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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AUTHOR INFORMATION:

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.

LINKS:

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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

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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.

Purchase The Party Girl Series on Amazon

Sweet Girl

Party Girl

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

Amazon • Barnes & Noble • iBooks

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 – The Photographer Trilogy Box Set by Sarah Robinson

He takes a picture of every woman he kills.
She takes nothing from anyone.

Kate Jackson is a woman haunted by her past with no direction in life, and surviving only on her close relationship with her sister, Annie. Until she meets charming lawyer, Derrick Kane. Despite having a painful past of his own, he gives Kate everything she could have ever wanted in a lover.

Just when she thinks she might have found the key to learning how to live again, maybe even how to love, The Photographer rips it all away from her with one click of his camera.

Somehow she survived, determined to rise above the trauma life has dealt her. Yet, she doesn’t get away that easy, The Photographer isn’t done with her yet.

The infamous serial killer begins dropping menacing hints at every turn.

Reminding Kate that he owns her. That he broke her body.

The small, quiet life that Kate had built for herself with Derrick is over. Pulverized by the twisted workings of the notorious serial killer and the agony of being betrayed by the one man she had trusted her heart to. Trust had never come easily to her, yet she had given it to Derrick. And he destroyed her with it.

Kate is a fighter and refusing to allow a sadistic killer to take everything from her yet again, she delves into the police investigation targeting The Photographer and finally revealing his true identity. Kate is fighting for justice while fighting to reclaim the man she loves, and somehow learn to trust him again.

But when an innocent life is on the line, the cost of justice could be more than love can afford. Kate quickly learns that finding the face behind the mask, doesn’t make you safe.

Monsters are only uglier in the light of day.

BFF A Review

The Photographer Triology by Sarah Robinson has so many different elements to it. Sarah does a great job of including all of this into a series that keeps you guessing until the end. Frist, there is the relationship Kate Jackson and Derrick Kane share. They meet in a coffee shop and sparks instantly ignite. They share love, romance, and build trust for each other. There is also a special bond between Kate and her sister, Annie. The bond is special and unique, all they have is each other. I really connected to their relationship- where either sister would do anything to keep the other safe. Throughout the series there is also the mystery and suspense of trying to figure out who The Photographer is. Why is he after Kate? Who else has he hurt? What will it take to stop him? The mystery kept me turning page after page until all is revealed. As the story and series comes to an end and mysteries are solved, (no cliffhanger at the end) there is a sense of accomplishment as you understand the all of the obstacles Kate has overcome.

Copy gifted from author in exchange for a fair review

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About the Author

Sarah Robinson is a Top 10 Bestselling Barnes & Noble and Amazon Bestseller in Romance and Crime Thriller. She is the author of the contemporary Rockstar romance series Sand & Clay, as well as the very popular romantic suspense trilogy, The Photographer Trilogy.

In regards to future publications, she is with the Seymour Literary Agency and has recently been contracted by Loveswept, a Random House Penguin imprint, to begin a new contemporary romance series in late 2015 called Kavanagh Legends, which follows Irish alpha male brothers in the MMA fighting world.

Her writing often concentrates on the complexity of love in emotions, combining psychological complexities and human flaws to create very real characters that readers can relate with. Her work focuses on redemption and forgiveness, learning to build on what has been broken. Her characters are often in conflicting situations, leaving the reader to decide what is right and what is wrong. She uses her stories to hold a mirror up to the reader and ask them to see things they never knew, or had forgotten, about themselves.

Sarah Robinson is a native of the Washington, DC area and has both her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in criminal psychology. She is newly married to a local police officer, Justin, who is just as much of an animal rescue enthusiasts as she is. Together, they own a zoo of rescues, as well as volunteering and fostering for multiple animal shelters.

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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.

Buy Links: Amazon | B & N | iTunes | Kobo

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About the Author

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

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Review – Bad Romeo by Leisa Rayven

While performing the greatest love story of all time, they discovered one of their own…

Cassie Taylor was just another acting student with big dreams at her prestigious performing arts college, then she met Ethan Holt. She was the good girl actress. He was the bad boy on campus. But one fated casting choice for Romeo and Juliet changed it all. Like the characters they were playing on stage, Cassie and Ethan’s epic romance seemed destined. Until it ended in tragedy when he shattered her heart.Now they’ve made it to Broadway where they’re reunited as romantic leads once again, and their passionate scenes force them to confront the heartbreaking lows and pulse-pounding highs of their intense college affair. For Ethan, losing Cassie was his biggest regret, and he’s determined to redeem himself. But for Cassie, even though Ethan was her first and only great love, he hurt her too much to ever be trusted again. The trouble is, working with him reminds her that people who rub each other the wrong way often make the best sparks. And when it comes to love, sometimes it’s the things that aren’t good for us that are the most irresistible.

Don’t miss the intoxicating romance beloved by over two million fans online–a story that will captivate you and hold you breathless until the final page.

BFF K’s 6-Rated Review

As you can obviously tell by this rare-6-rating, I absolutely LOVE Bad Romeo! I don’t even know where to begin to describe how much I love this story and the characters. The writing, the feel, the pace, everything about it is perfection! The book is written part in present day and part in flashbacks, but it is seamless and impeccable storytelling.

Cassie Taylor and Ethan Holt are amazing. There is so much to identify with and love about both of these characters. They are deep and complex. Cassie is sweet but tough. She’s kind and open but conflicted and driven to succeed. Throughout the book, I cheered for Cassie and celebrated her growth. I want her to find love with Ethan, but more than anything, I want her to be whole and happy. And Holt. OMG – Holt. He is broken and closed off, but endearing in a way that few characters are. He wants to be better, but doesn’t know how and doesn’t know that he deserves better. You want so much for him to find forgiveness and redemption.

The cast of supporting characters is fantastic, richly developed and integral to the storyline. The settings are interesting and unique.

This book gave me all the feels! I had butterflies and that feeling of excitement and love that builds in your chest as you read a really wonderful romance story. I laughed and raged and teared up and celebrated and swooned with the characters. Everything about the book is splendid. It is absolutely a MUST READ and I can’t wait to finish the story of Cassie and Ethan in Broken Juliet which releases this week!

**Side note – I did a combo read and listen for this book. The written version is terrific and the audio version is probably the BEST audiobook that I have listened to in a VERY long time! If you enjoy audiobooks, this is a must-listen!

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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 – There You Stand by Christina Lee

From the author of All of You and Before You Break comes a new Between Breaths male/male romance about the silent, inked up skateboarder and the tattoo artist who unravels him piece by piece…

Tattoo artist Cory Easton has worked long enough at Raw Ink to know, just by looking at a dude, what his body art reveals, what makes him tick, what even makes him scared. Until he meets the quiet and remote Jude York–so unreadable, so unreachable, and so unlike anyone else, he can’t help but arouse Cory’s curiosity.

As captivating and complex as his ink, Jude is a mystery–and Cory’s falling fast and hard under his spell. Against his better judgment to steer clear.

The rumors of Jude’s past overshadow him–whispers of prison and an unmentionable secret that’s kept him in the protective shadows of a local motorcycle club. As Cory probes deeper, he wonders how much he really wants to know. Especially since Jude has awakened something inside him that has been buried too long–and has him feeling completely alive for the first time in forever…

Includes a preview of Christina Lee’s upcoming adult romance Two of Hearts.

BFF K’s Review

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Full Disclosure – this was my first M/M book. I was a little apprehensive going in, not sure what I could expect from the characters or the storyline. Christina Lee’s book proves to me that romance, interesting characters, unique story lines and good dialogue make a great book a great book regardless of the genre.

I really loved this book! I was immediately drawn into Cory and Jude’s story. I found myself cheering for both of them and their burgeoning relationship. Cory and Jude both have damaged and difficult pasts. They struggle to come to terms with their pasts both independently and as a couple. They also work together to create a shared future.

The book was a super quick read, sweet and a little steamy. Lee threw in a couple of unexpected plot twists, good supporting characters, and just enough romance and angst to keep me flipping the pages. I will definitely read more from Christina Lee and I will not be afraid to try a M/M book in the future!

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GIVEAWAY

One Winner to receive the following: $10 gift card to the book retailer of their choice = An ARC of my adult romance releasing May 5th, TWO OF HEARTS, and some Between Breaths swag mailed.
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About the Author

Mother, wife, reader, dreamer. Christina lives in the Midwest with her husband and son–her two favorite guys.

She’s addicted to lip gloss and salted caramel everything. She believes in true love and kissing, so writing romance novels has become a dream job.

Author of the Between Breaths series from Penguin. ALL OF YOU, BEFORE YOU BREAK, WHISPER TO ME and PROMISE ME THIS available now. Book five in the series, THERE YOU STAND, coming in April, 2015.

Also, her Adult Contemporary Romance, TWO OF HEARTS is releasing on May 5th, 2015.

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Review – Attraction by Penny Reid

Attraction
by Penny Reid
Hypothesis #1
Also in this series: Elements of Chemistry: Attraction, Heat, Capture
Genres: Contemporary, Humor, New Adult, Romance

Amazon • Kobo • iBooks • Barnes & Noble

Elements of Chemistry: ATTRACTION is the first part in a three part series; it is 45k words; and it ends with a cliffhanger.
Part 1 (ATTRACTION) will be released April 9, 2015
Part 2 (HEAT) will be released April 30, 2015.
Part 3 (CAPTURE) will be released May 16, 2015.

One week.
Private beach.
Invisible girl.
Jerk-faced bully.

What’s the worst that could happen?

Kaitlyn Parker has no problem being the invisible girl, which is why she finds herself hiding in various cabinets and closets all over her college campus. Despite her best efforts, she can’t escape the notice of Martin Sandeke—bad boy, jerkface bully, and the universe’s hottest, wealthiest, and most unobtainable bachelor—who also happens to be Kaitlyn’s chemistry lab partner.

Kaitlyn might be the only girl who isn’t interested in exploiting his stunning rower’s build, chiseled features, and family’s billionaire fortune. Kaitlyn wants Martin for his brain, specifically to tabulate findings of trace elements in surface water.

When Kaitlyn saves Martin from a nefarious plot, Martin uses the opportunity to push Kaitlyn out of her comfort zone: spring break, one week, house parties, bathing suits, and suntan lotion. Can she overcome her aversion to being noticed? Will he be able grow beyond his self-centered nature? Or, despite their obvious chemistry, will Martin be the one to drive Kaitlyn into the science cabinet of obscurity for good?

BFF K’s Review

Sent to Penny Reid immediately upon finishing Part 1 – Attraction.

To: Penny Reid

From: BFF K

RE: Groveling

I am sending you this message in desperation. I am begging, pleading, imploring, coaxing, desperately requesting an ARC for Heat. I was one of the very, very, very lucky folks to receive an ARC for Attraction at ABF. I was able to start, and finish, Attraction this afternoon. And, I can’t wait. I am beside myself needing to know what happens next.

While I am grateful for the first chapter of Heat in the back of the ARC, (I don’t think my heart could have handled the cliffhanger without it.) I need more. I need to know what happens with Martin and Kaitlyn. I just gushed to my blogging partner about how amazing this book is. It is really all of the reasons that I love to read romance books. I need to know what happens. I can’t wait.

I feel like I have very little to offer you in exchange for said ARC. Would undying love and devotion suffice? I contemplated offering my first-born child. But….he’s the only-child and adopted; and I’m not sure if that meets the standard definitions for first-born. Plus, he’s pretty cool and I think I would miss him after a few days…..Even if I have to wait (many more torturous days), I will still look forward to reading Heat and Capture. You’re such a talented writer and I’m looking forward to more great stories!

Cheers,

BFF K – BFF Book Blog

Yes, I was that desperate! I wanted the next book so badly I couldn’t stand it. This book is phenomenal! Penny Reid is a fantastic writer. She writes complex, interesting, intelligent, quirky and engaging characters that pull you into their lives and their stories.

I called BFF A practically shaking after I finished Attraction. I told her, “this is why I read romance novels.” Ahhhh – Kaitlyn Parker is so smart and charming and endearing and wonderful. Martin Sandeke is complicated and worthy of a little redemption. I want to climb in their story and live in the pages. I had butterflies and goosebumps and other animal-ish reactions! I was laughing out loud and grinning like a crazy person!

Attraction left me clamoring for more of Kaitlyn and Martin’s story! I’m aching to know what happens next and how they can resolve their issues to find a Happily Ever After in their own unconventional way.

Do yourself a favor and read this book! Do your friends a favor and tell them to read this book! I can’t wait to hear what you think about each of the books in this series!

PS – To prove her awesomeness, I received HEAT within a few days of my shameless email request, because the evil-overlord is super cool like that!

Here are the Amazon links to Pre-Order Heat and Capture. After you finish Attraction you’re going to want to do this ASAP!

About Penny Reid

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Review – Better With Sugar by Katrina Kirkpatrick

War veteran Ethan Quill’s horse doesn’t like people. And that’s okay because neither does he. Broken by their pasts and shunned by the community, they keep to themselves on Ethan’s rundown farm. And then along comes a brown-eyed baker who turns their world upside down.

Heiress by birth, optimist by heart, Elly Baptiste has left Manhattan behind and picked up her spatula in Cranefly, a quaint Adirondack town. She’s looking for love and finds the promise of something unexpectedly delicious with the local recluse. But how does a woman who’s running from life find happily ever with a man who’s hiding from it?

Elly knows sugar. Ethan knows war.
She knows sweet. He knows defeat.
When put to the test, can they prove that love and life really are better with sugar?

BFF K’s Review

Better with Sugar is both heart warming and heart breaking. The story of Elly and Ethan is one that will stay with me for awhile. It is not just a tale of romance between two complex characters, it is a journey of discovery and self-acceptance for both of them as well. Some parts of the book were almost hard to read because you could feel the tug and pull and longing for happiness inside of both Elly and Ethan. But, those emotions make the Happily Ever After so much sweeter. This debut novel by Katrina Kirkpatrick is well written and full of wonderful dialogue and imagery. I also loved the colorful cast of supporting characters (I’m hopeful that Naomi and Noah will get their Happily Ever After in a coming book.) I highly recommend this enjoyable and moving tale of redemption, affirmation and love.

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Excerpt

The evocative creak of bedsprings jerked him into motion. He barely saw the floor in front of him as he moved through the apartment, his mind too busy imagining every curve on her body. The shape her mouth would take in pleasure.

He stopped in the doorway to the bedroom, her scent curled out like tiny fingers begging him into the space. But for a moment, he just stood.

The moon had already set, chased from the sky by a sunrise that wasn’t even yet discernible. It left the room a part of the night, only as well-lit as the stars were pale, but the white of her bedspread glowed like snow on a winter landscape. She had already disappeared under it, now just the vague outline of a body.

Her naked body.

Every cell in his body clenched tight.

Two dark pieces of cloth draped off the edge of the bed.

Her apron, his suit jacket.

There wouldn’t be any turning back after this.

Fear touched the back of his neck, driving a shiver down his spine. He’d none nothing the past few years but give everything up. Because if he hadn’t given it up—it would’ve been ripped from him anyway. And tonight was going to give him so much to lose.

Not just Elly, but himself.

Maybe she sensed his hesitation because she moved under the blanket, pulling it down just enough to reveal a ridiculous mass of hair and two round eyes that didn’t so much reflect the light as they did absorb it, feeding it into her creamy white skin until it seemed to glow. He meant to only go as close as the edge of the bed, but found himself pressing one knee on the mattress and leaning over her. Her eyes widened ever so slightly and the moment hung between them. This would be the end or the beginning.

About The Author

A love of language led Katrina Kirkpatrick to a degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Illinois, a love of her babies led her to the illustrious title of Stay-At-Home-Mommy, and a never-ending, lifelong delight of storytelling led her to pursue publication. She infuses love with laughter because love might make the world go round, but laughter lights up the scenery.

She has two daughters who call her Mommy Queen, two dogs, two cats, lots of chickens and a husband happy to call this chaos home. They reside in central Illinois.

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Review – Black Number Four by Kandi Steiner

Known as one of the youngest and most ambitious poker players in the country, Skyler Thorne has a reputation to uphold in Vegas this year. Her sole focus for spring semester is to perfect her game and get tournament ready – and have some fun with her sorority sisters, of course. Meeting a care-free pledge with incredible arms adds a whole new element of fun to her semester, but when a shocking discovery about his past surfaces, Skyler finds herself stuck in a game she wasn’t prepared to play.

Kip Jackson is on a mission from his father. His plan was to get in, have a little fun, and then get out – on to bigger and better things. A feisty girl with bright blue eyes wasn’t on his list of things to do, but she quickly moves her way up to the very top. When he realizes completing his dad’s mission means crushing her in the process, he must decide if his dreams are worth the risk – or if he even has the same dreams, at all.Two secrets. Two hearts. Two hands being played in one twisted game of deceit. When the cards are on the table, will anyone be left standing?The perfect poker face can only hide them for so long.

BFF K’s Review

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Kandi Steiner has written a roller coaster NA romance. Skyler and Kip are college students with a lot on their plate. They are brought together by not-so-random circumstances, but their connection is genuine. Their story takes twists and turns that will leave you a little whiplashy. There’s a lot going on in the story. Through the first 50%, I thought there was TOO much going on. However, Steiner pulled the details together through the last 50%. I found myself rooting for Kip and Skyler. I wanted them to succeed as a couple and find a way to be together. The poker world/college students/fraternity and sorority settings are an interesting combo. But, that is also what makes the story unique. I enjoyed the read and I don’t think this will be the last Kandi Steiner story that you’ll find reviewed here!

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Buy Links

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Excerpt

We get to my apartment around noon and I throw together a couple of turkey sandwiches for us. By the time we finish eating, we’re both exhausted – both from paddleboarding and from not sleeping last night.

“Why don’t we take a shower and watch a movie?” I suggest as Skyler yawns.

“I don’t have any clothes here besides the ones I have on now and they’re all sandy.”

“You can borrow a pair of boxers and a shirt of mine.”

Skyler chews her lip, unsure. “I don’t know, I’m pretty tired.”

“So am I,” I say, standing and pulling her up with me. “So maybe we watch a movie and maybe we take a nap. Don’t leave yet. I barely see you during the week and I know there’s not many weekends where you don’t have sorority stuff going on.”

“I actually have a sisterhood event tonight.”

“See?” I pull her wrist and lead her toward my bedroom, which really is just my bed separated by hanging curtains on a rack. I rummage through my clothes until I find a clean shirt and pair of boxers, tossing them to her and pointing to the bathroom. “Towels are above the toilet in the cabinet, shampoo and shit’s in there.”

She still seems unsure, so I pull her into me and move the fallen strands of hair from her face. “Come on. Just for a few hours. You’ll feel better once you shower and I know you’re tired. You’re not going to get any sleep if you go home to your sorority house.”

At that she sighs and nods. “You’re probably right about that.”

I smile and nudge her toward the bathroom again.

“Fine,” she says. “But just for a little while. And no trying to ambush me in the shower, either.”

I hold up my hands in surrender. “I promise. You can shower in peace.”

“Mmm hmm,” she says, suspicious, but she walks to the bathroom and closes the door behind her.

I smile and start straightening my bed, turning on the TV to find something for us to watch. I’m flipping through the channels when I hear the shower turn on and the smile leaves my face. Suddenly, I’m completely aware of Skyler’s naked body in the other room.

Shaking my head, I focus on finding something to watch, willing my own body to behave. After a few minutes, I realize I’ve flipped through the channels three times now without stopping or even recognizing what I was seeing on the screen. I bite my lip hard, cross my arms, and pace.

Don’t do it. Don’t make this more complicated than it is. She trusts you, she’s opening up to you – that’s what you need from her. Poker. Poker. Poker.

That’s all.

I pace more. Back and forth. Back and forth. Before I know what I’m doing, my knuckles are knocking softly on the bathroom door. I have no idea what I’m going to say or what the fuck I’m doing, but I can’t stop my hands. The door opens slightly on the third knock, as if it wasn’t completely closed, and through the slit, I see Skyler.

She’s standing there shocked, her mouth open slightly as the water continues to drip down her body, running in rivers down over her breasts and meeting between her thighs. I swallow hard, unsure of my decision. I have nothing to ask, no reason to be staring at her through this door – but Skyler doesn’t cover herself, she doesn’t scream, she doesn’t tell me to get out.

I open the door a little further, still wondering what the hell I’m doing. I consider asking if she needs anything else, if she found a towel, something – but we both know I didn’t come in here to give her a towel.

“I suck at keeping promises,” I admit, just above a whisper, and I wish I could tell her I’m not just talking about the promise to not interrupt her shower.

“And I suck at pretending like I don’t want you.”

Playlist

Latch

Hannah Trigwell & Nick Howard

Chapter 1: Ante Up

Scene: “Latching onto the transfer already?”

Hell Yeah

Midnight Red

Chapter 1: Ante Up

Scene: “What do you say we make this party a little more interesting?”

Blank Space

Tyler Ward

Chapter 2: Lady Luck

Scene: “Passion can be a dangerous thing.”

Take U There

Jack U ft. Kiesza

Chapter 3: Ace

Scene: Ralph’s is packed when we arrive, which isn’t out of the ordinary for a Friday night.

Slow to Learn

Manchester Orchestra

Chapter 4: Deuces

Scene: I’ve been too damn distracted by how sexy she is when she’s schooling these tools.

Sledgehammer

Fifth Harmony

Chapter 5: Hot Table

Scene: There’s also the fact that I like being around him. I like it way more than I care to admit and that’s not good.

Heartbreaker

Jayme Dee

Chapter 5: Hot Table

Scene: He smiles and licks his lips, his eyes smoldering, which causes practically the entire chapter room to swoon.

Blame

Calvin Harris

Chapter 6: Nicely Played

Scene: But then I remember that I will hurt her, whether I want to or not. It will happen. It’s inevitable.

Shower

Becky G

Chapter 7: Two Can Play That Game

Scene: “How is it that you infuriate me yet turn me on at the same time?”

What Makes You Beautiful

Boyce Avenue

Chapter 8: Power Moves

Scene: “Hold me so I won’t float away?”

Try

Colbie Caillat

Chapter 9: Poker Face

Scene: “We’re just trying to help,” Ashlei says.

Life of the Party

Shawn Mendes

Chapter 10: Weakness

Scene: “I don’t care about what people think, Skyler. I know you do, but I don’t.

Break Free

Ariana Grande

Chapter 11: Angle Shooter

Scene: There isn’t another option in this game, no matter how badly I wish there was.

Lay Me Down (acoustic)

Sam Smith

Chapter 12: Blank

Scene: How was I supposed to know the kind of drug I was getting into?

Bumper Cars

Alex & Sierra

Chapter 13: Bluffing

Scene: I hate this. I hate this so, so much.

Here We Go Again

Mat Kearney

Chapter 14: Tilt

Scene: “You’re coming home with me tonight.”

Hideaway

Kiesza

Chapter 15: No Limit

Scene: I have no idea what I’m doing.

Same Sea

Lights

Chapter 16: Black Number Four

Scene: “I never thought studying could be so sexy,”

#GetItRight

Miley Cyrus

Chapter 16: Black Number Four

Scene: “You’re killing me, Sky,”

She Looks So Perfect

5 Seconds of Summer

Chapter 16: Black Number Four

Scene: “IT’S SPRING BREAK, BITCHES!”

Give Me Something

Alex & Siera

Chapter 16: Black Number Four

Scene: “Yeah, good luck with that game.

Surrender

Cash Cash

Chapter 17: Bad Beat

Scene: And the rest of the world can just deal with it.

Strip

Jessie J

Chapter 17: Bad Beat

Scene: “And what would make it perfect-perfect

Blame It On Me

Mapei

Chapter 17: Bad Beat

Scene: I can’t lose him.

Tenerife Sea

Ed Sheeran

Chapter 18: Rush

Scene: When we’re alone, that same electricity buzzes to life. The air feels tight, hot, charged.

All About You

Hilary Duff

Chapter 19: Game Changer

Scene: It’s crazy that a simple text can make my stomach flip like this, but it’s exactly what I needed.

Breathe Again

Sarah Bareilles

Chapter 19: Game Changer

Scene: I want him to fix it. To fix me.

It’s Not Over

Secondhand Serenade

Chapter 20: Downswing

Scene: “You don’t want to kiss me.” “Yes I do.”

Growing Up

Alex G

Chapter 21: Tell

Scene: As if I’m a glutton for punishment, I pull his oversized black t-shirt from my bag and slip it over my head, taking everything else off.

Pretending

Glee Cast

Chapter 22: Freezeout

Scene: For a moment she just stares at me, and I just stare at her. We don’t wave or nod or even really acknowledge that we’re both looking. We just look.

The Sun is Rising

Britt Nicole

Chapter 23: Game Over

Scene: And somewhere in those ocean blue eyes of his, I find what I’ve been searching for.

Stay With Me

Janxx

Chapter 23: Game Over

Scene: Love doesn’t care about the games we play.

Real Love

Clean Bandit & Jess Glynne

Chapter 24: Break Even

Scene: “I’m done leaving my life to chance. Black number four can suck it.”

Don’t Go Home Without Me

Lights

Epilogue: Heart

Scene: “I could get used to kisses like this.”

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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