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Review – The Photographer Trilogy Box Set by Sarah Robinson

He takes a picture of every woman he kills.
She takes nothing from anyone.

Kate Jackson is a woman haunted by her past with no direction in life, and surviving only on her close relationship with her sister, Annie. Until she meets charming lawyer, Derrick Kane. Despite having a painful past of his own, he gives Kate everything she could have ever wanted in a lover.

Just when she thinks she might have found the key to learning how to live again, maybe even how to love, The Photographer rips it all away from her with one click of his camera.

Somehow she survived, determined to rise above the trauma life has dealt her. Yet, she doesn’t get away that easy, The Photographer isn’t done with her yet.

The infamous serial killer begins dropping menacing hints at every turn.

Reminding Kate that he owns her. That he broke her body.

The small, quiet life that Kate had built for herself with Derrick is over. Pulverized by the twisted workings of the notorious serial killer and the agony of being betrayed by the one man she had trusted her heart to. Trust had never come easily to her, yet she had given it to Derrick. And he destroyed her with it.

Kate is a fighter and refusing to allow a sadistic killer to take everything from her yet again, she delves into the police investigation targeting The Photographer and finally revealing his true identity. Kate is fighting for justice while fighting to reclaim the man she loves, and somehow learn to trust him again.

But when an innocent life is on the line, the cost of justice could be more than love can afford. Kate quickly learns that finding the face behind the mask, doesn’t make you safe.

Monsters are only uglier in the light of day.

BFF A Review

The Photographer Triology by Sarah Robinson has so many different elements to it. Sarah does a great job of including all of this into a series that keeps you guessing until the end. Frist, there is the relationship Kate Jackson and Derrick Kane share. They meet in a coffee shop and sparks instantly ignite. They share love, romance, and build trust for each other. There is also a special bond between Kate and her sister, Annie. The bond is special and unique, all they have is each other. I really connected to their relationship- where either sister would do anything to keep the other safe. Throughout the series there is also the mystery and suspense of trying to figure out who The Photographer is. Why is he after Kate? Who else has he hurt? What will it take to stop him? The mystery kept me turning page after page until all is revealed. As the story and series comes to an end and mysteries are solved, (no cliffhanger at the end) there is a sense of accomplishment as you understand the all of the obstacles Kate has overcome.

Copy gifted from author in exchange for a fair review

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About the Author

Sarah Robinson is a Top 10 Bestselling Barnes & Noble and Amazon Bestseller in Romance and Crime Thriller. She is the author of the contemporary Rockstar romance series Sand & Clay, as well as the very popular romantic suspense trilogy, The Photographer Trilogy.

In regards to future publications, she is with the Seymour Literary Agency and has recently been contracted by Loveswept, a Random House Penguin imprint, to begin a new contemporary romance series in late 2015 called Kavanagh Legends, which follows Irish alpha male brothers in the MMA fighting world.

Her writing often concentrates on the complexity of love in emotions, combining psychological complexities and human flaws to create very real characters that readers can relate with. Her work focuses on redemption and forgiveness, learning to build on what has been broken. Her characters are often in conflicting situations, leaving the reader to decide what is right and what is wrong. She uses her stories to hold a mirror up to the reader and ask them to see things they never knew, or had forgotten, about themselves.

Sarah Robinson is a native of the Washington, DC area and has both her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in criminal psychology. She is newly married to a local police officer, Justin, who is just as much of an animal rescue enthusiasts as she is. Together, they own a zoo of rescues, as well as volunteering and fostering for multiple animal shelters.

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Review – Broken Juliet by Leisa Rayven

Some loves never let you go…
Cassie swore she’d never forgive Ethan for breaking her heart when they were in acting school years ago. He was her one great love, and when he refused to love her back, a part of her died forever…or so she thought. Now she and Ethan are sharing a Broadway stage, and he’s determined to win her back. Finally he’s able to say all the things she needed to hear years ago…but can she believe him? Has he really changed, and what makes this time different from all his other broken promises?
The answer lies somewhere in the past, and now the truth will come to light. Will Cassie rediscover what it’s like to be trusting and open again–the way she was before Ethan? Or is it too late for these star-crossed lovers?
Don’t miss this mesmerizing final chapter in the Bad Romeo duet, the unforgettable love story that captured the hearts of over two million fans online.

BFF K’s Review

Broken Juliet is the absolutely sparkling conclusion to the story of Cassie and Ethan. I’m nearly at a loss for words to describe how much I love this series and how truly wonderful these books are. Parts are laugh out loud funny, parts make you want to sob in sadness or frustration. There is angst, romance and plenty of steam. Cassie and Ethan are phenomenal characters. Their dialogue is impeccably written and the story fresh and inventive. The words are lyrical, carefully crafted, and flow in a way that makes you pause thinking, “those sentences were absolutely perfect.”

Leisa Rayven uses a combination of flashbacks and modern day scenes to build the story of Cassie and Ethan and their tumultuous relationship. But, through all of drama, you see how Cassie and Ethan are desperately and completely meant for one another. It takes years (and some hard core therapy) for each to understand and accept themselves and the monumental feelings they possess for one another. The end result is worth every bit of emotion and speaks so honestly about who the characters are and what they want and need from one another.

Broken Juliet has caused a book hang-over of epic proportions. I’m certain I will spend hours re-reading all the highlighted bits and pieces to re-capture just a few of the emotions this book can stir. There are a few books and series that are on my “always recommend” list. Bad Romeo and Broken Juliet have shot toward the top of that list and I will be telling everyone I know that this series can’t be missed!

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

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Favorite Quotes

“The way he says my name is like a groan of frustration and a sigh of relief. A promise. An apology. A prayer.”

“Time is a fickle whore. Whenever you want it to pass slowly, it speeds up, and whenever you’re full of nervous impatience it crawls like a sloth on sedatives.”

“I have full-blown emotional vertigo. I’m completely turned around. Upside down and inside out.”

“From the moment I met you, it was only ever going to be you.”

“All the while he whispers to me about regrets, apologies, love, future.”

Dream Casting

I don’t do this very often, but I can see Ethan and Cassie so clearly in my mind….So here they are!

About the Author

Writing has always been a passion for Leisa, and even though she originally intended to be an actress, it wasn’t long into her time at drama school that she began writing plays.

Those plays were bad. Very bad. Well, her friends thought they were good, but that’s because they were always cast in them and any opportunity to be on stage was met with an obnoxious amount of enthusiasm.

Since then, she’s honed her craft, and several of her plays have been produced and toured throughout Australia.

These days, playwriting has given way to fiction writing, and her debut novel, BAD ROMEO, will be available in a worldwide release through Macmillan Publishing in December 2014. The sequel, BROKEN JULIET, will be available in April 2015.

Leisa lives in Australia with her husband, two little boys, three judgemental cats, and a kangaroo named Howard. (*NB: Howard may or may not be her imaginary marsupial friend. Everyone should have one.*)

Review- Marrow by Tarryn Fisher

In the Bone there is a house.

In the house there is a girl.

In the girl there is a darkness.

Margo is not like other girls. She lives in a derelict neighborhood called the Bone, in a cursed house, with her cursed mother, who hasn’t spoken to her in over two years. She lives her days feeling invisible. It’s not until she develops a friendship with her wheelchair-bound neighbor, Judah Grant, that things begin to change. When neighborhood girl, seven-year-old Nevaeh Anthony, goes missing, Judah sets out to help Margo uncover what happened to her.

What Margo finds changes her, and with a new perspective on life, she’s determined to find evil and punish it–targeting rapists and child molesters, one by one.

But hunting evil is dangerous, and Margo risks losing everything, including her own soul.

BFF A Review

Meet Margo.

Someone who has endured a lot in her life. A lot of pain, little love, a lot of lonely, little comforting. I believe there is a part of Margo in all of us, whether we choose to see it or not. Maybe our experiences in life relate to Margo’s experiences, I hope not. Margo is strong, she is confident, she is controlling. Maybe we wish we could do the things she does, though none of us should, we still think it. Margo seeks revenge. Margo wants to make things right. Margo wants others to feel safe and secure- so she takes action. Margo needs love and acceptance and she finds it in the most peculiar, mind twisting way.

Tarryn is a writing genius. She has a way of writing that pulls you in. I connected with Marrow even when I thought I shouldn’t. The story is intense, twisted, dark, and suspenseful. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, Tarryn slammed me with the biggest shock of all. Marrow will get to you, get to the core of your beliefs. It will break your heart, it will make you think. It will make you cry when you think of the struggles that people deal with daily, because sadly there are parts of this that are real for so many. I am left in awe. I am left wanting so much more.

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About the Author

Tarryn Fisher is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of six novels. Her newest novel, Marrow, just released in April 2015 and she is currently working on the second installment of Never Never. She is the co-founder of Clothed Caption, a fashion blog she runs with her friend, Madison Seidler. Tarryn resides in the Seattle area with her family. She loves rainy days, Coke, and thinks Instagram is the new Facebook. Tarryn is represented by Amy Tannenbaum of the Jane Rotrosen Agency.

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Review – Catching Cassidy by Melissa Foster

Wyatt Armstrong never imagined that instead of celebrating his college graduation, he and his twin sister would be dealing with the death of their parents. Then again, Wyatt had never been one to think past tomorrow. He heads to their summer home in Harborside, Massachusetts, with his best friend Cassidy Lowell in tow, to deal with his parents’ death and to try to figure out his next step.

Six foot two, infuriatingly handsome, and flirtatious, Wyatt Armstrong has always been there for Cassidy, helping her pass her classes and fend off unwanted advances, while driving her insane with his one-night stands—but that’s what best friends are for, isn’t it? Having each other’s backs. There was never any doubt that she would accompany him to his family’s summer home—but she never expected to begin seeing Wyatt as more than a friend. Or has she been ignoring her feelings all along?

It’s impossible to ignore the sizzling heat between them as Wyatt and Cassidy get even closer, but Cassidy knows Wyatt’s past, and she has a real job to begin in the fall. Wyatt may be a sure thing for the summer, but Cassidy needs more. For the first time in his life, Wyatt is forced to look toward the future if he doesn’t want to lose the one woman who’s shared his past and owns his heart.

BFF K’s Review

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Catching Cassidy is a wonderful NA, coming-of-age novel that has all the feels! Wyatt is a fantastic young hero. He’s kind, considerate, compassionate and loyal. Wyatt and his twin sister Delilah loose their parents in a sudden tragedy the night of their college graduation. He and Delilah bring their best friend Cassidy with them to Harborside for the summer. Wyatt struggles to ensure that Delialah and Cassidy are ok while at the same time trying to figure out his own role and place in this new reality.

There is an angst-filled, push and pull as Cassidy and Wyatt try to deny their growing attraction for the sake of their friendship. Factor into that: job uncertainties, family dynamics, a colorful cast of friends and an idyllic summer setting and you have the makings of a really wonderful NA story.

I am loving all of the characters in Harborside. I really enjoyed the way that Melissa Foster described the group of “summer friends” and we got a glimpse into the personalities and lives of all of them. I feel invested now in the whole group and I’m looking forward to reading the series so I can catch up with all of them! This is a quality series that I think you’ll really really like!

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

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About the Author

Melissa Foster is an award-winning, International bestselling author. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, the World Literary Café. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa is also a community builder for the Alliance for Independent Authors. She has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

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Review – Bad Romeo by Leisa Rayven

While performing the greatest love story of all time, they discovered one of their own…

Cassie Taylor was just another acting student with big dreams at her prestigious performing arts college, then she met Ethan Holt. She was the good girl actress. He was the bad boy on campus. But one fated casting choice for Romeo and Juliet changed it all. Like the characters they were playing on stage, Cassie and Ethan’s epic romance seemed destined. Until it ended in tragedy when he shattered her heart.Now they’ve made it to Broadway where they’re reunited as romantic leads once again, and their passionate scenes force them to confront the heartbreaking lows and pulse-pounding highs of their intense college affair. For Ethan, losing Cassie was his biggest regret, and he’s determined to redeem himself. But for Cassie, even though Ethan was her first and only great love, he hurt her too much to ever be trusted again. The trouble is, working with him reminds her that people who rub each other the wrong way often make the best sparks. And when it comes to love, sometimes it’s the things that aren’t good for us that are the most irresistible.

Don’t miss the intoxicating romance beloved by over two million fans online–a story that will captivate you and hold you breathless until the final page.

BFF K’s 6-Rated Review

As you can obviously tell by this rare-6-rating, I absolutely LOVE Bad Romeo! I don’t even know where to begin to describe how much I love this story and the characters. The writing, the feel, the pace, everything about it is perfection! The book is written part in present day and part in flashbacks, but it is seamless and impeccable storytelling.

Cassie Taylor and Ethan Holt are amazing. There is so much to identify with and love about both of these characters. They are deep and complex. Cassie is sweet but tough. She’s kind and open but conflicted and driven to succeed. Throughout the book, I cheered for Cassie and celebrated her growth. I want her to find love with Ethan, but more than anything, I want her to be whole and happy. And Holt. OMG – Holt. He is broken and closed off, but endearing in a way that few characters are. He wants to be better, but doesn’t know how and doesn’t know that he deserves better. You want so much for him to find forgiveness and redemption.

The cast of supporting characters is fantastic, richly developed and integral to the storyline. The settings are interesting and unique.

This book gave me all the feels! I had butterflies and that feeling of excitement and love that builds in your chest as you read a really wonderful romance story. I laughed and raged and teared up and celebrated and swooned with the characters. Everything about the book is splendid. It is absolutely a MUST READ and I can’t wait to finish the story of Cassie and Ethan in Broken Juliet which releases this week!

**Side note – I did a combo read and listen for this book. The written version is terrific and the audio version is probably the BEST audiobook that I have listened to in a VERY long time! If you enjoy audiobooks, this is a must-listen!

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About the Author

Writing has always been a passion for Leisa, and even though she originally intended to be an actress, it wasn’t long into her time at drama school that she began writing plays.

Since then, she’s honed her craft, and several of her plays have been produced and toured throughout Australia.

Review – There You Stand by Christina Lee

From the author of All of You and Before You Break comes a new Between Breaths male/male romance about the silent, inked up skateboarder and the tattoo artist who unravels him piece by piece…

Tattoo artist Cory Easton has worked long enough at Raw Ink to know, just by looking at a dude, what his body art reveals, what makes him tick, what even makes him scared. Until he meets the quiet and remote Jude York–so unreadable, so unreachable, and so unlike anyone else, he can’t help but arouse Cory’s curiosity.

As captivating and complex as his ink, Jude is a mystery–and Cory’s falling fast and hard under his spell. Against his better judgment to steer clear.

The rumors of Jude’s past overshadow him–whispers of prison and an unmentionable secret that’s kept him in the protective shadows of a local motorcycle club. As Cory probes deeper, he wonders how much he really wants to know. Especially since Jude has awakened something inside him that has been buried too long–and has him feeling completely alive for the first time in forever…

Includes a preview of Christina Lee’s upcoming adult romance Two of Hearts.

BFF K’s Review

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Full Disclosure – this was my first M/M book. I was a little apprehensive going in, not sure what I could expect from the characters or the storyline. Christina Lee’s book proves to me that romance, interesting characters, unique story lines and good dialogue make a great book a great book regardless of the genre.

I really loved this book! I was immediately drawn into Cory and Jude’s story. I found myself cheering for both of them and their burgeoning relationship. Cory and Jude both have damaged and difficult pasts. They struggle to come to terms with their pasts both independently and as a couple. They also work together to create a shared future.

The book was a super quick read, sweet and a little steamy. Lee threw in a couple of unexpected plot twists, good supporting characters, and just enough romance and angst to keep me flipping the pages. I will definitely read more from Christina Lee and I will not be afraid to try a M/M book in the future!

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GIVEAWAY

One Winner to receive the following: $10 gift card to the book retailer of their choice = An ARC of my adult romance releasing May 5th, TWO OF HEARTS, and some Between Breaths swag mailed.
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About the Author

Mother, wife, reader, dreamer. Christina lives in the Midwest with her husband and son–her two favorite guys.

She’s addicted to lip gloss and salted caramel everything. She believes in true love and kissing, so writing romance novels has become a dream job.

Author of the Between Breaths series from Penguin. ALL OF YOU, BEFORE YOU BREAK, WHISPER TO ME and PROMISE ME THIS available now. Book five in the series, THERE YOU STAND, coming in April, 2015.

Also, her Adult Contemporary Romance, TWO OF HEARTS is releasing on May 5th, 2015.

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Review – The Phoenix Campaign by Heidi Joy Tretheway

Ambition. Lust. Sacrifice. Politics just got a whole lot sexier.

Grace Colton’s life is a blur—security, appearances, and a desperately fast ramp-up to Election Day. Political consultant Jared Rankin is pulling the strings to win the White House with the Conover-Colton ticket.

But the fragile relationship Grace and Jared forged could be ruined by secrets traded for political leverage. She’s hiding her new relationship with Jared from the public, and concealing a deeper secret from everyone.

When Grace reveals the explosive truth to her running mate, squeaky-clean Senator Conover must confront his own haunted past. Grace’s future—and their campaign—could be ruined by the lies meant to protect what they love most.

Peek behind the curtain and under the covers in this sexy political drama that exposes the true cost of ambition, lust and sacrifice.
The Phoenix Campaign is an erotic romance set in the world of presidential election politics. Recommended for mature readers due to sharp dialogue, wickedly hot sex, and a few delicious taboos. This full-length novel is second in a series but can be read as a standalone.

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The Phoenix Candidate:

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BFF K’s Review

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I love a book that reads like a movie or mini-series and that’s just what I feel when I read The Grace Colton novels by Heidi Joy Tretheway. When said book contains smart political dialogue, interesting political strategy, unexpected plot twists, great characters and some super steamy scenes — sign me up! This book caused some serious sleep deprivation. I was up late 2 nights in a row anxiously turning the pages to see what happens next for Grace and Jared. Heidi Joy Tretheway’s sharp and savvy writing absolutely captures the feel and flow of a real-life political campaign!

I won’t go into many of the plot details because that would be super spoilery for anyone who hasn’t yet read Book #1, The Phoenix Candidate. The Phoenix Campaign – Book #2 picks up right where the first one left off. Grace finds herself in a HUGE, high profile, heated political campaign. At the same time, she finds herself in a huge, SECRET and heated relationship with a top political strategist. The tug and pull of everything in her life creates a wonderful, angst-driven story where you just want there to be resolution….soon.

If you like politics at all, even a little bit, this is the series for you! I’m loving Grace and Jared and honestly can’t wait to read The Phoenix Decision to see what happens next!

Read BFF K’s Review of The Phoenix Candidate.

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Now I can’t wait until The Phoenix Decision!!!

About the Author:

Heidi Joy is a sucker for campfires, craft cocktails, and steamy romance in books and real life. She sings along with musicals (badly), craves French carbs, and buys plane tickets the way some women buy shoes.

Her first career as a journalist took Heidi behind the scenes with politicians, rock stars, chefs, and detectives, all of whom inspire her stories. Heidi Joy is currently working on her eighth book from her home in Portland, Oregon. She adores hearing from readers at author.heidi@gmail.com.

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Review – Attraction by Penny Reid

Attraction
by Penny Reid
Hypothesis #1
Also in this series: Elements of Chemistry: Attraction, Heat, Capture
Genres: Contemporary, Humor, New Adult, Romance

Amazon • Kobo • iBooks • Barnes & Noble

Elements of Chemistry: ATTRACTION is the first part in a three part series; it is 45k words; and it ends with a cliffhanger.
Part 1 (ATTRACTION) will be released April 9, 2015
Part 2 (HEAT) will be released April 30, 2015.
Part 3 (CAPTURE) will be released May 16, 2015.

One week.
Private beach.
Invisible girl.
Jerk-faced bully.

What’s the worst that could happen?

Kaitlyn Parker has no problem being the invisible girl, which is why she finds herself hiding in various cabinets and closets all over her college campus. Despite her best efforts, she can’t escape the notice of Martin Sandeke—bad boy, jerkface bully, and the universe’s hottest, wealthiest, and most unobtainable bachelor—who also happens to be Kaitlyn’s chemistry lab partner.

Kaitlyn might be the only girl who isn’t interested in exploiting his stunning rower’s build, chiseled features, and family’s billionaire fortune. Kaitlyn wants Martin for his brain, specifically to tabulate findings of trace elements in surface water.

When Kaitlyn saves Martin from a nefarious plot, Martin uses the opportunity to push Kaitlyn out of her comfort zone: spring break, one week, house parties, bathing suits, and suntan lotion. Can she overcome her aversion to being noticed? Will he be able grow beyond his self-centered nature? Or, despite their obvious chemistry, will Martin be the one to drive Kaitlyn into the science cabinet of obscurity for good?

BFF K’s Review

Sent to Penny Reid immediately upon finishing Part 1 – Attraction.

To: Penny Reid

From: BFF K

RE: Groveling

I am sending you this message in desperation. I am begging, pleading, imploring, coaxing, desperately requesting an ARC for Heat. I was one of the very, very, very lucky folks to receive an ARC for Attraction at ABF. I was able to start, and finish, Attraction this afternoon. And, I can’t wait. I am beside myself needing to know what happens next.

While I am grateful for the first chapter of Heat in the back of the ARC, (I don’t think my heart could have handled the cliffhanger without it.) I need more. I need to know what happens with Martin and Kaitlyn. I just gushed to my blogging partner about how amazing this book is. It is really all of the reasons that I love to read romance books. I need to know what happens. I can’t wait.

I feel like I have very little to offer you in exchange for said ARC. Would undying love and devotion suffice? I contemplated offering my first-born child. But….he’s the only-child and adopted; and I’m not sure if that meets the standard definitions for first-born. Plus, he’s pretty cool and I think I would miss him after a few days…..Even if I have to wait (many more torturous days), I will still look forward to reading Heat and Capture. You’re such a talented writer and I’m looking forward to more great stories!

Cheers,

BFF K – BFF Book Blog

Yes, I was that desperate! I wanted the next book so badly I couldn’t stand it. This book is phenomenal! Penny Reid is a fantastic writer. She writes complex, interesting, intelligent, quirky and engaging characters that pull you into their lives and their stories.

I called BFF A practically shaking after I finished Attraction. I told her, “this is why I read romance novels.” Ahhhh – Kaitlyn Parker is so smart and charming and endearing and wonderful. Martin Sandeke is complicated and worthy of a little redemption. I want to climb in their story and live in the pages. I had butterflies and goosebumps and other animal-ish reactions! I was laughing out loud and grinning like a crazy person!

Attraction left me clamoring for more of Kaitlyn and Martin’s story! I’m aching to know what happens next and how they can resolve their issues to find a Happily Ever After in their own unconventional way.

Do yourself a favor and read this book! Do your friends a favor and tell them to read this book! I can’t wait to hear what you think about each of the books in this series!

PS – To prove her awesomeness, I received HEAT within a few days of my shameless email request, because the evil-overlord is super cool like that!

Here are the Amazon links to Pre-Order Heat and Capture. After you finish Attraction you’re going to want to do this ASAP!

About Penny Reid

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 – Better With Sugar by Katrina Kirkpatrick

War veteran Ethan Quill’s horse doesn’t like people. And that’s okay because neither does he. Broken by their pasts and shunned by the community, they keep to themselves on Ethan’s rundown farm. And then along comes a brown-eyed baker who turns their world upside down.

Heiress by birth, optimist by heart, Elly Baptiste has left Manhattan behind and picked up her spatula in Cranefly, a quaint Adirondack town. She’s looking for love and finds the promise of something unexpectedly delicious with the local recluse. But how does a woman who’s running from life find happily ever with a man who’s hiding from it?

Elly knows sugar. Ethan knows war.
She knows sweet. He knows defeat.
When put to the test, can they prove that love and life really are better with sugar?

BFF K’s Review

Better with Sugar is both heart warming and heart breaking. The story of Elly and Ethan is one that will stay with me for awhile. It is not just a tale of romance between two complex characters, it is a journey of discovery and self-acceptance for both of them as well. Some parts of the book were almost hard to read because you could feel the tug and pull and longing for happiness inside of both Elly and Ethan. But, those emotions make the Happily Ever After so much sweeter. This debut novel by Katrina Kirkpatrick is well written and full of wonderful dialogue and imagery. I also loved the colorful cast of supporting characters (I’m hopeful that Naomi and Noah will get their Happily Ever After in a coming book.) I highly recommend this enjoyable and moving tale of redemption, affirmation and love.

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Excerpt

The evocative creak of bedsprings jerked him into motion. He barely saw the floor in front of him as he moved through the apartment, his mind too busy imagining every curve on her body. The shape her mouth would take in pleasure.

He stopped in the doorway to the bedroom, her scent curled out like tiny fingers begging him into the space. But for a moment, he just stood.

The moon had already set, chased from the sky by a sunrise that wasn’t even yet discernible. It left the room a part of the night, only as well-lit as the stars were pale, but the white of her bedspread glowed like snow on a winter landscape. She had already disappeared under it, now just the vague outline of a body.

Her naked body.

Every cell in his body clenched tight.

Two dark pieces of cloth draped off the edge of the bed.

Her apron, his suit jacket.

There wouldn’t be any turning back after this.

Fear touched the back of his neck, driving a shiver down his spine. He’d none nothing the past few years but give everything up. Because if he hadn’t given it up—it would’ve been ripped from him anyway. And tonight was going to give him so much to lose.

Not just Elly, but himself.

Maybe she sensed his hesitation because she moved under the blanket, pulling it down just enough to reveal a ridiculous mass of hair and two round eyes that didn’t so much reflect the light as they did absorb it, feeding it into her creamy white skin until it seemed to glow. He meant to only go as close as the edge of the bed, but found himself pressing one knee on the mattress and leaning over her. Her eyes widened ever so slightly and the moment hung between them. This would be the end or the beginning.

About The Author

A love of language led Katrina Kirkpatrick to a degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Illinois, a love of her babies led her to the illustrious title of Stay-At-Home-Mommy, and a never-ending, lifelong delight of storytelling led her to pursue publication. She infuses love with laughter because love might make the world go round, but laughter lights up the scenery.

She has two daughters who call her Mommy Queen, two dogs, two cats, lots of chickens and a husband happy to call this chaos home. They reside in central Illinois.

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Review and Excerpt – Always You by Stephanie Rose

To Samantha Christensen, Lucas Hunter was always the guy—the sexy, smart and unattainable man she pined for throughout college. To Lucas, she was a treasured friend, a younger sister he felt the need to protect. She had a choice—to wait and hope, or to settle.

When they meet again years later, Lucas looks at Samantha and sees a woman he wants—even though she’s not free to take. As they renew their friendship he finds he’s falling hard, and can’t accept any less than all of her.

Samantha realizes there’s hope with Lucas. Will she finally have a chance to be happy with the man she’s always loved, or will obligations and insecurities stand in their way?

Can Samantha and Lucas convince each other that they belong together? That it was Always You?

BFF K’s Review

rating_3.5

Always You is a sweet second chance romance! Always You is a wonderful story of finding love the 2nd time around. Many parts of the story were predictable, but there were also a few twists that I didn’t really expect, but that added to the overall story. I enjoyed reading about Samantha’s school-girl-infatuation with Lucas in college. And, it was sweet and exciting to watch Lucas awaken to her feelings and fall in love with Samantha as an adult.

But, more than that, I liked the story of Samantha finding herself. I wish that there had been a more detailed back story to understand why Samantha’s self-esteem had taken such a beating. I just accepted that there were experiences in her past that damaged her self-worth and I enjoyed watching her reclaim her independence and the love of her life!

(And, there are few things sexier than a guy who is a good dad. Watching Lucas embrace Samantha’s daughter and become loyal and fiercely protective of both of them is absolutely swoon-worthy!)

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Excerpt

“Shit, Sam! Baby Girl, are you okay?”

God, please no. Calling me Baby Girl now was like sticking a knife directly into my already broken heart. Lucas lifted me off the ground to help me stand. He wrapped his arms around me and kissed the top of my head. I always loved when he did that, but now it hurt like hell. It was torturous, but I let myself feel him one last time. I wanted to remember the way he smelled, how his arms felt like home—but he wasn’t my home anymore, and it killed me to know that.

I pushed out of his hold and looked at his face. His beautiful face. His blue eyes were still glassy, but they were red now. I didn’t want to believe what I saw. I wanted to look at the unshed tears growing in Lucas’s eyes and think it meant he really loved me, and he would never ever hurt me.

I saw an empty cab coming up the block and raised my arm to hail it. I must’ve fallen hard as blood trickled down my wrist when I held my hand up. The cab slowed to a stop and I headed to the curb where it waited. I willed myself to stop crying at least until I got inside.

Lucas grabbed my arm again, shaking his head. “You can’t leave like this.” His voice was cracking. “I need you, I love you. You know me, Sam.”

I shook my head sadly. “No. No, I don’t.”

About The Author

Stephanie lives in the Bronx, New York with her superhero-obsessed husband and son.

Her day job is marketing, but she always has a story in her head.

This lifelong New Yorker lives for Starbucks, book boyfriends, and 80s rock

After spending most of her youth watching soaps, Stephanie has an obsession with angsty drama and hot romance.

She’s excited to finally bring the characters she’s been dreaming about to life!

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