Review – Release Me by Ann Marie Walker & Amy K. Rogers

RELEASE ME

Chasing Fire #2

Ann Marie Walker & Amy K. Rogers

Releasing July 21st, 2015

Berkley/Intermix

The second in the “seriously sexy and sinfully steamy”* Chasing Fire series, about a pain too deep to forgive and a passion too hot to forget…

Alessandra Sinclair knows that Hudson Chase is the last man she should want. The boy from the wrong side of the tracks has grown into a man who would do anything to get ahead, even if it means breaking Allie’s heart. But whenever she’s near him, the attraction between them is undeniable. And now that they’re working together, keeping her distance from Hudson is almost as impossible as keeping her feelings in check…

Hudson already lost Allie once and he refuses to lose her again. He’s determined to use their new business partnership to rekindle the spark he knows is still there. Only the closer he gets to winning her over, the clearer it becomes there are still secrets that could tear them apart for good…

BFF K’s Review

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I am pretty much gushing about this series to anyone who will listen! I’ve emailed, texted, Facebooked, Tweeted and raved to anyone who seems even remotely interested. The Chasing Fire Series is absolutely FANTASTIC! Release Me sort-of starts where Remind Me left off, but with a twist! Allie had plans to regain control of her life at the end of Book #1, but those plans are quickly blown apart in a terrible discovery that rocks her world. With this shocking turn of events, Allie finds herself face to face with Hudson once again. And, though she tries desperately to stay away, the overwhelming pull to him is just too much.

Allie continues to struggle in this book, but you can understand her stress and frustrations with all she has been/is going through. There are portions of the book where Allie shows fantastic flashes of resilience and gritty determination. I think she’s going to need these in the final book. (Plus, resilience is one of my favorite traits for a heroine!) Hudson is just as swoony as ever! <3 He is absolutely consumed by Allie, while at the same time, managing multiple companies and looking after his younger brother. Hudson is going through so much in his present life while still dealing with some slowly uncovered issues in his past that you can’t help but love him. I don’t remember the last time I wished so hard for a book couple to find their Happily Ever After.

BUT, if Hudson Chase can’t find his HEA with Allie Sinclair, could he please take a chance with me? #HudsonChaser

I LOVE this story. It reminds me so much of the feels I had reading Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James. The Chasing Fire series is full of romance, steam, a great hero and heroine, bad guys, suspense, great characters and a wonderful storyline. I sped through this book in record time. The suspense builds with each chapter until the end left me with sweaty palms and a racing heart. I have a feeling that pasts and present are about to collide in a massive explosion. The question is who will make it out alive and what price will they pay to survive? The thought of waiting until October 20 to finish this story makes me anxious: the calendar is already marked!

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Be AWARE : cliffhanger

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

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Exclusive Tour Excerpt

In the distance Allie could see the black limo waiting at the bottom of the hill. She paused, her hand reaching out to rest on the gleaming wood of her father’s casket, before turning to leave. She and Harper had nearly reached the car when she heard someone call her name.

“Alessandra,” Benjamin Weiss said, hurrying to catch up to her. “A word, please.”

“I’ll wait for you in the car,” Harper said. She slid into the limo and Clayton closed the door behind her before assuming his post a few feet away. Allie knew that behind those dark sunglasses his razor-sharp gaze was scanning the crowd, and that beneath that well-tailored suit a loaded gun was holstered. She tried not to think about why, focusing her attention instead on Mr. Weiss.

“I’m sorry to bring this up now,” he said, “but the board has called for an emergency meeting at Ingram headquarters. I’d hoped to put this off until at least next week, but between your parents’ passing and the revelation of Mr. Chase’s acquisitions . . . Well, I’m sure you can understand their concern.”

Allie nodded. Of course the other board members were concerned. Richard and Victoria Sinclair were gone, and now their daughter, a relative stranger to them, was at the helm alongside a man who’d spent the past few months covertly acquiring a substantial portion of their stock. When he wasn’t fucking her on every available surface, that is. At least the last part wasn’t general knowledge. It was going to be hard enough to face that room with Hudson sitting across the table from her. Thankfully no one on the board knew about their personal involvement.

“When?” she asked.

“Tomorrow morning.” Mr. Weiss gave her a quick rundown of the proposed agenda before ducking into the back of a waiting town car.

Allie pulled her coat closed and crossed her arms over her chest, holding the pieces of herself together as she stared out across the top of the limo at row after row of headstones. When she’d walked out of Hudson’s penthouse two weeks prior, she hadn’t planned on ever seeing him again. Now she had a little less than twenty-four hours to prepare for her first board meeting with him. She had no idea how she would react once they were in the same room, but one thing was certain: she had to keep her distance. And never, under any circumstances, allow herself to be alone with him.

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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

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Ann Marie Walker

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Review – Searching for Always by Jennifer Probst

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New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Jennifer Probst sparks a blissful mind-body connection as her “sexy, satisfying” (Kirkus Reviews) new series continues!

She’s an expert in helping others de-stress, but Arilyn Meadows is running on fumes. Along with her job counseling singles seeking soul mates at the Kinnections agency in Verily, New York, she’s a yoga teacher, animal shelter volunteer, anger management therapist, and helping hand to her beloved grandfather. No time to find Mr. Right—but after discovering her yogi boyfriend in a compromising asana, Arilyn would rather dog-sit for her honeymooning friend Kate than risk her heart on another downward dog. And when police officer Stone Petty—radiating masculinity and bad-boy attitude—is sent to her for mandatory lessons in cooling off when the job gets too hot, Arilyn vows to ignore his seductive glances and sexy grin. But there’s no halting their sizzling flirtation—a red-hot, high-speed chase that’s breaking all the limits.

BFF K’s Review

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Officer Stone Petty. The name alone is super sexy, but the name has nothing on the MAN! Stone is holy-hotness, uniform-wearing, muscle-flexing, dominating, alpha-male with a soft-side even he didn’t know about! When he meets tree-hugging, dog-rescuing, vegetarian Arilyn in an anger management class (she’s the teacher) – the sparks FLY! And, it is so much FUN!

I LOVED Stone Petty. He is just the kind of fabulous, alpha male character that I love to read. Arilyn is a terrific heroine and I really liked the fact that she wasn’t all drama and self-pity. Her character is enjoyable mostly because she’s real and authentic. Arilyn is a good communicator. That skill enhances their relationship and is gratifying to read. There’s a definite ‘steam-factor’ and some of the scenes are hot, hot, HOT! But, it’s just the right amount of hot and sweet.

AND, wait until you meet Pinky! Stone’s relationship with this rescued chihuahua is precious. Stone is a stellar Book Boyfriend for lots of reasons, but his love and care for Pinky seals the deal!

I loved Searching for Beautiful, but Searching for Always is even better! I will absolutely be going back to read the first two books in this series. Searching for Always has solidified Jennifer Probsts’ spot on my must-read author list!

I enjoyed Searching for Always in both Kindle and Audiobook formats. This was fantastic because it allowed me to fly through the story twice as fast. [I’m talking – read until 2a, listen in the shower, listen in car, headphones to walk from car to the office, listen in car, home to read!] The audio version has great narration and fantastic pacing. If you’re an audiobook fan, you really need to check this one out!

No matter how you tackle this book, it needs to be on your To Be Read List – immediately! <3

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Be sure to check out my review for book #3 in the Series – Searching for Beautiful. All of the books in this series can be read as stand-alones.

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An ARC of this book was received via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. The audio book was purchased by the reviewer.

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About the Author

Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master’s in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again.

She makes her home in Upstate New York with the whole crew. Her sons keep her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean.
She is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, was ranked #6 on Amazon’s Best Books for 2012. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases and her street team at www.jenniferprobst.com.

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Review – Last First Kiss by Lia Riley

New to Avon author Lia Riley makes a splash with her first sexy, hilarious book in the sizzling Brightwater series!

A kiss is just the beginning…

Pinterest Perfect. Or so Annie Carson’s life appears on her popular blog. Reality is… messier. Especially when it lands her back in one-cow town, Brightwater, California, and back in the path of the gorgeous six-foot-four reason she left. Sawyer Kane may fill out those wranglers, but she won’t be distracted from her task. Annie just needs the summer to spruce up and sell her family’s farm so she and her young son can start a new life in the big city. Simple, easy, perfect.

Sawyer has always regretted letting the first girl he loved slip away. He won’t make the same mistake twice, but can he convince beautiful, wary Annie to trust her heart again when she’s been given every reason not to? And as a single kiss turns to so much more, can Annie give up her idea of perfect for a forever that’s blissfully real.

BFF K’s Review

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It had to be special, a moment that was theirs and theirs alone. After all, he wanted it to be her last first kiss.”

This quote completely epitomizes Sawyer Kane, the absolutely swoon-worthy hero of this book. (I highlighted several more delicious quotes!) Sawyer is something else – all rugged, hot, good-guy, handy, does-the-dishes, saves the day, keeps promises, knows what he wants COWBOY! Be still my heart! <3

Annie and Sawyer had a clandestine friendship/relationship in high school, but one rough night tore them apart and sent them in opposite directions. (Annie ran as far away from her hometown as she could get. Sawyer stayed and became the town Sheriff.) Add in a nasty, centuries-old, family feud and there are a few issues this couple will need to work through to re-establish their relationship and have a future together.

This book has a delightful, second-chance-romance storyline. The characters are terrific, well-developed and well-written. Annie and Sawyer share intimate moments reconnecting that are absolutely butterfly-inducing. The book has enough tension that you turn the pages, but it isn’t an over-wrought, angst-ridden read. It’s sweet and wonderful and enchanting! I highly recommend “Last First Kiss” and I can’t wait to read Book #2 in this series, “Right Wrong Guy”!

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

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BFF K’s Review coming VERY soon!

Excerpt

He tilted back his Stetson, running his intense gaze over her face. “You haven’t changed much.”

The simple statement threatened to fell her. He had no idea everything was different. The dreamy, hopeful girl she’d been, the one he’d known all those years ago, had her atoms obliterated and her soft underbelly refashioned, armored with titanium plates. She didn’t run barefoot through meadows or jump blindly into rivers.

Not anymore.

“Thanks for the repair job,” she said, stepping back, blinking rapidly. He’d fixed the coop, but no one could fix the cracks in her confidence and imploded self-esteem. She needed to do that—if only she knew how. Was there a Self-esteem for Dummies?

Then he moved. Close. Closer. Way too close. The old magnetic pull between them hadn’t lost any potency. The air charged. So much so that when he reached out, cradling her cheek, she expected a zap. “I missed you, Annie Girl.”

Her heart beat sideways at his use of the old nickname.

“I . . . ” missed you too. God. So much. “I have to go.” She took another step backward and then another. “And anyway, I’m not staying, at least not for long. My family’s decided it’s time to sell the farm.”

“Sell?” His body went rigid. “But this place has been in your family forever. All your history is here. How can you let it go to a stranger?”

Who was he to come around at an ungodly hour, in those tight faded jeans that showcased his . . . everything, touching her cheek, giving her unsolicited guidance? Her chest heated. Is that why he was here—being the good cop to Grandma Kane’s bad cop? “I appreciate your help with the coop, but let’s not pretend you’re giving impartial neighborly advice. Your family wants the property back. Trust me, I get the situation. I was raised with it, but we can get more for Five Diamonds than your grandmother could ever offer.”

He dropped his chin, leveling a penetrating stare. “That’s not what I meant, it’s not about the feud. You know I don’t care about any of that.”

She used to believe that, had once fooled herself into believing they were kindred spirits. “I don’t know anything about you anymore, Sawyer. Maybe I never did.”

She pivoted and strode toward the house, clenching the scotch bottle. Why did he come, force her to feel things better forgotten? She was almost at the stairs when a large, powerful hand closed on her upper arm, not a grip, but a gentle touch that halted her mid-step. Her heart pounded, her belly breaking into wild flutters.

Slowly, so slowly, she turned.

He held her gaze squarely, as if daring her to look away. “You know who I am,” he said.

She couldn’t reply, even if she knew what to say. She couldn’t blink or swallow or think. The only sound beside the wind came from their shallow breaths. She and Sawyer might be water under the bridge, but it looked like that water was churning, roiling whitewater.

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.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

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

Have you met Hudson Chase?

(If the answer to this question is no, fix that immediately!)

REMIND ME

Chasing Fire #1

Ann Marie Walker & Amy K. Rogers

Released April 21st, 2015

Berkley Intermix

First in a tantalizing new trilogy about reigniting a forbidden desire from long ago…As heiress to a media empire Alessandra Sinclair was raised to put family obligations first. But everything changes the night her first love walks back into her life and turns her whole world upside down. Haunted by the memories of a secret romance with a boy from the wrong side of the tracks, she can’t seem to get Hudson Chase out of her mind. Once again torn between two worlds, Allie must decide how much she’s willing to risk to have the love she’s always longed for.Ten years is a long time to wait, but billionaire Hudson Chase didn’t become CEO of one of the country’s fastest growing companies by giving up on what he wants. Now that he’s got Allie in his sights again, he’s determined to make her regret breaking his heart. And this time, he’s going to make damn sure he’s not so easy to forget. Includes a preview of Release Me book two of the Chasing Fire trilogy.

BFF K’s Review

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Get ready! This book is one wild ride! I would definitely recommend Remind Me for anyone who loves Fifty Shades or the Crossfire Series. But, I will admit this book left me thinking, “Gideon who?” And, I’m now an official #HudsonChaser!

Young love ended too soon is rekindled and explodes in the most amazing way! A boy from the wrong side of the tracks, turned billionaire (Yeah, I know, just go with it! Suspend reality, the story is GOOD!) finds the one that got away. She’s the heiress to a media fortune who turned her back on the bad boy after a heated summer romance. Ten years later, the connection between Hudson and Allie is an explosion of pent-up emotions and unfulfilled fantasies.

The story is electric and the chemistry between Allie and Hudson is off the charts. This is one of the steamiest reads I’ve encountered in quite awhile. I could see similarities between Hudson Chase, Christian Grey and Gideon Cross. At the same time, the story felt new and different. AND, I liked Hudson better than Gideon – there’s baggage in Hudson’s life, but not nearly as much as Gideon and Eva! The relationship between Hudson and Allie is based on a shared history and while there are lots of sparks, it’s no insta-love. AND, Remind Me also has several really smarmy villains – ya gotta love that!

I am normally not a fan of cheating and I will warn you, this book contains a LOT of cheating. But, I found it didn’t really bother me. I believed it to be integral to the storyline and while not excusable, it made sense in the context of the characters and the story.

Get yourself a glass of wine. (Or a whole bottle, we don’t judge.) Find a quiet corner and consider a cold shower. This is one steamy page turner you don’t want to miss! Release Me, Book #2 in the series releases July 21 and you’ll want to be ready. I already am!

WARNING:

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

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EXCERPT

Allie reached for her lemon drop martini, her second of the night, and licked a bit of sugar from the rim. The tangy beverages were going down much too smoothly. If she didn’t get some food in her stomach, she’d be paying the price come morning. The last thing she needed was to roll into work with a hangover. “We should order.”

Harper took a generous sip of something called a Strawberry Blonde and grabbed a menu off the marble tabletop. She flipped through the small leather binder, bypassing the extensive wine list in favor of colorful drinks with elaborate descriptions. “Oh!” Her eyes grew wide. “How about a Sucker Punch?

“I meant something more along the lines of dinner, but what the hell.”

Harper craned her neck, searching for the waiter she’d been flirting with all night. She startled when he was suddenly at her side.

“Can I bring you ladies another round?” he asked. Allie had to admit he was a bit of a doll. Big brown eyes with lashes that wouldn’t quit, dark hair a little longer than most, and a smile to make you forget what you were going to order. At least that was the effect he seemed to be having on Harper.

Allie came to her rescue. “Two Sucker Punches, please.” As soon as he was out of earshot she jumped on the chance to tease her tongue-tied friend. “Harper Hayes, speechless. Never thought I’d see the day.”

“Oh, shut up,” Harper grumbled. Her cheeks were rosy pink as she reached for her glass. “He just caught me off guard, that’s all. They should tell him not to sneak up on people like that.” She finished off the rest of her cocktail and plucked the strawberry garnish from the edge of the glass. Allie could almost see the wheels turning as Harper regained her composure. “I’m going to give him my number,” she announced.

The waiter returned a few minutes later with two oversize hurricane glasses on his tray. The size alone assured Allie the drinks would live up to their name, but when she tried a sip she knew she was in trouble. The fruity concoction was far too delicious considering the pleasant buzz she was already feeling. She stirred the drink with her straw, watching in awe as Harper jotted her number on a napkin and slipped it into the waiter’s hand. Allie shook her head. She could never be as daring as Harper. Then again, she’d had a pretty daring afternoon.

Images filtered through her mind. Hudson’s body pinning hers against the mirror . . . his warm breath fanning out across her neck . . . his fingers teasing and taunting before sending her spiraling over the edge . . .

“So what’s the real scoop with you and Mr. Hottie from the party?” Harper asked as if reading her wayward thoughts.

Allie tried to hide her blush behind her glass, needing a moment to regroup before once again denying any interest in the man who’d brought her to orgasm during her lunch hour. In a dressing room. At Macy’s. Dear lord. She tipped the glass higher, practically gulping her cocktail.

“He seems like a man who knows his way around a bedroom and would be more than happy to give you a tour.”

Allie choked on her drink.

Harper sucked in a sharp breath. “Oh my God, you slept with him.” It was a statement, not a question, and one Allie knew there was no point in denying. The proof was all over her face, not to mention spilled half way down her blouse.

She wiped her chin with the back of her hand. “A little louder, Harper. I don’t think the valet heard you.”

“Sorry. It’s just . . . I don’t know, you’ve always been so reserved. You’re not exactly the type to get down and dirty with someone you just met.”

“We didn’t just meet.”

#MarkYourCalendars

Amy K. Rogers

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Ann Marie Walker

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Releasing October 21st, 2015

Review – Searching for Beautiful by Jennifer Probst

The highly anticipated third novel in the Searching For series from Jennifer Probst, “one of the most exciting breakout novelists” (USA Today), featuring a runaway bride and the man who wants to be more than just her best friend…

Genevieve MacKenzie has her life completely under control. About to wed the charming Chief doctor at the local hospital, she’s an up-and-coming surgeon with everything she could ever want. Until an escape through the church window on the day of her wedding sends her life into a tailspin…and flings her right into her best friend’s arms.

When Wolfe catches his best friend falling out a window on her wedding day, he doesn’t ask questions. He whisks her away, determined to watch over her and discover the truth behind her desperate escape. But when his feelings turn more than platonic, he realizes he may risk his most important relationship in order to protect his damaged heart, and the woman he loves.

Can Genevieve and Wolfe’s friendship turn into something deeper—or is it already too late for true love?

BFF K’s Review

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When I read the synopsis for this book, I immediately thought, “this is my kind of read!” Runaway bride, hot tattooed best-friend-turned-lover, this has all the makings for my favorite kind of book. And, I wasn’t wrong. Searching for Beautiful is my kind of story. But, this is not your typical runaway bride story. What caught me off guard was the depth of the story. I wasn’t expecting the emotional journeys of personal growth and discovery. Both Gen and Wolfe have pasts that they’re working to reconcile.

Jen is an incredible heroine. She’s left David, and what looked to be a perfect relationship, at the alter. But, the mess left behind is way more personal and intimate than an uneaten wedding cake. As she begins to put the pieces back together with the help of Wolfe, the entire relationship between these besties begins to evolve.

Wolfe is a total alpha male (my favorite kind) with an inherent instinct to protect. And, Gen is his to protect, first as a friend, but soon as something more. However, Wolfe carries a basket load of issues from his past. And, as they’re slowly revealed, your heart will break and you will love him as fiercely as Gen does.

Searching for Beautiful is a deeply pleasing story of love, self-discovery, independence, trust and hope. Though it is the 3rd book in the Searching For Series, it can be read as a standalone. (Which is proven, as I haven’t yet read the first two in the series. YET!) I’ve read other Jennifer Probst books in the past and really enjoyed them. Searching for Beautiful is another reminder for me to put this author on my go-to list!

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

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Review – Game of Love by Ara Grigorian

Game of Love is set in the high-stakes world of professional tennis where fortune and fame can be decided by a single point.

Gemma Lennon has spent nearly all of her 21 years focused on one thing: Winning a Grand Slam. After a disastrous and very public scandal and subsequent loss at the Australian Open, Gemma is now laser-focused on winning the French Open. Nothing and no one will derail her shot at winning – until a heated chance encounter with brilliant and sexy Andre Reyes threatens to throw her off her game.

Breaking her own rules, Gemma begins a whirlwind romance with Andre who shows her that love and a life off the court might be the real prize. With him, she learns to trust and love… at precisely the worst time in her career. The pressure from her home country, fans, and even the Prime Minister to be the first British woman to win in nearly four decades weighs heavily.

As Wimbledon begins, fabricated and sensationalized news about them spreads, fueling the paparazzi, and hurting her performance. Now, she must reconsider everything, because in the high-stakes game of love, anyone can be the enemy within… even lovers and even friends.

In the Game of Love, winner takes all.

BFF K’s Review

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Fast-paced, sports-based romance, Game of Love was a WINNER! I enjoyed this book with a toe in two separate worlds – the highest level of professional tennis and the highest level of technology/systems consulting; and you may not guess which is more competitive. But, I loved that each of the main characters had their own backgrounds, issues and identities. And, the characters were written in a way that was smart and honest.

Gemma and Andre were complex characters. I was engaged and drawn to them, wanting to learn more about both of them – their pasts and futures. There was also an interesting cast of supporting characters that each played a role in developing the plot and advancing the storylines. There is some suspense, stalker, cloak-and-dagger stuff that adds other elements to the story.

As I read the book, I could picture the details playing like a movie and I enjoyed conjuring the images of scene after scene set to uncover new information about these characters. There are good, coming-of-age, working through your past-issues, understanding-your-place-in-the-world, elements to this book.

I’m a fairly slow reader and I banged through Game of Love in just about 24 hours, so it’s a quick read that will keep you flipping the pages and cheering for victories – large and small!

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

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

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About the Author

Armenian by heritage, born in Iran, lived in Barcelona, and escaped New York until he found his home in Los Angeles, Ara’s first eleven years were both busy and confusing. The fruit salad of languages would slow down his genetically encoded need to tell stories. Until then, an alter ego would be required…

He received an engineering degree from California State University Northridge and earned his MBA from the University of Southern California. Today, he is a technology executive in the entertainment industry. True to the Hollywood life, Ara wrote for a children’s television pilot that could have made him rich (but didn’t) and nearly sold a video game to a major publisher (who closed shop days later).

But something was amiss until his wife read him the riot act. “Will you stop talking about wanting to be a writer and just do it?” So with her support (and mandate), and their two boys serving as his muse, he wrote stories.

Fascinated by the human species, Ara writes about choices, relationships, and second chances. Always a sucker for a hopeful ending, he writes contemporary romance stories. He is an alumnus of both the Santa Barbara Writers Conference and Southern California Writers’ Conference (where he also serves as a workshop leader). Ara is an active member of the Romance Writers of America and its Los Angeles chapter.

Ara is represented by Stacey Donaghy.

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Review – Sweet Girl by Rachel Hollis

Max Jennings is in a bad mood. It’s not anything you did; it’s just that secrets from her past make it her natural state of being. But she’s not going to talk about it or share her feelings, so don’t bother asking.

Max’s bad mood means that very few people actually truly understand her or know that her secret dream is to be a pastry chef. When a rare opportunity to work for world-famous Avis Phillips presents itself, Max jumps at the chance. Avis and her staff aren’t stingy with the tough love, so Max spends every spare minute practicing her craft. As she bakes brownies and custards, cookies and galettes, she builds an unlikely friendship with a man she once loathed and finds herself falling into something she’s spent the last six years avoiding. Will she let her painful past stand in the way, or will she muster the strength to forgive herself and realize her full potential?

BFF K’s Review

rating_4.5

Sweet Girl by Rachel Hollis is…well…sweet! I was pulled into this book by the heroine, Max. She’s smart and sassy, but the chip on her shoulder is of epic proportions! She’s callused, but in a way that feels forced for self-protection; and not in fact, the genuine state of being for her character. It takes many chapters, but little by little, the layers are peeled away from Max and you realize that she is working through some serious emotions and events in her life.

Enter Bennett Taylor. Max doesn’t like him. She shouldn’t like him. He complicates her life. Though he also makes it infinitely better. Can he coax her out of the shell of herself she’s been living in for years? The push and pull of their relationship is deliciously fulfilling. Though I have to say, I think that Bennett is an absolute saint for putting up with some of Max’s attitude. There were a couple of times I wanted to shake her and tell her to wake up and get her head out of the oven. But, it was wonderful to see her evolution. And, Taylor’s patience and devotion make him absolutely swoon worthy.

Laced throughout the book is a great cast of supporting characters. Max’s family, roommates, and co-workers make the book really well rounded. They bring the story to life in a way that makes you want to be a part of their circle. There’s one other character I would be remiss without mentioning….THE FOOD! Max is a pastry chef and her creations sound absolutely out of this world! I have a sweet tooth anyway, but working my way through Sweet Girl had me craving cupcakes and brownies and cheesecakes and incredible dishes that sound too good to be true!

I hate to admit this…..but I haven’t read Party Girl yet. Party Girl is Hollis’s first novel that centers around Landon and Brody. It has shot to the top of my TBR list. I think I would have had even greater insight into Max and Taylor if I had read that first. But, I certainly didn’t feel like there were any gaping holes in the story without reading Party Girl first.

The book is strong on romance, witty and engaging. If you’re looking for a good character-driven, story of self-discovery and self-acceptance; with a helping of hot, furniture-building, sensitive, patient, sexy hero on the side….Sweet Girl is definitely for you!

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

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Sweet Girl

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Party Girl’s First Date

I loved meeting Rachel Hollis at the 2015 Austin Bookfest! She’s absolutely adorable and as sweet as she looks! <3

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About the Author

I am Rachel Hollis. A wife, a mother, a Southern Girl, an LA Woman, and for all intents and purposes Party Planner Extraordinaire! I LOVE parties… I love everything about them. I love the food, the wine, having friends and family and people from all walks of life together in one well-decorated space! I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like a good party… and if there are people out there who don’t, maybe that’s just because you haven’t been to one of mine!

I grew up in a big loud Okie family. Daddy was a Pentecostal minister and Mama was the church pianist… and PS, I know the words to all the old-timey hymns in case you want to break into three-part harmony later. I moved to Los Angeles to go to college and promptly met a boy named David who was as handsome as he was funny. First I made that boy my best friend, and then I made him my husband. 10 years later we have three equally handsome/hilarious little boys named Jackson, Sawyer, and Ford. We live in LA where we spend our time doing super cool/sexy things like going to soccer practice and hitting up any restaurant where kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée.

Other fancy info about Rachel…
Rachel Hollis is the founder of Los Angeles-based event planning firm, Chic Events. In 2009, she was named by Inc. Magazine as one of the “Top 30 Entrepreneurs Under 30.” She has designed and produced fabulous parties for many of Hollywood’s elite, including Bradley Cooper, Al Gore, Rashida Jones, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ivanka Trump, Jaime King, and Cuba Gooding Jr. (just to name a few). Most recently, she planned the nuptials of actress Sara Rue’s wedding, which garnered national coverage in magazines such as People and US Weekly.

Rachel is the entertainment contributor for Traditional Home Magazine, and a regular contributor to The Huffington Post. In addition, she is a lifestyle expert for The Talk, EXTRA, The Nate Berkus Show, Steve Harvey, Home & Family, KTLA Morning News, Good Day LA, Fox 5, Better TV and a regular contributor on PopSugar TV and Celebrations.com. She has been featured in People, InStyle, OK!, Entertainment Weekly, Entrepreneur, Grace Ormand and the TV shows “Jilted”, “I Do, Over” on We Network, “The Traveler’s Guide to Life” on the Travel Channel and “Self Made.”

Review – Heat by Penny Reid – Elements of Chemistry Series

Heat
by Penny Reid
Hypothesis #2
Publication Date: April 30, 2015
Genres: Contemporary, Humor, Romance

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Elements of Chemistry: HEAT is part 2 of a 3 part series (65k word novel) and ends in a cliffhanger.

**Blurb contains spoilers if you haven’t read Elements of Chemistry: ATTRACTION**

Four days left.
Private beach (…and boat).
Not so invisible girl.
And maybe less of a jerk-faced bully than originally thought.
What’s the worst (or the best) that could happen?

Kaitlyn is finding life outside of the science cabinet of obscurity to be quite illuminating …and so are her pants.

When things heat up between Kaitlyn Parker and Martin—previously known as the jerk-faced bully—Sandeke, she places her trust in the one person she never thought capable of earning it, let alone keeping it safe. Fortunately or unfortunately for Kaitlyn, where she gives her trust she can’t help but also give her heart.

But how will the world beyond the sanctuary of their new found connection react to their relationship? Soon senators, chinless billionaires, and elements beyond Martin and Kaitlyn’s control want to weigh in on the young couple’s future.

Navigating the chaotic inferno of new love might be more than Kaitlyn bargained for, and much, much more than her trust—or her heart—can handle.

BFF K’s Review

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HEAT is an incredible continuation of Kaitlyn and Martin’s story. It picks right up where Attraction left off. We get to see the relationship of Kaitlyn and Martin continue to grow as they learn more and more about one another. Their relationship takes on a physical aspect that will practically burn up your ereader! The book is true to its name….This one brings the HEAT! But, even the steamy scenes are a reflection of who they are as characters.

The character development is fantastic! And, through it all, the book is written with a level of maturity and intelligence sometimes lacking in romance novels. It’s smart and quirky and an absolute delight to read!

I really can’t rave enough about how great this series is! The only problem is waiting until the next one releases! AND – be warned – Heat ends with a MAJOR CLIFFHANGER! I still think that you should still read it immediately, don’t wait to devour the goodness!

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About Penny Reid

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 – Broken Juliet by Leisa Rayven

Some loves never let you go…
Cassie swore she’d never forgive Ethan for breaking her heart when they were in acting school years ago. He was her one great love, and when he refused to love her back, a part of her died forever…or so she thought. Now she and Ethan are sharing a Broadway stage, and he’s determined to win her back. Finally he’s able to say all the things she needed to hear years ago…but can she believe him? Has he really changed, and what makes this time different from all his other broken promises?
The answer lies somewhere in the past, and now the truth will come to light. Will Cassie rediscover what it’s like to be trusting and open again–the way she was before Ethan? Or is it too late for these star-crossed lovers?
Don’t miss this mesmerizing final chapter in the Bad Romeo duet, the unforgettable love story that captured the hearts of over two million fans online.

BFF K’s Review

Broken Juliet is the absolutely sparkling conclusion to the story of Cassie and Ethan. I’m nearly at a loss for words to describe how much I love this series and how truly wonderful these books are. Parts are laugh out loud funny, parts make you want to sob in sadness or frustration. There is angst, romance and plenty of steam. Cassie and Ethan are phenomenal characters. Their dialogue is impeccably written and the story fresh and inventive. The words are lyrical, carefully crafted, and flow in a way that makes you pause thinking, “those sentences were absolutely perfect.”

Leisa Rayven uses a combination of flashbacks and modern day scenes to build the story of Cassie and Ethan and their tumultuous relationship. But, through all of drama, you see how Cassie and Ethan are desperately and completely meant for one another. It takes years (and some hard core therapy) for each to understand and accept themselves and the monumental feelings they possess for one another. The end result is worth every bit of emotion and speaks so honestly about who the characters are and what they want and need from one another.

Broken Juliet has caused a book hang-over of epic proportions. I’m certain I will spend hours re-reading all the highlighted bits and pieces to re-capture just a few of the emotions this book can stir. There are a few books and series that are on my “always recommend” list. Bad Romeo and Broken Juliet have shot toward the top of that list and I will be telling everyone I know that this series can’t be missed!

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

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Favorite Quotes

“The way he says my name is like a groan of frustration and a sigh of relief. A promise. An apology. A prayer.”

“Time is a fickle whore. Whenever you want it to pass slowly, it speeds up, and whenever you’re full of nervous impatience it crawls like a sloth on sedatives.”

“I have full-blown emotional vertigo. I’m completely turned around. Upside down and inside out.”

“From the moment I met you, it was only ever going to be you.”

“All the while he whispers to me about regrets, apologies, love, future.”

Dream Casting

I don’t do this very often, but I can see Ethan and Cassie so clearly in my mind….So here they are!

About the Author

Writing has always been a passion for Leisa, and even though she originally intended to be an actress, it wasn’t long into her time at drama school that she began writing plays.

Those plays were bad. Very bad. Well, her friends thought they were good, but that’s because they were always cast in them and any opportunity to be on stage was met with an obnoxious amount of enthusiasm.

Since then, she’s honed her craft, and several of her plays have been produced and toured throughout Australia.

These days, playwriting has given way to fiction writing, and her debut novel, BAD ROMEO, will be available in a worldwide release through Macmillan Publishing in December 2014. The sequel, BROKEN JULIET, will be available in April 2015.

Leisa lives in Australia with her husband, two little boys, three judgemental cats, and a kangaroo named Howard. (*NB: Howard may or may not be her imaginary marsupial friend. Everyone should have one.*)

Review – Catching Cassidy by Melissa Foster

Wyatt Armstrong never imagined that instead of celebrating his college graduation, he and his twin sister would be dealing with the death of their parents. Then again, Wyatt had never been one to think past tomorrow. He heads to their summer home in Harborside, Massachusetts, with his best friend Cassidy Lowell in tow, to deal with his parents’ death and to try to figure out his next step.

Six foot two, infuriatingly handsome, and flirtatious, Wyatt Armstrong has always been there for Cassidy, helping her pass her classes and fend off unwanted advances, while driving her insane with his one-night stands—but that’s what best friends are for, isn’t it? Having each other’s backs. There was never any doubt that she would accompany him to his family’s summer home—but she never expected to begin seeing Wyatt as more than a friend. Or has she been ignoring her feelings all along?

It’s impossible to ignore the sizzling heat between them as Wyatt and Cassidy get even closer, but Cassidy knows Wyatt’s past, and she has a real job to begin in the fall. Wyatt may be a sure thing for the summer, but Cassidy needs more. For the first time in his life, Wyatt is forced to look toward the future if he doesn’t want to lose the one woman who’s shared his past and owns his heart.

BFF K’s Review

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Catching Cassidy is a wonderful NA, coming-of-age novel that has all the feels! Wyatt is a fantastic young hero. He’s kind, considerate, compassionate and loyal. Wyatt and his twin sister Delilah loose their parents in a sudden tragedy the night of their college graduation. He and Delilah bring their best friend Cassidy with them to Harborside for the summer. Wyatt struggles to ensure that Delialah and Cassidy are ok while at the same time trying to figure out his own role and place in this new reality.

There is an angst-filled, push and pull as Cassidy and Wyatt try to deny their growing attraction for the sake of their friendship. Factor into that: job uncertainties, family dynamics, a colorful cast of friends and an idyllic summer setting and you have the makings of a really wonderful NA story.

I am loving all of the characters in Harborside. I really enjoyed the way that Melissa Foster described the group of “summer friends” and we got a glimpse into the personalities and lives of all of them. I feel invested now in the whole group and I’m looking forward to reading the series so I can catch up with all of them! This is a quality series that I think you’ll really really like!

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

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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

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