From USA Today Bestselling Author Bella Jewel comes a new novel in the international bestselling Jokers Wrath MC Series. The universe works in mysterious ways.Well, it did for me, anyway.
It was like it knew that I needed him.
It put him in my life during a time I honestly thought I couldn’t go on.
He was broken. I was broken.
We only had one thing to offer each other – friendship.
A true, deep, incredible friendship.
Laughter fixed us.
Talking bonded us.
He quickly became my everything.
This is our story.
I can’t promise it’s always perfect.
It might make you laugh.
It might make you cry.
It might even make you love.
It’s real.
It’s us. Besties.
**Contains Adult Themes – This book can be read as a standalone**
Bestie by Bella Jewel is not the typical romance. This book starts on a very painful note. Any one who has been through a shattering heartbreak can relate to both Molly and Roman’s feelings. Moving on seems impossible when the heart is hanging onto what could have been. It’s hard to look at the relationship objectively. It’s hard to accept the rejection. It is devastating to have your love rejected. It’s even more devastating when your love isn’t returned. There is no magic formula that makes the devastation less painful. It takes time and moral support from those who love you. Eventually life begins to look a bit brighter. The heart break shapes one into a stronger person.
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Molly and Roman are both dealing with heartbreak. They accidentally found one another and found the support they needed in the rawest of times. Together they faced the healing process even though not at the same pace.
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Fate is a funny thing. The old saying when one door closes another one opens is absolutely true. Molly and Roman were destined to be in one another’s lives. They were destined for a greater love than they could imagine.
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Bella Jewel did a wonderful job with this story. I felt their pain. I remembered my own personal heart breaks and could easily relate to the journey both these injured souls experienced. I also loved how they found the real deal in the end.
Author Bio
Bella Jewel is a self published, USA
Today bestselling author. She’s been publishing since 2013. Her first release
was a contemporary romance, Hell’s Knights which topped the charts upon
release. Since that time, she has published over five novels, gaining a
bestseller status on numerous platforms. She lives in North Queensland and is
currently studying editing and proofreading to further expand her career. Bella
has been writing since she was just shy of fifteen years old. In Summer 2013
she was offered an ebook deal through Montlake Romance for her bestselling
modern day pirate series, Enslaved By The Ocean. She plans to expand her
writing career, planning many new releases for the future.
From the New York Times bestselling author who brought you the scorchingly sexy stuntmen of Renegades–Skye Jordan delivers another sizzling series starring her mouthwatering brand of high-octane heroes. Introducing the Rough Riders’ Hockey Series. “The intense, tight-knit men of the Rough Riders’ hockey team will win readers over in a heartbeat.” ~Marina Adair, #1 Bestselling Author
Tate “The Saint” Donovan’s jaded outlook really makes him more of a devil’s advocate. Ever since he discovered his ex-wife doing more in their bedroom than rooting for the home team, he’s given up on finding The One. In fact, he’s given up on finding Any One. So he isn’t surprised when his teammate’s engagement party is one mishap away from going up in flames—until a sexy, free spirit whisks in from Paris and drags the party from the fire. She’s whimsical, wild, and oh so wrong, but her breezy, freestyle attitude makes her utterly irresistible. Tate’s halo slips. He takes a walk on the wild side. And discovers wrong has never felt so right.
With big plans on the horizon, Olivia’s laissez faire attitude toward men is a perfect pairing. She’s drawn to Tate’s wounded soul, and the protective warrior beneath his brooding mask intrigues her…right into bed. Olivia quickly realizes the possessive passion he brings to the bedroom is like nothing she’s ever experienced, and her feelings for Tate turns her take-it-or-leave-it style love life on its head.
With her return to Paris imminent and his grueling hockey season approaching, Olivia and Tate must face the possibility that they are destined to be nothing more than star-crossed lovers.
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Michel’s Review
The Rough Riders Hockey team is on a winning streak. Wild Zone, the fourth book in the series has scored a winning goal.
Tate Donovan has been down for the past year since his ugly divorce. He found out his wife had cheated on him throughout his marriage. His marriage was based on lies and deception. Tate is the kind of man that believes in strong family values and committed relationships. He is not a one night stand kind of guy even though his buddies and teammates are encouraging him to do so. He’s not interested in dating as well until he meets Olivia Essex.
Olivia has come home to DC for a visit with her family before she starts culinary school in Paris. She has spent the last ten years globe trotting around the world working with famous chefs and 5 star restaurants. She’s ready to get her chef certification and run her own kitchen. Her vacation turns into a stressful visit with her family. The tensions that made her leave home ten years earlier have elevated into hostile emotions and resentful feelings. Olivia loves her family and is hurt by their actions. She would do anything for them but what they want of her she cannot give. They want her to sacrifice her future for their failing events business. She was under the impression it was successful until she returned home and found out the truth. The only thing good about this visit is the sexy hockey player, Tate Donovan, who she met at one of her family’s events.
Tate has met a woman that has captured his interest. She’s a free spirit with a heart of gold. He has to make the choice of taking a chance at something wonderful for a short amount of time or missing out on something because he was too stubborn to let go of the past.
Tate and Olivia are pure magic together. To say opposites attract seems too easy, in this case opposites bring out the very best in one another. They both have to let go of their trust issues and figure out what is best for them both.
Skye Jordan did an excellent job with this book. The range of emotions between Olivia and Tate, Olivia and her family, and Tate conquering his past hurts had me reeling. I loved both of their dynamic personalities and their explosive relationship. Wild Zone was a big win in the Rough Riders series!
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Skye Jordan is a pseudonym for New York Times bestselling romantic suspense author Joan Swan. Skye’s novels are about enjoying that little wild streak we don’t let out often enough. About those fantasies we rarely get the opportunity to indulge. About stretching limits, checking out the dark side, and maybe even acting a little naughty. They’re about escape and fun and pleasure and romance. And, yes, even love, because while wicked-great sex is good, happily ever after with wicked-great sex is even better.
When she’s not writing, Skye loves to read, knit, craft, row, ride, and dabble in photography.
Miss Thompson is a substitute teacher with legs for miles and a foul mouth. Mr. Parker is a nerdy science teacher who loves to taunt and tease with his wicked tongue.Together they learn a lesson in chemistry and how opposites attract. Their sex is getting an A but will Miss Thompson pass Peter Parker? Or is this just a little fun until school’s out for the summer?
J.D. Hollyfield is a creative designer by day and superhero by night. When she is not trying to save the world one happy ending at a time, she enjoys the snuggles of her husband, son and three doxies. With her love for romance, and head full of book boyfriends, she was inspired to test her creative abilities and bring her own story to life.
Life in a Rut, Love not Included is her Debut Novel. J.D. Hollyfield lives in the Midwest, and is currently at work on blowing the minds of readers, with the additions to the Love not Included series, along with her charm, humor and HEA’s.
No, seriously. I’m a college drop-out working a dead-end job, my best friend Carly’s dog gets more action than I do, and I have more bad dates in my diary than there are movie remakes.
Not to mention I’m completely and utterly in love with Cain Elliott.
The problem? He’s in a relationship. With a girl who’s so plastic she makes Barbie cry herself to sleep with jealousy.
The second problem? He’s my best friend.
My shut-up-and-put-harry-potter, yes-this-is-your-shirt, help-I-have-no-power, crap-I’m-out-of-tampon, kinda best friend.
And that’s all he can be, right?
Right.
Being Brooke is a standalone romantic comedy. Hilarious, super-sexy, and possibly highly inappropriate at times, this is the perfect feel-good read!
Cain’s phone begins to buzz on the table. The screen lights up, and the short name on the screen makes me have to fight a frown.
I know it’s Nina. It always is. It’s like she has a Brooke-dar. She can sense whenever Cain and I are alone and hanging out.
My heart sinks, slowly but heavily, and I school my expression into one of not caring. I refuse to look away from the TV now.
Cain hands me his pizza box, which I take, begrudgingly, then he leans forward and grabs his phone. He waits for the buzzing to stop, then unlocks it and turns it off vibrate.
Then? Then he shoves it under the table, screen down.
Ho. Lee. Shit.
I gape at him. I can’t help it.
A piece of pepperoni drops off the slice of pizza in my hand—the same one that’s frozen halfway to my mouth as I stare at him in total disbelief. Did he really just do it?
“What?” Cain shrugs and takes his box back, grabbing a piece of half-eaten, meaty pizza and shoving the end in his mouth. The crust crunches as he bites down.
I swallow and glance at the coffee table. “I don’t think you’ve ever not taken a call from her.” I can’t help the derogatory way I say ’her’. It’s not intentional—honest. It’s ingrained in me to be vicious to other women. I think it’s a female thing. Self-preservation and all that.
“I don’t think I ever haven’t either.” Cain tilts his head to the side and meets my gaze, a suspicious glint in his green eyes. “But the point is, we haven’t done this in weeks, and I’m having too much fun to leave. Besides, we have all this junk food. If I don’t help you eat it, you’ll eat it all, then it’ll be my fault when your pants don’t fit.”
Oh my god.
“Does she know you’re here?” I smirk slyly and raise my eyebrows.
He shifts uncomfortably. With a cough, he puts his pizza down and grabs his beer bottle to swig from it.
Oh. My. Shitty. Life.
“She doesn’t, does she?” I sit up straight, throwing my half-slice back into my box and shoving his shoulder. “Cain!”
“No,” he mumbles, scratching the back of his ear. “She doesn’t know.”
I laugh. I can’t help it. It’s totally immature of me to delight in the fact he hasn’t told the Prissy Princess where is he and he’s ignoring her calls, but I do. It’s hilarious.
And, okay. I’m smug. Totally smug. There’s only one reason he hasn’t told her, and that’s because she hates me too.
Bitchy Best Friend Mission: Level Up!
“And tell me.” I snicker, just about holding back the volcano of laughter threatening to erupt. “Where does Nina think you are?”
“She thinks I’m at Mom’s.” He looks at me, his lips flattening into a thin line. “Stop laughing, B. No, don’t shake your damn head. I fucking mean it. She’s a little insecure over my friendship with you and Carly, that’s all. Sometimes it’s easier to just tell a… little white lie.”
“A little white lie? She thinks you’re at your mom’s!” I laugh harder and wipe at my eyes because they feel a little too wet.
“I just want the best of both worlds right now, all right?”
“What is the best of both worlds? Pizza with me and blow jobs from her?”
“She chooses not to eat gluten. Until she finds a gluten-free recipe she likes, I can’t eat pizza when she’s around.”
Which is a lot.
I raise my eyebrows again. “Your girlfriend won’t eat gluten but she’ll happily put your dick in her mouth?”
“Brooke. Don’t be a bitch.” He chucks a piece of chicken from his pizza at me, his eyes narrowing.
I’m dying. I think this is it—this is how I die, laughing at Cain’s lame excuses for lying to his girlfriend about spending time with me.
“Oh my fuck. This is hilarious. Seriously. Someone call Comedy Central.”
“Brooke.” He says my name again, this time quieter.
I stop laughing. Just about.
“I’m sorry. I just think it’s funny. You want me to be nice to her but you lie to her about spending time with me.” I shrug a shoulder and peel a piece of pepperoni off my pizza. I’m not even that hungry anymore.
He sighs, putting the top down on his box, and sits back. “She thinks there’s something going on between us.”
I laugh even harder because I might cry if I don’t.
Hi, breaking heart. Grab the tissues, yo.
There’s an awkward silence hanging between us now. It’s not the first time someone has thought that, but given that the more time I spend with Cain, the more I seem to fall for him, it’s awkward. Especially since he’s lying to her just to hang out with me.
I clear my throat and look up at him. “That’s ridiculous. You’re my best friend. Like anything would ever happen between us. I can’t put up with your shit taste in music, for a start.”
“Exactly,” he replies in a quieter voice, scratching behind his ear again. “It’s fucking stupid. I can’t stand your taste in music either. Who the fuck likes Justin Bieber?”
“People who think Kanye West should retire.”
Tracey’s Review
I’m twenty-four, it’s a Friday night, and I’m waiting in for a take-out gyros and fries in my onesie. My life is just so exciting I can barely stand it.
Brooke Barker and Cain Elliott have been best friends, oh, forever. True but secret fact? Brooke’s been in love with Cain for almost as long. True but not so secret fact? Brooke is a hot mess, and that is where all of the fun begins.
Okay, I’m just going to say this right off the bat: I freaking LOVE this book. I’m already a huge fan of Emma Hart, so I had every expectation that I would like BEING BROOKE, but, friends, she continues to delight and entertain, and, per usual, I could not put this one down.
Emma has a gift for writing books full of love, family, and friendships that have stood the test of time. Her Burke Brothers and Holly Woods series are great examples of the strength of family ties, of small town life with its quirks and joys, and the beauty of love born out of friendship. BEING BROOKE has all of these qualities, and they, along with Emma’s signature snark, sass, and humor, make this new group of characters just as lovable as her others.
Brooke is truly a mess, but she’s aware of it, and she’s living life with no filters. A large part of Brooke’s appeal is her quirkiness, and her absolute refusal to do things any differently, and her sass and determination make her a lot of fun to read.
I think that we all love to live vicariously through those characters that grab life by the throat and just live in the moment, and there is no shortage of them in this book. There were many moments in BEING BROOKE that had me laughing out loud, including those starring her hoot of a grandfather, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Emma’s latest is a book that I cannot recommend highly enough. 2016 has been one heck of a year, so a read that has so much love, laughter, and wonderfully awkward moments earns every one of the 5+ stars that I’m giving it, and makes for one of my favorites of 2016. My recommendation? Grab BEING BROOKE and finish up your year on an up note. You will not be sorry.
***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***
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By day, New York Times and USA Today bestselling New Adult author Emma Hart dons a cape and calls herself Super Mum to two beautiful little monsters. By night, she drops the cape, pours a glass of whatever she fancies—usually wine—and writes books.
Emma is working on Top Secret projects she will share with her followers and fans at every available opportunity. Naturally, all Top Secret projects involve a dashingly hot guy who likes to forget to wear a shirt, a sprinkling (or several) of hold-onto-your-panties hot scenes, and a whole lotta love.
She likes to be busy—unless busy involves doing the dishes, but that seems to be when all the ideas come to life.
Ever wanted to fast forward to your happily ever after?
My name is Mackenzie Locke and I’m a loveaholic. I haven’t got a handle on men. Not even a little bit.
So I staged an intervention and booked me and my two best friends into Love Rehab, complete with a love shaman, horse therapy and a bunch of stones that promise to change my life. I’m not leaving until I’m cured.
Lesson #1: the first night of your stay, don’t have a one night stand with the hottest guy you’ve ever seen in your life.
Fail.
Lesson #2: make sure your one night stand isn’t planning on sticking around, teasing you, tempting you right back into his Levis.
Big Fail.
Lesson #3: Whoops. I forgot this one. I was too busy daydreaming about Blake McKenna’s mouth on mine and the way his five o’clock shadow feels on my thighs.
Epic Fail.
So maybe I’m not the best student. Maybe I wasted my time and money on Love Rehab. But I can’t help that I want to spend every minute with Blake, naked under the stars. Perhaps he can teach me every lesson I ever needed to learn.
A sexy, standalone, contemporary romance.
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Tracey’s Review
I had nothing left to lose…I couldn’t stay where I was, stuck in the cycle of rejection and confusion. Clearly, I needed professional help. I’d come to a fork in the road and I could keep traveling straight or try a new route.
I needed a cure.
I needed my plan back on track.
I needed Love Rehab.
Louise Bay has proven time and again that she is a writer of many faces. She’s got the second-chance thing, the hot executive afraid to commit, the guy next door, and, now, she’s got Blake McKenna, bio-chemist and ‘uncowboy.’ And, y’all, like every other time, I am in love.
I love the premise of this story. McKenna Locke has been through a series of failed relationships, ones that seem promising, but, well, they’re just not working. Deciding to do what any enterprising young woman would, McKenna finds Love Rehab, a sort of 7-step program for those looking to reprogram the way that they’re doing things and come out with a clearer understanding of who they are and what they want.
So, off to Christie, Oklahoma, for McKenna and her lovely and entertaining best friends, Kennedy and Rose, for a 5-day ‘experience.’ And, heck, if you’re about to rehab your love life, you might as well get started with a bang, right? Enter said ‘uncowboy,’ Blake. Sparks, flares, heat flashes, people. It takes about a hot minute for McKenna and Blake to home in on each other and, well, passion explosion.
Louise has done a great job with this book. Once that kismet bomb goes off, and McKenna and Blake begin their journey, there is nothing but love, passion, and some much-needed self-realization, and it all works together perfectly. I mean, there wasn’t a page that didn’t have me either laughing or swooning, not even one. Quirky and lovable characters, a fresh and entertaining storyline, and a love story that warmed my heart makes LOVE REHAB one of my most favorite reads lately, and certainly one of my favorites of 2016. 5+ well-earned stars for LOVE REHAB. This feel-good read should be right at the top of romance lovers’ TBRs, so grab it and enjoy.
***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***
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About the Author:
USA Today bestselling author, Louise Bay writes sexy, contemporary romance novels – the kind she likes to read. Her books include the novels Faithful and Hopeful and the novella series’ The Empire State Series, What the Lightning Sees and Calling Me. The novels and together the series are stand-alone although there are some overlapping characters.
Ruined by romantic mini-series of the eighties, Louise loves all things romantic. There’s not enough of it in real life so she disappears into the fictional worlds in books and films.
Louise loves the rain, the West Wing, London, days when she doesn’t have to wear make-up, being on her own, being with friends, elephants and champagne.
LOVE ME AT MIDNIGHT
Three romantic comedies that’ll melt your heart!
Releasing December 12th, 2016
Entangled Lovestruck
MELTING THE MILLIONAIRE’S HEART by Linda Morris
Special needs teacher Kayla Johnston is supposed to be schmoozing at a swanky school fundraiser. Instead, she careens into a snowbank on the side of the road…straight into the path of a wickedly handsome stranger. When their chemistry ignites, Kayla’s New Year’s Eve begins to show some seriously sexy promise…
YOURS AT MIDNIGHT by Robin Bielman
Four years ago, Quinn Sobel gave Lyric Whetsone the night of her life…then disappeared. Now he’s back to make amends, but Lyric has a secret that could drive Quinn from her life forever.
ONE NIGHT IN VEGAS by C.M. Stone
Eliza knows plenty about sexy cowboy Christian Yerrick, the man who crushed her heart when they were kids. Back in town, she’s determined to avoid Chris altogether…until she accidentally rear-ends his truck on New Years Eve, and the fireworks between them burn hotter than the Vegas Strip…
When not attached to her laptop, USA Today Bestselling Author Robin Bielman can almost always be found with her nose in a book. A California girl, the beach is her favorite place for fun and inspiration. Her fondness for swoon-worthy heroes who flirt and stumble upon the girl they can’t live without jumpstarts most of her story ideas.
She loves to go on adventures, and has skydived, scuba dived, parasailed, gotten lost in the wilderness (and only suffered a gazillion bug bites for it) hiked to waterfalls, and swam with dolphins. In her spare time she also likes to put her treadmill to good use while watching her favorite TV shows, take hikes with her hubby, indulge her sweet tooth, and play sock tug of war with her cute, but sometimes naughty dog, Harry.
She dreams of traveling to faraway places and loves to connect with readers. Keep in touch and sign up for her newsletter on her website at http://robinbielman.com
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About Linda Morris
Linda Morris is a writer of contemporary romance. She writes stories with heart and heat, with a joke or two thrown in. Her book Melting the Millionaire’s Heart was an Amazon Top 100 Series Romance bestseller. Hard Hitters, her series about a fictional minor-league baseball team in southern Indiana, is available from Berkley.
When she’s not writing, working as a freelance editor and technical writer, or mommying, she’s doing yoga, reading, working in her flower garden, or baking delicious things she probably shouldn’t eat. She believes that there are two kinds of people: pie people and cake people, and she is definitely one of the former. Her years of Cubs fandom (and their 2016 World Series win!) prove lost causes aren’t always as lost as they seem. A beat-up old copy of Kathleen Woodiwiss’s Ashes in the Wind was her gateway drug into the world of romance novels, and she’s never looked back.
Linda loves to hear from readers. Contact her via email at linda@lindamorrisbooks.com or via Facebook at facebook.com/lindamorrisbooks.
C.M. Stone
grew up in Boulder City, NV–just outside of Las Vegas–and went to college
there in Southern Nevada before moving to rural northwestern Wisconsin. From
her earliest memories, she was telling stories and finding ways to record them.
At seven, she wrote her first book (a sci-fi thriller!) and sold it door to door. These days she’s writing romance.
Those Mitchell boys are up to no good again.
Join us this season for funny stories and lots of pie.
Contains some adult content.
These characters are from the Mitchell Family Series and Mitchell Healy Series.
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Jennifer Foor is an award winning Contemporary Romance Author. She’s best known for the Mitchell Family Series, which includes ten books.
With over forty published titles, there is a story for every interest. Her books can be found on most platforms and in paperback.
She is married with two children and spends most of her time behind a keyboard, creating and writing stories straight from her heart.
From the author of the On the Line and Fire on Ice hockey romance series comes a sultry novel featuring a brooding NHL player who’s hell on skates—and the no-nonsense woman who forces him to clean up his act.
Miranda: Even though I’m broke, putting myself through college, and working two jobs, I’m trying to make the best of it. Meanwhile, Jake Birch, hockey’s hottest bad boy, lives in a luxury hotel in downtown Chicago—and still complains about every little thing in his penthouse. But after I tell him off, instead of getting me fired, Jake requests me as his personal housekeeper. Then he starts flirting with me. Only I’m not flirting back . . . at least, I’m trying not to. Did I mention that he’s hockey’s hottest bad boy?
Jake: I’ve met the best woman at the worst possible time. Miranda is the fire to my ice—a sexy, charmingly candid spark who breaks down my walls and reminds me what it’s like to feel again. But I’m being forced to date my team owner’s daughter to keep my job, so I can’t be caught with Miranda. Still, we’re getting closer—until Miranda finds out about my “girlfriend.” And that’s not the only secret I’ve been keeping. But Miranda’s the one I want . . . even if she doesn’t believe me.
You can read chapters 1-4 of Hooked on Instafreebie!
Brenda Rothert has proven time and again that she knows how to write a hot hockey story. Alpha heroes, heroines that range from broken to strong and sassy, and always a love of the game, her books never disappoint.
HOOKED is Brenda’s newest book and, while all of the usual suspects are here, there is something more, too. Jake Birch is just as alpha, just as hot, and, like other of Brenda’s guys, he’s got baggage. Gutted by the loss of his brother, he’s cut himself off emotionally from everyone and everything, interested only in scoring, both on and off the ice. Finding himself falling for the strong, sassy, take no crap woman cleaning his room at his 5-star hotel is not on his radar. But, fall he does, because he truly has never met anyone like Miranda Carr.
Miranda is one of my favorite of Brenda’s ladies yet, and another solid example of how she continues to grow at her craft. Sure, Miranda’s suffered infidelity and heartbreak like the rest of us, but she’s strong. A great family life, really smart, hardworking, and savvy, she doesn’t need to rely on anyone to complete her. But what made HOOKED such an enjoyable read is the way that she and Jake do come to realize that it’s okay to have a soft place to land, that it’s good not to have to take life on on your own. And, another kudo to Brenda for not having the relatively speedy progression of their relationship result in insta-sex. It’s really nice to see a strong, sexy guy that literally has ladies throwing their panties at him to want to take things more slowly and wait and build a solid emotional relationship.
So, my take? HOOKED is everything that I’ve come to expect from one of Brenda’s books, and more. An easy and engaging read that tugs on the heartstrings and steams up the windows, it’s 4.5 sexy, emotional, HEA stars, and I’m happy to add it to my list of books that you should read.
***ARC generously provided for an honest review.***
*****
Michel’s Review
Hooked is the first book I have read by Brenda Rothert. This novel was right on mark with the title, I was hooked in the first chapter. The story was engaging with well developed characters that were easy to bond with as a reader. The writing was consistent and the pacing was perfectly synchronized .
First impressions can be misleading. For Jake Birch and Miranda, their first encounter was not one that left a positive impression.
Miranda is a college student working two jobs to make ends meet. Her job as a hotel maid is demanding and at times degrading. When she is assigned the penthouse suites it is a bit stressful. Her boss demands perfection. Soaps and toiletries must be lined up in perfect order, vacuum lines need to be perfectly straight, and dusting must pass the white glove inspection. The suites must be cleaned to perfection while the guest is out.
Rule number one is broken when Miranda encounters Jake Birch, the egotistical NHL Hockey Player living in one of the suites while his apartment is being remodeled. Rule number two is broken when she engages with the guest. This leads to rule number three being broken, franternizing with the guest.
Jake and Miranda build a solid friendship that leads to more. Both have issues that hinder their budding romance. Jake has relationship issues that stem from his family life. Miranda has been cheated on and has trouble trusting.
As the two get to know one another better not only do they develop a deep abiding respect for one another, they also begin developing deep feelings for one another. They are both willing to take a chance even though their past issues scare them.
In any good romance story there are always obstacles the characters have to get past before they can truly find their happily ever after. Jake and Miranda have more than their issues to deal with. They have hectic schedules that conflict, team politics, work rules, and a psychotic admirer that could ruin Jake’s career. Jake and Miranda found positive ways to handle all the conflicts. They were willing to work for their relationship.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It had a very realistic feel. I easily connected with both characters. I have become a Brenda Rothert fan and intend to read more of her books.
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AUTHOR INFORMATION:
Brenda Rothert is an Illinois native who was a print journalist for nine years. She made the jump from fact to fiction in 2013 and never looked back. From new adult to steamy contemporary romance, Brenda creates fresh characters in every story she tells. She’s a lover of Diet Coke, chocolate, lazy weekends and happily ever afters.
To most people, princes, princesses, counts and dukes are found only in the pages of the most famous of fairytales. Crowns, priceless jewels and gilded thrones belong only in childhood dreams.
But for some, these frivolous fancies are truth.
For some, they are real life.
On Manhattan’s Upper East Side, people have always treated me as someone special. All because of my ancestral name and legacy. All because of a connection I share to our home country’s most important family of all.
I am Caresa Acardi, the Duchessa di Parma. A blue blood of Italy. I was born to marry well. And now the marriage date is set.
I am to marry into House Savona. The family that would have been the royals had Italy not abolished the monarchy in 1946. But to the aristocrats of my home, the abolition means nothing at all.
The Savonas still hold power where it counts most.
In our tight-knit world of money, status and masked balls, they are everything and more.
And I am soon to become one of them.
I am soon to become Prince Zeno Savona’s wife…
… or at least I was, until I met Achille.
And everything changed.
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Caresa
As my papa’s G5 began its descent, I looked out of the window beside me and waited for the plane to break through the clouds. I held my breath, body tense, then suddenly the burnt-orange remnants of daylight flooded the plane, bathing the interior with a soft, golden glow. I inhaled deeply. Italia.
Fields and fields of green and yellow created a patchwork quilt below, rolling hills and crystal-blue lakes stretching as far the eye could see. I smiled as a sense of warmth ran through me.
It was the most beautiful place on earth.
Sitting back in my wide cream leather chair, I closed my eyes and tried to prepare myself for what was coming. I was flying to Florence airport, from where I would be swiftly taken to the Palazzo Savona estate just outside of the city.
I would meet Prince Zeno.
I had met him twice before—once when I was four, of which I had no memory, and again when I was ten. The interaction we’d had as children had been brief. If I was being honest, I had found Zeno to be arrogant and rude. He had been thirteen at the time and not at all interested in meeting a ten-year-old girl from America.
Neither of us had known at the time that that our betrothal had been agreed upon two years prior. It turned out that the trip my papa had taken to Umbria when I was eight was to secure a forever-bond between the Savonas and the Acardis. King Santo and my father had planned for their only children to marry. They were already joined in business; Zeno’s arranged marriage to me would also strengthen both families’ place in society.
I thought back on my New York farewell of nine hours ago and sighed. My parents had driven me to the private hangar and said their goodbyes. My mama cried—her only child was leaving her for a new life. My papa, although sad to see me go, beamed at me with the utmost pride. He had held me close and whispered, “I have never been more proud of you than I am right now, Caresa. Savona Wines’ stock has plummeted since Santo’s death. This union will reassure all the shareholders that our business is still strong. That we are still a stable company with Zeno at the helm.”
I had given him a tight smile and boarded the plane with a promise that they would see me before the wedding. And that had been that.
I was to marry Zeno, and I hadn’t protested even once. I imagined to most modern-day women living in New York, the process of arranged marriages sounded positively medieval, even barbaric. For a blue blood, it was simply a part of life.
King Santo Savona died two months ago. The shareholders of his many Italian vineyards, the stakeholders in Savona Wines, had expected his son, Zeno, to immediately step up and take charge. Instead, Zeno had plunged himself into the party scene even harder than before—and that was quite a feat. Within weeks my papa had flown out to Umbria to see what could be done.
The answer: our imminent union.
A Veil of Vines by Tillie Cole is a must read. I could not put this book down. It was a beautiful romance that blossomed in a world where neither of them fit.
A Veil of Vines is heaped with Italian traditions and royal hierarchy. Although Italy no longer recognizes the royal family as a ruling class, they are still prominent in the traditional customs of the Italian people.
Duchess Caresa Acardi has come to Italy to marry the heir to the Italian throne. By blood she is bound to the life long traditions of the people of Italy. She is to become their queen. Being raised in America has altered her views of love and marriage. Tradition and the family winery are at stake. In order to save the winery, the royal family has to show solidity and stability. The soon to be king has a notorious playboy reputation. He is a spoiled prince living off his family legacy. She is conflicted about her upcoming marriage to a man that she met briefly as a child. Her love for her family and their deeply tied roots is the only reasoning she can abide by. Once she arrives in Italy she finds that her heart may not be tied to the future king but is tied to the land itself.
Achille is the winemaker for the royal winery. His deep ties to the land and his innate sense of taste has made his wines beyond excellent. He will always be tied to the land. It’s his life force until he meets Caresa, his future queen.
Achille and Caresa were meant to be together. They are true soulmates. Their blood ties will never allow them to together. Achille has secrets that will always keep him bound to the land. The royal family also has secrets that will keep Achille tied to their land and their winery.
I won’t say much more except Tillie Cole did a phenomenal job writing this book. The beautiful descriptions brings the reader to Italy. This emotional story is more than a royal romance. It is a book of deep abiding love for tradition and love for the land. It is a special love story that truly shows what matters most in the heart.
I highly recommend A Veil Of Vines by Tillie Cole.
Tillie Cole hails from a small town in the North-East of England. She grew up on a farm with her English mother, Scottish father and older sister and a multitude of rescue animals. As soon as she could, Tillie left her rural roots for the bright lights of the big city.
After graduating from Newcastle University with a BA Hons in Religious Studies, Tillie followed her Professional Rugby player husband around the world for a decade, becoming a teacher in between and thoroughly enjoyed teaching High School students Social Studies before putting pen to paper, and finishing her first novel.
Tillie has now settled in Austin, Texas, where she is finally able to sit down and write, throwing herself into fantasy worlds and the fabulous minds of her characters.
Tillie is both an independent and traditionally published author, and writes many genres including: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Young Adult and New Adult novels.
When she is not writing, Tillie enjoys nothing more than curling up on her couch watching movies, drinking far too much coffee, while convincing herself that she really doesn’t need that extra square of chocolate.
✮✮✮SECOND CHANCES, HOPE, &RED-HOT CHEMISTRY…FIRE IN YOU, the final book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Wait For You World is here! Don’t Miss Brock and Jillian’s passionate and richly moving story in this standalone contemporary romance! And check out each stop on the FIRE IN YOU Review & Excerpt Tour taking place November 29-December 10!✮✮✮
Let the FIRE IN YOU burn and grab your copy today!
About FIRE IN YOU:
From the # 1 New York Times and International bestselling author comes a richly moving story about heartbreak and guilt, second chances and hope. Full of familiar, fan-favorite characters and no two people more deserving of a happy ending, Fire In You will burn bright beyond the last page…
Jillian Lima’s whole world was destroyed in a span of a few hours. The same night her childhood love, Brock ‘the Beast’ Mitchell, broke her heart, her life was irrevocably altered by the hand of a stranger with a gun. It takes six years to slowly glue together the shattered pieces of her life, but Jillian is finally ready to stop existing in a past full of pain and regret. She takes a job at her father’s martial arts Academy and she’s going out on her first date since a failed relationship that was more yuck than yum. Jillian is determined to start living.
She just never expected Brock to be a part of her life again. But he’s firmly back in her life before she knows it, and not only is he older, he’s impossibly more handsome, more teasing and more everything. And when he sees Jillian, he’s no longer capable of thinking of her as the little girl who was his shadow growing up or the daughter of the man who gave him a second chance at life. He sees the woman who’d always been there for him, the one person who believed in him no matter what.
Brock knows she’s the one he should’ve made his, and what begins as a tentative friendship quickly turns to red-hot chemistry that sparks a flame that burns brighter than lust. Falling for Brock again risks more than her heart, because when the sorrow-filled and guilt-ridden past resurfaces, and a web of lies threatens to rip them apart, the fallout could lay waste to everything they’ve fought to build together, and destroy the dreams of those they care most about.
Brock dropped his hand and walked inside, his head turning as his gaze swept over me. I closed the door.
“Nice socks,” he commented. “You know, it’s like you’re recognizing two seasons right now—summer and winter.”
I glanced down at myself. Oh crap! I’d forgotten I was wearing cotton sleep shorts paired with knee-high socks. And these were short shorts. Grateful that I was wearing a long cardigan over the shirt, I self-consciously tugged on the hem of my shorts while he looked around the apartment. I saw he had a little brown bag dangling from his fingertips.
“So,” I said, fiddling with the sleeves on my cardigan, “what did you bring me?”
“Oh, so now you’re curious about what’s in the bag?”
Crossing my arms, I stared at him while I hoped it wasn’t obvious that I wasn’t wearing a bra, because I could feel my nipples pressing against the shirt I wore.
Brock chuckled as he lifted the bag and reached inside, pulling out a small white carton. He then turned, spying the small kitchen. “So, how long have you lived here?”
“Um, I don’t know.” I watched him walk over to the island and place the carton and bag on it. “I think I moved in here about four years ago.”
“Nice place.” His gaze strayed to the stack of books on the other end of the island, and a fond smile appeared as he started to open the carton. “It’s safe here?”
“Yeah. There have never been any problems here.” I crept closer. “Most of the people who live here are married or work in D.C and commute.” My gaze dropped to his back. Did he ever get the large phoenix tattoo colored and filled in? I bet he did and it looked amazing. Then again, his back with all those ropey muscles always looked amazing. “So, where…where do you live now?”
“I bought a house outside of Shepherdstown,” he told me. “Got an amazing view of the river. You need to see it.”
I stopped walking, thinking his fiancée might not be too keen on that. Then again, I doubted she would see me as a threat.
Brock turned sideways, sliding the carton toward where I stood. I glanced over, and I stopped thinking when I saw what he’d brought.
“Glazed doughnuts,” Brock said. “Just glazed. Nothing weird hidden inside them. I know how much you used to hate biting into something and having no idea it’s filled with cream or fruit. They’re fresh, too. Picked them up at the bakery in Shepherdstown that makes them all day.”
I did hate biting into any food and having something unexpectedly squirt into my mouth. It was freaking gross, but I wasn’t focused on that aversion.
Sitting atop wax paper really were large glazed doughnuts.
It was so simple. Just glazed doughnuts. Nothing fancy or spectacular. But he remembered, and I didn’t know why that meant anything to me. I was sure serial killers remembered things about their victims, but I felt some of the tension easing out of my stiff muscles as I blinked back sudden hot tears.
Gah, I was so over-emotional. It was just doughnuts. “Thank you.” I cleared my throat. “That’s really nice.”
His gaze flew to mine, and I hastily lowered my chin, walking past him into the kitchen. “Jillian—”
“You’re eating one if I am,” I said, snatching several sheets off the paper-towel roll. God, I was such a damn mess, but I…I missed this—missed having someone in my life who knew me inside and out, because no one, no one knew me like Brock had. I turned around only when I was sure I didn’t look like I was seconds from exploding into tears, and went to the island, placing the towels on the counter. “I mean, I’m not going to eat three gigantic doughnuts.”
“Since when?”
A strangled laugh escaped me. “Well, I’m not seventeen anymore.”
“I can see that.”
A fine shiver coursed over my skin as I looked up. There was an intense, almost predatory glint to his stare, one I didn’t understand. And it suddenly struck me, really hit me, that after six years, Brock Mitchell was standing in my apartment, in my world, and I would never in a hundred years have expected this.
But there he was, larger than life itself, turning what was a roomy apartment into something that now felt entirely too small. He was one hundred percent grown man who was not just breathtaking to behold, but a walking legend in the world of mixed martial arts. More than that, though, he was a man who overcame such a terrible childhood, beating statistics and naysayers. Demolishing everyone’s doubt as he rose through the ranks, suffering a career-threatening injury to come back and win it all, over and over.
The Wait For You Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout ( aka J. Lynn) is one of my favorite new adult romance series. Each book has a very unique story with dynamic characters that are ordinary people dealing with life. This series takes the reader on the journey of real life. The journey starts in college and progresses into their adult lives establishing careers and families. Each book features a different couple in different phases of life dealing with different situations. All the characters are tied together through family and friendships. The reader not only gets to experience the featured couples lives but also gets more of the couples featured in previous books. That also includes the precious pet turtles from their college days. Every time I open a new book in the Wait For You series it’s like attending a reunion.
Fire In You was an even more special reading experience for me because of some of the content. A few years ago I attended a J. R. Ward release event in Cincinnati for the latest Black Dagger Brotherhood novel. These release events have become a yearly ritual for me and my girls. It’s our girls weekend, our escape from the world. This particular event was even more special than the ones before because Laura Kaye and Jennifer Armentrout attended the event and sat right near us. Talk about a fan girl dream come true. I met two of my favorite authors in a more intimate setting. Afterwards our group of girls went to dinner with Laura and Jennifer. I was lucky enough to sit at the same table with these lovely ladies and get to know them personally. As I read the Fire In You, there were many moments from that day and those conversations that came to life in Jillian’s personality. She is a side a Jennifer coming to life on the pages. I love her just as much as I do Jennifer.
Jillian LIma and Brock “the Beast” Mitchell have a long history. Jillian’s family embraced Brock as their own when he was a young troubled boy. Jillian developed an unrequited crush on Brock. As the years progressed and they grew into adults, their friendship became deeply bonded until one night changed it all and made them strangers.
Jillian had finally gained the courage to tell Brock how she felt about him. Brock was oblivious to Jillian’s feelings. They were supposed to have a dinner date but Brock changed the plan. Instead of going to dinner, they went to a bar. Brock more or less ignored Jillian and flirted with another woman, who later became his fiance. Rather than suffer more humiliation, Jillian left the bar alone. In the parking lot she was held up and shot. That night changed both of their lives and severed their friendship.
Six years later Jillian is still struggling with the aftermath of that night. She still carries both mental and physical scars from that night. Those scars have kept her from living her life. She has chosen to hide away in a non descript office job, a limited social life, and a non existent love life. She hides away in her apartment with her cat and her books. After six years she is ready to start living her life once again. The first step is take her place in the family business and become a manager of one of their gyms. The second step is to begin socializing with her friends more. The third step is to begin dating again. It’s time for Jillian to live her life.
Brock Mitchell once again throws another hitch in Jillian’s life. After six years, he’s back. He’s her new boss at the gym. He’s interfering with her dating life. He’s inserting himself in her social life and becoming a part of her social circle. He’s determined to rebuild their friendship, but this time he wants more. He wants her love, the love he carelessly threw away.
This time around Jillian gets to make the choices. She has gotten over the starry eyed crush she once had. She gets to choose what kind of relationship she has with Brock.
Jennifer Armentrout once again delivered an emotional story that kept me glued to the pages. It was truly an amazing reading experience.
# 1 New York Times and # 1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. She spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.
Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including the 2013 Reviewers Choice Award for Wait for You, the 2015 Editor’s Pick for Fall With Me, and the 2014/2015 Moerser-Jugendbuch- Jury award for Obsidian. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA.
She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.
Skye Jordan is a pseudonym for New York Times bestselling romantic suspense author Joan Swan. Skye’s novels are about enjoying that little wild streak we don’t let out often enough. About those fantasies we rarely get the opportunity to indulge. About stretching limits, checking out the dark side, and maybe even acting a little naughty. They’re about escape and fun and pleasure and romance. And, yes, even love, because while wicked-great sex is good, happily ever after with wicked-great sex is even better.
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A Veil Of Vines
Tillie Cole hails from a small town in the North-East of England. She grew up on a farm with her English mother, Scottish father and older sister and a multitude of rescue animals. As soon as she could, Tillie left her rural roots for the bright lights of the big city.
About Jennifer L. Armentrout:
Saucy Southern Readers 