Pushing the Limits series, Noah, Beth, Isaiah, West and Logan are all grown up. Catch up with your favorite characters as one of them finally says, I do.

Pigpen, Eli and Addison from the Thunder Road series: Three separate personalities who still needed to find love…and still had someone important to meet.

This is a limited time offer! So hurry! Registration ends on February 3, 2018! You must register your order to receive AND THEY ALL LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER.

https://a.pgtb.me/4tLZSM


Katie McGarry has my number. I don’t even like books with musicians….like I steer clear of them because I can’t think of one that I loved. I had no idea that one of characters was going to be a musician, but of course if there was a musician I would love, it would be one that Katie wrote.

à la Mode St. » fashionFeel the beat in my blood, the rhythm in my heart, the music filling an empty soul.

à la Mode St. » fashionDrix just got out of his special juvenile detention program. I love that mystery that we don’t really know what happened for part of the book. He was included in a special trial program that the governor is pushing for to help juveniles from getting caught in the system. It just so happens that the governor’s daughter is Elle. A relationship that is forbidden. He thinks she is out of his league, and I just love a bad boy who thinks he is too bad for the girl. Mmmmm. Yum.

à la Mode St. » fashion

I’m just a girl on a midway, he’s just a boy on a midway, and not everything has to end like a daydream.

à la Mode St. » fashionWhat is so different about this story is that we don’t experience Drix before he went to juvie. I think I would have loved to read that part of his life. But it was so unique how we just saw the new Drix because this is the Drix that is now.

Drix is struggling to stay on the straight and narrow. While Elle wants to burst out from the cage of her life and do something dangerous and risky. These two are going in completely opposite directions, and yet they seem to find each other in the middle. Drix and Elle are just perfect for each other. Each scene with these two I was grinning and giggling. They were so cute and hot.

What I love about Katie McGarry books is that she always seems to find that perfect grey area between good and bad. He’s not bad. He’s not entirely good either. He’s not really sure what he is. These are people trying to find the balance between who everyone expects them to be, who they are now, and who they want to be in the future. And I think this is something that not only teenagers struggle with but adults as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Katie McGarry was a teenager during the age of grunge and boy bands and remembers those years as the best and worst of her life. She is a lover of music, happy endings, reality television, and is a secret University of Kentucky basketball fan.

Katie is the author of full length YA novels, PUSHING THE LIMITS, DARE YOU TO, CRASH INTO YOU, TAKE ME ON, BREAKING THE RULES, and NOWHERE BUT HERE and the e-novellas, CROSSING THE LINE and RED AT NIGHT. Her debut YA novel, PUSHING THE LIMITS was a 2012 Goodreads Choice Finalist for YA Fiction, a RT Magazine’s 2012 Reviewer’s Choice Awards Nominee for Young Adult Contemporary Novel, a double Rita Finalist, and a 2013 YALSA Top Ten Teen Pick. DARE YOU TO was also a Goodreads Choice Finalist for YA Fiction and won RT Magazine’s Reviewer’s Choice Best Book Award for Young Adult Contemporary fiction in 2013.

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Blog Tour & Review of Team Player Anthology

SBPR-BLT.jpgTEAM PLAYER
Genre: Sports Romance
Authors: LJ Shen, Emma Scott, Kate Stewart, Meghan Quinn
Release Date: December 14, 2017

 Hot jocks. We love them all.

Sexy baseball players. Intense footballers. Sweaty MMA fighters, and sizzling hockey hotties. Score!

The good news? Eleven bestselling authors have gathered to give you a set of stories focused on the men we love most—sports heroes.

We bet you’ll love this thick…book.

The bad news? The men in these novellas don’t actually exist.

*This anthology does not contain calories, just eleven original, never-before-seen stories by the following authors: Adriana Locke, Mandi Beck, Charleigh Rose, Kennedy Ryan, LJ Shen, Meghan Quinn, Rochelle Paige, Ella Fox, Kate Stewart, Emma Scott, and Sara Ney. We aren’t responsible for melted devices.

AMAZON US | AMAZON INTERNATIONAL

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4 Douchebag-Man-Whore Stars!! (Review of The End Zone by L.J. Shen)

You wanna know what this book is about?

This book is about L.J. Shen making the Douchebag-Man-Whore her bitch.

This book is exactly why I love L.J. Shen. Like Sara Ney, L.J.Shen can make me hate/love the douchebag.

Sage is a Grade-A Douchebag-Man-Whore. He is the college quarterback, soon to be drafted, and can get anything he wants, including women. After a recent incident, he is lusting after his roommate, Jolie. He has never felt anything for her before now. Sage and Jolie have been best friends since they were kids. Jolie has been in lurrrrve with Sage since then as well, but OF COURSE he doesn’t know it, and OF COURSE he is a Douchebag-Man-Whore. There is no way she is going to put herself out there only to get hurt and lose her best friend in the process.

I love love love the fake relationship stories, and that is exactly what happens. Sage convinces Jo Jo to be his fake girlfriend, and it quickly escalates into something more. Were there a couple of predictable cliché moments? You betcha. Did I care? Not one bit. I read this book in one sitting and enjoyed every second.

I loved this short by L.J. Shen. I wish it was a full book, and those are the best kind of novellas.

LJ Shen

L.J. Shen is an International #1 best-selling author of Contemporary Romance and New Adult novels. She lives in Northern California with her husband, young son and chubby cat.

Before she’d settled down, L.J. (who thinks referring to herself in the third person is really silly, by the way) traveled the world, and collected friends from all across the globe. Friends who’d be happy to report that she is a rubbish companion, always forgets people’s birthdays and never sends Christmas cards.

She enjoys the simple things in life, like spending time with her family and friends, reading, HBO, Netflix and internet-stalking Stephen James. She reads between three to five books a week and firmly believes Crocs shoes and mullets should be outlawed.

Connect with LJ Shen

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM

Kennedy Ryan:

Kennedy Ryan is a Southern girl gone Southern California. A Top 100 Amazon Bestseller, Kennedy writes romance about remarkable women who find a way to thrive even in tough times, the love they find, and the men who cherish them.

She is a wife to her lifetime lover and mother to an extraordinary son. She has always leveraged her journalism background to write for charity and non-profit organizations, but enjoys writing to raise Autism awareness most. A contributor for Modern Mom Magazine, Kennedy’s writings have appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul, USA Today and many others. The founder and executive director of a foundation serving Georgia families living with Autism, Kennedy has appeared on Headline News, Montel Williams, NPR and other outlets as a voice for families living with autism.

Connect with Kennedy

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM

Adriana Locke:

A contemporary romance author running on coffee and sticky kisses from my rowdy four little boys.

From Indiana, I’m a true Mid-Westerner. Life, for me, is about family, faith, and food. When I’m not running my kiddos around or having a lunch date of fajitas with my husband (and high school sweetheart), you can find me outside. I love a good sunny day almost as much as I love candy, random quotes, and steamy bad boys in fantastic books.

I’m on nearly every social media platform. Please find me on the ones you frequent – I love chatting with readers.

Connect with Adriana

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM

Mandi Beck:

Mandi Beck has been an avid reader all of her life. A deep love for books always had her jotting down little stories on napkins, notebooks, and her hand. As an adult she was further submerged into the book world through book clubs and the epicness of social media. It was then that she graduated to writing her stories on her phone and then finally on a proper computer.

A nursing student, mother to two rambunctious and somewhat rotten boys, and stepmom to two great girls away at college, she shares her time with her husband in Chicago where she was born and raised. Mandi is a diehard hockey fan and blames the Blackhawks when her deadlines are not met.

Connect with Mandi

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM

Emma Scott:

I write romances with flawed characters, characters with artistic hearts: builders, poets, and writers of various makes and models. I love to write book lovers; those who have found refuge, companionship, and escape in books, much as we do in real life. I like realism, honesty, authenticity in storytelling. I love to write about enduring love, soul-deep love, in as real a setting as I can make, but with big smooshy HEAs. I believe in diversity, open-mindedness, and inclusion. I like sweetness mixed with steam, love conquering all, and above all, hope. Love always wins.

Connect with Emma

FACEBOOK | WEBSITE | GOODREADS

Charleigh Rose:

We are a duo of an international best-selling author and a blogger who teamed up to write the taboo, thought-provoking stories we want our audience to have–without filters.

Both Charleigh and Rose are committed to giving you witty, sexy, intelligent novels that will leave you wanting more.

Connect with Charleigh

FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

Ella Fox:

When she’s not writing, Ella indulges the gypsy in her blood and travels the country. Ella loves reading, movies, music, buying make-up, reading Tmz, Twitter and pedicures… not necessarily in that order. She has a wild sense of humor and loves to laugh. Her favorite thing in the world is hanging out with her family and watching comedy movies.

Connect with Ella

FACEBOOK | WEBSITE | TWITTER

Sara Ney:

Sara Ney is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the How to Date a Douchebag series, and is best known for her sexy, laugh-out-loud New Adult romances. Among her favorite vices, she includes: iced latte’s, historical architecture and well-placed sarcasm. She lives colorfully, collects vintage books, art, loves flea markets, and fancies herself British.

Connect with Sara

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM

Meghan Quinn:

A BLONDE AT HEART

Born in New York and raised in Southern California, Meghan has grown into a sassy, peanut butter eating, blonde haired swearing, animal hoarding lady. She is known to bust out and dance if “It’s Raining Men” starts beating through the air and heaven forbid you get a margarita in her, protect your legs because they may be humped.

Once she started commuting for an hour and twenty minutes every day to work for three years, she began to have conversations play in her head, real life, deep male voices and dainty lady coos kind of conversations. Perturbed and confused, she decided to either see a therapist about the hot and steamy voices running through her head or start writing them down. She decided to go with the cheaper option and started writing… enter her first novel, Caught Looking.

Now you can find the spicy, most definitely on the border of lunacy, kind of crazy lady residing in Colorado with the love of her life and her five, furry four legged children, hiking a trail or hiding behind shelves at grocery stores, wondering what kind of lube the nervous stranger will bring home to his wife. Oh and she loves a good boob squeeze!

Connect with Meghan

FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE | WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM

Kate Stewart:

Kate Stewart lives in Charleston, S.C. with her husband, Nick, and her naughty beagle, Sadie. A native of Dallas, Kate moved to Charleston three weeks after her first visit, dropping her career of 8 years, and declaring it her creative muse. Kate pens messy, sexy, angst-filled contemporary romance as well as romantic comedy and erotic suspense because it’s what she loves as a reader. A lover of all things ’80s and ’90s, especially John Hughes films and rap, she dabbles a little in photography, can knit a simple stitch scarf for necessity only and does a horrible job of playing the ukulele. Aside from running a mile without collapsing, traveling is the only other must on her bucket list. On occasion, she does very well at vodka.

Connect with Kate

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE 

Rochelle Paige:

Rochelle Paige is the Amazon bestselling author of nineteen books. She absolutely adores reading and her friends growing up used to tease her when she trailed after them, trying to read and walk at the same time. She loves stories with alpha males, sassy heroines, hot sex and happily ever afters. She is a bit of a genre hopper in both her reading and her writing. So far she’s written books in several romance sub-genres including new adult, contemporary, paranormal and romantic suspense.

She is the mother of two wonderful sons who inspired her to chase her dream of being an author. She wants them to learn from her that you can live your dream as long as you are willing to work for it.

Connect with Rochelle

FACEBOOK | READER GROUP | WEBSITE 

DGR’S 2017 FAVORITES: JENN’S PICKS

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

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

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


JENN’S FAVORITES OF 2017 




NOWHERE BUT HERE by Katie McGarry

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

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

She is the queen of YA in so many ways.

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

 

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW


WICKED INTENTIONS by J.T. Geissinger

I read Wicked Sexy last year and was blown away.

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

These books are the whole package (pun intended).

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

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

AMAZON | GOODREADS | MY REVIEW


THE QUEEN by Skye Warren

I couldn’t gush enough about Skye Warren.

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

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

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

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

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW


THE CASTLE by Skye Warren

GABRIEL.

Can I have him?

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

No one else.

Just me.

Especially not Lana. BECAUSE HE’S MINE!!

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

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW


EMBER by Rachel Van Dyken

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

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

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

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

 

GOODREADS | AMAZON 


CROWN OF MIDNIGHT by Sarah J. Maas

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

THIS. SERIES.

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

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

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

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

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW


VICIOUS by LJ Shen

I could not put this book down.

It is brilliant. Genius.

This book blew my mind.

The writing. The character development is ON…POINT!

LJ Shen can write like a motherfucker! This is the most perfect asshole in all the books I’ve read. I have never met a more perfect asshole. I mean, this guy is actually mean. Like……really really really narcistic mean. And he doesn’t get better….ok, maybe marginally better. And I LOVE HIM. Like I have deep, down love for this man.

I loved how LJ Shen MADE ME LOVE HIM. She did. She took my heart in her hands, and said, “JENNIFER, YOU WILL HATE VICIOUS SO MUCH, YOU WILL LOVE HIM.” And I did.

So thank you, LJ Shen, for making me hate…I mean, love him. ALL THE HATE/LOVE FOR VICIOUS.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW


THE DUCHESS DEAL by Tessa Dare

I begged for this ARC.

Literally.

And I’m not even sorry.

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

I will always love Tessa Dare….always.

I always giggle in her books.

I always swoon in her books.

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

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

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW


UNCONTROLLABLE TEMPTATIONS by Janine Infante Bosco

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

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

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

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

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW


THE FAILING HOURS by Sara Ney

This book has ALL MY LOVE!

Oh my…….Zeke and Violet have ruined me!

I was giggling so much throughout this entire book. Zeke is absolutely hilarious, and Sara Ney writes the male POV PERFECTLY! This book is the epitome of why I love assholes so much.

Zeke is a pissy, giant bear. Ugh. I loved him. He’s so broody and angry all the time.

This book is all kinds of my favorite.

I love broody Zeke. I love mousey Violet. I love the writing.

I love the FEELS. I didn’t expect the feels and the swooning. Zeke falls HARD for Violet, and I fell HARD for Zeke and Violet.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW


SLEDGEHAMMER by P. Dangelico

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

Maybe it’s the suit.

Maybe it’s the ego.

Maybe it’s the brain.

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

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

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

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

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW


WOUND TIGHT BY Tessa Bailey

Spontaneous combustion does exist.

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

Oh man oh man oh man.

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

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

The manly banter between these two.

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

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW


SUTPHIN BOULEVARD by Santino Hassell

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

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

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

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

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

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW

 


FIELD-TRIPPED by Nicole Archer

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

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

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

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

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

GOODREADS | AMAZON | MY REVIEW


Check out Lana’s list HERE

Check out Geri’s list HERE

Review: The V Card by Lauren Blakely and Lili Valente

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

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

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

You’d be wrong.

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

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

***

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

The one between my legs.

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

And that throws a whole new hitch in my plans.

 AMAZON iBOOKS | KOBO | B&N | GOOGLE PLAY 


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


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

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

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

Release Tour, Jenn’s Review & Giveaway: Field-Tripped by @nicolearcheraut

FIELD-TRIPPED 
Series: Ad Agency #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Nicole Archer
Release Date: October 30, 2017

I was done with games. But playing with her is so much fun.

Ten years ago, I was all set to compete in the winter Olympics. Then I lost everything—my career, my best friend, and my girlfriend.

After that, I stopped playing games for good. I swore never to go back to Colorado. Too many bad memories. Plus, she’s still there.

Now I live a simple life as a creative director at Shimura Advertising in New York. All is good, until my boss cons me and my coworkers into spending two weeks in Colorado at Proton Sports’ sleep-away camp for adults, pitching their business. Turns out Proton’s idea of a pitch is making the agencies battle each other in a bunch of ridiculous winter games.

Guess who owns the rival company? Her. And she’s out to get me. I might just let her win.

*Field-Tripped is Book 3 in the in the Ad Agency Series and can be read as a standalone.

AMAZON


Spotify Soundtrack

Charlie slides her goggles over her hat and throws the end of her red scarf over one shoulder. She looks like Snoopy about to fight the Red Baron.I swallow a chuckle.

Chin lifted and mouth straight, she gives me a curt nod then hunches over her sled’s reins.

A rush of adrenaline pumps through me and renders me stupid. I’m still gawking at her when Malcolm waves the flag at the bottom of the hill.

Suddenly, we’re dashing down the run like a jet ready for takeoff.

Sabrina’s arms circle my waist so tightly I can barely breathe. The sharp wind dries out my eyes and mouth, which is currently in a wide-open Jack O’ lantern grin.

“They’re gaining on us, dude,” Skip cries.

That’s absolutely ludicrous since we’re moving at a clip of at least fifty miles an hour. We’re on a freaking luge.

“What do you want me to do?” I shout back.

“The wings have got to go.” He rips one off and tosses it in Orion’s path.

They veer into us to avoid it. I rock to the side, desperately trying to avoid a collision.

A woman screams. Or was that Skip? “Watch out!”

I didn’t even see what we hit. Later they told me it was a fallen tree trunk buried under the snow.

The impact tears the bottom out of our sled and my teammates are left in a puff of pink feathers and glitter.

Meanwhile, I fly over the bump, still clinging to the chicken head, and zoom down the mountain, headed straight for Burt and Art.

Just before I wipe them out, I let go and do a stunt roll.

Charlie whizzes past me, sans bobsled, spread eagle on her stomach, her puffy jacket and snow pants providing zero traction.

Wildly out of control and laughing like a lunatic, she keeps going and going and going, past the finish line, all the way to the middle of the frozen lake and then stops with a tiny grunt.

I was told by a good friend to read Nicole Archer, so when I saw this book coming out, I knew I wanted the chance to read and review it. And boy, am I glad I did. Another notch on my list of authors climbing up the charts.

First off, I adored the humor in this book. Humor is my #1 favorite part of life and books. This book had me remembering The Office with each character having their own niche and role. Group dynamics is a huge part of this book. Two businesses take a trip to a ski resort with each team competing against each other to win an account. Eli is begrudgingly returning to his hometown for this business trip, where old memories lie. He is terrified of running into his ex. Of course, that is exactly what happens, and a story of second-chances begins.

Eli (aka “Loser”). Be still my heart. This man is wonderful. He has a Jim-vibe (The Office) but with a beard and maybe not as light-hearted, but definitely down-to-earth and loveable. He heart has been broken years ago, and he is trying to find himself (this all sounds morose, but I promise it’s not).

Charlie (aka “Chicken”). Be stiller my heart. She is what dreams are made of. This chick could take me in a verbal sparring and still have me for dinner. She is the definition of spunk, all hard on the outside, but a softy gooey mess inside. And only Eli knows the gooey part of her. When these two see each other again, it’s instant evil-eyes, but of course it’s instant attraction too, as they have LOTS of unfinished business, confused feelings and miscommunications.

I love that neither Eli or Charlie take themselves too seriously. What could have been a tear-jerker of angsty proportions (*gag) instead turns out to be one of my perfect reads. At the same time, Archer weaves those words that evoke just enough feels to make the book mean something. They are genuine, and their actions are unpredictable, much like real life. Eli and Charlie have such a rich history that only the few can dream of, growing up together and knowing all the dirty little secrets from those intimate young moments.

Of course, I cannot leave out the FIRE in this book. Despite the fact they despise each other in the beginning, that doesn’t stop them from fooling around rather quickly into story. And when they finally start hooking up, STEAM!!!

Nicole Archer’s writing style reminds me of Susan Elizabeth Phillips, who I practically worship. So be forewarned Nicole, you may be part of my new Religion of Favorite Authors soon (*wink).

Nicole Archer Author photo 800x800 Nicole Archer’s lengthy career as an advertising copywriter not only polished her writing skills—it provided a lifetime of book material. As a single, full-time working mom of a beautiful, brilliant, and horrifically energetic son, she has little time to do much else besides work, write, read, drink wine, and breathe. She’s originally from Colorado, but lives in Dallas now. This is her third book.

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Read the other two books in the Ad Agency Series

Road-Tripped (Ad Agency Book 1)

Amazon

Head-Tripped (Ad Agency Book 2)

Amazon


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Blog Tour, Excerpt, & Jenn’s Review: Darkest Temptation by Rachel Van Dyken

DARKEST TEMPTATION
Series: The Dark Ones Saga #4
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Author: Rachel Van Dyken
Release Date: October 31, 2017

I’m a werewolf King who chose to step down out of grief for my mate.

For centuries I’ve been alone, choosing to live a life of modesty despite the wealth surrounding me.

I deserve to be punished.

I crave things I have no business craving.

And it is manifesting itself in a way I’m terrified I won’t be able to control any longer.

Especially since she arrived.

Vampire. Orphan. Beaten beyond recognition.

My blood calls to her in a way that makes no sense.

I’m a wolf.

She’s a vampire.

The two don’t mate.

They barely tolerate one another.

All it takes is one slip of control on my part — one taste.

And I doom us all.

Then again, I never knew what is lurking inside has the power to balance good and evil.

AMAZON | iBOOKS | B&N | KOBO

The air around me thickened with a sweet-smelling fog. I inhaled and closed my eyes, allowing my baser instincts to take over.“Wolf.” She whispered my name.

I sniffed. The voice was not familiar. It was not my mate. It was… other.

“Wolf,” she beckoned again.

Branches crunched beneath my feet as I made my way closer to the sweet scent, closer to the warmth, closer to what I should have been running from.

I was already mated.

And yet — I was being pulled.

Like a siren’s song.

I hated sirens.

Every last one of them.

But only the strongest were male.

This — I sniffed the air again as ecstasy took over — this was no male.

This was all female.

The instinct to protect kicked in, forcing a surge of adrenaline through my limbs as I staggered toward the trees.

Green eyes blinked through the fog.

I stilled.

My breath caught.

Vampire.

I frowned, reaching for her.

“Kiss me, Wolf.”

Why was I tempted?

Why did I want to touch this being?

When every hair stood on end like she was foe not friend. When I had a mate back home that I loved more than life itself.

Confusion warred with disgust, and then the vampire stood on her tiptoes and pressed her cheek against mine, the way my people greeted.

But she was no wolf.

Her lips grazed the outside of my ear before she bit down onto my neck…

I jerked awake. Sweat pooled the bed like I’d just taken a shower.

And my mate, the one I was so convinced would be lying right next to me, was gone.

She’d been gone.

Over a hundred years.

And every year, like clockwork, on the anniversary of her death.

I saw my vampire.

She bit me.

And I woke up with a bruise on my neck as if it were real.

Why?! Why did I do this to myself….again?! This is the second time I’ve started in the middle of a Rachel Van Dyken series, only to be uber curious about the previous characters! Damn you, Rachel for reeling me into your series and making me go back and read all of the books before it. Ok, I actually mean Thank you, Rachel (*muah).


Biting is hot, right?! It’s not just me?! Ok, good. But I would say that I have a Vampire Standard. I’m a picky bitch when it comes to vampires, ok? But I am so glad Rachel wrote this series. I haven’t even read them all, but I know I will luuurve it, as soon as I’m done beating up my stubborn-self over not reading all of her books in order. Hopefully, I’ve learned my lesson by now (*wink). There are some things that I missed because I haven’t read the previous book. There are some things that confused me. This is my own fault. BUUUUT that didn’t stop me from completely devouring and enjoying this book.

Mason has been fighting himself for too long. He is both werewolf and vampire, but no one knows. Mason had a previous mate, a human. Although, he loved her, he always thought she was fragile and couldn’t completely be himself or let loose with his desires for fear of hurting her. Serenity is his MATE. They are destined to be together and have a history together that they don’t even know about. The longer they fight it, the worse it is for them to the point of physically hurting themselves. Stuck in a house together, they must face the inevitable, and when they finally give in…..Epic….Animal….Heat.


Yes, this book was fairly predictable, but what I loved most about this book was the characters and the alpha-banter between the guys. Rachel is one of the best writers of Alpha Male Bickering, which is totally a thing. Trust me.

I’m off to read all the previous books. (*rolls eyes at myself)

Start the Series Today

The Dark Ones

Amazon | iBooks | Nook | Kobo

Untouchable Darkness

Amazon | iBooks | Nook | Kobo 

Dark Surrender

Amazon | iBooks | Nook | Kobo

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

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