Release Blitz + Review: "The Right Side of Wrong" by Prescott Lane

Last, but certainly not least, is today's release blitz celebrating "The Right Side of Wrong" by Prescott Lane. This book grabbed my attention from the very first page and I did not want to put it down.

 

Paige Hudson's primary goal was to give baby Finn a better life than the one she had as a child, and she would sacrifice anything to make that possible. A twist of fate brought her into contact with real estate developer Slade Turner, who couldn't help taking an interest in Paige's situation and, for reasons he couldn't explain even to himself, offering her a job as his live-in estate manager. It almost seemed too good to be true, but Paige couldn't afford to let the opportunity pass her by. Slade tried to keep his distance from his tempting new employee, but it wasn't easy with Paige and Finn living under the same roof. Before long, neither Paige nor Slade could resist the chemistry between them, but would the secrets of their past prevent them from building a future together?

I couldn't help empathizing with Paige; she was forced to grow up way too fast, but despite the many hardships she faced, she became an incredibly strong, brave, and loving woman. She was understandably afraid of taking her relationship with Slade to the next level, but I loved that he always tried to move at her pace. No matter how badly he wanted her, he never pushed for more than she was ready or willing to give. I also loved how cute Slade was with baby Finn. I had to laugh the first time he tried to hold him as well as when he teased Paige about baby food to try and convince her to let Finn try bacon.
 

In short, "The Right Side of Wrong" gave me all the feels and I loved it. I highly recommend this book for fans of emotional/angsty contemporary romance and can't wait to find out what Prescott Lane comes up with next.

*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Grey's Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

 

About "The Right Side of Wrong"

It wasn't love at first sight. That would be too easy.

I can tell you all the reasons Paige and I shouldn't be together.
But love overlooks a lot.

My heart doesn't care that I'm ten years older.
There's no age gap in how she makes me feel.

My heart doesn't care that she's a single mother.
It just makes more room.

My heart doesn't care that she's got secrets of her own.
It's used to keeping mine.

The moment I laid eyes on Paige, I lost control.
Control of my desires. Control of my secrets. Control of my heart.

Right or wrong, we're going to have to fight for our happily ever after.

And I don't plan on losing. 

 

Release Blitz + Review: "Heartful" by Jacie Lennon

Next up is today's release blitz celebrating "Heartful" by Jacie Lennon, part of author K. Bromberg's Everyday Heroes World. 

 

After being blackmailed into participating in a reality TV dating show produced by his boss's son, pediatric heart surgeon and single father Dr. Simon Morrow wasn't happy to learn that he had been matched with Alice Whitman, his daughter Ivy's former assistant teacher. They'd already had a year's worth of tense interactions, and the last thing grumpy Simon wanted to do was share his home with beautiful, sunshiny Alice for six weeks over the summer. Ivy loved Alice, however, so Simon realized he could turn the situation to his advantage by offering Alice a temporary job as Ivy's nanny while they pretended to date for the show. At first, Alice was offended by Simon's complete lack of interest in pursuing a real relationship with her, but she decided to accept the job, figuring that if she wasn't going to find true love, she might as well earn some extra cash for a down payment on her dream home. 

Simon and Alice were both complex, endearing characters, and it was easy for me to cheer them on to their HEA. Despite his sometimes icy, arrogant demeanor, Simon obviously had a caring heart, and he really did love his daughter and want to do what was best for her. He was understandably afraid to give love another try after the terrible way things ended with Ivy's mother, but he couldn't deny the intense attraction and chemistry he shared with Alice. Her sunny disposition turned out to be exactly what he and his daughter needed in their lives.

Overall, I really enjoyed this sweet, heartwarming story and highly recommend it for all contemporary romance fans. This was the first book I've ever read by Jacie Lennon, but it certainly won't be the last.

 

*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Grey's Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own. 

 

About "Heartful"

Dr. Simon Morrow has two things on his mind--his daughter and his job as a pediatric heart surgeon.
Certainly not love.
When he finds himself cornered into being on a dating show, he collides with his daughter's former assistant teacher.
Simon has no plans to fall for anyone, and he protects himself with his blunt and broody manner.
He doesn't need her perpetually sunny outlook on life.
But he finds himself wanting her in spite of it.

Alice Whitman won't let anything get her down.
Not the ex who cheated, not the move to Sunnyville, and not the fact that she hasn't landed the job of her dreams.
Is finding a head teacher position or love with a loyal man really that hard?
When she finds herself face-to-face with the one man who rubs her the wrong way on the reality dating show Blindly Ever After, she panics.
But he gives her an offer she can't refuse, so she packs her bags and moves into his house.
Then, against her better judgment, she finds herself letting him into her heart. 

 

About the Everyday Heroes World

Heartful is written in New York Times bestselling author K. Bromberg's Everyday Heroes World, which is one of two KB Worlds projects that launched in August 2020. With over 100 authors, who were selected by and are working with K. Bromberg, these stories will be fan fiction at its finest—and sexiest. Devoted fans of the Driven and Everyday Heroes series will have the opportunity to revisit their favorite characters and settings. You can find out more about K. Bromberg and the KB Worlds at kbworlds.com.

KB Worlds Amazon Page: https://amzn.to/3dpfvuX
KB Worlds Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/2Vez4Aa
KB Worlds Newsletter: https://bit.ly/2B226Mo

 

  

Review: "Tempt Thy Neighbor" by Teagan Hunter

Congratulations to Teagan Hunter on the release of "Tempt Thy Neighbor," the fourth and final book of the Roommate Romps series. Characters from the previous books in the series make appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.

Holland Evans never expected to end up jobless and homeless in the same day, but that's exactly what happened when she arrived at her apartment after quitting the job she hated as her father's assistant to find her boyfriend and roommate together. She soon found herself sleeping on an air mattress in her brother Dean's guest room while searching for a new job. Holland's old high school rival, Sutton Barnes, ended up in a similar situation after causing a scandal at a charity event hosted by his wealthy father, which resulted in Sutton's ouster from the family business. A few weeks later, Sutton and Holland were both offered jobs with the same marketing firm; their old rivalry quickly reignited and grew even more intense after a bet forced them to share an apartment for six months.

 

The chemistry between Holland and Sutton was explosive, and I loved their witty, teasing banter. Sutton was a total flirt, but he was also very smart and a hard worker, which I didn't necessarily expect based on his behavior while causing the scandal at his father's charity event. As it turned out, he had been bottling up a lot of strong feelings over the years to keep the peace with his father and older brother, and those feelings finally exploded in one, unfortunately public, scene. After his family cut him off, Sutton was determined to prove that he didn't need them or their money to make it, and Holland was equally determined to succeed on her own. Once they got past their initial animosity and worked through some baggage from the past, Sutton and Holland found that they had quite a bit in common, and they were able to help each other through their tricky family issues.

Overall, while I'm sad that this series is coming to an end, Hunter finished on a high note with "Tempt Thy Neighbor." I highly recommend this book for fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy and look forward to whatever Hunter writes next.

 

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

 

 

About "Tempt Thy Neighbor"

Don’t fall for your coworker…especially when he’s your roommate.

Sutton Barnes thinks he’s Prince Charming, but he’s really the Prince of Hell.
He’s egotistical. A user. A complete douchecanoe.
And unfortunately now my coworker.

Did I mention he’s also my new roommate?

It’s all because I can’t turn down a challenge.
I never have, and I won’t start now.
When Sutton bets me I can’t live in the same apartment as him and resist the “temptation”…well, game on.

He’ll be the first to cave.
There is no way I’m falling for his charm…not again. 

Review: "The Nanny and the Nerd" by Krista Sandor

The Nanny and the Nerd by Krista Sandor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After a terrible day in which she was fired from her job as a waitress, learned that both her car and laptop needed expensive repairs, and struggled with a serious case of writer's block, the last thing aspiring author Penny Fennimore expected was to be approached by a mysterious woman and offered a new job as a nanny. With nothing to lose, Penny agreed to an interview with eccentric tech genius Rowen Gale, who was in desperate need of help with his 6-year-old niece, Phoebe. Before long, Penny found herself moving into Rowen's mansion, caring for Phoebe, and...kissing Rowen in the hallway? That wasn't in the job description!

Penny and Rowen were super cute together and had a ton of chemistry. Their sometimes-awkward conversations were so funny, especially in the beginning, when they kept accidentally saying things that were meant to be entirely innocent but could easily be misinterpreted as innuendo. I also enjoyed the way they worked together, especially Rowen's support and encouragement of Penny as a writer. They made a great team, both personally and professionally. Finally, I loved their interactions with Phoebe, Rowen's adorable scene-stealer of a niece. Phoebe had been through so much in her short life, but she was still so cute and sassy. I can't even imagine what she'll be like when she hits her teens!

Overall, "The Nanny and the Nerd" was laugh-out-loud funny and sweet, but also surprisingly emotional at times. I adored this book and highly recommend it for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

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

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Blog Tour + Excerpt + Review: "Love Next Door" by Helena Hunting

This has been an amazing week for new releases! I'll be featuring reviews and excerpts from several of them this morning, starting with "Love Next Door" by Helena Hunting, book #1 of the Lakeside series.

Ten years ago, Dillion Stitch left her small hometown of Pearl Lake for college in Chicago and didn't look back - at least, not until she suddenly lost her job, broke up with her boyfriend, and had to move out of her apartment, leaving her with nowhere to go but home. She planned to stay for a few months to help her father with the family construction business while her brother recovered from a broken ankle, then find a new job and return to her life in Chicago. Meanwhile, in order to avoid an unpleasant scandal back home, Donovan "Van" Firestone had taken up residence in his late grandmother's cottage next door to Dillion's parents. An incredibly awkward first meeting put Van and Dillion on a path towards becoming enemies rather than lovers, but neither could deny the intense chemistry they shared. As they got to know each other better, they came to realize that they had more in common than either had expected. Could their summer fling turn into a forever love?

I adored the witty banter between Van and Dillion, as well as the slow burn of their transition from enemies into lovers. I also found the mystery involving Van's mother's charitable foundation to be quite engaging, and I couldn't wait to find out whether I had guessed the "villain" correctly. Finally, I loved that Van's Grammy Bee was such a strong presence in the book even though she had passed away months earlier. I could feel how much both Van and Dillion cared for her, as well as how their love for her influenced their relationship with each other.

Overall, I loved this funny, sweet, and heartwarming story and can't wait for the next one set in the charming town of Pearl Lake. I highly recommend "Love Next Door" for all contemporary romance fans, particularly those who enjoy small town romances and/or the enemies-to-lovers trope.

 

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

 

 

About "Love Next Door"

Love Next Door, an all-new sweet and endearing romance from New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting is now live!

When Dillion Stitch left her hometown, she had no intention of going back. But when her brother gets into trouble, Dillion reluctantly agrees to return home to take her place at the family business.

Being back in Pearl Lake after all these years feels familiar, but also brings a few surprises. She’s quick to notice that someone new has shown up at the cottage next door. Dillion gets more than an eyeful when she goes to check out the newcomer and meets Donovan “Van” Firestone—her beloved neighbor’s grandson—in all his unclothed glory.

Having gotten off to a rocky start, it’s not long before they begin bickering with each other all over town. All that back and forth inevitably sparks an undeniable attraction. But Dillion’s family has issues, Van’s family resents him, and neither Dillion nor Van feels truly at ease in the small town. For these Pearl Lake exiles, home isn’t just where the heart is—it’s where things get complicated. 

 

Read an Excerpt from "Love Next Door"

I turn on the flashlight and trudge through the brush and past the campfire, which incidentally has been left unattended. It’s down to a smolder, but Van has left out hot dog sticks and a bag of buns.

I keep going, toward Bee’s front porch and the blinding spotlight. Standing in front of the cottage is Van. Shirtless. Sweaty and shirtless. The bright light shines directly on him, accenting the dips and ridges, the smooth planes of muscle.

Van is ripped. Probably because he spends a lot of time at the gym, staring at his own reflection in the mirror. He lifts his ball cap from his head and runs a hand through his deliciously sweaty dark hair before he flips his cap around and replaces it, backward this time.

I roll my eyes at myself. What the hell is wrong with me? Deliciously sweaty. “Hey!” I bark.

He startles and the hammer in his hand goes flying, but he was on the back swing, so it heads in my direction. I sidestep it, and it manages to miss me by about six inches. He spins around, eyes wide as they land on me. “What the fuck?”

“Do you realize what time it is?”

“Do you realize that you scared the living shit out of me and I could’ve hurt you, or myself?” He motions to the hammer lying on the ground next to me.

“Wouldn’t that have been a pity,” I snap.

“What the hell is your damn problem?”

“You.” I point a finger at him. “You are the problem. It’s after ten. There’s a bylaw in place around here that stipulates all construction takes place between the hours of seven a.m. and nine p.m. from June to August, and you’re violating that. And for what? It’s not like whatever you’re doing is going to matter when your damn plan is to parcel out the property!” I’m yelling now, and heaving. And my nipples are peaking under the white tank I wore to bed. I hug myself to hide them.

“This is the second time you’ve said that. What the hell are you talking about?”

“What do you mean, what am I talking about?” I flail for a second and then cross my arms again. “You called me about it. Bee wasn’t gone a couple of weeks, and you were already asking about acreage and subdividing. It doesn’t take a genius to know what your plans are!”

“I don’t even know what you mean by subdividing, and I never called you.”

“Yes, you did!” He’s just so infuriating.

“No. I didn’t. Believe me, I’d remember dealing with someone as hostile as you.”

“I am not hostile.”

“Really?” Van props a fist on his hip. His narrow hip.

I follow the movement, which leads my eyes to his waist, that enticing V of muscle dragging my gaze down farther. Of course, because my brain is a jerk, the image of him naked pops back into my brain.

As if he’s reading my mind, his brow arches. “You’re picturing me naked right now. Aren’t you?”

“What? No!” My eyes snap back up to his.

“Yeah. You are.” His lip curls, somewhere between a smirk and sneer, his tone needling. “You were staring at my crotch, probably thinking about the last time you visually molested my junk. Is that why you stopped by? To check me out again? This whole fake phone call thing is an excuse for you to come back over here and get a look at the goods again.” He runs a hand down his chest.

“You’re an egotistical asshole. I realize that this might be some kind of fun holiday for you, and that you’re probably sleeping until noon every day, but some of us have to be up at the crack of dawn. Bylaw hours are seven a.m. to nine p.m. Next time you break them, expect to get a visit from the sheriff.” I spin around and stomp over to the extension cord, find the place where it’s joined to the lamp, and break the connection, submerging us in darkness. “Next time I won’t be so nice about it.”

“Hate to break it to you, but you weren’t very nice about it this time,” he calls after me.

It drives me crazy how easy it is for him to push my buttons.

A few seconds later I hear an oof and a clatter, which means he’s tripped over something in the dark. I smile to myself. Hopefully this time he’ll get the message.

Blog Tour + Review: "Mistaken for Love" by Delancey Stewart

I'm pleased to participate in the blog tour celebrating the release of "Mistaken for Love" by Delancey Stewart, book #7 of the multi-author Love Vixen series. Each book reads as a complete standalone.

After losing her parents in a tragic accident, Ginny Kilkenny was forced to drop out of college, move in with her aunt and uncle, and take a job working in their New York City bodega. While delivering a breakfast order to a marketing firm in Manhattan one day, Ginny was mistaken for a new intern and put right to work. Confused, she made a few token efforts to correct the mistake, but quickly lost herself in the work, enjoying the opportunity to pretend that her life had gone in a different direction. She turned out to have a talent for the job and impressed her new "boss," Bryce Willows, so much that he convinced her to come back the next day. He couldn't help being intrigued by the pretty intern despite his efforts to maintain professional boundaries and focus on his team's upcoming pitch. Winning the business was critical in Bryce's efforts to prove his readiness to take over as the firm's CEO upon his father's retirement, and he couldn't afford to be distracted, no matter how much he was attracted to Ginny.

 

"Mistaken for Love" featured likeable, sympathetic characters and a unique twist on the workplace romance. Ginny and Bryce were each fighting their feelings for different reasons, but they just seemed to fit together, and I couldn't wait for them to finally act on their attraction. More than anything, I think Ginny needed someone to believe in her, and that is exactly what she found in Bryce. She lost her biggest cheerleaders when her parents died, so having Bryce express his admiration of and appreciation for her and her work was a sorely needed boost to Ginny's confidence. Similarly, Bryce spent years seeking his father's approval, but it always seemed to elude him. Having Ginny's support was exactly what he needed to take the next steps in his life and career.

Overall, I very much enjoyed "Mistaken for Love" and highly recommend it for all contemporary romance readers. I look forward to checking out more books in this series as well as whatever Delancey Stewart writes next.

 

*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Social Butterfly PR. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

About "Mistaken for Love"

Dear Love Vixen:

I've been a little ... down on my luck. (Like flat broke, homeless, and depressed). So my uncle has been letting me crash at his place and deliver coffee for his diner. It was temporary. Till I got on my feet.

Anyway, I delivered coffee to this uber-hot executive type on Madison, and well ... mistakes were made. He thought I was his intern! And he put me to work. And I've always kinda wanted to work in advertising so I didn't correct him.

I've been interning there now for two weeks, and the thing is, I think there's something developing between me and the hot boss. And I love this job (it'd be better if I was getting paid, of course). But when he finds out I'm not who he thinks I am, and that I never bothered to correct him, it'll all be over!

What should I do?

Mistaken Identity on Madison


Dear Madison,

What the whaaat? First it has to be said, “You go girl!” There I said it, now let’s break it down. You’ve been working for two weeks and are still fake employed, so that says you’re doing well at your fake job. I suppose you could just stop showing up but you don’t sound like the kind of woman to ghost.

Having the hots for your boss, now that’s a real pickle. Sweetie, you know what you have to do. Tell the truth and it will set you free. You just might want to check with the coffee shop as plan B should your truth set you back on the sidewalk.

Good luck, hon!

The ♥ Vixen

 

Review: "Save the Last Text" by Marika Ray and Delancey Stewart

Save the Last Text by Marika Ray and Delancey Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dalton Cunningham, the social media manager for his family's wine distribution business, is used to being thought of as the "class clown," but the truth is that he takes his job seriously. The company's director of marketing is on the verge of retirement and Dalton wants a shot at the promotion, so he makes a bet with his oldest brother and boss, Boston, that he can increase the company's TikTok following and translate that into an increase in profits. He finds a video posted by local dance studio owner Raeanne "Rae" Trask and decides to post a duet with her, which quickly goes viral. Rae is offended at first, thinking that Dalton is making fun of her, but he convinces her that a partnership would be mutually beneficial. Rae will attract new students, which she desperately needs if she wants to keep her dance studio's doors open, while Dalton has a better chance at winning the bet with his brother. Their business partnership quickly turns romantic, but Rae begins to wonder if Dalton is only using her to win the bet. Can he prove to her that she's more important to him than likes?

Dalton and Rae were super cute together, and I enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers aspect of their relationship in the beginning. They were both so hardworking and dedicated to building their businesses, though Dalton's lighthearted demeanor sometimes hid how much he cared even from those closest to him. Once they became partners, Rae and Dalton quickly became each other's biggest supporters. They had some growing pains to work through, but I found it very easy to cheer them on to their HEA.

Overall, I loved "Save the Last Text" and highly recommend it for all fans of romantic comedy. It was a great addition to what has already been a fantastic series, and I can't wait to find out what's coming in the next book.

*Review copy provided by the authors. All opinions expressed are my own.

View all my reviews

 

Release Blitz + Excerpt + Review: "Bookworm and the Beast" by Tru Taylor

I'm delighted to participate in today's release blitz celebrating "Bookworm and the Beast" by Tru Taylor, book #1 of the Eastport Bay Billionaires series. I'm a big fan of fairytale retellings, and this charming modern take on "Beauty and the Beast" is one of the best ones I've read in recent memory.
 

Fantasy writer Jack R.R. Bestia has a major problem: he's suffering from a severe case of writer's block, and with the publication date for the seventh and final book of his mega-successful Onyx Throne series quickly approaching, he fears his career might be over. Unaware of his struggles, Jack's publisher has arranged an interview for him with an important New York-based newspaper to build hype for the release. Reporter Bonnie Hamelin reluctantly accepts the assignment, but after a previous encounter with Jack ended in her humiliation, she's not looking forward to seeing him again. Unfortunately, their second meeting isn't much better than the first, and a misunderstanding results in a month-long "vacation" for Bonnie as a "guest" in Jack's home. As they're forced to spend time together under the same roof, the attraction between them grows, and Bonnie realizes that Jack might not be quite as "beastly" as he first seemed. A series of past betrayals have left him deeply mistrustful of love, however. Will he be able to figure out a way to put the past behind him so that he can move forward with Bonnie?

Jack and Bonnie were an incredibly entertaining couple, with tons of chemistry and witty banter. I loved the slow build of their romance and couldn't wait for them to finally take things to the next level. Bonnie was an endearingly awkward protagonist, and I loved her sunny disposition and totally related to her love of books. As for Jack, his outer grumpiness was protecting a tender heart and tremendous capacity for love; he had been hurt so many times in the past that it was tough for him to open himself up again, but Bonnie showed him that it was worth taking a risk for the right person.
 

In addition to Bonnie and Jack, I loved the book's quirky, endearing secondary characters. I particularly enjoyed the sweet flirtation between Bonnie's father, Bill, and Jack's housekeeper, Mrs. Potts. Jack's younger brother, tech genius Hunter, was also intriguing, and I'm excited to learn more about him in the next book of the series.
 

In short, I highly recommend this funny, sweet, and heartwarming tale for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. It was the first book I've read by this author, but it certainly won't be the last.

 

*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Give Me Books Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.

About "Bookworm and the Beast"

I’ve been sent into the lair of the beast....

It should be a dream assignment—leave my boring day-to-day routine and travel to a seaside mansion to interview superstar author Jack R. R. Bestia. Who wouldn’t want that?

Me, that’s who.

He has a reputation for being reclusive and temperamental, but that’s not why I’m leery of the assignment. It’s because the first (and last) time I met Jack… well, let’s just say I didn’t make a good impression.

When I get to the mansion—which is more like a secluded castle—things don’t go much better. I’m sure he’s going to throw me out entirely. The only way I manage to squeak in is by signing a massive non-disclosure agreement. And I soon figure out why.

Jack has a secret—and it’s a big one.

Now that iron-clad contract I signed means I have to stay here until his long-overdue book is finished—and he’s not going to make it easy.

Jack acts every bit as beastly as the tabloids claimed, and I feel like a fairytale princess trapped in his tower. But every once in a while I get a glimpse of the charming (not to mention super sexy) man beneath the growly exterior and I wonder... could this beast be tamed?

Bookworm and the Beast is a full-length hot romantic comedy retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It's a standalone enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, slow burn romance with no cheating or cliffhangers but plenty of humor and heart. 

 

Read an Excerpt from "Bookworm and the Beast"

Bonnie was silent as she read, her face paling with each line she scanned. When she looked up at me, her expression was disbelieving and at the same time utterly defeated. A tide of satisfaction washed through me.

“This is ludicrous,” she said at last. “You don’t really expect me to adhere to this, do you?”

I crossed my arms over my chest. “Why wouldn’t I? You signed it.”

“Yes but… this says I can’t see anyone, can’t talk to anyone outside of this house. It says you’ll confiscate my laptop and my phone.”

“It sure does. Right there in black and white.” I gave her a wicked grin, enjoying her astonished indignation. Now she knew how it felt.

She stared at me then looked back at the contract, as if the writing on the page might have magically changed in the past minute. When her gaze came back up to meet mine there were a million questions behind her eyes.

There was also a new understanding.

I owned her.

“Are you going to have me… locked in my apartment?”

“No.”

Her shoulders relaxed but then tensed again when I elaborated. “You’ll be staying here. Where I can keep an eye on you and make sure you’re not spilling any secrets.”

“Here?” Her eyes bulged. “At your house? For how long?”

“Until I turn the book in.”

“Your deadline is four weeks from now.”

“That’s right.”

Her mouth dropped open and she let out a gasp of shock. “I can’t stay here for a month.”

It was a little bizarre to force a woman to stay in your home. But what choice did I have? I couldn’t risk the truth getting out. I’d be ruined. Bonnie had just proven she wasn’t trustworthy.

And I refused to let those slivers of guilt go any deeper. This was her fault, not mine. She’d forced me into this. I didn’t like it any more than she did.

After a lengthy pause, Bonnie uttered a begrudging, “Fine.”

“Fine. So we have an agreement.” A sense of relief spread through me, enabling my tightly bunched muscles to relax a fraction. “I have your promise you won’t leave?”

She rolled her eyes. “I wasn’t aware I had a choice.”

“You don’t. And I’ll make you a promise in return. I won’t keep you a second longer than is absolutely necessary. Four weeks, and then you’re out of here on your nosy little ass.”

Her expression grew more troubled as she appeared to accept her fate and began to understand what it all meant.

“My things are still back at the Seacliff Inn—my laptop, my clothes—I only have two days’ worth with me. And where will I sleep?” she asked.

“Harrison will go to the hotel and check you out, pack your things, and bring your bags here. Whatever else you need I can order and have delivered. If you’re worried about the potential awkwardness of living in the same house, don’t be. It’s a big place. I can assure you—we won’t be seeing much of each other. I have no desire to spend any further time with you.”

I extended my hand, palm up. “I’ll take that phone now.”

Her mouth dropped open, then closed again and her jaw hardened. “Do I at least get a call first?”

“A call?” I barked an incredulous laugh. “What part of ‘no contact with the outside world’ did you not understand?”

Her chin jutted out. “I believe one phone call is standard procedure for all prisoners.”

“You’re not in a prison. You’re in a mansion.”

“Am I allowed to leave?”

“No.”

“Then it’s a prison.” 

 

Release Blitz + Review: "Wild Mistake" by Kim Loraine

I'm thrilled to take part in today's release blitz celebrating "Wild Mistake" by Kim Loraine, book #3 of the Wilde Horse Ranch series. This series is set in the same world as the Ryker Ranch series with some recurring characters, though each book is intended to be read as a standalone.

When rancher Luke Wilde agreed to attend his cheating ex's wedding, the last person he expected to run into was his best friend's not-so-little-anymore sister, Mackenzie Langston. Mackenzie was also recently single, having broken off her engagement a week before the wedding. They spent the evening together drowning their sorrows and reminiscing about old times, and at the end of the night, Luke impulsively invited Mackenzie to tag along on his trip to Hawaii the following day. What he failed to mention was that the trip had been planned as a honeymoon for him and his cheating ex, so he and Mackenzie would be sharing a room with only one bed.

Mackenzie and Luke were fun together, with lots of flirty, witty banter and steamy chemistry. What started as a vacation fling quickly started to seem like something real, but neither of them wanted to admit their true feelings because they were scared of how Mackenzie's family would react to the news of their relationship. Just as they began to realize that their feelings for each other might be worth the risk, a family tragedy brought their trip to an early end, and they both said things that they would later regret. Luke's grand gesture to win Mackenzie back was very sweet, however, and I appreciated that they immediately told her family the truth about their relationship rather than risking someone finding out by accident.

 

Overall, I really enjoyed "Wild Mistake" and highly recommend it for all contemporary romance fans, particularly fans of cowboy or travel romance. It was the first book I've read by this author but certainly won't be the last. 

 

*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Grey's Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

 

About "Wild Mistake"

It seemed like a good idea at the time.
A two-week Hawaiian vacation with a beautiful woman. What could go wrong?

Well, when that woman is my best friend's little sister, the answer is--everything.
Mackenzie Langston has been in my life since we were kids, and until now I didn't see past her family and our friendship. So when she tells me she's sworn off men for the next year after a bad breakup, I jump at the chance to have some company on the vacation I'd booked for me and my cheating ex. But Mack's all grown up and we're both on the rebound.
In a romantic suite with just one bed, the weather isn't the only thing that gets hot.

Turns out, what I thought was a good idea might end up one big mistake. Especially when my heart's on the line. 

Release Blitz + Review: "Doctor Arrogance" by Alandra Knight

Today, I'm pleased to join the release blitz promoting the publication of "Doctor Arrogance" by Alandra Knight, a standalone Cocky Hero Club novel inspired by all books in the Cocky Bastard series.

Six months after going through devastating breakups, pediatrician Jace McCallister and veterinarian Destiny Compton were struggling to move on with their lives. In the hopes that a vacation would help clear their heads, they each decided to travel to the Caribbean for some rest and relaxation. By coincidence, they were seated next to each other on the plane and spent the entire flight talking, but left the airport without exchanging contact information. A few hours later, Destiny and Jace were surprised to learn that they would be staying in neighboring bungalows at the same resort, and their intense attraction turned into a vacation fling. Unfortunately, just when it started to seem as if their fling had the potential to turn into something real, baggage from their previous relationships drove them apart. Would Jace and Destiny be able to get past their fears in order to build a future together?

There were a number of things I really liked about this book, particularly the steamy chemistry between Jace and Destiny and their cute habit of having conversations through taco sauce lids with sayings on them. That said, I sometimes found it difficult to believe the sheer number of coincidences in the story, especially when it came to the events in Florida. In addition, I was somewhat confused by the book's timeline because of the way Jace and Destiny kept changing their travel plans. Finally, the book's ending felt rushed to me. Literally from one page to the next, it jumped from them agreeing to give dating a try to talking about moving in together three months later.

Overall, "Doctor Arrogance" was a fast-paced, spicy read featuring likeable protagonists, but it was sometimes tough for me to get past the story's various inconsistencies and incredible coincidences. That said, I'd still recommend it and pick up another one of the author's books in the future. 

 

*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Give Me Books Promotions. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

 

About "Doctor Arrogance"

I don’t need a man in my life to be happy…
What I need? A vacation.
Vitamin Sea? Yes, please!
The charming, handsome stranger sitting next to me on the plane talking all the way to paradise? Perfect start to this trip. I can resist him and his smoldering looks, killer smile and confident attitude.
Until I figure out that he’s my neighbor at the resort. His washboard abs and that perfect V…I don’t think I can resist him for a whole week.
Giving in to temptation is easy. The souvenir he leaves me with? Not so much.
What happens when the thrill of paradise is washed away?
Will he go, or can I convince him to stay?

Doctor Arrogance is a contemporary romance inspired by all books in the Cocky Bastard Series. 

 

Blog Tour + Excerpt + Review: "Love Not at First Sight" by Sarah Ready

I'm thrilled to participate in the blog tour celebrating the release of "Love Not at First Sight" by Sarah Ready, book #2 of the Soul Mates in Romeo series. Characters from the first book in the series (one of my favorites of 2021) make return appearances in this one, but it reads as a standalone.
 

In Veronica Diaz's experience, there are only two types of men in the world: players and wanna-be players. She's not interested in getting involved with either one, so when her best friend Chloe's Aunt Erma, the "soul mate psychic" of Romeo, NY, determines that Veronica's soul mate is none other than infamous billionaire playboy Frederick Knight, Veronica decides to leave town in an effort to avoid the match. She's just heading out on the first leg of her backpacking trip when she sees an apparently unprepared, inexperienced hiker wander off the path and into a cave. An accidental fall traps them together in the cave, forcing Veronica and mysterious stranger Sam to depend on each other to find a way out through the dark. Can Sam teach Veronica that there are good men in the world after all, and will she remember that lesson when she learns his true identity?

 

The story's beginning was super cute and funny, exactly like I would expect from a typical romantic comedy. However, it really turned up the tension while Veronica and Sam were attempting to escape from the cave; even though I knew that there would be a happy ending (it is, after all, a romance novel), I was genuinely anxious for their safety. The sexual tension and chemistry between Veronica and Sam built quickly too. Given the situation, they had no choice but to rely on each other, and it forced them to develop a level of intimacy and trust that takes months, if not years, for many couples.
 

Overall, I very much enjoyed "Love Not at First Sight" and highly recommend it for all fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

 

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

 

About "Love Not at First Sight"

Love Not at First Sight, an all new charming and emotional contemporary romance from author Sarah Ready is available now!

When your soul mate is the man you loathed at first sight…Book Two in Sarah Ready’s Soul Mates in Romeo series sparkles with tension and a delicious helping of swoon-worthy romance.

Veronica Diaz loves her career, her friends and the great outdoors – she has no room in her life for men. In fact, she knows there are only two types of men in the world: players and wanna-be players and she wants nothing to do with any of them.

So when a psychic informs Veronica that her fated soul mate is Frederick Knight “The King of Players,” Veronica does what any sensible woman would do – she runs.

A twist of fate lands Veronica in the depths of a pitch-black cave system with a man she’s never met and can’t see. As Veronica and Sam struggle to survive they open up, share their secrets, and risk their lives for each other. Soon Veronica starts to wonder if maybe not all men are players, and maybe she can trust Sam enough to fall in love.

The only problem: Sam is actually Frederick Knight. The man Veronica swore she’d never, ever, ever love.

In fact, she loathed him at first sight.

And if they make it out of the cave alive, and Veronica sees him for the first time, she’ll loathe him again. Won’t she? 

But maybe, sometimes you can only see who someone really is when you can’t see them at all? And maybe you can only fall in love when it’s not at first sight?

“This will easily and unequivocally be one of your top reads this year.” By Bookaddict (Chasing Romeo, Book 1 in the Soul Mates in Romeo Series) 

 

Read an Excerpt from "Love Not at First Sight"

I kick my legs, fighting to pull the woman to the surface. I have a hold of her beneath her arms. She’s a dead weight and I pray that she’s okay, that she didn’t get hurt in the fall. The icy water urges me to kick harder. There’s no light. I can’t tell up from down. I’m going on pure instinct, and a prayer, please God, let me be swimming toward air.

I kick harder. My heart pounds in my ears and my lungs ache. Maybe I chose the wrong direction. Up was down, or down was up and I’m swimming to the bottom of the water. I start to panic. Then, just when I’m about to turn around, reverse direction, we break the surface. I gasp, drag in a harsh breath then cough and sputter. I draw the woman’s head higher. Float on my back and hold her against my chest. She coughs and sputters.

Then, “Are you okay?” she asks. Her voice is ragged and soft.

Before I can answer, her head falls again to my chest and her body goes limp.

My blood goes cold.

“I’m okay. Are you alright?”

She doesn’t answer, she lies heavy and still against me. I kick my legs to keep us at the surface and feel for her pulse. I let out a sigh of relief, it’s strong and steady. At least there’s that. She shivers and I’m reminded of how cold the water is. Like an ice bath. We’re going to get hypothermia if I don’t get us out of it soon.

But I can’t see. There’s no light. I dropped my phone when I went to grab her. I saw her flashlight fly from her grasp. Then I remember my watch. It’s a waterproof divers watch, a twenty-thousand-dollar piece that my sister bought me last year for my birthday. She laughed because she said she’d spent my money to get it. I’ve worn it ever since. Thank the Lord. I press a button on the side and the display glows. It gives a dim light that barely illuminates the space around my hand. I hold up my arm and twist the watch in the air. The light catches on the white stone and reflects around the cavern. The water that was black in the pitch dark is turquoise and clear where the light hits. There. About twenty feet away I can just make out what looks like water hitting rock. I can’t be sure. The light is too dim. But I swim that way because right now it’s our best chance.

I’m breathing hard and shivering harder by the time I reach the rock wall.

“We made it,” I tell the woman. I lift her onto the rock first, roll her onto the surface and then I climb out after her. Water sluices onto the rock and runs around us. It’s cold. It’s too damn cold. I feel for the woman’s pulse. It’s still strong, but her skin is like ice and she’s shaking.

“You’ll be okay,” I say. I keep talking, because it’s so dark and quiet in here that any voice, even my own, is better than the silence. “I’ve never been so scared as when I saw you fall,” I tell her. I keep my voice low and soothing. I don’t know how we’re going to get out of here. Or even if there is a way out. My phone is gone, hers is likely in her pack which is still up on the stalagmite at the top of the crevice. To be sure I pat her pockets. Carefully. I don’t want her waking up thinking I’m some creep taking advantage. Nothing. They’re empty. Not that a phone could get reception down in the depths of a cave.

“We’ll get out of here,” I tell her. I put my hand on her arm. Dang, she’s cold. “I’ll get you out of here. I promise.”

I hear a scratching noise and then a rhythmic crunch, crunch, scratch. The hair on the back of my neck stands up. There’s something else here with us.

I hit the display of my watch and look around. Nothing. I can’t see anything. I hold it over the woman. I can barely make out the shape of her face.

She shivers again and I make a decision. I have to get her warm and I have to get her to help. I think the most urgent thing right now is getting warm.

But how?

Body heat. But first we need out of these soaking wet clothes.

“Damnit.”

I kick off my shoes and socks and then pull off my T-shirt. I wring the water out of them and set them out on the rock. Then, I strip down to my boxers and wring out my shorts. I’m too cold to feel awkward. I jump up and down and rub my hands over my clammy skin. Then I kneel down next to the woman.

I untie and pull off her hiking boots and socks. Then I work the soaking wet long-sleeved shirt over her head. I wring it out and put it next to her socks and boots. I feel around in the dark for the buttons to her pants. The skin of her stomach is cold and taut.

I find the button.

Suddenly, her hand lashes out and grabs my throat. She squeezes and I freeze.

“Take off my pants and I’ll kill you and leave your body in the dark.” 

***

Blog Tour + Excerpt + Review: "Waylaid" by Sarina Bowen

Today, I'm happy to participate in the blog tour promoting the release of "Waylaid" by Sarina Bowen, book #8 of the True North series. Several characters from earlier stories make return appearances in this one, but it still works as a standalone.

Three years ago, fun-loving Rickie Ralls started college at his father's alma mater, the U.S. Tactical Services Academy in Connecticut, but a severe injury resulting in memory loss at the end of his first semester sent him down a different path. A year later, physically recovered but still unable to remember the accident and six months of his life, Rickie transferred to Burlington University in Vermont, where he became friends and roommates with Dylan Shipley. At the end of the school year, Dylan brought Rickie home with him to work on the Shipley family farm for the summer. Rickie was quickly smitten with Dylan's twin sister, Daphne, but didn't realize that he and Daphne had a previous acquaintance; a mutual friend had arranged for them to share a ride home one weekend during his first semester of college in Connecticut. They hit it off during the trip and Rickie asked Daphne out on a date, but never arrived to pick her up. Unaware of Rickie's memory loss, Daphne was hurt and confused that he didn't acknowledge their past, so she wasn't very receptive to his attempts at flirtation. 

 

Rickie and Daphne had great chemistry and I loved the way they bantered with each other as they slowly grew closer and fell in love. They had more in common than either of them realized at first, mainly because they were both keeping secrets and understood going through hard times, even though their experiences weren't exactly the same. I loved how understanding and supportive they were of each other as they worked through their respective traumas.

The story took a number of twists and turns, and it was certainly a page turner, especially as I got closer to the end. The mystery of Rickie's accident and missing six months of memories was quite compelling. I think I wanted to know what had happened to him almost as much as he did! The reveal was both shocking and emotional, and I was glad that Rickie had such a strong support system to help him deal with it.

Overall, "Waylaid" gave me all the feels and I loved it! I highly recommend this book for fans of emotional contemporary romance, and I think fans of light romantic suspense might enjoy it as well. I look forward to whatever Sarina Bowen writes next.

 

*Review copy provided by the author/publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.  

 

About "Waylaid"

It’s a tale as old as time: the bad boy meets the good girl. He makes a daring proposition. Then the boy gets a mysterious head injury and loses a year of his life…

The first time I meet Rickie, I don’t know what to make of him. The second time we meet, he doesn’t remember the six hours we spent together. Or standing me up afterward.

I’m not the same, either. I’ve got secrets. I’ve told lies. Bad boys aren’t my type, anyway. Even the ones with troubled gray eyes.

But now we’re roommates. Cue the awkward moments in the hallway when he’s wearing only a towel and a smile. He’s determined to win me over, and his talented hands weaken my resolve.

It’s all fun and games until my past rears its ugly head and his secrets come to light, shaking our fragile connection, maybe even breaking it…

Note: this is Daphne Shipley's story. Contents include Vermonty ice cream flavors, nerdy awkwardness, tattoos, and a playboy grandpa.

 

Read an Excerpt from "Waylaid"

I read all the way to the highway exit, but I only get halfway through the first article. It’s dense and full of statistical analysis that’s over my head.

By the time Rickie rolls down the exit ramp, I feel the onset of a full-blown case of imposter syndrome. Dr. Drummond is expecting me to be sharp. What if they ask me to work on this type of analysis, and I can’t do it?

“I see the ice cream place,” Rickie says. “But there’s no entrance back onto the highway. What the hell?”

“Doesn’t matter,” I mumble. “It’s three miles down a side road to exit 6.” I close the journal with a sigh. I feel so panicky right now. I’ve always tried to be the smartest girl in the room. But it’s all an act. I’m obviously the worst kind of dunce—the kind that can’t see her own mistakes until it’s way too late. (See: the last twelve months of my life.)

Is it normal to have a midlife crisis right before your twenty-first birthday?

Rickie rolls into the gravel parking lot of the Dreamy Creemee and puts the truck in a shady spot. He rolls down the windows before killing the engine. It’s getting toward dinner hour, so there aren’t many people here. Just a couple of moms pushing toddlers on the swing set.

And I’m quietly having a panic attack in the passenger seat.

I take a slow but shaky breath. Do I even want ice cream? Is there a flavor on that signboard that could take me out of my own head? I reach for the door handle, but Rickie stops me.

“Look," he says. "About that time we shared a ride home from Connecticut...”

“No,” I say forcefully. If he makes me relive that embarrassing experience, I might lose my cool. “Just forget it, okay? So what if you ghosted me?”

His eyes widen. But my rant is only picking up steam.

“None of that matters. I didn’t even blame you. And the only way I'm going to make it through this year is if I put Connecticut behind me, okay? Just leave it alone.”

My voice cracks on that last word, and I realize that I might actually cry. Which is a thing I never do. But Harkness College was my dream, and I blew it. My damn eyes get hot and my throat constricts.

“S-so just forget it," I squeak. “It's already in the past. It can just stay there.”

Rickie's gray eyes are soft now. And they're moving closer. To my utter surprise, he leans forward and presses a kiss to my lips.

So soft, my brain sputters.

“Shh,” he says against my lips. His kiss is warm and unhurried. Like a ray of sunshine when you’re shivering.

For once, my squirrel brain forgets to scurry. And I just let it happen. He kisses me again. It’s still gentle. His bright eyes measure me. I don’t know what he sees. But whatever it is, he decides he likes it.

Those soft lips brush and press. Again. And I'm only human. Rickie's surprisingly tender kiss has caught me at a vulnerable moment. I lean in, experimenting with the slide and pressure of his mouth against mine. A sizzle of heat flashes across my skin. It’s the strangest sensation—as if he’s transferred an ounce of that devil-may-care attitude across the steering column and right into my soul. I drink him in, lips parted. Ready for him to take it further.

But then it ends. Rickie sits back, his head cocked to the side, as if in deep contemplation.

I’m bereft. “Wh-what was that for?” I stammer.

I expect a smirk. But his expression remains soft. “You seemed a little freaked. So I brought you to an ice cream place on a hot summer’s day. But that wasn’t enough, apparently. You needed even more distraction. So I gave it to you. And I’m good at that. A real specialist.”

Replying is impossible. All I can do is sit here and try to process that kiss. That lovely kiss.

He really has some nerve. 

 

Blog Tour + Excerpt + Review: "The Bet" by Max Monroe

I'm absolutely delighted to participate in the blog tour celebrating the release of "The Bet" by Max Monroe, book #1 of the Winslow Brothers series. Readers familiar with the earlier Billionaire Bad Boys series will likely remember the Winslows from their sister Winnie's story, but each of the books reads as a standalone.

"The Bet" featured charming youngest brother Jude Winslow, a successful nightclub promoter, and event planner Sophie Sage. Jude and Sophie were both extroverts, but while commitment phobe Jude seemed to be happy with his life of casual hookups, Sophie was looking for a happy ending complete with the white picket fence. She had a tough time relaxing and living in the moment, and casual dating was completely out of the question; unless she was certain the guy met all of the criteria on her future husband checklist, she didn't believe in wasting her time. Jude certainly didn't meet Sophie's criteria for a future husband, but their intense chemistry quickly proved to be irresistible, pushing Sophie well outside of her comfort zone. 

The physical connection between Jude and Sophie grew quickly, but their emotional connection wasn't as much of a factor until about the last quarter of the book, when Jude finally realized what was right in front of his face all along: he was in love with Sophie. Unfortunately, Sophie's feelings were involved long before that, and Jude's efforts to keep their relationship casual hurt her. Even though she cared about him, she didn't make things easy when he decided to win her over. I loved that she set boundaries for herself, made clear to Jude what she wanted from their relationship, and didn't settle for anything less.

Overall, I adored "The Bet" and highly recommend it for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I look forward to reading Jude's brother Flynn's story next!

 

*Review copy provided by the authors via Social Butterfly PR. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

 

About "The Bet"

When it comes to life’s fun and games, always know:
The rules.
What’s at stake.
When to quit.

Wise words from…well…my fortune cookie. But wise words, nonetheless.

I just wish the Fortune Cookie People had considered how hard the whole “knowing when to quit” would be to carry out when a woman like me is gambling with her feelings.

Heart-palpitating, vageen-tingling, butterflies-in-my-belly feelings for a noncommittal, hot-as-sin player by the name of Jude Winslow.

After a crazy night where we were both pretending to be someone else, I’ve found myself immersed in the fun of the fling.
The thrill.
The irresistible charm.
The pleasure of being with a man like him.

Problem is, I’m positive he’s the exact opposite of husband material, and that is a serious issue for someone who is fixated on finding her happily ever after.

I know the rules and I know the stakes, oh wise Fortune Cookie.

Now I’d just like to know how close to self-destruction I have to get before I find the will to quit Jude Winslow.

Goodness knows, when your heart is on the line, you can’t ante up your bet with an IOU. 

 

Read an Excerpt from "The Bet"

Tell me…is it ever possible to recover from the shame of having orgasmed in public—discreetly, I think—all because of the stupid exotic dancer I hired for my sister?

Because, if not, I won’t bother sharing this with my therapist when we have our next session.

“Oh my God!” Belle yells from the stall, her feet teetering on my heels as she tries to squat and hover over the toilet. I swear, if she pees on my one and only pair of Jimmy Choos, I will hex her so hard. “Did you freaking see that guy? He bent you over backward and planted a baby in your womb through your dress, I swear to Jesus.”

“Uh, yeah. I saw,” I comment on the absurdly obvious. But truthfully, I didn’t just see anything. I felt his heat and his heart thrumming in his chest and smelled the undeniably intoxicating subtlety of his cologne. I felt the stretch in my muscles as he manipulated my body left and right and sideways and upside down, all while somehow managing to make the ridiculousness of a male stripper seem sexy.

The only time I could truly say I saw, I suppose, was during the out-of-body experience I had while he straddled my body in the sixty-nine position and straight up sent me into purgatory. There I was, just hovering by the ceiling of the room like Mary fucking Poppins and the kids when they go to have tea with the loopy guy, wondering if that was really my face under his superior crotch or if it was all just a mirage.

And then I had to go and fucking orgasm, like a teenage boy in the middle of a wet dream.

I shake my head to clear it again, thanking my lucky stars that, in this situation, I was at least afforded the luxury of being a woman. No boner. No jizz-filled underwear. Just a hard twist of arousal and a pair of damp panties.

“I swear he tossed you around like a rag doll!”

“Yes, Sophie,” I say, emphasizing my name instead of hers just in case any other drunken members of our group found their way in here and into another stall while I was busy with my emotional breakdown. “I’m well aware of everything Jude, the Magic Dancer was, thank you very much.”

She flushes the toilet and swings the stall door back toward herself, stumbling out into the open area and laughing hysterically at my revamp of Puff, the Magic Dragon, one of our favorite songs as kids before cynics ruined it.

I’m glad she’s having a good time, but holy hell. I’m still shaking. And once I’m certain none of the gals from our group are in the bathroom with us, I give her the cold, hard reality.

“You owe me so freaking much, it’s ridiculous.” Pretending to be the bride at my sister’s bachelorette party when I’m not even dating anyone would surely be something Dr. Winters would see as a “setback.”

“I know I owe you, I really do, but I would have died, okay? You know I would have died. And that would really complicate your use of my Costco membership, wouldn’t it?”

I snort. “Fine. But can we switch back now? Don’t you want to enjoy the rest of the evening as the bride-to-be?”

Belle shakes her head almost violently and stands at the sink to wash her hands. She waves them obnoxiously in front of the automatic sensor several times but still never manages to turn the faucet on. I lean forward and wave my hand in front of hers, bringing it to life.

For some reason, she always struggles with that.

“No way. I’ve had a great time the whole night tonight, but I didn’t realize how much better it is when no one is paying attention to me! Maid of honor is where it’s at, and I can’t go back now that I know how good it is here.”

“Are you serious?” I snap.

“Please,” she begs, pretending to pout. “I know it’s not ideal for you, but pretty, pretty please with a cherry on top, do this for me? I’ll bake you however many cookies and cupcakes and cakes you want for the next six months.”

My sister is the baked goods goddess, and she knows I can’t resist that kind of offer.

“Fine,” I grind out. “But if I were you, I’d invest in stock for flour and butter and sugar and shit because I’m going to run your ass like a factory worker.”

“Whatever you want. John’s really good with investments, so I’ll make him figure it out.”

I laugh at her drunken seriousness—it’s too hard not to—and finally pull her into a hug so I can whisper directly into her ear. “I love you, Bells. But I also fucking hate you.”

She nods. “It’s the Sage sister way.”

“Well, two out of three,” I correct, knowing that Katelynn is the least drama-associated sister of the three of us. At five years our senior, she was always more of a “Disciplinary Board” than a defendant when it came to Sage sister arguments.

“That’s true,” Belle agrees. “I’m seriously surprised at how drunk Kate’s gotten tonight. It’s a real mom’s-night-out kind of vibe.”

I roll my eyes. “Like you should talk. You’re drunker than she is.”

“Yeah, but it’s my bachelorette,” she asserts.

Immediately, I shake my head with a fake smile. “Uh-uh. Not anymore, it’s not. Thanks to you, the glory of tonight seems to be mine.”

 

***

Review: "My Cone and Only" by Susannah Nix

My Cone and Only by Susannah Nix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Andie Lockhart has had a crush on her older brother's best friend, Wyatt King, for years, but is convinced that he will never see her as more than a friend at best, or his adopted little sister at worst. The truth is that Wyatt has secretly been in love with Andie since he was 17, but he won't risk losing his best friend to be with her. Since his mother died, Josh and the Lockharts have been more of a family to Wyatt than most of his own flesh and blood. Besides, Wyatt doesn't think he's good enough for Andie; she's so smart that she skipped a grade, went to college, and even has a master's degree, whereas he barely graduated from high school. When the house Andie inherited from her grandmother is threatened by a series of fines levied by the local HOA, handyman Wyatt volunteers to help her make the necessary repairs to prevent her from losing her home. The more time they spend working together, the more difficult it becomes to ignore their mutual attraction, but both are determined to keep their growing relationship a secret. Can they find a way to be together without destroying Wyatt's friendship with Andie's brother?

I loved this story so much! It was laugh-out-loud funny but tugged at my heartstrings at the same time. Andie and Wyatt were endearing, relatable protagonists, and it was easy for me to root for them both individually and as a couple. I particularly empathized with Andie's frustrations regarding her brother Josh's tendency to be overprotective, though it was clear that his actions always came from a place of love. As for Wyatt, there was so much more to him than was apparent from his "life of the party" reputation, and learning about the losses he suffered in his childhood as well as his difficult relationship with his father broke my heart. I completely understood why he was so afraid of losing his adopted family, the Lockharts, though I wish he had made an effort to overcome that fear a bit sooner.

I highly recommend "My Cone and Only" for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I look forward to the next book in the series.

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

View all my reviews

 

Release Blitz + Review: "Serves Me Wright" by K.A. Linde

Congratulations to author K.A. Linde on the release of her latest novel, "Serves Me Wright," book #9 of the Wright series. It's the first book I've read by this author and works relatively well as a standalone, though the various family relationships were a bit difficult for me to keep track of at first. That didn't affect my enjoyment of the story, however, and I plan to go back and pick up at least a few of the earlier books in the series when I have a chance.

"Serves Me Wright" was a sweet small town romance featuring a fake relationship between friends Jennifer Gibson and Julian Wright. Julian was recently single after learning that his ex-girlfriend, Ashleigh, had tried to sabotage his family's winery. In need of a date for an upcoming gala, he suggested an arrangement that could be mutually beneficial for both him and Jennifer: he would accompany her to her genius older brother's upcoming graduation in exchange for her posing as his date for the gala. Jennifer was reluctant at first but eventually agreed, hoping that Julian's presence would prevent her overbearing mother from spending the entire weekend criticizing her career and relationship choices. It wasn't long before their fake relationship began to feel very real, in large part because each had been hiding a crush on the other since they first met several years earlier. 

Jennifer was very kind and sweet but had a tough time saying no to anyone, and her natural reserve hid a painful struggle with anxiety that could be overwhelming at times. I loved watching her confidence grow over the course of the story as she learned to set boundaries for herself and others. As for Julian, a shocking secret about his father left him and his brother Jordan reeling near the end of the book, and I hope the repercussions of that revelation will be explored in future books.

Overall, I enjoyed "Serves Me Wright" and recommend it for all contemporary romance fans, particularly anyone who enjoys small town romance or family sagas. I look forward to checking out more books in this series in the future.

*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Wildfire Marketing Solutions. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

About "Serves Me Wright"

A new standalone fake relationship romance set in the world of the Wrights from USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde…

I never thought I’d say yes to a fake date.

Let alone with Julian Wright.

But I’m stuck attending my perfect brother’s doctoral graduation, and I can’t suffer through another round of parental disappointment. Julian has to go to a charity function he planned with his ex-girlfriend. We both need a date.

Yes, we shared one kiss in a darkened office to make his ex jealous. But it wasn’t real. Was it?

I’m sure I can get through this. Until we get to the house and there’s only one bed.

I’ve pined for Julian for three long years. More than my body is on the line...I need to guard my heart.

Because if I get hurt in our fake relationship, then it serves me Wright.