Review – The Allure of Julian Lefray by R.S. Grey

From: JosephineKeller@LLDesigns.com

To: LilyNBlack@gmail.com

Subject: Justin Timberlake Nudes!Lily, you predictable perv. I knew you’d open this email faster if I tempted you with a glimpse of JT’s “PP”. Well, put your pants back on and grab some bubbly because I have much better news to share.

I GOT A JOB!

As of tomorrow, I’ll be the new executive assistant at Lorena Lefray Designs. I am SO excited, but there’s one itty bitty problem: I won’t be Lorena’s assistant. I’ll be working for her older brother, Julian.

I know what you’re thinking- “But Jo, what’s the problem?”

Google him. Now. He’s the man in the fitted navy suit whose face reminds you that there’s hope yet for this cruel, ugly world. Keep scrolling…Do you see those dimples? Yup. That’s the Julian Lefray I will be reporting to tomorrow morning.

Lord, help us all…

XO,

Jo

Buy Link

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BFF K’s Review

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This book is R.S. Grey doing what she does best, delivering a sweet romantic comedy with fun characters and story lines that is laugh out loud funny! The Allure of Julian Lefray is a quick read that is packed full of fun and romance. You’ll find yourself under the Allure of Julian just as quickly as Josephine. The setting of the book – New York fashion – is fun and fresh. Jo is a fantastic character, I loved getting to see her struggles and successes. Julian is a certifiable hottie with the smarts, charisma and sweetness to make him irresistible.

It’s easy to see why Jo and Julian fall for one another and watching them struggle to keep one another at arms length is a fun ride. But, watching them find one another is even better. The characters are really well developed and there is a supporting cast that I absolutely LOVED! In fact, I’m hoping-hoping-hoping that Lily and Dean will get their own book!

Did I mention it’s FUNNY? Just two phrases for you: sex dungeon and old-people-orgy.

OMG, I’m wiping away more tears, just thinking about it. So. Good.

One-Click this one TODAY, you’ll be so happy you did!

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An ARC of this book was received from the author in exchange for an honest review.

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About the Author

I am a lover of books, chocolate, reality TV, black labs, and cold weather. Seriously, if I had it my way, I would be curled up on the couch with all of those things… everyday.

I live in Texas where I spend my free time writing and reading. My favorite authors include Mindy Kaling & Jonathan Safran Foer. I’m a comedy geek and love all things “funny”. Women like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Mindy Kaling are definitely the biggest inspirations for my writing, though I think my work tends to skew a bit smuttier than theirs.

Review – Remind Me by Ann Marie Walker and Amy K Rogers

Have you met Hudson Chase?
(If the answer to this question is no, fix that immediately!)
REMIND ME
Chasing Fire #1
Ann Marie Walker & Amy K. Rogers
Released  April 21st, 2015
Berkley Intermix
 

First in a tantalizing new trilogy about reigniting a forbidden desire from long ago…As heiress to a media empire Alessandra Sinclair was raised to put family obligations first. But everything changes the night her first love walks back into her life and turns her whole world upside down. Haunted by the memories of a secret romance with a boy from the wrong side of the tracks, she can’t seem to get Hudson Chase out of her mind. Once again torn between two worlds, Allie must decide how much she’s willing to risk to have the love she’s always longed for.Ten years is a long time to wait, but billionaire Hudson Chase didn’t become CEO of one of the country’s fastest growing companies by giving up on what he wants. Now that he’s got Allie in his sights again, he’s determined to make her regret breaking his heart. And this time, he’s going to make damn sure he’s not so easy to forget. Includes a preview of Release Me book two of the Chasing Fire trilogy.

BFF K’s Review

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Get ready! This book is one wild ride! I would definitely recommend Remind Me for anyone who loves Fifty Shades or the Crossfire Series. But, I will admit this book left me thinking, “Gideon who?” And, I’m now an official #HudsonChaser!

Young love ended too soon is rekindled and explodes in the most amazing way! A boy from the wrong side of the tracks, turned billionaire (Yeah, I know, just go with it! Suspend reality, the story is GOOD!) finds the one that got away. She’s the heiress to a media fortune who turned her back on the bad boy after a heated summer romance. Ten years later, the connection between Hudson and Allie is an explosion of pent-up emotions and unfulfilled fantasies.

The story is electric and the chemistry between Allie and Hudson is off the charts. This is one of the steamiest reads I’ve encountered in quite awhile. I could see similarities between Hudson Chase, Christian Grey and Gideon Cross. At the same time, the story felt new and different. AND, I liked Hudson better than Gideon – there’s baggage in Hudson’s life, but not nearly as much as Gideon and Eva! The relationship between Hudson and Allie is based on a shared history and while there are lots of sparks, it’s no insta-love. AND, Remind Me also has several really smarmy villains – ya gotta love that!

I am normally not a fan of cheating and I will warn you, this book contains a LOT of cheating. But, I found it didn’t really bother me. I believed it to be integral to the storyline and while not excusable, it made sense in the context of the characters and the story.

Get yourself a glass of wine. (Or a whole bottle, we don’t judge.) Find a quiet corner and consider a cold shower. This is one steamy page turner you don’t want to miss! Release Me, Book #2 in the series releases July 21 and you’ll want to be ready. I already am!

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WARNING:

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An ARC of this book was received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
 
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EXCERPT

Allie reached for her lemon drop martini, her second of the night, and licked a bit of sugar from the rim. The tangy beverages were going down much too smoothly. If she didn’t get some food in her stomach, she’d be paying the price come morning. The last thing she needed was to roll into work with a hangover. “We should order.”
Harper took a generous sip of something called a Strawberry Blonde and grabbed a menu off the marble tabletop. She flipped through the small leather binder, bypassing the extensive wine list in favor of colorful drinks with elaborate descriptions. “Oh!” Her eyes grew wide. “How about a Sucker Punch?
“I meant something more along the lines of dinner, but what the hell.”
Harper craned her neck, searching for the waiter she’d been flirting with all night. She startled when he was suddenly at her side.
“Can I bring you ladies another round?” he asked. Allie had to admit he was a bit of a doll. Big brown eyes with lashes that wouldn’t quit, dark hair a little longer than most, and a smile to make you forget what you were going to order. At least that was the effect he seemed to be having on Harper.
Allie came to her rescue. “Two Sucker Punches, please.” As soon as he was out of earshot she jumped on the chance to tease her tongue-tied friend. “Harper Hayes, speechless. Never thought I’d see the day.”
“Oh, shut up,” Harper grumbled. Her cheeks were rosy pink as she reached for her glass. “He just caught me off guard, that’s all. They should tell him not to sneak up on people like that.” She finished off the rest of her cocktail and plucked the strawberry garnish from the edge of the glass. Allie could almost see the wheels turning as Harper regained her composure. “I’m going to give him my number,” she announced.
The waiter returned a few minutes later with two oversize hurricane glasses on his tray. The size alone assured Allie the drinks would live up to their name, but when she tried a sip she knew she was in trouble. The fruity concoction was far too delicious considering the pleasant buzz she was already feeling. She stirred the drink with her straw, watching in awe as Harper jotted her number on a napkin and slipped it into the waiter’s hand. Allie shook her head. She could never be as daring as Harper. Then again, she’d had a pretty daring afternoon.
Images filtered through her mind. Hudson’s body pinning hers against the mirror . . . his warm breath fanning out across her neck . . . his fingers teasing and taunting before sending her spiraling over the edge . . .
“So what’s the real scoop with you and Mr. Hottie from the party?” Harper asked as if reading her wayward thoughts.
Allie tried to hide her blush behind her glass, needing a moment to regroup before once again denying any interest in the man who’d brought her to orgasm during her lunch hour. In a dressing room. At Macy’s. Dear lord. She tipped the glass higher, practically gulping her cocktail.
“He seems like a man who knows his way around a bedroom and would be more than happy to give you a tour.”
Allie choked on her drink.
Harper sucked in a sharp breath. “Oh my God, you slept with him.” It was a statement, not a question, and one Allie knew there was no point in denying. The proof was all over her face, not to mention spilled half way down her blouse.
She wiped her chin with the back of her hand. “A little louder, Harper. I don’t think the valet heard you.”
“Sorry. It’s just . . . I don’t know, you’ve always been so reserved. You’re not exactly the type to get down and dirty with someone you just met.”
“We didn’t just meet.”
#MarkYourCalendars
Though thousands of miles apart, Ann Marie Walker and Amy K. Rogers are in constant contact, plotting story lines
and chatting about their love of alpha males, lemon drop martinis and British supermodel, David Gandy. You can find them on twitter as @AnnMarie_Walker and @Amy_KRogers. 
 
 
Amy K. Rogers
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Ann Marie Walker
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Review – The Forgotten Mountain by Heather Lyons

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Happy happy happy Release Day to one of our most FAVORITE authors! Heather Lyons’ THE FORGOTTEN MOUNTAIN is LIVE! THE FORGOTTEN MOUNTAIN is an Adult Romantic Fairy Tale, full of adventure and fantasy and the third book in Heather’s The Collectors’ Society Series! Grab your copy today!

 

The Forgotten Mountain - cover

After years spent in Wonderland, Alice Reeve learned the impossible was quite possible after all. She thought she left such fantastical realities behind when she finally returned to England.

Now Alice has become a member of the clandestine Collectors’ Society, and the impossible has found her again in the form of an elusive villain set on erasing entire worlds. As she and the rest of the Society race to bring this mysterious murderer to justice, the fight becomes painfully personal.

Lives are being lost. Loved ones are shattered or irrevocably altered. Each step closer Alice gets to the shadowy man she hunts, the more secrets she unravels, only to reveal chilling truths. If she wants to win this war and save millions of lives, Alice must once more embrace the impossible and make the unimaginable, imaginable.

Sometimes, the rabbit hole leads to terrifying places.

Review

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It just keeps getting better! This entire series just keeps getting better. The Collectors’ Society series is a delightful, fanciful, adventure-filled, epic journey. Alice’s adventures span centuries, continents and volume after volume of classic literature. Each quest is more powerful, exciting and surprising than the last.

The Collectors’ Society series follows Alice “after the Wonderland years” as she finds her place within The Collectors’ Society – saving worlds, taking on bad guys and finding true love. That quest for true love will take Alice and her fellow agents down some pretty scary paths in The Forgotten Mountain. Alice finds that there are countless individuals and forces working tirelessly to disrupt, hunt, and extinguish Timelines. It will be up to Alice and the other members of The Collectors’ Society to save these lives.

The Forgotten Mountain is a page-turner! I flew through the story from one crazy, legendary mission to another. One of the things I love most about Heather Lyons’ writing is her consistency. From book to book and scenario to scenario, the characters she develops grow and change as the story dictates but they stay so true to the essence of who they are. None proves this better than Alice. Alice is my absolute favorite heroine in any book series. Ever. Alice comes out swinging in The Forgotten Mountain. She is a woman on a mission to save the man that she loves. Alice is the person that you want in your corner fighting beside you and fighting for you.

The Forgotten Mountain is like a fairy tale within a fairy tale. Heather Lyons builds worlds and fantasies full of rich characters and perilous scenes. She crafts sentences that are absolutely lovely and so wonderful to read that I highlight paragraph after paragraph.

I loved this book. I didn’t want it to end and I’ll be waiting impatiently for the fourth and final book in this saga. While we wait, you can check out the Recruit Tour to make a list for prospective Agents from some really clever bloggers. AND, if you’re clamoring to get an image in your head for the characters, check out the Character Cards on Heather’s blog. (I may or may not have an urge to lick the A.D.) 😉 If you haven’t read any of these books yet – start immediately and then come back and dish with me when you’re done!

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An ARC of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

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The Forgotten Mountain - Off With Their Heads

 

Excerpt

The van door behind us slides shut. A click signals Marianne’s adherence to my wishes, and then we three descend upon the front door, the crunch of dead leaves and twigs beneath our feet cutting through the uneasy silence the gloom sunrise has brought. In a surprising show of gentlemanly manners, the A.D. moves to open the door. When the handle does not depress, a half smile curves his lips. “It’s locked. But no worries. I can have it picked open in no time.”
“There is no need.”
Darkish-blonde brows scrunch together. “But—”
“Stand to the side, please.”
When he fails to move at my thinly veiled order, Mary not so gently yanks our companion away.
The door before us is thick. The handle is ornate. It is a beautiful door, no doubt chosen specifically to adorn a building as fine as Bücherei. It takes me three strong, measured swings of my war hammer against the handle and its surrounding area to break it apart and permanently scar its beauty. Picking a lock is kind, respectful even. A picked lock can be relocked. I do not wish this door to close behind me. I do not wish to be respectful of Bücherei.
The time for genteel manners is gone.
The A.D. is in danger of catching flies with his mouth as he ogles the door’s remnants. For someone who professes to be so clever, he certainly underestimates ladies far too often.
Stale darkness, oppressive and opaque all at once, looms before us. I am unafraid, though. I am not even taken aback. I believe in the impossible, after all. I have seen, lived the impossible.
I step past the wreckage into the house.

Don’t miss the first two books in this series…

The Collectors' Society front cover

THE COLLECTORS’ SOCIETY

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The Hidden LIbrary Cover

THE HIDDEN LIBRARY

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The Forgotten Mountain - Available Now

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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Review – Wicked White by Michelle Valentine

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After his mother dies, rock star Ace White—lead singer of the red-hot band Wicked White—is done with the celebrity game. The phony people, the meaningless one-night stands: he doesn’t want any of it anymore. Quitting in the middle of a sold-out tour, Ace sets out to find some place—any place—where he can be alone.

Aspiring singer Iris Easton’s life has never been easy. First, her mother walked out on her when she was a kid. Now she’s buried in debt, weeks after losing her beloved grandmother. When a mysterious and sexy new guy moves in next door, Iris can’t help but be drawn to his soulful gaze. She can tell there’s something from his past haunting him—something he’s not telling her.

Just as Ace starts falling for Iris, the media go on a worldwide hunt to find the missing rocker. Will true love conquer all, or will the truth be the very thing that tears the couple apart?

BFF K’s Review

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I liked Wicked White (the book not the band.) 🙂 Ace White is a likeable hero. There is enough back-story provided that I felt I understood the motivations and decisions of his character. In so many ways, he and Iris were a matching set of wonderfully damaged hearts that came together to mend one another. Iris Easton is a likeable character as well. She’s smart, unassuming and hard working. It’s easy to hope she gets her happily ever after.

Wicked White is a quick read, but sometimes it felt too quick. I’m OK with insta-love and I can totally buy into it. But, there seemed to be a little bit of an essential spark missing here. I wish more time passed during the story. Days and weeks, just didn’t seem like enough time to develop such monumental feelings. I also would have liked some more dialogue and deep conversations to develop the relationship.

The book was interesting and engaging enough that I read the entire book and cared about the outcome. I was happy when Ace and Iris were together and felt the angst when they were apart. I read to the conclusion of the story hoping that they would find their way to one another. I recommend this story for anyone looking for a Rockstar with the heart of a poet, who falls for the hardworking ingenue.

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 An ARC of this book was received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Buy Wicked White Here

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ABOUT MICHELLE A. VALENTINE

Michelle A. Valentine is a Central Ohio nurse turned New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of erotic and New Adult romance. Her love of hard-rock music, tattoos, and sexy musicians inspired her erotic BLACK FALCON series.

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Review- Dismantled by Yara Greathouse

What happens when a stranger takes everything from you in the blink of an eye? When your life goes from perfection to hell and you aren’t sure if you want to climb out of the hole you’re in or dig down deeper?

Events from Traxx Maxwell’s past prevent him from getting into serious relationships and he likes it that way. One unexpected day, hell breaks loose. “The Incident” happens. Traxx is forced to watch something that no one should ever see. He starts to fall into a person that no one recognizes. There is darkness moving within him – he is broken inside.

While she’s waiting for Traxx to quit his slutty ways and really notice her, Ciara Collins is dating other guys and having fun. One unexpected day “The Incident” takes over Traxx’s life. While he tries to push everyone away, Ciara refuses to retreat. Can she help him put his fractured life back together or will he have to remain this shattered shell, completely dismantled?

And just when life seems somewhat bearable, the creepers who have been quietly observing and enjoying Traxx’s suffering, have decided to take everything away from him – once and for all.

This is a story about how the unexpected can make someone’s life fall into pieces, and how unconditional love and friendship can help those who are dismantled become whole again.

BFF A Review

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Dismantled is Book #2 of the Girls of Top series by Yara Greathouse.  We were introduced to Ciara and Traxx in Book #1, Unaviodable as the best friends of Brianna and Colton.  Although both books could be read as stand alone, they were quick reads and I’m glad I read both so I understood the dynamics of all the characters.

Ciara and Traxx hang out with a small group of friends. This group reminds me of my bestie group I hang with.  When there’s  fun, laughter, and beverages, you can never go wrong. There is definitely an attraction between Ciara and Traxx, with his well defined, hot body, who can blame Ciara for being attracted to him?  However, with Traxx’s past of one night stands, the friends warn him to stay away from Ciara.  The last thing they want to see is the friendship they have torn apart by a failed  relationship.  When Traxx is faced with an “incident” that changes him, he retreats to a dark place, not letting much in other this nightmares and a whisky bottle.  My heart broke for Traxx, no one should witness what he had to, or feel the guilt that was a result of someone else’s actions.  Ciara is determined to help him back to the person he once was, to support and help him find himself and be happy again. Ciara is the perfect person to help.  She is a strong person that I would want to be my friend.  She’s the type that won’t leave you alone even if you said you were ok, she can see Traxx needs support, and she refuses to give up, even when he pushes her away.

“I’m not going to let you stray.  We are in this together. Yes, your life is in pieces, all over the place, but I’m the best damned assembler you’re ever going to meet.”

Ciara also doesn’t let past events interfere with what the future may hold.

“The tragedies of our past are stepping stones for us to reach the happy endings of our tomrrows.”

All she is looking for is happiness.. for Traxx and for herself. Dismantled is a fun read about never giving up on your friends and fighting for those feelings you have for someone else.

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Copy gifted from author in exchange for a fair review.

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About the Author

Yara Greathouse likes to write contemporary romance dashed with elements of suspense. She grew up in Dominican Republic, moved to the Unites States at the age of 17 and served in the US Army. Always an animated storyteller, she finally gave into her friends’ requests for her to write. Her first series, “Girls On Top” is about strong female lead characters and the sexy alpha males who love them.
She currently resides in Texas, but calls Georgia her “home” state. She lives with her husband, has two boys, a dog (Hank) and a cat (Mollie) who acts like a spoiled child. Her days are dedicated to a job she loves as a Business Analyst, and during her free time she writes, takes care of her family, and indulges on her love of reading, cooking and travel. She loves to hear from readers, bloggers and other authors. You can find her at:
Email: YaraWrites@hotmail.com
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Review – Searching for Beautiful by Jennifer Probst

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The highly anticipated third novel in the Searching For series from Jennifer Probst, “one of the most exciting breakout novelists” (USA Today), featuring a runaway bride and the man who wants to be more than just her best friend…

Genevieve MacKenzie has her life completely under control. About to wed the charming Chief doctor at the local hospital, she’s an up-and-coming surgeon with everything she could ever want. Until an escape through the church window on the day of her wedding sends her life into a tailspin…and flings her right into her best friend’s arms.

When Wolfe catches his best friend falling out a window on her wedding day, he doesn’t ask questions. He whisks her away, determined to watch over her and discover the truth behind her desperate escape. But when his feelings turn more than platonic, he realizes he may risk his most important relationship in order to protect his damaged heart, and the woman he loves.

Can Genevieve and Wolfe’s friendship turn into something deeper—or is it already too late for true love?

BFF K’s Review

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When I read the synopsis for this book, I immediately thought, “this is my kind of read!” Runaway bride, hot tattooed best-friend-turned-lover, this has all the makings for my favorite kind of book. And, I wasn’t wrong. Searching for Beautiful is my kind of story. But, this is not your typical runaway bride story. What caught me off guard was the depth of the story. I wasn’t expecting the emotional journeys of personal growth and discovery. Both Gen and Wolfe have pasts that they’re working to reconcile.

Jen is an incredible heroine. She’s left David, and what looked to be a perfect relationship, at the alter. But, the mess left behind is way more personal and intimate than an uneaten wedding cake. As she begins to put the pieces back together with the help of Wolfe, the entire relationship between these besties begins to evolve.

Wolfe is a total alpha male (my favorite kind) with an inherent instinct to protect. And, Gen is his to protect, first as a friend, but soon as something more. However, Wolfe carries a basket load of issues from his past. And, as they’re slowly revealed, your heart will break and you will love him as fiercely as Gen does.

Searching for Beautiful is a deeply pleasing story of love, self-discovery, independence, trust and hope. Though it is the 3rd book in the Searching For Series, it can be read as a standalone. (Which is proven, as I haven’t yet read the first two in the series. YET!) I’ve read other Jennifer Probst books in the past and really enjoyed them. Searching for Beautiful is another reminder for me to put this author on my go-to list!

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*An ARC of this book was received in exchange for an honest review.

 

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AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Jennifer Probst

Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master’s in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again.

She makes her home in Upstate New York with the whole crew. Her sons keep her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean.
She is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, was ranked #6 on Amazon’s Best Books for 2012. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases and her street team at www.jenniferprobst.com.

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Review – Capture by Penny Reid – Elements of Chemistry Series Part 3

CaptureTour

Capture
by Penny Reid
Hypothesis #3
Publication Date: May 16, 2015
Genres: Contemporary, Humor, New Adult, Romance

Tour: Capture by Penny Reid

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Review

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*May be slightly spoilerish.

Capture, Part 3 of the Elements of Chemistry Series is the whipped cream and cherry on top of the perfect sweet treat, I love this series so much!

The story of Kaitlyn and Martin is absolutely wonderful. The characters are smart, unique, and incredibly well developed. I loved reading their personal journeys and the evolution of their relationship. This book has all of the feels of a traditional, romantic, New Adult storyline; but it’s written so smartly that you don’t necessarily see the next steps unfolding from a million miles away.

Capture is not nearly as steamy as Part 2, Heat. (Though there’s a little bit.) 🙂 And, there aren’t as many butterflies as the relationship-discovery-phase of Part 1, Attraction. But, Capture brings the angst. I was all angsty because I so desperately wanted Martin and Kaitlyn to reconcile. And, in many ways, I was anxious for Kaitlyn to get over herself and stop being ridiculous. So, I had angst over all of that! I understand that Kaitlyn “lives in her own head” and that it takes her awhile to work through issues in her own way. AND, I still think Kaitlyn is a super smart and well written character. But, it may be that I LOVE Martin so much that I just wanted him to be happy ASAP and Kaitlyn makes him happy. Martin is amazing! He’s so smart, sweet, funny, compassionate, loyal, determined and devoted.

Sam, Kaitlyn’s roommate makes a return visit in this story and doesn’t disappoint and a few other interesting supporting characters are introduced to shake things up as well.

The ending was a wonderful payoff and a terrific conclusion to 3 story series. I LOVE this series so much! (I think I might have mentioned that.) I have recommended it to countless people and I will continue to do so. The Elements of Chemistry Series has secured a position on my Best of the Besties always recommend list!

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An ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Elements of Chemistry: CAPTURE is the third part in a three part series; it is 70k words. All 3 parts are available NOW!
Part 1 (ATTRACTION)
Part 2 (HEAT)
Part 3 (CAPTURE)

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About Penny Reid

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SEX! It all started with sex, between my parents. Personally I don’t like thinking about it, but whatever works for you is a-ok with me. No judgment. The sex happened in California and much of my life also occurred in that state until I moved from the land of nuts (almonds), wine, silicon… boobs, and heavy traffic to the southeast US. Like most writers I like to write, but let’s get back to sex. Eventually I married and gave birth to 2 small people-children (boy-6, girl-4 as of this writing).

By day I’m a biomedical researcher with focus on rare diseases. By night I’m a knitter, sewer, lino block carver, fabric printer, soap maker, and general crafter. By the wee hours of the morning or when I’m intoxicated I love to listen to the voices in my head and let them tell me stories. I hope you enjoy their stories.

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Review – Game of Love by Ara Grigorian

Game of Love is set in the high-stakes world of professional tennis where fortune and fame can be decided by a single point.

Gemma Lennon has spent nearly all of her 21 years focused on one thing: Winning a Grand Slam. After a disastrous and very public scandal and subsequent loss at the Australian Open, Gemma is now laser-focused on winning the French Open. Nothing and no one will derail her shot at winning – until a heated chance encounter with brilliant and sexy Andre Reyes threatens to throw her off her game.

Breaking her own rules, Gemma begins a whirlwind romance with Andre who shows her that love and a life off the court might be the real prize. With him, she learns to trust and love… at precisely the worst time in her career. The pressure from her home country, fans, and even the Prime Minister to be the first British woman to win in nearly four decades weighs heavily.

As Wimbledon begins, fabricated and sensationalized news about them spreads, fueling the paparazzi, and hurting her performance. Now, she must reconsider everything, because in the high-stakes game of love, anyone can be the enemy within… even lovers and even friends.

In the Game of Love, winner takes all.

BFF K’s Review

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Fast-paced, sports-based romance, Game of Love was a WINNER! I enjoyed this book with a toe in two separate worlds – the highest level of professional tennis and the highest level of technology/systems consulting; and you may not guess which is more competitive. But, I loved that each of the main characters had their own backgrounds, issues and identities. And, the characters were written in a way that was smart and honest.

Gemma and Andre were complex characters. I was engaged and drawn to them, wanting to learn more about both of them – their pasts and futures. There was also an interesting cast of supporting characters that each played a role in developing the plot and advancing the storylines. There is some suspense, stalker, cloak-and-dagger stuff that adds other elements to the story.

As I read the book, I could picture the details playing like a movie and I enjoyed conjuring the images of scene after scene set to uncover new information about these characters. There are good, coming-of-age, working through your past-issues, understanding-your-place-in-the-world, elements to this book.

I’m a fairly slow reader and I banged through Game of Love in just about 24 hours, so it’s a quick read that will keep you flipping the pages and cheering for victories – large and small!

*An ARC of this book was received in exchange for an honest review.

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*An ARC of this book was received in exchange for an honest review.

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About the Author

Armenian by heritage, born in Iran, lived in Barcelona, and escaped New York until he found his home in Los Angeles, Ara’s first eleven years were both busy and confusing. The fruit salad of languages would slow down his genetically encoded need to tell stories. Until then, an alter ego would be required…

He received an engineering degree from California State University Northridge and earned his MBA from the University of Southern California. Today, he is a technology executive in the entertainment industry. True to the Hollywood life, Ara wrote for a children’s television pilot that could have made him rich (but didn’t) and nearly sold a video game to a major publisher (who closed shop days later).

But something was amiss until his wife read him the riot act. “Will you stop talking about wanting to be a writer and just do it?” So with her support (and mandate), and their two boys serving as his muse, he wrote stories.

Fascinated by the human species, Ara writes about choices, relationships, and second chances. Always a sucker for a hopeful ending, he writes contemporary romance stories. He is an alumnus of both the Santa Barbara Writers Conference and Southern California Writers’ Conference (where he also serves as a workshop leader). Ara is an active member of the Romance Writers of America and its Los Angeles chapter.

Ara is represented by Stacey Donaghy.

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Review – Sweet Girl by Rachel Hollis

Max Jennings is in a bad mood. It’s not anything you did; it’s just that secrets from her past make it her natural state of being. But she’s not going to talk about it or share her feelings, so don’t bother asking.

Max’s bad mood means that very few people actually truly understand her or know that her secret dream is to be a pastry chef. When a rare opportunity to work for world-famous Avis Phillips presents itself, Max jumps at the chance. Avis and her staff aren’t stingy with the tough love, so Max spends every spare minute practicing her craft. As she bakes brownies and custards, cookies and galettes, she builds an unlikely friendship with a man she once loathed and finds herself falling into something she’s spent the last six years avoiding. Will she let her painful past stand in the way, or will she muster the strength to forgive herself and realize her full potential?

BFF K’s Review

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Sweet Girl by Rachel Hollis is…well…sweet! I was pulled into this book by the heroine, Max. She’s smart and sassy, but the chip on her shoulder is of epic proportions! She’s callused, but in a way that feels forced for self-protection; and not in fact, the genuine state of being for her character. It takes many chapters, but little by little, the layers are peeled away from Max and you realize that she is working through some serious emotions and events in her life.

Enter Bennett Taylor. Max doesn’t like him. She shouldn’t like him. He complicates her life. Though he also makes it infinitely better. Can he coax her out of the shell of herself she’s been living in for years? The push and pull of their relationship is deliciously fulfilling. Though I have to say, I think that Bennett is an absolute saint for putting up with some of Max’s attitude. There were a couple of times I wanted to shake her and tell her to wake up and get her head out of the oven. But, it was wonderful to see her evolution. And, Taylor’s patience and devotion make him absolutely swoon worthy.

Laced throughout the book is a great cast of supporting characters. Max’s family, roommates, and co-workers make the book really well rounded. They bring the story to life in a way that makes you want to be a part of their circle. There’s one other character I would be remiss without mentioning….THE FOOD! Max is a pastry chef and her creations sound absolutely out of this world! I have a sweet tooth anyway, but working my way through Sweet Girl had me craving cupcakes and brownies and cheesecakes and incredible dishes that sound too good to be true!

I hate to admit this…..but I haven’t read Party Girl yet. Party Girl is Hollis’s first novel that centers around Landon and Brody. It has shot to the top of my TBR list. I think I would have had even greater insight into Max and Taylor if I had read that first. But, I certainly didn’t feel like there were any gaping holes in the story without reading Party Girl first.

The book is strong on romance, witty and engaging. If you’re looking for a good character-driven, story of self-discovery and self-acceptance; with a helping of hot, furniture-building, sensitive, patient, sexy hero on the side….Sweet Girl is definitely for you!

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An ARC of this book was received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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I loved meeting Rachel Hollis at the 2015 Austin Bookfest! She’s absolutely adorable and as sweet as she looks! <3

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About the Author

I am Rachel Hollis. A wife, a mother, a Southern Girl, an LA Woman, and for all intents and purposes Party Planner Extraordinaire! I LOVE parties… I love everything about them. I love the food, the wine, having friends and family and people from all walks of life together in one well-decorated space! I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like a good party… and if there are people out there who don’t, maybe that’s just because you haven’t been to one of mine!

I grew up in a big loud Okie family. Daddy was a Pentecostal minister and Mama was the church pianist… and PS, I know the words to all the old-timey hymns in case you want to break into three-part harmony later. I moved to Los Angeles to go to college and promptly met a boy named David who was as handsome as he was funny. First I made that boy my best friend, and then I made him my husband. 10 years later we have three equally handsome/hilarious little boys named Jackson, Sawyer, and Ford. We live in LA where we spend our time doing super cool/sexy things like going to soccer practice and hitting up any restaurant where kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée.

Other fancy info about Rachel…
Rachel Hollis is the founder of Los Angeles-based event planning firm, Chic Events. In 2009, she was named by Inc. Magazine as one of the “Top 30 Entrepreneurs Under 30.” She has designed and produced fabulous parties for many of Hollywood’s elite, including Bradley Cooper, Al Gore, Rashida Jones, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ivanka Trump, Jaime King, and Cuba Gooding Jr. (just to name a few). Most recently, she planned the nuptials of actress Sara Rue’s wedding, which garnered national coverage in magazines such as People and US Weekly.

Rachel is the entertainment contributor for Traditional Home Magazine, and a regular contributor to The Huffington Post. In addition, she is a lifestyle expert for The Talk, EXTRA, The Nate Berkus Show, Steve Harvey, Home & Family, KTLA Morning News, Good Day LA, Fox 5, Better TV and a regular contributor on PopSugar TV and Celebrations.com. She has been featured in People, InStyle, OK!, Entertainment Weekly, Entrepreneur, Grace Ormand and the TV shows “Jilted”, “I Do, Over” on We Network, “The Traveler’s Guide to Life” on the Travel Channel and “Self Made.”

Review – Heat by Penny Reid – Elements of Chemistry Series

HeatBlitz

Heat
by Penny Reid
Hypothesis #2
Publication Date: April 30, 2015
Genres: Contemporary, Humor, Romance

Tour: Heat by Penny Reid

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Elements of Chemistry: HEAT is part 2 of a 3 part series (65k word novel) and ends in a cliffhanger.

**Blurb contains spoilers if you haven’t read Elements of Chemistry: ATTRACTION**

Four days left.
Private beach (…and boat).
Not so invisible girl.
And maybe less of a jerk-faced bully than originally thought.
What’s the worst (or the best) that could happen?

Kaitlyn is finding life outside of the science cabinet of obscurity to be quite illuminating …and so are her pants.

When things heat up between Kaitlyn Parker and Martin—previously known as the jerk-faced bully—Sandeke, she places her trust in the one person she never thought capable of earning it, let alone keeping it safe. Fortunately or unfortunately for Kaitlyn, where she gives her trust she can’t help but also give her heart.

But how will the world beyond the sanctuary of their new found connection react to their relationship? Soon senators, chinless billionaires, and elements beyond Martin and Kaitlyn’s control want to weigh in on the young couple’s future.

Navigating the chaotic inferno of new love might be more than Kaitlyn bargained for, and much, much more than her trust—or her heart—can handle.

BFF K’s Review

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HEAT is an incredible continuation of Kaitlyn and Martin’s story. It picks right up where Attraction left off. We get to see the relationship of Kaitlyn and Martin continue to grow as they learn more and more about one another. Their relationship takes on a physical aspect that will practically burn up your ereader! The book is true to its name….This one brings the HEAT! But, even the steamy scenes are a reflection of who they are as characters.

The character development is fantastic! And, through it all, the book is written with a level of maturity and intelligence sometimes lacking in romance novels. It’s smart and quirky and an absolute delight to read!

I really can’t rave enough about how great this series is! The only problem is waiting until the next one releases! AND – be warned – Heat ends with a MAJOR CLIFFHANGER! I still think that you should still read it immediately, don’t wait to devour the goodness!

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About Penny Reid

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SEX! It all started with sex, between my parents. Personally I don’t like thinking about it, but whatever works for you is a-ok with me. No judgment. The sex happened in California and much of my life also occurred in that state until I moved from the land of nuts (almonds), wine, silicon… boobs, and heavy traffic to the southeast US. Like most writers I like to write, but let’s get back to sex. Eventually I married and gave birth to 2 small people-children (boy-6, girl-4 as of this writing).

By day I’m a biomedical researcher with focus on rare diseases. By night I’m a knitter, sewer, lino block carver, fabric printer, soap maker, and general crafter. By the wee hours of the morning or when I’m intoxicated I love to listen to the voices in my head and let them tell me stories. I hope you enjoy their stories.

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