Review – Red Blooded by Caitlin Sinead

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Instead of eating ramen and meeting frat guys like most college freshmen, Peyton Arthur is on the campaign trail. Traveling with her mother, the Democratic pick for vice president, she’s ordering room service, sneaking glances at cute campaign intern Dylan and deflecting interview questions about the tragic loss of her father. But when a reporter questions her paternity, her world goes into a tailspin.

Dylan left Yale and joined the campaign to make a difference, not keep tabs on some girl. But with the paternity scandal blowing up and Peyton asking questions, he’s been tasked to watch her every move. As he gets to know the real Peyton, he finds it harder and harder to keep a professional distance.

When the media demands a story, Peyton and Dylan give them one—a fake relationship. As they work together to investigate the rumors about her real father and Peyton gets closer to learning the truth, she’s also getting closer to Dylan. And suddenly, it’s not just her past on the line anymore. It’s her heart.

BFF K’s Review

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I love a good political plot and Red Blooded by Caitlin Sinead delivered loads of happiness! This is a coming of age story set with the backdrop of a political campaign. Peyton’s mother is the United States Vice Presidential Candidate in the middle of a contentious campaign. Peyton’s father was a best selling author who wrote a book about life and death as he was dying of cancer. The whole world feels as though they know Peyton even as she’s trying to figure out who she is.

Most chapters in Red Blooded begin with what is supposed to be an excerpt from Peyton’s father’s book. It’s typically an anecdote about something funny or poignant from their lives. I LOVED this part. These snippets perfectly set the scene for each chapter and kept the book moving along. And, I really felt as though these insights were critical to the story, the plot and the characters. I found them clever and moving and insightful. And, FYI (Caitlyn Sinead, I’m talking to you) – if that was actually a book written about life and dying, I would totally read it! Well done!

Dylan is a good guy, pulled from the hustle and bustle of the campaign trail (which he loves) to assist Peyton with her media and campaign related tasks. He has a heck of a time keeping her and her inquisitive nature out of trouble. He struggles with his need to be a professional political operative and his growing care for Peyton. The bulk of the story centers around a mystery over the true identity of Peyton’s father. Her curiosity is peaked and she spends the majority of the book on a journey to discover the truth. Peyton is a strong, new adult, female character with poise and grace and intelligence. Her humanity and authenticity made the book come alive.

Red Blooded is a quick read, but it doesn’t skimp on the character development. If you enjoy political plot lines, you’ll definitely delight in this well crafted story!

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An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review

 

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About Caitlin Sinead

Caitlin Sinead is represented by Andrea Somberg at Harvey Klinger, Inc. and her debut novel, Heartsick, is available now from Carina Press. Her writing has earned accolades from Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, Glimmer Train, and Writers & Artists, and her stories have appeared in multiple publications, including The Alarmist, The Binnacle, Crunchable, Jersey Devil Press, and Northern Virginia Magazine. She earned a master’s degree in writing from Johns Hopkins University.

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Review – Hot in the Hamptons Series

 BFF K’s Review of Hot in the Hamptons

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Hot in the Hamptons is just that – HOT, HOT, HOT! This set of 3 novellas is the quintessential beach read! They’re fast, fun and super sexy! I absolutely fell in love with Kelsey and Sean, Leigh and Nick, Storme and Holden.

Kelsey fulfills her life-long lifeguard fantasy with the super sexy Sean!

Leigh shares her most life altering secret with the sure and steady Nick.

Storme and Holden put their lives and expectations on hold to diacover if their chemistry is the real deal and OMG, You’ll want to find a Holden!

I <3 Jennifer Probst! I hate to single out one of these authors because the stories and styles flow together effortlessly, but Probst has become one of my go-to’s for great stories!

This is the summer that changes EVERYTHING! What seemed like a carefree last blast is that and so much more for these 3 BFFs. These are novellas, so the stories are quick and succinct. You’re not going to get rich character development and back and forth angst that lasts chapter after chapter. You will get super fun, incredibly sexy, quick reads that are perfect for the beach or a day by the pool. If you’re looking for quick but fulfilling romantic stories with fun characters in an idyllic setting, make this your last summer blast!

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An ARC of each book in the series was received in exchange for an honest review.

 

Backlit Sexy Blond Girl In White Bikini

SUMMER DREAMING by Liz Matis

I’m looking for a hero. Not.

You’d think as a new college grad I’d be looking for the perfect job and the perfect man. Well, I’m not. Summer is here and instead of plotting my future, I’m playing in the Hamptons with my two best friends. Sun and sex is all I’m

looking for. Then I meet Sean Dempsey, my fantasy lifeguard in the flesh. But he is more than just a hot bod with a whistle. And after he makes a daring save, I’m thinking a hero is exactly what I’ve been looking for all along.

To the rescue…

By day I guard the beaches in the Hamptons, by night I’ve had my fair share of summer flings. Then I meet Kelsey Mitchell, a girl with eyes like the setting

sun and I burn for more. Something I have no right to ask of her…forever.

Love burns hotter in the Hamptons. Come play.

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SUMMER TEMPTATION by Wendy S. Marcus

Meet Leigh DeGray…

After graduating college with honors and landing the job of my dreams in New York City, I’m off to The Hamptons to spend the summer with my two best friends.

My life seems perfect, right? It’s not. The truth is, I have a secret that may make the future I’d planned so carefully completely fall apart. A hot summer romance is the absolute last thing I’m looking for… Until I meet a man who tempts me like no other and shows me a hot summer romance is exactly what I need.

Meet Nick Kenzy…

After two years of working my ass off as a Wall Street analyst, I’m out of a job, with no warning, no thank you, and no severance. Am I angry? You’re damn right I am. So when I head to the Hamptons for the weekend to spend time with my granddad, I plan to regroup and relax before I return to the city to hit the job search hard. I don’t need any distractions. Then I meet Leigh. Suddenly, a summer temptation makes me question everything I want for my future…

Love burns hotter in the Hamptons. Come play.

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summer sins by Jennifer Probst 300dpi

SUMMER SINS by Jennifer Probst

Summer fun before my wedding…

I have one goal this summer. Hang with my besties for some much needed sun, sand, and relaxation while I put the final touches on my idyllic wedding. I didn’t count on meeting a smart-mouthed, bad boy biker whose gaze burns hotter than a beach bonfire. I never planned to lose myself, body and soul, and question my entire future. Now, I have to make a choice that’s tearing me apart, and could shatter the lives of the two men I love…

Turns into summer sins….

I have one goal this summer. CHILL. Do nothing. Nada. I need simple before I have to head into Manhattan to take on a high powered position on Wall Street. I didn’t count on a dark haired, inky- eyed spitfire who’d spin my world upside down, or make me burn for things I never thought I wanted. I vowed to make her my summer fling, but had no idea she was claimed by another. And now that she possessed not only my body but my soul, the stakes are too high for me to lose her…

Love burns hotter in the Hamptons. Come play.

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Review – Truth or Beard by Penny Reid

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Truth or Beard
by Penny Reid
Winston Brothers #1
Publication Date: July 23, 2015
Genres: Contemporary, Humor, Romance

Tour: Truth or Beard by Penny Reid

Beards, brothers, and bikers! Oh my!

Identical twins Beau and Duane Winston might share the same devastatingly handsome face, but where Beau is outgoing and sociable, Duane is broody and reserved. This is why Jessica James, recent college graduate and perpetual level headed good girl, has been in naïve and unhealthy infatuation with Beau Winston for most of her life.

His friendly smiles make her tongue-tied and weak-kneed, and she’s never been able to move beyond her childhood crush. Whereas Duane and Jessica have always been adversaries. She can’t stand him, and she’s pretty sure he can’t stand the sight of her…

But after a case of mistaken identity, Jessica finds herself in a massive confusion kerfuffle. Jessica James has spent her whole life paralyzed by the fantasy of Beau and her assumptions of Duane’s disdain; therefore she’s unprepared for the reality that is Duane’s insatiable interest, as well as his hot hands and hot mouth and hotter looks. Not helping Jessica’s muddled mind and good girl sensibilities, Duane seems to have gotten himself in trouble with the local biker gang, the Iron Order.
Certainly, Beau’s magic spell is broken. Yet when Jessica finds herself drawn to the man who was always her adversary, now more dangerous than ever, how much of her level-head heart is she willing to risk?

Series Description:
Everyone in Green Valley, Tennessee knows that the six bearded Winston brothers have been imbued with an unfair share of charm and charisma… and are prone to mischief.

Truth or Beard is book #1 in the Winston Brother’s series. Each book is a standalone, full length (110k words), contemporary romantic comedy novel, and follows the romantic exploits and adventures of one of the six Winston Brothers.

BFF K’s Review

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I want a Winston Brother! Please! There are 6 5 of them! I’m not terribly picky, any of them will do. They’re all tall, bearded, beautiful, bright, caring, conflicted, complicated, sensitive, manly-MEN and I can’t get enough!

I was first introduced to the Winston Brothers in Beauty and the Mustache, book 4 in Penny Reid’s fantastic Knitting in the City Series. The entire Winston family took on a life of its own in that book. And, I was thrilled to know that we would be exploring the Great Smokey Mountains with this crew for a whole new series. Book #1 is amazing, incredible, fantastic and kicks off this series in the best possible ways. The ways that leave you craving more and more and more! NOW!

SIDE NOTE – I have a girl crush/author crush on Penny Reid. I would read absolutely anything she writes, and so far, I think I almost have. She is hilarious and fun. Her books are witty and give me ALL the feels. She writes SMART characters and books that are on a whole ‘nother level. The characters are all intelligent and INDIVIDUAL, unique and mature, clean cut and a little bad-ass. There is depth and substance. If you are on Facebook, be sure to follow Penny Reid and if you really want in on the fun, her reader group, Sharks of Awesome is just that – awesome-ly fabulous!

Duane Winston is……so hard to describe because he gives me all the feels. He and Jessica come together in an awkward case of mistaken twin. But, this occurrence causes Jessica to come to terms with her feelings for both Duane and his brother Beau. She quickly realizes that it’s Duane she wants. But, does Jessica want Duane more than her dreams to travel the world or can she reconcile those two desires? Duane has been pining for Jessica since childhood and has plans and ideas for their coming together and their future. This is a story of reconciling expectations with reality to find something better than you ever imagined.

The entire book is fantastic! Full of butterflies and fun. I was up until all hours of the night and sneaking in page turns wherever possible. You won’t want to put it down, but you won’t want it to end. The only thing I can say is BUY THIS BOOK! And, if you haven’t already read them all, start saving your money to purchase the entire Penny Reid library!

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An ARC was received from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Links to buy Truth or Beard

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About Penny Reid

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SEX! It all started with sex, between my parents. Personally I don’t like thinking about it, but whatever works for you is a-ok with me. No judgment. The sex happened in California and much of my life also occurred in that state until I moved from the land of nuts (almonds), wine, silicon… boobs, and heavy traffic to the southeast US. Like most writers I like to write, but let’s get back to sex. Eventually I married and gave birth to 2 small people-children (boy-6, girl-4 as of this writing).

By day I’m a biomedical researcher with focus on rare diseases. By night I’m a knitter, sewer, lino block carver, fabric printer, soap maker, and general crafter. By the wee hours of the morning or when I’m intoxicated I love to listen to the voices in my head and let them tell me stories. I hope you enjoy their stories.

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Review – Every Other Saturday by MJ Pullen

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BFF Book Blog is pleased to bring you our review for the upcoming release of Every Other Saturday by M.J. Pullen! This is an absolutely wonderful book that I can’t recommend enough!

 

 

From romantic comedy author M.J. Pullen comes a unique story about finding help when you need it most, and love where you expect it least.

Even though their daughters have been in the same Jewish preschool class for three years, struggling store owner Julia Mendel and sports blogger Dave “from the Man Cave” Bernstein have never gotten along. She sees him as a definitely arrogant, possibly misogynist symbol of everything that’s wrong with the men in her life. He sees her as the odd, short-tempered PTA president, out to make his life more difficult at every opportunity.

As part of his job, Dave accepts an on-air challenge: go out with a different woman from a Jewish dating site every Saturday for the next four months, and blog the results. He quickly secures his daughter’s favorite preschool teacher (and super-nanny) Ms. Elizabeth to make the experiment possible. Little does he know Julia is in desperate need of the same sitter for the same schedule, so that she can take a part-time job while pacifying her son, who has severe OCD.

A confrontation in the carpool lane leads to an uneasy compromise: they will pool their resources to share Ms. Elizabeth’s services every-other Saturday night. After a while, Dave finds himself sharing his dating stories with non-Jewish Julia across her kitchen table; while she reluctantly turns to him for the masculine perspective – especially for her son – she’s been missing since her divorce. As the Saturdays wear on, however, they may discover they have more in common than car seats and custody schedules.

BFF K’s Review

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I love that this is not an NA story, which seems weird to say, because I love the coming of age stories. But this is a book about already-adults. Real grown-ups dealing with intense and sometimes confusing emotional issues. But, they’re grow-ups and I can relate to them in a way that I can relate to very few other characters.

The characters are really well written and developed and I loved jumping into their lives and situations. Their circumstances are so real. Life is messy and complicated. The characters and story lines are full of self-confidence and insecurities, success and failures, love and loss, and friendship and rivalries. It mirrors the highs and lows that we experience in real life.

This story felt so familiar, not in a “this is my boring life” kind-of-way, but in a way that I could relate to and understand the settings and emotions. As a child with divorced parents and a wife and mom, I just felt a connection to these characters and a deep desire to see them reach gratifying conclusions.

The ending of this story didn’t disappoint. It is true to the storyline and the characters; it is real and raw and a little messy, but it also has an HEA (ending and epilogue) that is incredibly fulfilling. I believe that each of the characters I have come to care about achieve a realistic, but incredibly satisfying resolution!

If you’re looking for a break from angsty NA novels, but still want a delicious story with great characters discovering who they are and what they want and need in life, I encourage you to read Every Other Saturday. You’ll be so glad you did!

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

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About the Author

MANDA (M.J.) PULLEN, former therapist and marketer, is the author of complex, funny contemporary romances. She was raised in the suburbs of Atlanta by a physicist and a flower child, who taught her that life is tragic and funny, and real love is anything but simple. She studied English Literature and Business at the University of Georgia, and Professional Counseling at Georgia State University.

Manda has a weakness for sappy movies, juicy gossip, craft beer and boys who talk baseball. After traveling around Europe and living in cities like Austin and Portland, she returned to Atlanta where she lives with her family.

 

 

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Review – Discovering Delilah by Melissa Foster

In DISCOVERING DELILAH…

After the death of her parents on the day of her college graduation, Delilah Armstrong thought she could finally follow her heart and come out to her closest friends, but the guilt of going against her parents’ beliefs haunts her. The feelings she has for her best friend, Ashley, are stronger than anything she’s felt before, but Delilah has never even kissed a girl, and fear stops her at every turn.

Ashley Carver promised herself that she would never again date another girl who wasn’t out, but that was before she met intoxicatingly sweet and sexy Delilah.

When another girl offers to teach Delilah the ropes, it changes Delilah’s whole world and gives her the courage to go after the only girl she really wants. But coming out isn’t as easy as Delilah imagined, and moving past her parents’ death and the feelings of guilt she is left with is even harder. The intense passion between Ashley and Delilah is too strong to deny, but coming together means risking everything.

Discovering Delilah is an edgy, evocative, romantic story of friendship, family, and the courage to love.

BFF K’s Review

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One of the things that I have loved most about the past year as a blogger is discovering new authors, new series and new genres that I would NEVER have picked up before. The second book in the Harborside Nights Series by Melissa Foster is the perfect example of this occurrence. I’m not sure I would have been lucky enough to bump into this series AND I’m not sure I would have picked up this book on my own. This is the first F/F love story that I have read.

I loved Delilah and Ashley. Their story is full of tension and self-discovery. It is romantic and butterfly-inducing and you’ll want very much for them to find a happily ever after with one another.

Discovering Delilah is a love story. But, as much as it is a love story, it is a story about loving yourself, accepting who you are and living your truth. It is sweet and there’s a little bit of steam, but it is really the story-arc for the series and the characters that I love most! When I read Catching Cassidy, the first story in this series, I was hooked on this cast of characters. I am invested in just 2 books and I’m anxious to know all of their stories.

This book, the entire series really, is unique and fresh and worth a read! I’m looking forward to more diverse and heart-felt stories coming in the series.

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

Link to Follow Tour

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Discovering Delilah Buy Links: Amazon | B & NiTunes | Kobo

BFF K also loved Catching Cassidy – the first book in the Harborside Nights Series. Read her review here.

Read Catching Cassidy: Amazon | B & NiTunes | Kobo
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About the Author

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

 

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads