Sneak Peek – The Baller by Vi Keeland

This is an exclusive sneak peek of

The Baller by Vi Keeland

the baller excerpt reveal

 

(A standalone novel)

Release date 1/18/2016

A Contemporary Romance novel

New York Times & USA Today Bestseller

Vi Keeland

The first time I met Brody Easton was in the men’s locker room.

It was my first interview as a professional sportscaster.

The famed quarterback decided to bare all.

And by all, I don’t mean he told me any of his secrets.

No.  The arrogant ass decided to drop his towel, just as I asked the first question.  On camera.

The Super Bowl MVP quickly adopted a new hobby—screwing with me.

When I pushed back, he shifted from wanting to screw with me, to wanting to screw me.

But I don’t date players.

And it’s not because I’m one of the few women working in the world of professional football.

I’d date an athlete.

It’s the other kind of player I don’t date.

You know the type.  Good looking, strong, cocky, always looking to get laid.

Brody Easton was the ultimate player.

Every woman wanted to be the one to change him.

But the truth was, all he needed was a girl worth changing for.

Turned out, I was that girl.

Simple right?

Let’s face it.  It never is.

There’s a story between once upon a time and happily ever after…

And this one is ours.

★★★★

Excerpt

“You ready?” Nick slung his bag over his shoulder and lifted his camera. The reporter in front of us wrapped up his interview and shook hands with Easton.

As I’ll ever be. “Sure.”

I stepped forward and extended my hand. “I’m Delilah Maddox with WMBC Sports News.”

A slow grin spread across Easton’s face. He surprised me by leaning in and kissing me on the cheek. “Pleasure to meet you.”

I wasn’t sure if he was baiting me into an argument—expecting me to lash out at him for kissing me when he’d just shaken the last male reporter’s hand—or if he was trying to use his blatant sexuality to throw me off. Either way, I wasn’t playing his game. I cleared my throat and stood straighter, even though my knees felt a little wobbly.

“Do you mind if I ask you some questions?”

“Why else would you be in here?”

I ignored his sarcasm. He was still smiling at me. Actually, it was more like a smirk, and it made me feel like a toy he was about to play with. “You ready, Nick?” My cameraman finished setting up the lighting, then lifted the camera into position and gave me a hand signal.

“Congratulations on the win today, Brody. How is your knee feeling after your first game back?” I lifted my microphone high, knowing Nick was filming in close.  

“I feel . . . ” He nonchalantly reached to the towel wrapped around his waist and tugged at the corner. The towel fell to the ground. “Great. I feel great. And how about you? It’s your first trip into the locker room, isn’t it? Do you like what you see so far?” His lips curled up into a full-blown wicked smile.

Before I could catch myself, my eyes dropped to his naked lower half. Shit. He was dangling in the wind. I totally got distracted by just how low the thing dangled. It was probably a full minute before I responded to his question. A full minute of dead air time. Great. “Yes. Umm . . . the locker room is . . . ummm . . . nice.”

I sounded like a total ditz. On air.

The jackass continued interviewing me. “Is it as big as you thought it would be?”

“Ummm . . . it’s much bigger than I imagined.”

His smile grew even wider.  

Ugh.

I needed to get back on track or my first locker room interview would become a laughingstock blooper. Viewers had no idea he was naked from the waist down. “Do you think you were at one hundred percent today?”

His eyebrows jumped. “If you’re referring to today’s game, definitely. I had one hundred percent out there on the field. There’re some other areas where I have a lot of growth potential, but my knee felt one hundred percent today.”

His pale green eyes darkened, and I watched his long lashes lower. I followed his line of sight, and suddenly I was staring at his naked package. Again. Damn it. My eyes darted back up, but I felt my cheeks heating. I had to end this, or I was going to be beet red on air.

“Well, welcome back. And congratulations on today’s win.”

I waited until Nick lowered his camera and turned off the light. Then I looked right at Brody Easton’s smug face. “You’re an asshole, you know that?”

His eyes sparkled. “I do.”

I heard the chuckles and high fives at my back as I stormed out of the locker room.

★★★★

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We hope you enjoyed the extended preview!

Would you like to read the FULL BOOK before it’s published?

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ARCs can only be sent to Kindles or Kindle apps.

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The Baller is Coming January 18th

Available for Pre-order on iBooks, B&N and Kobo now!

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Add THE BALLER to your TBR list on Goodreads

About the Author

Vi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn’t change for the world. She is a bookworm and has been known to read her kindle at stop lights, while styling her hair, cleaning, walking, during sporting events, and frequently while pretending to work.  She is a boring attorney by day, and an exciting smut author by night!

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Pinterest

Additional Books by Vi Keeland

Life on Stage series (2 standalone books)

Beat

Amazon US     Amazon UK     iBooks     Kobo     B&N

Throb

Amazon US    Amazon UK     Barnes & Noble     iBooks    Kobo

MMA Fighter series (3 standalone books)

Worth the Fight (MMA Fighter Series, Book One)

Amazon     Barnes & Noble     Kobo     Smashwords     iBooks

Worth The Chance (MMA Fighter Series, Book Two)

Amazon US     B&N    iBooks      Kobo     Smashwords

 Worth Forgiving (MMA Fighter Series, Book Three)

Amazon US     B & N     iBooks     Kobo

The Cole Series (2 book serial)

Belong to You (Cole Series, Book One)

Amazon US     Amazon UK     Barnes & Noble     iBooks     Kobo

Made for You (Cole Series, Book Two)

Amazon US     Amazon UK     Barnes & Noble     iBooks     Kobo

 Standalone novels

Left Behind (A Young Adult Novel)

Amazon US     Amazon UK

First Thing I See

Amazon US     Amazon UK     Barnes & Noble

New Release Blitz – Built by Jay Crownover

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The BFFs are so excited to bring you the Release Week Blitz for BUILT by Jay Crownover. BUILT is a Contemporary Romance novel being published by HarperCollins, and it is the 1st full-length novel in The Saints of Denver Series, a spinoff of her New York Times bestselling Marked Men Series. This amazing book is out now so grab your copy today! And be sure to check out the awesome sweepstakes! Info and links below!

Amazon US ** iBooks ** Barnes & Noble ** Kobo

About BUILT:

From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men books comes an electrifying new spin-off series,Saints of Denver, featuring all the characters fans have been dying to read about.

Sayer Cole and Zeb Fuller couldn’t be more different. She’s country club and fine-dining, he’s cell-block and sawdust. Sayer spends her days in litigation, while Zeb spends his working with his hands. She’s French silk, he’s all denim and flannel.

Zeb’s wanted the stunning blonde since the moment he laid eyes on her. It doesn’t matter how many smooth moves he makes, the reserved lawyer seems determinedly oblivious to his interest—either that or she doesn’t return it. Sayer is certain the rough, hard, hot-as-hell Zeb could never want someone as closed off and restrained as she is, which is a shame because something tells her he might be the guy to finally melt her icy exterior.

But just as things start to heat up, Zeb is blindsided by a life altering moment from his past. He needs Sayer’s professional help to right a wrong and to save more than himself. He can’t risk what’s at stake just because his attraction to Sayer feels all consuming. But as these opposites dig in for the fight of their lives, battling together to save a family, the steam created when fire and ice collide can no longer be ignored.
BUILT - RWB - Teaser 2

 Excerpt

“How come you don’t drive your cool truck during the week?”

Both his eyebrows shot up and I had to wait while he finished chewing to answer me. “My cool truck? The International? I know about a hundred sixteen-year-old boys that would disagree with you about the Jeep not being cool. Especially here in Colorado.”

I shrugged a little and gave up trying to be delicate with the messy sausage. I was sure I had yellow all over my face, but I didn’t care. The thing was delicious. Seattle Sayer had no idea what gloriousness she had been missing.

“I like the old truck. It’s pretty and it’s so neat to see something like that restored and well loved.”

“I do love it. That’s why I don’t drive it to jobsites. Too many nails and other stuff getting carelessly tossed around. I try and baby her.”

I made a face. “The truck is a her?”

He laughed again and cleanly polished off the rest of his brat. I was amazed he did it all without getting anything in his face fuzz. That was real talent right there, I thought begrudgingly as I continued to make a mess all over myself.

“Sure. She’s classy, elegant, made of study stuff, expensive as hell to keep running and keep pretty. She’s only good to me if I’m good to her, so obviously she’s a girl.

I rolled my eyes and then wiped my hands on the outside of my pants when I finished off my own dinner. Briefly I thought my dad would be horrified at the action but I shoved that thought down and instead focused on Zeb and only Zeb. “How long did it take you to restore her?”

He shrugged, got to his feet, and moved to pry open the massive bucket of white primer he had been using as a chair. My buddy Wheeler sold the body to me for next to nothing when I got out of prison. We went to high school together and I think he knew I needed something to keep me busy because the only kind of work I could find right after being released was shit work for shit pay. Every week I would give him a few bucks here or there and he would find me a part or a piece of motor and we slowly but surely got her altogether. It was one of the reasons I knew I had to find a long-term way to support myself. Just because I had a record didn’t mean I wasn’t a valuable employee or a hard worker. I got really sick of being treated like a second-class citizen because of one mistake.”

His eyes cut to mine and all I could do was nod in sympathy as he poured the liquid into trays and fished a couple of roller brushes out of a plastic bag.

“I actually met Rowdy through Wheeler. He had done a bunch of Wheeler’s tattoo work, and when I told Wheeler I wanted something to remind me not to do stupid things that would cost me years of my life again, he recommended Rowdy and the Marked shop. Rowdy was the one that recommended me to the guys that own the tattoo shop when they decided to open and renovate the new location downtown. It all seemed very meant to be, ya know?”

I did know. Everything was tied together with thin threads of fate, and when one loosened or tightened it was surprising how impactful it could be. Kind of like how I had ended up where with Zeb now.

 

Enter to Win a Trip to the MILE HIGH AUTHOR EVENT from Jay Crownover!

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Fill out the form at https://a.pgtb.me/sVzsRB!

*Alternate entry methods available. See Official Rules.

 

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 And don’t miss the previous novella in The Saints of Denver Series!

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LEVELED

 

 About the Author:

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Jay Crownover is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men and The Point series. Like her characters, she is a big fan of tattoos. She loves music and wishes she could be a rock star, but since she has no aptitude for singing or instrument playing, she’ll settle for writing stories with interesting characters that make the reader feel something. She lives in Colorado with her three dogs.

 

 

 

 

Website ** Blog ** Facebook ** Twitter

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Review – A New York Kind of Love – Synithia Williams

 

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A NEW YORK KIND OF LOVE
Synithia Williams
Released Dec 15th, 2015 (Print)
Released Jan 1st, 2016 (Digital)
Harlequin Kimani

 

Bright lights, big passion…
Winning an all-expenses-paid weekend in New York with Hollywood’s sexiest heartthrob makes Faith Logan the envy of women everywhere. This small-town nurse has too many responsibilities, including caring for her aging parents, to be interested in fame or status. But as the sensual celebrity escorts her to exclusive Manhattan nightclubs and glitzy movie premieres, Faith is falling fast for the genuine, charismatic man behind the slick media image.
More used to fanatics and groupies, Irvin Freeman is surprised and intrigued by Faith’s down-to-earth personality. One impulsive kiss turns their private flirtation into public news. But paparazzi and crazed admirers are making her doubt their potential as a couple. Will the pressures of fame cause their love to fade before he can convince her they’ve found their own real-life happy ending?
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BFF K’s Review

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A New York Kind of Love is a sweet, fun, steamy, story. It’s a light and enjoyable quick read that’s quite fulfilling.

Irvin is the “it” celebrity of the day with an entourage and schedule packed daily by his high powered publicist. In an effort to raise money for his favorite charity, he offers the chance to spend an action packed weekend in NYC – with him! Faith is the somewhat-reluctant winner of the weekend. She’s a small town girl, hard working and dedicated to her family. She takes the opportunity for a weekend away and a little time to focus on herself.

Fate has other ideas and soon Irvin and Faith are caught up in an attraction they can’t fight. But, will attraction and fate be a strong enough foundation to hold the two together?

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An advance copy was received in exchange for an honest review.

BFF’s Dream Casting

Excerpt

“Is this your first vacation since going home?”

She nodded. “It is. I still can’t believe that I won. I only signed up because my friend insisted and because the proceeds benefitted alcohol awareness. I saw so many patients come into the hospital who were suffering from alcohol abuse. Still, I never expected to win the contest.”

“So the possibility of a date with me had nothing to do with you entering?”

She sipped her champagne and gave him a shy look from the corner of her eye. “I will admit the fantasy of it all did have some appeal.”

He raised his brows and chuckled. “Some appeal. Wow.”

“Oh, come on. What do you want me to say?” she asked with a laugh. “That I stayed up every night praying that I’d be chosen?”

“Not quite that, but surely you were somewhat excited.”

“See, that’s the problem.” She pointed a finger at him, but her brown eyes flashed with humor. “You’re used to women throwing themselves at you. This weekend will be good for you.”

“How so?”

“You need a few days with a woman who isn’t trying to get something out of you. I’m more excited about seeing the city, going to a movie premiere and trying on clothes I wouldn’t be caught dead in back home than in seducing the movie star.”

He placed his arm on the back of her chair, making sure to let his hand brush across her shoulders, and moved closer to her. Her eyes widened and her full lips parted with a quick breath before she looked away and finished the rest of the champagne in her glass. She might talk a big game, but Faith was attracted to him as well.

“That’s the third time you’ve said that. Who are you trying to convince?”

“You. I know what you’re up to, sliding close to me and giving me the sexy voice and eyes routine.”

“You think my voice is sexy?” he asked, lowering his voice an octave.

She shook her head and laughed. “Don’t go all Barry White on me.”

“I’d like to go all Irvin Freeman on you,” he said in his regular voice. Though he tried to keep the tone light, some of his seriousness came through.

Her smile faltered, and he saw by the warming of her eyes and the catch of her breath that she heard it.

“Is that what you do with your leading ladies?”

Her soft, sweet drawl slid in beneath his skin and heated his insides. It had gotten thicker with her question. How thick would it get if he were deep inside her?

“What I do with my leading ladies is acting. I’m not acting right now. What I’m thinking and feeling is all real.”

She shifted in her seat. “I don’t believe you.”

“Then believe this.”

He lowered his head and pressed his lips against hers, with enough firmness to let her know he was serious, but lightly enough for her to pull away if she didn’t want the kiss. Her body shook, and her lips parted with a gasp. He wasn’t a man to pass up an opportunity, and he took the chance to deepen the kiss.

He’d never believed in electricity or sparks igniting when a man kissed a woman, but something he’d never felt before happened as he kissed her. His skin tingled, the blood rushed through his veins, his senses heightened to everything around them. The sweet scent of her perfume, the softness of her lips, the way she tasted of champagne, all seemed amplified. And like a man who’d gotten a taste of something he really liked, he dove in for more.

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About the Author

Synithia Williams has enjoyed romance novels since she was 13 years old, so it’s no surprise that she began writing her own. When she isn’t reading or writing, she’s working on water quality in the Midlands of South Carolina. She lives with her husband, Eric, and two boys.

 

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New Release – Monster Screw by Kendall Ryan

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Monster Screw (1)First there was SCREWED.

Then there was MONSTER PRICK.

Now…

… There’s MONSTER SCREW!!!!

This brand new boxed set features both New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal mega-bestselling sexy, FUNNY, HOT romances for one low price. Just $2.99 on release day, and $5.99 after.

So, are you ready for your MONSTER SCREW??

 

 

 

 

Buy Links

Amazon      iBooks     Barnes & Noble     Kobo (coming soon)

 

About Screwed:

I’m young, fit, attractive, and loaded. Not to mention I’m packing a sizable bulge below the belt. It’s a combination that drops panties on a regular basis.

Yay, me, right?

But my cock, troublemaker that he is, has been confined to my trousers by my business partner. A concession I agreed to, and one that’s never been hard to enforce until Emery moves in across the hall. She’s smart, young, determined, and sexy as hell. I want a taste. I won’t stop until I’m buried deep inside the succulent new-in-town brunette.

After being warned about my past, she does her best to steer clear, but I’m about to show her that underneath it all, I’m a guy with a heart of gold and a cock of steel.

My name is Hayden Oliver, and this is my story.

 

About Monster Prick:

Over my dead body.

That’s what I told Gracie when she informed me of her plan to pick some random guy she met online to get rid of her pesky virginity.

If anyone is touching her, it’s going to be me.

I shouldn’t even be considering it, but I can’t get it out of my head: her, under me, begging me.

***

Arrogant. Cocky. Prick.

Those are the words I’d use to describe my older brother’s dangerously handsome best friend.

When he learned of my plan to kick off my white cotton briefs, ditching my good girl persona once and for all by losing my virginity to the first eligible bachelor I could find, he flipped out. Said over his dead body.

He says if anyone’s going to do it, it’s going to be him.

I hate that I’m even considering his offer.

But I am … I sooo am.

Ever since he suggested it, all I can think about is his cocky smile on those full lips as he’s driving in to me.

But if we cross that line … will I ever be able to go back?

MONSTER PRICK, a sexy romantic comedy, is a spin off novella from SCREWED, but can be read as a standalone, as it features a new couple.

About the Author

Kendall Ryan Headshot 1 picKendall Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance novels, including Hard to Love, Unravel Me, Resisting Her and When I Break.

She’s a sassy, yet polite Midwestern girl with a deep love of books, and a slight addiction to lipgloss. She lives in Minneapolis with her adorable husband and two baby sons, and enjoys hiking, being active, and reading.

Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras


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Cover Reveal – The Lie by Karina Halle

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The Lie AMAZON

The Lie is the next installment in this phenomenal series by Karina Halle. Each of these contemporary romances is a stand-alone with interconnected characters. AND, they’re all wonderful! <3

 

The Lie AMAZONTheir love led to a lie.

Their truth led to the end.

Scottish enigma Brigs McGregor is crawling out from the ashes. After losing his wife and son in a car accident – and, subsequently, his job – he’s finally moving forward with his life, securing a prestigious teaching position at the University of London and starting a new chapter in the city. Slowly, but surely, he’s pushing past the guilt and putting his tragic past behind him.

Until he sees her.

Natasha Trudeau once loved a man so much she thought she’d die without him. But their love was wrong, doomed from the start, and when their world crashed around them, Natasha was nearly buried in the rubble. It took years of moving on to forget him, and now that she’s in London, she’s ready to start over again.

Until she sees him.

Because some loves are too dangerous to ever rekindle.

And some loves are too powerful to ignore.

Can you ever have a second chance at a love that ruined you?

The Lie is a second-chance romance with a dark, forbidden twist.

 

ADD TO GOODREADS

 

iBooks pre-order

 

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Halle HeadshotWith her USA Today Bestselling The Artists Trilogy published by Grand Central Publishing, numerous foreign publication deals, and self-publishing success with her Experiment in Terror series, Vancouver-born Karina Halle is a true example of the term “Hybrid Author.” Though her books showcase her love of all things dark, sexy and edgy, she’s a closet romantic at heart and strives to give her characters a HEA…whenever possible.

Karina holds a screenwriting degree from Vancouver Film School and a Bachelor of Journalism from TRU. Her travel writing, music reviews/interviews and photography have appeared in publications such as Consequence of Sound, Mxdwn and GoNomad Travel Guides. She currently lives on an island on the coast of British Columbia where she’s preparing for the zombie apocalypse with her fiancé and rescue pup.

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Review – Game Winner by Collette West

 

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Game Winner
by Collette West
New York Kings
Publication Date: December 4, 2015
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance,Sports

GW Amazon

Playing center field for the New York Kings, Jake Woodbury has one of the most prestigious jobs in all of sports. To the world, he’s the good-looking, soft-spoken minister’s son who’s survived celebrity without a hint of scandal. But, inside, he’s reeling from a secret that seems destined to haunt him forever.

Scarlett Moore is one of the biggest pop stars on the planet, famous for singing about her celebrity ex-boyfriends. The CEO of her record label has carefully honed her provocative image since she was fifteen. Sex sells, and Scarlett’s well aware that it takes more than talent to stay on top.

One thing is clear: She’s the last thing Jake needs. And he’s the do-gooder jock she should avoid at all costs. But when the game begins, all bets are off.

Purchase: Amazon | Nook | iBooks

 

BFF K’s Review

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Game Winner was my first introduction to the New York Kings. I’m tempted to go back and read the other books in the Kings series. This book delivered just what I was hoping for when I read the synopsis. (Game Winner can be read as a stand-alone. I wish I had read the other books in the series for even more backstory, but I didn’t need it to thoroughly enjoy this one!)

Jake Woodbury falls hard for Scarlett Moore. But, both have baggage. We’re talking angst-ridden, self-doubt-filled, trunk-loads of baggage. But, the intense physical attraction and connection they have to one another is undeniable. They’re soon wrapped up in an intense relationship, filled with potential career-related landmines and personal pit-falls.

I thoroughly enjoyed this glimpse into the Kings clubhouse. Game Winner was a character driven, angsty, sports romance with a satisfying HEA. If you enjoy sports related stories, characters with great chemistry and interesting plotlines, add Game Winner to your TBR today!

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An advance copy of this book was received in exchange for an honest review.

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Excerpt

A lot of unanswered questions hang in the air, but for one glorious moment, when Scarlett’s voice pierced through my troubled mind and touched the innermost region of my heart, I was able to forget all about my ex, Roberta Bennett.

Jackson and Colt are wrong. The reaction I had to her voice was akin to something holy. Yeah, I’ve had strong feelings for a girl before, and I’ve been burned badly because of it. But there was something so remarkably pure and genuine about the whole encounter with Scarlett that I refuse to see it tainted.

I take a knee and face the outfield wall.

Bowing my head, minister’s son that I am, I begin whispering the quick prayer I always say before the start of every game.

“Dear Lord, please protect me and my teammates from injury and help us to play to the best of our ability in the field and at the plate.”

But, tonight, I don’t stop there. I add in one last request.

“And, God, if you really did send Scarlett Moore into my life for a reason, please give me a sign that she’s someone worth taking a chance on.” I release the breath I was holding. “Amen.”

I raise my head and immediately notice that Scarlett’s on the big screen again, only she’s somewhere in the stands this time, ready to watch the game. But, as the camera pans away, I put a hand down on the outfield grass to steady myself.

Turns out she’s sitting directly behind home plate, right next to Roberta.

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About the Author

Collette West grew up as somewhat of a jock-nerd hybrid. Entering the world three weeks premature, her dad nearly missed her birth because he had seats behind the dugout for a sold-out, highly-anticipated match-up between two of baseball’s biggest rivals. Not to be outdone, her book-loving mom taught her how to read by the time she was three. A love of the game coupled with an appreciation for the written word were instilled in Collette’s impressionable brain from a young age. No wonder her characters believe in the philosophy: sports + romance = a little slice of heaven.

Splitting her time between the Pocono Mountains and Manhattan, Collette indulges her inner fangirl by going to as many games as she can from hockey to baseball and downloading every sports romance novel in existence onto her iPad. When she’s not clicking away on her laptop, she enjoys walking her dog in Central Park, satisfying her caffeine craving at the Starbucks on Broadway and keeping an eye out for Mr. Right. But above all, she loves dishing with her readers. Email her at collette_west@yahoo.com.

She is the author of the New York Kings series which includes: NIGHT GAMES, GAME CHANGER, GAME ON, PERFECT GAME, INSIDE GAME and GAME WINNER.

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Review – Falling for Hudson by Alexandria Bishop

 

Title: Falling for Hudson (Marlowe #2)
Author: Alexandria Bishop
Release Date: Dec 22, 2015
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Orphaned and alone, Chloe Weston is forced to leave everything she knows and start over with nothing more than a shattered heart.  But it isn’t long until the Hartley boys–both of them–begin to mend the broken pieces.  Kind, loving, and reliable Hudson Hartley would move mountains to see her smile.  On the contrary, fun, sexy, bad boy, Jax Hartley, only wants to help her forget about her pain. Filling the void in Chloe’s life, the brothers vie for her attention–and heart.  But only one can have her…

BFF K’s Review

rating_3.5

After reading Finding Flynn, I was interested in seeing what happens next for the guys from Marlowe, and with Ashtyn and Chloe. I really liked Chloe’s storyline in this book. I was invested in her character and the grief she was experiencing from her parents’ death was palpable. She was coping the best she could and Hudson was certainly a swoon-worthy hero. He lovingly cared for Chloe as well as he could.
I was a little frustrated with the uneven writing. There were some parts that were really good, but others that felt forced. And the storylines sometimes felt too contrived. The book is a cross between YA and NA, but straddles the line so it’s not totally clear which genre it fits. I wish the characters were a little older and out of High School, I think that would have helped me buy some of the plot lines. I also wanted a little more from the other characters. More Jax and more Flynn!
I am still interested in what happens to Marlowe. In the epilogue, we get a flash forward for some of the characters and I liked that, but it skipped many years and many characters. Alexandria Bishop is a new author (this is her 2nd book) and I think she holds a lot of promise. If there’s more to come for Marlowe, I’m likely to keep following the band!
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An Advance Copy was received in exchange for an honest review.
dual point of view

Excerpt

Hudson

Down in the kitchen, I find Jax, luckily alone. He never cared about flaunting his latest conquests around, but since Chloe has been staying here, I haven’t seen a single one. I’m extremely grateful, and I wonder if he even knows he’s doing it. “Hey man, what are you doing up so early?

Looking up from his overflowing bowl of Cap’n Crunch, he says, “Chloe isn’t exactly a quiet crier. But I’m used to it at this point. I don’t have anywhere to be, so I can just sleep all day.”

“Sorry about that. I think it’s just hitting her a little harder today. Stuff like your first day of senior year is important to girls like Chloe. It’s the first major life moment that her parents are missing.”

“I get it, dude. I haven’t said anything because she’s going through shit right now. I’m not a major asshole, or at least I try not to always be.”

Oddly enough, I think that’s the first normal conversation we’ve had in a long time. The Hartley brothers don’t have heart-to-hearts, as funny as that sounds. Honestly, if it weren’t for the band, I don’t think we’d be as close as we are. That’s about all we have in common. The silence drags on, and although it isn’t uncomfortable for me, Jax can never have it be silent for too long. He always has to fill the silence in some way.

One night when I was watching TV, Jax came in, and just like any older brother he took the remote and changed the channel. I thought about arguing, but I was too exhausted and went with it. Five minutes after he found something, I could hear mumbling. I looked over and his mouth was moving. “What the fuck are you doing?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, dude. I’m not doing anything. What are you doing?”

“Yes you are. Wait…are you saying all of the lines?”

“No. Why would I do that? That’s weird.”

After another five minutes, he started up again. He was oblivious to the fact he was doing it, or he couldn’t hold out any longer. Either way, it was some pretty funny shit.

“Do you think the Flash can turn his dick into a human vibrator during sex?”

And there it is. What the fuck? I stare at him incredulously. “Where do you come up with this shit?”

He holds up his juice glass, and I notice it’s adorned with the members of the Justice League. “C’mon, just think about it.”

I shake my head. “I don’t know. I guess that makes sense.”

“Dude, that would be awesome.”

I can’t believe we’re even having this conversation right now. “Just don’t tell the ladies your theory.”

“Why not?”

“Because then they’d be disappointed in your lack of vibrating abilities.”

“Trust me, brother, no chick has ever left my bed disappointed.”

“Dude, I don’t want to know how any girl feels leaving your bed. That’s between you and whoever your latest hookup is.” He opens his mouth to say something, but Chloe walks in the room and he shuts it right back up. I don’t know what was going on between Chloe and Jax over the summer, but it stopped after that night. The two of them don’t even talk to each other anymore. Or more like Jax doesn’t talk to Chloe. I think he feels responsible for the accident, but I’ve told him time and again it wasn’t his fault.

Born in a small southeastern island in Alaska, Alexandria moved to southern Oregon early on in her life. Where she still resides with her young daughter, husband, and fur baby.
She’s insanely obsessed with fashion and used to dream of becoming a fashion designer creating new outfits for her Barbie’s with her childhood best friend. For now she’s loving writing and fulfilling her fashion addiction with shopping.
Along with fashion, Alexandria is a big lover of music. She’s always listening to something while writing and creates a playlist to go along with each book she writes. She’s always on the hunt for new music and loves getting suggestions from her readers.
Alexandria spends way too much time on social media and would love for you to say hi!

 

 

 

 

Review – Royal Marriage Market by Heather Lyons

 

Royal Marriage Market RWB banner

ROYAL MARRIAGE MARKET is a brand new standalone contemporary romance by Heather Lyons due to be released on December 15, 2015! Grab ROYAL MARRIAGE MARKET now for a limited time special sale price of $1.99! Price will rise on December 23rd.

 

Royal Marriage Market - cover

Every decade, the world’s monarchs and their heirs secretly convene to discuss global politics and social issues—and arrange marriages between kingdoms.

Elsa may be the Hereditary Princess of Vattenguldia, but she finds the entire situation archaic and unsavory. While she wants what’s best for her country, she isn’t about to jump into an unwanted relationship—let alone a marriage—with a virtual stranger. Of course, her feelings matter little to her parents, whose wheeling and dealings over trade pacts and alliances achieved at her expense begin the moment they set foot in California for the Summit. So when a blindingly handsome royal runs into her, she doesn’t hesitate to tell him there’s no way she’s marrying him.

Christian is all too happy to agree: no marriage. As the Hereditary Grand Duke of Aiboland, his main goal is to get through the summit without a bride being foisted on him. Which is why he suggests they help each other field potential intendeds. As Christian slowly gets to know Elsa, though, he realizes they have a lot more in common than just their feelings about the Royal Marriage Market. Only he can’t fall for her, because royal or not, they’re not meant for each other.

Elsa and Christian will have to evaluate matters of the heart verses those of state and crown, and decide whether or not tradition trumps love.

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BFF K’s Review

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PERFECTION! Heather Lyons’ Royal Marriage Market is complete and total, contemporary romance perfection! I’m certain that I would love anything Heather writes, but I was particularly interested in her first foray into the contemporary romance genre. She writes paranormal/fantasy/magical so well, but I was anxious about a story with none of those elements. While there are absolutely no paranormal creatures or fantasy-laced tales, this story is pure magic! I will be anxiously awaiting more from Lyons in this genre.

Christian and Elsa are incredible characters. Their romance hit hard and fast and left me with a stomach full of butterflies and my heart threatening to burst from my chest. They are strong, independent characters, and find their equals in each other. With so many many things threatening to tear them apart both individually and as a couple, they must decide if their feelings/attraction/love are worth risking everything. (Side note – isn’t that what we want from a romance…a love so altering that the characters are willing to risk everything for one another?)

The cast of supporting characters are all complex and add depth to the story. The storyline is sweet and wonderful, but not overly predictable. There are few tropes that I like as well as the Royal Romance. This book shoots to the top of my list. Lyons weaves words together in ways that leave me savoring her sentences. This New Adult romance was in many ways similar to her other books – the storyline is sublime, the characters are engaging, the plot is unpredictable and the romance is off-the-charts-swoony! I will be recommending this book over and over.

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dual point of view
An advance copy was received in exchange for an honest review.
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Excerpt

            A sly grin is thrown my way. “Luk got in even later than I did, looking like he’d been at the party of the century.”

            “Ah. How very interesting. Who do you think he was cavorting with at such a late hour?”

            “I think the better question is, who wasn’t he cavorting around with?”

            “Me.” I smile brightly. “And you. Our cavorting was limited to a very exclusive party of two.”

            “Is that what we were doing? Were we cavorting?”

            We were falling in love, I think. Wonderfully, miserably, tragically, beautifully falling in love. Or at least, I was. But I say, “Of course. You and I are natural cavorters.”

            Bittersweet amusement sparkles in his eyes. “I thought our thing was to run amuck.”

            “That, too.” I gently touch the back of his hand. “We run amuck and cavort.”

            The smile on his face softens. “Only with each other, though. We cavort best when it’s with the other.”

            “Shall we make a deal then? Shall we swear to the other that, when it comes time to cavort, we must only do it together?” My words are light, so is my tone, but part of me crumbles within, knowing what I jokingly request will never come to be.

            Gravity invades his face as he shifts on the seat toward me, knees brushing up against one another. I am trapped by his gaze, motionless with his leg pressed against mine. “That’s a promise I can easily make.”

            I am still as the golden princess before us when he slowly, gently pushes stray hairs freshly escaped from my ponytail behind my ears. The feel of his fingers, light as breezes against my cheeks, leaves me hot and desperate.

            “Shall we shake on it?” I whisper.

            The muscle within my chest ceases its rhythm when he shakes his head. He stares at me then, as if he is unraveling all my atoms, rendering me exposed and vulnerable.

But then he leans forward, lips caressing one corner of my mouth and then the other. “All the best agreements,” he murmurs, words just as soft as mine, “are sealed with a kiss.”

            I consist only of nothing but exposed nerve endings when I replicate his promise. My lips tingle, my heart hammers, and tears swarm my closed eyes. “You have my promise in return.”

He tilts his head up, mouth pressing against my temple before resting his forehead against mine. “I’m going to hold you to that, Els.”

 

 

Royal Marriage market - Kate Spade Prize

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“The perfect royal romance.” Nichole Chase, New York Times bestselling author.

Grab Your Copy of ROYAL MARRIAGE MARKET today for just $1.99 now through December 23rd!

 

Royal Marriage Market RWB - teaser 2

 

Author PhotoAbout Heather Lyons:

Heather Lyons writes epic, heartfelt love stories and has always had a thing for words. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. She and her husband and children live in sunny Southern California and are currently working their way through every cupcakery she can find.

 

 

 

 

 

Website | Author Goodreads | ROYAL MARRIAGE MARKET Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

 

 

“Heather Lyons has officially charmed me. Royal Marriage Market is an indulgent read that will have you flipping pages until the very end.” – R.S. Grey, USA Today bestselling author.

 

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Review – Sweet Bliss by Helena Rac

 

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From debut author Helena Rac, a sassy, sexy comic tale of second-chance romance and the many uses of icing.

Tessa loves cupcakes. They’re tasty and comforting, and they’ve made her bakery a success. Men, on the other hand, are unreliable jerks who are bound to break her heart. Even if they’re hot enough to melt her frosting.

Tessa is smitten with Luke after a less than graceful encounter on the streets of Chicago, and fate keeps reuniting them. She’s certain he’d be delicious in bed, but there’s just one problem: Tessa’s sworn off long-distance romances, and Luke lives in London. Besides, he’s proven himself to be bad news. Although Tessa’s sexy stranger swears to set aside his player ways after she carries out sweet revenge, she’s far too smart to believe in happily-ever-afters. Luke will need to use every weapon in his arsenal – including a spatula or two – to convince Tessa they’re meant to be together.

Buy Links:

eBook

Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Nook | Kobo | Apple | Google Play

Paperback

Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Barnes & Noble |Chapters/Indigo

BFF K’s Review

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Cupcake anyone? I have a serious craving! I’m not usually a fan of the frosting, but I’m suddenly craving some buttercream icing! And, I dare you to read Sweet Bliss without developing a serious sweet tooth. Cupcakes are a legit main character, and what’s not to love about that?!?!

Tessa has spent way too long protecting herself from loss, but that also means closing herself off from love. When Luke crashes into her life, she starts to wonder if he is worth taking the risk.

I liked this story and it is an impressive debut novel from Rac. It is a fun, sweet story that’s enjoyable to read. About 3/4 of the way through the book, the storyline seems to drag a little…some points are covered too thoroughly and others are glossed over. The unevenness in the story development bothered me a little.

Tessa is delightful, hard working, kind and caring. Luke is driven and focused, but swept off his feet by Tessa. He says the most lovely things to her – definitely a sweet talker! Overall, I liked the characters and the story. I would recommend Sweet Bliss to anyone looking for a sugar-filled escape with a happily ever after!

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An advance reader copy was received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Giveaway

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About the Author

Helena Rac_photoLife is sweeter with cupcakes. And romance novels. That’s why Helena Rac writes contemporary romances about sassy, everyday heroines and swoon-worthy heroes – stories that warm your heart, put a smile on your face, and make you fall in love.

When she’s not writing, Helena loves spending time with her two lovely girls and her incredibly supportive husband. She plays accountant by day; enjoys cooking, traveling, and exploring the outdoors; and reads way past her bedtime. Visit Helena at HelenaRac.com.

 

 

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Review – To Love Jason Thorn by Ella Maise

 

Title: To Love Jason Thorn
Author: Ella Maise
Release Date: Dec 3, 2015
Find on Goodreads
Jason Thorn… My brother’s childhood friend.
Oh, how stupidly in love with that boy I was. He was the first boy that made me blush, my first official crush. Sounds beautiful so far, right? That excitement that bubbles up inside you, those famous butterflies you feel for the very first time—he was the reason for them all. But, you only get to live in that fairytale world until they crush your hopes and dreams and then stomp on your heart for good measure. And boy did he crush my little heart into pieces.
After the stomping part he became the boy I did my best to stay away from—and let me tell you, it was pretty hard to do when he slept in the room right across from mine.
When tragedy struck his family and they moved away, I was ready to forget he ever existed.
Now he is a movie star, the one who makes women of all ages go into a screaming frenzy, the one who makes everyone swoon with that dimpled smile of his. Do you think that’s dreamy? I certainly don’t think so. How about me coming face to face with him? Nope still not dreamy. Not when I can’t even manage to look him in the eye.
Me? I’m Olive, a new writer. Actually, I’m THE writer of the book that inspired the movie he is about to star in on the big screen. As of late, I am also referred to as the oh-so-very-lucky girl who is about to become the wife of Jason Thorn.
Maybe you’re thinking yet again that this is all so dreamy? Nope, nothing dreamy going on here. Not even close.

BFF K Review

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Jason Thorn is the daydream of every woman in America. He’s one of hottest actors in Hollywood. But to Olive Taylor, he will always be the troubled boy from next door who has tugged on her hair and her heartstrings since she was a little girl. Jason Thorn has been the love of her life for as long as she can remember, even after tragedy took him away from her family years ago. Now he’s back in a BIG way!
Olive has just penned the most popular romance novel available and her debut novel is sought out by a movie studio. The studio already has the wheels in motion and the perfect actor to play the male lead. Jason Thorn bursts back into Olive’s life in a BIG way and completely turns everything upside down.
Jason and Olive have to fight a few battles. They must overcome the history between them that has left Olive a little unsure and weary. They must overcome the outside pressures of being the talk of Hollywood. And, it seems like family and friends might become the biggest obstacles on their path to a Happily Ever After.
I LOVE this book! Jason and Olive are romance perfection! Their love is sudden and powerful, but built on years and years of mutual affection and adoration. It is a joy to watch their story unfold like the perfect Hollywood ending. Some of the parts are really clever and LOL-funny, there are plenty of steamy scenes and lots of butterflies and goosebumps! This is a perfect, light-hearted, super fun, brain-candy-read that you won’t want to put down!
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An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

Excerpt

Her gaze dropped down to my chest and her eyes slightly widened as if she was just realizing there was a half-naked man right in front of her. When her eyes started to trail lower, my skin prickled and I had to fight with my body to not react to her beautiful wandering eyes. “I…I should take a shower first so I’ll just…” Her eyes jumped between my eyes and collarbone. “I’ll head to the other room and grab…my things. I’ll be right back.” She patted my arm and ran away.

Chuckling, I got into bed.

Twenty minutes had passed when she finally put her knee on the right side of the bed and climbed up next to me. There was too much space between our bodies for us to ever come in contact, but instead of lying on the very edge of the bed like I was doing, she quietly got under the covers and settled in the middle.

I tensed.

Maybe she just wanted to lay in the middle so we could share the covers without having to pull on them? Or maybe she was a turner, and to avoid tumbling down, she needed to fall asleep far away from the edge? Either way, I would stay on my side so it was okay.

Everything would be fine.

Another ten minutes passed and thanks to Olive’s tossing and turning, I was still wide awake.

Every single time she turned, moved, fluffed her pillow, or quietly sighed, my body got a reminder of her presence and of course acted accordingly. Hell, even her breathing was starting to get to me.

Groaning, I turned to my right to see her back facing me.

“Jas—” she started to whisper, but before she could finish my name, I reached out, splayed my hand on her stomach—thank god she was at least wearing something—and pulled her back against my chest.

She gasped and her body stilled. For a moment, I didn’t know what I should do with my hand, but then I decided to rest my palm on the bed, still keeping my arm against her stomach, caging her in. At least this way she would stop tossing and turning and we would finally go to sleep.

“Jason? Are you sleeping?” she whispered, not turning her head.

“What do you think?” I muttered.

“Sorry. I can leave if you want—”

My chest still cushioning her back, I pulled my hips a few inches back—just to make sure she wouldn’t feel anything she wasn’t supposed to feel—and gave her body a gentle tug with my arm.

“Go to sleep, Olive.”

“Oh, okay,” she murmured.

A few minutes later, just when I was about to fall asleep, she started to wiggle her bottom. The little minx managed to rest her ass right above my dick. One wrong move and my already raging dick would have been resting right against her round, shapely ass—not that I had spent much time looking at it…

While her breathing had deepened shortly after she’d made sure her ass was perfectly placed to torture me, it took me hours to fall asleep, battling with the urge to move forward, just a few inches, just to let my dick cop a feel.

About the Author

I’m an avid reader. Therefore, a big dreamer. I love nothing more than to escape real life to find those very few magical moments in a book. I love how it has the power of stealing your worries away, putting a smile on your face, and of course sometimes making you crush on fictional characters. If I can manage to do even one of those things for a reader, I will be a happy writer.

I can’t even begin to describe how exciting it is to give life to new characters and fall for them. It’s a different kind of addiction I’m determined to keep alive.

I’m still searching for my own happy ending. Until that happens, I’ll live vicariously through my own characters.