Review: Kind of Crazy by Eliza Boyd

Title: Kind of Crazy
Author: Eliza Boyd
Published: November 2nd 2016
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Amazon | Goodreads
Caution: May contain spoilers

Alexa has a habit of coming on too strong too soon. It’s been called her “special brand of crazy.” This time, she’s actually left the state on a last-minute trip to Portland to clear her head and get away from it all. Armed with a list of restaurants to spend her day at, she opens her rideshare app and requests a ride. But she gets more than she bargained for in the form of her driver, Nicolas.

Will she end up heartbroken again? Or has she finally found someone who loves her kind of crazy?

My Thoughts:

Eliza Boyd never ceases to bring on the best stories! When she said this one was going to be releasing, I was excited to read a new one. It's a shorter story, which I love the short ones because they are so sweet.

Alexa and Nicolas are absolutely adorable together! I enjoyed how things progressed with them throughout the day. You can sense something more developing, and you're intrigued at whether Alexa knows him from somewhere before. I loved how it all came together in the end. Kind of Crazy is so cute and charming, a great read that'll leave you begging for more from Eliza!

My Rating:

Mini Reviews: Upside Down by Lia Riley; Price of a Kiss by Linda Kage; & Last Will and Testament by Dahlia Adler

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Title: Upside Down
Author: Lia Riley
Published: August 5th 2014
Source: Won from Giveaway
Genre: New Adult Romance
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Caution: May contain spoilers

If You Never Get Lost, You’ll Never Be Found

Twenty-one-year-old Natalia Stolfi is saying good-bye to the past-and turning her life upside down with a trip to the land down under. For the next six months, she'll act like a carefree exchange student, not a girl sinking under the weight of painful memories. Everything is going according to plan until she meets a brooding surfer with hypnotic green eyes and the troubling ability to see straight through her act.

Bran Lockhart is having the worst year on record. After the girl of his dreams turned into a nightmare, he moved back home to Melbourne to piece his life together. Yet no amount of disappointment could blind him to the pretty California girl who gets past all his defenses. He's never wanted anyone the way he wants Talia. But when Bran gets a stark reminder of why he stopped believing in love, he and Talia must decide if what they have is once in a lifetime . . . or if they were meant to live a world apart.

My Thoughts:

Wow. I'm at a loss for words. I had heard how amazing this book (actually the whole series) is, but nothing prepared me for what I was given. Talia and Bran were spectacular. The way they fit together, understood each other, and cared was beyond expectation. I found myself tearing up near the end, not to mention a few heartwrenching moments not long before that. Talia's OCD was very well represented, I could feel her struggle as though it were my own. I just, wow. Great start to the series and I'm looking forward to reading more of these gorgeous words by Lia Riley.

My Rating:

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Title: Price of a Kiss
Author: Linda Kage
Published: August 15th 2013
Source: Purchased
Genre: New Adult Romance
Amazon | B&N | Goodreads
Caution: May contain spoilers

I don’t care what my cousin says; I am not the queen of impossible relationships. I mean, just because my last boyfriend tried to kill me and left a bit of a scar on my neck, then forced me to move across the country and legally change my name to Reese Randall to escape him, does not mean—

Oh, who am I kidding? For a freshman in college, I have to have the worst dating track record ever.

It’s no wonder love is the last thing on my mind when Mason Lowe enters my life. But the chemistry between us is like bam! Our connection defies logic. And he’s just so freaking hot. Being around him makes me feel more alive than I’ve ever felt before. I even like bickering with him. He could be my soul mate...except for one teeny tiny glitch.

He's a gigolo.

Boy, do I know how to pick them.

My Thoughts:

I signed up to read another book in Linda Kage's Forbidden Men series, With Every Heartbeat, and thought it was great. One night when I was scrolling through my ereader, I found this one that I'd downloaded awhile back. I started reading a few pages...and ended up reading the whole thing, keeping me up until nearly 4AM! I was so captivated by Reese and Mason's story, the way their lives were, how they intersected. They're two people who are meant to be, yet they can't just be. Not without losing everything else important in their lives. I loved how it all wove together, and even though some aspects may cause some to get upset, I completely understood the importance of them in telling the story. Price of a Kiss is a shining example of the new adult category!

My Rating:

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Title: Last Will and Testament
Author: Dahlia Adler
Published: December 9th 2014
Source: Purchased
Genre: New Adult Romance
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Caution: May contain spoilers

Lizzie Brandt was valedictorian of her high school class, but at Radleigh University, all she's acing are partying and hooking up with the wrong guys. But all that changes when her parents are killed in a tragic accident, making her guardian to her two younger brothers. To keep them out of foster care, she'll have to fix up her image, her life, and her GPA—fast. Too bad the only person on campus she can go to for help is her humorless, pedantic Byzantine History TA, Connor Lawson, who isn't exactly Lizzie's biggest fan.

But Connor surprises her. Not only is he a great tutor, but he’s also a pretty great babysitter. And chauffeur. And listener. And he understands exactly what it’s like to be on your own before you're ready. Before long, Lizzie realizes having a responsible-adult type around has its perks... and that she'd like to do some rather irresponsible (but considerably adult) things with him as well. Good thing he's not the kind of guy who'd ever reciprocate.

Until he does.

Until they turn into far more than teacher and student.

Until the relationship that helped put their lives back together threatens everything they both have left.

My Thoughts:

This story starts off very strong, hitting you right in the feels and giving you insight into Lizzie's personality immediately. As the story progresses, her struggles to take care of her brothers after their parents died become known, and their daily life isn't easy peasy by a long shot. The friendship into more that Lizzie develops with her TA, Connor, is swoonworthy for sure. When I reached the end of the story, I found myself torn between how I felt about it. On the one hand, it felt authentic, and on the other hand, it felt unrealistic. I think the whole forbidden teacher student romance can go two ways. The romance is great, but sometimes it feels like the happily ever after doesn't always come with a price and that throws me off. I thought that the writing itself was fantastic and Dahlia Adler delivers her stories quite well. Last Will and Testament a pretty good start to the Radleigh University series.

My Rating:

Dual Review: Kiss the Sky ~AND~ Hothouse Flower by Krista & Becca Ritchie

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Title: Kiss the Sky
Author: Krista & Becca Ritchie
Published: February 20th 2014
Source: Purchased
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
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Caution: May contain spoilers

Virgin. Sex addict. Daredevil. Alcoholic. Smartass … Jackass. Her five friends are about to be filmed. Reality TV, be prepared.

Rose Calloway thought she had everything under control. At twenty-three, she’s a Princeton graduate, an Academic Bowl champion, a fashion designer and the daughter of a Fortune 500 mogul. But with a sex addict as a sister and roommate, nothing comes easy.

After accepting help from a producer, Rose agrees to have her life filmed for a reality television show. The Hollywood exec is her last chance to revive her struggling fashion line, and boundaries begin to blur as she’s forced to make nice with a man who always has his way.

Twenty-four-year-old Connor Cobalt is a guy who bulldozes weak men. He’s confident, smart-as-hell and lives with his equally ambitious girlfriend, Rose Calloway. Connor has to find a way to protect Rose without ruining the show. Or else the producer will get what Connor has always wanted—Rose’s virginity.

My Thoughts:

In the Addicted series, this book (and Hothouse Flower) fall in place after Addicted For Now and before Thrive. Kiss the Sky follows Rose as she subjects herself and her friends to being on a reality TV show about their lives. It's an intriguing premise at the start and even though I'm not a huge fan of reality TV, this book showcases it quite nicely. A lot of people seem to love Connor, and I can see his appeal, he's just not way up there on my book boyfriends list. Something I can say for him is the chemistry between him and Rose... wow-and-a-half! Talk about a little bit of a surprise when it comes to their bedroom sexy-times, but I enjoyed it very much. I certainly didn't realize what would happen near the end, that was entirely... Let's just say Scott, the producer of the reality show, has some tricks up his sleeve to get what he wants. Unfortunately for him, he won't tear down Rose or Connor enough to keep them from doing what they want.

All in all, Kiss the Sky was full of the things you want to see in this series: love and growth and determination and strength. I love how Krista and Becca Ritchie keep this series going without it ever getting dull, not to mention bringing us such powerful characters.

My Rating:

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Title: Hothouse Flower
Author: Krista & Becca Ritchie
Published: March 28th 2014
Source: Purchased
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads
Caution: May contain spoilers

Ryke Meadows, meet Daisy Calloway ... she’s all grown up.

Twenty-five-year-old Ryke Meadows knows he’s hard to love. With a billion-dollar inheritance, a track-star resume, and an alpha-male personality—he redefines the term likable asshole. But he’s not living to make friends. Or enemies. He just wants to free climb three of the toughest mountains in Yosemite without drama or interruption.

And then he receives a distressed call from a girl in Paris—a girl that he has never been allowed to have.

Daisy Calloway is eighteen. Finally. With her newfound independence, she can say goodbye to her overbearing mother and continue her modeling career. Next stop, Paris. Fashion Week begins with a bang, and Daisy uncovers the ugly reality of the industry. She wants to prove to her family that she can live on her own, but when everything spirals out of control, she turns to Ryke to keep her secrets.

As Daisy struggles to make sense of this new world and her freedom, she pushes the limits and fearlessly rides the edge. Ryke knows there’s deep hurt beneath every impulsive action. He must keep up with Daisy, and if he lets her go, her favorite motto—“live as if you’ll die today”—may just come true.

My Thoughts:

I think I looked forward to Daisy's story more than anything because I've been a huge Daisy-Ryke shipper for... well, since the series started and it was hinted that the two of them could be something more. So the thought of seeing this finally shown on page? Oh yes, I was alllllllll over it. Daisy is the kind of girl I see myself being: fearless and daring. She's young, so she doesn't completely know what's out there in the world, but she wants to follow her dreams and experience new things, which is completely awesome. And there's just something about Ryke that I can't help but fall for, even though I know I shouldn't. Put the two of them together and it's so electric you don't know if you can hold on any longer. Their chemistry is that good.

Hothouse Flower delivered exactly what I wanted! Krista and Becca made Daisy and Ryke's story worth the wait, not to mention get us pumped for what's in store in their futures, as well as the rest of the gang in the Addicted series.

My Rating:

Review: Fool Me Once by Katee Robert

Title: Fool Me Once
Author: Katee Robert
Published: August 1st 2016
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Amazon | B&N | Goodreads
Caution: May contain spoilers

They say opposites attract, but this is just ridiculous.

Aubry Kaiser doesn’t like people—actually, that’s not right. She loathes people. With her crippling anxiety, there’s no way she can demo her favorite video game at a convention with five thousand other people. Maybe if she brings someone to act as a shield…

But the only person available is the sexy cowboy she can’t stand.

Quinn Baldwyn is in a mess of his own. He’s been dodging his wealthy family’s matchmaking attempts—and life advice—for years, but with his sister’s wedding on the horizon, he needs of a shield of his own.

He and Aubry can barely hold down a civil conversation, but in bed…fireworks. And the closer they get to Quinn’s sister’s wedding, the more he realizes that he might actually like Aubry.

Now it’s up to him to convince her she might actually like him, too.

My Thoughts:

I put in a request for this one fairly close to the release date. It was on a whim because I didn't want to miss out on a new Katee Robert novel.  I was totes excited when I was notified that I was approved and started reading right away.

A dynamic I enjoy a lot in romance is enemies to lovers, and Katee does that one very well (she actually wrote one of my favorites: In Bed With Mr. Wrong). Quinn and Aubry have this thing about them that you can't help but want more of. Banter and sexual tension? Um, yes, please. Their bitterness toward each other is palpable, and the sex? Hot. Stuff. Indeed. They can't get enough of it. But what happens after their arrangement is over?

Fool Me Once is yet another amazing novel by the great Katee Robert! I loved the way their relationship changed over time. The chemistry wasn't only sexual--it was also the emotional connection that solidified their desires, which made the romance even better. Can't wait to check out the rest of the Foolproof Love series!

My Rating:

Review: Paper Hearts Vol 3: Some Marketing Advice by Beth Revis

Title: Paper Hearts Vol 3: Some Marketing Advice
Author: Beth Revis
Published: December 31st 2015
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Writing Reference
Buy: Amazon ~*~ B&N
Add to your Goodreads shelf

Help readers discover your work.

Once your book is out there, you realize that the most difficult thing about publishing is actually getting read. For the novice author looking to find actionable methods of gaining exposure, this volume will provide a foundation for marketing that will help kickstart any writing career.

Practical Advice Meets Real Experience

After the book is published, your job as a writer isn’t done. Paper Hearts will help you:

-Find Balance between Art and Business

-Develop an Online Presence

-Examine and Exploit the Way People Buy Books

-Set Up Basic Tools for Communication

-Discuss Best Practices to Get Reviews

-Analyze What’s Worth Your Time & Money

-Develop Live and Online Book Tours & Events

-Host Live Events, Even if You’re an Introvert

…And much more!

BONUS! Includes a list of the most common social media outlets and the best practices for authors to use them and reach readers.

My Thoughts:

I tried to keep myself away from NetGalley to remove the temptation to request books because I didn't think I'd be able to get to them. But one day while I was on Twitter somebody RT'ed a link to this book being available on there and I checked it out. As an indie author, marketing advice is extremely appreciated and necessary to keep your book going. So I decided to request and I'm glad I did.

There's loads of tips and tricks for authors in this book. A decent number of them I was aware of, but there were some new-to-me ideas that I can put to use in the future. Even the stuff I already knew was a nice reminder. I would highly (and I mean HIGHLY) recommend this book for new authors, indie or traditional, because there's so much to learn and apply to get the most out of your marketing techniques. This is the third book in the Paper Hearts series by Beth Revis. I'm very appreciative of the knowledge I've taken in from this and hope to get the chance to read the first two books to learn more.

My Rating:

Review: May the Best Man Win by Mira Lyn Kelly

Title: May the Best Man Win
Author: Mira Lyn Kelly
Published: August 2nd 2016
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Buy: Amazon ~*~ B&N
Add to your Goodreads shelf
Caution: May contain spoilers

Four friends
Each a Best Man at a wedding
One chance to get it right

Jase Foster can't believe his bad luck. He's been paired with the she-devil herself for his best friend's wedding: Emily Klein of the miles-long legs and killer smile. She may be sin in a bridesmaid dress, but there's no way he's falling for her again.

They can barely stand each other, but given how many of their friends are getting married, they'll just have to play nice-at least when they're in company. Once they're alone, more than just gloves come off as Jase and Emily discover their chemistry is combustible, and there may be something to this enemies to lovers thing after all...

My Thoughts:

Mira Lyn Kelly's Dare to Love series had me hooked from the start, so when the opportunity arose to join her street team, I jumped at the chance. I was super excited to be able to read May the Best Man Win before it was released, and my excitement was justified because it was pretty awesome!

Jase and Emily have a history together, one that led them to avoid each other at all costs. So when they have to be around each other for the duration of the wedding, you better believe things get a bit heated. Enemies to lovers always creates that perfect tension: the one where you know they supposedly hate each other, but the hate passion turns to love passion. And oh boy did their love passion explode!

I enjoyed watching them learn to trust each other after everything they've been through, not because they're forced (even though they are at first), but because they want to. They learn how to move on from the past and discover what they want in the future: each other.

May the Best Man Win was definitely a win in my book. Mira Lyn Kelly has delivered yet another solid and sexy story that will keep you turning the pages. Jase and Emily will draw you in with their romance and keep you there until the end.

My Rating:

Review: The Billionaire Escape Plan by Ember Casey

Title: The Billionaire Escape Plan
Author: Ember Casey
Published: June 17th 2016
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Buy: Amazon | B&N
iBooks | Kobo | Google Play
Add to your Goodreads shelf
Caution: May contain spoilers

Most girls dream of marrying a billionaire.

Me? I'd rather make fun of one. Especially if the billionaire in question is Alexander Grant.

Excuse me--Xander Grant. That's right--the mega-hot entrepreneur who seems to top every magazine's "Rich Eligible Bachelors" list these days.

To me, he'll always be Alex--my childhood best friend. The guy who joined me on all sorts of wild teenage misadventures. The only person in our small town who understood me.

It's been four years since I've seen Alex. But suddenly he's back in our town at the exact same time my life is imploding around me.

We've both changed so much--I mean, the guy used to live in ripped jeans, and now he wears nothing but designer suits--but when I need it most, he offers me exactly the escape I need. A chance to run away from my life, if only for a few days.

I only hope my heart is prepared.

My Thoughts:

I'm a sucker for friends to lovers stories and right now Alex and Mae are my current romantic ship. Ember Casey's The Billionaire Escape Plan was just the book I needed this last week. I've been battling a somewhat slump off and on and I swear, this book was my ticket to loving romance all over again.

Mae is in the middle of some major personal issues, and having Alex back in her life is sort of throwing things even more off course. After a handful of (hilarious) disasters, Mae finds herself in Alex's company as she stays with him until everything blows over. Curiosity and attraction cause the two of them to go back and forth in a will they won't they that'll keep you on edge of your seat like nothing else.

If you're in the mood for a good old fashioned romance, I strongly recommend The Billionaire Escape Plan. There's so much swooning and blushing and laughing throughout that you'll want to stay in Mae and Alex's world much longer. Another winner from Ember Casey!

My Rating:

Check out the rest of the Friends With Benefits series!

The Billionaire's Ballet by Deanna Roy
Yours and Mine by Lacey Silks
Always You by Rachel Schurig
The Rock Star's Secret Baby by Blair Babylon
Going for Broke by Gretchen Galway
Next to You by Daisy Prescott (link to author's Amazon page since book isn't available for pre-order yet)

 

Review: It's Okay to Laugh: (Crying Is Cool Too) by Nora McInerny Purmort

Title: It's Okay to Laugh: (Crying Is Cool Too)
Author: Nora McInerny Purmort
Published: May 24th 2016
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Memoir/Humor
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Caution: May contain spoilers

Joining the ranks of Let’s Pretend This Never Happened and Carry On, Warrior, a fierce, hysterically funny memoir that reminds us that comedy equals tragedy plus time.

Twentysomething Nora McInerny bounced from boyfriend to boyfriend and job to job. Then she met Aaron, a charismatic art director and her kindred spirit. They made mix tapes (and pancakes) into the wee hours of the morning. They finished each other’s sentences. They just knew. When Aaron was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer, they refused to let it limit their love. They got engaged on Aaron’s hospital bed and married after his first surgery. They had a baby when he was on chemo. They shared an amazing summer filled with happiness and laughter. A few months later, Aaron died in Nora’s arms in another hospital bed. His wildly creative obituary, which they wrote together, touched the world.

Now, Nora shares hysterical, moving, and painfully honest stories about her journey with Aaron. It’s Okay to Laugh explores universal themes of love, marriage, work, (single) motherhood, and depression through her refreshingly frank viewpoint. A love letter to life, in all of its messy glory, and what it’s like to still be kickin', It’s Okay to Laugh is like a long chat with a close friend over a cup of coffee (or chardonnay).

My Thoughts:

I discovered this book by chance on Twitter when someone I followed tweeted about reading this book. I hadn't heard of it so I checked it out on Goodreads to see what it was about. I was immediately intrigued and wanted to read it badly. So I did.

Nora's memoir was a journey of humor through sadness. She has this way with words, and in her manner of thinking, that makes you smile and chuckle in between tearing up. Each chapter is about a different moment in her life, and they all tie together for a really lovely memoir.

Even though I wouldn't compare it to Jenny Lawson's memoir, it is still an extremely touching and often amusing book. Nora McInerny Purmort is someone I can admire for her bravery and her ability to find humor in the little things. Not many people can do that. If she writes another book, I would definitely pick it up.

My Rating:

Review: One Week with her Rival by Noelle Adams

Title: One Week with her Rival
Author: Noelle Adams
Published: February 17th 2016
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
Add to your Goodreads shelf
Caution: May contain spoilers

Vanessa never wanted to be a contractor, but ever since her husband died, she has been trying to hold together his business. Her attempts are constantly hampered by sexy, charming Joe Coleman, another local contractor who wants nothing more than to buy her out. Now they're thrown together in a job at Eden Manor, a bed and breakfast and huge renovation job that can only be completed if they work together.

Vanessa is willing to be a professional and work with Joe if she has to. But she trusted him in the past and only got burned as a result, so she's never going to let down her guard with him again.

It would be a lot easier if he wasn't so irresistible--and if he didn't seem to want so much more from her than her business.

My Thoughts:

Noelle Adams always has the loveliest stories. Unlike the majority, I adore novellas. They're short and sweet and when an author does them right, they are perfection. The first book in the Beaufort Brides spinoff series has hooked me yet again.

Here we have Vanessa who lost her husband 3 years ago. She hasn't moved on because of underlying guilt. Then there's Joe, the one guy who always gets in her way and under her skin, and not in a good way. They're stuck together for the time being, so they have to learn to work together and deal with each other. It doesn't take long for the desire to come forth and create all sorts of challenges.

One Week with her Rival was a brilliant start to the Eden Manor series! I loved the backstory of Vanessa and how she learned to cope and allowed herself to live life again. Joe was amazing and so wonderful with Vanessa, I wanted to just hug him tight. All in all, another excellent novella from the master of novellas.

My Rating:

Review: One Sizzling Night by Jo Leigh

Title: One Sizzling Night
Author: Jo Leigh
Published: January 19th 2016
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
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Caution: May contain spoilers

First come lies 

Then comes temptation… 

Former Black Ops soldier Logan McCabe is in high-tech heaven. The "smart" apartment he's staying at has it all—luxurious amenities, walls that change color, and a seductive and nearly naked woman in the living room. Now, that's everything a man can ask for. Except Kensey Roberts is no pixel pinup…and the sexual tension between them is most assuredly real. 

Kensey is in way over her head. She's undercover to expose a possible art thief and clear her absentee father's name. She doesn't need a distraction—especially the ex-military, crazy-sexy hot kind. "Captain McBabe" is over six feet of pure, delicious temptation. But one sizzling night won't just compromise her reputation…it could blow her cover sky-high.

My Thoughts:

There's a reason the Harlequin Blaze line is my favorite. It's mostly the steam (because whoa nelly, talk about steam!), but it's also the storylines of perfection that accompany it. I read One Breathless Night by Jo Leigh, which was so freaking amazing I had to get my hands on One Sizzling Night no matter what. And this book didn't disappoint.

Kensey is a determined woman who will stop at nothing to prove the innocence of her father, no matter the danger. Then Logan comes into the picture and proves to be quite the distraction in all his sweet and sexiness. When some of her secrets get discovered, Logan gets involved in her covert plan. Will they be able to find out the truth together?

One Sizzling Night had both romance and intrigue, which was a great combination. I loved the side story and how it tied in with the feelings that were developing between Kensey and Logan. I'm super excited to see what else Jo Leigh has in store in the future!

My Rating:

Review: Now and Then by Mira Lyn Kelly

Title: Now and Then
Author: Mira Lyn Kelly
Published: January 19th 2016
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: New Adult Romance
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Add to your Goodreads shelf
Caution: May contain spoilers

Brynn Ahearn is gorgeous, fun, and not just a sports nut but an NBA camera woman whose work takes her all over the country. In other words, she’s a walking male fantasy—or at least, she would be if she weren’t so busy keeping the guys at bay. The fact is, with Brynn’s con-man father fresh out of jail and back in her life, dating is just too risky. Haunted by memories of her past, she couldn’t ask any man to gamble with his life for love—even one as addictive as Ford Meyers.

Ford can’t believe his luck when he walks into a bar in Chicago’s Wicker Park and gets an eyeful of Brynn, the one that got away. After the gorgeous redhead blew him off in college, Ford got on with his life and made his fortune as a bestselling game designer, but he’s never found a woman who compared to Brynn. No stranger to success, Ford is used to getting what he wants—and after a scorching stolen kiss, what he wants is a second shot with his first love. To get it, he just has to convince her that he’s man enough to take on the past she can’t leave behind.

My Thoughts:

When you start a new series, you never know what to expect. Will you enjoy it? Will the books following the first be just as good or better? Will you like it so much that you'll reread it? With Mira Lyn Kelly's Dare to Love series, I discovered that it's possible for a trio of books to be absolutely amazing. I made the grabby hands the instant I found out the series was continuing. After I loved Truth or Dare and Touch & Go, I was hoping and crossing my fingers for another book.

We meet Ford in the first two books. I'm going to straight up admit that Ford was kind of "meh" to me as a secondary character, but when he was on his own in this book... Wow. He's pretty amazing. The background story of Ford and Brynn is something you didn't anticipate, even though it's touched on in the synopsis you don't get the full scope until you read the book. Their romance was timeless, and to be back in each other's lives could be the best and the worst thing to happen to them. Will the secrets of their past continue to haunt them or can they find a way to move forward together?

Now and Then is a spectacular romance, definitely adding to the beauty of the stories in this series. Ford and Brynn's relationship was so touching. Their love story made me nearly melt in a puddle at how sweet it was. I'm not sure if this is the last of the Dare to Love series--if it is, that stinks but I'm so glad to have read it; if not, then YAY because I can't wait for the next one. I can't wait to read anything I haven't read by Mira Lyn Kelly no matter what.

My Rating:

Review: Wicked Lust by Sawyer Bennett

Title: Wicked Lust
Author: Sawyer Bennett
Published:  January 5th 2016
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Buy: Amazon ~*~ Barnes & Noble
Add to your Goodreads shelf
Caution: May contain spoilers

Cain Bonham is as big and bad as they come. After serving in the Marines, he’s returned home to Wyoming and now works as head of security at the exclusive sex club, The Wicked Horse. His job is to protect not only the patrons, but to zealously guard the secret existence of the club itself.

Sloane Preston is all about discovering secrets. As an undercover reporter, she’s determined to reveal the truth behind the facade of The Wicked Horse and expose it for all the world to see. She just didn’t count on her pathway into the club coming at the hands of one gorgeously scarred and bad ass bouncer who manages to easily possess her body and soul.

While Cain’s not looking for anyone to catch his eye, Sloane did it all the same, and he’s not bemoaning the fact that she’s as wickedly kinky as he is. As both get caught up in the sinful fantasies that only The Wicked Horse can create, secrets and loyalties will be tested and hearts will risk being broken.

**Warning: this book has sex in it. Lots of sex. Dirty sex. The Wicked Horse Series is a bit different than what Sawyer Bennett normally writes. While you’ll still enjoy fabulous characters, a suspenseful story, some witty banter and an epic romance, there’s just… a lot of sex. You’ve been warned.

My Thoughts:

After reading the glorious hotness of Wicked Fall, I had to get my hands on the beauty that is Wicked Lust. There was a little tease of it after the first book, and it got me intrigued and pining for book number two. We're right back at The Wicked Horse all over again, except this time it's Cain's story. He notices Sloane and they begin a short-term affair. And oh my goodness, get out your fan because you're going to need it for these scenes, let me tell you. Wowsa. Cain and Sloane put together generates a lot of heat.

Both of them are hiding huge secrets, though. Cain participates in fantasies at The Wicked Horse. He promised Sloane that as long as they're together (however long that may be), that he'd never be with anyone else. And Sloane has been lying about why she's even there, and the secrets she's trying to uncover about The Wicked Horse. When the truth comes out, where will they stand?

Wicked Lust is a steamy and wicked hot ride. I thoroughly enjoyed the pairing of Cain and Sloane--it was perfection. Their relationship through the whole story played out better than I could've imagined. And according to the little snippet after, we'll be getting Rand's story in book number three, Wicked Need. Can't wait for more sexy-goodness from the brilliant imagination of Sawyer Bennett!

My Rating:

Review: The Lessons by Elizabeth Brown; The Wrong Billionaire's Bed by Jessica Clare; and Cheaters Anonymous by Lacey Silks

Title: The Lessons
Author: Elizabeth Brown
Published: July 20th 2015
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Contemporary Romance
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Caution: May contain spoilers

Things weren’t exactly going according to my Plan, so I did what most Americans do when confronted with a problem : I hired someone else to fix it.

Except ‘it’ was my virginity.

And that ‘someone else’ was a sex surrogate.

I should have known the answer wouldn’t be that simple.

My Thoughts:

The Lessons is a surprisingly captivating story that had me hooked more than I thought I would be. Natalie and Ryan have a connection, not to mention chemistry that is off the charts. Their relationship is of a different nature than the usual kind you find in a contemporary romance, but I loved the unique nature and how the two of them interact with each other in and out of the bedroom. There was something inherently sweet about the pairing of Natalie and Ryan, so much so that I didn't want the story to end. And when it did end, it felt very satisfying. All in all, the story was full of all the swoons and all the heartwarming love you could want. I'm very intrigued now to see what else Elizabeth Brown has in store for the next book in the Off Limits series, The Rules!

My Rating:

~*~

Title: The Wrong Billionaire's Bed
Author: Jessica Clare
Published: October 15th 2013
Source: Purchased
Genre: Contemporary Romance
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Caution: May contain spoilers

Audrey Petty’s always been the responsible one. The good twin.  Successful, dependable, and trustworthy–that’s Audrey. She’d be the perfect girlfriend for her childhood crush, billionaire Cade Archer…except that she’s pretty sure she’s not even on his radar. But when fate (and her chaotic twin) come together, Audrey finds out that she’ll be spending the next month with Cade at his remote cabin retreat. It’s a dream come true…
 
Until she meets her worst nightmare.
 
Billionaire playboy Reese Durham is used to seducing women to get what he wants. But when stiff, too-proper Audrey bursts into the private mountain lodge and scares his companion out the door, it’s time for a little revenge. It’s clear that Audrey’s in love with his buddy, Cade…and it’s clear to Reese that blackmailing Audrey with this information can get her to agree to just about anything. Like furtive kisses in the dark, or a secret rendezvous in the woods. Audrey may think she knows what she wants, but Reese is determined to show her what she needs.
 
And as Reese discovers the volatile minx behind the buttoned-up exterior, he starts to think maybe she’s just what he needs, too.

My Thoughts:

I ended up grabbing The Wrong Billionaire's Bed at the store one day because the synopsis intrigued me. I so enjoy stories where the heroine is mistaken on who her hero should be. As I was reading, I could see how much Audrey cares about Cade, but he was indifferent to the depth of her affections. Reese isn't as blind as Cade, and he uses his information to get what he wants: Audrey. I adored how the story played out--all the steam and the unexpected romance. There were also lots of bantering moments, which are some of my favorite aspects in stories like this. Jessica Clare is going to get me addicted to her Billionaire Boys Club novels, that's for sure.

My Rating:

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Title: Cheaters Anonymous
Author: Lacey Silks
Published: April 21st 2015
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Contemporary Romance
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Caution: May contain spoilers

We're both addicted to sex, just not with each other.

High school friends - nothing more.
That was our promise to each other, because let's face it, infidelity spreads like a disease.
Everybody cheats.
Period.
And it's easier to remain friends than hurt the only person you ever cared about - or so we thought.

My Thoughts:

After enjoying the start of Julia and Scar's story in When Things Go Wrong, I was hoping for a lovely continuation of their future in Cheater's Anonymous. There was something about this story that just didn't completely grip me like I anticipated. Don't get me wrong, I adore Julia and Scar as a couple and rooted for them, but some of the things leading up to their ending just didn't settle right. There was too much happening in the story, but I will admit that Julia and Scar's romance (and heat) was what redeemed the book enough for me to enjoy it in the end.

My Rating:

Review: Pleasing Her SEAL by Anne Marsh

Title: Pleasing Her SEAL
Author: Anne Marsh
Published: December 15th 2015
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Contemporary Romance
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Caution: May contain spoilers

SUBJECT: Navy SEAL Mason Black 

MISSION: Remain undercover…even if it means going commando! 

Wedding blogger Maddie Holmes is twelve times the bridesmaid and never the bride. Still, being on the sidelines of everyone else's happy endings has its perks, like staying at the luxurious, decadent Fantasy Island. The resort isn't just romantic—it's filled with sinful temptations…like delicious hottie resort chef Mason Black. And Maddie can't wait to take a bite! 

There's just a teeny problem with her plan. She has no idea that Mason is an undercover Navy SEAL who needs photographs Maddie took that put both his mission and her life at risk. Mason's plan? Retrieve the pics and indulge in a few X-rated fantasies with the curvy redhead…and hope like hell that being between the sheets doesn't blow his cover.

My Thoughts:

I'm absolutely loving these SEAL books by Anne Marsh! It takes place in the same spot as Teasing Her SEAL--a resort called Fantasy Island. Maddie is the wedding photographer and she may have taken some pictures that Mason needs to get his hands on to protect the mission. The thing is, Maddie doesn't know Mason is undercover as the chef at the resort. When the two of them succumb to the temptation, it's only going to be a matter of time before the truth comes out. Will the two of them be able to work together to make things right again?

Pleasing her SEAL is a hot and steamy read. Maddie and Mason have a great chemistry between them. Maddie is a strong woman, and Mason is a sweet man. I loved the pairing. And I loved the way the story progressed, how much Mason cared about Maddie and hated to be keeping secrets from her while on his mission. Another great story from Anne Marsh!

My Rating:

Review: When We Fall by Marquita Valentine

Title: When We Fall
Author: Marquita Valentine
Published: November 3rd 2015
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Contemporary Romance
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Caution: May contain spoilers

In the captivating new novel in Marquita Valentine’s Boys of the South spinoff series—perfect for readers of Abbi Glines and Katy Evans—a small-town sweetheart takes a chance on the bad boy who’s always been her hottest fantasy.

The last time Piper Ross saw her best friend’s sexy older brother, Jase Simmons, he was being taken away in handcuffs. Seven years later, two things haven’t changed: Piper is still head-over-heels in love with him . . . and Forrestville’s chief of police—Piper’s dad—still hates his guts. So when Piper sees a chance to get close to Jase, she makes her move—literally. As his new roommate, and as the office manager of his tattoo shop, Piper won’t be satisfied until Jase knows that she wants to be his.

The quintessential good girl, Piper is pure temptation for Jase. The only reason he’s always kept his distance is because she’s the last person he’d ever want to hurt. But once he realizes that Piper is ready to take the leap, everything just makes sense. Suddenly Jase feels like a new man—until nasty rumors start swirling and Piper’s heartless father stirs up even more trouble. Now Jase must convince Piper that she wasn’t wrong about him . . . because falling in love never felt so right.

My Thoughts:

After I read Take the Fall, the first book in the series, there was a snippet of the first chapter of this book in it. I read that little tease and wished that it could be December already so that I could read Jase and Piper's book!

Jase and Piper have had an interesting history with him going away to jail for 7 years and her being in love with him since she was 14. She's determined to not let anything get in their way now that he's back, so she works things out so that she can make her way into his life and heart so that he can't ignore her any longer. And it works... the bad boy starts to fall for the good girl. Together they have to make it through some obstacles, but their determination will help them make it through.

When We Fall is a sweet and charming story of two people who were meant to be together. I enjoy the depth to this series, the dark past and the future that opens up the curtain for the light. Piper and Jase were amazing together--honest and hot and real. You could feel the emotion leap off the page and your heart went out to them with the things they dealt with in the past, and the difficulties in their present that they overcome. Great second book to the Take the Fall series by Marquita Valentine!

My Rating:

Review: Triplets Under the Tree by Kat Cantrell

Title: Triplets Under the Tree
Author: Kat Cantrell
Published: December 1st 2015
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Contemporary Romance
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Caution: May contain spoilers

This Christmas, he'll meet his three babies for the first time...and desire their mother in a whole new way!

After a plane crash robs him of his memory, billionaire fighter Antonio Cavallari comes home for the holidays to find triplets--and their "mother"--waiting. Antonio doesn't remember surrogate Caitlyn Hopewell, but he has triplets depending upon him. Who else can he turn to except the woman raising his children...and making him burn with desire?

Caitlyn has longed for Antonio secretly for years. Now she's living in his home, loving his babies, living the life with him she's always wanted. But then Antonio's memory returns. And the secrets he's forgotten will change everything...

My Thoughts:

Such a unique story! Caitlyn volunteered to surrogate for her sister and brother-in-law, but in the middle of her pregnancy, they're in a plane crash and believed to be dead. This leaves Caitlyn to raise the triplets on her own...that is, until Antonio shows up. He's alive, but with precious little memory of the past. Caitlyn helps him along with what has happened, including the three children he didn't realize he had. They work together to take care of the kids while Antonio tries to make sense of his past. He realizes Caitlyn needs to be there for his children since she knows them. What neither one of them counted on was the attraction. For Caitlyn, she's always wanted Antonio, but now that he's feeling something for her, who knows where this will go.

Triplets Under the Tree is a heartwarming story. It's touching the way everything played out for Caitlyn and Antonio. The amnesia aspect was well done. The secret from Antonio's past was definitely not what I expected, and I wasn't too fond of it, or the way Caitlyn reacted to it, but the rest of the story more than made up for it in the end for me. Another worthwhile read from Kat Cantrell!

My Rating:

Review: More Than Comics by Elizabeth Briggs

Title: More Than Comics
Author: Elizabeth Briggs
Published: February 20th 2015
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Contemporary Romance
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Caution: May contain spoilers

They're friends online - but can they be more in real life?

Writer Tara McFadden has been friends with artist and drummer Hector Fernandez for years, long before his band became famous on reality TV – yet they’ve never met in person. They finally have a chance to connect offline when they’re both sent to Comic-Con to promote the graphic novel they collaborated on.

Hector's secretly been in love with Tara for as long as he can remember, and once they meet, she sees him in a new light. All the years of longing lead to an incredible night of passion after one of his concerts, but neither is sure if their online relationship can translate into a real life romance – or if this will ruin their friendship forever.

Over four crazy days at Comic-Con, Hector and Tara must decide if they want a future together. But when their story seems to be over, it’s up to Hector’s entire band to make sure he and Tara get their happy ending.

My Thoughts:

I've been wanting to read something by Elizabeth Briggs for awhile now. Several people I know and trust highly recommend her books, so I knew it would be well worth it... and wouldn't you know it, they were sooo right!

I fell for Hector and Tara's story almost immediately. Two online friends meeting in person for the first time? Sounds like a pretty awesome start to a romance. Hector has been in love with her for a long time, but she doesn't have those feelings about him until they actually meet in real life. You can sense it blossoming as you continue to read, and it draws you in more. Tara gets offered an opportunity of a lifetime--one that could keep her near Hector. But when Tara runs into her ex, it threatens to throw a wrench in her life and Hector's. Will they be able to figure out what's next?

More Than Comics is a sweet, romantic story! I loved the setting surrounding Comic-Con. I want to go there someday and now I really want to get there after reading this book. The love story between Hector and Tara is lovely and their chemistry is hot. And all the other characters intrigued me enough to make me want to get my hands on the rest of the books in this series. Definitely want to read more by Elizabeth Briggs.

My Rating:

Review: Triple Dare by Regina Kyle

Title: Triple Dare
Author: Regina Kyle
Published:  November 17th 2015
Source: Copy given by author for honest review
Genre: Contemporary Romance
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Caution: May contain spoilers

Lights. Camera. 

And a whole lotta action… 

Globe-trotting fashion photographer Ivy Nelson is home to help her family out of a jam. When she donates her services to a charity calendar, the last thing she expects is hunky firefighter—and object of all her hottest fantasies—Cade Hardesty to walk through the door. Cade is ready to get naked for a good cause, and the heat Ivy feels is anything but professional. 

When a sexy dare turns into a scorching kiss, they can't help but give in to their desires. But Cade wants Ivy in his bed for more than one night. Can the hometown firefighter convince the photographer that her wanderlust should lead her into his arms for good, or will one of them run before they both get burned?

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed Regina Kyle's Triple Time, the second book in The Art of Seduction series, so I knew the third book would be right up my alley. As soon as Ivy and Cade stepped on the page, I was all in. She's helping out a photographer by taking pictures of Cade for a calendar. They've been friends for years, but there's an extreme attraction on both sides and they use that to their advantage. He's trying to keep a girl who's been following him around from bothering him, so Ivy says she'll come with him to make it seem like he's taken. After an unfortunate accident, Cade ends up with a broken leg and stays with Ivy while he recovers. Their chemistry is bumped up even higher and there's no telling where it could lead.

Triple Dare was such a sweet and sexy story! I'm always a fan of friends becoming more than friends, and heroines who own who they are, and this story had both. Cade was so super swoonworthy, I wanted to snuggle with him. All that talk of him cuddling a kitten and then saving one just makes me fall for him even more. An absolute must read for those who love steamy romances with sweet heroes and strong heroines!

My Rating: