Sunday, May 31, 2020

Blog Tour + Excerpt + Review: "A Royal Kiss & Tell" by Julia London

I am thrilled to participate in the blog tour celebrating the release of Julia London's latest historical romance, "A Royal Kiss & Tell," book #2 of the Royal Wedding series. Ms. London has written some of my all-time favorite romance novels, both contemporary and historical, so I always look forward to her new releases. This series has been especially noteworthy because it combines the fun and fantasy of falling in love with a prince with diplomatic intrigue and a bit of mystery, which has kept things interesting, to say the least.

Though characters from the first book in the series make appearances here, "A Royal Kiss & Tell" works very well as a standalone novel. I recommend it for fans of witty historical romances, though with a content warning as the topic of human trafficking is a fairly important part of the plot. 

About "A Royal Kiss & Tell"

Every prince has his secrets. And she’s determined to unravel his…


Every young man in London’s ton is vying for Lady Caroline Hawke’s hand—except one. Handsome rouĂ© Prince Leopold of Alucia can’t quite remember Caroline’s name, and the insult is not to be tolerated. So Caroline does what any clever, resourceful lady of means would do to make sure Leo never again forgets: sees that scandalous morsels about his reputation are printed in a ladies’ gossip gazette…all while secretly setting her cap for the rakish royal.

Someone has been painting Leo as a blackguard, but who? Socially, it is ruining him. More important, it jeopardizes his investigation into a contemptible scheme that reaches the highest levels of British government. Leo needs Lady Caroline’s help to regain access to society. But this charming prince is about to discover that enlisting the deceptively sweet and sexy Lady Caroline might just cost him his heart, his soul and both their reputations…

Check out an excerpt from "A Royal Kiss & Tell" here!

My Review

While it wasn't my favorite of Julia London's books, I still enjoyed "A Royal Kiss & Tell," the second book of the Royal Wedding series. The romance between main characters Prince Leopold Chartier and Lady Caroline Hawke took a bit of a backseat to the intrigue in which Leo found himself to be embroiled, but they were both relatively likeable characters, so I was glad that they found a way to be happy together in the end.

It took me a while to warm up to Caroline in this book, which was disappointing because she was so much fun in the previous book of the series. Here, she seemed cheerfully vain and shallow at first, obsessed with fashion, spreading gossip, and being the center of attention at all times. However, as the story progressed and I got to know Caroline better, it became apparent that her cheerful exterior was a facade hiding her fear that no gentleman would ever want to marry her for anything other than her beauty or fortune. I certainly couldn't blame her for her desire to be wanted for herself rather than her looks or money, and she did seem to have a genuine desire to help others even if she wasn't quite sure how to go about it.

The highlight of the story for me was Prince Leo and his investigation into the human trafficking ring, which seemed to give him a purpose and help him mature quite a bit in a very short period of time. His tendency to bungle things, while unfortunate, was also sometimes amusing, as well as completely understandable because Leo hadn't exactly been raised to participate in schemes and intrigue. However, I loved his determination to do the right thing by helping those women, and it was wonderful to see his efforts pay off in the end.

The secondary characters were just as much fun in this book as they were in the previous book of the series, particularly Caroline's brother Beck and her friend Hollis. I hope there are plans for both of them to get stories of their own in the future!

In summary, "A Royal Kiss & Tell" was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it for all fans of witty historical romances, though with a content warning since the topic of human trafficking is a fairly important part of the plot. I look forward to the next book in this series.

*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Saturday, May 30, 2020

Review: Loving Jake

Loving Jake Loving Jake by Lisa Lanay
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy Lisa Lanay's "Loving Jake" as much as I hoped I would. The main characters, Kimberly and Jake, weren't very well-developed, so I was left with a lot of unanswered questions at the end of the book. For example, what happened to Jake's parents that led to his grandfather raising him and his brother? What prompted their move from Texas to California, especially considering that his grandfather loved Texas so much?

Neither Jake nor Kimberly was particularly likeable, either. Kimberly seemed painfully naive and immature to me. She was convinced she loved Jake from the very beginning of the book based solely on memories she had of him from years before, but she didn't really know him and never mentioned anything specific that she even liked about him, other than perhaps his long hair. She also seemed to think that she could convince him they belonged together just by parading around in skimpy clothing and luring him into bed with her. Sex doesn't automatically equal love, and it was ridiculous for Kimberly to think that sleeping with Jake would be enough to convince him to give up his beloved career to stay in California with her forever.

However improbably, something about Kimberly's harebrained scheme must have actually worked because Jake had to try and talk himself out of being in love with her about a third of the way through the story. There was basically no relationship development up to that point, so it felt very much like insta-love to me. What really bothered me about their relationship, however, was their complete lack of ability to communicate. Instead of talking to each other, they both kept assuming that they already knew what the other one wanted, so they didn't give their partner agency over choices that directly affected them.

In addition to my issues with the characters and their relationship development, I was not a fan of certain aspects of the author's writing style. For example, phone calls were narrated only from one side (kind of like when a comedian is trying to tell a joke), which led to a lot of awkward repetition that wouldn't happen in real life. The narrative would have had a better flow if both sides of the conversation had been included. Also, there was no indication of how much time passed as the story progressed, which led to some confusion since there were apparently time jumps of several days/weeks between some of the chapters. A simple header saying something like "3 days later" inserted at the beginning of the chapter would provide some much-needed clarity.

Overall, while this wasn't the worst book I've ever read, I really can't recommend it. I will give the author another shot, however.

*ARC provided by the author/publisher via Hidden Gems Books. All opinions expressed are my own.

View all my reviews

Review: The Love Act

The Love Act The Love Act by Zara Bell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading Zara Bell's "The Love Act" since she was a new-to-me author, but it turned out to be an excellent book that gave me all the feels. Main characters Jack and Cassie were incredibly sympathetic and well-developed, and I found myself laughing and crying right along with them even though the situation they faced wasn't anything I could imagine encountering in my own life.

I love stories that feature grumpy heroes, which certainly seemed to describe Jack at first, but there was so much more to him than was initially apparent. It would have been easy to assume that he was nothing more than an arrogant, entitled jerk because of the level of fame he had achieved, but in truth Jack had some legitimate issues because of the way the media had treated his mother, also a famous actor. He had more reasons than most celebrities to mistrust and dislike the media, but he wasn't very good at explaining those reasons to Cassie, which created a lot of problems between them.

Cassie hid a lot of things from Jack too, most notably her own acting career and struggles with anxiety. Her reasons for doing so were understandable, but it certainly didn't help her and Jack to build trust in their relationship. They really seemed to dislike each other for most of the first half of the book. It took them quite a while to start opening up and getting to know each other, but once they did, they turned out to be very well matched. Jack and Cassie's fake relationship soon became all too real, and while their path to happiness was far from easy, their struggles were worth it in the end.

Overall, I adored "The Love Act" and highly recommend it for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. I will be watching to see what Zara Bell writes next!

*ARC provided by the author/publisher via Hidden Gems Books. All opinions expressed are my own.

View all my reviews

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Blog Tour + Excerpt + Review: "Accidentally Family" by Sasha Summers

amzn.com/B084M24FHD
Today, I am excited to participate in the blog tour celebrating the release of "Accidentally Family" by Sasha Summers. Even though this story had its share of sadness and drama, it was still sweet and funny at times, and I loved it. In some ways, it reminded me of Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove series or Emily March's Eternity Springs series because of the way it included the primary couple as well as some of their friends and family. I think this book is especially likely to appeal to fans of those types of ensemble stories, which have characters and plotlines that sometimes carry over from one book to the next, though I highly recommend it for all fans of contemporary romance because I enjoyed it so much.

This book touches on a lot of big topics: first love, dealing with the death of a parent, teenage rebellion, dating after a divorce and/or the death of a spouse, and unexpected pregnancy, among others. There are a number of different characters and plotlines woven together, but the author does so very skillfully, and I really liked that so many characters were able to provide their perspective on the story's events. It's easy to see how this book could turn into a series set in Pecan Valley given the hints of potential future romances that were seen here.

As for the central romance in this story between Dr. Graham Murphy and Felicity Otto-Buchanan, I found it very easy to root for them to find a way to be together. They were both very likeable characters, and had been shouldering too much responsibility on their own for too long. Each of them deserved a partner to share their burdens and appreciate how truly special they were. The way their kids and Felicity's sister Charity played matchmaker for them was very sweet and led to several of the story's lighter moments, such as when Graham and Felicity were dancing together at a block party and Charity and the kids watched and jokingly critiqued their technique.

I hope that this is not the last we'll see of the inhabitants of Pecan Valley! I look forward to seeing what Sasha Summers writes next.

*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

amzn.com/B084M24FHD

About "Accidentally Family"

Welcome to Pecan Valley, where the town may be small but the townspeople will always lend a helping hand or a shoulder to lean on. Where good times, good humor, and good people will always lead to happily ever after.


Life for Felicity, and her teen children, is finally back on track. After her divorce, she wasn’t sure if her sweet family would ever be the same. But things are good––right up until her ex’s spirited toddler lands on Felicity’s doorstep. If the universe is going to throw lemons at her, thank God she has her best friend, Graham, to help her make lemonade out of them. How did she never notice how kind and sexy he is?

Graham is still recovering from his wife’s death years ago and trying to help his teen daughter get her life together. Who is he kidding? His daughter hates him. Forget lemons––he’s got the entire lemon tree. So when Felicity suggests they join forces and help each other, he’s all in. And suddenly he can’t stop thinking about her as more than just a friend. Too bad their timing couldn’t be worse…

Because life rarely goes as planned. Luckily there are many different kinds of family to hold you together and lift you up...plus maybe even a little love between friends.

Read an Excerpt from "Accidentally Family"

Why was he doing this? He didn’t have to. Her family was too preoccupied to notice what he was or wasn’t doing. He could drag Emily into the bushes and make out with her and no one would be the wiser. Except for her. She would be. And she wouldn’t like it. At all. Oh my God, what is wrong with me?

“What’s wrong?” His voice was soft. “You look pissed off.”

“Nothing.” She stirred her brush with more force than necessary, sloshing water onto the table. Nothing at all. She wasn’t upset about him having a fantasy make-out session with Emily. Not in the least. Because that would be ridiculous. “Seriously, Owen, what am I painting?”

“Whatever you’re best at.” He turned to wink at the toddler in line. “I trust you.”

Honor was momentarily distracted by the sharp angle of his jaw and thick column of his neck. He smelled incredible. He had a mole high on his cheek and the thickest lashes—

He was staring back at her now, unflinching. So much so, it was hard to breathe. Too close. Way, way too close.

“Owen.” She cleared her throat.

“Honor.” He tilted his head, those hazel eyes flashing.

“Fine.” He wanted to tease her. To make her…squirm? She’d do exactly what he said. She was best at butterflies. And Owen Nelson deserved the best and brightest butterfly ever. She was tempted to do a full face but that would keep him in her chair, up close and far too personal, for longer than she was prepared to handle.

“Let’s do this.”

In order to paint a person’s face, she had to lean in. Sometimes, on an adult, she’d stand to get a better angle. Owen was tall, so she was standing. But that put things in awkward places. Every time she leaned in, he took a sharp little breath. She hadn’t touched him, wouldn’t touch him, but something was definitely bothering him because he was sitting, eyes closed, hands gripping the arms of her chair.

The butterfly was beautiful.

With long, black antennae, massive wings in brilliant rainbow hues, and—because it was a girl butterfly—she had to have rosy cheeks and long eyelashes. It was so pretty, she decided to add a flower on the side of his nose. And, just to make it perfect, sprinkled the whole thing with iridescent glitter.

“Um, Honor.” Emily was horrified.

Looking at it now, on his gorgeous face, she was a little horrified too. She’d gone too far. It was too late to wipe it off. Everyone had seen it.

“Done?” he asked, his eyes popping open.

She stared down at him. “I guess so.” But she didn’t offer him the mirror. In fact, she hid it behind her back and stepped back. “I should probably apologize.”

His brows shot up. “Does it look bad?

“It’s pretty,” one of the little girls in line reassured him.

“Pretty, huh?” He stepped forward. “Let me see, Honor.”

***

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Blog Tour + Review: "Give Me the Weekend" by Weston Parker

https://amzn.to/3fXdFEc
I am super excited to participate in the blog tour celebrating the release of Weston Parker's latest standalone novel, "Give Me the Weekend." It is the first book I've ever read by Mr. Parker, but it certainly will not be the last!

A full review is included at the end of this post, but in short, I loved this sweet, charming, funny, and heartwarming story with its endearing, three-dimensional characters and engaging plot. Main characters Elsie and Taydom found their way into my heart just as much as they did into each other's, and I found it very easy to cheer them on to their HEA. I highly recommend this book for all fans of contemporary romance.

About "Give Me the Weekend"

What do I look like, a baby machine?

I swear all my family wants from me is kids. Or at least my mother does.

But I'm the black sheep of the family. The one that left for bigger and better things.

No farm for me. I'm a self-made billionaire bad boy now.

Real Estate is the game and making money is my thing.

All is well in my bachelor-like world until I rent a cottage on my property to a beautiful school counselor.

Sweet. Curvy. Smart as hell.

This woman shouldn't be out of my league, but it feels like she most certainly is.

Good thing she falls for me too. I need a fake girlfriend to take back home, and I'm hoping she'll be up for the ruse.

Which she is not. Go figure.

Things don't always work out the way I plan, especially when she's hiding something from me.

A baby. One I didn't think I wanted until it was inside of her.

She's walking away and I'm begging. I don't need forever to win her back.

Just give me the weekend.

https://amzn.to/3fXdFEc

My Review

I loved Weston Parker's "Give Me the Weekend," a sweet, charming, funny, and heartwarming story featuring endearing, well-developed characters and an engaging plot. The relationship development between main characters Elsie and Taydom was perfectly paced, as they had a chance to get to know each other and become friends before they jumped into a romantic relationship. They both seemed rather lonely and like they needed someone special in their lives when the story began, so it was very easy for me to hope for them to find happiness with each other.

I particularly liked the female lead, Elsie, who was grieving the loss of her mother when she first met Taydom but seemed to be coping magnificently. I loved that Elsie brought out a friendlier, more open side of Taydom, who seemed kind of hard-edged in the beginning of the story, particularly during his early interaction with the reporter. Despite their very different backgrounds and career paths, Taydom and Elsie were well-matched; they were both driven to succeed and knew what they wanted to achieve, at least in terms of their careers. Their personal lives weren't quite as organized, but when they met each other, things quickly fell into place for them both.

Elsie was lucky to have such good support from her friend Beth, who seemed genuinely caring and also like a lot of fun. I enjoyed Taydom's friend Andrew too, who was perhaps a bit immature, but still flirty and fun. I would be happy to read about either one of them in a future story. I'm not entirely sure if I could see them together, but I am open to persuasion!

"Give Me the Weekend" was the first book I've read by Weston Parker, but I'm certain that it will not be the last. I highly recommend it for all fans of contemporary romance.

*ARC provided by the author via Candi Kane PR. All opinions expressed are my own.

https://amzn.to/3fXdFEc

Monday, May 25, 2020

Blog Tour + Excerpt + Review: "Bad News" by Stacy Travis

amzn.com/B088ZRN38G
I am thrilled to participate in the blog tour celebrating the release of "Bad News" by Stacy Travis today. I'm generally a fan of workplace romances, and this one was not only well-crafted, it also offered an interesting behind-the-scenes look at the newspaper business that fascinated me. Main characters Jack and Linden are both reporters in pursuit of a big story who end up having to fake a relationship in order to further their investigation. Of course, that fake relationship turns out to be not-so-fake in the end, but they face quite a few complications along the way.

I have included a full review of "Bad News" at the end of this post, but in short, I enjoyed this fast-paced, enemies-to-lovers romance and would recommend it for all fans of contemporary romance. I wouldn't exactly describe it as a romantic comedy, but there were certainly funny moments and very little angst, so it may well appeal to rom-com fans as well.

About "Bad News"

Do I want the story? Or him?

Jack Galloway is an award-winning journalist, a star at The Examiner, and he’s got the chiseled jaw and deep blue eyes that light me on fire.

Oh, and I hate his arrogant guts.

He told my boss that I can’t hack it as a reporter. He actually said it was a mistake to hire me. But I just landed a scandalous story that will launch my career and prove him forever wrong. Yeah, it steps on Jack’s beat a little. Okay, a lot.

So our boss is making us report it together for an entire weekend. At a gorgeous oceanfront villa with sailboats and cocktails and oh…he looks good in a sport coat.

Jack brings out my insecurities. He makes me doubt my instincts. And ignites a desire in me that I haven’t felt before.

But I know he’s hiding something. And I know I’m risking more than my job by pursuing the truth.

If I have to choose, do I want the story? Or him?

amzn.com/B088ZRN38G

Read an Excerpt from "Bad News"

“So why the little performance for Chad?"

“Sometimes it helps to stir the pot.” The glimmer of a smile forms, like he’s playing a game of chess and just made a bold opening.

“Oh.” I’m not sure what to say, which is unusual for me.

“That’s all you got?”

“Um, well, I have questions.”

“Of course, you do; you’re a reporter.”

I take a step back and stare at him, backlit by twinkle lights that cast a flattering glow on his already-beautiful face. “Are you going to answer them?”

He shrugs. “You haven’t asked anything yet. Is that how you usually go about your reporting? You just wait for the other person to answer questions you haven’t even posed?”

“Just when I thought I might like you a tiny bit, you have to ruin it, don’t you?”

His smile is a smirk now and he reaches for my hand, pulling me a little closer. “You like me? ”he asks, his voice a quiet rumble.

“I’m still deciding.”

Then he whispers, “Let me help you decide.” He leans his face an inch closer to mine but doesn’t close the gap between us. A chill runs through me as my body responds to him, betraying the logical part of my brain that says I need to focus on my job and only my job. The only clear thought I have right now is how much I want to feel his lips on mine again. But he’s still inches away, holding out, not willing to give me what I want until I meet him partway.

“I think…Chad seems like the kind of guy who needs a lot of convincing before he decides he has no chance.”

“So, for the sake of a good story…” I say, moving an inch closer but stopping before my lips meet his so he knows I’m in control of my emotions. Even though I’m not.

“…I know how important good journalism is to you,” he says. I can feel his breath like a breeze across my face. It’s hypnotizing and I struggle to keep from closing my eyes and giving in to what I want.

“I’m one hundred percent devoted to the craft.”It’s a struggle to get the words out when I can barely breathe.

“I’m happy to help however I can.”Our faces are mere inches apart and I feel pulled closer, unable to resist the magnetic force of his lips. I tip my head up and feel his lips melt into mine, pressing gently but intentionally. It’s sweet but urgent. Tongues that can’t get nearly enough, lips that want to consume. This isn’t a sweet fake-date kiss. This is a year and a half of working together and wanting to hate him but hating how much I wanted him, all tangled up in a kiss that can’t last long enough.

amzn.com/B088ZRN38G

My Review

"Bad News" by Stacy Travis was a fast-paced workplace romance, featuring likeable main characters who must fake a relationship in order to investigate a big story for the newspaper where they both work. I'm a fan of workplace romances in general and thought this one was particularly well-crafted, with a fun enemies-to-lovers vibe and lots of witty banter as the relationship between lead characters Linden Sandoval and Jack Galloway slowly evolved into a real romance.

Linden and Jack had a lot of misconceptions about each other at first, but when they were forced into working together, they discovered that they had more in common than they realized. They were both very driven, ambitious, and focused on their careers at the expense of their personal lives, but their reporting styles were very different, which is what led to a lot of their conflict. Once they were able to figure out each other's quirks and learn better ways of communicating, not only did their working relationship improve, they began to see each other in a whole new light on a personal level.

In addition to the central romantic relationship between Jack and Linden, I really enjoyed this book's behind-the-scenes glimpse into newspaper journalism. I've read stories set behind the scenes of magazines and TV news programs, but can't specifically remember having come across anything about a newspaper before. The author really seems to have done her research into what goes on in a newsroom, or maybe has worked for a newspaper herself, and I found it to be fascinating.

Overall, I enjoyed and would recommend "Bad News" for all fans of contemporary romance. I will plan to check out more books by Stacy Travis in the future.

*ARC provided by the author via Social Butterfly PR. All opinions expressed are my own.

Blog Tour + Excerpt + Review: "More than Neighbors" by Shannon Stacey

https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781488069901_more-than-neighbors.html
Today, I am happy to participate in the June 2020 Harlequin Series blog tour and celebrate the upcoming release of "More than Neighbors" by Shannon Stacey, book #1 in the Blackberry Bay mini-series.

I've spent the past few months getting reacquainted with category romances and for the most part have been pleasantly surprised by how much I've enjoyed these books. They're longer than novellas so I have a chance to get to know the characters a bit better, but still short enough to be enjoyed in just a few hours, perfect for those times when I don't want to get involved in a lengthy story (in other words, when I know I have to get up early the next morning and don't want to be tempted to stay up late reading). "More than Neighbors" was among my favorites of these romances so far, featuring likeable characters and a charming New England setting that is rich with future story possibilities. I recommend this book for all fans of contemporary romance and look forward to my next visit to Blackberry Bay.

About "More than Neighbors"

The only thing they have in common is a property line!
He’s trying to uncover his past.
She’s hoping for a brighter future.

Cam Maguire is in Blackberry Bay to unravel a family secret. Meredith Price has moved next door with her daughter. He’s unattached. She’s a widowed single mom. He’s owned by a cat. She’s definitely team canine. All these neighbors have in common is a property line. One they cross…over and over. And Cam thought he knew what he wanted—until his family’s secret changes everything.

https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781488069901_more-than-neighbors.html

Read an Excerpt from "More than Neighbors"

“So you’re staying for the summer, you said? Where do you usually live?”

“New York City, actually.”

Her hazel eyes widened. “Wow. That’s quite a change in pace.”

“It is, but I was ready to get away for a while.” “What do you do in the city?”

“I work for my dad,” he said, which wasn’t technically a lie, but wasn’t entirely accurate, either. “A lot of accounting and paperwork and boring stuff like that.”

She was cute when she wrinkled her nose. “I’m not a fan of boring math-related paperwork.”

A yelp from across the yard caught her attention and she turned to see Elinor swipe at the white puff-ball. Sophie was frowning and picked the dog up, turning her body so the cat couldn’t see him any-more.

“Your cat appears to be bullying my dog.”

“She’s not my cat. And you’re embarrassing your dog by even making that claim right now.”

She arched an eyebrow at him. “If you don’t think cats can bully dogs, you don’t spend a lot of time on the internet.”

“She just wants the dog to know who’s boss, I guess.”

“It’s his yard,” she pointed out.

“She’s a cat.”

“Point taken.” A genuine smile lit up her face and made her eyes crinkle. “They’ll get used to each other. And speaking of that, now that I know you’re going to be my neighbor for a while, I should prob-ably introduce myself properly. I’m Meredith Price, and that’s Sophie and Oscar.”

“Calvin Maguire,” he said, extending his hand. “But everybody calls me Cam.”

As she shook his hand, he noted how soft the skin was and had to resist rubbing his thumb over it.

She tilted her head as she smoothly pulled her hand away from his. “How do you get Cam from Calvin?”

“My initials. Calvin Anthony Maguire.” His mouth twisted in a wry smile. “The fourth.”

“Interesting.”

“It was a better alternative than being Little Cal for my entire life.” He didn’t really want to open him-self up to more questions about his family, since they were the last thing he wanted to talk about. “Since Oscar’s from California, let me guess. Oscar de la Renta?”

She laughed. “Oscar the Grouch.”

“You’re kidding.” He looked at the dog again, who looked like the kind they put on the packaging of fancy dog food. “I don’t really see the resemblance, but maybe it’s a personality thing.”

“He’s actually named after Sophie’s favorite book at the time, and trust me, we spent days explaining to her why we couldn’t make his hair green.”

“He doesn’t bark a lot, does he?”

“I wouldn’t say he barks a lot.” She glanced at the dog before giving him a sheepish look. “It’s more like a really high-pitched yip.”

“That’ll be fun while I’m reading over spread-sheets,” he said, picturing spending his summer being harassed by a stubborn cat and a high-strung dog. “Maybe I should have packed my noise- canceling headphones.”

She looked startled for a second and then her eyes narrowed. “I have a child and a dog, so I guess you’ll just have to figure out how to make it work.”

“Maybe a muzzle?” he asked, but he wasn’t re-ally serious. Yipping dogs weren’t his favorite, but he wasn’t a total jerk.

She stared at him for a long moment before giving him an arch look. “I don’t know if I can find one in your size, but I can try.”

Cam chuckled, appreciating her comeback, but she didn’t even crack a smile. Maybe she hadn’t been joking. And maybe she’d thought he wasn’t, either.

“If you’ll excuse me, we just arrived and I have a lot to do.”

“Nice to meet you,” he said as she walked, and she held up her hand in what looked more like a dis-missive gesture than a wave.

That was fine. If she wanted to play that game, she’d find out he didn’t really care that much. She and her yipping dog could stay in her yard and he’d stay in his.

He had better things to do, anyway. Like learning more about Carolina Archambault, and figuring out how to convince her cat he was the boss.

https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781488069901_more-than-neighbors.html

My Review

Shannon Stacey's "More than Neighbors" was a sweet and heartwarming novel featuring likeable characters, an engaging plot with touches of humor and mystery, and a charming small-town New England setting rich with future story possibilities. Main characters Cam and Meredith seemed to have very little in common at first, but I enjoyed watching them get to know each other and slowly come to realize just how perfect they were for each other. Cam's friendship with Meredith's daughter Sophie was also adorable, and I loved how patient Cam was with Sophie and how he fell in love with her just as much as he did with her mother.

Meredith and Sophie had a tough time after the death of Sophie's father, Devin, but I really appreciated that Meredith was open to dating and possibly finding love again. I also appreciated that no "big secret" came out about her late husband after his death to make him look bad and Cam look better by comparison. I believe it's possible to love more than one person over the course of a lifetime, and a truly loving spouse, as Devin seems to have been, wouldn't want Meredith to be alone forever. Meredith's grieving process and choice to move on with her life was handled well IMO, and I didn't feel that her relationship with Cam moved too fast or was happening before she was truly ready for it.

Overall, I recommend "More than Neighbors" for all fans of contemporary romance and look forward to reading future books set in the charming town of Blackberry Bay.

*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781488069901_more-than-neighbors.html

Sunday, May 24, 2020

Excerpt + Review: "Otterly Scorched" by Tara Sivec

mybook.to/OtterlyScorched
I'm not sure words can express how much I love Tara Sivec, both as a writer and as a human being. Not only is Tara exactly as funny, snarky, and awesome as the characters in her books (don't just take my word for it, go join her Facebook reader group and see for yourself), she has written the perfect story to suit whatever mood you're in. Need a good laugh? She has a book for that! Looking for an ugly cry? Well, there's a book for that too. When all else fails, my go-to advice for a friend who's having a bad day is to pour a glass of wine and read one of Tara's books. Whenever Tara releases a new book, it instantly becomes a holiday in my house, and you'd better believe it will be a takeout for dinner kind of night. There's no way I'm going to stop reading long enough to do something as pesky and time-consuming as cook!

*Ahem* That's probably enough of a love fest for one day, so I'll turn now to the real reason for this post: the release of Tara Sivec's latest romantic comedy, "Otterly Scorched." I "otterly" adored (yes, I went there!) this hysterically funny, cute, sweet story with its lovable, quirky characters and hint of mystery. It was exactly the book I needed to read right now to help me cope with the insanity of the real world, and I could not recommend it more highly.

"Otterly Scorched" is a complete standalone, though it is set in the world of Tara's earlier rom-coms "The Simple Life" and "Just My Type" and is also related to her earlier romantic suspense novel "Branded." It is not necessary to have read any of those books to enjoy this one, but IMO they are every bit as good as "Otterly Scorched" and I recommend them too.

The main characters of "Otterly Scorched," Dax and Harley, were a tremendous amount of fun both individually and as a couple, and I loved their banter as they went from quasi-enemies to lovers. I particularly enjoyed Dax's efforts to take care of Harley and ease her burdens as she attempted to run her family's pet detective business while looking after her irresponsible father and brother. Not only did Dax cook multi-course meals for Harley, he gradually transformed her formerly barren house into a true home, complete with curtains and a bar cart. Dax's domestic side perfectly complemented Harley's tough-girl charm, and it was very easy for me to cheer them on to their HEA.

The story's secondary characters were also amazing and added a lot of depth and humor to the narrative. I particularly loved Harley's dad, Charlie, and her brother, Davidson. It wasn't difficult to understand why Harley would find them frustrating to deal with on a daily basis, but they were awfully funny to read about. Thanks to Charlie, I will never look at squirrels (or really any small animal) the same way again. ;-)

Bottom line: What are you waiting for? Go one-click "Otterly Scorched" today and prepare to laugh until you cry. I cannot wait to see what Tara Sivec has in store for us next!

*ARC provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
 
mybook.to/OtterlyScorched

About "Otterly Scorched"

It’s been a lot of years and another lifetime since Dax Trevino was a playboy detective for the Franklin Police Department. He’s been through hell and back, and now he just wants to be left alone, so he can cuddle his otters.

When two of his babies are kidnapped in the middle of the night, and Claws and Effect Pet Detectives are called to the rescue, quiet, broody Dax never expects to be tackled and handcuffed by the only woman he ever regretted being a douchebag to all those years ago.

Harley Blake has spent her entire life taking care of her accident-prone father with a fondness for dead animals, and her forty-year-old brother who refuses to grow up. The last thing she needs is another complication in her life, and Detective Douchebag is at the top of the list.

Dax might not be a cop anymore, and he might have outgrown his one-and-done player status, but that doesn’t mean she’s going to get burned a second time and fall for his charms. The infuriating man already branded a mark on her heart years ago, making sure she’d never forget him. Besides, she has a case to solve for the guy, and this is just business.

But the sarcasm starts flying, there are a gaggle of adorable otters who need to be cuddled, a Bandit Von Trash Panda who just wants to play poker, pot brownies, and squirrels dressed for a wedding... at a funeral. Things are heating up—and not just from the small tree fire after the grenade went off—and this man is suddenly simplifying her life instead of making it worse.

Harley knows she won’t escape this time without being Otterly Scorched.

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Read an Excerpt from "Otterly Scorched"

“A gentleman should be polite and courteous on a date, while being firm and manly by listening to what his date would like to eat and then ordering it for her,” Dax informs me, holding his pointer finger up to the waiter while he grabs his water glass and chugs half of it before setting it back down on the table.

“Why are you talking like this?”

“Like what?”

“Like... you’re Google, and I just asked you how to go on a first date. In 1952.”

Dax quickly picks his menu back up and looks down at it.

“Chicken parm sounds good.”

A few more previously dead brain cells join the smart living one, and I tell the waiter to give us a couple minutes. The confused young man walks away, and I lean forward to rest my elbows on the table, take the menu out of Dax’s hands, and set it down on the table off to the side.

“Dax Trevino. Did you google how to go on a date?” I ask softly, never knowing before this moment that my heart could actually feel like it’s melting in my chest.

Dax sighs, leaning forward in his chair to cross his arms and rest them on the table with me until our faces are a few inches apart.

“You’re goddamn right I did.” He nods with conviction, all of the nervousness finally gone from his face now that the truth is out. “Harley, I don’t know what the hell I’m doing here either. I’ve never dated anyone. I’ve never wanted to date anyone, or make them feel special or like a princess on a date. I know you’re not really the princess type, but I want to do this right, and I’m fifteen steps into Twenty-Five Ways to Date Like a Gentleman. I’ve had my car detailed, I’ve taken extra time to properly groom myself, I’m wearing an outfit that gives me confidence, I’m maintaining eye contact, and I’ve prepared a list of topics for us to discuss in case there’s an uncomfortable lull in dinner conversation.”

Dax reaches over, grabs my fingers, and tugs my hand to his mouth, kissing the top of it.

“Now, let me order dinner for you without you stabbing me, and then just sit there like a good girl and let the nice man I paid play the violin right next to our table and make it super awkward while we eat the main course.”

***

Friday, May 22, 2020

Blog Tour + Excerpt + Review: "Dirty Charmer" by Emma Chase

https://amzn.to/3bhKvge
I am pleased to participate in the blog tour celebrating the release of Emma Chase's latest novel, "Dirty Charmer," book #5 in the Royally series. "Dirty Charmer" is not a direct sequel to the earlier books but rather something of a spinoff featuring Tommy Sullivan, who served as a bodyguard for Prince Nicholas in book #1 and was a good friend to Logan St. James in book #3. In this book, we learn that Logan and Tommy have left royal service and become partners in their own private security firm, S&S Securities. A few characters from earlier stories make cameo appearances, but even so, "Dirty Charmer" reads as a total standalone, so it is completely appropriate for readers who are new to the series.

I have read and loved the entire series to date, so for me, it was a lot of fun to revisit the kingdom of Wessco. I especially loved seeing Logan and his wife Ellie, who were great friends to Tommy and helped him tremendously in his pursuit of the female lead, Dr. Abby Haddock. A full review of "Dirty Charmer" is included at the end of this post, but in short, I really enjoyed this funny, sweet, and steamy novel and would recommend it for all fans of contemporary romance.

About "Dirty Charmer"

"If I try to kiss you at midnight, when I’m off shift and you’re officially not a client anymore . . . would you let me?"

Abigail Haddock is stunning, sensible, and some would say . . . stuffy. But it’s not really her fault. She was raised in one of Wessco’s oldest, most affluent, aristocratic families—“stuffy” is their middle name. So is successful. Abby’s working overtime to distinguish herself as a top-notch physician, just as her family legacy demands.

She doesn’t have time for nonsense.

Tommy Sullivan’s all about nonsense.

Sure, he’s an elite bodyguard with lethal skills and co-owner of the renowned, S&S Securities Firm—protector of the wealthy and titled. But he’s also rowdy, fun and thoroughly irresistible.

Tommy knows how to have a good time, and he’s never seen someone more in need of a good time than Abby. The lass needs long, wet, filthy kisses—STAT—and he’s just the man for the job.

It doesn’t take long for a wildly sexy, sinfully satisfying, no-strings attached arrangement to turn into something more. Something sweet and addictive and real. But Tommy and Abby are too royally stubborn to admit it.

Opposites attract, everyone knows that. But can they last—can they love…for forever?

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Read an Excerpt from "Dirty Charmer"

Abby

Me: Are you texting while you’re driving??

Apparently, Tommy and his bodyguard brethren are trained to text without actually having to look at their phones, so they can communicate covertly with the device in their pocket.

But I’ve explained to him—at length—that that doesn’t matter worth a damn.

I’ve informed him of the overwhelming statistics on the dangers of texting while operating a vehicle and I’ve disclosed my firsthand experiences of seeing the deadly carnage of such behavior during my emergency room rotations.

And still, after a weighted pause, he replies:

Godly Orgasm Giver: Maybe.

Me: Well, STOP IT!!


For a moment, the screen remains quiet . . . and then those sneaky little dots appear again.

Godly Orgasm Giver: I like it when you get all shouty caps at me—have I ever told you that?


I’m going to revisit the idea of Tommy teaching me how to throw a punch. It would come in handy at moments just like this.

“Is everything all right, Abby?” my mother asks. “You’re all flushed.”

She examines me above her glasses like I’m a bug under a microscope.

“I . . .”

Grogg, the butler, bends down and dips his large, square head towards my grandmother.

“A gentleman is out front, Lady Agatha . . .”

Oh no.

“On a motorbike.”

OH NOOOO.

“Well, send him away.” The Dowager Countess shoos her hand in the air, as countesses do. “We don’t accept solicitations.”

I scramble to my feet. “Actually, he’s here for me.”

I throw my tablet and phone and books into my satchel, to hasten my not-so-great escape.

“Pardon?” my father inquires.

“He?” my grandmother prods.

I swallow hard, rushing out the words. “Yes. He’s a friend. I messaged him for a lift.”

My brother Sterling’s eggs-Benedict-laden fork pauses midair on its way to his mouth.

“I didn’t know you had the sort of friends who road motorbikes.”

“I didn’t know you had friends,” my sister Athena comments, not in a cruel way, but with sincere surprise.

I shrug, looping the strap of my satchel over my shoulder.

“Yes, well . . . you know . . .”

With that brilliant retort, I turn and walk out of the room.

I head towards the foyer, the heels of my knee-high boots clicking rapidly on the marble floor like a ticking time bomb. I yank open the giant front door and . . . come to an immediate stop on the veranda outside of it.

Because Tommy’s there, down the long gray steps on the front drive, sitting easily astride a shiny contraption of chrome and steel, wearing work boots, snug blue jeans and a black leather jacket—looking so sinfully good it might actually be illegal.

I have to remind myself that I’m angry with him, and when I do, I march straight down the steps. His eyes alight on my boots, skirt and light gray sweater—the ensemble gives off an unintended “naughty schoolteacher” feel—and the corner of Tommy’s wicked mouth hooks up accordingly.

“Hello, sweetheart.”

“Are you mad?!”

He takes a moment to think it over.

“Not the last time I checked.”

“What are you doing here?” I hold out my hands. “And what is this?”

“It’s a motorbike.”

“It’s death on wheels.”

He chuckles. “James loaned it to me for the day. The hills are beautiful this time of year—I thought we’d take a ride together. You wanted stress relief, didn’t you?” Tommy taps the shiny handlebar. “A ride on this is as stress-relieving as it gets—better than normal-bloke sex.”

I peer at him. Do I want to know?

Apparently I do, because I hear myself asking, “Normal-bloke sex?”

“Yeah.” He winks. “I mean it’s not better than how I do it—obviously. But the way an average bloke has sex—this is definitely better.”

I shake my head, folding my arms. “Do you have any idea how dangerous these things are? The statistics on motorbike fatalities are—”

Tommy covers my mouth with his hand.

His palm is warm, and so is his voice—a thick, sweet, honeyed tone.

“Do you trust me, Abby?”

After a moment, he takes his hand away and I gaze into those deep, dark eyes . . . falling into them so easily it should be frightening.

My answer is simple. True ones always are.

“I do.”

Tommy smiles fully, and my stomach flutters with that lovely swirling sensation.

“Then climb on.”

He places a helmet on my head, buckling the strap under my chin.

“And you might want to do it fast—your granny’s coming.”

I glance over my shoulder to see the whole family gathered outside the front of the door, a spectrum of curious and gob-smacked expressions plastered on their typically reserved faces. And my grandmother is indeed headed this way, her jeweled necklace jingling as she quickly descends the long slope of stone steps.

“Abigail!”

Her voice is high-pitched and harried—a tone I’ve never heard her use before, and one I’m not keen on exploring now.

“Have to be going!” I lift my hand and give them a thumbs-up. “Talk soon!”

Like a teenager running off with the town bad boy, I hike up my skirt and climb onto the motorbike behind Tommy. He clasps my hands together securely over his stomach.

“Hold on tight, lass.”

I do just that—squeezing my arms around his solid frame and resting my cheek against the warm leather on his back as he revs the engine to life and we pull away with a roar that vibrates in my bones.

And as strange as it is—or maybe it’s not strange at all—I’ve never felt safer.

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My Review

I really enjoyed Emma Chase's "Dirty Charmer," the funny, sweet, passionate story of two people from vastly different backgrounds who fall in love against all odds. The male lead character, bodyguard Tommy Sullivan, seemed a bit rough around the edges at first, but he was undoubtedly a good guy. I loved how caring and protective he was of his love interest, Dr. Abby Haddock, as well as the way he looked out for his family and friends. As for Abby, she seemed very reserved at first, as well as intensely focused on her career. She and Tommy started seeing each other primarily because she needed to find a way to relax outside of work, but their casual relationship soon grew into much more than just a no-strings attached affair.

Both Tommy and Abby were likeable, well-developed main characters, and I found their relationship development to be nicely paced. It was a bit difficult for me not to get annoyed with Abby's behavior at times, however. I really felt for her because of her complicated family situation and because she had been hurt by men in the past, so I can understand why she may have been afraid to trust Tommy and the strength of their relationship. That said, it drives me crazy when couples fail to communicate, and that's essentially what happened here because Abby chose to keep secrets from Tommy, which led to them breaking up for several months. They managed to patch things up, but Abby later completely (and irrationally) overreacted and blamed Tommy for something that didn't even happen and wouldn't have been solely his fault anyway. I think Abby's fear drove her to keep finding ways to sabotage the relationship, and I just wanted to hug her and tell her everything was going to be OK so that she would stop torturing poor Tommy!

These were relatively minor annoyances, however, and I genuinely did like Tommy and Abby as a couple. I would recommend this book for all fans of contemporary romance and look forward to whatever Emma Chase writes next.

*ARC provided by the author via Valentine PR. All opinions expressed are my own.

https://amzn.to/3bhKvge

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Review: Asking for Trouble

Asking for Trouble Asking for Trouble by Amy Andrews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I very much enjoyed "Asking for Trouble" by Amy Andrews, an emotional and heartfelt story featuring endearing, sympathetic characters. The female lead character, Della, endured a terrible ordeal with her ex-husband but came through on the other side a stronger, braver, more independent woman, and I admired her tremendously. I loved watching her reclaim her life and desires and realize that she was free to create whatever future she wanted for herself.

The male lead, bartender Tucker, was also pretty great. While it was sometimes difficult for him to balance his growing romantic relationship with Della and his longtime friendship with her older brother, Arlo, he worked hard to be a good friend to both of them, and he always came across as very caring and supportive. The slow burn of Della and Tucker's relationship growth was well crafted, and I really appreciated that Tucker was so conscientious about respecting Della's boundaries and making sure that he didn't push her for too much, too fast.

"Asking for Trouble" is the third book in the Credence, Colorado series, and it mostly works as a standalone. I have read the previous two books, but I have to admit to feeling like I missed something due to the way Della and Arlo's past was presented in this book, almost as if what happened with their father and when Arlo met Della was supposed to be common knowledge. It didn't quite make sense to me for so many people to be intimately familiar with the details of what had to be a very painful part of Della's past.


I understand that Credence is a small town that thrives on gossip, but I find it difficult to believe that Arlo or Della would share the story with someone who would then gossip about it. Besides, as a police officer, Arlo must be able to keep information confidential or he wouldn't be able to do his job! There's no reason for Della to be ashamed of her past, and she should certainly be able to talk about it whenever and with whomever she feels comfortable, but IMO it should be her choice to do so. She shouldn't have to relive the experience just because some busybody in Credence decides to start asking nosy questions!

At any rate, in the grand scheme of things that was a relatively minor annoyance for me, and hopefully more of the story about Arlo and Della's father will be revealed in a future book (possibly starring Arlo and Della's friend Winona, whose sometimes tense relationship seems like it would be interesting to explore). I hope Tucker and Arlo's friend Drew will be getting a book of his own, too. He was just as much fun here as he was in the earlier books of the series. I always enjoy his efforts to come up with less off-putting names for the funeral business.

Overall, I would recommend "Asking for Trouble" for fans of contemporary romance and look forward to the next book in this series.

*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

View all my reviews

Review: Say Yes to the Duke

Say Yes to the Duke Say Yes to the Duke by Eloisa James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I adored "Say Yes to the Duke" by Eloisa James. It was just as sweet and funny as all of her previous books have been, featuring endearing, well-developed characters and witty banter. Even though it is the fifth book in a series, it reads as a complete standalone, so readers new to Ms. James's work will not feel lost at all by starting here. That said, I am happy to have read the series in order because the characters have all been delightful, and I have enjoyed catching up with them through their cameo appearances in subsequent books.

I found the relationship development between the main characters of "Say Yes to the Duke," Viola and Devin, to be perfectly paced. Even though they were forced to marry relatively quickly, they spent a lot of time talking and getting to know each other both before and after the wedding. It was clear that Devin and Viola genuinely loved and accepted one another, flaws and all, and I appreciated how they constantly supported each other when challenges arose.

That support was especially important for Viola as she fought to overcome her crippling shyness. Having her stepsister Joan debut with her was undoubtedly a tremendous help, but the fact that Devin saw Viola for who she truly was and didn't care about her family connections or perceived suitability as a potential duchess was also critical. In return, Viola helped Devin learn to open up to those he loved. He seemed so arrogant at first (and he likely was arrogant, given that he was a duke!), but he seemed so much warmer as his relationship with Viola grew.

Overall, "Say Yes to the Duke" was an excellent read and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series! (I really hope Joan will be the female lead...)

*ARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss/NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

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*Graphic courtesy of Sharlene Martin Moore.

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Blog Tour + Review: "Hot Mess" by Emma Hart

https://amzn.to/2NK2tyd
I am very excited to be participating in the blog tour celebrating the release of Emma Hart's newest standalone novel, "Hot Mess." It seems like each one of Ms. Hart's books is better than the one that came before, and I absolutely loved her latest funny, sweet, heartwarming story. I highly recommend it for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy.

The main characters of "Hot Mess," Theo and Elle, were both very likeable and well-developed. Elle in particular was amazing: funny, smart, hardworking, and so much stronger than she believed herself to be. Without a doubt, she handled the fallout from her ex-boyfriend's revenge scheme much better than I would have if I were in her shoes! As for Theo, I loved how caring and protective he was, and he was a great dad to his tween daughter, Arielle.

Elle and Theo's relationship development was nicely paced. The attraction between them was obvious right from the start, but they both tried to resist their feelings because neither of them was in a good place to start a new relationship. Theo wasn't sure if he could trust Elle because of the scandal created by her ex-boyfriend's actions, among other reasons, plus Elle was only planning to stay in Theo's hometown of Creek Keys for a short time. However, Theo quickly came to realize that there was much more to Elle than her online persona, and the friendship she struck up with his daughter was adorable. The three of them truly became a family by the end of the book, and the events of the epilogue brought happy tears to my eyes.

The secondary characters in this story were a tremendous amount of fun and added lots of warmth and laughter to the story. I particularly enjoyed the ladies of the Creek Keys Conspiracy Krew as well as Theo's friend Blaire. I felt bad for Theo because of the headaches the Conspiracy Krew sometimes caused him, but at the same time I couldn't help but laugh at their antics.

Overall, "Hot Mess" was yet another wonderful story from Emma Hart, and I very much look forward to her next one!

*ARC provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

https://amzn.to/2NK2tyd

About "Hot Mess"

What do you do when the whole world has seen you getting down and dirty in a broom closet?

I, Elle Evans, am on the run.

Not from the fuzz—although that would be more exciting.

No, I’m on the run from the four-year-old private tape that, thanks to my vengeful ex, has probably already ruined my vlogging career.

There’s nothing like the entire world knowing what you look like mid-O.

Creek Keys, Florida, is a million miles away from NYC and the perfect place for me to hide for the rest of summer until I can figure out what I’m going to do.

Something that’s easier said than done since my new landlord’s daughter thinks you’re God’s greatest gift. Even better? Their beach house is right next to the one I’m renting, so there’s no getting away from her—or her hot, British dad.

Who most definitely does not think I’m role model material.

He might be right.

The problem is that neither of us can say no to her.

Or each other.

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Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Review: Make Me Yours

Make Me Yours Make Me Yours by Ember Leigh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I adored Ember Leigh's "Make Me Yours," book #3 of the Bayshore series. It reads as a total standalone despite being the third book in a series, but IMO each book has been better than the last and I would highly recommend each and every one. This latest installment was funny, sweet, steamy, and completely charming, featuring likeable, relatable characters and an engaging plot. It is sure to appeal to all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy.

I am a big fan of grumpy heroes, and the male lead character of "Make Me Yours," Dr. Dominic Daly, fit that description perfectly. Perpetually tired and overworked, cardiologist Dom was still recovering from a prior broken engagement, which left him wary of relationships and reluctant to trust in love. Dom was a good guy beneath his gruff exterior, but he had a tough time letting people in. The female lead, matchmaker London Hayes, managed to work her way into his heart, however, and Dom couldn't help falling in love with her.

Dom was faced with quite the challenge as he tried to persuade London to take a chance on their relationship. For good reason, London was determined not to date a client, and Dom's sometimes off-putting personality didn't win him many points with her at first. I loved their amusing banter as they got to know each other, as well as the score card London created to handle dealing with Dom and his over-the-top behavior. (I may have to borrow that score card idea for use with a few people I know through work...)

London was very snarky and funny, and I adored the way she was often able to tease Dom out of his bad moods. I completely understood why she tried so hard to resist her feelings for him, even after he made his interest in her clear, but Dom and London were so obviously perfect for each other that I couldn't help but root for them to figure out their differences and find a way to be together. The fact that Dom managed to improve his relationship with his brother Grayson along the way was an added bonus, and something that I had hoped to see since reading Grayson and Hazel's story in book #1.

I finished "Make Me Yours" with a huge smile on my face and can't wait to get my hands on the next installment of the Bayshore series, starring Dominic's brother Weston, coming this summer!

*ARC provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Monday, May 18, 2020

Blog Tour + Review: "My Sinful Nights" by Lauren Blakely

https://blkly.pub/KindleSinfulNights
Today, I am very excited to participate in the blog tour promoting the launch of Lauren Blakely's Sinful Men series, a complete reboot of the previously published Sinful Nights series. Each of the stories has been rewritten in a more dynamic and exciting first-person point of view with vastly updated romantic storylines for all of the couples. In addition, there is a brand new fifth book, "My Sinful Temptation." All five books are available now from all retailers, and the best part is that book #1, "My Sinful Nights," is FREE across all ebook platforms!

I had the opportunity to check out an advance copy of "My Sinful Nights" and a full review is included at the end of this post. The style and tone were very different from what I'm used to reading from Lauren Blakely (it is certainly not a rom-com!), but I still really enjoyed "My Sinful Nights" and would recommend it for fans of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. I plan to continue on with the series and post reviews of the remaining books over the next few months.

About "My Sinful Nights"

A sexy, emotional, heart-stopping romance novel from #1 New York Times Bestselling author Lauren Blakely…

Ten years ago, I let the love of my life slip through my fingers. It’s my greatest regret, especially since she’s all but disappeared. When she walks back into my world unexpectedly, I have one mission — win her back. Whatever it takes.

But the gorgeous, brilliant, tough-as-iron Shannon has secrets of her own, and a family past she’s trying to escape.

Slowly but surely, I break down her walls over our sinful nights together, with a connection more passionate than ever, an intimacy more fiery than it was before.

But the past can only stay behind you for so long. And when the people who want a piece of her family start circling her, I’ll have to prove I’m the man to protect her from her suddenly dangerous present.

https://blkly.pub/KindleSinfulNights

Review: "My Sinful Nights"

Lauren Blakely's "My Sinful Nights" had a different style and tone than most of the previous books I've read by Ms. Blakely (it is definitely not a romantic comedy!), but it was well-written and engaging, and I enjoyed it. Main characters Shannon and Brent were likeable and well-developed, and the plot was quite engaging and suspenseful. As details from Shannon's past were slowly revealed, I found it increasingly difficult to put the book down because I wanted to know more about what had happened to her and her family. I knew there had to be more to the story than there seemed to be on the surface.

There is a fair amount of darkness and tragedy to this story, but Ms. Blakely's signature humor still managed to shine through in the sweet and playful moments Shannon and Brent shared in between their more serious conversations and romantic encounters. I particularly loved the little gifts Brent and Shannon exchanged because it showed how much they cared about each other, even after so many years apart. They clearly spent a lot of time thinking about each other and found clever ways to show their love through gifts. I also appreciated Brent's efforts to demonstrate to Shannon that he had changed during their separation and would do a better job balancing work and a personal life going forward.

Overall, "My Sinful Nights" was a compelling read and I would recommend it for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. I look forward to reading the next book in the series to find out more about Shannon's brothers and the truth about what happened to their father.

*ARC provided by the author via Candi Kane PR. All opinions expressed are my own.

https://blkly.pub/KindleSinfulNights

Sunday, May 17, 2020

Review: Twenty Year Reunion

Twenty Year Reunion Twenty Year Reunion by Ann Benjamin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

For the most part, I enjoyed "Twenty Year Reunion" by Ann Benjamin. The main characters, Rebecca and Quinn, were quite likeable, and it was easy for me to relate to their situation because I too am facing my twenty-year high school reunion this summer (or would be if it hadn't been canceled due to the coronavirus). I particularly enjoyed watching Rebecca regain the confidence she'd lost after her divorce as she took steps to introduce more fun into her life. It's certainly normal and expected to go through something of a mourning period after a divorce, but Rebecca seemed to come out stronger, and certainly happier, on the other side.

When Rebecca and Quinn met up again after not having seen each other for so many years, it almost seemed as if no time had passed for them at all. There were a few minutes of awkwardness, but they quickly fell back into their old friendship. Their romance reignited shortly after that, and although things between them moved quickly, the relationship never felt rushed to me. Quinn and Rebecca were obviously much happier together than apart, and they both seemed committed to making it work no matter what challenges they faced.

That said, there were some things about the story that didn't make sense to me, which is why I wasn't able to give this book a higher rating. For example, why did Rebecca's former husband Peter, a dentist, move from the U.S. to London for work? The UK does not recognize dental degrees from the U.S. (or vice versa), so at the very least, Peter would have had to sit for a licensing exam before he would have been allowed to practice. The preparation for such an exam can be quite lengthy and sometimes involves enrollment in a local university for an additional degree. It wouldn't have been as easy for Peter and Rebecca to pick up and move as the author seems to think.

Further, it made no sense for Rebecca not to block Peter from her phone and social media after they split. They didn't have kids or anything else to tie them together, plus he cheated on her, so why would she have wanted to stay in touch with him anyway? IMO Rebecca was way too nice to Peter in general, and if she had cut him off sooner he may not have caused so many problems for her and Quinn down the line.

Aside from those plot issues, I found the writing in this book to be somewhat clunky and awkward in places, which detracted from my enjoyment of the story. For example, there were words in the wrong order or missing altogether, and some sentences or paragraphs used a strange mix of past and present tense. I've read much worse writing, but even so, IMO a little more editing would go a long way.

Overall, the positives outweighed the negatives for me, and I would recommend "Twenty Year Reunion" for all fans of contemporary romance. I would probably read another book by Ms. Benjamin in the future.

*ARC provided by the author/publisher via Hidden Gems Books. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Review: Baby Daddy Wanted

Baby Daddy Wanted Baby Daddy Wanted by Hazel Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was a bit hesitant to pick up Hazel Kelly's "Baby Daddy Wanted" because the title seemed more appropriate for a cheesy 80s category romance, but I'm glad I gave this book a shot because I ended up enjoying it. I didn't know that it was the third book in a series before I started reading, and it took me a few chapters to figure out how all of the characters were connected to each other, but the book still works fairly well as a standalone. That said, readers who have already picked up the earlier books in the series will likely find it easier to follow the story in the first few chapters.

The main characters of this story, Maeve and Finn, were both quite likeable and three-dimensional, and their relationship development was nicely paced. I appreciated how open and honest they were with each other, aside from the romantic feelings that they both kept to themselves until it was almost too late, and their banter as they got to know each other was a lot of fun.

Overall, "Baby Daddy Wanted" was a fun and sweet story that I would recommend for all fans of contemporary romance.

*ARC provided by the author/publisher via Hidden Gems Books. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Saturday, May 16, 2020

Excerpt + Giveaway + Review: "All I Wanna Do Is You" by Dylann Crush

https://amzn.to/2WKxx4O
I am very happy to participate in the release blitz celebrating Dylann Crush's latest standalone romantic comedy, "All I Wanna Do Is You." As I've mentioned before, I am a big fan of road trip romances, and this book featured a particularly fun and sweet one. Former high school sweethearts Reagan and Zach reunite on an epic journey from Chicago to the Florida Keys during which pretty much everything that can go wrong, does go wrong. In spite of the travel mishaps and unresolved issues from their past that create new challenges in the present, Zach and Reagan manage to rekindle their romance, but neither is sure if there is a way for them to have a future together this time around. Can Reagan finally stand up to her domineering father and start living life for herself? Can Zach escape the professional ties holding him back and help Reagan at the same time? You'll just have to read the book for yourself to find out! ;-)

For a chance to win a cupcake-themed prize pack courtesy of the author, Dylann Crush, click here! (Giveaway closes on May 29, 2020 at 11:00 pm CDT.)

About "All I Wanna Do Is You"

Can he keep his hands off her cupcakes?
Reagan Campbell’s flight just got grounded. She’s planned her brother’s perfect wedding weekend down to the minute, but her checklist didn’t include running into the one guy she’s never been able to get over. Only two things stand between her and the Florida Keys: fifteen-hundred miles and the man who broke her heart.

Zach Anderson has a score to settle with Senator Campbell. And running into his daughter, Reagan, gives him just the opportunity he needs. But it’ll take more than planes, trains, and automobiles to get her all the way to Florida in one piece. He might not be able to keep his hands off her cupcakes, but will he be able to keep his heart out of the way long enough to exact his revenge?

1-Click "All I Wanna Do Is You" today for a laugh-out-loud, romantic, road tripping romp that’s hotter than the stretch of highway down the Florida coast.

https://amzn.to/2WKxx4O

Read an Excerpt from "All I Wanna Do Is You"

“So, I’ve been thinking about this trip of ours…” Zach started.

Reagan looked at him. Really looked. Even in the same clothes, no shower, victim of a strip search, he still exuded an air of vitality like he was ready to step out onto a beach somewhere.

She ducked her head, attempting to take an inconspicuous whiff to check herself for BO. She hadn’t even washed her face this morning, much less had access to deodorant or her bag of makeup tricks. And the faint pink stain from the salsa still decorated the front of her shirt. Hopefully no one would recognize her so far from home.

“I’m sorry again. I bestow infinite apologies for getting you wrapped up in my hell,” she said. He was sweet to take partial responsibility for getting her to Florida. She wouldn’t have been able to hold it against him if he’d left her stranded in Louisville. The fact he was willing to drop everything and cart her down the coast had elevated his status beyond incredible boy-man she’d lusted after and thought she’d fallen in love with in high school to someone she respected as a really nice guy.

“You need to stop apologizing. I really don’t mind. I have the time. Like I said before, I wasn’t going to leave you stranded.”

“I hope you’re keeping track of how much you’re spending. I’m going to pay you back every dime, I promise.”

Zach leaned back against the booth. “I’m not worried about the money. But I am a little worried about driving through the night. I’ll get us as far as I can tonight, but I don’t know that we’ll get all the way to Miami unless you’re willing to take a shift behind the wheel.”

“I can’t. I don’t know how to drive a stick, and besides, I don’t have my license.”

“Always a rule follower.” He shook his head.

“You say that like it’s a bad thing. I can’t afford to break the rules. My dad’s a senator. Everything I do—”

“Reflects on him. The Campbells have an image to maintain. How could I forget?” He ran his hands through his hair and clasped them together on the table in front of him.

“What do you mean?”

“Forget it.” He glanced away.

“No. What are you talking about?”

“I was just thinking about the graduation party.” Zach’s gaze met hers. “The closet? Ringing a bell?”

She bit her lip. So he remembered it too. Silly to think that the best make-out session she’d ever had in her life had been on a dare in high school. They shared a kind of chemistry she’d compared every other relationship to since. And none of them had ever measured up. Her palms went clammy and her chest seized in pre-hiccup paralysis. She took a long draw on her tea. Too late.

Hiccup.

Zach’s mouth spread into a grin. “You had the hiccups that night in the closet.”

Her eyes went wide. “You’re right. I did.”

He set his palms flat on the table.

Hiccup.

Rising from the bench seat across from her, his gaze never left hers. Her limbs froze in place, breath hitched in her throat, ass stuck to the vinyl bench seat like she’d sat in a puddle of super glue. The only thing unfortunately not struck by instant paralysis was her diaphragm.

Hiccup.

He leaned across the table. Incoming. Questioning eyes probed hers. A hand brushed the hair from her cheek. She drew in a breath of his musky maleness as his face drew closer and closer.

Hiccup.

“The only thing that got rid of your hiccups that night was when I did this.” His hand cupped the back of her neck and gently pulled her face closer to his. Their lips connected with the briefest touch.

Hiccups stalled and retreated.

Shell-shocked, her body slowly reacted to the sensation of Zach’s lips on hers. A rush of heat flowed through her, defrosting her frozen state. Her hand fisted in the front of his shirt, pulling him closer, and she rose halfway off the bench. The kiss deepened, his mouth parting. The warmth of his tongue ran along the seam of her closed lips and she eagerly accepted, sucking his tongue into her mouth, hungry for the taste of him.

https://amzn.to/2WKxx4O

My Review

I really enjoyed "All I Wanna Do Is You" by Dylann Crush, a funny and sweet story featuring a second chance romance between former high school sweethearts Zach Anderson and Reagan Campbell. Eight years after their breakup, Zach and Reagan run into each other again while waiting for a flight to Miami, and through a series of unfortunate events, they end up taking an epic road trip together from Chicago to the Florida Keys. Over the course of the next few days, Reagan and Zach are faced with just about every travel calamity one could imagine, but still manage to rekindle their old flame along the way. However, obstacles from the past in the form of Reagan's overbearing father, a conservative senator, are waiting to confront them at their destination, and Zach is hiding some secrets of his own that are sure to cause problems if revealed.

Reagan and Zach made a very likeable couple, and I couldn't help but root for them to work through all of the problems they faced and find a way to be together. Their relationship development was nicely paced, and their banter as they got to know each other again after so many years apart was quite amusing. I also appreciated that Zach stepped up to help Reagan when he really didn't have to do so. At first, he tried to convince himself that he was actually seizing an opportunity to help himself, but that idea was quickly abandoned when he realized how much Reagan would be hurt if he followed through with his original plan.

It can't have been easy for Reagan to grow up as the daughter of a politician with all of the pressure that comes with being in the public eye. It was no surprise to me that she seemed so uptight, lonely, and anxious when she first met Zach again. Her father clearly put his career before his family and expected his children to make sacrifices in their personal lives to support his political career. I loved watching Reagan slowly gain the confidence she needed to stand up to her father and stop letting him dictate how she lived her life. Her relationship with Zach obviously made her very happy, and the senator had no right to expect her to sacrifice it just because Zach didn't quite fit with the image he wanted to portray.

Overall, "All I Wanna Do Is You" was an enjoyable story and I would recommend it for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. I look forward to reading more of Dylann Crush's work in the future.

*ARC provided by the author via Xpresso Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.