Duo Review – Incendiary by Amy A. Bartol

WINNER OF THE 2013 UTOPYA AWARDS FOR BEST VILLAIN & BEST BOOK COVER OF THE YEAR

Cold, fine drops of rain fall softly on my cheeks as I emerge from the darkness of the ship’s interior to the gray, overcast sky of the main deck. Pulling my dark pea coat tighter to my body, the wind lifts red tendrils of my hair. I walk slowly to the railing overlooking the water.

I catch my first sight of the Irish coastline; its craggy landscape makes me shiver in dread. I find it difficult to imagine now how the Gancanagh had made this their home for so long without anyone realizing it. The cold, moss-covered edifices practically scream their presence. As I study the shadows between the falling-down stone, I imagine creeping shapes of undead Faeries grasping the rock, waiting for our ship to draw nearer to their position.

Tipping my face up, I let the rain wash over me. It bathes away the frigid sweat of fear that has broken on my brow. “You don’t know how fiercely beautiful you are, do you?” A quiet voice behind me asks, causing me to stiffen and fix my eyes on the rocks along the shoreline.

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As one of Ann and Kiersten’s real life BFF’s, Missy has been subjected to countless hours of book discussions! Over the years there is NO other series that has generated as much discussion between Missy and Kiersten as the Premonition Series by Amy Bartol. It is one of our most favorites and we love it more than is really healthy.

The 5th and FINAL book in the Premonition Series, Iniquity, will be released on December 8. In advance of this exciting event, I asked Missy to join me for another guest edition of the Duo Review to share our thoughts on this incredible series! Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be sharing our thoughts with you about the awesomeness that is the Premonition Series!

Read our Duo Review of Inescapable.

Read our Duo Review of Intuition.

Read our Duo Review of Indebted.

Duo (Guest) Review

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This is the book where s#$% got real. The End.

Just kidding….mostly…..this book is so hard to describe and review without giving away so many many details.

There’s another new character that shakes the foundation for Russell, Evie and Reed. Anya rocks. She is a fantastic character and a terrific addition to the mix. This is also the book where we meet both Evie’s father and her long time guardian. These two characters also mix up the dynamics and change the game.

Incendiary is really about unraveling and clarifying the missions and separating the characters to define them and their relationships to one another. This book is where we see Evie begin to embrace her powers and accept her mission no matter the reasons behind it.

There are really not enough usable words in the English language to tell you how fantastic this series is and all of the reasons you should read it. This is the series that convinced me (BFF K) I do love paranormal romance.

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    AND Missy

 

 

Amazon Links to Purchase The Premonition Series

Inescapable (Book 1)

Intuition (Book 2)

Indebted (Book 3)

Incendiary (Book 4)

Iniquity (Book 5)

Kindle Copy of All 5 Books in the Premonition Series

*All links also include Audible option.

Amazon Links to Purchase The Kricket Series by Amy A Bartol

Under Different Stars (Book 1)

Sea of Stars (Book 2)

Darken the Stars (Book 3)

*All links also include Audible option.

All of Amy Bartol’s Books have an audio book option. BFF K is a HUGE audio fan!

These are all absolutely fantastic!

About the Author

I live in Michigan with my husband and our two sons. My family is very supportive of my writing. When I’m writing, they often bring me the take-out menu so that I can call and order them dinner. They listen patiently when I talk about my characters like they’re real. They rarely roll their eyes when I tell them I’ll only be a second while I finish writing a chapter…and then they take off their coats. They ask me how the story is going when I surface after living for hours in a world of my own making. They have learned to accept my “writing uniform” consisting of a slightly unflattering pink fleece jacket, t-shirt, and black yoga pants. And they smile at my nerdy bookishness whenever I try to explain urban fantasy to them. In short, they get me, so they are perfect and I am blessed. Please visit me at my website: http://www.amyabartol.com

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Duo Review – Indebted by Amy A. Bartol

I hang my head in sorrow for just a moment when I know I am truly alone. I feel like I’m going to my execution, just as he had said. Then I move forward again. I hop a fence of fieldstone and cross a field dotted with Queen Anne’s lace. Goose bumps rise on my arms as I pass the cluster of windmills that I have seen in a dream. The scent is sweet in the field though, not the scent of heat, like it had been when it was forced upon me in visions. I gaze down the hill, beyond the small, whitewashed house that I knew would be there. The church looms dark and grim with its rough-hewn, timber façade, capped by tall, oblong spires reaching to the sky. Black, ominous clouds have collected above the roofline, as if Heaven is showing me the way.

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As one of Ann and Kiersten’s real life BFF’s, Missy has been subjected to countless hours of book discussions! Over the years there is NO other series that has generated as much discussion between Missy and Kiersten as the Premonition Series by Amy Bartol. It is one of our most favorites and we love it more than is really healthy.

The 5th and FINAL book in the Premonition Series, Iniquity, will be released on December 8. In advance of this exciting event, I asked Missy to join me for another guest edition of the Duo Review to share our thoughts on this incredible series! Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be sharing our thoughts with you about the awesomeness that is the Premonition Series!

Read our Duo Review of Inescapable.

Read our Duo Review of Intuition.

Duo (Guest) Review

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Evie opens up a whole can of new abilities in Book #3 AND her inherent need to protect those she loves is the driving force in her decisions in this installment of the Premonition series.

Brennus is still hanging out causing trouble and there is a whole cast of new creatures and nightmares. This book includes more narration from Russell’s point of view. It is so interesting to see things as they unfold but from a different perspective.

Reed realizes that his attempts to protect Evie sometimes leave her at a disadvantage and they will reevaluate some aspects of their relationship. Evie is evolving and developing, she’s learning about her strengths and just what she is capable of doing and being.

There’s drama and tons of character development. This is the book that moves so many of the storylines forward and further uncovers the story of Evie’s mission and everyone else’s role in that plot.

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    AND Missy

 

 

Amazon Links to Purchase The Premonition Series

Inescapable (Book 1)

Intuition (Book 2)

Indebted (Book 3)

Incendiary (Book 4)

Iniquity (Book 5)

Kindle Copy of All 5 Books in the Premonition Series

*All links also include Audible option.

Amazon Links to Purchase The Kricket Series by Amy A Bartol

Under Different Stars (Book 1)

Sea of Stars (Book 2)

Darken the Stars (Book 3)

*All links also include Audible option.

All of Amy Bartol’s Books have an audio book option. BFF K is a HUGE audio fan!

These are all absolutely fantastic!

About the Author

I live in Michigan with my husband and our two sons. My family is very supportive of my writing. When I’m writing, they often bring me the take-out menu so that I can call and order them dinner. They listen patiently when I talk about my characters like they’re real. They rarely roll their eyes when I tell them I’ll only be a second while I finish writing a chapter…and then they take off their coats. They ask me how the story is going when I surface after living for hours in a world of my own making. They have learned to accept my “writing uniform” consisting of a slightly unflattering pink fleece jacket, t-shirt, and black yoga pants. And they smile at my nerdy bookishness whenever I try to explain urban fantasy to them. In short, they get me, so they are perfect and I am blessed. Please visit me at my website: http://www.amyabartol.com

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Duo Review – Intuition by Amy A. Bartol

WINNER OF THE 2012 UTOPYA CON AWARD FOR BEST VILLAIN

I don’t open my eyes so I can’t see him, but I can smell him. He thickens the air I breathe, choking me with his scent…his aroma. I shiver. I have to resist. If I’m not strong, then I will be relegated to the same fate as this predator whose sickness infects me even now. But now, I crave him and he knows that; he has been counting on my need to end the gnawing pain. How he would savor my surrender. I’m alive, but how much longer will it take until I beg him not to be?

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As one of Ann and Kiersten’s real life BFF’s, Missy has been subjected to countless hours of book discussions! Over the years there is NO other series that has generated as much discussion between Missy and Kiersten as the Premonition Series by Amy Bartol. It is one of our most favorites and we love it more than is really healthy.

The 5th and FINAL book in the Premonition Series, Iniquity, will be released on December 8. In advance of this exciting event, I asked Missy to join me for another guest edition of the Duo Review to share our thoughts on this incredible series! Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be sharing our thoughts with you about the awesomeness that is the Premonition Series!

Read our Duo Review of Inescapable.

Duo (Guest) Review

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Book #2 in the Premonition series introduces us to the most controversial of all characters in this series. Meet Brennus. There are few other characters that elicit such strong responses. Most readers either love Brennus or hate him, but even those that hate him are still drawn to him.

It is so hard to talk about all of the incredible things that happen in this book without just spilling our guts and giving away the entire book!

Evie is determined to protect those she loves and she will protect them to the death if she has to. The butterflies between Reed and Evie are still flying and there is a MAJOR development in their relationship at the end of Intuition. <3 <3 <3

Russell, Buns, Brownie and Zee are all playing their parts to protect and guide Evie in unraveling and completing her mission.

This book is full of action and some MAJOR romance. Evie is coming into her own and discovering her own powers and purposes.

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    AND Missy

 

 

Amazon Links to Purchase The Premonition Series

Inescapable (Book 1)

Intuition (Book 2)

Indebted (Book 3)

Incendiary (Book 4)

Iniquity (Book 5)

Kindle Copy of All 5 Books in the Premonition Series

*All links also include Audible option.

Amazon Links to Purchase The Kricket Series by Amy A Bartol

Under Different Stars (Book 1)

Sea of Stars (Book 2)

Darken the Stars (Book 3)

*All links also include Audible option.

All of Amy Bartol’s Books have an audio book option. BFF K is a HUGE audio fan!

These are all absolutely fantastic!

About the Author

I live in Michigan with my husband and our two sons. My family is very supportive of my writing. When I’m writing, they often bring me the take-out menu so that I can call and order them dinner. They listen patiently when I talk about my characters like they’re real. They rarely roll their eyes when I tell them I’ll only be a second while I finish writing a chapter…and then they take off their coats. They ask me how the story is going when I surface after living for hours in a world of my own making. They have learned to accept my “writing uniform” consisting of a slightly unflattering pink fleece jacket, t-shirt, and black yoga pants. And they smile at my nerdy bookishness whenever I try to explain urban fantasy to them. In short, they get me, so they are perfect and I am blessed. Please visit me at my website: http://www.amyabartol.com

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Duo Review – Inescapable by Amy A. Bartol

My name is Evie Claremont and this was to be the making of me–my freshman year of college. I’d been hoping that once I’d arrived on Crestwood’s campus, the nightmare that I’ve been having would go away. It hasn’t.

I may be an inexperienced seventeen-year-old, but I’m grounded…sane. I look for rational explanations to even the strangest circumstances. Since meeting sophomore Reed Wellington, however, nothing makes any sense. Whenever he’s near, I feel an attraction to him–a magnetic kind of force pulling me towards him. I know what you’re thinking…that sounds fairly awesome. Yeah, it would be…if he liked me, but Reed acts as if I’m the worst thing that has ever happened to Crestwood…or him. But get this, for some reason every time I turn around he’s there, barging into my life.

What is the secret that he’s keeping from me? I’m hoping that it’s anything but what I suspect: that he’s not exactly normal…and neither am I. So, maybe Crestwood won’t be the making of me, but it could be the breaking of me. I’ve been left to wonder if the dark future my dream is foretelling is…inescapable.

 

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The BFF’s (Ann stripes in pic and Kiersten in denim) have 2 other BFF’s. We all live on the same street and can often be found engaging in many fun shenanigans together! Angie (on the far left) and Missy (on the right) both read a LOT too and many of our conversations revolve around books. Over the years there is NO other series that has generated as much discussion between Missy and Kiersten as the Premonition Series by Amy Bartol. It is one of our most favorites and we love it more than is really healthy.

The 5th and FINAL book in the Premonition Series, Iniquity, will be released on December 8. In advance of this exciting event, I asked Missy to join me for a guest edition of the Duo Review to share our thoughts on this incredible series! Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be sharing our thoughts with you about the awesomeness that is the Premonition Series!

Duo (Guest) Review

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The Premonition Series is a series that we have spent way too many HOURS (I’m not kidding, HOURS) discussing. We talk about these characters like they’re friends, neighbors and loved ones. It is one of my (BFF K) most recommended series!

Evie Claremont starts the book as an excited college Freshman with a whole new world opening up at Crestwood College. There she meets and befriends Freddie, a geeky, socially awkward young man. She also meets Russell, the quarterback of the football team and a boy whom it feels like she’s known forever. Then, Evie meets Reed. Every time they are near to one another they both have an uncontrollable case of butterflies and a pull to one another that is unexplainable.

Evie has a recurring nightmare that grows increasingly more vivid and soon strange things are happening to her! She draws the group of friends close together. Soon Zephyr, Buns and Brownie join the crew to help Evie discover who and what she is.

Evie has a way of surviving when she really shouldn’t. There is something about her that draws others to her and her presence causes them pause. We can’t really say more without giving away major plot points and believe us, you want to read/reveal these for yourself!

This book sets the stage for Evie in the entire series! There is angst, romance, action and suspense; moments that will get your heart beating for so many reasons. This is one of our most favorite series ever and book #1 is our favorite book! There is not really much else to say other than you MUST read this book!

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    AND Missy

 

 

Amazon Links to Purchase The Premonition Series

Inescapable (Book 1)

Intuition (Book 2)

Indebted (Book 3)

Incendiary (Book 4)

Iniquity (Book 5)

Kindle Copy of All 5 Books in the Premonition Series

*All links also include Audible option.

Amazon Links to Purchase The Kricket Series by Amy A Bartol

Under Different Stars (Book 1)

Sea of Stars (Book 2)

Darken the Stars (Book 3)

*All links also include Audible option.

All of Amy Bartol’s Books have an audio book option. BFF K is a HUGE audio fan!

These are all absolutely fantastic!

About the Author

I live in Michigan with my husband and our two sons. My family is very supportive of my writing. When I’m writing, they often bring me the take-out menu so that I can call and order them dinner. They listen patiently when I talk about my characters like they’re real. They rarely roll their eyes when I tell them I’ll only be a second while I finish writing a chapter…and then they take off their coats. They ask me how the story is going when I surface after living for hours in a world of my own making. They have learned to accept my “writing uniform” consisting of a slightly unflattering pink fleece jacket, t-shirt, and black yoga pants. And they smile at my nerdy bookishness whenever I try to explain urban fantasy to them. In short, they get me, so they are perfect and I am blessed. Please visit me at my website: http://www.amyabartol.com

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Review – Until I Met You by S.L. Scott

Their love burned bright, white hot, and strikingly blue around the edges.

Some thought them careless.

Some thought them crazy.

No one approved.

Taylor Barrett was looking for answers in a universe that had abandoned him.

Jude Boehler flooded her dark world with charisma and mystery, drawing everyone into her hurricane.

It was a most captivating of love affairs. They were shooting stars, meteors in the sky, colliding to create a spectacularly wonderful reckless romance, leaving them breathless and tethered.

But that’s what Love does.

Their souls were exposed to the chaos, bare and vulnerable.
Can these two star-crossed lovers survive the madness that is life?

One-Click on Amazon

ADD TO GOODREADS

BFF K’s Review

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I am blown away by the latest story from S.L. Scott. Until I Met You is S.L. Scott’s best book to date and an absolutely incredible read.

This book is full of angst and tension! I can still feel my heart clenching just thinking about it.

Until I Met You is an exceptionally unique story, unlike anything I’ve read. This is the story of star-crossed lovers who are destined to meet, destined to love, destined to burn brightly. But, can the burn of love be sustained without torching everything in its’ path?

Jude has secrets that will tear out your heart and drama in abundance. Hazel has his own complications. But, the one thing that both have is an absolute devotion to one another. They are committed to aiding one another even at their own expense. And, it just may cost them everything.

I want to delve into the details of the story and discuss all of the twist and turns, the heartbreak and the triumphs. But, I don’t want to give away a single detail. I want you to have the joy of uncovering the layers, bit by angst-filled-bit! I will guarantee that Until I Met You is a book so full of emotion and surprises you’ll be enthralled. Your heart will break and fuse back together only to break again. But, you’ll find yourself thinking about Hazel and Jude for days after the story ends.

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An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

I had a hard time picturing the characters in my head, but once I settled upon this dream casting, it absolutely clicked for me!

Excerpt

Entering his building made her feet lighter. She was being carried on the wings of euphoria, each step easier than the last. She wasn’t walking to her future. She was running toward it. Taking a breath, she held it, and knocked on his door.

The door opened and he stood there with his lips parted and confusion furrowing his brow. “Jude?”

Throwing herself forward, she jumped up and wrapped her body around his and kissed him. Then again. He kicked the door closed and held her against it. When they parted, they remained close enough to share their panting breaths. He said, “You’re here.” When he pressed his abs against her center her head knocked hard on the wood and he kissed the exposed skin of her neck where it met her shoulder.

He was strong. He was virile. “Hey,” she said, bringing his face up to see hers.

Lowering her down until her feet touched, he said, “I thought we were meeting at the park?”

“I couldn’t wait.”

His glorious smile chose to shine on her. “I’m glad you didn’t. Do you want to go to the bedroom?”

Giggling, she replied, “Yes, so much, but I need to talk to you first.”

“Okay.” He walked to the couch and she stared gob-smacked by his allure. Jeans that hung low. No shirt. Boxers peeking out the top, but a V that directed her eyes below the waistband. He was a tease as he stood there waiting for her to join him. Sitting on the couch, he patted it. “C’mere.”

She started walking on shaky legs. As she passed the bar, she debated if she should stay there to save her clarity. That seat next to him was tempting, but she knew she’d be flat on her back within seconds. So she hurried to his side and sat down. His hands were instantly on her.






S.L. Scott is a former high-tech account manager with a journalism degree pursuing her passion for telling stories. She spends her days escaping into her characters and letting them lead her on their adventures.
Live music shows, harvesting jalapenos and eating homemade guacamole are her obsessions she calls hobbies.
Scott lives in the beautiful Texas hill country of Austin with her husband, two young sons, two Papillons and a bowl full of Sea Monkeys.

She welcomes your notes at sl@slscottauthor.com.




Review – Seized by Love by Melissa Foster

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SEIZED BY LOVE
The Ryders #1
Melissa Foster
Releasing Oct 28th, 2015
World Literary Press

 

Lizzie Barber runs a successful flower shop by day and secretly hosts the Naked Baker webcast at night to help pay for her younger sister’s education. To keep friends and family from finding out about her sexy secret, she’s put her social life on hold until her sister’s education is paid off and she can stop filming the webcast.

Blue Ryder fell hard for Lizzie Barber when he met her a year ago, and he hasn’t been able to get her off his mind since. Everything about the feisty little brunette, from her tight bod to her seductive smile, cuts straight to his heart. Though Lizzie has turned down every invitation he’s extended—Blue is not about to give up trying.

Renovating Lizzie’s kitchen brings Blue further into Lizzie’s life, and the oven is not the only thing heating up. One night and one powerful kiss changes everything. But when Lizzie’s secret is revealed and the safe bubble she’s hidden in shatters, true love may not be enough to put the pieces back together.

THE RYDERS are the newest addition to the LOVE IN BLOOM series by New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Melissa Foster. This 5-book hot contemporary romance series features alpha male heroes and sexy, empowered women. They’re flawed, funny, passionate, and relatable to readers who enjoy new adult romance, contemporary romance, and women’s fiction.

 

BUY NOW

 Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo

 

BFF K’s Review

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“Get ready for the ride of your life, sweetheart. The Ryder boys have got your back.” Blue speaks these sweet words to Lizzie, but you can’t help but feel like the heart of those words are also meant for the readers! Seized by Love is the first book in the Ryder’s series by Melissa Foster and I can’t wait for the rest!

Blue Ryder is just as swoony as his name suggests! He wears his heart on his sleeve. Blue is confident and caring and guided by loyalty and love. He is absolutely dedicated to the safety and happiness of those he loves. And, he’s set his sites on Lizzie Barber. After pursuing her relentlessly for over a year, she finally gives in and agrees to go on a date with him.

And, it’s everything she feared. Once she has given into Blue, there’s no way Lizzie can turn away from him. When he learns that Lizzie is the Naked Baker, it threatens the foundation of their relationship. But, can the love they feel for one another overcome the awkward introduction to her alter-ego? Lizzie developed the Naked Baker show to put herself through college, but she continues to support her younger sister. But, what will happen when the webcast threatens the relationships that mean the most?

I enjoyed Lizzie Barber. She’s sweet and sassy and super-smart. She’s dedicated to helping those around her and being the very best sister, business owner and person she can be. Blue knows that he’s drawn to her, but as he really gets to know her, he understands the depths of her character and who she really is. The birth and strengthening of their relationship is a fun exploration.

Seized by Love is part of the larger series, Love in Bloom. I have only read a couple of the books in the Harborside Nights spin-off series. All of these books are stand-alones and I don’t think you need to read the entire set to follow them. I enjoyed this first look at the Ryder family and I am looking forward to what’s in store for Duke Ryder in book two!

 

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An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

About the Author

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes contemporary romance, new adult, contemporary women’s fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. 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 World Literary Café and Fostering Success. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

Melissa hosts an Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on social media. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
 
 

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
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 BFF K’s Review of Remind Me

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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 Sparrow Sisters by Ellen Herrick

Title: The Sparrow Sisters
Author: Ellen Herrick
Publisher: William Morrow
Pages: 384
Genre: Magical Realism/Fantasy
Format: Kindle/Paperback

 


With echoes of the alchemy of Practical Magic, the lushness of Saving CeeCee Honeycutt, and the darkly joyful wickedness of the Witches of East End, Ellen Herrick’s debut novel spins an enchanting love story about a place where magic whispers just beneath the surface and almost anything is possible, if you aren’t afraid to listen.

 

The Sparrow Sisters are as tightly woven into the seaside New England town of Granite Point as the wild sweet peas that climb the stone walls along the harbor. Sorrel, Nettie and Patience are as colorful as the beach plums on the dunes and as mysterious as the fog that rolls into town at dusk.

 

Patience is the town healer and when a new doctor settles into Granite Point he brings with him a mystery so compelling that Patience is drawn to love him, even as she struggles to mend him. But when Patience Sparrow’s herbs and tinctures are believed to be implicated in a local tragedy, Granite Point is consumed by a long-buried fear—and its three hundred year old history resurfaces as a modern day witch-hunt threatens. The plants and flowers, fruit trees and high hedges begin to wither and die, and the entire town begins to fail; fishermen return to the harbor empty-handed, and blight descends on the old elms that line the lanes.

 

It seems as if Patience and her town are lost until the women of Granite Point band together to save the Sparrow. As they gather, drawing strength from each other, will they be able to turn the tide and return life to Granite Point?

 

The Sparrow Sisters is a beautiful, haunting, and thoroughly mesmerizing novel that will capture your imagination.

 

Purchase the Sparrow Sisters

 

Harper Collins     Amazon     Barnes & Noble     Kobo     Google Play     Audible

Add to your Goodreads

 

The Amazon.com links used in this post are directed to the paperback copy of The Sparrow Sisters. This is an unusual case where the paperback is less expensive than the Kindle copy, FYI!

 

BFF K’s Review

 

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The Sparrow Sisters is an absolutely lovely book and the perfect pick for your fall book club meeting! I was captivated by the beautiful imagery and remarkable sense of place created by Ellen Herrick in this book. At first Granite Pointe is such an idyllic little seaside town. The residents and their surroundings are seen through the eyes of several of the characters. You learn about the quirks and nuances of Granite Pointe and its’ inhabitants. At the center of the community are the Sparrow Sisters and their nursery.

The mystical presence surrounding the Sparrows is woven through the first parts of the book and you’re left believing in the magic of who they are and what they can do through the plants that they grow in their nursery. The synopsis of the book hints at a pending tragedy and the build up creates a delicious sense of angst and suspense. There were a couple of times I was so nervous, I hesitated to turn the page or press play on Audible for fear of what might be coming.

Sorrel, Nettie and Patience are intertwined with the town and you soon realize that the success or failure of one is equal to the other. When Dr. Henry Carlyle arrives in Granite Pointe, he is immediately drawn into a passionate and life altering relationship with Patience Sparrow. When the tragedy strikes, the relationships of EVERYONE in Granite Pointe are tested and strained. I was so intrigued by the way that town turned on one of their own and the strife created from the discontent. It was too easy, almost unsettling, the way the witch hunt unfolded with the Sisters and Henry at the center. But, the devotion that the Sparrow sisters have to one another and their close-knit circle of friends/family is heartwarming. It’s critical for the women of Granite Pointe to take a stand and the Girl Power is fully awesome!

I had hoped for a little more magic and mystery, but the exceptional characters and relationships made up for any lack of alchemy. Herrick has created a delightful world full of beautiful passages and quirky characters. I enjoyed the entire book, both audio and written. The Sparrow Sisters has an immensely satisfying ending, but still leaves an opening to revisit these endearing characters. I’m looking forward to discovering what’s in store for Sorrel and checking in with all of the Sisters.

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This book was reviewed using a combination of audiobook and Advance Reader Copy. The audiobook was purchased by the reviewer, the ARC was received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

About the Author

Ellen Herrick was a publishing executive in New York until she moved to London for a brief stint; she returned nearly twenty years later with three grown children (her own, it must be said). She now divides her time between Cambridge, Massachusetts and a small Cape Cod town very much like Granite Point.

For More Information

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 Visit Ellen’s website

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.