Excerpt + Giveaway + Review: "Roughing the Kicker" by Eden Butler

Today I am happy to be participating in the sales blitz promoting "Roughing the Kicker" by Eden Butler, the second book of the Saints and Sinners series, which is currently on sale for only $0.99 on all platforms.  A full review of the book is below, but in short, I really enjoyed it.  I've been reading a lot of romantic comedies lately, so this emotional rollercoaster of a story was a nice change of pace for me.  It's a definite bargain at only $0.99, and I highly recommend picking it up while it's on sale and catching up on this series before the next book is released later this month.

For a chance to win two $10 Amazon gift cards and an e-book set of the Saints and Sinners series courtesy of the author, click here!  (Giveaway ends October 10.)

About "Roughing the Kicker"

Reese Noble chased this dream for a decade.

Now it was here.

The NFL.

A pro career.

All eyes on the league’s new kicker.

Millions of people expecting her to fail.

But Reese wasn’t a novelty and the spot she landed on the New Orleans Steamers was one she planned to keep.

With her teammates giving her hell and the world doubting her every move, Reese will have to fight harder than anyone else to make her dream a reality.

Even if that means following the lead of quarterback Ryder Glenn—the only man who brought her to the edge of ecstasy and the depths of heartbreak. The same man who broke her heart ten years before.

In this city, there is a thin line between sin and sainthood and only the strongest can walk it.

The Sinners and Saints series is a spin off from the Thin Love series and in the same universe.

SAINTS AND SINNERS READING ORDER
Last Love of Luka Hale
Roughing the Kicker
Offsides 

Purchase:
Only 99¢ for a limited time!
Amazon: https://books2read.com/u/bM9ny5?store=amazon
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iBooks: https://books.apple.com/ca/book/roughing-the-kicker/id1471090337?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/roughing-the-kicker

 

Read an Excerpt from "Roughing the Kicker"

Reese wasn’t restless—she was euphoric.

She was also a little hurt.

Ryder had stood next to her during most of the game, passing along details about Carolina’s defense, things he thought she should know when she got her shot at a field goal. Their quick exchange about being friends had stood, something that surprised Reese, but Ryder had seemed a little uncomfortable around her. He wouldn’t stand too close, would lean away from her when she asked him a question or two.

Maybe he was distracted by the game. Maybe some part of him still regretted the kiss in the gym. Whatever his reason, Ryder had only looked her way when she came off the field after her last kick, not checking to see if she was okay or getting the rundown on what the blocker had said to her. He hadn’t even joined in with the rest of the team after the game to celebrate their win.

It was Ryder and his weird behavior that distracted Reese as she sat behind the piano, staring down at the keys. She was debating another song, maybe something a little faster than Morrison’s melancholy ballad, when the bench she was sitting on slid against the floor and Ryder dropped down next to her, his back against the keys. Several notes crashed together as he leaned back, and Reese caught the distinct smell of hard liquor coming off him like gasoline from a pump.

“Evening, Noble,” he said, that crooked smile lazy.

“Captain,” she replied moving over to give him room. He watched her shift her position, gaze on her legs when she pulled her skirt down, but otherwise Ryder didn’t speak. The silence went on for so long that Reese tried ignoring it, resting her fingers against the keys as a distraction. “Any requests?”

“How about, ‘Thinking Bout You?’”

“Talking about anyone in particular?” She banged out the first chords of Pearl Jam’s “Come Back” and ignored the low snorting laugh he released. Her back straight, Reese leaned over the keys, playing the chord lower. “I did hear that your girlfriend was at the game. She still around?”
“Is Baker?”

Reese stopped playing, taking her fingers from the keys to turn toward Ryder. “You trying to imply something?”

“Big guy like that saving the day? Lot of women would be flattered.”

Reese tightened the muscles at her jaws, trying hard to control her mounting temper. “I wonder if you’d say that to Wilkens or any other kicker that was new to your team. You know…if they had a dick.”

“Careful, Noble. We’re just having a friendly chat about your potential plans with one of our teammates.”

She ignored him, returning her focus to the keyboard beneath her fingers, not caring that Ryder watched her, that he leaned closer as she played. He smelled of bourbon—and nothing like the good stuff Reese had brought for her new teammates that first night at Decadence.

“You were good,” he said, and Reese’s playing slowed, but she didn’t ask him to explain the compliment. After a few more chords, she didn’t have to ask him a thing. “The kicks were golden, and you handled the bullshit like a pro.”

“Careful, Glenn, you might be paying me a compliment on accident.”

“Accidentally on purpose,” he said, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, not looking her. “I always thought Coach should have let you and Witherspoon run that fake back in school.”

Reese frowned, surprised that Ryder remembered the play. She and Witherspoon, the punter, had devised something sneaky that would have landed Duke an easy score because no one would expect Reese to do more than kick the ball. The first time they’d practiced it, Ryder had clapped, laughing like a fool at how quickly the play worked. Her father, on the other hand, hadn’t been impressed.

“Papa thought it was cheap.” Next to her she felt the bench move as Ryder looked up at her, still resting against his knees. She didn’t like his cool quietness or how the man kept staring at her like he expected something remarkable to happen. “He didn’t like fakes.”

“Yeah,” Ryder said, sitting up. He leaned so close to Reese now that she couldn’t play anything. “Like how you fake me out all the time?”

She jerked her attention to him, that dimming temper beginning to rise again. “The hell is that supposed to mean, cabrón?”

Ryder tilted his head, his breath hot, bourbon-soaked when he whispered against her mouth. “Kiss me and walk away. Tempt me and ignore everything between us.”

Reese leaned back, needing space. “You said there was no everything between us anymore. Remember that?”

“Maybe,” he continued, moving a hand to her face, pressing his palm against her cheek. “Maybe I changed my mind. Maybe I don’t like seeing you without me. Maybe I’m drunk and being an asshole.”

“Maybe,” she said, insides lit with something that liquefied her patience. “You should stop being such a selfish prick and remember that you left me. I owe you nothing, Ryder.” She pulled his hand from her face and stood up, grabbing her bag before she glared down at him. “Not one damn thing.”

There was relief as she walked away, that no one was there to witness one of America’s favorite quarterbacks acting like an ass. Reese knew Ryder was a good guy. Other than how things had ended with them, Ryder had always been a decent person who’d never intentionally hurt anyone.

He was just drunk, she told herself, hearing the click of her own heels as she walked toward the elevator. Drunk and stupid, for some reason, about shit that died a long time ago.

“No,” she said to no one in particular. “Damn that.”

Her temper now a blistering inferno, Reese weighed the wisdom of turning back to find Ryder and scream at him. She didn’t care if he was drunk. She didn’t care if had trouble dealing with her being on his team and the memories of all the sins they’d committed together in the past.

“Grown ass man supposed to be…”

“Supposed to be what?” he said, coming up behind her just as the bell for the elevator chimed.

“Leave me alone,” she told him, intending to walk away, but Ryder took her arm, moving her against him and shuffling them both into the empty elevator.

“I can’t seem to do that, now can I, Noble?”

He rested them against the wall, the dim light overhead flickering as the elevator moved. Reese didn’t know what to think of Ryder like this. She didn’t appreciate him blaming her for things that weren’t her fault. She didn’t like the jealous ex-boyfriend attitude from him because it made him look petty.

But God did it feel good to see him making a move right toward her. It was good to feel wanted—desired—after such a long time of nothing special at all.

“You’re confused,” she told him, making a vain attempt to push him back. Ryder didn’t budge, and if she was honest with herself, she was glad he didn’t. He smelled like cheap bourbon and expensive cologne. Both scents worked some kind of seduction on her senses that had her heart hammering and a wicked, sweet tingle thrilling between her legs. “You never dealt with…everything, and now I’m here, a daily reminder. That’s all this is.” He moved closer, hand against her face again, thumb under her bottom lip as he watched her.

Ryder was tempting, even if he was blitzed out of his head. He never lost control. He never let his composure slip, and just then, while he moved closer, right hand slipping to Reese’s thigh, fingertips against the bare skin he brushed along the back of her leg, Reese understood that this was him doing exactly what he wanted.

“This isn’t real…” she tried, going quiet when he curled his fingers higher up her leg and pressed her right against his hard dick. “That feel real enough for you?” It did. It felt like perfection. It felt real and ready and everything Reese had been missing for the past ten years. When she didn’t speak, was able only to make stupid, small noises of protests she didn’t mean to leave her mouth, Ryder took advantage and angled her head up, putting her waiting mouth close enough for him to take. “Thought so,” he said, closing the small space between them to kiss her.

My Review

As mentioned above, I was looking for a change of pace from all of the romantic comedies I've been reading lately, and "Roughing the Kicker" definitely fit the bill.  It is a very angsty story, but well written and engaging.  I particularly liked the idea of a story featuring the first contracted female pro NFL player, and the added complication of a second chance romance with one of her fellow players was just too much for me to resist.

There was quite a bit of history between main characters Reese and Ryder, so they had a lot to work through before they were even able to interact professionally, much less contemplate rekindling their former romantic connection. As a result, the story featured a very intense, emotional, slow burn relationship development that I enjoyed.  In addition, Ryder and Reese were both very likeable, sympathetic characters, and it was easy for me to wish them both the best, both individually and together.

Finally, this book featured a number of intriguing secondary characters, which offer a lot of possibilities for future books in the series. I look forward to reading the next book when it is released.

Review: No Judgments

No Judgments by Meg Cabot
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

"No Judgments" by Meg Cabot was just as cute, sweet, and funny as all of the author's previous books. I very much enjoyed the setting in the Florida Keys, which Cabot does a wonderful job of bringing to life in this novel. One of my favorite vacations ever was in the Keys, and I loved feeling like I was back there once again thanks to this story.

That said, I didn't feel like I got to know Drew, the story's male lead character, very well at all. What I did learn about him didn't always come across as likeable to me. Drew seemed like a very stubborn man who insisted on always having things his own way. He didn't leave a lot of room for compromise or seem to take his loved ones' feelings into account very often. A good example is the fact that he refused to stay with his aunt and uncle during the hurricane, even though it would have been a simple thing to do to allay his aunt's concerns. Further, Drew didn't seem like the type who would ever want to leave the island, so it didn't make sense to me why he would ever have chosen to live in New York City. Finally, Drew seemed to drink a lot. Maybe I was reading too much into the fact that he so often seemed to have a beer in his hand, and it was just part of the "island lifestyle," but it seems like it could become a problem for him at some point.

As for Bree, the female main character, she seemed like a likeable if somewhat lost soul who kind of fell into living on Little Bridge Island. However, I'm not really sure what attracted her to Drew other than that he was handsome and kind to animals. I was happy that Bree seemed to find herself by the end of the book, but her journey didn't seem to have much to do with Drew despite the focus on their relationship.

Overall, I would have rated this book 3.5 stars if half stars were possible, but in the end I decided to round down because I was not a big fan of Drew as a love interest for Bree. I would still read the next book in the series, however.

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

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Review: Royal Holiday

Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I adored Jasmine Guillory's "Royal Holiday." Besides the fact that I have read and enjoyed previous books in this series, I'm a sucker for any story relating to royalty, so I couldn't wait to get this book in my hands. Even though neither of the main characters, Malcolm and Vivian, were actually royal in this case, their proximity to the British royal family while the story took place was more than enough to satisfy me. I enjoyed the characters' interactions with the royal family, and this background gave the book a delightful fairy tale feeling.

I loved that so much of Vivian and Malcolm's courtship was conducted through letters and postcards. It was romantic and old-fashioned, and really felt perfect for their characters. I also loved how realistic their relationship seemed to be. Life isn't perfect, and it's incredibly rare to meet exactly the right person at exactly the right time and place and have things work out perfectly from there. Malcolm and Vivian had to make a conscious decision to be together and find ways to make their relationship work, which they did because they loved each other and were willing to make sacrifices in order to grow as a couple.

Finally, it was great to check in with Vivian's daughter, Maddie, to see how well she's doing, both in her career and with her boyfriend, Theo. I very much look forward to Ms. Guillory's next book and hope that we will catch glimpses of all of these characters again!

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

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Review: The Marquess in Her Bed: A Steamy Historical Regency Romance Novel

The Marquess in Her Bed: A Steamy Historical Regency Romance Novel by Olivia Bennet
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Olivia Bennet's "The Marquess in Her Bed" was predictable and poorly written, much as her last several books have been. Her first few books showed promise, but in my opinion her writing has really gone downhill since then. All of her recent books seem to involve an "insta-love" plot, and I'm starting to think she doesn't know how to write anything else. It would be nice to see some kind of relationship development between the main characters so that I can actually believe in their HEA!

Beyond that, there are a ton of run on sentences, typos, and words missing or misused in the text (e.g. "reveal" instead of "revel" at 57% in the Kindle edition; confusion between "its" and "it's" at 71%). Also, the main characters in this book were strangely obsessed with geometry, which I found to be incredibly annoying. I wasn't even a quarter of the way through the book before the author had already exceeded the number of times I want to hear geometry discussed in a romance novel. If I wanted to read about math, I would have chosen a different type of book entirely!

Finally, but most critically, there were many things about the plot that were either historically inaccurate, didn't make sense, or both. First of all, why did the Duchess feel the need to order new furniture for the family's country estate in order to prepare for her daughter's debut into Society? Her daughter Isobel's debut should have taken place in London during the Season, and she should have been presented at court at the same time. I could see why that might necessitate the purchase of new furniture and decorations for the family's London townhouse, but not for the country estate. Had the plot been based on preparations for a house party or something similar, it would have made a lot more sense.

Second, it would not have mattered whether Nicholas and Cecelia married before or after Isobel's debut because Isobel still could have been ruined by the potential scandal. If they wanted to eliminate any possible risk to Isobel's reputation, they would have had to wait to announce their own engagement until after she was safely married. Otherwise, even if she were already engaged, Isobel's fiance could have decided to call off the engagement because he didn't want to be associated with such a scandalous family.

Third, despite what Nicholas thought and whatever promises he made to Cecelia, it would have been impossible for Cecelia to just keep working in her father's carpenter shop after they were married. She would have had to take on some duties as his wife eventually, especially after his parents were gone and Nicholas became the duke. Wouldn't it be better for Cecelia to learn about those duties from his mother in advance? Unless Nicholas planned to hide out in the country for the rest of his life, never take up his seat in Parliament, and never introduce his children into Society, Cecelia would need to know at least a few basic social skills, such as organizing the seating for a dinner party based on precedence. Without those, she'd be a miserable failure as a hostess, and she and her children would be complete outcasts from Society no matter their titles.

Overall, I'm really not sure why I am still reading Olivia Bennet's books, or any of the ones published by Cobalt Fairy. Am I not reading the same books as everyone else? I can't figure out how they all continue to be rated so highly on both Amazon and Goodreads.

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

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Excerpt + Giveaway + Review: Happy Pub Day to "Hating the Boss" by Kristen Granata!

I am very happy to be participating in the release day blitz for Kristen Granata's latest novel, "Hating the Boss."  My original post on Monday did not include a review of the book because I was unexpectedly scheduled for surgery that day, but I have now edited this post to include my full review below.  In short, I loved this book and highly recommend it.  It is a laugh-out-loud romp featuring likeable, sympathetic characters and two of my favorite romantic tropes, enemies-to-lovers and workplace romance. 

For a chance to win your own, signed copy of "Hating the Boss" from the author, click here!  (Giveaway closes on October 5.)

About "Hating the Boss"

One night.

That’s all it was supposed to be.

Imagine my surprise when Mr. Sexy in a Suit breezed through the door on the first day of school.

Ladies and gentlemen, meet my new boss.

Not only does he instantly recognize me, but he accuses me of stealing something valuable from him the morning I walk-of-shamed out of his apartment.

When bullying me into a confession doesn’t work, he turns my life into a living nightmare – as if that will coax me into returning what I supposedly stole.

But this is my school, and the only thing I’ll be returning is payback.

Game. On.

There’s only one problem. I wanted him before I hated him, and even now, a part of me still wants him. Somehow, through all of our fighting, through the anger and the pranks, I think I’m falling in love with the enemy.

Read an Excerpt from "Hating the Boss"

I’ve been out of my office for most of the day. There must be a full moon coming tonight because the kids in this school are feral. I’ve had to sign off on six conduct reports and three incident reports.

At one o’clock, I fall into my comfy rolling chair behind my desk. My door is closed, and I’m hoping to catch up on e-mails and make a dent in this paperwork piled high on my desk.

I place my hand on my mousepad, feeling around for the mouse.

What the …?

Where’s the damn mouse?

I check under my desk and inside the drawers, but it doesn’t take too long for realization to set in.

“Goddamnit.”

I tear open the door and stomp down the hallway.

Raegan’s at the whiteboard in her classroom in the middle of a math lesson. She doesn’t look surprised when I barge into her room and start searching through the drawers in her desk.

She does, however, look like a cat who’s been caught with a mouthful of bird.

With a bounce in her step, she waltzes over to me. “Good Afternoon, Principal Waters. Can I help you? What is it that you’re looking for?”

Glancing at the class briefly, I give her a hard stare and smile. “You know exactly what I’m looking for.”

“I can assure you that I don’t.”

I edge closer to her, lowering my lips to her ear. Her warm, sweet scent wafts into my nostrils, and I fight the urge to run my nose along her neck. Focus, Waters. Jesus. “Give it back, or things are going to get a lot worse for you around here.”

Her eyes blaze as they lock with mine. She closes the gap between us, her chest almost pressed flush against me, and she whispers, “You don’t scare me.”

A shiver racks through my body. I can’t decide if I want to strangle her or fuck her right here on her desk. I’m starting to gain a better understanding of people who have a choking fetish.

“Hi, Principal Waters!” Hannah’s waving at me with Joshua at her side.

I clear my throat and straighten my tie. “Hi, Hannah. Hello, class. I hope you’re all having a great day full of fun and learning.”

Raegan chokes back a laugh as she saunters back to the whiteboard.

Laugh it up now. You won’t be laughing for much longer.

My Review

I loved Kristen Granata's "Hating the Boss," a laugh-out-loud contemporary romance featuring two of my favorite tropes, enemies-to-lovers and workplace romance.  The banter between main characters Jaxon and Raegan was phenomenal, and the pranks they played on each other, while somewhat immature at times, were hilarious.  Jaxon and Raegan were both well-developed and likeable characters, and I found it easy to sympathize with both of their points of view.  I really appreciated the author's choice to tell the story from both of their perspectives because it made the reasons for their misunderstandings clearer, and added more depth to the narrative.

I also enjoyed Raegan's interactions with her friends and fellow teachers, especially Becca.  They were so supportive of each other while at the same time being comfortable enough to tease each other, which led to some pretty funny conversations.  Their interactions reminded me of good times with my own friends, which made me love this story even more.

Overall, "Hating the Boss" was a well-written and entertaining book that I highly recommend.  I would absolutely read more of this author's work in the future.

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

Review: The Write Escape

The Write Escape by Charish Reid

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Charish Reid's "The Write Escape" was a witty and charming story featuring likeable, sympathetic characters and a lovely setting in Ireland. I have wanted to visit Ireland for a long time, but reading this book with its descriptions of the country's beautiful scenery and welcoming residents made me even more anxious to start planning my visit!

The book's main characters, Antonia and Aiden, were well-developed and likeable, and I found myself chuckling at their banter as they got to know each other. They both seemed a little lost in the beginning, but as the story progressed, each seemed to become more confident about their life choices and find their way towards a better, happier future. Aiden and Antonia seemed to bring out the best in each other, and I really enjoyed watching their story play out.

I am not generally a fan of "insta-love" plots, and given the short timeframe over which this story unfolded, I was afraid that the romance would turn into exactly that. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Aiden and Antonia's relationship development felt very natural and organic, not rushed, and when they exchanged "I love yous," I believed in the feelings behind the words. There was clearly an attraction between these characters from the beginning, but it seemed to be as much an intellectual attraction as a physical one, which I appreciated.

Overall, "The Write Escape" was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

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

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Happy Book Birthday to Leddy Harper's "The UnEXpected Plan"

Happy book birthday to Leddy Harper's latest novel, "The UnEXpected Plan"!  I am happy to be participating in the release blitz celebrating this sweet, sexy story featuring lovable, relatable characters and a fun romance between main character Brooklyn and her best friend's older brother, Corbin.

About "The UnEXpected Plan"

He was only supposed to make my ex jealous...not make me fall in love with him.

When I discovered that my boyfriend had cheated on me with his assistant, and then left me for her, my friends and I devised a plan—to make him pay.

It was simple.

It was foolproof.

Or so I thought.

Corbin Fields was my best friend’s older brother; he was also part of my revenge plan. It was brilliant...until the unexpected happened.

I was supposed to be getting over my ex...

Not getting under my best friend’s brother.

My Review

"The UnEXpected Plan" is the first book I've ever read by Leddy Harper, but it definitely won't be the last.  I really enjoyed this story and found the main characters, Corbin and Brooklyn, to be well-developed, likeable, and very relatable.  Corbin seemed like a great guy despite his workaholic tendencies.  Even though he didn't recognize it at first, he needed something more in his life besides work, and reconnecting with Brooklyn, his younger sister's best friend, came at exactly the right time.  Brooklyn shook Corbin out of his stale routine and helped him to create balance in his life.

As for Brooklyn, I couldn't help but admire her for persevering in the face of her mother's illness and managing to put herself through school without help from anyone.  She was clearly a very strong and independent young woman, and her passion for and commitment to teaching was wonderful.  At the same time, I hated how desperately Brooklyn seemed to want to get back together with her cheating ex-boyfriend, Chase.  Given the loss of her mother and the relatively few close friends she seemed to have in her life, however, it was easy for me to understand why it might be terrifying for Brooklyn to suddenly lose even a crappy boyfriend like Chase.  Even so, she deserved better, and the way Corbin treated her was certainly a huge improvement.  I appreciated that Corbin realized how special Brooklyn was and went out of his way to make her life better, even when she didn't want to accept his help.

I enjoyed the secondary characters in this book as well, particularly Nellie, Corbin's younger sister and Brooklyn's best friend.  At times, Nellie came across as somewhat selfish and immature, but she seemed to grow up towards the end of the book as she learned that it was possible to share Brooklyn with her brother.  I think there's potential for Nellie to mature even more, and I could easily see her being featured in a future story of her own.

Overall, "The UnEXpected Plan" was an entertaining read, and I would recommend it.

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