Blog Tour + Excerpt + Review: In The Crease by Toni Aleo – The Assassins Series – Book 12

 

In The Crease
Assassins Series – Book 11
By Toni Aleo
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Jensen Monroe is a unicorn. As handsome as any model, as polite as can be, a goalie of unmatched skill, and the best friend anyone could ask for. But he longs for a particular special someone to make his life complete. He’s been in love with Wren since he was a teenager, but as his best friend’s sister, she’s always been off-limits.

Wren Lemiere has prided herself on being a love ’em and leave ’em girl her whole life. She’s all about equal opportunity in the battle of the sexes. Why should guys like her brother and his best friends get to be the only ones allowed to play the dating game? One wrong move, however, and she finds herself in violation of her own rules.

In need of a fake husband and baby daddy for her unexpected bundle of joy, Wren finally accepts Jensen is the logical one to ask for help. Except he has a counteroffer…one with so many strings attached, they may just find themselves wrapped up in ties that bind. Forever.

Excerpt

 

Dr. Richards laughed as Wren giggled. “Everything is good. Come on up,” he said, helping Wren up before he patted her back. “But we need to discuss something.”
Her expression turned worried as she met his gaze. “Is everything okay?”
“Fine, but looking over your chart, you had quite the weight gain from last time. Fourteen pounds.”
Her face flushed as she held his gaze. “Baby weight?”
“Some, but not all. Healthy weight gain is about twenty pounds, and you’ve gained thirty.”
She shrugged. “Taco weight?”
He smiled, patting her back. “Are you exercising?”
She nodded. “I walk to the fridge?”
“I’ll take that as a no,” he said, marking his chart. Why did she feel like he was scolding her? “You need to get a little more active, and I’m sure your husband won’t mind doing that with you.”
Wren couldn’t look at Jensen, she was so embarrassed, but still, she said, “Of course.”
“And maybe instead of all the tacos, we have a taco salad?”
She glared. “You’re ruining my life, doctor guy.”
He smiled before he winked. “Just a suggestion.”
“Duly noted.”
“Good. So have a good trip,” he said with a grin before sliding out of the room with only a wave and “see ya next time.”
“Well, that sucked,” she muttered, scooting to the end of the table and getting off. Still unable to look at Jensen, she went to pull her shirt down, but she jumped in surprise when Jensen’s hands stopped her. When she looked up, he was staring at her, his eyes dark as he took her belly in his hands. Bending down, his very large body took up most of the room as he went to his knees before kissing her belly. Her heart fluttered in her chest as she watched him.
“Hey, you, we need to back off the tacos, okay?”
She laughed as he kissed her once more before standing and taking her face in his hands. “And you are fucking sexy, okay? Those numbers mean nothing, except that we’re going to go for walks in the mornings this whole trip.”
Her eyes started to cloud with tears as she nodded. “Okay.”
“Don’t let that bother you, okay?”
“Okay.”
“We’re good.”
She nodded. “We are.”
“And I like the name Liam.”
“Liam?” she asked as he slowly brought her shirt down over her belly. “I don’t know about Liam.”
“I like it, but can I tell you what I don’t like?”
Her brow rose. “What?”
“That doctor.”
She laughed. “What? He’s nice!”
“He’s too hot to be touching you, and I’m man enough to say that. We need to switch.”
She laughed hard, and he took her hand in his as she reached for her purse. “I know you’re not jealous.”
He gave her a dry look. “Beyond.”
“What! No, you’re not!”
“I am,” he admitted, shaking his head. “Does he stick his hands inside of you a lot?”
She sputtered. “Many times.”
“Bullshit. I hate him.”
“You’re silly!”
“I was boiling, sitting there as he touched you. I wanted to deck him.”
“You did not!”
“I did.”
“Like that would bother you.”
He set her with a look that swirled so much desire and the dirtiest thoughts imaginable inside of her. Pulling her against him, he looked deep into her eyes, his mouth barely away from hers as he whispered, “It bothers me just knowing that men look at you.”
“Jensen,” she gasped, her lips curving. “Stop lying to me.”
“I’m not. You’re mine, woman, and that’s that.”

 

*****

Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card

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***** 

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About the Author

 

 

My name is Toni Aleo and I’m a total dork.
I am a wife, mother of two and a bulldog, and also a hopeless romantic.
I am the biggest Shea Weber fan ever, and can be found during hockey season with my nose pressed against the Bridgestone Arena’s glass, watching my Nashville Predators play!
When my nose isn’t pressed against the glass, I enjoy going to my husband and son’s hockey games, my daughter’s dance competition, hanging with my best friends, taking pictures, scrapbooking, and reading the latest romance novel.
I have a slight Disney and Harry Potter obsession, I love things that sparkle, I love the color pink, I might have been a Disney Princess in a past life… probably Belle.
… and did I mention I love hockey?

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

 

Release Blitz + Excerpt + Review + Giveaway: Can’t Hardly Breathe by Gena Showalter – The Orginal Heartbreaker Series – Book 4

 

 

From New York Times Bestselling author Gena Showalter, comes the next standalone romance in the Original Heartbreakers Series—CAN’T HARDLY BREATHE!

 

 

CAN’T HARDLY BREATHE Synopsis:

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter returns with an irresistible Original Heartbreakers story about a woman who’s never felt desired and the man who wants her more than air to breathe…

Bullied in high school, Dorothea Mathis’s past is full of memories she’d rather forget. But there’s one she can’t seem to shake—her longstanding crush on former Army Ranger Daniel Porter. Now that the sexy bad boy has started using her inn as his personal playground, she should kick him out…but his every heated glance makes her want to join him instead.

Daniel returned to Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma to care for his ailing father and burn off a little steam with no strings attached. Though he craves the curvy Dorothea night and day, he’s as marred by his past as she is by hers. The more he desires her, the more he fears losing her.

But every sizzling encounter leaves him desperate for more, and soon Daniel must make a choice: take a chance on love or walk away forever.

 

Buy… CAN’T HARDLY BREATHE here!

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Excerpt

Dorothea Mathis studied the last room on her cleanup schedule and groaned. The bed had been wrecked, the comforter and pillows tossed haphazardly on the floor. A pair of panties hung from a bedpost. The TV remote had been busted, the pieces scattered across the night­stand. Wet towels created a path to the bathroom door, and the trash can…

Oh, gag me! The trash can contained used condoms.

The place needed to be decontaminated by people wearing hazmat suits.

Am I up to date on my vaccinations?

With a sigh, Dorothea anchored earbuds in place, keyed up her iPod and donned a pair of latex gloves. One—germs. Gross! Two—she was protective of the green nail polish she’d applied only that morning.

She selected color based on mood. Green = irritated.

Somehow she’d known today would suck balls.

Her mom must have checked in Mr. and Ms. Pigsty last night after Dorothea had gone to bed. Since she had a 4:00 a.m. wake-up call, she tended to hit the sack by 9:00 p.m. Granny hours, her sister, Holly, liked to tell her.

Dorothea picked up the dirty towels, removed the panties from the post, emptied the trash, changed the sheets on the bed, straightened the pillows and covers, and tossed the remote remains, planning to bill the Pig­stys for a new one.

Time was limited this morning. She’d promised to drive her mother into the city in— Crap! Less than an hour. She rushed through dusting and began vacuum­ing. As the machine swallowed dirt and debris, she tried not to envy her mother. Carol would soon be enjoying her fourth “singles retreat” of the year. Her fourth, but certainly not her last. She stayed at the Michaelson, a five-star hotel owned by the richest guy in Strawberry Valley, Dane Michaelson. Dane was married to a local girl Dorothea had gone to school with, and he allowed Carol to stay free of charge. No doubt about it, she took full advantage, attending speed-dating sessions, mixers and a plethora of themed parties.

Her busy love life was just one of the many reasons she’d given the Strawberry Inn to Dorothea.

The wheels on her cart suddenly squeaked, the sound louder than her music. Yanking out the earbuds, she spun.

Surprise expelled the air from her lungs, leaving her gasping. This so wasn’t happening right now.

It couldn’t be happening.

Nightmares didn’t really come to life. Nor did pornos. Not that she watched those…very often. But dang it, this had to be one or the other.

The sexiest man on the planet had just stridden into the room. He was shirtless, sweat glistening on his eight pack—and his name was Daniel Porter.

The Daniel. The childhood crush she’d never forgot­ten. The first boy to break her already fragile heart.

She gulped. What was he doing here?

Wait. Like she really needed to ponder this one. Wel­come back, Mr. Pigsty.

Her hands trembled as she yanked the vacuum cord from the electrical socket, the room descending into si­lence as the engine died.

I think you’re perfect just the way you are.

She smoothed her trembling hands down her “uni­form,” a pair of blue scrubs that could take a licking and keep on ticking. “Uh, hi. Hello.” Oh, wow. Could she be any lamer? Definitely in a nightmare, not a porno. “Welcome back.”

He pulled the earbuds from his ears and gifted her with a small smile that failed to hide the lines of strain around his mouth. “Sorry about the mess. I planned to clean up before I checked out.” His gaze darted through­out the room, and he cringed. “I also plan to pay for the remote.”

What kind of sexual acrobatics had placed the poor remote in harm’s path, anyway?

Oh, my stars. A warm flush poured over Dorothea, threatening to overheat her. She almost fanned her cheeks for relief, barely stopped herself.

Look away! She tried, she really did, but Daniel was just so freaking beautiful. He was even taller now, and stronger, with a rough, tough face. His cheekbones were sharp, and his nose boasted a small notch in the center. Been broken a time or two? Dark stubble dusted his an­gular jaw, though the shadows couldn’t disguise the fine tracery of scars on his left cheek.

He was a modern-day warrior—literally. After high school, he’d joined the army, defending the country he loved.

This wasn’t the first time Dorothea had seen him since his return to town a few months ago, but her body reacted as if she’d never seen any man, heating and tin­gling in all the naughtiest places.

Act naturally. He’s just a customer.

A customer who’d wrecked a room during his most recent stay, but whatever. He was waiting for her to re­spond to his offer.

Let’s do this. “Yes, thank you. Payment would be ap­preciated.” She wound the vacuum cord around her arm, her motions clipped. “As for the room, I just need to tidy the bathroom, and I’ll be done.”

With his back to her, he stuffed his toiletries into an overnight bag. “I’ll get out of your way, then.”

During his senior year of high school, he hadn’t just slept with Madison Clark; he’d slept with a string of beautiful, popular girls, as if banging-and-bailing had finally been dubbed a national sport.

Good thing Dorothea hadn’t pursued him. He would have taken all her firsts and discarded her like garbage.

Instead, Jazz Connors had taken all her firsts and dis­carded her like garbage.

Anger boiled her blood until bitterness swept in, leav­ing a glaze of frost. Fire and ice. This wasn’t the first time they’d battled it out, and this wouldn’t be the last. The biggest downside? They ensured the wounds inside her hollowed-out chest never really had a chance to heal.

After graduation, she’d moved to the big bad city, enrolled in the University of Oklahoma’s meteorology program, met Jazz and gotten hitched, just as she’d al­ways dreamed…only to return home several years later with a divorce and no degree.

A washed-up has-been by the age of twenty-four.

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Michel’s Review

 

Gena Showalter takes us back to Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma in her latest release Can’t Hardly Breath.

Daniel Porter is back in town to take care of his father.  Rather than staying with his father he’s chosen to stay at the inn.  His father has been pushing him to get married and settle down. That is the last thing Daniel wants.  Staying at the inn means he can have his one night stands without getting his father’s hopes up.  Daniel has also made it a rule not to fool around with any of the women from Strawberry Valley.  He’s following his rules until Dorthea Mathis shows up at his room wearing nothing but a raincoat and a promise of one night of pleasure.  Rather than succumbing to her beauty he turns her away.  Rather than seeing this as a compliment, it hurts Dorthea once again.

Dorothea was the girl everyone bullied in high school.  Daniel Porter is the only person who ever defended her and became her life long crush.  As an adult with a failed marriage and dreams crushed, she finds herself working back at her family’s inn with a hopeless future.  Her mother has retired and her younger sister hates her.  The inn is struggling and needs an infusion.  Allowing herself one moment of pleasure seems to be a good idea until Daniel rejects her offer.

Now Daniel regrets his rejection and is determined to win Dorthea over.

One thing Dorthea has learned over the years is to no longer be a pushover for any man again.  She is going to make Daniel work overtime to win her heart.

Daniel has his own demons that haunt him.  After serving in the military for years, he’s doesn’t want his demons to taint others.  Thus he becomes the love them and leave them type of guy.  He didn’t count on Dorthea soothing his tortured soul.  He didn’t count on her stealing his heart.

Gena Showalter once again delivered a fun, sexy, mature romance that encompassed the charm of a small town romance. The chemistry between Dorthea and Daniel was sizzling hot.  Their comedic banter had me rolling with laughter and swooning at the same time. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series.

 

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About Gena Showalter:

Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the spellbinding Lords of the Underworld and Angels of the Dark series, two young adult series–Everlife and the White Rabbit Chronicles–and the highly addictive Original Heartbreakers series. In addition to being a National Reader’s Choice and two time RITA nominee, her romance novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan (Red Hot Read) and Seventeen magazine, she’s appeared on Nightline and been mentioned in Orange is the New Black–if you ask her about it, she’ll talk for hours…hours! Her books have been translated in multiple languages.

She’s hard at work on her next novel, a tale featuring an alpha male with a dark side and the strong woman who brings him to his knees. You can learn more about Gena, her menagerie of rescue dogs, and all her upcoming books at genashowalter.com or Facebook.com/genashowalterfans

 

 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

 

New Release… 2017 Favorite + 5 Star Review: Fallen Heir by Erin Watt – The Royals – Book 4

Fallen Heir

The Royals – Book 4

Mature YA / New Adult

Recommended for ages 17 and up…

By Erin Watt 

Buy: Amazon 

Synopsis

These Royals will ruin you.

Easton Royal has it all: looks, money, intelligence. His goal in life is to have as much fun as possible. He never thinks about the consequences because he doesn’t have to.

Until Hartley Wright appears, shaking up his easy life. She’s the one girl who’s said no, despite being attracted to him. Easton can’t figure her out and that makes her all the more irresistible.

Hartley doesn’t want him. She says he needs to grow up.

She might be right.

Rivals. Rules. Regrets. For the first time in Easton’s life, wearing a Royal crown isn’t enough. He’s about to learn that the higher you start, the harder you fall.

Warning: This book has a cliffhanger. The story will be resolved in Cracked Kingdom, due out January 2018.

Michel’s Review

After reading Fallen Heir by Erin Watt I am ROYALLY WRECKED!  

Fallen Heir by Erin Watt is the most anticipated book of 2017.  The dynamic YA Royal Series has captured the hearts of readers of all ages and left them royally ruined.  It’s not a series about royalty or the monarch. It’s a story of a privileged family of boys who are spoiled, damaged, and vulnerable.  Their money is a curse rather than a blessing. It has brought them power within their school, community, and among their peers.  It has not bought them respect or brought them happiness.  It’s a tool that gets them in and out of trouble and feeds their demons. It’s a means of masking their troubles and avoiding their emotions.  They’ve learned to hide behind the almighty dollar rather than earning the respect they think they deserve.  Behind the facade are five very troubled young men angry at the world and screaming to be loved.  The readers have embraced these Royal men with their whole hearts and want them to have the love they deserve.

Readers thought the Royal family was beginning to heal but their wounds were much deeper than they anticipated.  The first three books were merely a bandaid to hold together the wounds that are tearing this family to pieces.

Easton Royal is a mess.  Without his older brother Reed at Astor Prep he’s left to take over the Royal throne.  Unlike both his older brothers, he could care less about ruling the school or maintaining their status.  He’s bored to tears with the whole scene, could care less about his classes, and is still struggling with everything that went down in the last year.  Rather than being productive and making his own niche in his world, he is still playing at his old tricks, partying too hard and avoiding responsibility.  When he meets Hartley Wright in school, something finally sparks his interest.  She’s not like the rest of the students at Astor Prep nor is she impressed that he is a Royal.  What starts out as mere curiosity turns into an obsession to become her friend.  The problem is Easton himself. He’s coasting along on the family reputation and drinking himself into oblivion rather than investing himself into something real.  He’s trying to reach out but doesn’t know how to maneuver in any kind of relationship, whether it be friendship or family.  His soul is tarnished by his family’s past and it’s easier to numb the pain than to feel less than perfect.  He’s afraid to show his true feelings and the one thing he obviously has a passion for is used against him to make him toe the line.  The one thing he does recognize is another lost soul that’s hurting inside.  He sees beyond the surface and understands the pain.  He sees what Hartley is hiding beneath the surface.  He wants to take away her pain and make her life better.  Before he can do that he has to recognize his own issues.  He’s too busy numbing them and his life is spiraling out of control. He’s an addict heading for rock bottom.

Hartley Wright came to Astor Prep with one goal in mind, to succeed in her education.  Unlike the other students in Astor Prep, she doesn’t have an unlimited credit card or trust fund to ensure her success.  She has to rely on her own merit rather than the numbers in her bank account.  She has to work to maintain her academic standing as well as surviving her home life.  She’s got very real issues that most of these privileged kids couldn’t deal with.  She doesn’t have the time or the inclination to deal with Easton Royal. He’s a spoiled boy with too much money and time on his hands.  He’s irresponsible and careless with his life. He’s determined to become her friend. His determination has made her a target for the new group of mean girls ruling the school.  It’s made her a problematic student with the school staff. It’s left her far more vulnerable than she was when she started class.  Rather than helping her, it’s isolating her even more.  The problem is that there is something irresistible about Easton.  She’s beginning to see there’s more to this hopeless, spoiled boy.  He has good intentions and a pure heart but he’s like a bull in a china shop.  An accident waiting to crash.  He’s his own worst enemy and having him as a friend could take her down with him.  She can’t help liking him as much as she hates him. Nothing good could come from this friendship but he’s the only one offering it.

Meanwhile back at the Royal palace things are still a mess.  Reed has gone off to college and Ella is struggling to adjust to the new path of their relationship while trying to deal with the upcoming trial.  Callum is still hasn’t fully grasped the job of parenting and is struggling. Gideon has started getting his act together but is still somewhat removed from the Royal household.  The twins are wrapped up in their own little world that is anything but perfect. Steve is still trying to outmaneuver the Royals at every turn.  Trouble is brewing and when that happens the results can become explosive.  In the middle of it all is Easton and he is about to crash and burn.

The ending was explosive and left my jaw on the ground.  We thought the Royals were a mess but the final pages may just leave the Royals completely ruined.  It’s going to kill all of us commoners to wait for the conclusion of this story! Cracked Kingdom will release in January 2018.  I am already counting down the days!

 

*****

 

The Royals

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Paper Princess

The Royals – Book One

Buy : Amazon / B & N / ITunes 

Synopsis

From strip clubs and truck stops to southern coast mansions and prep schools, one girl tries to stay true to herself.

These Royals will ruin you…

Ella Harper is a survivor—a pragmatic optimist. She’s spent her whole life moving from town to town with her flighty mother, struggling to make ends meet and believing that someday she’ll climb out of the gutter. After her mother’s death, Ella is truly alone.

Until Callum Royal appears, plucking Ella out of poverty and tossing her into his posh mansion among his five sons who all hate her. Each Royal boy is more magnetic than the last, but none as captivating as Reed Royal, the boy who is determined to send her back to the slums she came from.

Reed doesn’t want her. He says she doesn’t belong with the Royals.

He might be right.

Wealth. Excess. Deception. It’s like nothing Ella has ever experienced, and if she’s going to survive her time in the Royal palace, she’ll need to learn to issue her own Royal decrees.

*****

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Broken Prince

The Royals – Book 2

Buy: Amazon / ITunes

Synopsis

These Royals will ruin you…

From wharf fights and school brawls to crumbling lives inside glittery mansions, one guy tries to save himself.

Reed Royal has it all—looks, status, money. The girls at his elite prep school line up to date him, the guys want to be him, but Reed never gave a damn about anyone but his family until Ella Harper walked into his life.

What started off as burning resentment and the need to make his father’s new ward suffer turned into something else entirely—keep Ella close. Keep Ella safe. But when one foolish mistake drives her out of Reed’s arms and brings chaos to the Royal household, Reed’s entire world begins to fall apart around him.

Ella doesn’t want him anymore. She says they’ll only destroy each other.

She might be right.

Secrets. Betrayal. Enemies. It’s like nothing Reed has ever dealt with before, and if he’s going to win back his princess, he’ll need to prove himself Royally worthy.

***

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Twisted Palace

The Royals – Book 3

Buy: Amazon

Synopsis

The hotly anticipated conclusion to the Royals series begun in the #1 New York Times bestselling novels Paper Princess and Broken Prince.

“This generation’s Cruel Intentions.” Jennifer L. Armentrout, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
Twisted Palace was an awesome conclusion to the Royals trilogy. Readers are in for an absolute treat. I eagerly await the next book from Erin Watt. —New York Times Bestselling Author Samantha Towle

“Erin Watt’s words are addictive brilliance. If you haven’t let these Royals ruin you yet, what are you waiting for?”—USA Today Bestselling Author Meghan March
These Royals will ruin you…

From mortal enemies to unexpected allies, two teenagers try to protect everything that matters most.

Ella Harper has met every challenge that life has thrown her way. She’s tough, resilient, and willing to do whatever it takes to defend the people she loves, but the challenge of a long-lost father and a boyfriend whose life is on the line might be too much for even Ella to overcome.

Reed Royal has a quick temper and even faster fists. But his tendency to meet every obstacle with violence has finally caught up with him. If he wants to save himself and the girl he loves, he’ll need to rise above his tortured past and tarnished reputation.

No one believes Ella can survive the Royals. Everyone is sure Reed will destroy them all.

They may be right.

With everything and everyone conspiring to keep them apart, Ella and Reed must find a way to beat the law, save their families, and unravel all the secrets in their Twisted Palace.

 

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About Erin Watt

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About Elle Kennedy

Elle-KennedyA USA Today bestselling author, Elle Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a BA in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Newsletter

 

 

jen frederick bioJen Frederick lives with her husband, child, and one rambunctious dog. She’s been reading stories all her life but never imagined writing one of her own. Jen loves to hear from readers so drop her a line at jensfrederick@gmail.com

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

 

 

Release Blitz + Excerpt + Review: Hate To Love You by Tijan

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Hate to Love You, an all-new standalone from New York Times Bestseller Tijan is available NOW!

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Hate to Love You by Tijan
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publication Date: August 28th

****

Rule #1: No hot guys.

It might sound ridiculous. I get it. It kind of is, but college was supposed to be my sanctuary. It was my place to start over. The rumors, the whispers, and the jealousy I endured through high school would all be gone.

No one would know me at college.

Rule #2: No drama.

I’d major in pre-law. I’d make a few loyal friends. Everything would be easy breezy. No one was going to use me or hurt me. I wouldn’t let them.

Rule #3: New year. New place. New me.

Right?

Wrong.

And all because of Shay Coleman.

Football captain and quarterback, he was the big guy on campus. The cocky guy in my political science class with a smirk. I hated him on sight . . .

. . . and he was about to break all my rules.

TIJAN-HTLY-AN KU

Read Today!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2wfi40u

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2wB2Wvp

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2xoGkvv

Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2wKztQc

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2rwVniM

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Excerpt:

I was almost grinning from delight as I shoved open the back door. If I hit him, hey, all was fair in the war we were fighting of who could piss each other off the best.

It didn’t.

He was leaning against the wall, the back of his head resting on the brick, and he looked over to smirk at me. “I want to see your room.”

I thrust my hand out. “I’ll take those notes.”

That smirk just widened. He patted his bag and pushed off from the wall. “They’re in my email. I need to get on a computer.” He patted my arm and moved past me, heading inside. “I can use yours.”

“Hey!” I followed him in.

He was looking up the stairs. “Sabrina said you were on the fourth floor. You saw my place. I want to see yours. It’s only fair.”

He wasn’t waiting for my go-ahead. He was already up and rounding second floor to third. He’d be at my floor before I could get there. “Stop! I am not okay with this.”

He was at the third-floor door. He glanced down with that same goddamn smirk. “Better tell me which room or I’m going to hang out in the hallway.”

“Why are you always smirking? Is it permanently attached to your face?”

“What room, Clarke?” He was at my hallway door.

Fucking hell. I gritted my teeth. “Wait. Just wait. My door automatically locks.”

He’d opened the door but let it shut. Waiting as I covered the last set of stairs, I refused to let him see me panting. I stood there, purposely holding my breath until he narrowed his eyes and cocked his head to the side. “Breathe, Clarke. You’re going to pass out.”

I almost burped out the small pocket of air I’d been holding. “I hate you so much.”

“Yeah, yeah.” He waved that off. “We get it. Eternal damnation in hell, the whole shebang. Whatever.” He nodded to the door. “Stop stalling. I want to see your room.”

I was picturing pitchforks and fire. Maybe that was the burning smell he mentioned. It was hell, and all the fire in there. I yanked the door, glaring as I did. “Was this Sabrina’s idea?”

“Nope. All mine.” He was right behind me. I could feel his breathing. “She refused to tell me your room number, said I had to call.”

My eyes widened at the thought of him coming up by himself, strolling down the hallway, and then knocking on my door. Good Lordy gracious. Too many would’ve seen him at my door. I would’ve been the talk of the dorm.

I shuddered, unlocked, and entered my room.

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Michel’s Review

The timing for the release of Hate To Love You by Tijan is perfect with all the college students heading back to campus to start another new year.  Whether they are freshman or upper classmen, they are embarking on another exciting year that will become part of their life journey.

Kennedy Clarke is starting her freshman year at Dulane University.  She is starting school with very high expectations and well thought out strategic list to ensure her success in college.  Her list is very specific and outlined in direct detail.  Her reasonings are valid after her negative experiences in high school.  She is a girl with goals that she intends to keep.

First on the list is NO HOT GUYS.  A bit unrealistic considering the campus is full of them, which includes her older brother Gage. The difference is that she can choose not to engage with the enemy.  It seems doable until she gets to her Political Science class and is forced into group participation.  That includes participation with the star quarterback Shay Coleman, who is not the typical jock. She can handle the jock but she can’t handle the man behind the title.  The only thing she can do is become his secret friend. Because if people knew they were friends it would break rule number two.

Rule number two- NO DRAMA.  Completely unrealistic when in an all girls dorm and three girls who are determined to be her friend.  Two of these girls are determined to get the complete “college experience” which includes frat parties, football games, and late night pizza binges followed by ice cream induced comas.  These girls are bent on bringing rule number one into play.  And she’s still trying to keep her growing friendship with the star quarterback and her hotter than sin brother under wraps.  When the unthinkable happens, rule number one is once again broken.  They may need certain hot guys to help them against the other hot guys who were the reason this rule was put into place.

Rule number three – NEW YEAR. NEW PLACE. NEW ME.  This rule was completely workable and did work but it just didn’t work the way Kennedy imagined it would.

It all began in Political Science class and became a college experience Kennedy never imagined she would have.  The hot guy proved her theories wrong.  The drama in the new year and new place led her to the new me, a girl who became stronger, more determined, and with much more realistic goals.  Kennedy not only changed her major, she changed her life.

Tijan captured the “college experience” and so much more.  She gave all the characters a lifetime experience that was more educating than the lectures and textbooks could.  I hope there will be more from the gang at Dulane University.

 

About Tijan:

Tijan is a New York Times Bestselling author that writes suspenseful and unpredictable novels. Her characters are strong, intense, and gut-wrenchingly real with a little bit of sass on the side. Tijan began writing later in life and once she started, she was hooked. She’s written multi-bestsellers including the Carter Reed Series, the Fallen Crest Series, and the Broken and Screwed Series among others. She is currently writing a new YA series along with so many more from north Minnesota where she lives with a man she couldn’t be without and an English Cocker she adores.

To find what to read next of hers, go to www.tijansbooks.com

WALL STREET JOURNAL, NEW YORK TIMES, AND USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

 

Connect with Tijan:

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Stay up to date with Tijan by signing up for her newsletter here: https://goo.gl/9GxnKU

http://www.tijansbooks.com

Release Blitz + Excerpt + 5 Star Review + Giveaway: The Time In Between by Kristen Ashley – The Magdalene Series – Book 3

 

 

“She was the one then and nothing changed in the time in between.”

 

✮✮✮A story of past decisions gone awry, secrets that change directions, and emotional second chances, this gripping love story is what happens when two paths again collide. The final standalone title in New York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley’s Magdalene Series, THE TIME IN BETWEEN is a rich, heartfelt love story available now!✮✮✮

 

Explore THE TIME IN BETWEEN and grab your copy today!

 

About THE TIME IN BETWEEN (Magdalene Series #3):

After a painful loss, Cady Moreland is coming to Magdalene to start the next chapter of her life. A chapter that began eighteen years ago but had a heartbreaking ending. The time in between was full of family and friendship, but Cady could never get the man she fell in love with all those years ago out of her heart.

Coert Yeager has learned to live without the girl who entered his life right when she shouldn’t and exited delivering a crippling blow he never would have suspected. The time in between was full of failing to find what he was missing…and life-altering betrayal.

But when that girl shows up in Magdalene and buys the town’s beloved lighthouse, even if Coert wants to avoid her, he can’t. A fire in town sparks a different kind of flame that won’t be ignored.

As Cady and Coert question the actions of the two young adults they once were thrown into earth-shattering circumstances, can they learn from what came in between and find each other again?

 

Grab your copy of THE TIME IN BETWEEN today!

 

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5% of the proceeds from the first week of sales of THE TIME IN BETWEEN release will be given to HALO Animal Rescue in Phoenix, a no-kill shelter. HALO stands for “helping animals live on” and is a shelter started by a mother/daughter team of committed animal advocates who have done a huge duty for animals in this area, and continue to do so with unwavering love, support and energy.For more information on HALO or to donate to the work they do, go to www.halorescue.org.

 

 

 

 

And don’t miss the first titles in the Magdalene Series!

THE WILL
SOARING

 

EXCERPT:

Present day…

I took in the mess of the large, circular room we were in and at first saw nothing but the mess—decaying furniture, a soot-covered stone fireplace, a kitchen that might have been put in in the forties but had not only not been touched the last nine years, it perhaps had not been touched the last nineteen (or more).

Then I saw more.

The extraordinarily carved railing to the sweeping wood staircase that ran the curved side of the house. The red brick walls. The plank wood floors.

“Once upon a time, long ago,” the realtor was suddenly talking wistfully, “someone loved this place. Put that love into building it. Put that love into keeping it. Nine years and more when no one really gave a whit, and still you can see it once had a lot of love.”

Oh yes.

You could see that.

“It’s got a basement, more like a big crawl space,” the agent declared, surprising me with his quick change in tone back to businesslike and informative. “The furnace is down there. You can get down there through a door in the floor. The furnace was put in a while back, and full disclosure, though an inspection will catch it, it probably needs to be replaced.”

Through his words I stared at the fireplace, which scoured would be magnificent, and I noticed it didn’t have a chimney as such, but the smoke probably went out a vent in the wall.

“This floor has a powder room under the stairs,” the realtor kept on. “You can look at it if you want, but if you wanna save yourself that, I’ll just tell you straight, it needs to be gutted.”

I decided to take his word for it and told him that.

He looked relieved when I did before he stated, “Place has a garage, two car. Not in good condition, but think you saw that. Still, it’s close to the house and there’s a covered walkway to that door over there.” He pointed at a door that was across from the door we’d walked in. “Means you might feel a chill but you won’t get wet, unless it’s raining sideways, which happens.”

With a breeze that plastered my jacket to me on a sunny, early spring day, I did not doubt that.

“Garage has a loft space above it, which could be renovated as a studio rental if you’ve a mind to do that sort of thing. As for the property itself, it also has a building where the generators are stowed,” the realtor carried on. “Hook up for a washer and dryer and good space in there. Lots of it for storage. Which is good because there’s not a lot of storage in here for tools and Christmas decorations and whatnot.”

I glanced around seeing he was right. There wasn’t even enough cabinetry to house the things a decent cook would need in her kitchen. Though there was room for them. In fact, if you fought back the gloom, there was quite a bit of room.

“And there’s a place outside, could call it a studio, could call it a mother-in-law house,” he shared. “Whatever, it’s got goodly space, two bedrooms, big kitchen. Could be renovated to be a guest house. Or like I said, a studio if you’re artsy. Or you could rent it out like a B and B. I’ll show you all of that after we have a look at the lighthouse.”

“Thanks,” I replied.

“Now, since I mentioned full disclosure, you have to know it all,” the realtor continued.

Slowly, my eyes went to him.

When they did, he launched in. “Like I said, it’s automated. And like I said, you won’t really have to concern yourself with the functionality of that unless the electricity goes out, but then the generators automatically kick in. There are two. But you’ll need to keep fuel on hand to keep them going in case a blackout lasts awhile. And just to say, this is coastal Maine. We get weather. Blackouts can last awhile.”

When I nodded to share I took that in, he kept going.

“And if you’re, say, away on vacation, you need to make sure someone is playing backup in such a case.”

“Okay,” I replied when he stopped talking, thinking this probably wasn’t a good thing since I knew no one in Maine (or not anyone who wanted to know me) and thus couldn’t call on anyone to do something like that.

I also didn’t hold high hopes I’d make friends and win people. I hadn’t had a lot of success in that in my life.

And last, although Patrick believed it completely, I held no hope that the reason I was out there was going to come to fruition.

That being me having a happy ending.

That being what Patrick thought would be my happy ending.

Which might mean I’d have someone, a certain someone, or actually two (at least), even though I knew I never would.

 

Michel’s Review

The Time In Between by Kristen Ashley is the third book in the Magdalene Series.  The Magdalene Series is quite a bit different from Kristen Ashley’s other series because it features mature, middle aged leading characters finding themselves on new paths in life due to circumstances beyond their control.  Whether it was a marriage that had ran it’s course, a career that was no longer viable, or the unpredictable circumstances that navigated their pasts, the leading characters are getting a second chance of happiness in their lives.  They are getting a new happily ever after which is much more appreciated and long overdue.

Cady Moreland went to Magdalene, Maine with a purpose.  She had a goal to right two wrongs from her past.  To repair two damaged relationships that have haunted her for over eighteen years.  She’s there to repair her fractured relationship with her older brother, the only living member of her family.  She’s also there to make amends with the only man she ever loved with her complete heart and soul.  Their relationship spiraled out of control eighteen years earlier in Denver, Co and at that time she was too immature, insecure, and broken to handle the fallout.  She’s had eighteen years to grow as individual and learn how to handle herself when life rears it’s ugly head.  She’s still the same Cady with a heart of gold and pure intentions but she’s also a woman made of steel who knows how to handle love and relationships when they get messy.

Coert Yeager came to Magdalene, Maine after years of working undercover in the Denver P.D. His job as an undercover cop destroyed everything he valued in life.  He lost the only woman who ever owned his heart.  Her betrayal left scars that never healed.  Although his heart was shattered, his life moved on.  It led him to Magdalene where he became a father and sheriff of this quaint New England town.  Through the years he has harbored resentments from the past but he also learned that he was more than the job.  He learned that love and family came first.  It’s his job as a man to nurture and protect those he loves.  When Cady shows up in his town he has to once again step up and protect his heart. Their jaded past has no room in his present life.  He doesn’t want that ugliness to touch the life he has built with his young daughter.  What he forgot was the very thing that drove him to Magdalene in the first place.  He forgot that Cady had a heart of gold and the purest intentions, the things that made him fall hopelessly in love with her when he was a young man with unrealistic expectations.

Coert and Cady’s story wasn’t over by a long shot.  The Time In Between was what they needed to lead them back to one another, to lead them to a happy home.

Kristen Ashley creates pure magic when she puts down her words.  She does more than create a love story with a happily ever after.  She lets the reader experience the happily ever after by making that the focal point of the story rather than the journey that led them there.  The reader doesn’t have to wonder what came next. They get it moment after moment and that is what makes the characters story more endearing and special. Their great Love Affair is only a beginning!

 

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About Kristen Ashley:

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA and nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorize and she hadn’t taken her first breath!). Her mother said they took Kristen away, put her Mom back in her room, her mother looked out the window, and Gary was on fire (Dr. King had been assassinated four days before). Kristen’s Mom remembered thinking it was the end of the world. Quite the dramatic beginning.

Nothing’s changed.

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana and has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus, she’s blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her family was (is) loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write. They all lived together on a very small farm in a small farm town in the heartland. She grew up with Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing, it keeps getting better.

 

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Blog Tour + Excerpt + 5 Star Review: In The Crease by Toni Aleo – The Assassins Series – Book 12

 

In The Crease
Assassins Series – Book 11
By Toni Aleo
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Jensen Monroe is a unicorn. As handsome as any model, as polite as can be, a goalie of unmatched skill, and the best friend anyone could ask for. But he longs for a particular special someone to make his life complete. He’s been in love with Wren since he was a teenager, but as his best friend’s sister, she’s always been off-limits.

Wren Lemiere has prided herself on being a love ’em and leave ’em girl her whole life. She’s all about equal opportunity in the battle of the sexes. Why should guys like her brother and his best friends get to be the only ones allowed to play the dating game? One wrong move, however, and she finds herself in violation of her own rules.

In need of a fake husband and baby daddy for her unexpected bundle of joy, Wren finally accepts Jensen is the logical one to ask for help. Except he has a counteroffer…one with so many strings attached, they may just find themselves wrapped up in ties that bind. Forever.

Excerpt

Brie snickered as Vaughn went on. “I know this is going to be hard. Like, really hard on you. But, buddy, I’m sorry to say, we bought a house.”
Jensen just stared back at him. “Okay? Why is this hard?”
“Because you’re not moving with us.”
He rolled his eyes. “Jo, we haven’t lived together for six months since you moved in with Brie.”
“I know, but we were across the hall.”
Jensen laughed. “I’ll be fine without you guys—”
“Now, I know this comes as a shock, but we’re having a baby, and we need space for us and the baby.”
“I know—”
“Now, Jenny, I know this is going to be difficult, putting space between us—”
“You know we lived apart for years, right?”
But Vaughn went on. “Just know I will always and forever love you as my brother, and nothing will change. Not the space, the new ball and chain, or the baby.”
“Are you done?”
Brie apparently thought this was hilarious since she was basically choking she was laughing so hard. Which wasn’t anything new. Vaughn might be an idiot, but he was a funny one. As always, Vaughn was unaffected as he said, “We’ll never be done, Jenny, never.”
“Okay,” Jensen said, rolling his eyes again. “Listen, this is awesome. I’m happy for you guys, and let me know when we need to start moving stuff.”
“You’re such a good man,” Vaughn proclaimed before clapping his hands together. “This weekend good for you?”
Laughing, he just shook his head at Vaughn’s antics. “Yeah, man.”
“Thanks, Jensen.”
He smiled over at Brie. “Anytime.”
Rolling his eyes, he went back to eating as a grin played on his lips. He wanted nothing more than for his friend to grow and be in love. Brie was that for Vaughn. They were moving and having a kid, and it was great. Vaughn needed that. So did Wells, who was getting married the following month. Both his best friends were living life, happily and to its fullest. Meanwhile, Jensen was stuck.
He didn’t know how it happened, or even why, but it had. He wasn’t interested in anyone he met, and he didn’t just want to fuck around. He wanted someone to love him for him. The quiet, weird guy in the corner. The one who would lay down his life for anyone he loved. He had redeemable qualities, but for some reason, no one wanted them. They just wanted to have sex.
He didn’t want Netflix and chill; he wanted Netflix and breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and more.
Hmm, he should copyright that.
Taking a huge bite of his chicken, he felt his phone start to vibrate. He pulled it out, seeing that it was a text from Wren, as he chewed. Like always when she texted him, his heart sped up, and his palms went clammy as a lump formed in his throat. Or maybe that was the chicken, he wasn’t sure. Either way, he slid the notification over so that his text thread with her opened up before he read her message.
Wren: Are you free anytime this week?

 

***** 

Michel’s Review

The Assassin’s are back proving they are first class champions once again.  In The Crease by Toni Aleo is the twelfth book in the dynamic Assassins hockey series.

Wren Lemiere, the team psychologist finds herself pushing thirty, happily single, and unexpectedly pregnant.  She never wanted to get married let alone become a mother. She can deal with the unexpected pregnancy and becoming a mother but what she cannot deal with is the circumstances it leaves her in.  She could lose her inheritance if she has a child out of wedlock before she turns thirty.  She’s depending on this inheritance not only to make her life better but also give her brother the share he lost when he openly declared he was gay.  The baby daddy is out of the question.  He is a douche.  She has to find a husband fast.  When she turns to her childhood friend Jenson Monroe for help, her life once again takes an unexpected direction.

Jenson Monroe agrees to marry Wren but on his conditions.  He’s loved her most of his life and sees this as his only opportunity to prove his love.  Wren has serious issues and she’s going to be hard nut to crack.  He wasn’t named the top goalie in the league because he backed down, he’s focused, determined, and willing to wait for the right moment.

Wren and Jenson both have their issues from the past but Wren’s are emotionally paralyzing her.  Jenson has his work cut out for him but he’s determined to win the happily ever after.

This is not the typical contract marriage with a baby in the works kind of romance.  This is a story of two very real people struggling with issues from their past.  One is much more well adjusted and the other is denying it all.  Add other family dynamics such as a gay athlete marrying the wrong man, a father denying his son’s sexuality, a mother trying to fix it all with the perfect wedding, parents with health issues, and a best friend who is also a hockey player that has no filters and the book gets much more interesting.  In the end the happily ever after becomes a choice for them all.  Toni Aleo has another winner in the Assassin’s playbook.

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About the Author

 

 

My name is Toni Aleo and I’m a total dork.
I am a wife, mother of two and a bulldog, and also a hopeless romantic.
I am the biggest Shea Weber fan ever, and can be found during hockey season with my nose pressed against the Bridgestone Arena’s glass, watching my Nashville Predators play!
When my nose isn’t pressed against the glass, I enjoy going to my husband and son’s hockey games, my daughter’s dance competition, hanging with my best friends, taking pictures, scrapbooking, and reading the latest romance novel.
I have a slight Disney and Harry Potter obsession, I love things that sparkle, I love the color pink, I might have been a Disney Princess in a past life… probably Belle.
… and did I mention I love hockey?

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

 

Blog Tour + New Release + 4.5-Star Review: Hollywood Scandal by Louise Bay

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Hollywood Scandal by Louise Bay
Release Date: August 22nd
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Hollywood Scandal, an all-new contemporary romance by Louise Bay is available NOW!!

HollywoodScandal.Ebook.v3

HE’S A HOLLYWOOD SUPERSTAR. SHE’S LITERALLY THE GIRL NEXT DOOR

One of Hollywood’s A-listers, I have the movie industry in the palm of my hand. But if I’m going to stay at the top, my playboy image needs an overhaul. No more tabloid headlines. No more parties. And absolutely no more one night stands.

Filming for my latest blockbuster takes place on the coast of Maine and I’m determined to stay out of trouble. But trouble finds me when I run into Lana Kelly.

She doesn’t recognize me, she’s never heard of Matt Easton and my million dollar smile doesn’t work on her.

Ego shredded, I know I should keep my distance, but when I realize she’s my neighbor I know I’m toast. There’s no way I can resist temptation when it’s ten yards away.

She has a mouth designed for pleasure and legs that will wrap perfectly around my waist.

She’s movie star beautiful and her body is made to be mine.

Getting Lana Kelly into my bed is harder than I’m used to. She’s not interested in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, but I’m determined to convince her the best place in the world is on the red carpet, holding my hand.

I could have any woman in the world, but all I want is the girl next door.

A sexy, standalone romance.

 

Excerpt:

Matt Easton

“You have a boyfriend?”

She took another sip of wine and set it back on the table before she replied. “You’ve half asked that before.”

I chuckled. True. Not that I was going to act differently if she told me—either way I needed to keep my distance. I just wanted to meet the man who had managed to land this woman. “And I’m still coming up empty.” I glanced at the rise and fall of her creamy breasts, only barely covered by her camisole, and swallowed. Hard. I really should leave.

“See that?” she asked, pointing up over the ocean. “Lightning. And again.”

“Wow, that nearly cut the sky in half.”

Our eyes locked first in excited, shared understanding and then the connection transformed into something that had nothing to do with the lightning. She looked away first. I would have stayed, my eyes fixed on hers the whole night, if she hadn’t. “The air feels charged with something.”

“I don’t have a boyfriend,” she whispered.

It was an invitation, and not one I wanted to turn down. I wanted to touch her, see if her lips were as soft as they looked.

“I want to kiss you,” I said, shifting so that she, and not the storm, had all my attention.

The thunder rumbled again.

Despite the noise surrounding us, I could only focus on the sound of her breathing. My pulse jumped under my skin, at my neck, in my wrists, in my dick.

I really shouldn’t be doing this.

But it was just a kiss.

And she was so beautiful.

And then it would be over.

I slid my thumb over her bottom lip. “Look at me,” I said.

My gaze flickered down as her breasts rose with her breath. It took every ounce of control not to yank her cami down and put my mouth on that warm, soft, pliant flesh.

As I looked at her, our eyes locked, and this time heat passed back and forth between us, growing more scorching with each passing moment.

She wanted me to kiss her. Maybe even strip her naked on this deck and fuck her hard and long until I knew every part of her.

I groaned, blood rushing to my dick, and leaned in to press my lips softly on the corner of her mouth. Her breath was hot and heavy against my cheek. I dropped my hand to her ass and slid her onto my lap.

Wrapping my hands around her silky hair that smelled of the ocean, I pulled, tilting her head back and exposing her neck.

I’d been kidding myself to think this was just a kiss. I wasn’t sure if it was because it had been so long since I’d fucked someone new or whether it was the storm or just the way Lana looked at me, but my whole body reverberated with lust. I wanted to touch, hold, possess her.

I trailed my teeth along her jaw and she squirmed in my lap. I slid my palms up her thighs and lifted her so she was straddling me.

Just a kiss. Right.

I wanted her closer, so I wrapped my hand around the back of her neck and brought her mouth to mine in a fractured, desperate connection. With my other hand, I pushed her ass against me. The heat of her covered pussy against my erection made me groan. Sliding my tongue against the seam of her lips, I delved deeper. Fuck, I’d forgotten how hot making out could be. The stuff before the fucking. Before my reform, it had been all about release. All about seeing how fast I could have a woman’s mouth wrapped around my cock after making eye contact with her.

But not now. Not out here on the porch with Lana. All I could think about was how I couldn’t fuck her, how I’d never make it that far.

She smelled so damn good. Tasted even better.

 

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Tracey’s Review

The man a million women wanted only wanted me. 

Lana Kelly has been burned before. Happily ensconced in her quiet life in Maine, the last thing that she wants is any kind of notoriety. Been there, done that, and, never again, thank you very much. As a Hollywood darling, Matt Easton might be one of the rich and famous, but he’s still just a Midwestern boy at heart. While in Maine to shoot a movie, little does he know that an encounter with one very angry, very rained-upon woman will change his life as he knows it.

One of the things that I love best about Louise Bay’s writing is how very well she writes about so many different types of people. From British students to Wall Street billionaires, Louise creates vivid stories and lives that are always completely engaging and passionate, no matter the setting. In HOLLYWOOD SCANDAL, she has ventured into what I’d call Cinderella Story Land, and she’s done a lovely job.

Lana and Matt have chemistry from the moment that they spend time together. It’s a bit of a slow burn at first, but not that slow because, before long, they are lighting each other up like 4th of July fireworks. To say that these two are passionate about each other is an understatement. I mean, Louise always brings the heat, and Lana and Matt were certainly well-matched in theirs. Beyond the attraction, though, what I appreciated most is the way that Lana appealed to who Matt really was deep down. Having grown up in a regular Midwestern family, with family values and a love of those closest to his heart, it really doesn’t take spending much time with Lana for Matt to understand that the life that he thought he wanted might need something more.

For her part, spending time with Matt allows Lana to grow beyond the things that have held her back, to really take flight and reach the potential that he sees in her, and pursue her passions, and this is one of the things that I love most about Louise’s books. No matter what path they are pursuing in life, it’s meeting that certain someone, that person that sparks a change and makes them see life differently that makes Louise’s characters and their stories so appealing.

Don’t get me wrong, there were moments that I wanted to grab Matt by the shoulders and shake him, but, he is a guy, after all, and, when all was said and done, he always had Lana’s best interests at heart. While I enjoyed the rest of the story, the epilogues sealed the deal for me, and really made me love Matt just a little bit more, because he brought it, and showed what he was made of. And Lana, I loved her sass, her humor, and the way that she bloomed with the right kind of love and attention, and would happily catch up with her in a later book (Louise, are you listening?!).

While Ryder and Scarlett and their story are still topping my faves list, HOLLYWOOD SCANDAL is another 4.5 stars worthy read, and one that is perfect for fans of Louise, a glass slipper kind of story, and the HEA.

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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.

She loves to hear from readers so get in touch!


Connect with Louise:

Faceboook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlouisebay/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/louisesbay
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8056592.Louise_Bay
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1WqwGAf
Website: http://www.louisebay.com

 

Release Blitz + 5 Star Review: Crazy Love by Jane Harvey-Berrick – A New Adult Boxed Set

 

 

Crazy Love

By Jane Harvey-Berrick

Release Date: August 21, 2017

A New Adult Bundle Boxed Set… Includes…

*** Dazzled ***

*** Summer of Seventeen ***

*** Playing In The Rain ***

Buy : Amazon

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Three stories of love and longing for New Adult readers by bestselling romance author Jane Harvey-Berrick
♥ ♥ ♥DAZZLED
Miles Stephens is a young actor from London. Out of work, unemployable, and fired from his last job, he unexpectedly gets the chance to star in a big-time Hollywood movie.The film is a great success, propelling him to worldwide fame – but when the dream doesn’t match the reality, he turns to Clare, lifelong friend and girl next door.Clare knows two important facts: when you break chocolate, the calories fall out; and that she’s totally in love with clueless Miles.PLAYING IN THE RAIN – A NOVELLA
Ava Lawton can’t believe her run of bad luck. It’s supposed to be an exciting time in her life: fresh out of college, living in a new state, with a new job, and away from her family at last.
But when she’s forced to quit her job, everything falls apart quickly. Suddenly, she’s alone in a crowd, with no one to turn to.
At her lowest point, a stranger gives her a message that brings her hope.
Now is the time to live life her own way.
Now is the time to choose to be happy.
And maybe it’s time to let a beautiful stranger be part of her life.
Can summer love last a lifetime?

Listed in Huffington Post’s Best Ugly Cry reads

SUMMER OF SEVENTEEN
It was supposed to be the endless summer of sand, sea, and surf. Supposed to be. But, Nick’s life is crashing out of control. His girlfriend and his best friend have declared war, his sister’s constant interference in his life is driving him insane, and there are money problems that won’t go away. Being seventeen isn’t supposed to be this hard.

When cool surfer Marcus arrives in town with a string of women following, Nick sees that there are easier ways to live. But with his life falling to pieces around him, it’s hard to know who to trust.

As the scorching heat of summer grows, events begin to unravel, reaching a shattering conclusion—and a summer he’ll never forget.

****
 
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Dazzled by Jane Harvey- Berrick is a charming friends to lovers and Hollywood romance. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was not the standard Hollywood type romance because this book starts at the beginning of stardom and how difficult the climb to the top is.

Miles and Clare have been friends all of their lives. They are completely different types of personalities. The yin and yang to one another. When Miles has a downfall in the London Theater scene it looks like his acting career is at an end. As the old saying goes, when one door closes another one opens, applies to Miles acting career. He is offered to read for a part in an upcoming Hollywood teen movie.

Miles lands the part and has to leave London and Clare behind. He’s sucked into the Hollywood world and is trying not to drown in a world of sharks. When he brings Clare across the pond to help him maneuver his way in the new world, the dynamics of their relationship begins to change. When Miles finally opens his eyes and sees Clare as a woman rather than his best bud, it may be too late.

Clare has finally taken her blinders off where Miles is concerned. Going to Hollywood as his assistant was a huge mistake. It’s not her world. Miles is no longer her Miles. She has finally realized it’s time to wrap it up and head back to London to build her own life.

It takes a huge Hollywood scandal and two meddling mothers to bring these two back where they belong.

I thoroughly enjoyed Dazzled. It was a fun, witty, and sexy Hollywood romance. I loved the English charm and dry humor that was prevalent throughout the book.

Jane Harvey-Berrick always delivers a good romance book.

Although Playing In The Rain by Jane Harvey-Berrick is considered a novella, the content and emotional renderings pack more of a punch than most full length novels.  Grab a bottle of wine, a big box of chocolate, and a super size box of tissues before opening this novel.  Be ready to be wrecked in the best possible way.

I was instantly charmed when I first started reading this book until the bucket list came out.  My alarm bells started going off but as the story progressed I was deluding myself I was under the wrong impression, I grossly misconceived the reasoning.  It was the perfect love story with beautiful moments in spite of the outcome.  It was a happily ever after story in every aspect.  The message was quite clear… live life to the fullest and love with everything you have.

Jane Harvey-Berrick wrecked me in the best possible way and I will never forget Playing In The Rain.

Summer of Seventeen by Jane Harvey-Berrick is my favorite novel in the Crazy Love Anthology.  I connected with this novel because I am a native of coastal Florida and spent my teenage years exactly like Nick and his friends did.  The ocean was our playground and life revolved around the beach.  Another reason I connected with this novel is because I am the mother of a seventeen year old young man embarking on his senior year of high school and becoming an adult man.

Jane Harvey-Berrick captured the pure essence of a teenage boy struggling to become an independent man.  She captured the turmoil of teenager vs. adulthood, the hardship of becoming a responsible individual rather than a carefree kid, finding one’s place in the family structure as an adult rather than a child, the disappointment of realizing role models may not be what they were perceived to be, and lastly the realities of life in every aspect.

I loved how Nick had to overcome personal and financial obstacles but stayed true to himself.  He strived to become better even though his choices weren’t always the right ones.  That’s what growing up was about and Jane Harvey-Berrick captured that summer that led Nick on a new journey.

I absolutely loved this story and gave my seventeen year old son an extra hug because this story reminded me how difficult growing up can be no matter what the circumstance in life is.

 

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Jane is a writer of contemporary romance fiction, known for thoughtful stories, often touching on difficult subjects: disability (DANGEROUS TO KNOW & LOVE, SLAVE TO THE RHYTHM); mental illness (THE EDUCATION OF CAROLINE, SEMPER FI); life after prison (LIFERS); dyslexia (THE TRAVELING MAN, THE TRAVELING WOMAN).

She is also a campaigner for former military personnel to receive the support they need on leaving the services. She wrote the well-received play LATER, AFTER with former veteran Mike Speirs. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk1CyB8c0xA )

 

Author Links

 

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Release Boost + Excerpt + 5-Star Review: SAVIOR by S.L. Scott

 

Title: Savior
Series: The Kingwood Series #2
Author: S.L. Scott
Genre: Romantic Suspense/Mystery
Release Date: August 13, 2017

 

Blurb

 

Everything is not as it seems.
Alexander IV has succeeded to the throne of the billion-dollar Kingwood Empire, but the people he thought he could trust aren’t allies.
They’re enemies.
Everyone he cares about is at risk.
Decisions–SACRIFICES–must be made.
What will he do to protect the people he loves? Will Sara Jane live or die?
Find out NOW in this EPIC conclusion to the bestselling The Kingwood Duet. Savage, book 1 in the series, should be read first and is LIVE on Amazon.

 

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Excerpt

 
I sit outside on a bench, looking at the scuffs on the tips of my black leather shoes. The bottoms are worn from wearing them while riding my bike. It was the only sign that set me apart from the other rich kids where I grew up. Other than Cruise, no one rode motorcycles or had dealt with anything worse than getting a warning after getting busted for smoking, skipping school, sneaking out, smoking weed, getting drunk, or driving over the speed limit. The list could go on.
 
I have a car. I just don’t drive it much, preferring the freedom I feel on my bike. It wasn’t just my clothes or the bike that set me a part. None of them had lived, breathed, existed simply because their soul mate did. Not even now.
 
From the moment I saw her, I knew Sara Jane was it for me, an angel in a Catholic school uniform, eating a candy bar. She couldn’t have been more innocent. Except she was. The girl had barely been kissed. It’s like she had been waiting to meet me, as if she had saved herself for me. How a girl who looked that good and smelled even sweeter remained untouched for so long was beyond me.
 
I would have loved her no matter what. She could have been a prostitute, and I would have only seen her halo. I was a ship navigating a stormy sea, but she called me to her lighthouse, a beacon shining in the dark. It was never about her innocence, or the sins I had inherited. The day I met Sara Jane was about two lives that weren’t meant for only one lifetime, but destined to be together forever.
 
Maybe that’s what had given me the confidence to break away from the kids I grew up with. I knew I was meant for something bigger than a life of partying and getting high socially.
 
I was meant for Sara Jane, and she for me.
Tracey’s Review

Well, I finally got my hot little hands on SAVIOR, the second book in the Kingwood Duet by author S.L. Scott, and it was everything that I was hoping. I was hanging onto the cliff that Suzie threw readers over at the end of SAVAGE (Book 1) by my fingernails, y’all, and dying to see what was next for Sara Jane and Alexander. SAVIOR started out with a bang, and, friends, there is no break in the action, the suspense, and the glorious passion of it all, from the first page to the last.

As I was reading SAVIOR, I kept thinking about what a range Suzie has with her books. The two books in the Kingwood Duet are unlike anything else of hers that I’ve read, and they are riveting and wonderful in their own way. There is such a depth of emotion between Alexander and Sara Jane, a bond that nothing, and I mean nothing can break. And, while that’s a common theme in all of Suzie’s stories, there’s just something different about this series. Dark, dangerous, and filled with edge of your seat action, these books make for a story that you just can’t stop reading.

I couldn’t have asked for a more satisfying conclusion to the epic story that began with SAVAGE, and sped through SAVIOR to find the answers to all of the questions, the secrets that were waiting to be revealed, with barely a pause. Suffice to say that fans of romantic suspense NEED to have these books atop their TBR, because they will blow you away. There are plenty of angsty, heart-stopping reads out there, but Alexander King and his queen are in a class by themselves, so do yourself a favor and dive into them now.

Also Available

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

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Author Bio

 

 

Living in the capital of Texas with her family, Scott loves traveling and avocados, beaches, and cooking with her kids. She’s obsessed with epic romances and loves a good plot twist. Her favorite color is blue, but she likens it more toward the sky than the emotion. Her home is filled with the welcoming symbol of the pineapple and finds surfing a challenge though she likes to think she’s a pro.
Author Links

Release Day Blitz + Excerpt + Giveaway + 4.5-Star Review: The Beauty of Us by Kristen Proby

 

From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes a sexy, new standalone contemporary romance in her Fusion Series, THE BEAUTY OF US, out now! Grab your copy today and get to know Trevor and Riley!

 

About THE BEAUTY OF US:

New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby delivers another sizzling novel in her delectable and sexy Fusion series.

Riley Gibson is over the moon at the prospect of having her restaurant, Seduction, on the Best Bites TV network. This could be the big break she’s been waiting for. But the idea of having an in-house show on a regular basis is a whole other matter. Their lives would be turned upside down, and convincing Mia, her best friend and head chef of Seduction, that having cameras in her kitchen every day is a good idea is daunting. Still, Riley knows it’s an opportunity she can’t afford to pass on. And when she meets Trevor Cooper, the show’s executive producer, she’s stunned by their intense chemistry.

Trevor’s sole intention is to persuade Riley to allow Best Bites TV to do a show on her restaurant. But when he walks into Riley’s office, he stops dead in his tracks. The professional, aloof woman on the phone is incredibly beautiful and funny. But can he convince her that he’s interested in Riley for himself? Or is he using the undeniable pull between them to persuade her to agree to his offer?

 

 

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And Don’t Miss the First Three Standalone Novels in the Fusion Series!

LISTEN TO ME
CLOSE TO YOU
BLUSH FOR ME

 

 

EXCERPT:

“There seems to be an explosion in the jackass population,” I reply, and sigh, passing my glass to Kat for a refill.

“Where are you meeting them?” he asks, and I bite my lip.

“I don’t want to tell you.”

“Online,” he says with a nod.

“I didn’t say that!”

“Didn’t have to. If you met him at the gym or the grocery store, or somewhere else in person, you wouldn’t be embarrassed.”

“I’m not embarrassed.”

“Yes, you are. Otherwise, you wouldn’t mind telling me.”

“Fine.” I sigh and rub my forehead with my fingers. “I met them online.”

“Stop that,” he says.

“I don’t know where else I’d meet people,” I reply. “I’m at work at least fifty hours a week. I don’t do school or clubs or church, and I rarely go to the grocery store because I always eat here.”

“I could stop feeding you,” Mia interjects and I toss her a glare.

“I’m just saying, if you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten.”

“I don’t understand any of the words you just said.” I squint at him, trying to process.

“Switch it up,” he says with a grin. “Try to meet people somewhere else. I mean, you didn’t meet me online, and I’m not an asshole.”

“Sure, you’re cute, and you look like you have your shit together, but I suspect that once I got to know you I’d learn that you have mommy issues and fourteen dogs.”

“You might,” he says with a thoughtful nod. “I do hide those things well. All I’m saying is, stop using the dating sites and try meeting people in real life.”

“Yeah. Easy for you to say.” I pout into my wineglass. “Do I need to send you some money for this counseling session?”

“Nah, the first one’s on me,” he says, tossing that crazy-hot smile at me again. “Just don’t combine Star Wars and Star Trek anymore and that’s payment enough for me.”

He pulls a few bills out of his wallet and tosses them on the bar, then stands to leave.

“Have a good night, and good luck,” he says.

“Thanks.” Just as he’s almost out of view, I call out. “Wait! I didn’t ask your name.”

“Trevor,” he says, and my stomach immediately does at least four cartwheels. “Trevor Cooper.”

“You’re early,” is all I can think to say. My cheeks burning, my fingertips immediately tremble. “You’re not supposed to be here for two more days.”

“I like to come early. Get the lay of the land, that sort of thing.” He smiles and waves. “See you in a couple of days.”

He walks away, and as soon as I hear the front door close, I turn to my friends and just stare at them in utter horror.

“Tell me that didn’t just happen.”

Tracey’s Review

After the amuse bûche that Kristen threw us in BLUSH FOR ME hinting at what was to come for the ladies of Seduction, I couldn’t wait to see what she had up her sleeve. What she had was THE BEAUTY OF US, Riley’s and Trevor’s book, and I absolutely could not have enjoyed it more.

With the same mix of romance and suspense that I’ve come to expect and enjoy so much in Kristen’s previous books, THE BEAUTY OF US just hit all the marks for me. The characters are people that I truly wish that I could hang out with, the friendship, support, and camaraderie making the FUSION world one of my very favorite places. Riley and Trevor are absolutely perfect for each other, and different from any characters that I’ve read lately. With plenty of twists and turns to keep us on our toes, along with sexy time aplenty and a place that I love to visit, this was a book that I could not put down.

I should have known that I would be in love with Trevor Cooper before the end of his first scene. Wry, witty, and smart, he’s one of my favorite of Kristen’s guys to date (note: I’m pretty sure that I say that about all of her guys, so…). He’s got Riley’s number, and proves to be the perfect fit for her, even though he’s very different from what she’s used to. I love the way that he takes charge to show her that all men are most certainly not created equal, and to be the one to show her just how special she is.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Riley as Kristen wrote her. Smart, strong, and savvy, she made me laugh many a time, and cry right along with her when things got crazy, too. I love the way that Kristen writes her female characters, from way back in the early days, right up through the FUSION books. Riley couldn’t be more different from her friends, but they all just fit. Women supporting women is something that I really cherish seeing, and Kristen has nailed it, writing the ladies of Seduction with wonderful friendship, support, and camaraderie.

With all of the ladies accounted for except Mia, you can bet that there’s some kind of story just waiting to be revealed. As in her other books, Kristen gives just enough juicy deets in THE BEAUTY OF US to make me want that next book now, now, NOW. In the meantime, 4.5 sassy, sexy, nerdy, heartwarming stars for THE BEAUTY OF US. This, and all of the books in the Fusion series, are perfect for fans of contemporary romance, and, if you’re a fan of Kristen Proby, they’re must-reads.

 

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About Kristen Proby:

Kristen was born and raised in a small resort town in her beloved Montana. In her mid-twenties, she decided to stretch her wings and move to the Pacific Northwest, where she made her home for more than a dozen years.

During that time, Kristen wrote many romance novels and joined organizations such as RWA and other small writing groups. She spent countless hours in workshops, and more mornings than she can count up before the dawn so she could write before going to work. She submitted many manuscripts to agents and editors alike, but was always told no. In the summer of 2012, the self-publishing scene was new and thriving, and Kristen had one goal: to publish just one book. It was something she longed to cross off of her bucket list.

Not only did she publish one book, she’s since published close to thirty titles, many of which have hit the USA Today, New York Times and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists. She continues to self publish, best known for her With Me In Seattle and Boudreaux series, and is also proud to work with William Morrow, a division of HarperCollins, with the Fusion Series.

Kristen and her husband, John, make their home in her hometown of Whitefish, Montana with their two pugs and two cats.

 

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