Category Archives: 6-Star

Review: Proving Paul’s Promise by Tammy Falkner- Book 5 Reed Brothers Series

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provingpaul'spromise

Proving Paul’s Promise by Tammy Falkner

The Reed Brothers Series Book 5

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Synopsis

*Intended for readers over the age of 18 due to sexual content and the fact that the heroine has a potty mouth.* 🙂

This book is part of the Reed Brothers series, but you don’t have to read them in order. This book can be read as a stand alone.

 

Series reading order:

Tall, Tatted, and Tempting (currently free)

Smart, Sexy, and Secretive

Calmly, Carefully, Completely

Finally Finding Faith

Just Jelly Beans and Jealousy

Reagan’s Revenge and Ending Emily’s Engagement

Maybe Matt’s Miracle

He has watched her from afar…

 

Paul Reed has been raising children since he was a child himself, but he wouldn’t change his life, even if given an opportunity. That is, until one of his brothers says four little words that shake the foundation of his world. “She’s not a lesbian,” shouldn’t be quite so earth shattering, but suddenly the woman he loves is available, and he’ll do whatever it takes to win her over.

They call her Friday, and she’s hiding more than just her name…

Friday has worked in the Reeds’ tattoo parlor for four years. She’s become more than just an employee, and she loves being in the middle of something so wonderful. She treasures the way the Reeds live for one another, and she adores the way they take care of their family. She would do just about anything to be part of it, if not for the fact that she doesn’t deserve a family of her own. Or does she? Friday is punishing herself for her past, and by doing so, she pushes away the one man who could truly love her.

Separately, they’re strong. Together, they’re vulnerable. As a team, they rock.

Buy: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

6 Star Read

Top Pick

6 Star Review

by Michel

It is no secret that the Reed Brothers Series by Tammy Falkner is one of my all time favorite series. Each brother and each book has captured my heart . I love the family dynamics, dedication to one another, their compassion for others, their honest views, and interactions with their inner circle of friends, aquaintances, business associates, and extended family. Once the Reed Brothers take someone into their fold, they are fiercely loved.

 

The Reed Family consists of 5 brothers. After the death of their mother and their father’s abandonment they did everything to keep their family together. These five young men grew from teens to strong young men on their own. They held onto the values they had been taught as children and learned many more as they fought to keep their family together. They have survived many trials and tribulations. Through it all they had each other’s backs. One had cancer, one was a convict, one had special needs, one has their hopes to finish college and become a professional ball player and one has been the father figure that gave up his hopes and dreams to keep their family together. He promised his brothers that their life would turn out okay and did everything within his power to keep that promise. That brother is the oldest of the Reed clan and the one they all look to. Proving Paul’s Promise is the book that finally gives the oldest Reed a chance at his hopes and dreams.

 

Paul sacrificed his youth, his dreams, and his own happiness to raise his younger brothers. His long time girlfriend broke up with him because she didn’t want the responsibilities of the Reed clan. He is a single father dedicated to his little girl. He has watched his younger brothers grow from boys to men. He has stood strong when sickness and death threatened one of his brothers. He fought to keep the two youngest, the twins , on a positive path that would lead to bright futures. Although one became a convict, he still turned out to be successful in life because of the values Paul instilled in him at a young age.

 

Paul has watched three of his brothers struggle with their lives and chase their dreams. He has watched them find their true loves and start families. Only one brother is still single and in college. He has the apartment to himself and at loose ends. He still runs the family tattoo shop. In that shop is the one thing he wants more than anything. That is Friday. She has become an extended member of the Reed clan. She has seen their ups and downs. She loves them as if they were her own family. She secretly loves Paul but refuses to do anything about it. Her life is too screwed up. She has turned her back on her own family. How can she possibly have a relationship with a man when she can’t even handle her own life and relationships. Especially with a man like Paul, who is dedicated to his family no matter what. Paul promises her he won’t let her down, he will always have her back, and he will love her no matter what. Can she accept everything Paul has to offer? Paul has always kept his promises and never turns away.

 

I absolutely loved this book. Tammy Falkner showed vulnerabilities in two very strong people. She showed the readers a very different side of Paul Reed that made us love and respect him more. Of course we got to see how the Reed clan’s lives are moving forward and growing. As always it is a fabulous read.

 

This book can be read as a stand alone novel or in series order. I would highly recommend reading the series. It has been on my favorites list since the summer of 2013. Each and every book has been a 5 + book.

 

I can’t wait for the last brother, Sam’s book. I have a feeling Sam is going to be on his toes and baking up a storm to win his own love for life.

 

The Reed Brothers Series

1. Tall, Tatted, and Tempting

2. Smart, Sexy and Secretive

3. Calmly, Carefully, Completely

3.25 Finally Finding Faith

3.5 Just Jelly Beans and Jealousy

3. 75 Reagan’s Revenge

4. Maybe Matt’s Miracle

5. Proving Paul’s Promise

About Tammy Falkner:

 

tammy falknerTammy Falkner lives on a farm in a lovely, sprawling little town in rural NC with her beekeeper husband and a house full of boys, a few dogs, and a cat or two (or five – who has time to count?). As half of the Lydia Dare team, she has co-written ten books, including the Westfield Wolves series and the Gentlemen Vampyre series. A huge fan of Regency England, she wrote three books for Sourcebooks as Tammy Falkner, featuring Regency Faeries, and just began her first New Adult adult series.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

provingpaul'spromise

 

Release Day Blitz + 6-Star Review: Accidentally Married on Purpose by Rachel Harris + Her Secret, His Surprise by Paula Altenburg

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About Accidentally Married on Purpose:

One ring plus one wild night equals one crazy love

Sherry Robicheaux loves men. She loves love. And she loves an adventure. So when she meets a mysterious man while working backstage at a country music concert in Vegas, she’s all about what happens in Vegas, staying there.

Country music superstar Tyler Blue just wants a weekend of anonymity…though there’s something about the spunky waitress with the streaks of purple hair that tempts him like no other. Until the next morning, when they both wake up with fuzzy memories…and rings on their fingers.

Convincing Sherry to maintain the ruse for his public image isn’t the hardest part—it’s reminding himself that their time spent playing husband and wife in her small town of Magnolia Springs can’t last. Tyler’s first love will always be music—and the road is no place for a sweet downhome girl.

6 Star Read
Kelley’s Review
Wow!  I fell head-over-heels in love with Tyler Blue and his post-it notes.  I sobbed like a baby and loved every teary moment.
I was snagged by the title of this read.  This is my first Rachel Harris romance and I am wondering how this is the first time one of her books has crossed my path.  I must have been hiding under a rock or something because this author is amazingly talented.  Her character development is out of this world.  From the blue streaks in Sherry’s hair to Tyler’s girl, Rachel’s characters found their way into my heart.  Sherry is so much like me it is not even funny.  My streaks are in the front of my face and they are blonde not purple, but the open honesty and sass that Sherry exhibits is what I hope I am achieving in my own persona.  Tyler is every girls dream.  Not for his stardom, but for what Rachel reveals is his true self.  Rachel also tackles breast and ovarian cancer in this read.  My best friend died at age 32 of breast cancer, she fought the good fight and this book brought good memories back and also is a good reminder to make sure you go to your check-ups ladies.
Vegas, what happens there does not always stay there.  After reading this book, even the thought that Tyler and Sherry were not going to be together is preposterous at best.  If two people were ever meant to be together it is Sherry and Tyler.  I love that Rachel took parts of a real life event and wrote a story around it.  The post-it notes were something that Rachel’s husband inspired.  Those notes really touched my heart and have inspired me to do the same for someone that I care about.  Just letting them know that as each day passes someone is thinking about them is huge.  This book is a must read.  It is completely worthy of 6-stars.  I don’t give out very many 6-star reviews.  I am still blowing my nose and drying my tears after this read.  It has evoked so much emotion that it has earned a 6-star rating.  Bravo Mrs. Harris!  I will be one-clicking every single book you have ever written after reading Accidentally Married on Purpose.
ARC copy provided by the publisher.
 On sale for $.99 for One Week Only!
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Follow the Accidentally Married on Purpose Blog Tour 
 Enter Rachel’s giveaway
http://bit.ly/VAnLkE 
About Her Secret, His Surprise:
Conflict of interest is an understatement… Since being disowned by her strict father, Cass Stone has spent her adulthood trying to prove him wrong. Her drive has led to more success than her family ever thought she’d achieve, and life is looking great. Not even an incredible and mysterious one night stand that leaves her a single mom can trip her up…until the father of her baby stumbles back into her life, as sexy and unreliable as ever. Logan Alexander hasn’t forgotten the night he spent with Cass two years ago, but he never expects to end up undercover as her assistant. His job saves lives—like it should have saved his brother—and he can’t afford complications. It’s difficult enough to maintain his cover as a carefree wanderer when he realizes his attraction to Cass hasn’t faded…and then he meets Cass’s daughter.

 On Sale for just $.99 for One Week Only!

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PLUS…
Pick up a copy of Seven Day Fiance this week only for just $.99!
About Seven Day Fiance:
One bad boy. One good girl. One unforgettable week.

Angelle Prejean is in a pickle. Her family is expecting her to come home with a fiancé—a fiancé who doesn’t exist. Well, he exists, but he definitely has no idea Angelle told her mama they were engaged. Tattooed, muscled, and hotter than sin, Cane can reduce Angelle to a hot mess with one look—and leave her heart a mess if she falls for him. But when she ends up winning him at a charity bachelor auction, she knows just how to solve her fiancé problem.

Cane Robicheaux is no one’s prince. He doesn’t do relationships and he doesn’t fall in love. When sweet, sultry-voiced Angelle propositions him, he hopes their little fiancé game can finally get her out of his head. He doesn’t expect her to break through all his barriers. But even as Angelle burrows deeper into his heart, he knows once their seven days are up, so is their ruse.

Pick up your copy of Seven Day Fiance before it goes back to full price! 
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Review: The Year We Hid Away by Sarina Bowen ~ The Ivy Years Book 2

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The Year We Hid Away

Synopsis

She’s hiding something big. He’s hiding someone small.

Scarlet Crowley’s life was torn apart the day father was arrested for unspeakable crimes. Now the shock has worn off, but not the horror.

It’s a safe bet that Scarlet is the only first year at Harkness College who had to sneak past TV news trucks parked on her front lawn just to leave town. But college will be Scarlet’s fresh start. Clutching a shiny new student ID — with a newly minted name on it — she leaves it all behind. Even if it means lying to the boy she’s falling for.

Bridger McCaulley is a varsity hockey star known for being a player both on and off the ice. But a sobering family crisis takes that all away. Protecting his sister means a precarious living arrangement and constant deception. The only bright spot in his week is the few stolen hours he spends with Scarlet.

The two form a tentative relationship based on the understanding that some things must always be held back. But when grim developments threaten them both, going it alone just won’t work anymore. And if they can’t learn to trust one another now, the families who let them down will take everything they’ve struggled to keep.

New Adult romance, including sexual situations. Suitable for ages 17+

Buy Links:

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

6 Star Read

Top Pick

Michel’s Review

Wow! Sarina Bowen blew me away with her first book in The Ivy Years Series, The Year We Fell Down. I was amazed by her writing abilities. Her voice was fresh, entertaining, and held me captivated to the very last word. I gave that book a 6 Star Rating and added it to my 2014 Favorites List. The characters that were introduced in the book became members of my beloved book family. I wanted to know all of their stories. I was biting at the bits for the next book in the series, The Year We Hid Away.

The day The Year We Hid Away released I quickly one clicked this book and devoured it. Unfortunately due to my busy schedule I was unable to write my review until now. This book never left my mind and I thought about the characters and their story. I wanted this review to do justice for this amazing book. Again Sarina Bowen has amazed me with her gifted writing. Her characters, their lives, and their stories are fresh, unique, heartwarming, and so much more than your run of the mill new adult romance.

The Year We Hid Away is another 6 Star book!

The Year We Hid Away is Bridger McCaulley’s story. Let me tell you ladies, this man is going to steal your heart. He is one the most fascinating characters I have read.

Bridger McCaulley is a gifted hockey player, a brilliant student, a well rounded person, and quite the ladies man. On the surface it seems he has life by the horns. As we all know, appearances can be quite deceiving. Bridger’s personal life is a mess. His family life is in shambles. He is fighting to hold onto his academic career and keep his family together. His younger sister needs his protection. He will do anything to give her what she needs. Some things will have to go. His social life, his place on the hockey team, and his friends will have to be put on the back burner. No sacrifice is too small or too large. That is okay until he meets Scarlet Crowley.

Scarlet Crowley is no stranger to family problems. She is hiding from her own family after her father was arrested for unspeakable crimes. She just wants to attend college and start a new life without her past haunting every move she makes. When she meets Bridger McCaulley she finds a kindred soul. A person that she can call a friend.

As their relationship develops into more than just friends their pasts, their family issues, and their lives will hang a dark cloud over them. They will have to join together to hang onto the very things that are good in their lives. Hopefully it will be enough. Hopefully they can hang onto one another.

The Year We Hid Away is a highly emotional book. One minute you will be laughing and the next you will be fretting. These two young people have so much on their plate. It amazes me how strong they are.

Sarina Bowen wrote an amazing story. She tackled some very heavy issues. She had the guts to write about something that most people can’t deal with. She showed how these things affect all the people they touch. She did not sugar coat anything and found very realistic resolutions for all involved. Add a beautiful romance, great friends, and an adorable little girl and you have the perfect book. The Year We Hid Away is that book!

Author Bio:

Sarina BowenSarina Bowen writes steamy, angsty Contemporary Romance and New Adult fiction from the wilds of Vermont.

The Year We Fell Down, Book #1 in The Ivy Years series, began breaking hearts in March 2014. Book #2, The Year We Hid Away, is brand new.

For Harlequin-E, Sarina writes the Gravity series. Coming in From the Cold features an angsty downhill ski racer and one of the most unique plot conflicts in contemporary romance today.

Sarina enjoys skiing, coffee products and a nice glass of wine. She lives with her family, eight chickens and more ski gear and hockey equipment than seems necessary.

She would be honored to connect with you at http://www.sarinabowen.com.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter~ Goodreads

Review: The Year We Fell Down by Sarina Bowen ~The Ivy Years Series

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The Year We Fell Down

 

Synopsis

The sport she loves is out of reach. The boy she loves has someone else.

What now?

She expected to start Harkness College as a varsity ice hockey player. But a serious accident means that Corey Callahan will start school in a wheelchair instead.

Across the hall, in the other handicapped-accessible dorm room, lives the too-delicious-to-be real Adam Hartley, another would-be hockey star with his leg broken in two places. He’s way out of Corey’s league.

Also, he’s taken.

Nevertheless, an unlikely alliance blooms between Corey and Hartley in the “gimp ghetto” of McHerrin Hall. Over tequila, perilously balanced dining hall trays, and video games, the two cope with disappointments that nobody else understands.

They’re just friends, of course, until one night when things fall apart. Or fall together. All Corey knows is that she’s falling. Hard.

But will Hartley set aside his trophy girl to love someone as broken as Corey? If he won’t, she will need to find the courage to make a life for herself at Harkness — one which does not revolve around the sport she can no longer play, or the brown-eyed boy who’s afraid to love her back.

Buy Links:

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

6 Star Read

Top Pick

Michel’s Review

While I was on a one-click fury, I came across this book in the buying recommendations. The synopsis had me intrigued. One – it was about hockey players, which I am a real sucker for. Two – it is a new adult romance, which I love because of all the angst. And three – it had a different type of plot, and I love originality. How could I not one click this book? The funny thing is, the one book I was originally shopping for has not been touched. I had to read this one immediately.

The Year We Fell Down was fantastic! This book had me tingling all over. I loved every aspect of this book. It was well written, had an original plot, the main characters were exceptional, the secondary characters were just as charismatic, intensely romantic storyline, the right amount of turmoil and a love triangle that was explosive.

Corey was one of the most amazing heroines I have ever read. She was an athlete, a top ranked hockey player, with a bright future and scholarship on the horizon until she has an accident on the ice that forever changed her life. Now she is starting her freshman year in a wheelchair. She is still learning to deal with her physical limitations. She is not only adjusting to her physical condition but also her mental condition. Her hopes and dreams were severed when her accident resulted in a spinal injury. Rather than dwelling on what might have been, she is moving forward with a determination and positive outlook. She is discovering things about herself she never knew existed. She is learning to manage her new life. She is still a fighter at heart, a competitive soul, and a winner.

Moving into a dorm that accommodates students with special needs was not what she had planned on. Fate or destiny has other plans. She meets Adam Hartley, a star hockey player, that was placed in the same dorm because of his broken leg. Adam is the hottest guy she has laid eyes on. He’s upbeat, friendly and very taken. He is dating every guys dream girl. She’s rich, gorgeous, has the perfect body and has legs that work. Something that Corey will never be able to compete with.

As luck would have it, Hartley’s girlfriend is doing a semester in France. During her absence these two people form a strong friendship and bond. They share their love for hockey, their athletic attitudes, their down to earth attitudes and some of their hidden secrets. Once his girlfriend returns from France, Hartley will have to make some choices and figure out what is right for him. He will also have to deal with his deepest dark secret before he can truly love either woman.

This is a moving and emotional story. The reader gets a very real insight on what it means to have a handicap. Not only are there physical limitations, but also mental hurdles one has to overcome. The bond of friendship and respect is an unbreakable foundation in a relationship. When it comes right down to it, physical and sexual attraction are not enough to hold a relationship together forever. It is what is inside the heart and soul that will make it last.

Sarina Bowen wrote a compelling romance that will stay in the reader’s heart long after the book is closed. I am looking forward to the next book in the Ivy Years series. The Year We Hid Away will be out on June 1, 2014. I highly recommend this series. It will not disappoint.

Author’s Bio

Sarina BowenSarina Bowen writes steamy, angsty Contemporary Romance and New Adult fiction from the wilds of Vermont.

The Year We Fell Down, Book #1 in The Ivy Years series, began breaking hearts in March 2014. Book #2, The Year We Hid Away, is brand new.

For Harlequin-E, Sarina writes the Gravity series. Coming in From the Cold features an angsty downhill ski racer and one of the most unique plot conflicts in contemporary romance today.

Sarina enjoys skiing, coffee products and a nice glass of wine. She lives with her family, eight chickens and more ski gear and hockey equipment than seems necessary.

She would be honored to connect with you at http://www.sarinabowen.com.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter~ Goodreads