BFF K Review Archives - Page 17 of 19

Review – Bad Intentions by Nacole Stayton

She’s careful, but wants to be reckless.

She’s cute, but wants to be sexy.

She’s innocent, but wants to be bad.

When ex-Olympic gymnast, Adaley Knight wakes on her eighteenth birthday she only has one wish, to leave the only town she’s ever known and start fresh.

Finding herself enrolled at a college across the globe, the once modest Adaley is almost unrecognizable. Her new persona dances on the wild side by sinking her teeth into the first bad boy she sees. The only problem is he’s not the least bit interested.

Ryle Benson, baseball extraordinaire and brooding campus bad-boy keeps everyone at an arms length. Things have never come easy for him and the last thing he needs is getting involved with any female.

The tables are reversed as she tries to be bad, tempting fate, and he tries to fight his. The push and pull is half the fun. But what happens when one pushes a little too hard?

Game Piece for Bad Intentions Scavenger Hunt

(GIVEAWAY LINK CLICK HERE)

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BFF K’s Review

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ANGST! This is a book filled with ANGST! Adaley and Ryle are complex and complicated characters with interesting back stories and lots of drama. Ryle is a bad boy who wants to be good. He is working hard to reform himself and fulfill his dreams of professional baseball, proving himself to everyone around him. Adaley is a former Olympic caliber athlete and preacher’s kid who wants to try on the bad girl label for just a little while.

Adaley and Ryle find something in one another, a kindred spirit and the hope that things will get better and they can be who they are really meant to be. The push and pull as they come together – and then apart – and then together – and then apart, is the bulk of the story. I liked Adaley and Ryle and though I wish their stories and experiences had been even further developed (because there is a LOT there) I was pleased with the bulk of the story. There is some really great banter that is enjoyable, and a cast of supporting characters that are super fun and interesting.

BUT, be warned. There is a surprise ending. The book takes a couple of unexpected twists at the very end and to be honest, I wasn’t happy about that. Be prepared.

If you’re looking for an angsty, coming of age, new adult drama with witty banter and good characters – this is a solid choice. But, you’ve been forewarned!

An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

About the Author

Nacole Stayton is twenty-something years young and currently resides in the Bluegrass State where she spends her nights writing vigorously. She has a passion for helping others and wears her University of Kentucky gear proudly. While her husband loves all things outdoors, Nacole enjoys the finer things in life, like getting pedicures while reading on her Kindle. She is passionate about her faith, family, and The Vampire Diaries.

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Review – Black Number Four by Kandi Steiner

Known as one of the youngest and most ambitious poker players in the country, Skyler Thorne has a reputation to uphold in Vegas this year. Her sole focus for spring semester is to perfect her game and get tournament ready – and have some fun with her sorority sisters, of course. Meeting a care-free pledge with incredible arms adds a whole new element of fun to her semester, but when a shocking discovery about his past surfaces, Skyler finds herself stuck in a game she wasn’t prepared to play.

Kip Jackson is on a mission from his father. His plan was to get in, have a little fun, and then get out – on to bigger and better things. A feisty girl with bright blue eyes wasn’t on his list of things to do, but she quickly moves her way up to the very top. When he realizes completing his dad’s mission means crushing her in the process, he must decide if his dreams are worth the risk – or if he even has the same dreams, at all.Two secrets. Two hearts. Two hands being played in one twisted game of deceit. When the cards are on the table, will anyone be left standing?The perfect poker face can only hide them for so long.

BFF K’s Review

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Kandi Steiner has written a roller coaster NA romance. Skyler and Kip are college students with a lot on their plate. They are brought together by not-so-random circumstances, but their connection is genuine. Their story takes twists and turns that will leave you a little whiplashy. There’s a lot going on in the story. Through the first 50%, I thought there was TOO much going on. However, Steiner pulled the details together through the last 50%. I found myself rooting for Kip and Skyler. I wanted them to succeed as a couple and find a way to be together. The poker world/college students/fraternity and sorority settings are an interesting combo. But, that is also what makes the story unique. I enjoyed the read and I don’t think this will be the last Kandi Steiner story that you’ll find reviewed here!

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Buy Links

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Excerpt

We get to my apartment around noon and I throw together a couple of turkey sandwiches for us. By the time we finish eating, we’re both exhausted – both from paddleboarding and from not sleeping last night.

“Why don’t we take a shower and watch a movie?” I suggest as Skyler yawns.

“I don’t have any clothes here besides the ones I have on now and they’re all sandy.”

“You can borrow a pair of boxers and a shirt of mine.”

Skyler chews her lip, unsure. “I don’t know, I’m pretty tired.”

“So am I,” I say, standing and pulling her up with me. “So maybe we watch a movie and maybe we take a nap. Don’t leave yet. I barely see you during the week and I know there’s not many weekends where you don’t have sorority stuff going on.”

“I actually have a sisterhood event tonight.”

“See?” I pull her wrist and lead her toward my bedroom, which really is just my bed separated by hanging curtains on a rack. I rummage through my clothes until I find a clean shirt and pair of boxers, tossing them to her and pointing to the bathroom. “Towels are above the toilet in the cabinet, shampoo and shit’s in there.”

She still seems unsure, so I pull her into me and move the fallen strands of hair from her face. “Come on. Just for a few hours. You’ll feel better once you shower and I know you’re tired. You’re not going to get any sleep if you go home to your sorority house.”

At that she sighs and nods. “You’re probably right about that.”

I smile and nudge her toward the bathroom again.

“Fine,” she says. “But just for a little while. And no trying to ambush me in the shower, either.”

I hold up my hands in surrender. “I promise. You can shower in peace.”

“Mmm hmm,” she says, suspicious, but she walks to the bathroom and closes the door behind her.

I smile and start straightening my bed, turning on the TV to find something for us to watch. I’m flipping through the channels when I hear the shower turn on and the smile leaves my face. Suddenly, I’m completely aware of Skyler’s naked body in the other room.

Shaking my head, I focus on finding something to watch, willing my own body to behave. After a few minutes, I realize I’ve flipped through the channels three times now without stopping or even recognizing what I was seeing on the screen. I bite my lip hard, cross my arms, and pace.

Don’t do it. Don’t make this more complicated than it is. She trusts you, she’s opening up to you – that’s what you need from her. Poker. Poker. Poker.

That’s all.

I pace more. Back and forth. Back and forth. Before I know what I’m doing, my knuckles are knocking softly on the bathroom door. I have no idea what I’m going to say or what the fuck I’m doing, but I can’t stop my hands. The door opens slightly on the third knock, as if it wasn’t completely closed, and through the slit, I see Skyler.

She’s standing there shocked, her mouth open slightly as the water continues to drip down her body, running in rivers down over her breasts and meeting between her thighs. I swallow hard, unsure of my decision. I have nothing to ask, no reason to be staring at her through this door – but Skyler doesn’t cover herself, she doesn’t scream, she doesn’t tell me to get out.

I open the door a little further, still wondering what the hell I’m doing. I consider asking if she needs anything else, if she found a towel, something – but we both know I didn’t come in here to give her a towel.

“I suck at keeping promises,” I admit, just above a whisper, and I wish I could tell her I’m not just talking about the promise to not interrupt her shower.

“And I suck at pretending like I don’t want you.”

Playlist

Latch

Hannah Trigwell & Nick Howard

Chapter 1: Ante Up

Scene: “Latching onto the transfer already?”

Hell Yeah

Midnight Red

Chapter 1: Ante Up

Scene: “What do you say we make this party a little more interesting?”

Blank Space

Tyler Ward

Chapter 2: Lady Luck

Scene: “Passion can be a dangerous thing.”

Take U There

Jack U ft. Kiesza

Chapter 3: Ace

Scene: Ralph’s is packed when we arrive, which isn’t out of the ordinary for a Friday night.

Slow to Learn

Manchester Orchestra

Chapter 4: Deuces

Scene: I’ve been too damn distracted by how sexy she is when she’s schooling these tools.

Sledgehammer

Fifth Harmony

Chapter 5: Hot Table

Scene: There’s also the fact that I like being around him. I like it way more than I care to admit and that’s not good.

Heartbreaker

Jayme Dee

Chapter 5: Hot Table

Scene: He smiles and licks his lips, his eyes smoldering, which causes practically the entire chapter room to swoon.

Blame

Calvin Harris

Chapter 6: Nicely Played

Scene: But then I remember that I will hurt her, whether I want to or not. It will happen. It’s inevitable.

Shower

Becky G

Chapter 7: Two Can Play That Game

Scene: “How is it that you infuriate me yet turn me on at the same time?”

What Makes You Beautiful

Boyce Avenue

Chapter 8: Power Moves

Scene: “Hold me so I won’t float away?”

Try

Colbie Caillat

Chapter 9: Poker Face

Scene: “We’re just trying to help,” Ashlei says.

Life of the Party

Shawn Mendes

Chapter 10: Weakness

Scene: “I don’t care about what people think, Skyler. I know you do, but I don’t.

Break Free

Ariana Grande

Chapter 11: Angle Shooter

Scene: There isn’t another option in this game, no matter how badly I wish there was.

Lay Me Down (acoustic)

Sam Smith

Chapter 12: Blank

Scene: How was I supposed to know the kind of drug I was getting into?

Bumper Cars

Alex & Sierra

Chapter 13: Bluffing

Scene: I hate this. I hate this so, so much.

Here We Go Again

Mat Kearney

Chapter 14: Tilt

Scene: “You’re coming home with me tonight.”

Hideaway

Kiesza

Chapter 15: No Limit

Scene: I have no idea what I’m doing.

Same Sea

Lights

Chapter 16: Black Number Four

Scene: “I never thought studying could be so sexy,”

#GetItRight

Miley Cyrus

Chapter 16: Black Number Four

Scene: “You’re killing me, Sky,”

She Looks So Perfect

5 Seconds of Summer

Chapter 16: Black Number Four

Scene: “IT’S SPRING BREAK, BITCHES!”

Give Me Something

Alex & Siera

Chapter 16: Black Number Four

Scene: “Yeah, good luck with that game.

Surrender

Cash Cash

Chapter 17: Bad Beat

Scene: And the rest of the world can just deal with it.

Strip

Jessie J

Chapter 17: Bad Beat

Scene: “And what would make it perfect-perfect

Blame It On Me

Mapei

Chapter 17: Bad Beat

Scene: I can’t lose him.

Tenerife Sea

Ed Sheeran

Chapter 18: Rush

Scene: When we’re alone, that same electricity buzzes to life. The air feels tight, hot, charged.

All About You

Hilary Duff

Chapter 19: Game Changer

Scene: It’s crazy that a simple text can make my stomach flip like this, but it’s exactly what I needed.

Breathe Again

Sarah Bareilles

Chapter 19: Game Changer

Scene: I want him to fix it. To fix me.

It’s Not Over

Secondhand Serenade

Chapter 20: Downswing

Scene: “You don’t want to kiss me.” “Yes I do.”

Growing Up

Alex G

Chapter 21: Tell

Scene: As if I’m a glutton for punishment, I pull his oversized black t-shirt from my bag and slip it over my head, taking everything else off.

Pretending

Glee Cast

Chapter 22: Freezeout

Scene: For a moment she just stares at me, and I just stare at her. We don’t wave or nod or even really acknowledge that we’re both looking. We just look.

The Sun is Rising

Britt Nicole

Chapter 23: Game Over

Scene: And somewhere in those ocean blue eyes of his, I find what I’ve been searching for.

Stay With Me

Janxx

Chapter 23: Game Over

Scene: Love doesn’t care about the games we play.

Real Love

Clean Bandit & Jess Glynne

Chapter 24: Break Even

Scene: “I’m done leaving my life to chance. Black number four can suck it.”

Don’t Go Home Without Me

Lights

Epilogue: Heart

Scene: “I could get used to kisses like this.”

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 and Excerpt – Always You by Stephanie Rose

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

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

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

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

BFF K’s Review

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

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

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

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Buy Links

Amazon | Barnes And Noble

Excerpt

“Shit, Sam! Baby Girl, are you okay?”

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

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

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

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

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

About The Author

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

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

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

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

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

Goodreads |Facebook | Twitter | TSU

Giveaway

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Review – Confessions of a Reformed Tom Cat by Daisy Prescott

I, Thomas Clifford Donnely, am a manwhore.

I’ve been told I’m irresistible to women. Like catnip for a different type of pussy-cat. I guess you could call me a Tom Cat.

This is the story about how I lost my wingman, broke all my own rules, and found myself falling in love.

Tom Donnelly isn’t the marrying kind, or the dating kind. Even after losing his #1 wingman to love, he doesn’t see the point in relationships. When his sister’s best friend returns to Whidbey Island and propositions Donnelly for a one-night stand, he breaks one of his biggest rules—no fooling around with his sisters’ friends. It’s just sex, nothing more. That’s what Tom does and does well.

What happens when “just sex” isn’t enough?

Hailey King is more than a match for Tom’s flirtations. She’s known him most of her life and has heard the rumors about his “skills” for years. When her perfectly planned future falls apart, will the last man she should ever fall for turn out to be more than a one-night stand?

BFF K’s Review

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Confession: I have a book crush on Tom Donnely! MEOW! The Tom Cat has always been one of my favorite side characters in the Modern Love Stories series, but until this book he sort of just stalked around the edges pouncing on his prey. This story brought him front and center and then turned his world upside down. Getting a glimpse of Tom (and the whole Donnely family) was a fun ride.

As a reader, you get the chance to see a different side of Tom – he’s unassuming, loyal, humble, creative, caring and generous. Though he hides many of those qualities behind his playboy image, Hailey seems to bring those best qualities to the forefront. It is fun to watch the carefully constructed walls and persona that Tom has crafted begin to crumble before he even realizes it.

This book is FUNNY, I cracked up when I went back and read quote after highlighted quote.

“Guys move shit that needs moving. I think it’s in the sacred book of being friends, especially in the men being friends with women chapter. On page forty-two: Have a penis? Thou shall move shit.”

Tom is clever and funny and his confessions are a riot. I enjoyed the banter Tom has with his friends and Hailey and I really enjoyed his internal monologue. The sex scenes are steamy, but still painted with the “book-sex-meets-reality” humor that Daisy Prescott is so skilled at capturing! All in all Confessions of a Reformed Tom Cat is a wonderful little feel good romance that adds even more characters to the beloved world of the Modern Love Stories series. The characters and stories make this series one of my all time Besties AND most recommended. It’s my kind of catnip!

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Buy Links:

Amazon iTunes Barnes and Noble

Daisy Prescott Bio:

Before writing bestselling contemporary adult romances, I dreamed of being an author while doing a lot of other things. Antiques dealer, baker, blue ribbon pie-maker, fangirl, freelance writer, gardener, pet mom and wife are a few of the other titles I’ve acquired over the years.

Born and raised in San Diego, I currently lives in a real life Stars Hollow in the Boston suburbs with my husband, our dog Hubbell, and an imaginary house goat.

Enter Daisy’s Giveaway!!

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Review – Floored by Melanie Harlow

The new release of Floored has it all! Be sure to read through the end of this post!

Review, Excerpt, Links to reviews of the other books in the series AND a Giveaway!

Erin Upton is too embarrassed to tell the cops what she was really doing while her townhouse was burglarized, especially since the first officer on the scene is former nuisance next door Charlie Dwyer. Where’s the justice in the world when a neighborhood know-it-all grows up to be six-foot-three inches of solid muscle with gorgeous green eyes and a slow, sexy please-arrest-me-now-officer smile? It’s bad enough she’s wearing her robe and slippers—did he have to notice her fuzzy hand cuffs on the bathroom sink?

He’s arrogant as he ever was, which is fine by her—she’s too busy with her dance studio’s grand opening to make time for a man. But they keep crossing paths, and

when Charlie offers to help her put in new flooring at the studio one night, things go from hammering nails to hammering each other in a hurry. And about those hand cuffs…

They agree it’s a one-time thing. But when that becomes a two-time thing, then a three-time thing, Erin starts to wonder if maybe she and Charlie could be a life-time thing. Her best friends Mia and Coco found love in unexpected places. Is it finally her turn?

Goodreads

Buy it here:

Amazon

iBooks

BFF K’s Review

rating_4.5

There’s no doubt in my mind that Melanie Harlow saved the very best story for the end of the Frenched series! I absolutely adored the story of Erin and Charlie. It’s sweet and steamy. I loved Erin! When I started the book I felt like she was really the least known and understood of the Frenched series heroines. She had made appearances in the other books, but I didn’t feel like I really knew her.

I really loved getting inside Erin’s head. She was a great character with a good heart and wonderful intentions. And, she proved a worthy partner for new-comer Charlie. Swoon! Charlie is absolutely charming and endearing. Woooo – can he bring the steam with his dirty mouth and big ideas! One of my favorite parts was how Charlie teases Erin. He brings out a lighter side for her and it was fun to read.

AND – the epilogue was a bright bow on the wonderful present that has been the Frenched series!

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Read BFF K’s Reviews for the Frenched Series

Frenched

Forked

Floored Excerpt

I waited under my covers the entire time the police were checking the house, about twenty minutes. I had the phone under there with me, and I called both Mia and Coco, but neither of them answered their phones. I left messages, telling them what happened and begging both of them to call me back. I would’ve called my mother, but she’d left this morning for a twelve-day religious pilgrimage to Spain. I should have gone with her, like she wanted me to. Now God is punishing me! He knows I have unholy thoughts about Brad Pitt (a married man!) and now I have to pay for it!

A knock sounded on my locked bedroom door, making me jump.

“Ma’am? We’ve checked the house. There’s no one here.” The officer’s voice was deep and reassuring. “When you’re ready, we’d like to speak with you. We’ll wait in the kitchen.”

I peeked out from the covers, eyeing the door suspiciously. “How do I know you’re really the police and not the intruder?”

“Well, you could open the door and take a look at me in uniform.”

“No way. Slide your badge under the door or something.” That’s what they did in the movies, right?

“Come on, Erin. Open the door.”

“No. And how do you know my name?”

“The police department has all kinds of useful information, like who lives where. Either that or I’m psychic.”

I made a face at the door. Did I know this guy? His voice was familiar somehow, but I couldn’t think of who it could be. “I’m not in the mood for jokes.”

“You never did have much of a sense of humor. Now come on out and see me in uniform. I think you’ll be impressed. The ladies usually are.”

My jaw dropped. Who on earth was this? Curiosity got the better of me, and I threw the covers off and jumped out of bed. In front of the door I paused for a second, my hand on the handle, thinking that if it was a scary hairy madman I’d be ready to give him a great big grand battement to the balls. Then I turned the handle and yanked it open.

Oh dear.

Oh dear.

The crazy thing was, he was so handsome I had the fleeting thought this whole burglary thing was a hoax and this “cop” was actually a stripper. For a second I just stared at him, half expecting him to rip open his shirt at the chest and start gyrating.

Confession: I really, really wished he would. (For a couple of reasons.)

But he didn’t.

“Have I changed that much, Red?”

It hit me. “Oh my God. Charlie Dwyer. You’re a cop?”

He smiled, and if he hadn’t been such a turd when we were younger, I might have melted right there at his feet. As it was, I could only shake my head in disbelief at this nightmare—not only had more than two thousand dollars’ worth of electronics been stolen from my townhouse while I was upstairs getting myself off, but here to protect me was the bully next door who’d kidnapped my hamster for ransom and held up my charity lemonade stand with a Taser. And he was drop-dead gorgeous! Where was the justice in the world?

GIVEAWAY

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About the Author

Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her lipstick red, and her history with the naughty bits left in. She lifts her glass to readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI.

Website: http://www.melanieharlow.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelanieHarlow

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7095467.Melanie_Harlow?from_search=true

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelanieHarlow2

Review – The Album by Ashley Pullo

Five Friends.

Five narratives.

One Epic Soundtrack.

The Album
Location: New York City (TriBeCa, Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill)

Setting: 1996-2013

Characters:
Chloe LeGrange – talented musician searching for a purpose
Natalie LeGrange – lovable bad girl chasing her dreams
Adam Ford – perceptive attorney longing for a surprise
Zach Parker – philosophical Marine defending love
Chris Brooks – charming Texan with perpetual bad timing

Objective:
Unexpected encounters and brushes with fate construct a web of stories about the journey of love and acceptance.

Themes:
Fate, acceptance, sex, drugs, and really good music.

Genre:
Indie/Romance/Humor/Drama

The Album is a journey following five friends over the course of two decades. Set against the timeless backdrop of New York City, their story is a classic retelling of what it means to follow your dreams, accept reality, and have a lot of fun in the process.

BFF K’s Review

Stop what you’re doing BFFs! This book is a must read, instant BFF Bestie! I just finished this weekend and I think I’m still in a book fog. It is so fantastic; an epic story of interwoven characters, spanning years, a few countries, countless pop culture references, heart-break, romance, incredible love, a little angst and moments that will make your heart plummet and soar. All of this set to the most amazing playlists.

This is the incredible story of characters and lives that are layered together and intertwined whether the characters know it or not. It is thoughtful, heartfelt, well-written and refreshing. The Album is the kind of book that leaves you savoring passages and re-reading highlights to embrace the characters just one more time.

In thinking about my review, I tried to decide which character I liked best or which scenes or lines I should highlight to share. I came to the conclusion that I simply LOVE it all. I adore all of the characters for the way that they’re uniquely and fully developed and shared on the page. I can’t identify one that I love more than the other, but the way it all comes together is nothing short of exquisite.

Has this ever happened to you: you’ve finished a book, but all you can do is think about it? Maybe you pick it up and re-read a few lines again? And you go about your regular day thinking about the characters in a really unhealthy way, like obsessively? And you want to get over the book, but you don’t want the experience to be over? So, you go online and obsessively look up information on the book and things related – like songs and quotes and mildly stalk the author? (Like in a fun fangirl way, not showing up on her front stoop kind of stalking….) Yeah, so that might be how I feel about The Album.

When I finished, I started frantically sending texts and messages encouraging all of my friends to buy and read this book. I want every one of my friends to have the shared experience of loving this book. Consider this a personal nudge from me to you…Read this book now! The Ballad releases on December 11 and you’ll be waiting to read it too!

I am so taken by this book and the author that we’re giving you the opportunity to win some wonderful prizes in celebration of the book.

Thank you to Ashley Pullo for donating a SIGNED COPY of The Album to one lucky U.S. winner! And, a special shout out to Daisy Prescott, another one of my favorite authors for recommending this book and gifting me a copy. Show her some love in this Rafflecopter too. Both of these women are fantastically fun and you’ll love getting to know them and getting their newsletters!

Buy it today on Amazon

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About the Author

Let me just preface by saying, I adore her. Ashley is generous, talented and funny. Check out our next post to learn more about Ashley as she answers BFF K’s questions about The Album in our VERY FIRST Author Interview, “That’s What She Said.” (Thanks for the title, Ashley!)

The Lone Star State will always be my home, but fifteen years ago, I took the plunge and became a New Yorker. NYC is an amazing place to find inspiration in my daily surroundings–the random and the ordinary that make up reality. My writing showcases inspired ideas, as well as my love for dichotomy, authenticity and humor.

When not sitting in front of the TV devouring my favorite shows, I can be found at a soccer game with my husband and two children.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AshleyPullo
Twitter: @ashpullo
My NEW AMAZING WEBSITE http://www.ashleypullo.com
Or find me at any local Starbucks around 3 p.m.

Review – Forked by Melanie Harlow

Twenty-eight year old Coco Thomas knows the recipe for disaster:

1) Agree to plan last-minute engagement blowout for spoiled Mafia princess before you realize her choice of caterer is Nick Lupo, a despicably gorgeous young chef with a hot new restaurant in town, a reality TV show victory, and a romantic past with you—one that did not end well.

2) Strike a deal with Nick in which you agree to spend a weekend with him in exchange for his services, under the strict conditions there will be no talking about the past, no second chances, and definitely no sex.

3) Violate all three conditions within 24 hours and spend two glorious days remembering what made you fall for the sexy, egotistical bastard in the first place, and why it hurt so much when he broke your heart.

Add one road trip, plenty of good scotch, and endless spoonfuls of chocolate cake batter drizzled over your body and licked off inch by oh-my-God-yes-right-there inch, then just admit it.

You’re totally FORKED.

BFF K’s Review

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Such a good book! Steamy, butterfly-inducing, second chance at love!

I love the way that Melanie Harlow writes female characters that I can relate to. They’re funny and flawed and very human. Coco is career oriented with big dreams, goals and ambitions. One of those goals is moving out of her parents house. She has an eye on her dream home, but the money will be tight. Enter the event that will help her swing the down payment and bring her face to face with the boy who broke her heart.

Nick Lupo is smoking hot, hard-working and successful. But, he’s broken Coco’s heart more than once, can she trust him again? Learning their shared history was a fun, sweet, walk down memory lane. I could quickly see all of the reasons that Coco loved Nick so deeply. And, getting to know Coco, you understand all of the reasons why Nick is drawn to her as well. BUT, can she get over her justifiable hurt and actually trust him again? I could understand all of Coco’s feelings and the emotions driving her decisions and actions.

The book is a terrific and builds to the perfect end where Nick pulls out all the stops to win back the love of his life! I really loved Frenched by Melanie Harlow. Lucas and Mia, the stars of Frenched, have a wonderful love story set in PARIS! Swoon. And, you’ll catch glimpses of Lucas and Mia (and her lists) – it’s like going to visit old friends!

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FOR A LIMITED TIME – Buy Frenched, Novella Yanked and Forked as a set!

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Excerpt

“Spend the weekend with me.”

I shrank back. “Spend the weekend with you! Are you crazy? No!”

“Why not?” he asked, like it would be perfectly normal to spend a weekend with someone you hadn’t seen since he ditched you in the Bellagio bridal suite seven years ago.

“Because it’s ridiculous! I can’t even believe you’re asking me to…do that.” I gestured wildly between us, totally hot and bothered.

“Do what?”

“That.”

“I just want to spend time with you,” he said, his face the picture of innocence. “You’re the one who’s reading into it.”

I dropped my hands in my lap and cocked my head. “Really. You ask me to spend the weekend with you and you’re telling me you’re not thinking about sex?”

“Well, now that you mention it—”

“I’m not mentioning it. I’m vetoing it. Unequivocally.” I looked at the glasses on our wooden tray, desperate to find some drop of alcohol we’d overlooked. The absinthe was the only thing left, and even though it wasn’t my favorite, I took a less-than-advisable sized swallow. And then another, grimacing as the alcohol burned its way down my esophagus.

“What’s the problem?” he asked.

“You. Trying to get me in bed after all these years.”

“I’m not trying to get you in bed, Coco. I mean, I wouldn’t kick you out of it, but I was serious about wanting to spend time with you. Look.” He put his hands on the tops of my legs and leaned into me, the bastard. “I know you don’t really forgive me for leaving you in Vegas. And maybe you’re right—maybe getting married so young was a dumb idea, maybe it would have failed anyway, but leaving the way I did was wrong, and I’ve spent the last seven years feeling horrible about it. We spent all that time together, and I don’t even know you anymore. I’d like to know you again. As a human being. As a friend. That’s all.”

It was exactly what I’d been thinking earlier, but somehow it didn’t sound plausible coming from him. “This would be a little more convincing if your hands weren’t on my thighs.”

“But I like your thighs.”

My brain struggled to move beyond the feeling of his palms through the fabric of my dress. I had the crazy feeling that if I lifted my skirt I’d see his handprints burned into my skin. “Is this how you get to know all your female friends? Invite them to move in for a weekend?”

“Not all of them. Just the hot ones.”

“Funny.” He still thinks I’m hot. Warmth flooded my veins. I was starting to get that dangerous feeling, the one I get when I really, really want something, and no matter how impractical the shoe or fattening the cheesecake or expensive the scotch, I just can’t bring myself to walk away. How easy, how delightful it would be to jump back into his bed. But then what? Could I trust myself not to fall for him again?

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Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her lipstick red, and her history with the naughty bits left in. She lifts her glass to readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI.

Website: http://www.melanieharlow.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelanieHarlow

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelanieHarlow2

Review – Frenched by Melanie Harlow

When Tucker Branch, playboy heir to Branch Bolt and Screw, screws and bolts a week before their wedding, Mia Devine wants nothing more than to crawl under her newly monogrammed sheets and plan a funeral for her dignity. But her friends convince her that bitter tastes better when it’s drowned in Bordeaux, so Mia grits her teeth and packs her bags, determined to make the best of her luxurious Paris honeymoon—alone.

She never planned on meeting Lucas Fournier.

The easygoing bartender’s scruffy good looks and less-than-sympathetic ear annoy her at first, but when she takes him up on his offer to show her around the city, she discovers that the romance of Paris isn’t just a myth.

Nor is the simultaneous O.

The last thing Mia needs is another doomed love affair, but since she only has a week, she figures she might as well enjoy la vie en O with Lucas while she can. But each day—and night—with Lucas is better than the last, and suddenly her heart is telling her this is more than a rebound fling.

Is it just the seduction of Paris…or could this be the real thing?

BFF K’s Review

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Mia is a list maker (I can relate). She’s a planner. Everything in her life is orderly, picture perfect. She’s an event planner and approaches her life with the same precision and detail that executes flawless events. So, being left at the alter is a serious blow her perfectly penciled existence. Her best friends convince her to take the honeymoon trip to Paris solo. Against her better judgement, she escapes to Paris.

Mia collides with Lucas and he sets out to convince her to stay in Paris, embrace the experience and enjoy herself. What comes next is a whirlwind tour of Paris and a love story that will make your heart beat fast and your toes curl! I suddenly have urges to plan a trip to Paris….

After Mia and Lucas’ story, comes Coco and Nick’s story. Each book is a standalone, but if you read Frenched NOW, you’ll be ready for Forked which just released!

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Buy Links

FOR A LIMITED TIME – Buy Frenched, Novella Yanked and Forked as a set!

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Or, buy Frenched alone!

Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her lipstick red, and her history with the naughty bits left in. She lifts her glass to readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI.

Website: http://www.melanieharlow.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelanieHarlow

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7095467.Melanie_Harlow?from_search=true

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelanieHarlow2

Review – Skip to the Good Part

**Today we have the release day launch of Skip to the Good Part, a sexy new collection of the hottest scenes from 20 phenomenal authors. We are so excited to share it!!!**

About Skip to the Good Part:

Skip to the Good Part: 20 Authors Reveal Their Steamiest Scenes offers face-fanning romance and tie-me-up sizzle (and everything in between) from top authors including New York Times and USA Today bestsellers.

The collection features a British alpha who wants to turn a good girl bad, a woman realizing her impetuous marriage to a stripper isn’t all bad, a bad-boy boxer who could use a large dose of sexual healing, a carnie who has found new and inventive uses for fun house mirrors, and a rocker who wants to woo the girl who got away: his high school sweetheart.

Read 20 of the best steamy scenes in contemporary romance and erotic romance today. This 250-page collection will get your blood pumping, your heart racing, and your skin tingling—you’re sure to discover a new favorite.

Due to the graphic nature of some content, this collection is recommended strictly for mature readers.

New York Times best-selling authors:

USA Today best-selling authors:

Christine Bell | Rebecca Shea | Andrea Smith

Featuring:

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BFF K’s Review

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So…….This book delivers exactly what it promises, in spades! Whew!

Have you ever highlighted or dog-eared a “certain scene” in one of your favorite reads? It’s OK, you don’t have to raise your hand. No need to publicly acknowledge this practice. (But, you’ve done it right? We all have!) Well, with this book, there’s no highlighting or bookmarks required. The entire book is a series of one steamy scene after another, lovingly curated, placed in one stunning package and tied up with a big, red bow!

Chances are, you’ll have the opportunity to re-visit a scene or two from one of your old favorites; but you’ll also get a glimpse into stories from a new book or author you haven’t had the chance to read yet! (Add about 10 more books to my TBR list!) I really liked the formatting of this anthology. Each scene is briefly set with back story, then you #SkipToTheGoodPart and finally finish up with a little more information about the book, the characters and the author.

Since we’re close to the holidays, I’ll compare this book to the delicious side dishes at your Thanksgiving feast. The stories are tasty, excellent in big portions or small bites, always good enough to nibble on again and they’re piping HOT!

Dig in and Enjoy!

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Enter the fantastic giveaway!!

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Review – The Duet by R.S. Grey

When 27-year-old pop sensation Brooklyn Heart steps in front of a microphone, her love songs enchant audiences worldwide. But when it comes to her own love life, the only spell she’s under is a dry one.

So when her label slots her for a Grammy performance with the sexy and soulful Jason Monroe, she can’t help but entertain certain fantasies… those in which her G-string gets more play than her guitars’.

Only one problem. Jason is a lyrical lone wolf that isn’t happy about sharing the stage—nor his ranch — with the sassy singer. But while it may seem like a song entitled ‘Jason Monroe Is an Arrogant Ho’ basically writes itself, their label and their millions of fans are expecting recording gold…

They’re expecting The Duet.

BFF K’s Review

AND a 1/2

This book was such a sweet surprise! I had no idea what to expect, but I LOVED every second of it! I read the entire book in a day. (That’s crazy fast for me and means I’m ignoring my family, eating only things that don’t require actual cooking and avoiding most forms of human interaction.) It was that good!

There were so many times during this book that I was literally Laughing Out Loud! There are only a handful of books that I can say really made me laugh and this book shoots to the top of that list. I want to see this made into a movie. Immediately. I can picture the scenes already.

Jason will make you swoon. Brooklyn will make you laugh. Cammie will make you long for a sister just like her! I want to live in this world with all of these characters as my BFF’s! I want re-read this sometime soon (it’s that good) and I can’t wait until Cammie and Grayson’s story releases Spring 2015!

If you’re looking for a light, fun, sweet, book with great characters and stories that will make you wipe tears of joy from you face – pick this book up TODAY!

The Duet will be priced at $2.99 for two days post-release, then the price will bump to $3.99!

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Read an Excerpt Here

About the Author:

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

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

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