Blog Tour + Review: "Broody Billionaire: The Wes Lancaster Collection" by Max Monroe

I'm thrilled to take part in the blog tour celebrating "Broody Billionaire: The Wes Lancaster Collection" by Max Monroe. The novel and two novellas included in this collection are part of the Billionaire Bad Boys series, but the collection works well as a standalone for readers new to Max Monroe's work.

Individual reviews for each title in the collection are included below, but in short, I loved all three of these hilarious stories and highly recommend them for contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. Even if you've already read the first two (previously published) stories in the bundle, it's totally worth the price for the new story alone.

 

"Scoring the Billionaire" (previously published)

"Scoring the Billionaire" features Wes Lancaster, owner of the NFL's New York Mavericks, BAD restaurant, and numerous other business ventures, and Dr. Winnie Winslow, the Mavericks' new team physician and single mom to precocious 6-year-old Lexi. Wes had no interest in a serious relationship, especially with a single mom, and Winnie's first priority would always be her daughter. Neither could resist the intense chemistry between them, however, and what started as a fling soon turned into much more. In fact, it wasn't long before Wes found himself teaching Winnie's daughter how to kick a field goal and driving her to youth football practice. Lexi's relationship with Wes was one of my favorite parts of the book; he fell in love with her right along with her mama, and I loved watching the three of them come together as a family.

I also enjoyed Winnie's growing friendship with Georgia and Cassie, the female leads of the first two books in this series. Those two crack me up every single time that they're together, and adding Cassie's pregnancy to the mix just made them even funnier this time around.

Overall, "Scoring the Billionaire" was a tremendously entertaining addition to this series, and I loved it. I highly recommend this story, either on its own or as part of the bundle, and can't wait to find out what's next for these characters.

"Scoring Her" (previously published)

In "Scoring Her," the entire Billionaire Bad Boy crew is in the Bahamas because of a promotional event for Wes's NFL team, and as usual when they're together, shenanigans abound. The main culprits are Thatch and Cassie, who'd been having some trouble getting their groove back after the birth of their son a few months earlier. They managed to trick Kline and Georgia into playing nanny, but how long would they be able to hide from their exasperated best friends turned babysitters? Those weren't the only problems Kline and Georgia were facing, but I loved Kline's sweet efforts to reassure Georgia that no matter what, they would always face things together. I also loved seeing Wes, Winnie, and Lexi continue to grow together as a family.

Overall, this super cute and funny story put a big smile on my face, and I highly recommend it.

"Red, White, & You" (new release)

In "Red, White, & You," after a heat wave and rolling blackouts hit New York City, forcing Wes to cancel the giant 4th of July barbecue he had planned for his restaurant, he and Winnie decide to get out of town and enjoy some family time with their daughter Lexi. They're expecting a week of quiet relaxation at Winnie's family lake house, but they end up with the exact opposite: Winnie's four older brothers crash their vacation, followed by Cassie, Thatcher, Kline, Georgia, and their respective spawn.

The Winslow brothers were a ton of fun in this story, and I can't wait to see what kind of trouble they get up to in their individual books later this year. Jude caused plenty in this story with Thatch; for everyone's safety, those two should probably be kept far apart in the future!

This was another laugh-out-loud funny, sweet story, and I loved getting to spend some extra time with these characters. For those who have already read the previous two stories, it's worth the price of the bundle for this novella alone.

 

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

 

About "Broody Billionaire"

Broody Billionaire, an all new hilarious and binge-worthy romantic comedy collection of Scoring the Billionaire, Scoring Her and the ALL NEW novella Red, White & You from New York Times bestselling author Max Monroe is available now!

Sexy-as-sin, broody, and mysterious, Wes Lancaster is the ultimate billionaire bachelor.

But what happens when this hot billionaire bad boy and owner of the New York Mavericks football team meets his feisty match?

Meet the broodiest billionaire of all time in one sexy, steamy, downright hilarious, and binge-worthy romantic comedy collection (all for the price of one novella, too!).

This collection includes the following three books:

• Scoring the Billionaire
• Scoring Her
• And a BRAND-NEW novella, Red, White, & You

Scoring the Billionaire
Even though two of his best friends have settled down, Wes Lancaster is determined not to get sucked into some siren’s web. As owner of the professional football team the New York Mavericks and wildly successful BAD restaurant, his lifestyle is full as it is.

Well, it was, until Winnie Winslow, the new, sexy, stiletto-wearing team physician trash-talks him in the locker room without batting an eye.

Now he can’t stop himself from wanting her.

The only girl in her parents’ brood of five, she’s as outspoken as she is beautiful and the kind of woman who holds her own—and then some.

Always competitive at heart, if he’s going all in for love…
Wes sure as hell wants a Win-Win.

Prepare to get a little dirty because this one might go into overtime.
Game. On.

Scoring Her
Wes and Winnie’s love is stronger—and hotter—than ever, but will it lead them to saying “I do”?

Find out what’s next for the happy couple, plus experience seeing the fun and hilarity that comes from having the Billionaire Bad Boys gang back together again.

Only this time, they’re Bahamas-bound with the hot football players of Wes Lancaster’s New York Mavericks.

Red, White, & You
City-wide power outages.

A failed BBQ at Wes’s BAD restaurant.

A last-minute escape out of NYC to enjoy the Fourth of July at Winnie’s uncle and aunt’s lake house.

Several unexpected—and uninvited—guests.
 

And an explosive fireworks show that requires the assistance of the Greenwood Fire Department.

It wasn’t quite the Fourth of July they had in mind.

Sometimes, even the best-laid plans don’t survive.
But what if the universe is planning something even better?

It’s safe to say that Wes and Winnie Lancaster are about to experience a summer vacation they’ll never forget.

 

Blog Tour + Review: "Once Upon a Royal Summer" by Teri Wilson

I'm happy to participate in the blog/bookstagram tour celebrating "Once Upon a Royal Summer" by Teri Wilson, released by Hallmark Publishing. This sweet, heartwarming story is an absolutely perfect fit with the Hallmark brand, and I would love to see it play out on my TV screen someday.

Lacey Pope was thrilled to be working her dream job as a theme park princess because it gave her the opportunity to help children going through tough times, just as a theme park princess had helped her when she was younger. Her normal duties included hosting tea parties and taking pictures with park visitors, but when a VIP guest, Crown Prince Henry of Bella-Moritz, came to visit the park in celebration of his daughter Rose's birthday, Lacey was assigned to act as their tour guide instead. She was embarrassed to learn that she had met Prince Henry and Princess Rose the day before while in character hosting Princess Sweet Pea's Royal Tea Party, when she had unknowingly shared her silly, made-up "princess rules" with real royals. Despite their somewhat awkward first meeting, single father Henry couldn't help but be drawn to Lacey; he found her kindness and compassion refreshing, and also appreciated that she treated him and his daughter like normal people. At the end of their visit, Henry impulsively invited Lacey to visit them the following week, during Bella-Moritz's most important national holiday, the Flower Festival. With the encouragement of her best friend, Lacey accepted the invitation, and her relationships with Henry and Rose continued to grow. Would they be able to overcome all of the obstacles standing in the way of a real happily ever after?

 

I really enjoyed the fairy tale feel to this story as Henry and Lacey, who were attracted to each other almost instantly, came to realize that, despite their very different backgrounds, they were more alike than they realized. I also appreciated that Henry tried to be such a hands-on father, despite his busy schedule and the fact that it went against tradition. The one (small) thing I didn't enjoy about the story was its rather abrupt ending; an epilogue might have helped with that.

Overall, "Once Upon a Royal Summer" was a perfect summer beach read, and I recommend it for fans of royal romance and sweet/clean contemporary romance. I would pick up another book by this author in the future.

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

 

About "Once Upon a Royal Summer"

A theme park “princess” meets a single dad…who turns out to be a real prince!
Enjoy the delightful royal romance from acclaimed author Teri Wilson and Hallmark Publishing.

Lacey found her dream job: playing a princess character at a popular fairytale theme park in sunny southern Florida. Her diamond tiara might not be real, but the smiles of the children she meets every day certainly are. It’s just too bad that her ex-boyfriend was never impressed with her career choice.

Henry, the crown prince of Bella-Moritz, is trying to fulfill his young daughter’s birthday wish: to be a normal girl with a normal life. That’s why they’re pretending to be ordinary tourists at an American amusement park. Henry lost his wife four years ago, and he’s been going through the motions ever since. But could a meeting with a make-believe princess lead to real love?

This enchanting romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe.

 

Blog Tour + Excerpt + Review: "Luck of the Draw" by Denise Grover Swank and A.R. Casella

Today, I'm excited to participate in the blog tour celebrating the release of "Luck of the Draw" by Denise Grover Swank and A.R. Casella, book #5 of the Asheville Brewing series. A few characters from earlier books of the series make appearances in this one, but it reads as a complete standalone. In fact, it feels like a totally new beginning given that it's the first story not to focus on one of the four Buchanan siblings, instead shifting towards employees of the Buchanan Brewery and their friends in the Bad Luck Club. Readers who are new to the series will find this an easy place to start, though I loved the earlier books and recommend picking them up too.

"Luck of the Draw" was a charming, Cinderella-inspired romance between single mom Deeandra "Dee" Bowers and younger bartender Dylan DiVirgilio. After Dee was challenged to "break the rules" by her Bad Luck Club sponsor, her best friend Samantha surprised her with a makeover and then convinced her to crash a wedding to fulfill the challenge. Bartender Dylan, who was working at the event, nearly caught them and threw them out, but instead ended up spending the night with Dee. In spite of their instant connection, Dee sneaked out of his apartment the following day because she believed that their age difference would stand in the way of a serious relationship. However, Dylan knew that there could be something special between them, so he tracked her down through mutual friends. Could he convince her to take a chance on them?

Dylan and Dee were both likeable characters, and I found it easy to empathize with their struggles, both past and present. That said, while I liked them as a couple, there were times I found myself growing frustrated with the seemingly never-ending series of misunderstandings between them. Rather than having an honest conversation, they just kept jumping to conclusions that did nothing but keep them apart. Fortunately, with the help of their friends, they managed to get past these challenges and ended up in a good place.

 

Aside from that (relatively minor) frustration, I enjoyed "Luck of the Draw" and recommend it for fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. I look forward to finding out what Swank and Casella have in store for us next.

 

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

 

 

About "Luck of the Draw"

Luck of the Draw, an all new sassy and fun novella from New York Times bestselling author Denise Grover Swank and A.R. Casella is available now!

Life’s not a fairytale for women like me, divorced and creeping up on middle age…until a hot younger man finds my lost shoes.

Crashing weddings is so not my thing. I’d much rather stay home and watch HGTV . . . and ignore the fact that my life is messier than those fixer-upper houses. Because my jerk ex left, and the only thing keeping a roof over my sons’ heads is my crappy telemarketing job.

But then I get a challenge from the Bad Luck Club, the group I joined to turn my luck around: Do something that breaks the rules. One ill-advised confession to my best friend later, I’m strapping on a pair of heels and crashing the wedding of two of the owners of Buchanan Brewery.

The last thing I expect is to meet someone, let alone the sexy younger bartender who calls me out and finds my lost shoes, something straight out of Cinderella. And the very last thing I expect is to fall for him.

It feels like I’m in a dream come true, a fairy tale, but the crap part about dreams is that they have to end.

Or do they?

Read an Excerpt from "Luck of the Draw"

 

Good grief, the way Dylan had slid off my flats and put my heels back on…it had lit an actual fire inside of me. Randy had never done anything even close to as romantic as that. His idea of romance was watching Discovery Channel’s Alaskan Bush People in bed, rolling over to cop a feel of my breasts, then getting pissed when I didn’t jump from zero to sixty.

When was the last time a man had looked at me like this?

A very, very long time. If ever.

I lifted my chin slightly, the beaten-down part of me embarrassed that Dylan was staring at me so intently, but the rest of me wanted to be the person he seemed to see—a sexy, intriguing woman.

I scraped my bottom lip with my teeth, and his gaze followed the movement, his hand tightening over mine.

Another pulse of heat filled my core, and I barely restrained the gasp rising in my throat.

“What kind of challenge?” I asked, shocked at my coyness.

He grinned, taking a step backward toward the dance floor and holding my hand up like he was a duke at a Victorian ball.

The dance floor? He wanted to dance with me? Was he crazy? But something about him told me that this was just as uncharacteristic for him as it was for me.

Or maybe it wasn’t. Maybe this was just a game for him. Maybe he bartended weddings every weekend and met all kinds of women. Maybe he picked one every night and looked at her the same way he was looking at me now. He was certainly hot and charming enough to pull it off.

The flood of disappointment and jealousy made me stumble.

He stopped, concern filling his eyes, and leaned in close, his lips next to my ear. “I will never ask you for what you aren’t willing to give, Cinderella.” Then he added, “Like your Netflix password.”

I couldn’t stop my giggle. I was sure the strong drink I’d just downed wasn’t helping.

Despite his joke, he was solemn when he said, “If you’d rather not do this, just say the word.”

His breath was hot on my neck, and a wave of desire rolled through me. All I could think was that I wanted to be in Dylan’s arms. I wanted to touch his chest and feel his body against mine. I wanted this as much as he did.

“No,” I said as I pulled back to look into his amber eyes. “I want to dance with you.”

It occurred to me that I’d have no good explanation if Blue or Lee saw me. Especially if I was dancing with the bartender. But when Dylan looked at me like that, his mouth just inches from mine, he filled my every thought. I wanted to dance with him, and to my surprise, the potential of getting caught added a little thrill. A slow smile tugged at his lips—very kissable lips—and I resisted the urge to close the distance and see what he tasted like. Because we were playing a game of seduction, and I very, very much wanted to be seduced.

***

Release Blitz + Review: "Baby Maker" by M.L. Broome

I'm pleased to take part in today's release blitz celebrating the publication of "Baby Maker" by M.L. Broome, a standalone Cocky Hero Club novel inspired by "British Bedmate."

"Baby Maker" was a sweet, heartwarming story of finding love after loss that managed to deal with several highly emotional subjects in a relatively upbeat manner. I loved the instant connection, witty banter, and intense chemistry between widow Calliope "Calli" Webster and Dr. Keegan Russo, the specialist Calli consulted for help when she decided that the best way to move forward and honor her late husband's memory was to fulfill their dream of having children. Calli and Keegan became friends very quickly, and while they both obviously wanted more, they held back because of professional concerns on Keegan's side as well as their respective baggage in regards to relationships. They eventually gave into their feelings, but it was difficult for Calli in particular to let go of the past. She wasn't willing to settle for less than what she'd had with her late husband, Nigel, but what if she wasn't capable of loving someone else the way she had loved him?

 

Overall, I loved "Baby Maker" and highly recommend it for all fans of emotional contemporary romance. It was the first book I've ever 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 "Baby Maker"

Calliope:

I believe in love. Or I did until my husband died.

Now, I believe in surviving this world without him.

I have a plan mapped out for the rest of my life, and it doesn’t involve a man. I’ve been down that road, and I’m not willing to risk my heart again.

Not even for the devastatingly handsome and charming Dr. Keegan Russo, who also happens to be one hell of a kisser.

My head has plans, but what happens when my heart can’t say no?

Keegan:

Hot as hell sex with no strings attached. That’s my credo.

It works, too, until she walks into my office.

Calliope. A young widow with totally different priorities than me.

There’s no future for us, but I can’t stay away, either.

For the first time, I want something complicated and messy, and I want it with her.

But that means breaking the promise I made her on the day we met.

Baby Maker is a love after loss/forbidden romance inspired by British Bedmate. 

 

Review: "Friends with Benedicts" by Staci Hart

Congratulations to Staci Hart on today's release of "Friends with Benedicts," her latest small town romantic comedy. It's a follow up to "Bet the Farm" (which I loved) featuring one of that book's secondary characters, but reads as a complete standalone.

 

"Friends with Benedicts" was the perfect blend of humor, heat, and light angst, featuring endearing, sympathetic characters and an engaging plot. I loved the flirty, witty banter between main characters Presley Hale and Sebastian Vargas, who rekindled their romance shortly after Presley and her young daughter moved to the small Texas town where she'd spent her summers in high school. With Sebastian planning to leave for a Peace Corps mission in Africa at the end of the summer, they knew that their time together was limited. However, after meeting Presley's daughter Priscilla and learning the secret that Presley had been waiting to share with him since the last time they saw each other, Sebastian realized that his future path might not be as clear as he thought it was.

The time Sebastian and Presley spent together sometimes seemed to have a bittersweet quality to it, as if they were trying to store up memories for the future when they would no longer be together. They obviously cared deeply for one another and each wanted the other to be happy; while I understood and appreciated how that played into Presley's efforts not to influence Sebastian's decision about leaving for Africa, it sometimes frustrated me that she wouldn't just come out and tell him what was in her heart. That led to several critical miscommunications between them, but fortunately, with the help of their family and friends, everything turned out right in the end.

 

Presley's daughter Priscilla was just as much of a scene-stealer in this story as she was in "Bet the Farm," when she first began demanding "monies" from adults who said a bad word. I loved Priscilla's sweet relationship with Sebastian and his family, who were wrapped around her little finger almost as soon as they met her. Presley's cousins Daisy, Poppy, and Jo were also a lot of fun, and I'm looking forward to getting to know them better in Jo's book this fall.

Overall, I loved "Friends with Benedicts" and highly recommend it for fans of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. I look forward to Staci Hart's next release.

 

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

 

 

About "Friends with Benedicts"

Timing is everything.

Presley Hale and Sebastian Vargas are no strangers to goodbye. Their high school summers were spent wrapped up in each other until she would inevitably go home to California. One season after college, Sebastian finally escaped the little Texas town to travel the world, and they said goodbye for what they thought might be the last time.
Sebastian went one way. Presley went the other.

For the first time in five years, they’re both in town, but the timing is no better than ever. So the only thing to do is what they do best. Keep it casual.

Friends with benefits.

They’ve done it before—doing it again will be easy.

But their hearts don’t get the memo.

When the lines of their arrangement blur, Presley and Sebastian are faced with decisions they’ve avoided for years. And that’s not even their biggest problem.
A small town in danger of failing.

A secret that could tear them apart.

And two hearts that can’t hide anymore.

They’ve shared so many summers, but none compare to what they’ll face.

Timing is everything.
And their time is almost up. 

Blog Tour + Review: "Fall Hard" by Laurelin Paige and Kayti McGee

I'm delighted to take part in the blog tour celebrating the release of "Fall Hard" by Laurelin Paige and Kayti McGee, episode #3 of the Dating Season series. Each installment builds on the events of the previous ones and follows the same main character, so IMO it's best to read these novellas in order.

 

As "Fall Hard" began, main character Chloe had decided to take a break from dating in order to focus on the launch of her new pottery business, Mae'd with Love. Her newfound resolve was tested when she met a handsome bearded artist and ended up sharing a booth with him at her first craft show. At first, Ryan seemed like he could be her perfect match, but it wasn't long before doubts started to creep in and Chloe realized that Ryan wasn't as perfect as he initially seemed. Besides that, a fight with her best friend, Charlotte, made Chloe realize that she wasn't quite as over her crush on her roommate, Austin, as she'd thought she was.

This story was even funnier than the first two! I couldn't help laughing at Chloe's inner monologue and the crazy situations she somehow managed to get herself into. I also enjoyed the continued evolution of the dynamic between Chloe and Austin. I've been rooting for them to end up together since the beginning of the series, and Austin's behavior in this episode really made it seem as if he secretly returned her feelings. The sandwich-making lesson he gave Chloe was so loaded with heat and innuendo that it's a miracle the two of them didn't spontaneously combust and start a kitchen fire!

Overall, I loved "Fall Hard" and highly recommend it for fans of chick lit and romantic comedy. I can't wait to find out what happens in episode #4!

 

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

 

 

About "Fall Hard"

They say autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go… but I’m keeping Ryan’s beard.

Past Chloe has a lot to answer for. She’s made a number of questionable decisions, but drunkenly turning Ryan down on a dating app? Currently top of my list.

I love fall most of all, but oh my gourd, Ryan’s beard is fast becoming a close second.

Luckily, he’s ready to give me a second chance. We have everything in common, from art to weird history facts to the correct opinions about Titanic. And boy, does he know how to pumpkin spice it up in the bedroom.

We could easily be the cutest new couple in Boulder… if we ever leave his place.

Episode three of six in the hilarious, steamy Dating Season. 

 

Release Blitz + Review: "Our Kind of Love" by Kait Nolan

I'm pleased to join today's release blitz promoting the publication of "Our Kind of Love" by Kait Nolan, book #2 of the Men of the Misfit Inn series. It was the first book I've ever read by Ms. Nolan, and while it mostly worked as a standalone, there were a fair number of characters from previous books and series set in the same town who made appearances in this one. Some of their relationships were a bit confusing for me at first, as was the genesis of the Misfit Inn itself. For that reason, there are certain aspects of this book that readers already familiar with Nolan's work are likely to appreciate more than I did. I still enjoyed it, but a brief prologue or something to explain the Inn's background would have been super helpful here IMO.

"Our Kind of Love" was a sweet second chance romance between rising country music star Kyle Keenan and his childhood best friend Abbey Whittaker, who hadn't spoken in nearly a decade because of a failed elopement attempt. However, after being blindsided in a live interview and blurting out that he and Abbey were engaged, Kyle rushed back to his small Tennessee hometown of Eden's Ridge to try and explain everything to Abbey before she found out from another source. Reluctantly, Abbey agreed to go along with the fake engagement until the media lost interest in them, but secretly, Kyle hoped to use the opportunity to convince her that they were still meant to be together. Unfortunately, the past wasn't quite finished throwing obstacles in their path, and the truth of what had happened between them ten years ago wasn't the only thing standing in the way of their happily ever after.
 

I loved Abbey and Kyle as a couple, and even though their relationship moved quickly, I truly believed in the strength of their feelings for each other. It was obvious that they still knew each other inside and out, and I appreciated how supportive they were of each other. Even though Abbey was hurt and humiliated by what had happened between them ten years earlier, she not only stepped up to help Kyle, she defended him fiercely to their family and friends when they criticized him for staying away for so long or accused him of using Abbey to protect his career. In return, Kyle did whatever he could to help Abbey and her family, and his relationship with her grandfather was very sweet.

Overall, "Our Kind of Love" was a sweet, heartwarming story that sometimes packed an emotional punch, but was ultimately incredibly satisfying. I recommend it for all contemporary romance readers and will plan to pick up more books by this author in the future.

 

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

 

 

About "Our Kind of Love"

One of Nashville’s fastest rising stars, Kyle Keenan has it all—fame, fans, and a chance at fortune. But the dream he’s busted his tail for means nothing without the woman who holds his heart. With her sassy smile and pull-no-punches attitude, Abbey is his greatest love—and his greatest regret. When he’s confronted in a live TV interview about alleged involvement with a country music starlet, Kyle blurts out he’s already engaged…to Abbey.

Abbey Whittaker has come a long way from the starry-eyed six-year-old who made a marriage pact with her best friend. With a thriving business, a loving family, and a tight-knit group of friends, she’s put away childish things. She long ago banished Kyle from her life, so the last thing she expects is him walking through her door or the blistering kiss that follows.

Kyle is desperate to convince Abbey that a fake engagement is the best way to get the media off her back—and his. And it just might give him a chance to fix what he destroyed. Even as these two frenemies remember all the reasons they wanted to be lovers, another blast from Kyle’s past returns, threatening to expose the secret he’s spent his entire career hiding.

When truths come to light, will love conquer all or will Kyle lose everything?