3.5 Rated Review Archives

Review – Outmatched by Kristen Callihan & Samantha Young

Outmatched by Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young

Release Date: November 19, 2019

Copy of Outmatched Cover .jpg

Outmatched, an all-new standalone contemporary romance by New York Times bestselling authors Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young.

What happens when a boxer finds chemistry with a geek?

Parker Brown can’t believe she needs to hire a fake boyfriend. When she landed her dream job in renewable energy, she thought she’d be entering a world at the forefront of progressive thinking. But the head boss prefers to promote employees who are “settled.” Thankfully, she’s found the perfect candidate, a fellow intellectual looking for some quick cash. What Parker gets is his protective big brother—Rhys Morgan. The tall, muscled ex-boxer with a foul mouth shows up just as her boss does, and now she’s stuck with the manipulative jerk.

Responsibility weighs heavily on Rhys. Now permanently out of the ring, he’s trying to hold together his late father’s gym and keep his younger brother, Dean, on the straight and narrow. To save Dean from himself, Rhys takes his place, ready to give this society girl a piece of his mind. Instead, he finds an opportunity. Even though they can hardly stand each other, posing as Parker’s boyfriend is a win-win deal. She gets to keep her job, and he’ll charm her star-struck boss into sponsoring his gym.

Problem is, they can barely keep their hands off each other. And what started as an easy deal isn’t so easy anymore. Because what future can a rough ex-boxer, afraid to open his heart, and a polished society geek, who has sworn off real relationships, possibly have?

They say opposites attract. These opposites are about to combust on impact.

Outmatched -AN FB.jpg

Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ZwJjPt

Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/OutmatchedKCSY

Kobo: http://bit.ly/OutmatchedKCSYKobo

Apple Books: https://apple.co/2zsHUyR

Nook: http://bit.ly/368dv84

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/OutmatchedKCSYGR

Blog Tour Teaser.jpg

BFF K’s Review of Outmatched

When I first saw that this duo was releasing a co-written book, I was super excited. Then the cover and the blurb were both SO cute! I think the anticipation built it up too much. The reality was unfortunately not quite what I had hoped for. In fact, I almost DNF’d at about 30%. I just had a really had time getting into it. Thankfully a friend had already read it and told me to stick it out. In the end, I’m glad that I read Outmatched.

What I liked: the enemies to lovers storyline is spot-on! I thought that Rhys was a strong character. I liked him a lot and I wanted him to find happiness. The banter and text conversations were fun and lively.

What I struggled with: there was just too much going on! There was her job-in jeopardy with an uber creepy boss, her family (which didn’t end up making any sense as a conflict point), his gym, why he quit boxing, his brother, her college friends….there was just sooo much. I needed about 4 fewer sub-points or to flush a couple of them out a little more. I felt like overall it needed some more judicious editing.

Once the two main characters decided to become a real couple, I thought everything made more sense. I wish that would have happened sooner. The book was a slow burn that came too close to smoldering out a few too many times. I think the story had so much potential and there were things I loved about it. All in all, I am still glad that I read the story. I think it’s the loss of a great opportunity for an incredible story that disappointed me the most.

An advance copy of this book was received. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review.

Excerpt

AngryTink: Hey. This is Parker. Parker Brown.

My phone dinged loudly. I fumbled around my bed, finally finding the damn thing under a pillow. Wiping the sleep off my face, I rolled onto my back and read the text that had pulled me out of a pleasant sleep. I smiled. It was just so … Parker. Settling in, I answered her.

RhysThis: Don’t have to tell me who you are. Your number is programmed on my phone. What do you want?

AngryTink: Well, good morning to you too, Happy Pants.

My smile turned into an evil grin. The girl was always going to punch back and make it count.

RhysThis: That’s Mr. Happy Pants. Though, TBH, my pants aren’t too happy at the moment. Want to help me out with that?

AngryTink: Tempting. Truly. But, no.

RhysThis: RU sure? ‘Cuz Happy Pants Rhys is much more agreeable than Sad That He Had to Self-Satisfy Rhys.

AngryTink: Would you please behave?

RhysThis: I’m not the one who mentioned the emotional state of my pants.

AngryTink: ARGH!

A chuckle rumbled in my chest as my thumbs tapped out a response I knew would piss her off more.

RhysThis: Was that even English? Honestly, Ms. Brown, I thought you were educated.

She took a moment to answer. I could picture her, phone in hand, grinding her teeth.

AngryTink: You’re deliberately trying to annoy me, aren’t you?

RhysThis: You’re quick. I’ll give you that.

AngryTink: Mr. Morgan, I’m about ten seconds away from finding an alternate fake boyfriend. A goat on a rope would be a better candidate at this point.

It was cute she thought that was threatening.

RhysThis: Yeah, probably. But the goat doesn’t have a signed contract. I do, Tinker Bell.

AngryTink: ARGH@!!

RhysThis: You’re kind of cute when you talk pirate.

About the Authors

About Kristen:

Kristen Callihan is an author because there is nothing else she’d rather be. She is a RITA winner and three-time nominee and winner of two RT Reviewer’s Choice awards. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly and the Library Journal, as well as being awarded top picks by many reviewers. Her debut book FIRELIGHT received RT Magazine’s Seal of Excellence, was named a best book of the year by Library Journal, best book of Spring 2012 by Publisher’s Weekly, and was named the best romance book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she is not writing, she is reading.

Connect with Kristen:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/KristenCallihan/

Twitter – Kris10Callihan

Website – http://www.kristencallihan.com/

Amazon – https://amzn.to/2zrf3Lo

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/Kristen_Callihan

About Samantha:

Samantha Young is a New York Times and #1 International bestselling author from Stirlingshire, Scotland. On Dublin Street was Samantha’s first adult contemporary romance series and has sold in thirty countries. She has since published over thirteen romance titles including the New York Times Bestsellers Into the Deep, Hero, and her most recent contemporary romance Play On. When writing Adult Paranormal romance she writes under the pen name S. Young.

Connect with Samantha:

Social media links:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSamanthaYoung/

Website – http://authorsamanthayoung.com

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/authorsamanthayoung/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/AuthorSamYoung

Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.co.uk/samyoungauthor/

Amazon – http://amzn.to/2H47kEP

Goodreads – http://bit.ly/2FWgYdn

Bookbub – http://bit.ly/2D241eO

Review – Counting on You by Laura Chapman

Counting on You (Amarillo Sour #1)
By Laura Chapman
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Age category: Adult
Release Date: 28 August 2018

Is love worth the risk?

Math teacher Haleigh Parde has no desire to change her single status until she receives an invitation to her high school reunion. With her ex spreading rumors she needs a date and fast. Desperate times call for desperate measures and Haleigh finds herself meeting a blind date at a neighborhood bar called Amarillo Sour . . .

After watching Haleigh crash and burn, app developer Ian Henning makes her a proposition. If she’ll provide honest feedback on his new dating app, he’ll guarantee her a date to knock the socks off her former classmates. Even better, he—and the other Amarillo Sour regulars—will help her navigate the rocky road of dating.

Through setups ranging from awkward to absurd, Haleigh discovers her matchmaker might just be better than the matches. And Ian wonders if she’s the answer to everything he’s worked for professionally. Or is she something much, much more . . .

You can find Counting on You on Goodreads

You can buy Counting on You here:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Google Play
iTunes

BFF K’s Review of Counting on You

Counting on You is a sweet, fade-to-black romance with a fun cast of characters and an interesting premise. Haleigh needs a date to save face at her high school reunion. More importantly she needs to get back on the dating-horse! When her first blind date is an absolute bust, she draws the attention of one of the patrons at a local dive bar. Ian hatches a plan. Haleigh will help him to test his new dating app and he will guide her through the process. To turn her luck around, Ian enlists the help of the barkeeps and regulars at the Amarillo Sour.

It’s all easy peasy until Haleigh and Ian fall for one another.

All in all, I enjoyed the story. I had a few issues with character development and some holes in the narratives. I wanted more. I wanted the characters to be fleshed out better and I wanted the events to flow better. But, overall, I love the storylines and I really enjoyed getting to know the interesting crew of regulars that make Amarillo Sour their home away from home. With such an interesting crew, the potential for more good stories abounds. I’m hoping this is just the start of more good times to come!

An advance copy of this book was received. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review.

Giveaway

There is a tour wide giveaway for the book blitz of Counting on You. One winner will win a Amarillo Sour Starter Kit, that includes two shot glasses, two coasters, a bottle opener and pens with the bar’s logo on them plus a $10 Amazon card. US Only.

For a chance to win, enter the Rafflecopter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Laura Chapman is the author of sweet and sexy romantic comedies. A born and raised Nebraska girl, she loves watching football, traveling, crafting, and baking. When she isn’t writing her next story, she is probably working at a museum by day and binge-watching Netflix with her cats Jane and Bingley at night. So, basically, she’s living large.

You can find and contact Laura Chapman here:
– Website
– Facebook
– Twitter
– Goodreads
– Amazon
– Instagram
– Newsletter

Review – Landslide by A.R. Hadley

One summer has the power to change everything.
One night, one choice, can alter life’s trajectory — cause the heart’s debris to slip and slide down the mountain.

After graduating college, rising photographer Annie Baxter relocates to South Beach, Florida.
A new start.
ONE CHOICE.
A chance to leave behind her anxiety, her grief, and prepare her photographs for display in an art gallery. Annie is determined to mend her heart in the sand and breathe, commune with the stars and beach and old friends.
Then Cal Prescott steps in front of her lens — a man twenty years her senior. An understated, sexy puzzle who may not wish to be solved. Cal is quiet. Strong. Eyes like the tides. Coming in, going out. Pulling her under.
They meet at a party.
ONE NIGHT.
The chemistry cannot be denied.
But they only have the summer.
ONE SUMMER.
One unforgettable connection.

But every June, July, and August must come to an end.

Find it on Good Reads!

Guest Blogger MJ Review of Landslide

Landslide is the first book in a new trilogy, The South Beach Connection, by A.R. Hadley. Set against the backdrop of a beautiful Florida Summer by the beach, this story has a beautiful, romantic setting.

After her college graduation, Annie is spending the summer with family friends, John and Maggie, to start her career as a photographer. Cal, 20 years her senior, is John’s business partner, and also in Florida for the season. Their attraction is palpable when their eyes meet across the room at a party. Ignoring the warnings from their friends, who don’t want them to get hurt, and unable to deny the pull between them, they embark on a summer romance.

Annie is a damaged, lonely soul, who battles anxiety, but, at the same time, she is an artistic adventurous free spirit with a brightness that wants to shine again. Cal is a distinguished, mysteriously brooding man of few words, who seems to have his own darkness. He confidently goes after what he wants, and this Summer, that is Annie.

Their strong physical attraction, age difference and mutual knowledge things will change at the end of the Summer, results in an angsty, steamy story with lots of ups and downs, as their relationship evolves and their emotions are forced to the surface.

But, it felt like things were just getting started in this first book, and it was over! The book leaves us with an unfinished story (cliffhanger), and we have to wait for the next installment in the series, Wanderlust, due out May 10, 2018, for more answers about what happens for these two when the summer sun sets.

Cheers!

BFF MJ

An advance copy of this book was received. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review.

About the Author

A.R. Hadley writes imperfectly perfect sentences by the light of her iPhone.
She loves her husband.
Chocolate.
Her children.
And Cary Grant.
She annoys those darling little children by quoting lines from Back to the Future, but despite her knowledge of eighties and nineties pop culture, she was actually meant to live alongside the Lost Generation after the Great War and write a mediocre novel while drinking absinthe with Hemingway. Instead, find her sipping sweet tea with extra lemons on her porch as she weaves fictional tales of love and angst amid reality.

VISIT A.R. HADLEY’S AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01J7WHH16

CONNECT ON FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/arhadleywriter/

FOLLOW ON TWITTER:
https://twitter.com/arhadleywriter

Review – On a Tuesday by Whitney G.

We met on a Tuesday.
Became best friends, then lovers, on a Tuesday.
And everything fell apart on a Tuesday…

Charlotte Taylor has three automatic strikes in my book: 1) She hates me. She also claims that I’m a “domineering jerk with a huge, overbearing ego.” (I do have something huge. It’s not my ego, though.) 2) She takes our mandatory tutoring sessions way too seriously. 3) She’s sexy as hell…And a virgin.

At least, those were her strikes before our study sessions started lasting longer than they were supposed to. Until one innocent kiss became a hundred dirty ones, and until she became the first woman I ever fell hard for.

Our future together after graduation was supposed to be set:
Professional football for me. Law school for her.

But she left me at the end of the semester with no explanation, and then she completely disappeared from my life.

Until tonight.

We met on a Tuesday.
Became everything, then nothing, on a Tuesday.
And now it’s seven years later, on a Tuesday…

Find it on Goodreads!

Guest Blogger MJ Review of On a Tuesday

Hey BFFs! With all the cold temps and snow storms sweeping the nation, I’m staying in by the fire and reading during January! So, I’m catching up quickly on my to read list and have a good one to share with you. This was my first book by author Whitney G.,“On A Tuesday.” This is the first stand-alone in her new One Week series.

The story is a second chance romance about two college sweethearts who barely got their love story started before they went their separate ways, and then are unexpectedly reunited years later.

It would be easy to fall into stereotypes with these characters and this story line, but both characters were dynamic and surprising at times.

Grayson is the school’s all-star senior quarterback bound for the NFL with a reputation as player off the field, too. But, behind the image, there’s much more to him. Charlotte is his opposite in every way, a reserved, serious prelaw student with a love for art. She is closed off to relationships after a series of dating disasters, and Grayson seems like another in a long line of jerks she’s encountered.

In all these years at the same school, they have never crossed paths until they are thrown together as seniors, when Charlotte is assigned to tutor Grayson. She is definitely not open to Grayson’s immediate flirtation, keeping their weekly Tuesday tutoring session all business. But, he is up to the challenge. It is not often that he has to chase a girl, and he’s sure this one is worth the wait.

I found myself completely charmed by Grayson’s relentless quest to get more than tutoring from Charlotte. As I read, I was laughing and smiling at his efforts to win her over, as if he was sitting across the table from me on Tuesdays at the coffee shop. Eventually, as their friendship develops, Charlotte is charmed too, and surprised to realize she may have misjudged Grayson. She lets him in slowly, and their relationship grows serious. But, as quickly as it began, it is all abruptly over, with many unanswered questions, and the future they imagined together will seemingly never come to be.

I was cheering for them to find their way back together, though, when we catch up with them years later. They are both professionally successful and leading their own lives. But, it is hard for either of them to hide that they are both still very affected by their attraction and the unspoken, unfinished business between them. Seeing each other again, they both wonder if they can bear to open the old wounds, face the past, and attempt to mend their broken hearts. And, if they do, can they move forward, together or apart?

In addition to great character development, I loved Whitney G’s writing style. She crafted very realistic, comfortable dialogue for the characters, and the story included entertaining believable supporting characters surrounding the main couple. The pacing of the story was spot on. The use of flashbacks and alternating perspective created the angsty story that slowly fills in the blanks, but keeps you guessing along with the characters about how it will all end! I’m looking forward to more in this series!

Cheers!

Guest Blogger MJ

About the Author

Whitney G. is a twenty-eight-year-old optimist who is obsessed with travel, tea, and great coffee. She’s also a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of several contemporary novels, and the cofounder of The Indie Tea–an inspirational blog for indie romance authors.

When she’s not chatting with readers on her Facebook Page, you can find her on her website or on instagram: @whitneyg.author. (If she’s not in either of those places, she’s probably locked away working on another crazy story.)
Don’t forget to sign up for Whitney’s monthly newsletter here.

Review – The Revolution by S.L. Scott

My world was rock solid.

Until I saw her.

Lara Kessler showed up as if heaven sent her to me, and suddenly my priorities changed. Love is funny like that. One minute you’re living the dream, then BAM! Half my soul shows up backstage wearing a purple shirt and sexy skin-tight jeans, making me realize what I’ve been missing all along. Loving her means exposing a life I’ve tried to bury.

My heart had lost its beat.

Until I saw him.

Kaz Fabian caught my attention the moment I laid eyes on him. Love is funny like that. The famous guitarist was every woman’s fantasy—great face, chiseled jaw, cut biceps. The rock star was pure sex on and off stage, but his charm and charisma won me over. Loving him means burdening him with a life I’ve tried to leave behind.

With her future dim and his past in the spotlight, can they overcome their fate or will they just be another tragic love story?

Adobe Photoshop PDF

Amazon US Amazon UK

#KazIsHere

Add to your TBR on Goodreads

BFF K’s Review of The Revolution

rating_3.5

The Revolution is the next book in the Hard to Resist series. This book is a standalone but features interconnected characters from the other Hard to Resist books, and its great to catch up with the gang!

The Revolution follows Lara and Kaz as they navigate their new relationship. Lara is working to disentangle herself from her previous relationship and it is proving much more difficult than it should be. And, sweet Kaz has been patiently waiting for her. Sweet Kaz is really the best part of this entire book!

It looks like Lara and Kaz have one main obstacle to overcome for their HEA, but there are several additional road blocks that try to block their path. The back and forth is frustrating, but the end result is a worthy pay off.

If you’re looking for a rockstar romance with a touch of suspense, a good bit of angst and a swoony hero, you should check out The Revolution!

steamy_4

angst_4

hero_4

supptchar_4

signoff_K_sm

An advance copy of this book was received. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review.

Read the one that started it all!

The Resistance (Book One) is NOW AVAILABLE and

Free on Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon US Amazon UK

Amazon Kindle Preview of The Revolution

About the Author

New York Times and USA Bestselling Author, S. L. Scott, was always interested in the arts. She grew up painting, writing poetry and short stories, and willing her days away lost in a good book and the movies.

With a degree in Journalism, she continued her love of the written word by reading American authors like Salinger and Fitzgerald. She was intrigued by their flawed characters living in picture perfect worlds, but could still debate that the world those characters lived in were actually the flawed ones. This dynamic of leaving the reader invested in the words, inspired Scott to start writing with emotion while interjecting an underlying passion into her own stories.

Living in the capital of Texas with her family, Scott loves traveling and avocados, beaches, and cooking with her kids. She’s obsessed with epic romances and loves a good plot twist. She dreams of seeing one of her own books made into a movie one day as well as returning to Europe. Her favorite color is blue, but she likens it more toward the sky than the emotion. Her home is filled with the welcoming symbol of the pineapple and finds surfing a challenge though she likes to think she’s a pro.

Review – Jackson’s Trust by Violet Duke

Jackson's Trust_Duke (1)

About JACKSON’S TRUST

New York Times bestselling author Violet Duke kicks off her sizzling-hot new Fourth Down series with a friends-to-lovers romance between a no-strings-attached sports analyst and the hottest damn tomboy he’s ever met.

It’s no secret that sports analyst Jackson Gray doesn’t do relationships. What is a secret, however, is the reason why. Jackson’s life is . . . complicated. And it doesn’t help that his current hands-off “friendship” is with the cute-as-hell new sideline reporter he’s assigned to train. Turns out, not only is the woman damn sweet, she also knows as much about football as he does. Like it or not though, Jackson has to remind himself that sex is the only thing he has to offer . . . until now.

Leila Hart’s fast-growing friendship with Jackson is something she’d never risk, no matter how unbelievably seductive the reward. Becoming an NFL sportscaster has always been the goal, and thanks to Jackson’s fierce support and mentoring, it all finally seems within reach. Problem is, a girl can only take so much of that sexy-as-sin voice whispering dirty, filthy football stats in her ear before she loses all self-control. A workplace romance with Jackson is a disaster waiting to happen, especially for someone with big dreams . . . and secrets of her own.

Advance praise for Jackson’s Trust

“I totally love this hotter side of Violet Duke. You still get the same sweet, emotional story but with a little bit of extra sizzle. Jackson’s Trust is a must-read novel.”—New York Times bestselling author Sawyer Bennett

“A delightfully fresh read . . . Violet Duke delivers it all in Jackson’s Trust!”—New York Timesbestselling author Jen McLaughlin

“Violet Duke’s writing jumps off the page and grabs you from the first sentence. You will loveJackson’s Trust.”—New York Times bestselling author Bella Andre

“Jackson’s Trust is hot, sweet, and filled with tender moments. Violet Duke writes heroes who make me swoon!”—New York Times bestselling author Kendall Ryan

Get your hands on JACKSON’S TRUST now:

BFF K’s Review

rating_3.5

I feel like I should break this review into 2 different parts. I really enjoyed the first half of this book, the 2nd half – not as much. The first half was everything the synopsis had built up to. Jackson was a sweet sportscaster falling for his spunky and lovely new coworker. That’s the book I wanted to read. About half way through, the book took a turn that I wasn’t expecting. Gone was the flirty banter and sports related setting. And, I found the rest of the book just didn’t hold as much appeal for me. I felt like the characters that had been developed made some decisions in the end of the book that were contrary to the personalities they had developed over the beginning pages. Honestly, most of the last 1/3 of the book felt like it came out of left field or could have been another book entirely.

I liked Jackson’s character. He’s sweet and caring. He’s the kind of guy to notice small gestures and support the people around him. And, I liked Leila. She was complex and ambitious. The beginning of their story was all of the butterflies I hoped I would have when I read the synopsis. The angst came in the second half of the book, and maybe the angst was self-induced because I just didn’t see the changes coming.

I am anxious to talk about Jackson’s Trust with someone else who has read it. (If you’ve read it, comment or message me on Facebook.) The book wasn’t horrible. The writing was strong, the characters were interesting, it was just not a super great read for me. If you’re looking for a romance that has sports undertones – but not too much sport and a sweet leading man, check this out. Jackson’s Trust didn’t score big for me, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be one of your besties.

steamy_4

romance_3

butterflies_3

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

Watch the Trailer!

Enter to Win

Want to win a $50 Amazon gift card from Violet Duke? Enter via the Rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Violet Duke

NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Violet Duke is a former professor of English Education ecstatic to now be on the other side of the page writing wickedly fun contemporary romances filled with strong, unique heroines and memorably romantic heroes. With just under a million books sold to date, since becoming an author in 2013, Violet has appeared on the USA Today bestseller list thirteen times and the NYT bestseller list three times, with the additional honor of charting in the Top 10 across the major eretailers both in the U.S. and internationally. Her fans, who she just adores to pieces, affectionately call her books sweet & sexy ‘laugh & cry’ love stories.

When she’s not feeding her book-a-day reading addiction, Violet enjoys tackling reno projects with her power tools, trying pretty much anything without reading the directions first, and cooking impossible-to-be-duplicated ‘special edition’ dishes that laugh in the face of recipes. A born and raised island girl, she spends her days in Hawai’i chasing after her two cute kids (daughter Violet & son Duke) and similarly adorable husband (their ringleader).

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Newsletter | Facebook Fan Group

New Release – The Baller by Vi Keeland

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

It was my first interview as a professional sportscaster.

The famed quarterback decided to bare all.

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

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

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

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

But I don’t date players.

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

I’d date an athlete.

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

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

Brody Easton was the ultimate player.

Every woman wanted to be the one to change him.

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

Turned out, I was that girl.

Simple right?

Let’s face it. It never is.

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

And this one is ours.

The Baller is available NOW on Amazon, iBooks, B&N and Kobo!

Amazon Amazon UK iBooks B&N Kobo

Add The Baller to your TBR list on Goodreads

About the Author

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

Additional Books by Vi Keeland

Life on Stage series (2 standalone books)

Beat

Amazon US Amazon UK iBooks Kobo B&N

Throb

Amazon US Amazon UK Barnes & Noble iBooks Kobo

MMA Fighter series (3 standalone books)

Worth the Fight (MMA Fighter Series, Book One)

Amazon Barnes & Noble Kobo Smashwords iBooks

Worth The Chance (MMA Fighter Series, Book Two)

Amazon US B&N iBooks Kobo Smashwords

Worth Forgiving (MMA Fighter Series, Book Three)

Amazon US B & N iBooks Kobo

The Cole Series (2 book serial)

Belong to You (Cole Series, Book One)

Amazon US Amazon UK Barnes & Noble iBooks Kobo

Made for You (Cole Series, Book Two)

Amazon US Amazon UK Barnes & Noble iBooks Kobo

Standalone novels

Left Behind (A Young Adult Novel)

Amazon US Amazon UK

First Thing I See

Amazon US Amazon UK Barnes & Noble

Review – A New York Kind of Love – Synithia Williams

Enter to Win a

$10.00 Amazon eGift Card

A NEW YORK KIND OF LOVE

Synithia Williams

Released Dec 15th, 2015 (Print)

Released Jan 1st, 2016 (Digital)

Harlequin Kimani

Bright lights, big passion…

Winning an all-expenses-paid weekend in New York with Hollywood’s sexiest heartthrob makes Faith Logan the envy of women everywhere. This small-town nurse has too many responsibilities, including caring for her aging parents, to be interested in fame or status. But as the sensual celebrity escorts her to exclusive Manhattan nightclubs and glitzy movie premieres, Faith is falling fast for the genuine, charismatic man behind the slick media image.

More used to fanatics and groupies, Irvin Freeman is surprised and intrigued by Faith’s down-to-earth personality. One impulsive kiss turns their private flirtation into public news. But paparazzi and crazed admirers are making her doubt their potential as a couple. Will the pressures of fame cause their love to fade before he can convince her they’ve found their own real-life happy ending?

BUY NOW

Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo

BFF K’s Review

rating_3.5

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

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

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

sweet_4

butterflies_3 steamy_3

romance_4

signoff_K_sm

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

BFF’s Dream Casting

Excerpt

“Is this your first vacation since going home?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“How so?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Then believe this.”

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

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

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

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

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Review – Falling for Hudson by Alexandria Bishop

Title: Falling for Hudson (Marlowe #2)

Author: Alexandria Bishop

Release Date: Dec 22, 2015

Find on Goodreads

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

Amazon

BFF K’s Review

rating_3.5

After reading Finding Flynn, I was interested in seeing what happens next for the guys from Marlowe, and with Ashtyn and Chloe. I really liked Chloe’s storyline in this book. I was invested in her character and the grief she was experiencing from her parents’ death was palpable. She was coping the best she could and Hudson was certainly a swoon-worthy hero. He lovingly cared for Chloe as well as he could.

I was a little frustrated with the uneven writing. There were some parts that were really good, but others that felt forced. And the storylines sometimes felt too contrived. The book is a cross between YA and NA, but straddles the line so it’s not totally clear which genre it fits. I wish the characters were a little older and out of High School, I think that would have helped me buy some of the plot lines. I also wanted a little more from the other characters. More Jax and more Flynn!

I am still interested in what happens to Marlowe. In the epilogue, we get a flash forward for some of the characters and I liked that, but it skipped many years and many characters. Alexandria Bishop is a new author (this is her 2nd book) and I think she holds a lot of promise. If there’s more to come for Marlowe, I’m likely to keep following the band!

An Advance Copy was received in exchange for an honest review.

Excerpt

Hudson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Dude, that would be awesome.”

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

“Why not?”

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

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

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

Born in a small southeastern island in Alaska, Alexandria moved to southern Oregon early on in her life. Where she still resides with her young daughter, husband, and fur baby.

She’s insanely obsessed with fashion and used to dream of becoming a fashion designer creating new outfits for her Barbie’s with her childhood best friend. For now she’s loving writing and fulfilling her fashion addiction with shopping.

Along with fashion, Alexandria is a big lover of music. She’s always listening to something while writing and creates a playlist to go along with each book she writes. She’s always on the hunt for new music and loves getting suggestions from her readers.

Alexandria spends way too much time on social media and would love for you to say hi!

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Review – Sweet Bliss by Helena Rac

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

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

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

Buy Links:

eBook

Paperback

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

BFF K’s Review

rating_3.5

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

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

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

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

sweet_5

funny_4

steamy_4

romance_3

hea_4

signoff_K_sm

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

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

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

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

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads