Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Release + Review - Overnight Service - Lauren Blakely





A brand new enemies-to-lovers standalone romance from #1 NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely! The passionate, fiery and witty OVERNIGHT SERVICE is NOW LIVE!




AVAILABLE NOW!!



The full-cast audiobook production of Overnight Service is performed by a cast of 10 all-star narrators - Jason Clarke, Emma Wilder, Andi Arndt, Shane East, Erin Mallon, Teddy Hamilton, Vikas Adam, Dan Bittner, Lili Valente and Dion Graham. 
The audiobook also includes the After Dark novella The Engagement Gift performed by Teddy Hamilton and Elena Wolfe and available in audio for the first time!


Louise's review 
Lauren Blakely has nailed it, she has become a master at RomCom. Once I picked up Overnight Service, I couldn’t put it down.

Enemies to lovers. Josh and Haven are competitive, agent against agent they used to work along side each other now they have a bet that will see one of them a winner and other a looser. Josh never says no to bet even if it means watching the baseball in a seashell bikini top, Luau skirt and a wig to the baseball.

Josh and Haven have some off the charts chemistry that burns up the pages. Their Love hate relationship continues to grow throughout.

Having not read the other books in this series I will be going back and reading more from Blakely.


Star Ratings; Plot: 4/5 Characters: 4/5 Heat: 4/5 Writing Style: 4/5 Overall: 4/5





Add to Goodreads:







Blurb:
Top three reasons why sleeping with the enemy is a bad idea...

1. She’s my fiercest rival.
2. She’s also my fiery ex.
3. We’re going up against each other in a stiff competition to win the hottest new client on the market.

And yet, I’d like to be up against the wall in a stiff competition to get her to call out my name.

Time to double down on my resistance to her tough-as-nails, take-no-prisoners, sexy-as-sin attitude. The same attitude I find irresistible. 

That’s a big problem, because in this race to nab the client, I run into Haven in the hotel, on the beach, in the guest quarters late at night.

Hate sex would be a terrible idea.

Except, it’s the complete opposite, and now we can’t keep our hands off each other. 

Trouble is, I’m not so sure it’s hate I’m feeling anymore.

And that’s the biggest reason sleeping with the enemy you’re falling for is a bad idea -- my job literally depends on never letting her into my heart.






Excerpt:
Her hand slides down my back, and it feels reverent. Her touch does so many things to me. It turns me on, it riles me up, and it sends me soaring. And now, it makes my heart thunder like a wild animal in my chest. One that wants to be with her, next to her, beside her.

 “More,” I whisper. “Give me more of your kisses.” 

“Take them all,” she tells me.

 I am ravenous for her. I don’t know if I will ever be sated.

 Not with her scent in my head, her body curled around me, and her kisses on my lips and in my soul. 

We might have come in here for one final hurrah, but as we kiss like we can’t ever get enough, this doesn’t feel like the last time for either of us. It doesn’t seem like the end run down the slopes. 

I should keep that thought to myself. But when I’m with her, when she’s close like this, I can’t think rationally. It’s too hard to lie or to pretend like she’s the enemy. 

My rival, yes. 
The competition, yes. 
But she’s also the woman I can’t quit. 

The woman I don’t want to quit.




About the Author:
A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sweet, sexy and witty. Her heroines are strong and smart and her heroes have hearts of gold and fantastic funny bones. She lives on the West Coast with her family, including her smoking hot and hilarious husband and her two brilliant and kind teenagers. She has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs — she might have four dogs, or maybe five. If she’s lucky, she’ll soon have six dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than 100 times, and she’s sold more than 3 million books.
She'd love to give you a free book today! Check out her web site to grab your free read: laurenblakely.com/one-free-book/





Connect w/Lauren:

Release + Review - Knox - Brenda Rothert


★★ AVAILABLE NOW ★★


KNOX by Brenda Rothert just went live! 

Grab your copy now: 

About the Book:
Reese
I’m done.
Getting ditched at the altar is nothing compared to being humiliated there in front of three hundred shocked guests. Apparently I’m no good at spotting the signs your man’s a cheating liar. So I set off solo on my honeymoon to Hawaii, where I realize I’ve got this life thing down just fine on my own.
Friendships and laughter? Yes.
Adventures? Absolutely.
But relationships? Hell no. Never again.

Knox
I’m a man of few words. My reputation as a moody prick is deserved, but only the handful of people who really know me see the man beneath the professional mask.
I’m a protector. A warrior. That part is true. But the world doesn’t get to see the rest of me. And women don’t seem to mind my gruff exterior—my bed’s always warm.
I’m content with life—loving it, even—or so I thought. But when I meet a beautiful pastry chef with a broken heart and a smile that softens me down to my soul, I realize I wasn’t really content at all before her.
I only wish I had the words to let her know.


Louise's Review 
Knox is book 4 in the Chicago Blaze series, while this story is in a series this book can be read as a standalone. 

Reese has been humiliated and she isn’t sticking around, heading off on her honeymoon she is left topless at the beach, when a gorgeous man saves her, she brushes him off. Fast forward and Knox find out that Reese is in his town and he is determined to make Reece his. When Knox continues to be a hero the walls that Reese has built start to crumble.

Once I started Knox I couldn’t put it down, having only read book 1 I will be going back and reading the previous stories I have missed; hanging out for Alexei’s story which I am sure is going to be full of drama. 


Star Ratings; Plot: 4/5  Characters: 4/5  Heat: 4/5  Writing Style: 4/5  Overall: 4/5




-------------
Author Bio:

Brenda Rothert is an Illinois native who was a print journalist for nine years. She made the jump from fact to fiction in 2013 and never looked back. From new adult to steamy contemporary romance, Brenda creates fresh characters in every story she tells. She’s a lover of Diet Coke, chocolate, lazy weekends and happily ever afters.




Release + Review - Explosive Vengeance - Kaylea Cross




★★ AVAILABLE NOW  ★★ 

EXPLOSIVE VENGEANCE by Kaylea Cross is on sale now! 

Read it now: 

Two opposites in uncharted territory.

The government made Chloe Wilson an explosives expert, trained to take out a target with a precise, controlled hit. But there’s nothing controlled about her current situation—or the danger coming after her. When a good-looking stranger is sent to watch her back, she’s not impressed. This mission is personal, and it’s liable to get her killed. The former Valkyrie can’t afford any mistakes or attachments, but this time she has no choice, and soon her new partner proves his worth.

One explosive situation.

When former Pararescueman Heath Barrett gets a call from his best friend asking him to keep tabs on a woman in danger, he has no idea what he’s getting himself into. Far from a helpless civilian, Chloe holds him at knifepoint the first time they meet. She’s a deadly operative being hunted by lethal enemies and by the time he realizes the extent of the danger, it’s too late to walk away. Now they’re both targets, and he and Chloe must face the threat head on—and if they want to survive, they’ll have to do it together. 




Add it to your TBR: http://bit.ly/2GiEW3T 


Johnaka's Review 

“Boom, 5 stars”


Chole likes to make things go boom. Especially when the boom takes care of the scum of the scum. When she took out her recent hit she knew there would be repercussions but she didn’t expect to meet Heath and to reconnect with her old friend Megan. When Megan asks her to join forces will she? Or will she walk away not willing to put her old and new friends in anymore danger? And what about this feeling Heath gives her, what is that?

Heath was supposed to be on holiday before starting his next contracting job. But when his old friend calls him asking for a favor, he can’t say no. He likes saving people, but Chole doesn’t need saving. To say she makes life far from boring would be an understatement. Will he be able to convince Chole to give him a shot before he leaves or will she stick to her guns?

I started reading Cross because of the Vengeance series here and I wish I had found her sooner. I love everything about this series. All the women are BA on their own and the men that love them don’t try to change them. There is a little bit of mystery, a whole lot of suspense, action, and love. I am convinced you cannot go wrong with Cross and her writing.  One thing is for sure, the next book cannot come soon enough.

Plot-5/5 Characters-5/5 Heat-5/5 Writing style-5/5 Overall-5/5




------
About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.





Release + Review - The Italian - TL Swan




They say there are three things you should do at least once in your life:

Dance like nobody’s watching.
Travel the world.
And fall hopelessly in love.
I aimed to do all three.
I went to Italy to find myself.
But he found me.
It was like a story book, our eyes met across a crowded room.
He asked me if I needed help reading the menu.
We ate, we laughed, we danced, and I fell.
Unfortunately, things didn’t go to plan, and we parted ways.
Two years later, our eyes meet across a room again.
Only this time I was on a date with another man.
He went crazy in a jealous fit.
But the man I met then is different now.
He’s colder, harder, and officially one of the most powerful men in Italy.
Dare I say it, even more enticing.
But if you dance with the devil, you get burnt.
And the fires in Italy are scalding hot.



PURCHASE LINKS
Free in Kindle Unlimited


Louise's Review 
As per every other TL Swan book I have read The Italian is full of  depth and raw emotions. Olivia is trying to find her way, after meeting Enrico she thought she had found forever but in the blink of an eye everything can change.

18 months later Olivia is given a dream job that lands her back in Enrico’s world, he has changed and there is nothing he can do to change that. When their paths cross and everything is laid out on the table, every decision and move is watched.

This book is a quick read, it has layers of different storylines that continue to grow and develop throughout the book. While at times I wanted to scream at both of them their chemistry was undeniable.

Once i started The Italian i couldn't put it down, i had to know what happened next. While this is a standalone this story sets up the next and I have my suspicions on how that will play out. I cant wait to get my hands on Ferrara’s story.

Star Ratings; Plot: 4/5  Characters: 4/5  Heat: 4/5  Writing Style: 4/5  Overall: 4/5

AUTHOR BIO

Lover of her husband, children, words, chocolate and margaritas.
When she is not writing her next novel, you will find her in a café drinking coffee with friends.
Writing is her passion.
Books by T L Swan
Stanton Adore
Stanton Unconditional
Stanton Completely
Stanton Bliss
Find Me Alastar
Play Along
Dr. Stanton
Dr. Stantons The Epilogue
Marx Girl
Mr. Masters
Gym Junkie
Mr. Spencer
The Stopover
The Italian
AUTHOR LINKS


Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Release + Review - Shadows - Kristen Proby




"Gripping, unique, and just enough scary to make you jump when you hear a loud noise--Shadows is the perfect blend of paranormal and contemporary romance!" -- Rachel Van Dyken, #1 New York Times bestselling author 

Shadows, an all-new chilling and must read paranormal romance from New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby, is available now! 

I am never alone. Not even when I am alone. 
I see the unquiet dead, the souls that wander through the French Quarter. 
They can’t move on, and I can’t stop seeing them. 
I wear malachite for protection, and I control what I let in. It’s the only way to stay sane. Everything changes the day Cassian Winslow joins my ghost walking tour and knocks my world off its axis with green eyes the color of the stone around my neck. 
An unspeakable evil is loose in New Orleans, taking young women and leaving a bloodbath in his wake. More shadows lurking for me. More unhappy dead. There might be a way to stop it.
Open myself up to Cassian. 
If I do, it could spell his death.
But if I don’t, it’s mine.


Johnaka's Review 

“Romance, suspense, and a little bit of paranormal, 5 stars”


Back when Proby wrote Easy Magic (The Boudreaux series book 5) I fell further in love with Proby and her books. See I love anything witchy, paranormal, sensitive when its real and believable. Mal was definitely real and believable. I could see it happening in my mind like a movie. So, Proby gave me this story that I loved and I thought dang (actually another D word but..) I hope she does this again. I hope she writes more books like this. About characters who have abilities that others don’t, ones that some see as not real. And she did with Shadows.

Shadows is perfection. When I’m not reading romance I’m reading romantic suspense or pnr and Shadows has it all. I loved the couple, I loved the mystery and suspense, I loved the developing abilities and the community that took these sisters in. The fact I get for sure two more books after Shadows made me do a happy dance. Proby stepped out of her comfort zone and hit it out of the ball park on her first try. Just do yourself a favor and one-click Shadows.

Cash came to New Orleans to visit his brother and take a long over due vacation. What he didn’t expect was to meet her, his ghost tour guide who makes him want more. Brielle makes him feel as if they’ve known each other forever. Somehow they find themselves connected to each other and when danger is lurking, he cannot help but be protective of her. Will he be able to keep her safe or will he not see the threat until its too late?

Brielle can see the dead and living in New Orleans is its own special kind of fun for her. She takes the same tour route every night when leading tourists through her city to make sure she never encounters anything new. The night she meets Cash she also gets a surprise. Something dangerous is lurking in the city. Will they be able to solve it before anyone else’s dies?

Plot-5/5 Characters-5/5 Heat-5/5 Writing style-5/5 Overall-5/5





Download your copy today! 
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/Shadows
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/31JzfUA

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2lErqQk




About Kristen Proby
Kristen was born and raised in a small resort town in her beloved Montana. In her mid-twenties, she decided to stretch her wings and move to the Pacific Northwest, where she made her home for more than a dozen years. 
During that time, Kristen wrote many romance novels and joined organizations such as RWA and other small writing groups. She spent countless hours in workshops, and more mornings than she can count up before the dawn so she could write before going to work. She submitted many manuscripts to agents and editors alike, but was always told no. In the summer of 2012, the self-publishing scene was new and thriving, and Kristen had one goal: to publish just one book. It was something she longed to cross off of her bucket list.
Not only did she publish one book, she’s since published close to thirty titles, many of which have hit the USA Today, New York Times and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists. She continues to self publish, best known for her With Me In Seattle and Boudreaux series, and is also proud to work with William Morrow, a division of HarperCollins, with the Fusion Series. 
Kristen and her husband, John, make their home in her hometown of Whitefish, Montana with their two pugs and two cats.



Connect with Kristen



Release + Review - Too Good at Goodbyes - RC Boldt




First Top 40 hit at age seventeen? My first tabloid breakup scandal quickly followed. 

Earned my first Grammy? Discovered Mommy Dearest was embezzling my money. 
Landed a leading role in a movie? My fiancé called off our engagement the next day.
I might have a multi-million-dollar recording contract, a sold-out world tour, and more money in the bank than I ever imagined, but every time I hit a milestone in my career, my personal life suffers.
Then in steps my new bodyguard, rugged and with a past I connect with. The closer we get, the more powerful my feelings grow, complicating our professional relationship.
I thought Kane would be different. I hoped he’d be the one man to stand by my side, undaunted by the fame and attention that trails me. 
The press calls me the “Ice Princess of Pop” because of my unyielding façade throughout heartbreak and betrayal. Perhaps it’s time to show them the real me. 
With every syllable, I pour out my emotions and allow them to puddle, forming lyrics from my soul’s breath. And with each word, my broken heart cries out for Kane, begging him to help me break this pattern.
To help me stop being so damn good at goodbyes.


PURCHASE LINKS
Google Play: http://bit.ly/35PAsgf


Johnaka's Review 

“The Pop Princess and the Bodyguard, 5 stars”

I have read Boldt in the past and have always enjoyed her stories so when Too Good at Goodbyes came to my attention, I knew I had to read it. I like band books, I like bodyguards, I like her, so I was game. Well let’s just say Boldt killed it with Too Good at Goodbyes. Simone and Kane are perfect for each other and at the same time they are that couple you look at and scream couple goals. She needs someone who is cool with her fame and doesn’t take it as an ego hit that people chant her name. someone who keeps her grounded. Kane wants nothing to do with the fans and only wants her, the woman behind the music.

Simone is sick and tired of falling in love only to have that love thrown back in her face. She’s been in the spotlight too long and is sick of other people’s perceptions of her affecting her relationships. When her bodyguard goes on a long overdue honeymoon she can’t help but be a little leery of the replacement. When she meets Kane though a whole new set of problems arise. He’s everything she could ever want in a guy. The question is, is he cut out for her lifestyle?

Kane took the job as head of security for a buddy because he knew he wouldn’t lead him astray. Besides its not like he had anything else to do aside from forgetting about him ex. He’s heard stories about Simone and her ice princess antics in the past, but quickly realizes how far off base everyone is. He can’t help but want her. But is he willing to put his heart on the line so soon?

Plot-5/5 Characters-5/5 Heat-5/5 Writing style-5/5 Overall-5/5



EXCERPT
Copyright @2019 by RC BOLDT
SIMONE
Present Day
The Super Bowl Halftime Performance
Hard Rock Stadium
Miami Gardens, Florida
Facing what’s estimated to be over sixty-seven thousand people with my favorite guitar strapped snug against me, I prepare to sing my final song.
Standing up here in front of thousands of fans is second nature. I performed in countless dive bars before breaking onto the scene and securing my first record deal, then moving on to sold-out world tours. Which means I shouldn’t have sweaty palms like a preteen working up the nerve to talk to her crush.
My heart shouldn’t be racing like a horse competing in the Kentucky Derby.
My stomach shouldn’t churn as though I’ve eaten ceviche from a questionable food truck.
Tremors shouldn’t affect my hands like a virgin embarking on their deflowering.
None of this should be afflicting me. But it is.
Because of him.
Because of the current state of my heart.
But this is how I deal with heartache. With tragedy. With…life.
“This is a little different, and I hope you like it,” I rasp into the mic. Noise from the cheering fans is deafening, and like every time I perform, the surreal quality never quite fades.
Tonight marks the first time I’ll share a song I wrote about someone who eviscerated my heart entirely. My other relationships—and subsequent failures—pale in comparison.
It’s no secret that love and broken hearts inspire great songwriting. With regard to the latter, it’s never hard to find someone mourning an unrequited love, suffering heartache, or wishing they’d find their own glorified everlasting love.
But have you noticed when male musicians write about it, they’re never on the receiving end of the snide, sarcastic comments of, “Oh, poor thing. He’s rich and famous and can’t find love. Boo-freaking-hoo.”?
Yet when I write lyrics that are the closest thing to ripping out my heart and putting it on display for the world, I receive the “She’s probably selfish and put her career first” or “She probably cheated, and now she’s regretting it” or “Mm. So sad. The Ice Princess of Pop is heartbroken.”
My response? Fuck that noise. I’m writing from my heart and soul, regardless of how damaged they might be at any given time. And as long as my fans continue to support me, I’m going to keep on keepin’ on.
“I’d like to dedicate this song to a special person.” I duck my chin, willing myself to maintain composure. “It’s called ‘Embers.’”
Once I strum the first note on my guitar, everything around me fades. My voice emerges from the shards scattered within my chest where my working heart once was.
When I play that final chord, I see tears streaming down the faces of the fans in the front rows. And yet again, I’m reminded of something all too easily forgotten. That there are others who can relate to lyrics written from my soul’s breath.
Because in heartache, we’re never truly alone.


AUTHOR BIO
RC Boldt currently lives on the southeastern coast of the U.S., enjoys long walks on the beach, running, reading, people watching, and singing karaoke. If you're in the mood for some killer homemade mojitos, can't recall the lyrics to a particular 80's song, or just need to hang around a nonconformist who will do almost anything for a laugh, she's your girl.
AUTHOR LINKS

Release + Review - Gypsy King - Devney Perry




The former Tin Gypsy motorcycle club has everyone in Clifton Forge, Montana convinced they’ve locked their clubhouse doors and ripped off their patches. Everyone but Bryce Ryan. There’s more happening at the club’s garage than muscle car restorations and Harley rebuilds. Her instincts are screaming there’s a story—one she’s going to tell.


As the new owner of the small town’s newspaper, Bryce is hungry for more than birth announcements and obituaries. When a woman is brutally killed and all signs point to the Tin Gypsies, Bryce is determined to expose the club and their leader, Kingston “Dash” Slater, as murderers.

Bryce bests Dash match after match, disappointed her rugged and handsome opponent turns out to be an underwhelming adversary. Secrets are exposed. Truths defeat lies. Bryce is poised to win this battle in a landslide. 

Then Dash breaks all the rules and tips the scales. 

One kiss, and she’s fighting to save more than just her story. She’s fighting to save her heart from the Gypsy King.


Johnaka's Review

“Something new for Perry, 5 stars”


To be completely transparent I have been a fan of Perry since I picked up her first book and haven’t looked back. I’m used to her small-town romances and adore them. So when I heard about Gypsy King I was equal parts excited and hesitant. See I’m not a huge MC fan and I knew that this would be an MC style story. But then I read it. Man did Perry kill it. Gypsy King isn’t what I was expecting. It still had her small town feel but at the same time it had that MC feel. I was sucked in from the first page and wanted more. I cannot wait to see where she takes this series. And can I just say I love a girl that has a traditionally boy name?

Bryce left the big city life and is starting over. She wanted to write and report news that mattered. When she learns of the Tin Gypsy’s and how they randomly disassembled and haven’t been in trouble for over a year she knows there’s a story. Notorious MC clubs don’t just break up. And once Bryce gets an idea she will report it to the end. When she finds out there was a murder in town she knows where to be and how to report it. The question is, is she right in who she believes is guilty or is she blinded by her need to report something big?

Dash has never been bested by a woman until Bryce. He sees her as the enemy. She’s on one side and him on the other. But what if they put their minds together. Will they be able to figure out who was behind the murder? Will Dash be pulled back into the life of a Tin Gypsy? What about his attraction to the spitfire reporter? Only one way to find out.

Like I said, Perry killed it with Gypsy King. I want the next book now. One thing I am almost certain on is that if you take a chance on Gypsy King you will love it as much as I did.

Plot-5/5 Characters-5/5 Heat-5/5 Writing style-5/5 Overall-5/5



Buy Links:

About the Author:
Devney is a USA Today bestselling author. Born and raised in Montana, she loves writing books set in her treasured home state. After working in the technology industry for nearly a decade, she abandoned conference calls and project schedules to enjoy a slower pace at home with her husband and two sons. Writing one book, let alone many, was not something she ever expected to do. But now that she’s discovered her true passion for writing romance, she has no plans to ever stop. Devney loves hearing from readers! Connect with her on social media.



Author Links:
Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/2N1u9xz