Review – Grin and Beard It by Penny Reid

Grin and Beard It

by Penny Reid
Winston Brothers #2
Publication Date: May 31, 2016
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romantic Comedy

Sienna Diaz is everyone’s favorite “fat” funny lady. The movie studio executives can’t explain it, but her films are out-grossing all the fit and trim headliners and Hollywood’s most beautiful elite. The simple truth is, everyone loves plus-sized Sienna.

But she has a problem, she can’t read maps and her sense of direction is almost as bad as her comedic timing is stellar. Therefore, when Sienna’s latest starring role takes her to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park she finds herself continually lost while trying to navigate the backroads of Green Valley, Tennessee. Much to her consternation, Sienna’s most frequent savior is a ridiculously handsome, charming, and cheeky Park Ranger by the name of Jethro Winston.

Sienna is accustomed to high levels of man-handsome, so it’s not Jethro’s chiseled features or his perfect physique that make Sienna stutter. It’s his southern charm. And gentlemanly manners. And habit of looking at her too long and too often.

Sienna has successfully navigated the labyrinth of Hollywood heartthrobs. But can she traverse the tenuous trails of Tennessee without losing her head? Or worse, her heart?

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BFF K’s Review of Grin and Beard It

rating_4.5

Penny Reid has done it again. Her newest novel, Grin and Beard It is just a really wonderful story! It is a much anticipated trip back to the Smokey Mountains to spend some delightful days with the Winston Brothers. In this installment, the oldest of the Winstons, reformed bad boy, Jethro is front and center. He finds himself head-over-heels for America’s sweetheart. Actress Sienna Diaz is filming her latest movie in the National Park and her terrible sense of direction leads her right to Jethro.

Jethro is a complicated man. He has spent the last 5+ years turning his life around. He has worked tirelessly to prove himself a worthy and trustworthy brother and friend. Jethro has to decide if he is ready to add ‘boyfriend’ to that list. Sienna is delighted that Jethro seems to have NO idea who she is, but he likes her for her. She is tired of the Hollywood game and once she begins to understand the kind of man Jethro is, she can’t help but think about what kind of partner he would be for a short-time or maybe a lifetime. The book is a slow-build to solidify their relationship, but it pays off in a satisfying HEA!

I can always count on Penny Reid to deliver strong stories, complex characters, engaging storylines, witty banter and smart romance. Penny Reid is one of my most recommended authors for good reasons. She consistently delivers wonderful books that I want everyone to read!

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

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About the Author

Penny Reid is the USA Today Best Selling Author of the Winston Brothers and Knitting in the City series. When she’s not immersed in penning smart romances, Penny works in the biotech industry as a researcher. She’s also a full time mom to three diminutive adults, wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja.

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Review – Good Girl by Lauren Layne

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GOOD GIRL

Lauren Layne

May 17th, 2016

Loveswept

In thissteamy novel from the USA Today bestselling author of Blurred Lines, country music’s favorite good girl hides away from the world—and finds herself bunking with a guy who makes her want to be a little bad.

Jenny Dawson moved to Nashville to write music, not get famous. But when her latest record goes double platinum, Jenny’s suddenly one of the town’s biggest stars—and the center of a tabloid scandal connecting her with a pop star she’s barely even met. With paparazzi tracking her every move, Jenny flees to a remote mansion in Louisiana to write her next album. The only hiccup is the unexpected presence of a brooding young caretaker named Noah, whose foul mouth and snap judgments lead to constant bickering—and serious heat.

Noah really should tell Jenny that he’s Preston Noah Maxwell Walcott, the owner of the estate where the feisty country singer has made her spoiled self at home. But the charade gives Noah a much-needed break from his own troubles, and before long, their verbal sparring is indistinguishable from foreplay. But as sizzling nights give way to quiet pillow talk, Noah begins to realize that Jenny’s almost as complicated as he is. To fit into each other’s lives, they’ll need the courage to face their problems together—before the outside world catches up to them.

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BFF K’s Review of Good Girl

rating_4.5

Good Girl is exactly what I’m coming to expect from Lauren Layne. It’s a fast-paced, sweet, heart-clenching, butterfly-inducing, character driven story. Layne is a consistently strong story writer who dreams up rich characters and unique plot lines. The grumpy, Alpha-hero, Noah, and the sweet, Taylor Swift-esque heroine, Jenny, have a connection that’s so explosive it’s about to erupt and change their lives forever.

Noah and Jenny bicker and taunt as much as much as anything else. But, there is something about their personalities that sets off a spark the instant they’re in one another’s proximity. It doesn’t take long for those sparks to become a full-fledged inferno that threatens to burn them both. Jenny is sweet and feisty, holed up in Louisiana to write her new album and escape her high profile life for awhile. Noah is searching to reconcile his past and determine who he wants to be and how he wants to live.

Every romance novel has an ultimate conflict; this one was not even masked a little bit. You can see it coming from a mile away, but that doesn’t diminish its’ impact or importance to the storyline. How the conflict resolves is pure romance-novel-nirvana. If you’re looking for a light-hearted, quick read that wraps you up in great characters and sweet settings, Good Girl is a sure thing!

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

dual point of view

Excerpt

Noah

“What time did you say this chick was arriving?” Finn asks around his cigarette.

“Tomorrow morning,” I say, rapping my toe against a funny-looking floorboard and wincing when it buckles.

“Huh.” Finn exhales and looks out the window.

I know that tone. “What?”

“Seems she might have gotten here early,” he says, a second before the quiet afternoon erupts with the sound of my dog losing his mind, mingled with the shrill piercing yap of a much smaller dog.

“Seriously?”

Finn shrugs and nods. “There’s a girl outside.”

“Shit,” I mutter as I head toward the stairs, dodging the two broken ones.

Ranger’s about as good a dog as they come, wouldn’t hurt a fly. But he’s a big dog with a big bark, and one serious weakness: gleefully humping smaller dogs. He’s a rescue, and though he was fixed after they brought him in, he’d already gone through canine puberty, or whatever. He’s still got the fierce urge to hump, although it’s more habit than hormones.

I exit out the front door just in time to see my big brown Lab leap forward, his clumsy paws finding the shoulders of a blond girl who lets out a shriek, holding a cat above her head like that scene from The Lion King.

“Ranger, no! Down.”

I run forward, my hand finding the collar of my dog and yanking him backward as I search the ground to find the source of the small-dog barks still piercing the air.

Then I register that the sound is coming from above, and realize . . .

The cotton ball isn’t a cat.

That orange piece of fluff is a dog, and Ranger is apparently in love.

“What the heck is wrong with your dog?” the girl says as she slowly lowers the puffball from over her head, cradling the hideous little monster against her chest as it continues its high-pitched bloody-murder yips.

“At least my dog is actually a dog,” I say, staring in horror at the pointy face of a canine that could fit in one of my hands. “I’ve seen dust bunnies bigger than that thing.”

“Dolly’s a Pomeranian,” she says, setting a hand on top of the monster’s head. “She’s supposed to be this tiny.”

“Well, Ranger’s a Lab. He’s supposed to be this normal.”

“He attacked me,” she says, giving Ranger a wary look as his tongue hangs out the side of his mouth, his eyes locked lovingly on Dolly.

“He didn’t want you, he wanted the . . . dog,” I say, forcing myself to acknowledge that the creature in her hands might be part of the canine family.

“For what, dinner?”

I don’t respond, because now that the crisis is averted, I’ve managed to shift my attention from the dogs to the girl, and . . .

Holy shit.

I’m not sure I’ve ever been sucker-punched by equal waves of lust and disdain before.

Jenny Dawson is hot as hell.

I knew that going in, but up close she’s even more mouthwatering. Her white skirt is short and tight, her legs long and toned.

She’s wearing some billowing pink top, so I can’t get a good look at what’s happening there, but it doesn’t really matter. I’ve always been a legs man, and I can’t stop looking.

The legs are a 10.

The face is a 10.

And the long blond hair spilling over one shoulder definitely begs to be spread over a man’s pillow. My pillow.

And yet even as my cock says yes, my brain is saying hell no.

Gorgeous as she is, she screams diva from the pink toenails to the sky-high stiletto sandals and all the way up to the carefully made-up face.

I just turned my entire life upside down trying to get away from a woman exactly like this one, so this is definitely a look, don’t touch situation.

But I’m looking. I’m definitely looking.

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About the Author

Lauren Layne is the USA Today Bestselling author of more than a dozen contemporary romance novels.Prior to becoming an author, Lauren worked in e-commerce and web-marketing. A year after moving from Seattle to NYC to pursue a writing career, she had a fabulous agent and multiple New York publishing deals.Lauren currently lives in Manhattan with her husband and plus-sized Pomeranian. When not writing, you’ll likely find her running (rarely), reading (sometimes), or at happy hour (often).

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Review & Sale – Blurred Lines by Lauren Layne

ON SALE FOR A LIMITED TIME!!

BLURRED LINES

Lauren Layne

Released Aug 25th, 2015

Loveswept

In a novel that’s perfect for fans of Abbi Glines and Jessica Sorensen, USA
Today bestselling author Lauren Layne delivers a sexy take on the timeless
question: Can a guy and a girl really be “just friends”?

When Parker Blanton meets Ben Olsen during her freshman year of college, the
connection is immediate—and platonic. Six years later, they’re still best
friends, sharing an apartment in Portland’s trendy Northwest District as they
happily settle into adult life. But when Parker’s boyfriend dumps her out of
the blue, she starts to wonder about Ben’s no-strings-attached approach to
dating. The trouble is, even with Ben as her wingman, Parker can’t seem to get
the hang of casual sex—until she tries it with him.

The arrangement works perfectly . . . at first. The sex is mind-blowing, and their
friendship remains as solid as ever, without any of the usual messy romantic
entanglements. But when Parker’s ex decides he wants her back, Ben is shocked
by a fierce stab of possessiveness. And when Ben starts seeing a girl from
work, Parker finds herself plagued by unfamiliar jealousy. With their
friendship on the rocks for the first time, Parker and Ben face an alarming
truth: Maybe they can’t go back. And maybe, deep down, they never want to.

ONLY $0.99

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GOOD GIRL
5.17.16

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BFF K’s Review of Blurred Lines

rating_4.5

Blurred Lines by Lauren Layne features one of my most favorite tropes. I adore a good friends to lovers story and this one delivers on every level. Ben and Parker are besties. They’ve been besties for ages, but never more. They take such pride in their “friends only” status that they don’t even realize they’ve been in love with one another for quite some time!

Blurred Lines is not a suspenseful novel full of twists and turns on every page. It’s a fairly predictable storyline. But, the characters are enjoyable, relate-able and well developed. What the story lacks in complexity, it makes up for in sweetness and light. Its an absolutely delightful story about best friends who discover so much more and it’s definitely worth a buy, especially at this sale price.

Lauren Layne is quickly becoming one of my go-to-authors. Her books consistently deliver high quality, enjoyable romance with strong characters. I highly recommend both the Kindle and Audible versions of Blurred Lines!

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Excerpt

“Milk?” she asks again.

I take another bite of cereal, and it takes all of my self-control not to look pointedly at the bowl of cereal I’m eating. Of course we have freaking milk.

“In the fridge,” I say with a friendly smile. She smiles back and she’s got deep dimples in each cheek. Cute. I can see why Ben likes this one.

She walks past the table to the fridge, and I cringe when I see the fact that she has airhead monogrammed on the butt of her baby blue sweatpants. Really? Really?

Airhead has apparently forgotten that she wanted milk and instead pulls out one of the cans of Starbucks iced coffee that I keep stocked for Monday mornings when I need an extra pick-me-up, which is every Monday, because, well, Mondays are just the worst, aren’t they?

Airhead pops the tab and takes a sip without asking, which I guess is kind of annoying, but I’ve never really been one of those girls who likes to waste energy getting bitchy about stupid things, so I let it go.

“Hey, so I’m Parker,” I say.

“I’m Liz. Are you dating Ben’s roommate?”

Considering I know for a fact that Liz is the latest in a rather impressive streak of one-night stands, dating seems sort of a presumptuous word choice, because how does she know I’m not just a onetime sleepover guest like her?

This, too, I let pass without comment.

I mean, what else is the girl supposed to ask: Did you get drunk and sleep with a guy you barely know, like I just did?

Plus, I have a fun surprise for her.

“I am the roommate,” I say, keeping my smile friendly. I’m wearing my oldest pajamas and haven’t even pretended to have tried to take off last night’s mascara, which is now all over my face. I’m pretty sure I don’t look threatening.

But I’d be wrong.

Liz pauses halfway in, drinking my precious iced-coffee beverage, and her previously curious expression turns wary.

I mentally shrug. Ben tends to use my unisex name to full advantage by avoiding female pronouns when referring to his roommate while a booty call is in progress. He picked up this approach after several hookups that failed due to the fact that some girls still subscribe to the old girls-and-guys-can’t-be-just-friends axiom.

Amateurs.

Ben ambles into the kitchen, his sweatpants matching the style of his girl toy’s, although his are dark UO green, and instead of a tacky phrase on the back, they just have the Oregon Duck, our old college mascot. We graduated a couple years ago, so the frat-boy attire’s a little sad, but I can’t judge him too harshly since my entire workout wardrobe consists of old college shirts.

He yawns and smiles. “Morning. Have you girls met? Liz, Parker, Parker, Liz.”

Ben’s either unaware of the fact that Liz is giving him a dark look or he no longer cares now that he’s gotten laid.

Here’s the other reason I don’t exactly get my rocks off thinking about Ben in a romantic light: He’s kind of a player. As a friend, I can love him for it, but on the romantic front? Never. Ever. Not even with every possible STD test.

“Hey, what happened to the must-wear-shirts-in-the-kitchen rule?” I ask, shoveling another bite of increasingly soggy Wheat Chex into my mouth.

“No such rule exists,” he says, with a wink for Liz-slash-Airhead. Her expression softens lightly, and I resist the urge to slap a little sense into the poor girl. I want to tell her that his winks are a dime a dozen, but what’s the point? She has airhead printed on her sweatpants for God’s sake.

“There is too a rule about shirts in the kitchen,” I insist. “House rule number fourteen. Speaking of which, where are my house rules?”

“Hard to say,” he says, opening the fridge and glancing at its meager offerings before pouring a cup of coffee instead. “But I may have used them to mop up OJ the other day. Or maybe as a coaster for my beer.” He snapped his fingers. “Oh wait, no, I remember. I just plain threw them out the old-fashioned way.”

I point to the doorway. “Shirt. Now.”

He glances at Liz. “She can’t concentrate when my abs are on display. We have to give her anti-swoon pills.”

Liz giggles even as she shoots me a searching look, as though she’s trying to determine whether I really will swoon over Ben’s admittedly impressive upper body. The guy’s like a machine. He misses workouts only on the worst of his hangover days.

“Do you wanna grab some breakfast?” Liz asks Ben.

Aww, poor Airhead. She doesn’t know the name of the game.

About the Author

Lauren Layne is the USA Today Bestselling author of more than a dozen contemporary romance novels.

Prior to becoming an author, Lauren worked in e-commerce and web-marketing. A year after moving from Seattle to NYC to pursue a writing career, she had a fabulous agent and multiple New York publishing deals.

Lauren currently lives in Manhattan with her husband and plus-sized Pomeranian. When not writing, you’ll likely find her running (rarely), reading (sometimes), or at happy hour (often).

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Review – Sidebarred by Emma Chase

Join Jake & Chelsea, Stanton & Sofia, Brent & Kennedy as they navigate the hilarious and heartwarming hurdles of love, life and the law in this final addition to the Legal Briefs Series.

There was a time when Jake Becker had it all together. He was controlled, driven, ruthless—in and out of the courtroom.

Then, six irresistible orphans and their heartbreakingly beautiful aunt crashed into his perfectly ordered life. They changed everything. They changed him. Now he’s a husband, an upstanding member of society, a father figure—a family man.

And he’s pretty damn good at it.

Sure, he has to referee sibling smackdowns, re-learn algebra, ensure his clients stay of jail, and keep his wife happy—but it finally feels like he’s got it together again….

So, of course something has to screw it all up. It’s huge. Life-changing. Kind of terrifying.

And it will be the most amazing, perfect thing he’ll ever do.

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BFF K’s Review of Sidebarred

rating_4.5

Sidebarred is a fantastic little novella that perfectly wraps up the Legal Briefs Series. This is a sweet, sexy, romantic story that highlights the love of Jake and Chelsea Becker.

I love Jake and Chelsea. They were my favorite couple from the legal briefs series. Their story was continuous examples of triumph and rebirth from sad circumstances. Sidebarred takes their journey one step further and allows Emma Chase the opportunity to write fulfilling conclusions for all of the characters in the series.

If you haven’t read the Legal Briefs Series, I cannot recommend it highly enough. I adore these characters and I know you will too!

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

male point of view

Excerpt

Chelsea sits beside me on the couch, facing me, her legs tucked, her pretty feet curled under her. Yes—Chelsea has pretty feet, okay? I never knew feet could be pretty—until I saw hers.

“So . . . that talk I mentioned before? We should probably have that now, while we can.”

I take a sip of my drink and nod. “Yeah—I wasn’t at all hoping you’d forget about it or anything.”

Her face slides into a grin. “Funny.”

I look back at her, straight-faced. “I’m a funny guy.”

When she doesn’t say anything for a few moments, I ask, “What’s up?”

Because now I’m actually getting concerned. My stomach tightens as I brace for whatever’s worrying her—and before I even know what I’m up against, in my head I’m already planning all the ways I’ll take care of it. Because that’s what I do—and I’m good at it.

But what she tells me next blows my fucking mind.

“I’m late.”

Two words—ten thousand thoughts exploding in my head at once.

I’m a big guy, six-five, 225 pounds of muscle. Guys like me, our voices don’t squeak. But at this moment, mine comes damn close.

“Like . . . for an appointment?”

Chelsea inhales deeply, then breathes out, “No.”

About the Author

By day, Emma Chase is a devoted wife and mother who resides in a small, rural town in New Jersey. By night she toils away the hours bringing her colorful characters and their endless antics to life. She has a long standing love/hate relationship with caffeine.Emma is an avid reader. Before her children were born she was known to consume whole books in a single day. Writing has also always been a passion and with the 2013 release of her debut romantic comedy, Tangled, the ability to now call herself an author is nothing less than a dream come true.

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Review – The Perfect Fit by Jenna Sutton

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THE PERFECT FIT

A Riley O’Brien & Co Novella

Jenna Sutton

Released April 5th, 2016

Zeke May has spent the past two years recovering from an IED attack and trying to adjust to life as a civilian. The veteran hiring program at denim empire Riley O’Brien & Co. offers a new beginning. The only problem is the high cost of housing in San Francisco, and Margo Lange could be the perfect solution.

Now that Margo has completed veterinary school, she’s ready to fulfill her dream of living in the Bay Area. Unfortunately, she’s drowning in student loan debt and the only places she can afford are dumps. Luckily, one of her uncle’s Army buddies needs a roommate.

Although Zeke’s place is a perfect fit for Margo’s budget, he is not what she expects. He’s much younger than her uncle, and he’s melt-your-panties hot. She doesn’t want to fall for him, but it doesn’t take her long to realize that Zeke is the perfect fit for her, regardless of their age gap. Too bad he’s so obviously still in love with his ex-wife…

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BFF K’s Review of The Perfect Fit

rating_4.5

Zeke May is a Veteran who has recently moved to San Francisco to take a job at Riley O’Brien & Co. as part of a Veterans to work program. To help meet expenses, he offers to share his apartment with the niece of an army buddy. But, he doesn’t expect Margo to share the space in his head and heart as easily as she occupies a room in his apartment.

Margo and Zeke are terrific characters that are really well developed for a brief novella. Margo is a veterinarian with a huge heart. She bring out the best in Zeke and he adores and protects her. This is really the story of two lonely souls who find one another and become stronger together than they are apart. Though Margo and Zeke are on the periphery of the Riley Co. gang, we do see glimpses of the other characters in this series. And, it just makes me anxious for the next book, which will be releasing in early June. This novella adds to depth and quality of the entire series.

The Perfect Fit is a standalone novella in the Riley O’Brien & Co. Series. You do not have to read any of the other books in the series to enjoy The Perfect Fit. But, why would you not? The Perfect Fit is a sweet and heartwarming romance. I have really grown to love this series and Jenna Sutton’s writing. I think you’ll love it too!

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Excerpt

As Zeke stood in the elevator in the Four Seasons, he ran his hand over his hair, searching for any unruly strands. Satisfied that everything was in order, he adjusted the French cuffs of his bright white tuxedo shirt and furtively checked his fly to make sure it was zipped.

Never in his life had he showered, shaved, and dressed as quickly as he had tonight. He was surprised he’d only nicked himself once.

Even though he’d driven like a maniac to get to the hotel as fast as humanly possible, he was still forty-five minutes late. He hated being late, regardless of the circumstances. But his tardiness tonight was even more unacceptable because Margo had been counting on him.

Because of stupid softball game, she’d had to take a taxi in an evening gown. She was probably livid, and he couldn’t blame her.

Why hadn’t he just left the game early? Better yet, why hadn’t he declined Margo’s invitation to attend Pictures & Paws?

He should have. But he’d hated the thought of her going to this type of event alone. And, if he were honest with himself, he would admit that he’d wanted to go with her, even if it was a monumentally bad idea.

Being around her was torture. A couple of days ago, he’d accidently bumped into her in the kitchen, his front grazing her back. That small touch had created a big problem … behind his zipper.

Ever since that day when he had retrieved Margo’s panties from Roby’s paws, Zeke had tried—and failed—to push her back into the roommate-only zone. But those tiny panties had already done their damage.

Whenever they were together, he constantly thought about what she wore underneath her clothes. He even thought about it when they weren’t together.

His dormant libido had awakened, and now the damn thing was boiling like an active volcano. It could erupt at any time.

Zeke should be happy that his penis had returned to its normal operations. But he wasn’t. Instead, he was frustrated and edgy and hard all the fucking time.

He didn’t understand why this was happening now. And he sure as hell didn’t understand why it was happening with Margo.

It didn’t happen with anyone else.

Today, during the softball game, a pretty woman on the opposing team had run into him. The force of the impact had knocked them to the ground, with her sprawled on top.

She’d been a sweet-smelling, curvy armful. And his penis had been uninterested.

If it could talk, it would have said, I’m bored. But around Margo, it said, Mmm, I want some of that.

Of course, his dick didn’t care about the eleven-year age gap between them. And it didn’t care that she had her whole life ahead of her, while he had already lived a big portion of his.

Finally, the elevator reached the fifth floor. When he stepped out, he immediately began to look for Margo. No matter where they were, her bright hair made it easy to spot her.

After searching the area where the pictures were displayed and the ballroom where dinner would be served, he wandered onto the terrace. The huge space overlooked Yerba Buena Gardens, and the surrounding buildings provided plenty of light.

He surveyed the small group of people on the terrace. His gaze landed on a woman with vibrant reddish-gold hair. She was a little taller than Margo, and her hair was wavy instead of straight. Her back was to him, the flawless skin exposed by her form-fitting dress.

Damn, that dress is something else.

The dress’s lace overlay gave the impression that she was naked underneath. And the way it hugged her curvy hips and cupped her round ass … that should be prohibited in public venues to prevent riots.

Wait … he recognized that ass. He saw it—stared at it—every day.

The woman in the sexy dress was Margo. And the moment his dick realized that fact, it woke up from its nap and did a couple of stretches in preparation for vigorous exercise.

Zeke took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. For a brief moment, he thought about turning around, going back home, and locking himself in his bedroom until this insanity passed.

But then Margo glanced in his direction. And he knew, without a doubt, that he wasn’t going anywhere.

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About the Author

Jenna Sutton spent most of her career as an award-winning journalist covering business-related topics including healthcare, commercial real estate, retail, and technology. Nowadays she writes about hot, lovable guys and the smart, sexy women who make them crazy. It’s the culmination of a lifelong dream, and she feels so lucky to be able to do it.Jenna has a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Texas Christian University and a Master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Northwestern University.Jenna and her husband live in a 103-year-old house in Texas.

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Check out the rest of the Riley O’Brien & Co series

Review – Listen to Me by Kristen Proby

Kristen Proby is known for writing heartfelt characters with deep connections and sizzling passion. In her brand new series from William Morrow Paperbacks, Fusion, she will seduce readers’ senses with the sexy, contemporary romance, LISTEN TO ME, in which five best friends open a hot new restaurant together. Today, we are thrilled to bring you this first book in the Fusion Series. Available now, LISTEN TO ME finds a hot former rock star looking for a steady gig at the restaurant, but he’ll have to convince the prickly front-of-house manager to take a chance on him—with her business and her heart.

In New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby’s brand new series, five best friends open a hot new restaurant, but one of them gets much more than she bargained for when a sexy former rock star walks through the doors—and into her heart.

Seduction is quickly becoming the hottest new restaurant in Portland, and Addison Wade is proud to claim 1/5 of the credit. She’s determined to make it a success and can’t think of a better way to bring in new customers than live music. But when former rock star Jake Keller swaggers through the doors to apply for the weekend gig, she knows she’s in trouble. Addie instantly recognizes him—his posters were plastered all over her bedroom walls in high school—he’s all bad boy…exactly her type and exactly what she doesn’t need.

Jake Keller walked away from the limelight five years ago and yearns to return to what’s always driven him: the music. If he gets to work for a smart-mouthed, funny-as-hell bombshell, all the better. But talking Addie into giving him the job is far easier than persuading her that he wants more than a romp in her bed. Just when she begins to drop her walls, Jake’s past finally catches up with him.

Will Addie be torn apart once again or will Jake be able to convince her to drown out her doubts and listen to her heart?

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BFF K’s Review of Listen to Me

rating_4.5

I have read just a few of Kristen Proby’s books, but I definitely consider myself a fan! Her books are full of interesting, engaging and well-developed characters. Her storylines are inventive and fresh. I’m excited about the new Fusion Series. Book #1, Listen to Me is an absolute joy to read.

Addie is looking for a musician to play at her restaurant an evening or two a week. She isn’t looking for a handsome, talented, conflicted, compassionate and kind man to suddenly become her world. Jake Keller is looking for a chance to recapture just a small piece of his old life. An opportunity to perform live will give him back a small taste of the thrill of singing and playing for a live audience. Jake wasn’t looking for a smart, sassy, sexy, strong woman to open up his world and his heart. But Addie and Jake found each other. Surrounded by a terrific cast of characters, they will find that holding on to one another and over-coming their fears will be the biggest challenge yet.

Listen to Me is a wonderful story that gave me goosebumps, butterflies and all the feels. The characters are charming and their love story is uplifting. Listen to Me is a satisfying, romantic read that will be enjoyed by any romance lover! It needs a spot on the top of your To Be Read list.

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

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Excerpt

Addison

It’s quiet in here now, and the silence is too loud. He’s staring down at his drink, his eyes a deep green in the low light of the bar. A crease forms between his eyebrows in a frown, and then he shakes his head, just a tiny bit. Jake sips his drink, and I can’t help but wonder what he’s thinking.

And I’m a woman, so I ask.

Because who ever heeded the whole, don’t ask the question if you don’t want the answer warning?

“What are you thinking?” I ask softly.

He chuckles and shakes his head.

“You don’t want to know.”

“I asked.”

He swivels in the stool, facing me, and rests his hand on the arm of my own stool, leaning into me, and it takes everything in me not to back away. His eyes lower to my lips.

I lick them, and watch his eyes dilate.

This is a very bad idea.

I swallow hard as he continues to watch my mouth.

“It’s quiet in here,” he says evenly.

“I was thinking the same.”

“Are you comfortable in the quiet, Addie?”

I frown and feel my nipples pucker when he reaches up and tucks my hair behind my ear. His fingers are warm.

And when he’s this close, I can’t help but breathe him in and enjoy the scent of him.

“Why shouldn’t I be?”

“Some aren’t. Some need chaos, noise. The quiet makes them nervous.”

You make me nervous.

I lick my lips again.

“I don’t mind quiet. You?”

“I love the quiet.”

I smirk. “You’re a musician.”

“And I love music too. But the quiet is where the truth lives.”

I blink once, twice.

“Where the truth lives?” I’m whispering now.

He simply nods. “There’s no distraction. No way to deny what is. It’s honest.”

“And you claim to be honest?”

“To a fault,” he confirms. “I’d also love to hear more about this sexcation you’re scheming.”

I feel my cheeks flush and turn away, taking another sip of my wine.

“I was simply being silly with my friends, Jake. Drop it.”

He doesn’t answer. Damn the fucking quiet.

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About the Author

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle and Love Under the Big Sky series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong, humorous characters with a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves.

Kristen lives in Montana, where she enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps. Visit her at KristenProby.com.

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Review – The Matchmaker’s Playbook by Rachel Van Dyken

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Wingman rule number one: don’t fall for a client.

After a career-ending accident, former NFL recruit Ian Hunter is back on campus—and he’s ready to get his new game on. As one of the masterminds behind Wingmen, Inc., a successful and secretive word-of-mouth dating service, he’s putting his extensive skills with women to work for the lovelorn. But when Blake Olson requests the services of Wingmen, Inc., Ian may have landed his most hopeless client yet.

From her frumpy athletic gear to her unfortunate choice of footwear, Blake is going to need a miracle if she wants to land her crush. At least with a professional matchmaker by her side she has a fighting chance. Ian knows that his advice and a makeover can turn Blake into another successful match. But as Blake begins the transformation from hot mess to smokin’ hot, Ian realizes he’s in danger of breaking his cardinal rule…

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BFF K’s Review of The Matchmaker’s Playbook

Ian Hunter is the Big Man On Campus. He was a college football player drafted at the pinnacle of his career. His NFL dreams were cut short by a tragic accident. In an effort to redirect his pent-up energy and soak-up his free time; Ian and his BFF, Lex start up a very exclusive and super secret dating service. Everything is going fine until he meets the one girl who might be worth breaking all his own rules.

Blake is the jock-version of Laney Boggs (She’s All That – classic, art-nerd to prom queen movie circa 1999.) Except, in this version, Blake puts herself out there and hires The Wingmen to help her turn the head of her dream man. Everything is going fine until the dream man suddenly looks a lot like her love coach.

The Matchmaker’s Playbook is not full of many surprises. What you see when you read the synopsis is pretty much what you get. But, that’s NOT a bad thing. The Matchmaker’s Playbook is an entertaining read (with the best volleyball scene since Top Gun.) It’s got a little angst, a lot of drama, some butterfly-inducing moments and really great characters that make this a delightful book. If you’re looking for a dependable, sweet, story that will deliver all the feels and a lot of fun, The Matchmaker’s Playbook is a definite One-Click!

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

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Book Trailer

The Matchmaker’s Playbook by Rachel Van Dyken from Becca the Bibliophile on Vimeo.

Read an Excerpt from the Matchmaker’s Playbook in this Post

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About the Author

rachelborder 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.

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

Title: Palm South University: Season Two Episode Two

Author: Kandi Steiner

Release Date: March 15, 2016

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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.

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Get Season 2 : Episode 1 on Amazon

You can also grab the Season One Box Set today!

BFF K’s Review

rating_4.5

Do you remember the B.Y.O.B. episode of 90210? In this episode, Brandon experiences his first brush with serious trouble when he drives drunk and gets into a car accident. He is uninjured but is arrested and taken to jail. (Season 1) The episode broached multiple taboo subjects for a TV Show in 2008…..I feel like Season 2 : Episode 2 of PSU is that kind of revolution for this episodic book series!

I don’t want to give anything away, but there are SEVERAL controversial issues addressed; I’m blown away by how great this episode is! We get updates in Episode 2 from: Adam, Erin and Ashlei. Adam is dating one girl and obsessing over another. Erin’s perfectly controlled life is anything but contained. Ashlei is a HOT MESS, but there’s still a major romance playing out for her. So much has been building up to this episode, but I was still surprised and moved by so many things that happened. I devoured this release in one quick setting and I’m dying to know what happens next week!

This is by far the BEST episode of PSU to date. I LOVE the risks that Kandi Steiner is taking with the series and the characters. I can’t wait for more!

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

Excerpt

She swallows, and I watch with more curiosity than I should as her eyes flick to my mouth quickly before finding my gaze. “I should go touch up my makeup.”

It’s then that I realize how hard we’re both breathing, how close we’re standing. Dropping her hands, I shove my own back in my pockets and nod. “Okay. I’ll see you out there.”

Before I can think more about what the hell just happened, I turn on my heel and make my way toward the side stage exit.

“Adam?”

I pause, turning slowly, afraid she’ll tell me I was over the line. Afraid I’ll lose her, even though she’s not really mine to keep.

“Thanks. Really.” She smiles with just one side of her mouth, just for a moment, before backing into the bathroom and slowly closing the door.

“Anytime,” I reply to no one. And I know even though she didn’t hear it, she knows it’s true as much as I do. I’d be there for her no matter what.

I just can’t decide if that’s a good thing.

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.

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Review – I Wish You Were Mine by Lauren Layne

In Honor of Superbowl Winning Quarterback Jackson Burke,

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I WISH YOU WERE MINE

Oxford #2

Lauren Layne

Released on February 2, 2016

Loveswept

Perfect for fans of Alice Clayton and Emma Chase, Lauren Layne’s Oxford series heats up in this story of forbidden desire as a brooding jock hoping for a comeback falls for a woman who’s strictly off-limits.

A year ago, Jackson Burke was married to the love of his life and playing quarterback for the Texas Redhawks. Now he’s retired, courtesy of the car accident that ruined his career—and single, after a nasty scandal torpedoed his marriage. Just as he’s starting to get used to his new life as a health and fitness columnist for Oxford magazine, his unpredictable ex shows up on his doorstep in Manhattan. Jackson should be thrilled. But he can’t stop thinking about the one person who’s always been there for him, the one girl he could never have: her younger sister.

Mollie Carrington can’t say no to Madison. After all, her older sister practically raised her. So when Madison begs for help in winning her ex-husband back, Mollie’s just glad she got over her own crush on Jackson ages ago—or so she thought. Because as Mollie reconnects with Jackson, she quickly forgets all her reasons to stay loyal to her sister. Tempted by Jackson’s mellow drawl and cowboy good looks, Mollie is sick and tired of coming in second place. But she can’t win if she doesn’t play the game.

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BFF K’s Review

rating_4.5

Jackson Burke finds comfort in the one person who is so off-limits. For years, Mollie Carrington has carried a torch for Jackson Burke. Besides their mutual obsessions, Jackson and Mollie have another thing in common, Madison. She is Jackson’s ex-wife, Mollie’s older sister, and a completely evil and manipulative B%^&*!

Jackson and Mollie have a shared history through Madison, but they also have their own relationship. As Jackson’s marriage was falling apart, he found a friend in her younger sister. Jackson confided in Mollie his ambitions and day-to-day frustrations. Mollie relied on Jackson also as a confidant and supporter. When Jackson finds himself in New York, he realizes how much he has missed Mollie and her company. But, Madison is like a bad rash that just keeps coming back. Lauren Layne has created a fantastic villain. I despise Madison, and it is so much fun to hate a truly nasty villain!

I really liked Mollie and Jackson. I was rooting for them to find their happy ending. This book is angsty – way more than I was expecting! When they were struggling with their relationship and their own feelings, I could literally feel my heart hurting for them. My tummy filled with butterflies from all of the romance and steamy scenes. One of the best parts of I Wish You Were Mine, and this series, series is the Oxford-Stiletto gang. It was great to check-in with Penelope and Cole. I love how this group has formed friends/family bonds and how fiercely they care for one another. (I’m dying for Lincoln’s book! I can’t wait to uncover his back-story!)

I’m becoming a BIG fan of Lauren Layne! The Oxford Series books have everything I hope for in a romance novel. I Wish You Were Mine is well written, emotionally charged, character driven, passionate and delightfully sentimental. I’m anxious for the next book in this series and one of these days, I’m going to fit the Stiletto series into my TBR. If you love a really enjoyable, character-fueled romance, you should definitely one-click this today!

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

Excerpt

Jackson took a sip. Perfection. Although what did it mean that Jackson’s life had turned into one where the highlight of his day was a well-made cocktail?

It wasn’t that Jackson needed the booze. He enjoyed it, certainly. Had relied on it more than he probably should have in those first few days when he’d gotten out of the hospital and come home to a whole lot of nothingness.

But these days he could take it or leave it.

Tonight, however, he was taking it. Sobriety had no place when you had to sit across from the most off-limits woman on the planet.

Knowing that didn’t stop the anticipation, however. He hadn’t seen her since she’d shown up in his hospital room to deliver a bag of Gatlin’s BBQ and . . .

His divorce papers.

That had been eight months ago.

He’d avoided her ever since, and he couldn’t even say why except that he’d avoided pretty much everyone. Jackson still spoke with his parents every Sunday, but everyone else—all the old teammates, the old neighbors—had eventually stopped calling.

Mollie hadn’t, though. Mollie had never given up on him. Until today, he hadn’t responded to a single text, a single email, and yet she hadn’t stopped sending them. That was Mollie for you. Fiercely loyal to both him and Madison, even when things had started to go to hell.

Mollie had been accepted to Columbia just about the time that he and Madison started coming apart at the seams. In hindsight, he was grateful that Mollie had been in New York when things started to go to hell in his marriage. That she hadn’t seen him at his worst.

At the time, however, he’d been hit with an unfair sense of abandonment. He hadn’t realized how much he’d come to rely on the much younger Mollie to mediate things between him and the volatile Madison until she was in a different time zone.

Even now, more than a decade since first meeting Mollie, he struggled to reconcile the fact that she and Madison had come from the same parents. Madison was perfectly coiffed, charming only when she was in the mood, and manipulative as all hell. Mollie, on the other hand, was adorably awkward—a brainy research assistant who cared a hell of a lot more about her scientific journals than her manicure.

But somewhere along the line, Mollie Carrington had ceased to be that awkward kid who talked about bugs at inopportune times. Somewhere along the line, she’d become his rock. The one person in the world, save for perhaps his parents, who always knew the exact right thing to say to make him feel like a human whenever he’d started to feel like a caricature of himself.

For years he’d tried to tell himself that it was just sibling affection—that he cared about her the way he would a sister. But then things had gotten worse with Madison—way worse. And Jackson had been hit upside the head with the truth: that maybe he’d married the wrong sister. That he didn’t want to spend the rest of his days married to the beautiful, brittle Madison.

He wanted someone who made him laugh. Who listened. Someone who cared more about people than she did about hair appointments.

Someone like Mollie.

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About the Author

Lauren Layne is the USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance.

Prior to becoming an author, Lauren worked in e-commerce and web-marketing. In 2011, she and her husband moved from Seattle to New York City, where Lauren decided to pursue a full-time writing career. It took six months to get her first book deal (despite ardent assurances to her husband that it would only take three). Since then, Lauren’s gone on to publish thirteen books, including the bestselling Stiletto series, with several more on the way in 2015.

Lauren currently lives in New York City with her husband and spoiled Pomeranian. When not writing, you’ll find her at happy hour, running at a doggedly slow pace, or trying to straighten her naturally curly
hair.

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Oxford Book One

Read BFF K’s 4.5 Rated Review

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Review – Appealed by Emma Chase

The New York Times bestselling author of the Tangled books returns with the third romance in the Legal Briefs series, a collection of sexy novels about first crushes, second chances, and the final verdict of the heart.

When Brent Mason looks at Kennedy Randolph, he doesn’t see the awkward, sweet girl who grew up next door. He sees a self-assured, stunning woman…who wants to crush the most intimate—and prized—parts of his anatomy beneath the heels of her Louboutins.

When Kennedy looks at Brent, all she sees is the selfish, Abercrombie & Fitch catalogue–worthy teenager who humiliated her in high school in order to join the popular crowd. A crowd that made those years a living hell for her.

But she’s not a lovesick social outcast anymore—she’s a Washington, DC, prosecutor with a long winning streak. Brent is the opposing attorney in her next case, and Kennedy thinks it’s time to put him through a little hell of his own.

But things aren’t exactly working out the way she planned. Brent has his sights set on Kennedy, and every fiery exchange only makes him want her more—and makes her wonder if he’s as passionate in the bedroom as he is in the courtroom. In the end, they may just find themselves in love…or in contempt of court.

Amazon Purchase Links

US Amazon Kindle Link for Appealed – Releasing January 19th

US Amazon Kindle Link for Overruled

US Amazon Kindle Link for Sustained

Amazon Kindle Link for the Legal Briefs Series

BFF K’s Review

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Appealed is the 3rd and final book in Emma Chase’s Legal Briefs series and I have to say, I’m sad to see this series come to an end. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Stanton, Sofia, Jake, Chelsea, Brent and Kennedy. The entire Legal Briefs Series is delightful and full of fun and romance. Emma Chase is the master of smart and funny novels from the Male POV!

Brent is hilarious – a comic book and pop culture virtuoso. He’s all alpha; self-assured, confident but well-adjusted thanks to years of therapy. He cares deeply about his friends and family. When Kennedy comes back into his life, he immediately determines that he will never let her slip through his fingers again. He begins to right some of the wrongs from their earlier years. Brent also makes sure that Kennedy knows the torch he carried for her as a teen is burning hotter than ever before. And by hot, I mean STEAMING hot!

Kennedy is no longer the awkward tween, she’s transformed into a talented, lovely, independent woman. She’s prepared to show Brent all that he’s missed. What she isn’t prepared for is his repentance for past mistakes and tenacious efforts to bring them back together; this time for good.

Appealed is a great contemporary romance. It has a terrific plot, phenomenal characters, interesting storylines, fun settings and plenty of butterfly-inducing, steamy romance. I highly recommend this entire series! The Extended Epilogue is the perfect conclusion to these stories. (The Legal Briefs series are standalone novels with interconnected characters. My reviews of Overruled and Sustained will be coming very soon.)

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

male point of view

About the Author

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Some of Emma’s favorite quotes from Tangled -“You are making me crazy!”
“Crazy like you want to rip my shirt off again?”
“No – crazy like the itch of a yeast infection that won’t go away!””And I will be damned if Kate Brooks is going to walk her ass in here and take that away from me. No matter how fine of an ass it may be.””Words are cheap. Actions win wars. Actions heal wounds.””It makes me want to kiss her and strangle her at the same time. I’ve never been into S&M. But I’m beginning to see its benefits.”