Romance Archives - Page 20 of 32

Review – Jackson’s Trust by Violet Duke

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About JACKSON’S TRUST

New York Times bestselling author Violet Duke kicks off her sizzling-hot new Fourth Down series with a friends-to-lovers romance between a no-strings-attached sports analyst and the hottest damn tomboy he’s ever met.

It’s no secret that sports analyst Jackson Gray doesn’t do relationships. What is a secret, however, is the reason why. Jackson’s life is . . . complicated. And it doesn’t help that his current hands-off “friendship” is with the cute-as-hell new sideline reporter he’s assigned to train. Turns out, not only is the woman damn sweet, she also knows as much about football as he does. Like it or not though, Jackson has to remind himself that sex is the only thing he has to offer . . . until now.

Leila Hart’s fast-growing friendship with Jackson is something she’d never risk, no matter how unbelievably seductive the reward. Becoming an NFL sportscaster has always been the goal, and thanks to Jackson’s fierce support and mentoring, it all finally seems within reach. Problem is, a girl can only take so much of that sexy-as-sin voice whispering dirty, filthy football stats in her ear before she loses all self-control. A workplace romance with Jackson is a disaster waiting to happen, especially for someone with big dreams . . . and secrets of her own.

Advance praise for Jackson’s Trust

“I totally love this hotter side of Violet Duke. You still get the same sweet, emotional story but with a little bit of extra sizzle. Jackson’s Trust is a must-read novel.”—New York Times bestselling author Sawyer Bennett

“A delightfully fresh read . . . Violet Duke delivers it all in Jackson’s Trust!”—New York Timesbestselling author Jen McLaughlin

“Violet Duke’s writing jumps off the page and grabs you from the first sentence. You will loveJackson’s Trust.”—New York Times bestselling author Bella Andre

“Jackson’s Trust is hot, sweet, and filled with tender moments. Violet Duke writes heroes who make me swoon!”—New York Times bestselling author Kendall Ryan

Get your hands on JACKSON’S TRUST now:

BFF K’s Review

rating_3.5

I feel like I should break this review into 2 different parts. I really enjoyed the first half of this book, the 2nd half – not as much. The first half was everything the synopsis had built up to. Jackson was a sweet sportscaster falling for his spunky and lovely new coworker. That’s the book I wanted to read. About half way through, the book took a turn that I wasn’t expecting. Gone was the flirty banter and sports related setting. And, I found the rest of the book just didn’t hold as much appeal for me. I felt like the characters that had been developed made some decisions in the end of the book that were contrary to the personalities they had developed over the beginning pages. Honestly, most of the last 1/3 of the book felt like it came out of left field or could have been another book entirely.

I liked Jackson’s character. He’s sweet and caring. He’s the kind of guy to notice small gestures and support the people around him. And, I liked Leila. She was complex and ambitious. The beginning of their story was all of the butterflies I hoped I would have when I read the synopsis. The angst came in the second half of the book, and maybe the angst was self-induced because I just didn’t see the changes coming.

I am anxious to talk about Jackson’s Trust with someone else who has read it. (If you’ve read it, comment or message me on Facebook.) The book wasn’t horrible. The writing was strong, the characters were interesting, it was just not a super great read for me. If you’re looking for a romance that has sports undertones – but not too much sport and a sweet leading man, check this out. Jackson’s Trust didn’t score big for me, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be one of your besties.

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An advance copy was received in exchange for an honest review.

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About Violet Duke

NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Violet Duke is a former professor of English Education ecstatic to now be on the other side of the page writing wickedly fun contemporary romances filled with strong, unique heroines and memorably romantic heroes. With just under a million books sold to date, since becoming an author in 2013, Violet has appeared on the USA Today bestseller list thirteen times and the NYT bestseller list three times, with the additional honor of charting in the Top 10 across the major eretailers both in the U.S. and internationally. Her fans, who she just adores to pieces, affectionately call her books sweet & sexy ‘laugh & cry’ love stories.

When she’s not feeding her book-a-day reading addiction, Violet enjoys tackling reno projects with her power tools, trying pretty much anything without reading the directions first, and cooking impossible-to-be-duplicated ‘special edition’ dishes that laugh in the face of recipes. A born and raised island girl, she spends her days in Hawai’i chasing after her two cute kids (daughter Violet & son Duke) and similarly adorable husband (their ringleader).

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Review – Serving Trouble by Sara Jane Stone

Enter below to Win a Print Set of

Sara’s Independence Falls Series, including,

FULL EXPOSURE, CAUGHT IN THE ACT,

HERO BY NIGHT and WILD WITH YOU

SERVING TROUBLE

Second Shot #1

Sara Jane Stone

Releasing March 8th, 2016

Avon Impulse

The first sexy contemporary romance in Sara Jane Stone’s brand new Second Shot
series!

Five years ago, Josie Fairmore left timber country in search of a bright future. Now she’s back home with a mountain of debt and reeling from a loss that haunts her. Desperate for a job, she turns to the one man she wishes she could avoid. The man who rocked her world one wild night and then walked right out of it.

Former Marine Noah Tager is managing his dad’s bar and holding tight to the feeling that his time overseas led to failure. The members of his small town think he’s a war hero, but after everything he’s witnessed, Noah doesn’t want a pat on the back. The only thing he desires is a second chance with his best friend’s little sister.

Josie’s determined to hold onto her heart and not repeat her mistakes, but when danger arrives on Noah’s doorstep and takes aim at Josie, they just might discover that sometimes love is worth the risk.

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Review

The minute I finished Running Wild, the prequel novel to Serving Trouble, I went in search of the continuation of Josie and Noah’s story. (If you haven’t read Running Wild, you should go download and read that immediately!) I was drawn to Josie and Noah. I like the “Siblings BFF” trope and this one sets up beautifully.

Josie has a less than stellar reputation around her small town and she was anxious to break free of the confines and people’s perceptions. Noah is the hometown hero; a High School football star turned war veteran who has returned to take over the family business, Buck’s Bar. Oh yeah, he is also Josie’s brother’s best friend. Outside of one wild night just before Noah left for the service, (Running Wild) they have kept their distance despite a mutual attraction and shared affection. Noah is working behind the bar when Josie rolls into town desperate for a job. It doesn’t take long for the two to give in to their mutual attraction and overwhelming physical and emotional needs for one another.

Sara Jane Stone has woven a tale full of both romance and suspense. Josie and Noah are rich and complex characters. When they are threatened by an unknown source, both Josie and Noah must fight to stay together and safe. Both characters are independent and strong, but they want to share life’s struggles and to be a support for one another.

This was my first novel by Sara Jane Stone and I’m anxious for more in this Second Shot Series. I read Serving Trouble on a road trip and was so consumed by the story and the characters that miles and hours passed in the blink of an eye. There’s just enough mystery to keep the pages turning and more than enough steam to keep it interesting. If you’re looking for a solid romance with great characters and an engrossing story, Serving Trouble is a solid choice!

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An Advance Copy was received in exchange for an honest review.

Giveaway

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Make sure to pick up RUNNING WILD, the FREE Prequel Novella

Read BFF K’s Review of Running Wild

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About the Author

After several years on the other side of the publishing industry, Sara Jane Stone bid goodbye to her sales career to pursue her dream-writing romance novels. Sara Jane currently resides in Brooklyn, New York with her very supportive real-life hero, two lively young children and a lazy Burmese cat. Join Sara Jane’s newsletter to receive new release information, news about contests, giveaways, and more! Visit www.sarajanestone.com and look for her newsletter entry form.

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Review – Palm South University Season 2 : Episode 2 by Kandi Steiner

Title: Palm South University: Season Two Episode Two

Author: Kandi Steiner

Release Date: March 15, 2016

Find on Goodreads

Drama. Lies. Sex.

Welcome to Palm South University.

The weather isn’t the only thing heating up in South Florida. At a school where fraternities and sororities don’t exactly play by the rules, relationships are bound to be tested. Parties and sex are definitely key ingredients in the Palm South recipe, but what happens when family issues, secret lives, and unrequited love get tossed in the mix?

Follow Cassie, Bear, Jess, Skyler, Erin, Ashlei, and Adam as they tackle college at a small, private beach town university. Written in television drama form, each episode of this serial will pull you deeper and deeper into the world of PSU.

Where the sun is hot and the clothes are scarce, anything can happen.

Amazon

Get Season 2 : Episode 1 on Amazon

You can also grab the Season One Box Set today!

BFF K’s Review

rating_4.5

Do you remember the B.Y.O.B. episode of 90210? In this episode, Brandon experiences his first brush with serious trouble when he drives drunk and gets into a car accident. He is uninjured but is arrested and taken to jail. (Season 1) The episode broached multiple taboo subjects for a TV Show in 2008…..I feel like Season 2 : Episode 2 of PSU is that kind of revolution for this episodic book series!

I don’t want to give anything away, but there are SEVERAL controversial issues addressed; I’m blown away by how great this episode is! We get updates in Episode 2 from: Adam, Erin and Ashlei. Adam is dating one girl and obsessing over another. Erin’s perfectly controlled life is anything but contained. Ashlei is a HOT MESS, but there’s still a major romance playing out for her. So much has been building up to this episode, but I was still surprised and moved by so many things that happened. I devoured this release in one quick setting and I’m dying to know what happens next week!

This is by far the BEST episode of PSU to date. I LOVE the risks that Kandi Steiner is taking with the series and the characters. I can’t wait for more!

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An Advance Copy was received in exchange for an honest review.

Excerpt

She swallows, and I watch with more curiosity than I should as her eyes flick to my mouth quickly before finding my gaze. “I should go touch up my makeup.”

It’s then that I realize how hard we’re both breathing, how close we’re standing. Dropping her hands, I shove my own back in my pockets and nod. “Okay. I’ll see you out there.”

Before I can think more about what the hell just happened, I turn on my heel and make my way toward the side stage exit.

“Adam?”

I pause, turning slowly, afraid she’ll tell me I was over the line. Afraid I’ll lose her, even though she’s not really mine to keep.

“Thanks. Really.” She smiles with just one side of her mouth, just for a moment, before backing into the bathroom and slowly closing the door.

“Anytime,” I reply to no one. And I know even though she didn’t hear it, she knows it’s true as much as I do. I’d be there for her no matter what.

I just can’t decide if that’s a good thing.

About the Author

Kandi Steiner is a Creative Writing and Advertising/Public Relations graduate from the University of Central Florida living in Tampa with her husband. Kandi works full time as a social media specialist, but also works part time as a Zumba fitness instructor and blackjack dealer.Kandi started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.” She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a die hard hopeless romantic (like most girls brought up on Disney movies).When Kandi isn’t working or writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, talking with her extremely vocal cat, and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys beach days, movie marathons, live music, craft beer and sweet wine – not necessarily in that order.

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Review – Julia by Ashley Pullo

Title: New Amsterdam: Julia (New Amsterdam #1)

Author: Ashley Pullo

Release Date: March 11, 2016

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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 Pierce is a popular wedding columnist for a highly-respected NYC newspaper. She creates modern fairy tales by penning editorials about wealthy couples with spectacular wedding venues. Julia is cautious and cynical, and appears to have horrible luck with romance, but finding true love is closer than she realizes.

Amazon

BFF K’s Review

rating_4.5

Ashley Pullo has done it again. She’s delivered another petite novel packed full of quirky, endearing characters, witty dialogue and human emotion. The New Amsterdam series is based on the concept of Human’s in New York. This is a deeper look into the lives of everyday people. But, like the Humans of New York vignettes, what you find when you delve into the novel are countless, meaningful, emotional stories playing out in unexpected and unassuming ways.

Julia is a wedding columnist hoping to spend more time writing about people and less time focusing on places. She has a blossoming relationship with Theo, her next-door neighbor. He’s handsome, sweet and adorably endearing! Their relationship is the focal point of the story. But, they’re surrounded by a rich cast of friends, family and acquaintances who add depth and breadth to the story.

The New Amsterdam series reminds us that all stories are important and that every single person in the world has a meaningful story to tell. When you look deeply into life’s ordinary moments, that’s when you find what is truly extraordinary. What a wonderful reminder Pullo has delivered. I look forward to more wonderful stories just like Julia and Theo’s!

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An advance copy was received in exchange for an honest review.

Excerpt

When Theo returns with his beer, he sits down at the table and pushes his plate to the side, watching as Juliabites off the heads of the helpless cubs. “You know,” he says, lining up the five colors of bears in a single file, “there’s a lot of debate about the flavors of gummi bears.”

“They all taste the same.”

“You’re wrong, little grasshopper. The red, your bear of choice, is actually marinara sauce.” He pops the red raspberry gummi in his mouth and chews with his eyes closed. “Orange is a favorite among Cheetos lovers – which goes great with banana cream pie.” Theo eats the orange and lemon bear, keeping his smile at bay while he continues. “Now the colorless wonder of this guy,” he pinches the pineapple bear between his fingers, “is the biggest secret in the candy world. I’ve heard rumors ranging from LSD to old man jizz, but I know a guy, who knows a guy, who works at Haribo … and I can tell you, off the record, the clear bear is silicone.”

“You’re so full of shit, Theo Barnes.”

He holds up a hand. “Let me finish.” Taking the last remaining bear from the lineup, he mutters, “Poor, poor, unlovable green. What did the flavor green ever do to you?” Theo holds the bear between his thumb and index finger, and speaks directly to its disfigured face. “I know, fella. It sucks to be tossed back in the bowl. But I will eat you, green gummi!”

“So what’s the flavor of green, according to Theo?”

Lobbing it at his sexy mouth, he reveals, “Oh, it’s definitely strawberry.”

Also from Ashley Pullo

New Amsterdam: Tess (#1) | Released Oct 2015

Thessaly Sinclair owns an artisanal 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.

**From the Author**

New Amsterdam is dedicated to the Humans of New York

In the summer of 2010, photographer Brandon Stanton began an ambitious project – to single-handedly create a photographic census of New York City. The photos he took and the accompanying interviews became the blog Humans of New York (St. Martin’s, 2015).

Amazon

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 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.

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Review – Season Premiere – Palm South University – Season 2, Episode 1

Title: Palm South University: Season Two Episode One

Author: Kandi Steiner

Release Date: March 8, 2016

Find on Goodreads – http://bit.ly/1Tfdky6

Drama. Lies. Sex.

Welcome to Palm South University.

Where the sun is hot and the clothes are scarce, anything can happen.

Amazon

Buy the Season 1 Box Set of Palm South University

BFF K’s Review

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IT’S BACK! Palm South University, Season 2, Episode 1! This is my guilty book pleasure and I want to be sure to share it with you! Having a new season of Palm South is like waiting all summer for the first episode of your favorite TV show to release new episodes in the fall. This is the book version of trashy reality TV and I LOVE it!

We come back to Palm South just after winter break. Though the weather is cooler, things are heating up! Jess and Jarrett are back at it. My favorite couple in the series (so far) was totally worth waiting for; they’re fun and fabulous and SUPER steamy. Bear has a sweet little hookup that might be more? Something is still seriously wrong with Ashlei…is she telling anyone, even Bo seems a little left out? Skyler, Cassie and Adam make a brief appearance, and Erin! OMG – X has a MAJOR issue.

If you haven’t read Season 1, fix that immediately by binging ASAP and then jump right into Season 2. A new episode will release every Tuesday, they’re just $0.99 or FREE with Kindle Unlimited. Please, please, please, pick these up so I have more people to talk about this craziness with!

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An Advance Copy was received in exchange for an honest review.

Excerpt

“Kind of presumptuous, don’t you think?” She asks, but her eyes are already undressing me.

“Depends.”

“On?”

I shrug. “On whether you let me take you back to my room or not.”

She stares at the hand I’m now holding out toward her, seemingly debating her options. She could easily walk away, find one of her girlfriends and leave the party without so much as another word. But the way she’s chewing her lip tells me that’s not exactly the plan she has in mind.

“I’m only going back with you on one condition.”

I wait, hand still outstretched as she narrows her eyes.

“I want two orgasms tonight. And not the kind I fake, the kind I can’t hold back with. The kind that make my legs sore in the morning.”

My teeth find my bottom lip, fighting back a smile. Who the hell is this girl and where has she been hiding?

“I’ll give you three.”

About the Author

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Review – Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid

From the acclaimed author of Forever, Interrupted and After I Do comes a breathtaking new novel about a young woman whose fate hinges on the choice she makes after bumping into an old flame; in alternating chapters, we see two possible scenarios unfold—with stunningly different results.

At the age of twenty-nine, Hannah Martin still has no idea what she wants to do with her life. She has lived in six different cities and held countless meaningless jobs since graduating college. On the heels of leaving yet another city, Hannah moves back to her hometown of Los Angeles and takes up residence in her best friend Gabby’s guestroom. Shortly after getting back to town, Hannah goes out to a bar one night with Gabby and meets up with her high school boyfriend, Ethan.

Just after midnight, Gabby asks Hannah if she’s ready to go. A moment later, Ethan offers to give her a ride later if she wants to stay. Hannah hesitates. What happens if she leaves with Gabby? What happens if she leaves with Ethan?

In concurrent storylines, Hannah lives out the effects of each decision. Quickly, these parallel universes develop into radically different stories with large-scale consequences for Hannah, as well as the people around her. As the two alternate realities run their course, Maybe in Another Life raises questions about fate and true love: Is anything meant to be? How much in our life is determined by chance? And perhaps, most compellingly: Is there such a thing as a soul mate?

Hannah believes there is. And, in both worlds, she believes she’s found him.

BFF K’s Review

This is why I LOVE book signings! I had seen other bloggers talking about Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid and I thought it sounded interesting. I had seen it was a People Mag recommendation, but I wasn’t sure if I had time to read it. When I found out that the author would be attending Austin Book Fest, I made sure to put this book in my queue to read and I am so, so, so glad that I did!

Apparently there is a theory of physics that says for every decision we make in this universe a version of ourselves makes a different decision in another universe and our futures play out very differently. Maybe in Another Life introduces us to Hannah Martin. She’s been living a nomadic and unsettled life. She returns to LA where she grew up and spent her childhood. During her first night back at a gathering of friends, she is faced with a choice. Stay and spend time with her first love/high school boyfriend or go home with her best friend, Gabby. The rest of the book plays out those two choices in alternating chapters.

Maybe in Another Life is fascinating and engaging and absolutely delightful. The characters are complex and authentic. One of the ways I gauge a book is the impact has on me. Do I immediately want to shout about it to everyone I see? Do the characters or the premise stay with me long after the story ends? In this case, the answer to all of those questions is YES, YES, YES!

Jenkins Reid has written an absolutely fabulous tale of searching for your destiny and future. The ultimate conclusion is that you can decide to create your own happiness in whatever circumstances you choose. I can’t recommend this book strongly enough, it has a firm place on my “must read” list for anyone who asks!

(I know there are TWO ‘happily ever afters’ that is intentional!)

AND , the audio of this title is exceptional as well! I highly recommend a listen!

About the Author

Taylor Jenkins Reid is an author, essayist, and TV writer from Acton, Massachusetts. Her debut novel, Forever, Interrupted, has been optioned with Dakota Johnson attached to star. Her second book, After I Do, was called a “must read” by Kirkus. Her most recent novel, Maybe In Another Life has been featured in People, Cosmo, Bustle, Good Housekeeping, PopSugar, USA Today and more.

She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Alex, and their dog, Rabbit. You can follow her on Twitter @tjenkinsreid.

Review – Game Changer by Collette West

Title: Game Changer

Series: New York Kings #1

Author: Collette West

Genre: Sports Romance (18+)

Published: July 15, 2014

Young, rich, and unaware of how seriously hot he is, Brooks Davison is tearing it up as the latest shortstop for the New York Kings, despite his tendency to blush whenever girls scream his name.

When a health scare forces his best friend, Kyle Roberts, off the team, no one can stomach the thought of replacing him, especially so close to the playoffs.

Until Kyle’s sister, Sasha, steps in, convincing management to let her take his place. The idea of signing the first female player in Major League history proves too tempting for the Kings to resist.

Nevertheless, Brooks doesn’t want any part of it. Sasha is Kyle’s little sister, not some sideshow.

Yet when Kyle takes a turn for the worse, Brooks promises to do everything in his power to help Sasha win a championship for him. Because there’s no way he’s letting either of them down. Not now, not ever.

BFF K’s Review

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Game Changer is the first book in the New York Kings Series, each of the books in this baseball-themed, sports romance, series is a stand-alone with interconnected characters. I have now read book #1 and book #5 in the series and enjoyed them both. I’m anxious to read more of the stories from the NY Kings!

I love baseball and I consider myself to have above-average knowledge of the sport, for a girl. Game Changer does require a true baseball fan to envision a woman successfully playing for a major league team. Sasha Roberts is the little sister of three major league baseball playing brothers. She’s grown up around the sport and has a sincere love of the game. When her brother Kyle is stricken with a genetic heart condition that takes him out of the game, Sasha rushes to NYC to be by her brother’s side. One of Kyle’s biggest stressors is the stability of his position with the Kings. Sasha decides to offer herself at the mercy of the Kings leadership and asks to take her brother’s place on the team until he’s healthy enough to return. While I love this premise and I’m all for the girl-power message, which is really well done, I had to suspend my disbelief and accept the idea that this could actually happen. Once I decided to let fantasy rule and go where the book lead me, it was a fun little trip.

Brooks Davsison is not only the short stop for the Kings, he’s also the best friend of Kyle Roberts. They’ve grown up through the minor leagues together and have each other’s backs. But, Kyle is not at all keen on Brooks’ interest in his little sister. But, with Kyle on the injured reserve and Sasha as his new teammate, Brooks can no longer deny his long held feelings for Sasha.

What ensues is a tension-filled relationship full of ups and downs. Brooks and Sasha are thrown together and pulled apart repeatedly. But, the development of their relationship and the push and pull of their situation makes for a fun and enjoyable read. Brooks is a terrific hero. He’s just enough of an alpha male to be protective and possessive, but he has a sweet and sensitive side. Brooks also sees Sasha as a true teammate, more than just a PR gimmick and way more than just Kyle’s little sister. Sasha is bold and headstrong, but also sweet and vulnerable. Her emotions, fears and excitement as the first woman in major league baseball seem to be authentic reactions for someone who might be thrown into that scenario.

If you enjoy a sweet, romantic, fantasy with a sports twist, this is definitely a book to place on your TBR. West obviously understands the game of baseball and does a great job of making the baseball talk approachable for people at various interest and experience levels. I’m looking forward to getting to know more of the NY Kings players and I’m also looking forward to West’s new spin-off series (Stockton Beaver Series) coming soon.

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An advance copy was received in exchange for an honest review.

Excerpt

I’m in a fitful kind of sleep, one arm tossed over my face, one leg hanging off the bed, when I hear a rapping at my door.

My heart starts to pound. What if it’s some demented stalker fan? I pull the covers up to my chin, determined to wait it out. But when it comes again, my curiosity gets the better of me and I inch slowly off the bed. Going stealthily step by step, I take a deep breath and look through the peephole.

I gasp when I see Brooks standing there.

My heart goes from a dull pounding to full-on somersault mode. I run my hands through my hair. I must look a wreck. But why should I care?

Because he’s pacing outside my room in the middle of the night.

He knocks again, and I unfasten the chain and twist the lock before I change my mind. His feet are bare, and he’s wearing nothing but a faded Pac Man shirt and his boxers. He shouldn’t be out here looking like he just rolled out of bed, but he is.

The way his eyes are roaming across my body makes me conscious of the fact that I’m only wearing a pair of itty-bitty shorts and a flimsy tank. I cross my ankles and fold my arms around myself in an attempt to bolster my courage.

“Don’t,” he whispers, stepping across the threshold. His hands encircle my wrists, gently pulling them away from my body. “You’re too beautiful to cover yourself up.” He presses the door closed with the back of his foot, extinguishing whatever light was streaming in from the hallway.

Now we’re alone together in the darkness of my room, and I’m kind of glad he can’t read my face. I’m too conflicted. I don’t know what to do. I don’t know why he’s here. But if I’m being honest, I’m glad that he is. He’s finally making the effort to reach out to me instead of leaving me in the barren wasteland I’ve been living in. Oh, how I’ve missed basking in the warmth of his smile.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, feeling the heat of his body against mine.

“Apologizin’,” he says in that sexy twang of his, drawing out every syllable.

The New York Kings Series

Giveaway

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About the Author

Collette West grew up as somewhat of a jock-nerd hybrid. Entering the world three weeks premature, her dad nearly missed her birth because he had seats behind the dugout for a sold-out, highly-anticipated match-up between two of baseball’s biggest rivals. Not to be outdone, her book-loving mom taught her how to read by the time she was three. A love of the game coupled with an appreciation for the written word were instilled in Collette’s impressionable brain from a young age. No wonder her characters believe in the philosophy: sports + romance = a little slice of heaven.
Splitting her time between the Pocono Mountains and Manhattan, Collette indulges her inner fangirl by going to as many games as she can from hockey to baseball and downloading every sports romance novel in existence onto her iPad. When she’s not clicking away on her laptop, she enjoys walking her dog in Central Park, satisfying her caffeine craving at the Starbucks on Broadway and keeping an eye out for Mr. Right. But above all, she loves dishing with her readers.
She is the author of the New York Kings series which includes: GAME CHANGER, GAME ON, PERFECT GAME, INSIDE GAME and GAME WINNER and the Stockton Beavers series which includes: SINGLE.

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Review – We Were Here by Daisy Prescott

In the 90s …

texting involved paper and a pen …

… our selfies were Polaroids …

… our favorite music was on mix tapes.

Sex was dangerous, music was raw, and falling in love felt nostalgic.

We were friends and lovers.

We thought we knew everything.

We knew nothing.

We were here.

Set in the early 1990s, a time before the internet, social media, and smart phones, We Were Here is the prequel to Geoducks Are For Lovers. This book can be read as a standalone.

“This story has it all! Just like a mixed tape; we get a dose of steamy romance, angsty ballads and sweet love songs woven together in a compelling, heartwarming and sometimes heartwrenching journey of self-exploration.” Helena Hunting, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author

Links to purchase We Were Here

Amazon iBooks Barnes & Noble Kobo

BFF K’s Review

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Geoducks are for Lovers was my first Daisy Prescott book and I loved it. I found the characters so incredibly human and relatable. It was one of the first books I ever wrote a review for on Amazon.com and it lead me to all of the books and stories by Daisy Prescott. She is at the top of my list for go-to authors. So, imagine my excitement at a prequel to that fabulous book!

We Were Here by Daisy Prescott is an incredible flash back to the 90’s. But, more than that, We Were Here is another wonderful, character driven, deeply emotional book that delivers all the feels! The book brings several chapters from each of the characters in Geoducks Are for Lovers. It’s a multi-point-of-view approach that gives the reader a glimpse into the lives and loves of this group of friends. You get the chance to see what brought the gang together and the experiences that bonded them for life. It’s almost like reading several interconnected short stories that build on one another.

I was in high school and college in the 90’s so this book hits me with all the memories. I felt like I was there reliving the moments I met some of my best friends. Maggie, Selah, Ben, Jo, Gil, Lizzy and Quinn, I think they could have all been my friends. The 90’s placement and references were spot on and so well done. It is a flashback, but feels so contemporary at the same time. It’s delightful to read!

If you love rich characters in exceptionally normal and relatable human experiences that bring back memories and conjure feelings of love, warmth and nostalgia, you don’t want to miss this book. As soon as I finished We Were Here all I wanted was more! I want more of these characters, more of these stories and more of the feels….all the feels!

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An Advance Copy was received in exchange for an honest review.

Icons receiving fewer than 5 aren’t reflective of my enjoyment of that feature, but more about how much of each of these characteristics can be found in the book!

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It’s actually MULTIPLE POV = 7 POV’s and they’re all AMAZING! <3

Check out the EXCLUSIVE feature, That’s What She Said, an interview with Daisy Prescott!

Check Out Daisy’s We Were Here Playlist on Spotify

About the Author

(If you like to follow authors on social media, Daisy is one of my most favorites!)

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USA Today Bestselling Author Daisy Prescott writes romantic comedies with heart.

Her Modern Love Stories feature characters in their thirties and forties finding and rediscovering love in unexpected and humorous ways. Her Wingmen books star regular guys who often have beards, drive trucks, and love deeply once they fall.

Born and raised in San Diego, Daisy currently lives in a real life Stars Hollow in the Boston suburbs with her husband and an imaginary house goat. When not writing about herself in the third person, Daisy can be found traveling, gardening, baking, or lost in a good book.

To learn more about Daisy and her writing, sign up for her mailing list here

Send her an email at: daisyauthor@gmail.com

Review – Jockblocked by Jen Frederick

She’s always played it safe… College junior Lucy Washington abides by one rule—avoid risk at all costs. She’s cautious in every aspect of her life, from her health, to her mock trial team, to the boring guys she dates. When a brash, gorgeous jock walks into the campus coffeeshop and turns his flirt on, Lucy is stunned by the force of attraction. For the first time ever, she’s willing to step out of her comfort zone, but can she really trust the guy who’s determined to sweep her off her feet? He’s always played around…

Entering his last year of college eligibility, linebacker Matthew “Matty” Iverson has the team captaincy in his sights. And it’s his for the taking, if he can convince his quarterback Ace Anderson to give up the starting position. Luckily, Matty already has an edge—the hottie he’s lusting over just happens to be Ace’s childhood best friend. Getting Lucy on his side and in his bed? Hell yeah. Matty is more than confident he can have both, but when he falls hard for Lucy, it’s time for a new game plan: convince the woman of his dreams that she’s not sleeping with the enemy.

Purchase Links

BFF K’s Review

Sexy, passionate, sweet, sincere, hot-as-hell, football player falls for a kind, thoughtful, hard-working, risk-averse girl and turns their lives upside down! And, it’s a great read!

Jockblocked is just what you hope for when you select an NA sports romance. Matt Iverson meets Lucy Washington in the college coffee shop and is immediately drawn to her. He’s not the kind of guy to give up when he sets his sites on something he wants; and he wants Lucy. Of course, it’s not that simple. There is strife within the football team and Lucy’s childhood BFF and the current quarterback on the team is right at the heart of the drama. This drama causes complications for Matty and Lucy too.

Matt and Lucy and wonderful characters. They’re real and rough and learning to trust each other and themselves. The football talk is spot on and tons of fun, particularly if you’re already a fan. Jockblocked is a delightful story about a super hot football player and the girl he falls for. If you’re a fan of sports based romance, this is a definite one-click!

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@jensfrederick #Jockblocked #hotjocks #sexyreads #sportsromance #football #pheremones #oil

A photo posted by BFF Book Blog (@bffbookblog) on Feb 14, 2016 at 11:29am PST

About the Author

Jen lives with her husband, child, and one rambunctious dog. She’s been reading stories all her life but never imagined writing one of her own. Jen loves to hear from readers so drop her a line at jensfrederick@gmail.com.

Review – The Bride Wore Starlight by Lizbeth Selvig

Once comfortable on stage in front of thousands, Joely Crockett is now mortified at the thought of walking—or rolling—down the aisle at her sisters’ wedding. Scarred and wheelchair-bound, the former beauty queen has lost more than the ability to walk—she’s lost her fire. But when one handsome, arrogant guest accuses her of milking her injuries and ignites her ire, Joely finally starts to feel truly alive again, and soon it’s impossible for her to resist her heart’s desire.

Alec Morrissey knows a little something about loss. A famous rodeo cowboy before he was injured in Iraq, he’s managed to create something of a normal life, even if it’s not the one he always imagined. Encountering stunning but damaged Joely, he sees a kindred spirit who can learn from his mistakes.

As these two healing souls begin to fall in love under the Wyoming stars, they must discover if they are willing to give in to the tragedies of life or fight for a future together.

Purchase Links

Barnes & Noble / Amazon / iBooks / GooglePlay

BFF K’s Review

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The Bride Wore Starlight is so much more than it appears to be from the outside. I might have gone into this with a preconceived notion about what to expect. I was planning on a light, fluffy, quick-read romance. What I found instead was a deeply rich, character driven, tension-filled, emotional read that was intensely satisfying.

Joely and Alec are both physically damaged, rocked by massive bodily injuries in the prime of their lives. Alec has a head start on the physical and emotional healing. When he meets Joely, he sees in her a suffering, kindred spirit who needs a kick in the pants to get out of her own head. As Joely accepts the healing guidance of Alec, she recognizes that there are still issues he has to tackle as well. What unfolds is a powerful story of trans-formative love. The love Alec and Joely create heals them both physically and emotionally.

There’s a fantastic HEA with a delicious epilogue. I was timid about the country/cowboy angle of the story. I grew up (and still live) in Nebraska. Though I was a ‘city kid,’ I’ve had many rodeo and ranch experiences. I wasn’t sure what I would think of the cowboy genre. I was pleasantly surprised. This book is well done. If you have ever entertained thoughts of a rugged, sexy as sin, cocky cowboy – this book will bring that to life in spades! (I mentally cast Scott Eastwood in the role of Alec!)

Joely transforms from a damaged, self-pitying, lost girl. As Alec helps Joely to heal and rebuild, he breaks down his own walls and overcomes his own fears. There are inherent tensions as they each conquer their own demons and learn to trust each other. The journey is inspiring and fulfilling. The Bride Wore Starlight delivers a super sexy, heartwarming romance for two characters who desperately deserve a happily ever after.

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An advance copy was received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Check out this post for an excerpt from The Bride Wore Starlight AND a special interview with Lizbeth Selvig.

About the Author

Lizbeth Selvig lives in Minnesota with her best friend (aka her husband), and a gray Arabian gelding. After working as a newspaper journalist and magazine editor, and raising an equine veterinarian daughter and a talented musician son, she won RWA’s prestigious Golden Heart® Contest in 2010 with her contemporary romance The Rancher and the Rock Star. In her spare time, she loves to hike, quilt, read, horseback ride, and spend time with her new granddaughter. She also has four-legged grandchildren—more than twenty—including a wallaby, two alpacas, a donkey, a pig, a sugar glider, and many dogs, cats, and horses (pics of all appear on her website www.lizbethselvig.com). She loves connecting with readers—contact her any time!