Review – Darken the Stars by Amy A. Bartol

11986543_10205738400153428_7317473610417784667_n

Darken the Stars is the heart-stopping, adrenaline-fueled, hangover-inducing conclusion to the Kricket Series by Amy A. Bartol.

Kyon Ensin finally has what he’s always wanted: possession of Kricket Hollowell, the priestess who foresees the future. Together, their combined power will be unrivaled. Kricket, however, doesn’t crave the crown of Ethar—she has an unbreakable desire to live life on her own terms, a life that she desperately wants to share with her love, Trey Allairis.

As conspiracies rage in the war for Ethar, Kricket’s so-called allies want to use her as a spy. Even those held closest cannot be trusted—including Astrid, her sister, and Giffen, a member of a mysterious order with a hidden agenda. But Kricket’s resolve will not allow her to be used as anyone’s pawn, even as the Brotherhood sharpens its plans to cut out her heart.

As the destiny prophesied by her mother approaches, Kricket will backtrack through her fiery future to reshape it. For she knows one thing above all else: the only person she can truly count on is herself.

Read BFF K’s reviews of: Under Different Stars and Sea of Stars.

BFF K’s Review

rating_6_70

I’m not sure how to write a review for a book that concludes (?) a series that I have dearly loved in a manner in which I’m still coming to terms. I’m a HUGE fan of Amy A. Bartol. I think she’s an absolute genius and her creation of worlds beyond my wildest imagination is exceptional. Darken the Stars blew me away, hence the rare 6-Rating!

If you’ve been following Amy Bartol or any of the social media hype surrounding this book, you will know that it has left many in a state of great unrest. The ending is not what many (including me) had hoped for these beloved characters.

While the conclusion to this story left me sobbing and bleeding; it’s honestly better than the worst case scenarios that ran through my head before and during my reading.  The ending is better than the countless horrific outcomes I had envisioned where all my favorite characters in the series, including Kricket, die unspeakably horrible deaths. This ending is NOT what I had expected or hoped for but, in retrospect, I can’t imagine being satisfied with something different at this point.

Kricket has a life on her own terms. She belongs to no one and is controlled by no one. She also knows the truth about who she is and what her abilities allow her to do. Kricket has true friendships and a true understanding of who she is, how brilliant she is and how many people love her to the point that they will kill for her.

It is sometimes easy to forget, but this series is about Kricket. This series is about her journey, her discoveries, her fights for love and acceptance and life as she chooses. All of the other characters and plots exist to highlight and develop Kricket. Darken the Stars emphasizes all of the amazing complexities and nuances of Kricket’s character; she has proven herself over and over again.

Throughout this series, it has been no secret that I LOVE Trey (still do.) He’s been one of my all-time favorite book boyfriends. I also had a strong dislike for Kyon. I have spouted in several forums on social media my dislike for Kyon and the assertion that I would never, could never like this character……When I’m wrong, I’ll say I’m wrong. After Darken the Stars, I see Kyon differently. I valiantly fought against liking him but, through this book, I understand him so clearly. I understand Kricket’s feelings for him and his feelings for her. It is a testament to Amy Bartol’s storytelling to take a character that was so despised and completely redeem and endear him to the reader. This character exploration alone makes Darken the Stars worth reading!

This book has always been billed as the final installment in the Kricket series. If it ends today, I can live with the conclusion. I will imagine in my head countless continuations for my favorite characters as the story will continue to play out in ways I envision. However, if we raise our voices together – rant, rave and beg, maybe the publisher #47North would consider a continuation to Kricket’s story. Like so many others, I’m just not ready for this story to end.

If you have read the first two books in the Kricket series, you absolutely MUST read Darken the Stars. If you haven’t started the series, I can’t begin to tell you how wonderful it is. This series is, without a doubt, one of my all-time favorites!

cd_5

 

 

angst_5

 

 

romance_5

 

 

heroine_5

 

 

 

tears_5

 

 

supptchar_5

 

 

world creation_5

 

 

 

signoff_K_sm

 

 

 

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

Amazon Links to Purchase The Kricket Series

Under Different Stars – Book 1

Sea of Stars – Book 2

Sea of Stars: The Kricket Series, Book 2 – Book 2 on Audible

Darken the Stars – Book 3

About the Author

I live in Michigan with my husband and our two sons. My family is very supportive of my writing. When I’m writing, they often bring me the take-out menu so that I can call and order them dinner. They listen patiently when I talk about my characters like they’re real. They rarely roll their eyes when I tell them I’ll only be a second while I finish writing a chapter…and then they take off their coats. They ask me how the story is going when I surface after living for hours in a world of my own making. They have learned to accept my “writing uniform” consisting of a slightly unflattering pink fleece jacket, t-shirt, and black yoga pants. And they smile at my nerdy bookishness whenever I try to explain urban fantasy to them. In short, they get me, so they are perfect and I am blessed. Please visit me at my website: http://www.amyabartol.com

 

Facebook   Twitter    Pinterest    Goodreads    Tumblr

New Release – For A Reason by T.N. Cole

Title: For A Reason
Author: T.N. Cole
Release Day: Sept 3, 2015
Find on Goodreads
She loved me.
I failed her.
She loves me.
I’ll break her.
Tristan Westdyke seems to have it all: he’s handsome, athletic, smart, and admired. What people don’t see beyond the façade, though, is the pain and guilt eating away at his soul. Blaming himself for the loss of another person, Tristan trudges through life not allowing himself to feel.
But when the beautiful and energetic Katelyn Sharp barrels into his life, Tristan is helpless to resist emotions long buried. A connection slowly grows between the two, yet secrets and deceit threaten to shatter the fragile trust and love they’ve found.
Can two people who have been hurt and betrayed open their hearts up once more? Can both accept that all may have happened For a Reason?
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Excerpt

“You scare me.” I decided to go as honest as I could. My heart was pounding with both my admission and something else I couldn’t identify.

She scoffed. “Uh, do you see me? How can this—” she gestured to herself “—intimidate you?”

I slowly perused her from her sandal-clad feet, up the short black dress, and all the way to her now flushing face. “Yeah. I see you,” I whispered as I peered into her deep brown eyes.

She was dumbstruck at my words and let her guard down for a second. Then she seemed to snap out of it, shaking her head as if to clear her thoughts. “Screw this.” Kate turned, breaking our stare down to jam her key into the lock.

So quickly that even I didn’t know how it happened, I moved and suddenly I had her pinned against the wall next to the door. Her purse and keys clattered to the floor. “Hey!” she started to protest, but she trailed off as she realized that our faces were inches away from each other—a fact that I was now also painfully aware of. I had her hands restrained above her head with both of my own, and my lower body was against hers so that she couldn’t move. “Tristan, what—” she started to ask.

“I don’t know,” I managed to get out before my lips crashed into hers. I moaned when her mouth immediately opened to me. And she answered me back with her own sweet whimper as our tongues tangled together. She wiggled until she was able to hook one of her long legs around my waist. I let go of her hands to grab both of her legs, running my hands up and down her smooth thighs before resting my hold under her ass so I could grip her tighter against me. I couldn’t stop—I needed to explore all of her mouth, memorize the sounds she made, and show her all the things I couldn’t say with words.

After I had released her hands, Kate ran them over my chest, causing me to groan and push her harder against the wall, and then she tangled them in my hair. She anchored me to her, and I was too far gone to care about what any of this even meant anymore. Kate, Kate, Kate. I want you. But I know I shouldn’t. I don’t want to hurt you, beautiful girl. Give me what I don’t know I want.

Both our phones started to ring, the piercing tones shattering the moment. And I wanted nothing more than to stay in that moment—wrapped up in Kate. Kate was the first to break away, breathing heavily. I leaned my forehead against hers, still holding her up. Her eyes remained closed, but I kept mine open to watch her. I didn’t know what to say to her now. No words could convey what had just happened between us. All I knew was that I wanted more—more of her taste, more of her moans, more of her pressed against me—but I didn’t know how to tell her that. “Put me down,” she commanded softly as she opened her eyes.

 

About the Author

T.N. Cole spends her time seeking new adventures, determined to make her life a memorable story. A recent graduate with a bachelor in biology, T.N. is headed to graduate school at Texas Tech to pursue her long time dream of becoming a pharmacist. When she’s not reading, writing, or studying, you’ll find her trying to stay out of trouble or planning her ultimate dream of traveling the world.

 

Review – Palm South University – Season 1 – Episode 2 by Kandi Steiner

Title: Palm South University: Episode Two
Author: Kandi Steiner
Release Date: Sept 1, 2015
Find on Goodreads

Drama. Lies. Sex.

Welcome to Palm South University.

The weather isn’t the only thing heating up in South Florida. At a school where fraternities and sororities don’t exactly play by the rules, relationships are bound to be tested. Parties and sex are definitely key ingredients in the Palm South recipe, but what happens when family issues, secret lives, and unrequited love get tossed in the mix?

Follow Cassie, Bear, Jess, Skyler, Erin, Ashlei, and Adam as they tackle college at a small, private beach town university. Written in television drama form, each episode of this serial will pull you deeper and deeper into the world of PSU.

Where the sun is hot and the clothes are scarce, anything can happen.

BFF K’s Review

rating_3.5

You had me at “Eskimo Sisters”! (I was absolutely dying laughing at this part!) The PSU Series is like fluffy, mind-candy, reality TV in book form. I accept it for what it is and I LOVE it all the way! I’m absolutely all-in when it comes to the Palm South University series! I am loving reading these short little episodes that follow the lives and drama of the PSU crew. There are parts that remind me of my college days, only with palm trees, an ocean and a lot more steam!

 

supptchar_4

world creation_3

signoff_K_sm

An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon

Excerpt

“Fuck,” she curses as I slam her back against my bedroom door. “Easy, Bear.”

I suck and bite down her neck and toss her onto my bed with ease, pulling my shirt up and over my head at the same time. “I’m not doing easy tonight, babe. You either get me hard and rough or you don’t get me at all. Your choice.”

About the Author

Kandi Steiner is a Creative Writing and Advertising/Public Relations graduate from the University of Central Florida living in Tampa with her husband. Kandi works full time as a social media specialist, but also works part time as a Zumba fitness instructor and blackjack dealer. 

Kandi started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.” She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a die hard hopeless romantic (like most girls brought up on Disney movies).

When Kandi isn’t working or writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, talking with her extremely vocal cat, and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys beach days, movie marathons, live music, craft beer and sweet wine – not necessarily in that order.

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

Review – Throttled by Elizabeth Lee

THROTTLED (A Wild Riders Novel #1) by Elizabeth Lee
NA Contemporary Romance

Reid Travers knows how to win. Becoming Motocross royalty was always the plan, and he was willing to make sacrifices along the way to reach his goal. Sacrifices he thought he could live with until he returned to the small town where he grew up and learned to ride, and, more importantly, where he fell in love. When fate sends Nora Bennett back into his life, he takes one look at her and realizes that he made a huge mistake breaking up with her five years ago. Now, he’ll do whatever it takes to win her back. As Reid sets out to earn her forgiveness and convince her that the guy she’s dating is not the one for her, Nora finds herself torn between what her head is telling her and what her heart wants.

It’s a race he never expected to be in, for a girl he can’t stand to lose again.

BFF K’s Review

rating_4_80

Throttled is sweet, second-chance, NA, romance perfection! What an interesting setting for a romance novel…..the world of motocross. But, I’m totally on board! The pictures that Elizabeth Lee paints of hot hot men in tight racing pants and fitted t-shirts pulling helmets off of their sweaty heads with looks of adrenaline fueled lust had me wondering where is the closest motocross track! And, I really loved Nora and Reid’s story. They’re high school sweethearts who never quite got over the loss of their one true love! When they find themselves back in each others’ lives, ALL the old feelings come rushing back. Reid is absolutely determined to win Nora back and this time for good! The banter is strong and the story line is interesting. This is a quick read with great characters and a fun setting. Absolutely worth the one-click!

romance_4

steamy_4

hero_4

sweet_4

dual point of view

signoff_K_sm

An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads

PURCHASE LINKS
AmazonAmazon UK
B&N, iTunes, and Kobo: Coming Soon!

Excerpt

Reid Travers had grown up. He had always been attractive, but time and professional racing had done something to his features and body that he should have thanked the good Lord every day for. His jawline and nose seemed more chiseled. His eyes wiser and brighter. Well-worn jeans hung around his hips, the waistband sitting just below a set of abs that had me thinking all kinds of things—none of which had anything to do with a real estate transaction. While my stomach was a knot of nervousness, below that something inside of me was coiling so tightly that the possibility of shooting straight into the sky seemed feasible. Especially if he kept looking at me the way he was. His brown eyes were locked on mine and I was helpless to look away. “Nora Bennett,” he said as he closed the distance between us. He ran his hand down his jawline, the days’ worth of stubble only adding to his new all-grown-up appeal. “How are you?”

“Fine,” I answered softly as he reached out. The second his hand touched my arm, I knew I was in trouble—his rough, calloused fingertips met my smooth skin and it was like striking a match.

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:

When I’m not writing or playing the part of wife and mom, you can find me dancing back-up for Beyonce, singing back-up for Miranda, or sunning myself on the beach with a drink in hand. Here’s the thing about being born and raised in a small town–you have a very vivid imagination! Now, I channel it all to create stories where the girl always ends up with the right guy, first kisses are magical, and a happy ending is just that!

 

Cover Reveal – Some Sort of Happy by Melanie Harlow

happycoverfinalfinal

 Coming September 22, 2015

Skylar Nixon is a twenty-seven year old failed actress with no Plan B. After a humiliating stint on a reality TV show crushes what’s left of her childhood dream, she finds herself back in her hometown with no money saved, no college degree, and no confidence she’s anything but a joke—a small town starlet who couldn’t hack it in the big city.
When she runs into former classmate Sebastian Pryce, she can’t believe the hot body and chiseled jaw belong to the shy, troubled loner she knew ten years before. He’s not exactly friendly at first, and she’s heard the rumors about his tragic past, but something in his sad eyes intrigues her. She only wants to get to know him better.
Until the night she wants more—and takes it. (Hard and deep. Twice.)
Are they just two lonely people seeking solace? Or can a disgraced beauty queen and flawed, frustrated man find some sort of happy ever after?
**SOME SORT OF HAPPY is a full-length, dual POV novel, complete with a happy ending.**

Goodreads

frustration teaser 1

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her lipstick red, and her history with the naughty bits left in. When she’s not reading good books, she gets her kicks from TV series like Game of Thrones, Boardwalk Empire, Masters of Sex, Deadwood, Mad Men, and Downtown Abbey (although she wishes it were more HBO and less PBS). Melanie is the author of the FRENCHED contemporary romance series (FRENCHED, YANKED, FORKED) and the sexy historical series SPEAK EASY (SPEAK EASY, SPEAK LOW), set in the 1920s. She lifts her glass to romance readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband and two daughters.

 Melanie’s Website     Twitter     Instagram    Facebook Author Page     Facebook Fan Group     Goodreads Author Page

 
 ssf marketing graphic

Cover Reveal – RIP by Rachel Van Dyken

 OCTOBER 20 Rachel Van Dyken releases Rip – a complete stand alone novel that fans of the Eagle Elite series will devour! With twists and turns you won’t see coming, this dark romantic suspense will keep you on your toes and leave you screaming for more.

 

Pretty things aren’t meant to be broken.

But I broke her, and now we both have to pay the price.

I’m her nightmare.

I’m her savior.

And now that I have her signature on an ironclad contract, I own her body and soul.

She doesn’t remember me.

She will.

It’s inevitable.

Because as much as I know I need to stay away, for fear of unlocking the memories I helped her father bury–I can’t.

She was the apple in the Garden, dangled in front of me, her core so tempting and sweet. A voice whispered. Just. One. Bite.

I bit.

I tasted.

I fell.

Welcome to the world of the Russian mafia, where death, is your only future.

ADD TO GOODREADS

PREORDER

 

 

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she’s not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor. She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers! Want to be kept up to date on new releases? Text MAFIA to 66866! You can connect with her on Facebook www.facebook.com/rachelvandyken or join her fan group Rachel’s New Rockin Readers. Her website is www.rachelvandykenauthor.com


Paperback Release – Beyond Fate by Heather Lyons

BEYOND FATE - RDL banner

The BFF’s are so excited to bring you the Release Day Launch for the paperback edition of Heather Lyons’ BEYOND FATE! BEYOND FATE is a Fate Series novella and is written in Jonah’s point of view. It is his side of the story from A MATTER OF FATE. Grab your copy of this amazing novella today!

And that’s not all, BEYOND FATE has gotten a cover makeover! This amazing new cover was created by Carly Stevens. I will be buying this very soon to complete my entire Heather Lyons collection!

 

BEYOND FATE - New Cover

BEYOND FATE (Fate Series #1.5)

There are always two sides to every story . . .

His whole life, Jonah Whitecomb has strove to meet everyone’s expectations of him: the perfect student, dutiful son, loyal twin, accomplished surfer, and powerful Magical. But behind his carefully composed façade hides the truth of how his family has fallen apart, leaving Jonah more often than not feeling adrift. To complicate matters, he fell in love long ago with a girl in his dreams, one he’s never told anyone about, including his twin brother.

Just when life seems its bleakest, Jonah discovers that Chloe is real. Wanting to finally reach out and grab happiness for himself, he embarks on a journey to track down the girl of his dreams, only to find that happy endings aren’t always guaranteed, the best laid out plans can go horribly awry, and sometimes, you have to simply let yourself go along for the ride.

* Beyond Fate is Jonah’s point-of-view of the events of A Matter of Fate, and is a companion novella for the YA/NA crossover urban fantasy/romance Fate series.

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iBooks ** Kobo

When I read the following excerpt while preparing this post yesterday, I was verklempt! I had forgotten how much I adore this series! Everything Heather writes is brilliant, but this series is what introduced me to her genius and still makes me have all the feels! If you haven’t read The Fate Series, please add it to the top of your TBR!

Read BFF K’s Review of the Fate Series

Read BFF K’s Review of the finale of the Fate Series, A Matter of Forever

Excerpt

I remember Joey telling me once that, of all the big waves he’s ever ridden in his life, the one that got his blood pumping most was Mavericks. “It’s sick,” he said as we waxed our boards at one of his favorite breaks near his house in Australia. “Cold as all hell. Gotta be careful of the Boneyard nearby. There’s a reason they call it that, you know. The reef below loves nothing more than to welcome you to stay forever. But,” his easy grin slid out, “when conditions are right, and you can take off in the hollow and traverse the long wall before finishing in white water, your life flashes before your eyes. You’re flying through hell like a slingshot, only to come out in paradise.”

Obviously, it made me want to surf Mavericks so bad I could taste it.

When Kel and I first got to California, we’d wanted to come here together. Ride these waves in Joey’s honor. But that never happened.

He’s with Chloe right now, after yet another attack during which she walled both him and me inside a building and took off toward San Francisco in an effort to lead what we now know as Elders away. I know why she did it. I felt it the moment her resolutions within hardened—she believed she was protecting the people she loved. In a weird way, I was incredibly proud of her for it, even as I tore my hair out, trying to get the hell out of the tomb she sealed us in so I could get out there and protect her myself. Karl and I searched for her for hours . . .

And then she decided to gut me once more by calling my brother to go and get her.

So here I am, in the back of a boat, tugging the hood of my wetsuit over my head in the pursuit of some kind of nirvana high amidst the hell I’ve found myself in lately. Raul Mesaverde’s questioning my sanity for wanting to go out into the monster waves we’re heading toward, but I do my best to ignore my temporarily assigned Guard. We’re accompanied by one of Joey’s Wave colleagues, who’s come along upon Astrid’s insistence. I tried to assure her I knew what I was doing, but considering she pretty much had an anxiety attack after researching Mavericks and learning people have died here, I figured this was the lesser of two evils.

“You’re loco,” Raul yells at me over the boat’s engine.

I laugh. This? Coming from a Cyclone? Especially one who agreed to chauffeur Chloe on her crazy attempt to lure the Elders away?

The Wave we’re with turns away from the wheel and smiles. He’s crazy, too—because he’s got that same look in his eyes that Joey always had. Like the ocean is his temple. “Nah, bra,” he tells Raul. “Maverick’s all about enlightenment.”

Raul white knuckles the side of the boat. I completely tune him out and let myself slide into that place Joey taught me about so long ago.

“When you let yourself go,” he’d told me as we’d sat out beyond the breaks, “when you put yourself out there and really just let yourself go, knowing any second you could be swallowed whole by the ocean, you’ll realize that all of that shit you worry so much about—girls, school, parents, grades, work, responsibilities—they’re meaningless. Because it’s just you and the waves. They don’t give a rat’s ass what kind of day you’re having. They don’t care if you’ve just bagged the hottest girl in the worlds or if your dad thinks you’ve failed him. They’re gonna rise up and fall no matter what. Let yourself go along that ride, J. There’s worry enough for later.”

This is what I’m thinking as I’m waiting for my set to come.

When it does, I paddle hard. Anticipation and fear is just as strong on my tongue as the salt water surrounding me. I let my worries go.
This one’s for you, Joey.

I gladly fling myself into oblivion.

 

BEYOND FATE- New Cover Wrap

And don’t miss the first books in the Fate Series!

A Amtter of Fate

A MATTER OF FATE (Fate Series #1)

 

BEYOND FATE - New Cover

BEYOND FATE (Fate Series #1.5)

 

A Matter of Heart

A MATTER OF HEART (Fate Series #2)

 

A MAtter of Truth

A MATTER OF TRUTH (Fate Series #3)

 

A Matter of Forever Cover

A MATTER OF FOREVER (Fate Series #4)

 

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 ** BEYOND FATE Goodreads ** Twitter ** Facebook ** Pinterest

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

InkSlinger Blogger Final

Review – Right Wrong Guy by Lia Riley

 

RIGHT WRONG GUY
Brightwater #2
Lia Riley
Releasing Aug 4th, 2015
Avon Romance
The fun and flirty second installment in Lia Riley’s fantastic Brightwater series.
Sometimes two wrongs can make a right…
Bad boy wrangler, Archer Kane, lives fast and loose. Words like responsibility and commitment send him running in the opposite direction. Until a wild Vegas weekend puts him on a collision course with Eden Bankcroft-Kew, a New York heiress running away from her blackmailing fiancé…the morning of her wedding.
Eden has never understood the big attraction to cowboys. Give her a guy in a tailored suit any day of the week. But now all she can think about is Mr. Rugged Handsome, six-feet of sinfully sexy country charm with a pair of green eyes that keeps her tossing and turning all night long.
Archer might be the wrong guy for a woman like her, but she’s not right in thinking he’ll walk away without fighting for her heart. And maybe, just maybe, two wrongs can make a right.

BFF K’s Review

rating_4_80

The Brightwater Series is a sweet, heartwarming, butterfly inducing series. I can’t get enough of the Kane Brothers (and Saucy Grandma Kane!) I loved Last First Kiss; it was terrific to go back to Brightwater and continue the story in Right Wrong Guy!

It seems kind of cheesy to say the story was sweet, considering Edie opens up a bakery, but the sweetness goes way beyond brownies and cupcakes. I adore Archer and Edie. They’re fantastic characters and the developing stories of their love and lives makes a super fun read!

Edie is coming into her own and it’s enjoyable to get a glimpse as she grows a backbone and learns to stand up for herself. The melting away of her insecurities is almost something tangible to watch as she overcomes her self doubt partly due to the love and adoration of Archer.

You can tell by the first chapter of the book that Archer is ready to be done with his wildcat ways! He is feeling beat up by a life that lacks of purpose and substance. When he happens into Edie as a jilted bride and rescues her from a bad situation, he quickly determines that SHE just might be the person worth turning his life upside down.

The courtship and twists are entertaining and enjoyable. This is a quick read with big pay offs in lots of charming scenes packed full of alpha male and sweet sentiments! If you haven’t started it yet, the Brightwater Series is one to add to your TBR list! <3

sweet_5

butterflies_4

steamy_4

romance_4

heroine_4

hero_4

hea_4

 

signoff_K_sm

 

 
An ARC of this book was received in exchange for an honest review.
BUY NOW
Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo  

Excerpt

Whatever. Archer had it good, made great tips as a wrangler at a dude ranch. His middle brother took life seriously enough and he hadn’t seen his oldest one in years. Wilder worked as a smoke jumper in Montana. Sometimes Archer wondered what would happen if he cruised to Big Sky Country and paid him a surprise visit—maybe he had multiple sister wives or was a secret war lord.

Growing up after their parents died in a freak house fire, they all slipped into roles. Wilder withdrew, brooding and angry, Sawyer became Mr. Nice Guy, always the teacher’s pet or offering to do chores. Archer rounded things out by going for laughs and practical jokes and causing trouble because someone had to remind everyone else not to take life so seriously. None of them were getting out alive.

He kept marching down the flights of stairs, tucking in his shirt. Grandma’s words played on a loop in his mind. “Using women like disposable silverware.”

Lord knew—those women used him right back. It was fun, didn’t mean anything.

Meaningless.

He ground his jaw so tight his teeth hurt. Casual sex on pool tables, washing machines, countertops, and lawn chairs filled his physical needs, but these random hookups were starting to make him feel more and more alone.

On the ground floor, he slammed open the stairwell door. There were two corridors ahead. He turned left for no reason other than that’s the hand he favored. Seemed like he chose wisely because a side entrance gave him a quick exit. He walked out, wincing at the morning sun even as he gulped fresh air, fresh for the Vegas Strip, but a far cry from the Eastern Sierras’s clean mountain breeze. His heart stirred. He’d have some breakfast and hit the road. As much as he liked leaving Brightwater, he always missed home.

Archer reached to adjust his hat and grabbed a handful of wet hair instead. Twelve stories above, a stripping magician had found herself a mighty fine Stetson.

He stepped onto the street, jumping back on the curb when a city bus turned, the side plastered with a shoe ad sporting the slogan, “Can You Run Forever?”

Hell, he’d been running from accountability, stability, and boring routines his whole life.

Another thought crept in and sank its roots deep. Was he really running from those things, or was he letting his fears of commitment and responsibility run him instead?

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

About the Author

Lia Riley writes offbeat New Adult and Contemporary Adult romance. After studying at the University of Montana-Missoula, she scoured the world armed only with a backpack, overconfidence and a terrible sense of direction. She counts shooting vodka with a Ukranian mechanic in Antarctica, sipping yerba mate with gauchos in Chile and swilling XXXX with stationhands in Outback Australia among her accomplishments.A British literature fanatic at heart, Lia considers Mr. Darcy and Edward Rochester as her fictional boyfriends. Her very patient husband doesn’t mind. Much. When not torturing heroes (because c’mon, who doesn’t love a good tortured hero?), Lia herds unruly chickens, camps, beach combs, daydreams about future books, wades through a mile-high TBR pile and schemes yet another trip. Right now, Icelandic hot springs and Scottish castles sound mighty fine.
 
Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
 

Review – Palm South University – Season 1- Episode 1 by Kandi Steiner

Title: Palm South University: Episode One
Author: Kandi Steiner
Release Date: Aug 25, 2015
Find on Goodreads

Drama. Lies. Sex.

Welcome to Palm South University.

The weather isn’t the only thing heating up in South Florida. At a school where fraternities and sororities don’t exactly play by the rules, relationships are bound to be tested. Parties and sex are definitely key ingredients in the Palm South recipe, but what happens when family issues, secret lives, and unrequited love get tossed in the mix?

Follow Cassie, Bear, Jess, Skyler, Erin, Ashlei, and Adam as they tackle college at a small, private beach town university. Written in television drama form, each episode of this serial will pull you deeper and deeper into the world of PSU.

Where the sun is hot and the clothes are scarce, anything can happen.

BFF K’s Review

rating_3.5

It seems a little silly to state the obvious, but I’ll do it anyway! It’s very easy to picture this serial story as a television series! Palm South University – Season 1 – Episode 1 gives a glimpse into several of the characters in little snippets. The story is set on a college campus in a fictional greed system. As a sorority member during my college days, I find some of the comments familiar and some a bit over-the-top. But, the familiarity will keep me coming back for the next episodes!

You can get an even more in-depth look at Skyler in Black Number 4. After reading Black Number 4, I was curious about all of the other characters at PSU and excited for this unique and clever way to develop the story. I flew through Season 1 – Episode 1 in about an hour. I am intrigued by Bear and his family drama and I’m dying to know what is up with Jess! I’m anxiously looking forward to seeing what happens in the next episode.

steamy_4

supptchar_4

cd_3

signoff_K_sm

An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon

Excerpt

After I finish my first drink and order another, I wander up to the group of guys at the pool table. We play for a little over an hour, drawing an even larger crowd because – clearly – we’re the most fun this joint has seen in a while. I’m cozied up and working on one of the hottest guys in the group when he informs me he has a fiancé.

Wow.

Buzz Killington, ladies and gentlemen.

I hang out with the group a little longer, hoping to move on to a new prospect, but they all head out before I have a chance to seal the deal with any of Mr. I’m-Engaged-But-You-Don’t-Need-To-Know-That-Until-It’s-Clear-You-Expect-To-Sleep-With-Me’s friends. Sighing, I take my place in the same barstool as before and Jarrett slides a fifth drink my way.

I hold up my hands. “I should probably say no this time. It’s almost closing time and I need to drive.”

“Not necessarily,” he offers. I eye him curiously and the corner of his mouth pulls up mischievously. He finishes wiping down a glass and hangs it above his head before leaning across the bar, his minty breath tickling my drunken senses. “You’ve been trying all night to get with that douchebag when I could have told you from the beginning that he wasn’t available. And now, you’re left with an ache between your legs that you don’t want to take care of on your own. So yes, you could drive home, get up and go to work tomorrow and just try again another night. Or,” he pauses, licking his bottom lip and dragging his teeth across the top as his eyes fall to my mouth. “You could give me your keys, jump in my truck, and let me take you back to my place so I can cure you of your current situation.”

Oh hell to the fucking yes.

About the Author

Kandi Steiner is a Creative Writing and Advertising/Public Relations graduate from the University of Central Florida living in Tampa with her husband. Kandi works full time as a social media specialist, but also works part time as a Zumba fitness instructor and blackjack dealer.

Kandi started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.” She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a die hard hopeless romantic (like most girls brought up on Disney movies).

When Kandi isn’t working or writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, talking with her extremely vocal cat, and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys beach days, movie marathons, live music, craft beer and sweet wine – not necessarily in that order.

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

Cover Reveal – Best Worst Mistake by Lia Riley

 

BEST WORST MISTAKE
Brightwater #3
Lia Riley
Releasing Oct 20th, 2015
Avon Impulse
The third sexy and emotional novel in debut Avon author Lia Riley’s Brightwater series set in the mountains of Northern California
Sometimes the worst mistakes turn out to be the best…
Smoke jumper Wilder Kane once reveled in the rush from putting out dangerous wildfires. But after a tragic accident, he’s cut himself off from the world, refusing to leave his isolated cabin. When a headstrong beauty bursts in, Wilder finds himself craving the fire she ignites in him, but letting anyone near his darkness would be a mistake.
After her Hollywood life went up in smoke, Quinn Higsby decided to leave Tinseltown behind and returned to Brightwater to care for her ailing father. Spending her days in a small bookstore, her peaceful existence is up-ended by a fascinating but damaged man. Quinn is determined to not to be scared off by Wilder, not once she’s experienced the heat of his passions.
But when an arsonist targets the community and Wilder is accused, he must confront the ghosts of his past. Will his desire for Quinn flameout or will he be able to tame the wildness inside and rekindle a hope for their future?
PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY


Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

 

Lia Riley writes offbeat New Adult and Contemporary Adult romance. After studying at the University of
Montana-Missoula, she scoured the world armed only with a backpack, overconfidence and a terrible sense of direction. She counts shooting vodka with a Ukranian mechanic in Antarctica, sipping yerba mate with gauchos in Chile and swilling XXXX with stationhands in Outback Australia among her accomplishments.A British literature fanatic at heart, Lia considers Mr. Darcy and Edward Rochester as her fictional boyfriends. Her very patient husband doesn’t mind. Much. When not torturing heroes (because c’mon, who doesn’t love a good tortured hero?), Lia herds unruly chickens, camps, beach combs, daydreams about future books, wades through a mile-high TBR pile and schemes yet another trip. Right now, Icelandic hot springs and Scottish castles sound mighty fine.

 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
Check out the other books in the Brightwater Series
Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo
Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo