Review – Reclaim Me by Ann Marie Walker and Amy K Rogers

 

Below is BFF K’s Review of Reclaim Me.

The BFF’s also have an exclusive interview with Ann Marie Walker and Amy K. Rogers.

Be sure to check that out too!

 
RECLAIM ME
Chasing Fire #3
Ann Marie Walker & Amy K. Rogers
Releasing October 20th, 2015
Berkley Intermix
As the heart-pounding Chasing Fire trilogy concludes, a dangerous entanglement leaves Hudson and Allie wondering how much they’re willing to risk for the love they can’t live without…
 
There’s almost nothing Alessandra Sinclair wouldn’t do for Hudson Chase. He was her first love, and she’s determined that he’ll be her last. But when the terrible truth Hudson has been hiding comes to light, Allie finds herself caught in a
deadly game of cat and mouse with a man from her past who’s determined to use what he knows to ruin Hudson. Now, the only way to save the man she loves may be to lose him forever…
 
Hudson has always known that the secrets he keeps could be his downfall, but he never expected them to put Allie’s life in danger as well. It’s time for him to come clean–before everything he’s ever wanted is destroyed…
 
Includes previews of REMIND ME and RELEASE ME, the first two books of the Chasing Fire trilogy.
 

BFF K’s Review for Reclaim Me

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I really really really want to tell you how this series ends. I’ve been holding it in for so long, I’m about to burst with excitement to dish with someone! But, let me just say, I couldn’t be any happier with this ending….

Hudson Chase had always feared that his past would be his downfall. He’s spent years working tirelessly to outrun his youth and create a whole new world in which he would be the victor. He would be powerful. Hudson Chase would be in control of his future. And, his idea of the future has always included Allie Sinclair.

Now that Hudson has had a glimpse of what his future with Allie could be; he refuses to settle for anything less. But, protecting those you love can be a difficult task when the skeletons start to spill out of your closet. Hudson is a fixer. He is certainly not accustomed to allowing others to fight his battles. Allie wants nothing more than to save Hudson; even if it’s from himself. This book finds Hudson and Allie torn apart, but they’re also together. They are united to defeat a common enemy. And, they’re both willing to sacrifice their own future and their own happiness for the other.

The Chasing Fire series has it ALL: romance, angst, steam, adventure, more steam, plot twists, a kick-ass hero, an smarmy villain, a deserving heroine and inspiring LOVE!

Hudson and Allie join my short list of perfectly-imperfect romance couples. This list includes: Christian and Ana, Gideon and Eva, Colton and Rylee, Edward and Bella, and you get the idea…..This is a series that I know I will read again. I’ve highlighted whole pages and I get all butterfly-filled just skimming over my favorite parts. The Chasing Fire series has become one of my go-to recommendations for an steamy romance and a perfect follow-up to Fifty Shades of Grey!

Be sure to check out our interview with Ann Marie Walker and Amy K Rogers in the latest installment of our That’s What She Said series. And, please come find me as soon as you’ve finished the series – I’ll be here on the blog, on Facebook or Twitter….we need to talk! Chapters 15-20…..SWOON – they’re some of the most beautiful, heartfelt, scenes I’ve ever read!

Enjoy the Chasing Fire series and all the feels of investing yourself in a wonderful romance and incredible characters. I have no doubt you’ll join the long list of readers who proudly proclaim to be a #HudsonChaser!

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An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
Praise for the Chasing Fire trilogy
“Exceptional…Seriously sexy and sinfully steamy. Can’t wait for more from this writing duo!”–New York Times bestselling author Tara Sue Me
“Walker and Rogers strike the perfect balance between blistering physical desire and heartfelt connections…”–RT Book Review  
 
 
Buy Now
Check out the Complete First Chapter Exclusively at

Excerpt

Allie bent to tuck her phone into the carry-on stowed beneath the seat in front of her. A shiver of awareness swept over her skin and she stilled. Hudson. She felt his presence just as surely as if he’d touched her. But despite the brief moment she took to prepare herself, the sight of him still took her breath away. He was standing in the aisle, the muscles of his chest and arms flexing as he shrugged out of his wool coat and handed it to the flight attendant. His hair was damp, no doubt from the snow falling outside, and when he reached up to run his hand through the unruly mane, his sweater rode up, affording her a glimpse of his honed washboard abs and the trail of dark hair that disappeared beneath his belt.

He glanced down and caught her staring. “See something you like?”

She ignored his obvious innuendo, choosing instead to address the much bigger issue. “What are you doing here?”

“Going after what’s mine.”

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About the Authors

Though thousands of miles apart, Ann Marie Walker and Amy K. Rogers are in constant contact, plotting story lines and chatting about their love of alpha males, lemon drop martinis and British supermodel, David Gandy. You can find them on twitter as @AnnMarie_Walker and @Amy_KRogers. 
 
 
Amy K. Rogers
Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

 

Ann Marie Walker
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Start the Chasing Fire Series Today!
 
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 BFF K’s Review of Remind Me

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BFF K’s Review of Release Me

Review – Dirty English by Ilsa Madden-Mills


A scarred fighter.

A girl with rules.

One night of unbridled passion.

There are three things you need to know about Elizabeth Bennett: she’s smart as a whip, always in control, and lives by a set of carefully crafted rules. She’s learned the hard way that people you love the most always hurt you in the end.

But then she meets Declan Blay, the new neighbor at her apartment complex.

A tattooed British street fighter, he’s the campus bad boy she’s supposed to avoid, but when he saves her from a frat party gone bad, all her rules about sex and love fly out the window.

She gives him one night of unbridled passion, but he longs for more.

With only a cardboard-thin wall separating their bedrooms, he dreams of possessing the vulnerable girl next door forever.

One night. Two damaged hearts. The passion of a lifetime.

 

BFF K’s Review

rating_4.5 I’ve spent the last week being a lunatic about this book! I’ve recommended Dirty English to everyone – friends, family and virtual strangers. It is that good! Dirty English is a modern love story based on Pride and Prejudice. Elizabeth and Declan are an absolutely fantastic couple and this book has all of the elements of a terrific New Adult novel.

Elizabeth Bennett has a scarred and tragic past. She has spent a couple of years protecting her heart, following some strict rules, keeping love away and pretending that she isn’t permanently damaged by one horrible boy. Elizabeth is also lovely, creative, genuine and hard working. Declan Blay has baggage of his own. He lost his beloved mother when he was young and struggles with a meaningful relationship with his overbearing father. Declan also has goals and ambition and pride in spades. Individually they’re broken. But, together their broken pieces are made whole.

A couple of other notes of extreme importance….Declan is British. Yes – that means an accent and fantastic British phrases. Declan is also a twin! Dax is one of the best parts of this book. He’s cocky and funny and a primary ingredient in this delicious story. I’m anxiously awaiting Dax’s story! (Yay for a #1 Amazon rating! Ilsa Madden-Mills said she would write Dax’s story if Dirty English reached #1 in the Amazon store and it did! I am so desperate for Dax’s story that I bought 5 copies for friends.)

I could go on and on with all the ways I love this story, but that just wastes time you could spend reading it. Which you need to do, right now! You will not regret a single minute you spend with Declan and Elizabeth. You’ll only wish your time together could last a little longer!

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An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

 

★★ PURCHASE Dirty English Today!★★

Amazon       Amazon UK

 

 

 

Excerpt

“Come to my apartment and spend the night with me.” I touched his face, my fingers stroking the softness of his sensuous lips. “Just one night and we can make this shitty world disappear.”

He exhaled. “A one-night stand?”

“Yeah.”

He cupped my chin. “Someone hurt you, didn’t they?”

My lips tightened. No one at Whitman knew about Colby except for Shelley and Blake, and I sure as hell wasn’t telling him. He’d judge me like everyone else had in Petal, North Carolina. “That’s none of your business.”

“I see.” His eyes searched mine until I felt like a bug under a microscope. “What if I wanted more than just one night?”

“Then your hands can let go of my hips now.”

He removed his hands slowly, the tips of his fingers grazing mine. “This may surprise you, but I don’t sleep with every girl I kiss.”

I’d been rejected. Again. “Blake said you got around, that you used—”

“And you believed him?” His voice was incredulous. “Dude is in love with you and he saw exactly how we looked at each other tonight—”

“Looked at each other? What are you talking about? You refused to dance with me and then you ran off with your girlfriend. Not to mention I just kissed you and you didn’t even care.” I threw my hands up.

“I wanted to fuck you the minute you walked in that party,” he snapped.

“Then why don’t you,” I bit out, tossing back my shoulders.

“You think you want me?” he said tightly. “You can’t handle me, Elizabeth. I can see it in your eyes. You’re scared of something, maybe not me, but something.”

My eyes went to his black eye.

He let out a harsh laugh. “Ah, that’s what you’re afraid of. You want the real truth? You told me tonight you didn’t like violence, but I’m an arsehole who uses his fists. That’s who I am.”

“What do you mean?”

His gaze was intense, dark and low, his face struggling as he fought to find the right words. “I’m in a fight club for money. I show up at warehouses and fight other blokes. Sometimes I beat them so bad they need medical attention. A few times, I’ve been beat to unconsciousness. I’m everything you need to stay away from.”

I inhaled, anger and lust and excitement all riding me. Anger that he was pushing me away, lust for the alpha male in him, and God help me, the fighting thing repelled me and excited me at the same time. “I don’t want to stay away from you. I want you to fuck me and stop making excuses for why you can’t.”

My words seemed to snap his taut restraint.

He pulled me back in his arms, his lips fusing with mine unerringly. His tongue plundered me in a sensual way my body had craved for years. I wrapped my arms around his neck, my anger morphing into all-out desire as he turned us and pressed me against the wall.

Yes, yes, this is what I craved.

A passion to remind me that I was real, not just some sad excuse of a girl who chose to exist on scraps of love.

Before I knew it, he’d shoved my robe off, his hands sculpting my shoulders, massaging them as he ravaged my mouth. I reveled in the warmth of his hand on my neck as his mouth skated down, kissing the hollows of my throat, sucking on my collarbone.

“Like this?” he asked, his voice dark and gravelly. “You want me to take you up against this wall?”

“Yes,” I moaned. Gone. Past caring as long as he kept his hands on me.

Out of control, my brain whispered, but I beat back the dark warnings as his warm hand found my breast and squeezed, his fingers rolling my nipple between his thumb and forefinger.

I gasped in pleasure and arched my back to get closer to his body, ignoring the fear that pricked at the surface.

The rules girl in my head stamped her foot and yelled at me. I ignored her.

But even if I wanted to stop right now, I couldn’t. My tongue tangled wildly with his, my hands pulled at his hair, spurring him on, his hand palming my breast and then tugging. Sharp sensations of need went straight to my core.

“Is this what you want? Something quick where we just take what we want and forget each other the next day?”

No. Not that. Not like the way he said it, like it was something dirty.

“Yes, like that,” I whispered against his shoulder, my mouth on his skin, tasting him as my teeth bit down.

Giveaway

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About the Author

New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills writes about strong heroines and sexy alpha males that sometimes you just want to slap.

She’s addicted to all things fantasy, including unicorns and sword-wielding heroes in books. Other fascinations include frothy coffee beverages, dark chocolate, Instagram, Ian Somerhalder (seriously hot), astronomy (she’s a Gemini), Sephora make-up, and tattoos.

She has a degree in English and a Master’s in Education.

When she’s not pecking away on her computer, she shops for cool magnets, paints old furniture, and eats her weight in sushi.

 

You can stalk her on her website as well as get signed books: http://www.ilsamaddenmills.com

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Other books by Ilsa Madden-Mills:

VERY BAD THINGS

Amazon iBooks BN Kobo

VERY WICKED BEGINNINGS

Amazon

VERY WICKED THINGS

Amazon iBooks BN Kobo

VERY TWISTED THINGS

Amazon iBooks BN Kobo

New Release – Tess by Ashley Pullo

Title: New Amsterdam: Tess (#1)
Author: Ashley Pullo
Release Date: Oct 15, 2015
Find on Goodreads

 

Inspired by the captivating stories from Humans of New York, and the narrative structure of a television mini-series, New Amsterdam chronicles the lives of three women defining love in New York City.
Tess – Thessaly Sinclair owns an artisanal honey shop in the historic Seaport district of Lower Manhattan. She’s savvy and charming, and appears to have it all, but a romantic hang-up is holding her back from experiencing true love.

 

On sale for $1.99 on Oct 15 & 16th

 

BFF K’s Review

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Ashley Pullo is the master of sweet, endearing, emotion packed vignettes. I’m a BIG fan of her other books, The Album and The Ballad. Her newest, Tess, did not disappoint.

Inspired by Humans of New York, this “short novel” is centered around sorta-random, every day people. But, they’re wonderful! They have interesting lives and careers and emotions. Like Pullo’s previous books, you can see how lives intertwine and the decisions/interactions of one character may impact another without even knowing it.

I think Tess is an exceptional heroine. She’s independent, smart, caring and hard-working. And, it is all of those qualities that attracts Levi who has the same wonderful characteristics. Their romance is quirky, real, honest and sweet. The cast of supporting characters adds to the overall charm of the story. (Meg and Seth are adorable!) The romance is absolutely swoony and a little steamy!

Tess is the first of the New Amsterdam series. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself craving peaches and honey. I’ll be waiting anxiously to read Julia and Darby!

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

Excerpt

“How did a tomboy from Asheville end up in New York – Downtown even?” asks Levi.

Cracking her knuckles, Thessaly laughs nervously. This is that moment – the one where the truth becomes a part of the story arc. Turning into him, she admits, “I followed a boy.”

Levi’s mouth hovers near Thessaly’s lips as he whispers, “You don’t like to follow.”

Caught up in the sexual tension, Thessaly’s mouth twitches in anticipation. “And you?” she hushes.

“I nudge.”

New Amsterdam: Julia (#2) | Coming Nov 30, 2015
Inspired by the captivating stories from Humans of New York, and the narrative structure of a television mini-series, Ashley Pullo lends her unique voice to a new series releasing this fall. Combining her unmistakable wit and distinct writing style, New Amsterdam will feature a trio of petite novels chronicling the lives of three women as they define love in NYC.
Julia – Julia Pierce is a popular wedding columnist for a large NYC newspaper. She creates modern fairy tales by penning editorials about average couples. Cynical and cautious, Julia must define love by writing her own story.

 

 

New Amsterdam: Darby (#3) | Release date TBA
Inspired by the captivating stories from Humans of New York, and the narrative structure of a television mini-series, Ashley Pullo lends her unique voice to a new series releasing this fall. Combining her unmistakable wit and distinct writing style, New Amsterdam will feature a trio of petite novels chronicling the lives of three women as they define love in NYC.
Darby – Darby Wallace is an anthropologist reporting human interest stories for a trendy online magazine. She watches people, studies their habits, and then gives them an interesting narrative – but her own life is a spiraling disaster of bad decisions. Selfish and careless, Darby must seek the help of a mysterious stranger in order to understand the power of human connection.

 

About the Author

**Residing in New York with her husband and two children, Ashley Pullo is an author, an entertainment blogger, and an advocate for cultural literacy.**
Hey y’all!
NYC is an amazing place to find inspiration – the random and the ordinary that make up reality. My writing showcases inspired ideas, as well as my love for dichotomy, authenticity, pop-culture, and humor.
Dreams need chasers.

 

 

Review – The Allure of Dean Harper by R.S. Grey

Title: The Allure of Dean Harper (Allure #2)
Author: R.S. Grey
Release Date: Sept 28, 2015
Find on Goodreads

 

 

From: LilyNBlack@Gmail.com
To: JosephineKeller@VogueMagazine.com
Subject: You’re a flippin’ idiot
Good morning my dear, naive friend, I hope you’re enjoying a breakfast of regret and sorrow.
Why?
Because you sent me to work for Dean Harper, aka a control freak in a tailor-made suit. Sure he owns the trendiest restaurants in NYC, but c’mon Jo, his ego makes Kanye West look like the Dalai Lama.
He’s the type of guy that only hears the word “no” when it’s followed by “don’t stop.
”Working for Dean Harper would be like selling my soul to the devil…and before you say anything, I don’t care if the devil has punch-you-in-the-gut brown eyes and an ass to match. My soul isn’t for sale.
Regretfully yours,
Lily

The Allure of Dean Harper is a full-length standalone romance with overlapping characters from The Allure of Julian Lefray. Both books can be read separately. Chronologically, The Allure of Julian Lefray happens first. 

BFF K’s Review

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The Allure of Dean Harper is a BFF K Top 10 Read for 2015

I LOVE this book! The Allure of Dean Harper is a fun, hilariously-funny, endearing, blood-pumping, outstanding read!

Lily Black and Dean Harper are like oil and vinegar. It takes a whole lot of shaking to bring them together, but when they combine, the result is delicious! Lily has moved to NYC with big dreams of staking her place in the culinary world. She’s prepared to bust her a$# and work her way to the top. Dean Harper is already at the pinnacle of success in the restaurant industry. His accomplishments are the result of hard work, complete control and virtually no personal life. Both Lily and Dean are impossibly head-strong, hot-tempered, prideful, passionate people. They come together as intensely as they pull apart.

The Allure of Dean Harper is FUNNY! It is absolutely hysterical. I laughed until I cried. There were a couple of times where I teared up a bit; then I laughed some more. This is by far my favorite R.S. Grey book to date. (I love The Duet & Scoring Wilder, so that’s saying something!) There are 2 particular scenes – 1 on the yacht and 1 in the club – that had me howling with laughter. These are legitimate LOL moments!

This story is sublime. The Allure of Dean Harper reminds me of the perfect margarita – sweet and sour, sugary and salty, tasty and refreshing, and just one will never be enough. I can’t wait to read this again and I am so excited for everyone to have the chance to devour Dean and Lily’s story!

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

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.
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I live in Texas where I spend my free time writing and reading. My favorite authors are 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.

 

Review – Screwball by Linda Morris

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Passion dominates the diamond in the second novel in this fun and flirty baseball romance series by the author of High Heat. Paul Dudley, president of the Plainview Thrashers, is spinning out of control. Preserving his family’s baseball legacy in these tough times takes everything he’s got, and constant clashes with his father have left him struggling for authority over the team and even his own future. So when sports reporter Willow Bourne, a one-night-stand from a year ago, walks back into his life, he knows he can’t give into his feelings for her—no matter how strong they are. Willow never expected to see Paul again, and she’s got her reasons for keeping her distance. Except the more time she spends around Paul, the harder it is to hide her secrets—or stop herself from falling head over heels. As the sparks between them fly, Paul discovers what Willow has been concealing from him, leaving him with a difficult choice—keep the team his top priority or make his own legacy by following his heart…

Amazon     Barnes & Noble     Kobo     iTunes

BFF K’s Review

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Willow Bourne and Paul Dudley have a history. A super-steamy, one night stand changes both of their lives forever. But, only one of them fully realizes that change until they meet by chance a year later. Both Paul and Willow are struggling with significant career issues and major life issues. I thought that their professional issues were believable and added depth and interest to the story. Those details also impacted their personal lives and decisions they made.

I liked Willow and Paul and was definitely invested to see what happened in their story. However, I have a limited amount of patience for problems that are created because characters refuse to communicate openly and honestly. There were times in this story that I wanted to pull my hair out. I wanted to grab both of these characters, shake them and yell, “Just tell him/her the truth! Talk about your issues. End this discomfort!” I wouldn’t consider it angst, but it’s definitely tension filled.

The times that Paul and Willow were together, sharing, getting to know one another and collaborating were really really good. I had butterflies and Paul said some of the sweetest things. (He’s a really good man.) I wish there had been a few more of those times and less communication-induced confusion.

I liked the backdrop of the baseball setting. The scenes and scenarios were interesting and entertaining. I enjoyed the main characters and the supporting characters as well. If you’re looking for a sports-themed, quick read, with interesting characters and some good tension, I can recommend Screwball.

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An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

Giveaway

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About the Author:

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Linda Morris is a writer of contemporary romance, including High Heat, the first book in the Hard Hitters series; Melting the Millionaire’s Heart; The Mason Dixon Line; and Nice Work If You Can Get It. She writes stories with heart and heat, along with a joke or two thrown in. Her years of Cubs fandom prove she has a soft spot for a lost cause.

 

 

 

 

Website: www.lindamorrisbooks.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/lindamorrisbooks

Twitter: @LDMorrisWriter Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/ldkmorris/

Review – Throttled by Elizabeth Lee

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

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

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

BFF K’s Review

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

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An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads

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

Excerpt

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

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

Giveaway

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About the Author:

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

 

Review – Right Wrong Guy by Lia Riley

 

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

BFF K’s Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meaningless.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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About the Author

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

Title: Life Rewritten
Author: Andrea Johnston
Release Date: Aug 20, 2015
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I never thought that, at 40, this would be my life. Mourning the loss of the man I vowed to love for life was hard enough. Online dating, starting a business, and falling in love was never the plan.

Victoria Bennett has been blessed with a loving husband, a wonderful son and amazing friends. Always the organized planner, Victoria was thrown life’s curve ball when she found herself a widow and single mom before 40. After mourning the loss of her husband and rejoining her friends and family in her once simple life, Victoria finds herself venturing into the world of online dating with little success.

After hanging up her keyboard and focusing on new experiences and hobbies, Victoria is as surprised as everyone else when her favorite pastime leads to a new career and passion for life. When a friendship turns to romance, her life is once again thrown for a loop. Like everything new in her life she takes on the relationship with gusto, and a series of mishaps. 
Victoria soon learns that sometimes the life you’ve planned isn’t the life you lead. It is still your life, just your life rewritten.

 

Buy Links

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BFF K’s Review

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#DillonisMine

I’m just putting that out there right now. Up front. Honest. Throwing down. I want this hero! He’s sweet, sexy, smart, caring, kind, compassionate, patient, loving, trustworthy, honest. And, he bakes. I’m convinced he’s pretty much perfect! And he’s mine!!!

Now that that is out of the way…..Prepare yourself with all the things you will crave as you read this book: wine, chocolate, coffee and a hot, sensitive manly-man. And, if you can’t find the guy, just get more wine!

Victoria is a 40-year-old widow coming to terms with the massive changes to her life. After a series of memorable, but unsuccessful outings via online dating, she’s decided to take a break from dating. She pours herself into a new business venture centered around her love of reading. I was so moved by Victoria’s circumstances and her approach to life and love at this stage of her life; it was honest and real and emotionally charged. And, her internal (sometimes accidentally external) monologue cracks me up!

Enter Dillon, the owner of Irish Coffee, Victoria’s favorite coffee shop and haunt. He agrees to help her with the business plan and general planning for her new venture. The relationship grows from a really authentic place. Dillon’s patience and understanding of Victoria’s emotions and needs make him the most amazing BBF I’ve read in a long time. He’s also the perfect match for her.

Experiencing Dillon and Victoria navigating  their new relationship and the burgeoning business is fun and fresh. Dillon is also keeping a bit of a secret from Victoria and it was one I didn’t see coming until it smacked me in the face! But, it’s perfect!

I think the best thing about Life Rewritten is the way I felt when I finished the story. There is a perma-grin on my face and a lightness in my heart. Not only is it a sweet and poignant romance, but it’s a great story to remind us that life doesn’t always go as planned. But, Life Rewritten can still bring us more joy and satisfaction than we ever imagined.

This is Andrea Johnston’s debut novel, and I’m so looking forward to the next book. I can’t wait to see what kind of trouble Anna finds on her upcoming trip! If you like a sweet story, full of rich characters, delightful surprises and a satisfying happily ever after, one-click Life Rewritten today!

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

 

Excerpt

Everyone manages to keep me distracted and on task for a solid thirty minutes. With how I’ve been feeling, that is quite the success for them. When the doorbell rings I’m a little taken aback. It is far too early for the guests and if they are already arriving, what am I going to feed them? Lunch at 10:30 in the morning? I guess, but I could go for those baked goods and Sara isn’t here and … just answer the door. Relax. I head to the door feeling as nervous as I did the day I took my driver’s license test. It’s like a swarm of butterflies has taken up residence in my stomach while a dragon flaps its wings next to them. Basically, I want to throw up.

What lies before me is a shock. All six-foot something of him, swirly blue eyes, and dressed like a gift from the hunk heavens … Dillon.

“Mornin’,” he says with that toothpaste-commercial smile. Oh boy.

“Hi. Uh, what are you doing here? What’s all that?” I say, pointing at the bags of what appear to be groceries he is holding. Groceries? Has word gotten back to him that I am not exactly Rachael Ray in the kitchen? We’ve been spending afternoons together working on my plan and I suppose becoming friends, yet none of this has come up. We don’t really get too personal, just talking about movies, my love of books, baking, and our town.

“Goodies for your guests. Well, not quite, but the ingredients to create them,” he replies with a simple shrug and a move into the house.

I step aside and hear Justin chuckle and whisper, “Close your mouth, Mom, it’s just groceries.” Justin gives Dillon the “what’s up” nod as he’s heading to the kitchen.

“Ello, ladies. Beautiful mornin’, isn’t it?” Dillon says as he starts emptying his bags. He wasn’t kidding, he even brought his own measuring cups. Just because I choose to eat culinary treats created by others doesn’t mean I don’t have the means to create my own. I have measuring cups, for goodness sake. Of course mine are from Target and hot pink, but that is neither here nor there.

Anna kicks my shin while I hear Charlotte giggle. Apparently I’m still standing there with my mouth open. Classy. “Hello, Dillon, it is a lovely morning. Isn’t it, Victoria?” Anna asks as I give her the evil eye and pull up a chair. Not one to be deterred by my so-called evil eye, Anna continues, “So, Dillon, what brings you by?”

“Well, I knew Sara was supposed to bring the treats for today and to be honest I couldn’t see her here. She has referred to reading as ‘so, like weird and scary.’ Plus, I feel compelled to see this first day through. Plus, I wanted to be here to help Victoria with Pages and Quiet if she needed it.”

He says all of this without a single misstep as he moves with ease about my kitchen. I’m sure my kitchen appreciates his presence. Dillon begins pouring ingredients into a bowl, never once pausing to squat down and check his measurements. Show off.

“What better way to get people to relax than the smell of freshly baked muffins? Don’t you agree, ladies?”

Oh sweet baby jeebus. He’s going to bake. In my kitchen. He could only be sexier if he mopped the floors after. Get it together, girl, he’s just a guy. Barely a friend and definitely not interested in a forty-year-old single mom with a fondness for spending her nights with a pint of ice cream and book.

“Well, don’t let us stop you. We’ll just be right over here watching the show,” Anna coyly replies.

A show is putting it mildly. The three of us sit there like we are watching the creation of a new civilization. He’s a master with a whisk. How is he not getting stuff all over him? I have to shower, spray down the kitchen, and still don’t get everything clean after I make some break ‘n bake cookies. And is it normal to find forearms sexy? There’s a hint of a tattoo above his shirt sleeve. And Charlotte has already whispered how he must obviously work out to have that chest. I’m ignoring her assessment. I couldn’t care less if he’s just blessed, I could watch this show all day.

“Victoria?” I hear my name but I’m so focused on those arms it takes yet another kick to the shin before I look up, thoroughly embarrassed when I realize Dillon has been talking to me.

“Sorry. I just spaced out for a sec. What was that?” Please don’t ask me anything that requires me to leave the room. I don’t want to miss any of this.

“I was asking if you wanted to come over here and help me. That way you’ll be honest with your guests when you say you made muffins.” Swoon. I’m swooning. And apparently, so is Charlotte because she lets out the sigh I am holding in. Suddenly I hear hysterical laughter coming from the doorway. Justin. He’s lucky I love him.

“Justin, really? Is it really that funny?” I ask as I stand and face him with the best Mom face I can manage.

“Mom, it really is. I don’t think Dillon has any idea what he’s asking and I think I’ll go outside and play with Tilly just to keep her safe,” he says as he grabs an apple and heads out the back door.

“Don’t mind him, come over here and help me. Nothing will feel sweeter than proving him wrong,” Dillon says with a big grin.

I want nothing more for Dillon to be right. I grab my apron off the hook and tie it as I make my way to his side. He looks at my apron and lets out a chuckle as he shakes his head. I look down and can instantly feel the blush creep up my neck to my cheeks. “Wine Not” is displayed directly across my chest. I love this apron and really, “wine not”.

Over the next thirty minutes Dillon patiently tries to help me melt chocolate. I don’t care what anyone says, anyone can catch a pot of chocolate on fire. Dillon ushers us out of the kitchen so he can finish just as the first guests arrive.

 

 

About the Author

Andrea Johnston spent her childhood with her nose in a book and a pen to paper. An avid people watcher, her mind is full of stories that yearn to be told.  A fan of angsty romance with a happy ending, super sexy erotica and a good mystery, Andrea can always be found with her Kindle nearby fully charged.
Andrea lives in Idaho with her family and two dogs.  When she isn’t spending time with her partner in crime aka her husband, she can be found binge watching all things Bravo and enjoying a cocktail. Nothing makes her happier than the laughter of her children, a good book, her feet in the water, and cocktail in hand all at the same time.

 

 

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Review – Truth or Beard by Penny Reid

TruthOrBeardTour

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

Amazon • Nook • Kobo • iBooks

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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 – A Stone in the Sea by A.L. Jackson

He wanted nothing at all…

Until he found she had everything to give…

Sunder lead singer and guitarist Sebastian Stone has everything–fans, fame, and fortune. He also has a heart full of bitterness and a reputation for a short-fused temper. But an outward reputation rarely reveals the true man inside. Facing assault charges after trying to protect his younger brother, Sebastian is sent to Savannah, Georgia to lie low until the dust settles in L.A.

Shea Bentley is beautiful, kind, and hiding from the very lifestyle Sebastian has always embraced.

When the mysterious, tattooed stranger begins hanging out at the bar where she works, Shea is quick to recognize he is nothing but trouble, but she’s helpless to the way her body lights up every time his intense grey eyes tangle with hers.

They both soon find themselves drowning in a sea of desire and passion that won’t let them up for air.

Sebastian knows firsthand secrets never die, and he’s not the only one who’s hiding them.

Loving someone always comes with a price. But will it be Shea’s past that costs them everything?

BFF K’s Review

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A Stone in the Sea is a book that I had purchased at release time, but waited to read….I’m not always a big fan of super angsty emotional reads, so I kept putting this off. Then, it popped up on my Audible match so I downloaded the audio, gave it a listen, and this book blew me away!

A Stone in the Sea is an amazing story with rich, deep, well-written characters. Both Sabastian (Baz) and Shea are complex people trying their hardest to do the very best that they can. They’re both keeping secrets, but only to protect those they love. They also try to keep their distance; they’re trying to protect each other and their own hearts. But, they can not overcome the incredible pull they have to one another. Sabastian’s alpha-male protective instincts draw him to Shea when his brain tells him to stay away. And, Shea is fantastic. She’s sweet and light, but with an incredible strength and self-awareness that makes her a delight to read.

Oh….and did I mention that Baz is a brooding, tattooed, rock and roll icon who is super sexy and knows how to bring the steam???? Oh yeah, so there’s that too….

There were twists and turns in the book that I didn’t see coming. This was one of those books that I would listen to in the car, find reasons to listen at home (like cleaning-yuck) and then sneak a few minutes reading on the Kindle. I was so drawn in, I couldn’t wait to know what happened next.

Baz and Shea are one the best couples I’ve read all year. I’m dying to know what happens next. Drowning to Breathe, the next book in the series, will release next month and I won’t wait at all to dive right in!

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dual point of view

WARNING: cliffhanger

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About the Author

A.L. Jackson is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary and new adult romance.

She first found a love for writing during her days as a young mother and college student.  She filled the journals she carried with short stories and poems used as an emotional outlet for the
difficulties and joys she found in day-to-day life.

Years later, she shared a short story she’d been working on with her two closest friends
and, with their encouragement, this story became her first full length novel. A.L. now spends her days writing in Southern Arizona where she lives with her husband and three children.