Blog Tour & Book Review: You Promised Me Forever by Monica Murphy

You Promised Me Forever

by Monica Murphy
Series: Forever Yours #1
Genre: New Adult Romance
Release Date: August 29th, 2018

Blurb: 

I’ve got it all, they say. I’m the starting quarterback for the best NFL team in the league. I’m rich. I’m famous. I can have any woman I want, any time I want.

Yeah, I’ve got everything—except for the one who got away. How do you move on from loving the same girl since you were in the seventh grade? She promised me forever until forever got too hard and at nineteen, she dumped me.

By text message.

Now she’s walked back into my life. Just as beautiful. Just as sweet. Just as smart. More grown up and incredibly sexy…

We’re older now. Supposedly wiser. This time, I’m going to fight for what I want, no matter how hard it gets.

This time, I’m going to make her mine.

Forever.

Buy now:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2vIZhKg
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2Be2LcL
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2BmHaiK
iBooks: https://apple.co/2BeFEz0



Excerpt:

Jordan
Of course, I’m not going to shake Amanda’s hand.
Instead I grab hold of it, that unmistakable jolt of electricity sparking when our skin connects, just like every other time we’ve touched. I pull her to me and wrap her up in my arms because I can. I’m the one who offered up the tickets so I could…what? Show off? Let her know exactly how great my life is?
I can’t lie. My life is pretty damn great. I have everything I could ever want—except for one thing.
“Hi Jordan,” she breathes against my neck, and I swear she melts into me a little. Like she can’t help herself. Like we somehow still fit together even after all these years.
Either she got smaller or I grew bigger since the last time I touched her, and I’m guessing it’s the latter. She smells familiar, yet different. Better. I recognize the scent of her shampoo, but nothing else. Her hair is longer. Thick. Dark and wavy, up in a ponytail and a little disheveled, like she’s had a long day. Her body is curvier, something teenaged Amanda would’ve never believed could happen. She still has those sexy long legs, though.
Finally, she pulls away from me, her lips curled, her eyes sparkling, nervousness written all over her face, and I watch her carefully in return, my expression as neutral as I can make it. Honestly, I’m still a little pissed over that garbage game we just played, and I’m tense like I usually am after. Her understanding gaze meets mine and I know she knows what I’m feeling. We’ve always been in tune with each other…
She’s my Mandy, all grown up. But not my Mandy anymore.

About the author:

Monica Murphy is the New York Times, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of the One Week Girlfriend series, the Billionaire Bachelors and The Rules series. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and has sold over one million copies worldwide. She is both self-published and published by Random House/Bantam and Harper Collins/Avon. She writes new adult, young adult and contemporary romance.

She is a wife and a mother of three who lives in central California on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere along with their one dog and too many cats. A self-confessed workaholic, when she's not writing, she's reading or hanging out with her husband and kids. She's a firm believer in happy endings, though she will admit to putting her characters through angst-filled moments before they finally get that hard won HEA.

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My review:

I felt like meeting my high school crush again after many years. I was that giddy and excited to see Jordan and Amanda again!

YAY!! More of Jordan Tuttle!!! I can’t even tell you how excited I was to get my hands on this book!! I fell in love with the characters in the Forever Series – no matter how much drama went down. It was a teenage romance so what else did I expect?! Anyway, now they are all grown up and six years had passed!! Wait! What?! Six years?! Oh my… I was a little bit shocked to that news because what the hell happened after the last book ended that so many years had passed?! Well, as it turned out, Amanda broke up with Jordan because their lives just took different paths, what with them being at college and him playing football and being famous. So it’s understandable that it was a tough time for them to adjust to so many changes in their lives and at the same time strengthen their relationship. Theirs obviously didn’t survive, so Amanda made the decision for both of them and broke up with him via text!

'He was totally my fist. Not my last though. He promised me forever and that so didn't happen.'

I was in love with the story and its characters. And no matter the imperfections, it's a perfect ending - very cute and fitting for their love story which started in the forever series.

The Story:

They haven’t seen each other for six years, but he’s everywhere. Wherever Amanda goes, there’s Jordan, the one she let go of so long ago. He’s famous and his life is so much different than hers. She has always been just the normal next-door kind of girl. People wouldn’t believe that they had been in love once. But that was their story. Though now it doesn’t seem to be the end of it. Does fate give them a second chance?

'I broke up with him. What the hell was wrong with me?'

Thoughts:

I was very curious as to what happened afterwards. But sadly, except for a few explanations on what went down, there was no deeper insight on how they lived through the break up, how they really handled and felt about it. I would have liked to know why or if he never even tried to contact her after her text.

What bothered me a little bit was that after they reconnected in this book, it felt as if no time at all had passed. Their feelings were as strong as ever and I never felt as if they led a different life in the last six years. Did they not grow up? Did they not change at all? Was there never another person in their lives? How could they just start were they left off? Of course they changed and lived and had people in their lives but it just felt as if life didn't go on and was not important without them being together. Which is very romantic when you think about it, but it was missing the realistic feel. I needed some more explanations and more reservation from both sides. Except for Amanda's insecurities, everything else happened very quickly in this fast paced story.

They should have needed to get to know each other again in my opinion because usually people change especially with the famous life Jordan led. How did it not feel like six years but only a couple of weeks or months had passed? I was a little bit bothered by how easy they made it seem to reconnect. Don’t get me wrong, I loved that they reconnected and I was really giddy about them seeing each other again but it just did not feel right the way it happened and I wondered how they even survived the past six years?! How did they not get in touch sooner but wait so long when they were still thinking about each other all the time?!

'All those old insecurities come rolling back, forcing me to remember how different we are.'

Amanda acted selfish and was very indecisive in the first half of this book which I really didn’t like. She used the people around her and I was very disappointed how she behaved at times. Especially since she was supposed to be a grown up now and I expected something different to the prior series where her and Jordan’s story originally began. There didn't seem to be a lot of development in regards to the time between the last book and this one. The characters felt at times as if they were still their teenage selves from the Forever Series which was a bit weird but at the same time had some familiarity.

'”T and W aren't too far away from each other in the alphabet, you know.”'

I absolutely loved the beginning and the ending. There were some ups and downs in the story with Amanda not knowing what she wanted which annoyed me at times. The story moved very fast and wasn't deeply emotional but was a great story nonetheless. I just wish we got to know more about how they managed their lives with him being away so much with his career and stuff. Some things were only touched briefly but never elaborated or really picked up into the story. Like the paparazzi and famous stuff kind of things. It focused pretty much only on their feelings and reconnection.

You don’t need to have read the Forever Series to enjoy this book, although it’s where Amanda and Jordan’s story really began and it would be a shame to miss it, also because it surely gives a different feel to this book when you know their backgrounds and what they went through to be together. If you want to read it though you should definitely read it before starting this book.

-- I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book given by Social Butterfly PR. --

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
View review on goodreads

Cover Reveal: The Good Samaritan by RC Boldt

The Good Samaritan

by RC Boldt
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: September 18th, 2018

Cover Design: Cover Me Darling; Photo: James Critchley; Model: Charlie Garforth

Blurb:

The biggest story of her life is the one he wants to hide.

I’m homeless by choice.
I have no intention of returning to my former life after what I’ve done.
This—living among the filth and discarded remnants of others—is what I deserve.
As atonement for my sins, I give back; I help those who cannot help themselves. But it’s always under the guise of anonymity.
Newspaper headlines throughout the city are clamoring to discover my identity. Including the beautiful woman who manages to see through my “armor.”
She has the capability to put my entire life at risk.
 

 

 

Pre-order here:

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UK: https://amzn.to/2N9gmnw
CA: https://amzn.to/2N7LfII
AU: https://amzn.to/2PpSMEl
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Kobo: http://bit.ly/2N509zr
iBooks: https://apple.co/2whUEX9
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2BAmYtG

 

 

About the author:

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

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Release Blitz: Cinder Royal by Mila Crawford

Cinder Royal

A Fairytale Retelling
by Mila Crawford

Genre: Romance

Release Date: August 24th, 2018

 

Blurb:

 

I was royalty, a prince. I was expected to act a certain way, do certain things. But I wanted something more out of life.

I wanted love.

Then fate threw me a curve ball in the form of a gorgeous commoner, someone I shouldn’t marry because of how different our lives were, but she was the only woman I’d ever wanted.

From the moment I saw Cindy I knew she was the one.

My wife.
My Queen.
The woman I’d give my virginity to.

She didn’t see herself as worthy.
But Cindy was everything I’d ever wanted and more.

It was time I showed her that it didn’t matter where we were in life … to me she was all I needed.
To me she was Cinderella.

Warning: This is sugary sweet fairytale retelling with dual virgins who only want each other, and a happily ever after that is sure to give you a toothache..
 

 

Buy now:

Amazon - http://smarturl.it/CinderRoyalMC

 

 

Excerpt:

I took her to my penthouse apartment in the city, the closest place I could think of, and one that would give us privacy. I wanted her in my space, surrounded by my things, my scent.
After I’d gotten her a glass of wine and showed her around, we stood by the window for long moments, just staring at the city below. We talked about our families, what it was like being royalty, what it was like for her growing up.
It was perfect.
Turning toward her, I pulled her into my arms and held her for a moment, listening to her breath hitch as I wrapped my hands around her hips. She was soft and warm. Having Cindy, knowing she was mine, that I’d claim every inch of her tonight, was a heady, powerful feeling.
“Take me to your room,” she said softly after a few moments. I pulled back and looked into her eyes, my heart thundering at those words.
“You’re sure?”
She rose up on her toes and kissed me. “I’m sure,” she said against my mouth.
I took the lead, moving through my apartment, taking her to my room. The next time I was with her would be at the palace. But right now, this was perfect even if I wanted her to have so much more.
And I was more than fine with that.
I had her on the bed seconds later. She looked up at me, so much innocence and vulnerability on her face.
“I should have made this special for you, more romantic. I should have you on a bed of silk, your body primed before I devoured you.”
She gasped and closed her eyes.
“This is perfect because it’s what I want.”
I held in my groan of pleasure at the fact that I was about to finally have this beautiful woman, that I was about to give myself over to her … give her my virginity.
“It’s only you,” I whispered. “You’re the only one.”
She gasped again and I knew she was aware of what I meant.
“Alex,” she whispered, her pleasure clear in her voice and in her expression. A moment of silence passed before she licked her lips and glanced down. “You’re my first.”
My heart thundered at hearing her words, knowing that in this moment we’d both give ourselves to each other.
“Undress for me,” I said deeply, darkly. I watched as she got undressed, then stood there and stared at all her perfect flesh revealed. She was mine … only mine. I forced myself not to grab my cock and stroke the bastard, ease the ache that settled heavily between my legs.
My dick was hard, throbbing, my balls drawn up tight to my body.
Cindy breathed heavily, her breasts rising and falling softly, her nipples tight, hard. My mouth watered for a taste.
“Alex.” She whispered my name again and I groaned in pleasure.
“You have no fucking idea how much I want you.” I took a step forward and started getting undressed. I worked my belt free first, then went for the button of my pants. When I was out of my slacks and boxer briefs, I started unbuttoning my shirt. Damn all these fucking layers.

About the author:

Mila Crawford is a book lover and has been around them one way or another her whole life. She is a fan of happily ever afters, sassy heroines, over the top alphas, and most of all safe reads.

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Cover Reveal: Austin by Jeannine Colette and Lauren Runow

Austin: A Sexton Brothers Novel
by Jeannine Colette and Lauren Runow

Age Group: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: September 20th, 2018

Blurb:

Jalynn
I’m the girl who’s always picking up the pieces of other people’s mistakes.
Until tonight.
I accidently cause one false start, and now I’m being pulled into a guy’s car—who everyone only knows as Falcon—before an illegal street race.
He may not want anyone to truly know who he is, but he’s met his match.
Game on, Falcon.

Austin
People know I run these races.
They know not to mess with me, or my car.
When the identity of the girl who causes a false start is revealed, I have to make an example of her.
Letting her see who I am was never the plan.
Neither was running into her the next day as my brother’s new assistant.
She said she wanted nothing to do with me, but when I yank her into a janitor’s closet, making sure she keeps my secret is the last thing on my mind.
She may want more than my secrets, but my racing may be the last thing I try to hide.

 

 

Pre-order here:

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2BsaofQ 

 

 

About the authors:

Lauren Runow is the author of multiple Adult Contemporary Romance novels, some more dirty than others. When Lauren isn't writing, you'll find her listening to music, at her local CrossFit, reading, or at the baseball field with her boys. Her only vice is coffee, and she swears it makes her a better mom! Lauren is a graduate from the Academy of Art in San Francisco and is the founder and co-owner of the community magazine she and her husband publish. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons.

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Jeannine Colette is the author of the Abandon Collection - a series of stand-alone novels featuring dynamic heroines who have to abandon their reality in order to discover themselves . . . and love along the way. Each book features a new couple, exciting new city and a rose of a different color. A graduate of Wagner College and the New York Film Academy, Jeannine went on to become a Segment Producer for television shows on CBS and NBC. She left the television industry to focus on her children and pursue a full-time writing career. She lives in New York with her husband, the three tiny people she adores more than life itself, and a rescue pup named Wrigley. 

Jeannine and her family are active supporters of The March of Dimes and Strivright The Auditory-Oral School of New York.

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Release Blitz: Montana Wild by Vanessa Vale

Montana Wild

by Vanessa Vale

Genre: Western Romance

Release Date: August 23rd, 2018

 

Blurb:

Violet Miller is a teacher savoring her summer break until she's been called in as emergency reinforcements—of the dating kind. She volunteers to help an old flame by pretending to be his girlfriend. In Alaska. At a family reunion. Since the guy is a handsome, lumberjack-sized doctor she's never quite forgotten, faking a relationship won't be hard work—while wishing for more.

Mike Ostranski is a desperate man on vacation. His mother wants grandchildren and sees a crazy Alaskan woman as a candidate for daughter-in-law. Mike needs Violet by his side to deflect the lady's advances.

A week in Alaska as boyfriend and girlfriend should be easy for them. They grew up together, even had a brief fling. What could possibly go wrong?

NOTE: This is a M/F small town romance with heat!
 

 

 

Buy now:
Vanessa's Store → http://bit.ly/2MsRx9O
Amazon → https://amzn.to/2BzTbRV
iBooks → https://apple.co/2wiPdr3
Nook → http://bit.ly/2Li3U2X
Kobo → http://bit.ly/2MtYnf1
Google Play → http://bit.ly/2w6siQh

 

 

About the author: 

Vanessa Vale is the USA Today Bestselling author of over 30 books, sexy romance novels, including her popular Bridgewater historical romance series and hot contemporary romances featuring unapologetic bad boys who don’t just fall in love, they fall hard. When she’s not writing, Vanessa savors the insanity of raising two boys, is figuring out how many meals she can make with a pressure cooker, and teaches a pretty mean karate class. While she’s not as skilled at social media as her kids, she loves to interact with readers.

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Book Review: Happy Hour by Piper Rayne

Hilarious! I loved it!

The first quarter of the book was so funny and I absolutely loved it. It ventured off more into the romance part after that which I still liked a lot but I really loved the first part the most with the push and pull between the characters. I loved Hanna as well as Roarke. Both gave it to each other pretty good and didn't hold back on witty remarks. She was a strong female character who could definitely hold her own and who found a perfect counterpart in Roarke. I loved to see that he also had a vulnerable side though, because she thought that he was arrogant when in reality he was only this tough lawyer at work but a real charmer and sweetheart on the inside.

The Story:
Roarke was quick-witted and determined to win Hanna over. Though she rather ran in the opposite direction of her ex’s attorney; the man who robbed her of half her fortune for this cheating bastard. Will he ever be able to make her see beyond that? Is there a chance for them to get over the circumstances on how they met?

'The fucking bastard smiles like I just jerked him off until his cum dripped down my fingers like a melted ice cream cone.'

Thoughts:
Roarke's a lawyer through and through in everything he did which was actually really refreshing to read because it was different to all the characters who usually rarely act in a way that lets you guess their profession.

He was actually really sweet. Who would have thought? And I liked how he took care of everything to show Hanna that he didn't need her money and only wanted her for herself. Obviously, he had a way with words and I was surprised that he wasn't anything close to what I imagined him to be.
He was thorough in what he did and seemed like to have a plan for everything. He surely liked to be in control of any situation but he still let Hanna have her freedom and voice instead of pushing his way on her, he was only nudging her in the direction. =P

'Mr. Baldwin wants to play, I can fucking play. The most arrogant predator always underestimate their prey.'

Roarke didn't have it easy with a strong and independent woman like Hanna who got hurt and betrayed by her ex-husband. Naturally, she was suspicious and comparing his actions to her ex-husband’s and wondered if she could really trust a man ever again.

'He's the devil in the gray suit and if I don't treat carefully, I'm likely to forget it.'

There was a glimpse into the next series at the end of the book but I only read what was part of Hanna's story because I never read sneak peeks of upcoming books. I just prefer to read the full book when it's out and I'm definitely going to read them.

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

View review on goodreads

Cover Reveal: Dirty Headlines by L.J. Shen

 Dirty Headlines

by L.J. Shen
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: September 7th, 2018 

Cover designer: Letitia Hasser, RBA Designs; Model: Lucas Loyola; Photographer: Leandro Franco

 

Blurb:

Célian Laurent.
Manhattan royalty.
Notorious playboy.
Heir to a media empire.
…And my new boss.

I could have impressed him, if not for last month’s unforgettable one-night stand.
I left it with more than orgasms and a pleasant memory—namely, his wallet.

Now he’s staring me down like I’m the dirt under his Italian loafers, and I’m supposed to take it.
But the thing about being Judith “Jude” Humphry is I have nothing to lose.

Brooklyn girl.
Infamously quirky.
Heir to a stack of medical bills and a tattered couch.

When he looks at me from across the room, I see the glint in his eyes, and that makes us rivals.

He knows it.
So do I.

Every day in the newsroom is a battle.
Every night in his bed, war.

But it’s my heart at stake, and I fear I’ll be raising the white flag.

 

About the author:

L.J. Shen is an International #1 best-selling author of Contemporary Romance and New Adult novels. She lives in Northern California with her husband, young son and chubby cat.

Before she’d settled down, L.J. (who thinks referring to herself in the third person is really silly, by the way) traveled the world, and collected friends from all across the globe. Friends who’d be happy to report that she is a rubbish companion, always forgets people's’ birthdays and never sends Christmas cards.

She enjoys the simple things in life, like spending time with her family and friends, reading, HBO, Netflix and internet-stalking Stephen James. She reads between three to five books a week and firmly believes Crocs shoes and mullets should be outlawed.

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Blog Tour & Book Review: Dirty, Reckless Love by Lexi Ryan

Dirty, Reckless Love

by Lexi Ryan 
Series: The Boys of Jackson Harbor #3
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance
Release Date: August 14th, 2018 

 

Synopsis:

I’m in love with a man who tried to kill me. At least that’s what they tell me . . .

Six weeks ago, paramedics found me unconscious in my own home. Beaten. Bruised. Hardly breathing. When I woke up, I couldn’t remember the last three years or anything about my life in Jackson Harbor. They tell me my fiancé, Colton McKinley, is on the run for what he did to me. They tell me I’m safer if I stay away.

I don’t care if my memories ever come back. I want nothing to do with those missing years . . . until a sexy stranger with angry eyes shows up on my doorstep and demands I stop ignoring him.

Levi Jackson is my fiancé’s best friend, but seeing him sparks something inside me. As the truth unravels in my mind, I know they’re wrong about Colton. My own secrets are far more dangerous than the man I was engaged to.

I return to Jackson Harbor to search for answers and find myself running from a faceless boogeyman and seeking refuge in Levi’s arms. And in his bed.

I can’t deny my feelings for Levi. But as the pile of lies between us grows, I realize that sometimes the truth can’t set us free. It may be the very thing that could destroy us.

Buy now:

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2MrKbyR
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2w4Lflo
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2w1f9qJ
iBooks: https://apple.co/2K8zmos
B&N: http://bit.ly/2yKrC6T
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2MsFogH
GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/DRLGPlay

Excerpt:

The man searches my face. “That’s why you won’t come home. You’re afraid of Colton.”

“I don’t want anything to do with that life.”

He exhales heavily and rolls his shoulders back, as if he’s trying to shake off a ghost. “That’s not fair to the rest of us. To everyone who loves you, everyone who was sick with worry when they put you into that coma. Not. Fucking. Fair.”

I shrug. “Maybe losing a child and almost dying has made me a little selfish.”

His gaze drifts down to my stomach, and I cover it with my hand without thinking. “I’m sorry about the baby.”

I nod, tears springing to my eyes. “Me too.” So sorry.

“I understand if you want to live here now, but don’t cut us out. We all lost something that night.”

“Did you?”

He narrows his eyes. “You think I didn’t care? That this was all some game to me, and losing you was nothing?”

I wrap my arms around my chest, as if the pressure might weaken this force pulling me toward him by the solar plexus, this inexplicable need to be closer and let him wrap me in his arms. “Losing me? When was I ever yours to lose?”

He jerks his gaze away from me, slides off his stool, and downs the rest of his beer. “Thanks. I guess that clears up where we stand after everything.”

I open my mouth to apologize but swallow the words and meet his steady gaze.

Then he backs away and grabs his bags off the bar. He pulls an envelope from his pocket and hands it to me. “I was going to leave this for you with the barista next door, but I guess I can save myself the trouble.”

“What is it?” I ask, staring at the crisp black calligraphy that reads Ellie Courdrey.

“An invitation to Ava and Jake’s wedding. Despite what you seem to think of me, I’m not fucking my future sister-in-law.”

“Their wedding?”

He nods. “They thought about canceling after everything, but . . .” He stares at me for a long beat. “They decided to put love first.”

That feels like a jab. At me? At them? I don’t know. “I don’t want to go back there.”

“Maybe it’s not always about what you want.” He shrugs as if it’s no different to him either way, but I can tell by the tension in his shoulders that it matters a lot.

He steps forward—too close—and I let him, closing my eyes at his scent. Then a flash.

He’s over me. The weight of him presses into my hips, his calloused hands holding my face, his fingers in my hair. “You’re sure?”

I nod. Slide my hands down his back and lift my hips. “Yes. Please.”

He searches my eyes. “No regrets.”

I hold on to the memory of this man, wanting to examine it, to figure out what it means, but I’m too distracted by his closeness in this moment. He’s big. Strong. Warm.

He lowers his mouth to my ear. “I never stopped loving you. Even when you told me to. Even when you chose him.” And then he walks away.

About the author:

Lexi Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of emotional romance that sizzles. Lexi is the 2018 winner of the Romance Writers of America® RITA® award for Best Long Contemporary Romance. She considers herself the luckiest girl around to make a living through storytelling. She loves spending time with her crazy kids, weightlifting, ice cream, swoony heroes, and vodka martinis.
Lexi lives in Indiana with her husband, two children, and a spoiled dog. You can find her at her website: www.lexiryan.com

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 My review:

I liked this book a lot and it was hard to put down most of the time. I especially loved how it started because it pulled me right in, but Ellie was anything else than the woman introduced at first (though who could blame her with all that happened).

The story jumped from the past to the present (before and after the incident) every few chapters and told parts of the past every time when Ellie remembered them. After a while I could have done with a few less chapters but was captured again when the story picked up its pace.

The characters have been already introduced in the previous book where a huge secret was discovered. Obviously this caused a lot of trouble along the road in this story as well.

The Story:

Ellie barely survived an attack that's being said was done by her fiancé. Without memory of what happened to her and by whom, without evidence found and with her fiancé missing, there's no telling who attacked her and why.

But Ellie lost more than just her memory and life after her attack turned into a whirlwind of emotions and discoveries when a certain sexy stranger sparks more than just unknown feelings in her.

Thoughts:

I was torn about my feelings for Colton the entire time. It was like a rollercoaster. I disliked him at first but loved him after, then I got annoyed and later really pissed at him. At the end I couldn't help but feel sorry though. But yeah, he wasn't the hero in this story.

Levi was introduced as the bad boy, too bad for Ellie, though I never saw anything bad about him and wished we got more of his dark side. Especially because I was looking forward to see him in action on a motorbike since he was first introduced in the previous books but sadly there was nothing.

I love the boys of Jackson Harbor but as amazing as the first book was, I couldn't help but miss seeing more of the family and their togetherness in this story.

I liked Levi but the romance came too short in this book. It was mostly about Ellie and what happened to her, which was still very interesting and capturing. Closer to the end there was even some suspense but you won't find deep emotions or lots of love in this book (in case you need those in your HEA).

It was partly even very tense and I can honestly say that some things took me by surprise. Especially the ending! Who would have seen that coming? I could have never guessed, no matter my assumption, on what happened or rather why it happened to Ellie. Hat's off to the author for keeping me guessing till the end.

I wasn't in love with the characters but it was a great book nonetheless. It revealed some new secrets and confirmed some of my suspicions and now I can't wait for the next one.

Although each book is about a different couple, it's recommended to read them in order because especially from the second book on, the story of the secondary or coming characters continuous throughout the series and you wouldn't want to miss the details leading to the next drama.

-- I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book given by Social Butterfly PR. --

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
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Release Blitz: Lachlan's Protégé by V.F. Mason

Lachlan's Protégé
by V.F. Mason
Genre: Dark Romance

Release Date: August 15th, 2018

Blurb: 

She never knew nightmares.
Until she became mine.

She was a ballerina.
He was a serial killer.

She ran away from him.
He caught her.

She begged for mercy.
He gave her none.

She was an angel.
He was a monster.

She wanted to escape.
He wanted to destroy her.

They were at war.

And only one of them would win.

 

Buy now:

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2nmJVGV

Free with Kindle Unlimited

About the author:

V.F.Mason always loved reading books and had quite a few fights with her momma over the genre she liked (romance, duh!) She studied filmmaking and thought that would feed her desire for stories, but that didn’t happen. Finally, when she was tired of all those voices in her head, she sat down and wrote a book. It was a huge decision to make and she thanks her friends and family for supporting her in it. When she is not writing, she can be found with her friends doing all sorts of crazy things or reading recent romance books that were written by her favorite authors.

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Book Review: Flip Trick by Amo Jones

I wasn’t sure what to make or think of this book. I wasn’t even sure if I was going to read it but then I thought, hey, it’s Amo Jones. So, clearly I had to read it because who wants to miss out on her book?! Not me for sure. Lucky me, I won this book in her FB group too =)

'They're the devil's work, and I don't sin. Much. Today. Well, since last night. Hail Mary full of grace...'

So, in the end, this one was a tough nut to crack. Amo's books are always a surprise as I never know what to expect. They are unique with crazy ass characters which I love but want to strangle at the same time. She creates a crazy that's fucking addictive. This one wasn’t like her other books though, but special in a way nonetheless.

'Who needs normal, anyway. Normal never makes history.'

This book had me up and down the pipe. Haha! It started out really good although I had to get accustomed to a different setting as I was used to so far from the author’s recent books.
Amethyst, the main character was a real gem. She didn't give a flying fuck about anyone and lived in her own private little world and was oblivious to the people looking at her in envy or lust. Her bubble was burst by Maddox who she soon found out was her stepbrother. This was never a real issue in this story though but there was still one drama and mess following the other. At times I wasn't sure if they really were in college or still in high school with all the drama going on.

'She's effortlessly herself, a 'fuck what you think' in a small five-foot two little body with pink hair.'

I was torn between liking the story and getting annoyed at the repeats of Amethyst’s thoughts and her and Maddox break-ups and constant fights. It felt like turning in a circle and the time jumps in the story just added to all the drama because there was one after the other and no room to take a calming breath. The constant back and forth was just tiring. They had a love-hate-relationship going or maybe it was just fate that didn't want them together.

'People have always said how if you put Maddox and I into the same room together, the universe feels as though it stops. We had that undeniable pull toward each other. When we were together, it was our world, everyone else merely existed in it.'

I generally liked the story but I thought at first that there wasn't much to it and got a bit bored throughout. Later on though there was one thing happening after the other and I felt that some things were just too convenient and too strange a coincidence to feel natural to me.

'She's cute as shit when she's blushing, but deadly when she's trying not to blush. She's a rebel without a cause, and her soul is fucking reckless, but I want it. I want all of it and her.'

I liked Maddox and also his brothers but I didn't always like their actions and reactions in certain situations. When something happened that they didn't like, they always punished their loved ones to the maximum. But when it was the other way around, they just got mad that the other person didn't understand their reasons. I like strong men but they were a bit too self-centered and worried and cared too much about their own stuff.

'Maddox, the possessive overprotector. The guy who'd stand over anything that belonged to him with his teeth bared.'

At times I got so angry and mad at the characters but that's something I'm already used to because the author has the ability to create characters that bring out the worst in me. =P *devilish grin*

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

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Book Review: False Perceptions by Michelle Heard

This was an unexpectedly emotional story. I was in tears a lot and almost always teary eyed in between with all the palpable tension and raw emotions.

'"Every day I live is in honor of you because a simple thank you will never be enough."'

I loved Team Creed. They were awesome individuals who fought against the bad guys to keep the good people safe. They risked their lives to rid the world of the scum of the earth. They were men of honor, courage and selflessness - true heroes in what they did without the world even knowing about it.

Emilie Swanson was a strong character who had just herself to rely on. That was something she only learned late on in life after going through lots of disappointments and betrayals from people she thought would love her and she could count on. But as strong as she might have been, she was too stubborn for her own good and didn't recognize bad intentions until it was too late and already hurting her.

'Five men showed me that honor is still alive and beating strong in their chests.'

The book was mostly from Hayden and Emilie's POV with rather short chapters which gave the story a good flow. The story had a great pace whether in suspenseful situations or normal every day kind of scenes. This was one of the books I couldn’t put down and almost read in one sitting.

I was very emotional during this read which was unexpected because I just didn't think the author would take this route and put me through the wringer like that.
Although I loved the book it was so heartbreaking that I wished the story had different outcomes for some characters, but it is what it is and it wouldn't be as great if it was different. Just hold your loved ones close and keep some tissues at hand.
I literally wrote a note on my kindle at some point, beginning and praying because I really wanted the author to change something that was just too painful for my soul.

'A devastating moment like this becomes a live tattoo embedded under your skin. It becomes the air you breathe. It makes all light blinding. Every dark shadow is filled with the soul-shattering silence of words that will never be spoken.'

Not everything was perfect, especially when I thought farther ahead or deeper into the meaning and reasons behind some actions (i.e. the stuff with her father), but it was never in a ridiculous way and always logical enough.

I loved Hayden’s character and I loved that Rhett, one of my favorite people from the Screw Crew and Evie, Hayden's daughter, were (obviously) also part of this story.

'Dave, Axel, Mike, and Max were my family forged by trusting each other with our lives. I never doubted that they would always have my back. They were the only four men I allowed to stand behind me. I trusted no one else to have my six.'

I don't really know what else to say because I enjoyed it so much I would only ramble about my love for this book and my excitement about the coming one. Let me just say that although it was deeply heartbreaking, I was glad that it wasn't all destroying and gave me hope in the end.

PS: I absolutely loved the author's note at the end of the book.

-- I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book given by the author. --

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

View review on goodreads

Cover Reveal: Against All Odds by Tracie Delaney

Against All Odds

by Tracie Delaney
Series: The Brook Brothers #2
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance / Enemies to Lovers
Release Date: October 10th, 2018

Cover Model: Forest Harrison; Photography: Wander Aguiar - Wander Book Club; Cover Designer: Tiffany @ T.E. Black Designs

Blurb:

She’s trouble—with a capital T.
Not that it matters.
If she wants a war, she’ll get one.

Calum Brook is happy with his lot until Laurella Ricci, a smart, sassy know-it-all bursts into his perfect life and blows it apart.

Sure, he’s territorial. He’s earned the right to be. This pretender might think she has the upper hand, but he will come out the victor.

Laurella has spent the last six years clawing her way up the corporate ladder. Her latest challenge is exactly what she needs to forget her past, and Calum Brook, with his runway-model good looks and hostile attitude isn’t going to chase her away.

She’s survived worse than him… a lot worse. She’ll weather this storm too.

Let the battle commence!

Preorder here:
Amazon: www.smarturl.it/AgainstAllOddsBB2

 

 

 About the author:

Tracie Delaney writes contemporary romance novels that centre around strong characters and real life problem with, of course, a perfect Happy Ever After ending.

When she isn’t writing or sitting around with her head stuck in a book, she can often be found watching The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones or any tennis match, especially those involving Roger Federer. Her greatest fear is running out of coffee.

Tracie lives in the North West of England with her amazingly supportive husband and her two crazy Westie puppies, Cooper and Murphy. Any tips on stopping them chewing the furniture would be gratefully received.

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Book Review: Wild Card by Ava Ashley

I loved this book. It was unique in a certain way because even though there are tons of dating shows on TV, it's quite a change to read about one in a book. And it wasn't just about entertainment, though the dating show was just a means to an end for the characters to find back to each other. It just took a while for them to warm up which wasn't surprising after all, considering their pasts and current circumstances. It was highly entertaining and by the time when H and h were finally getting closer, I adored the characters and was swooning over Rafe. =P

I really liked the emotional aspect and that the characters had to work to find to each other again as there was no possibility to pick up where they’d left off, because so much had happened in between.

For no apparent reason did I not expect for the dating show to run through the entire book, however, it turned out pretty amazing actually, although it was a slow burn and went at a rather leisurely pace.

The Story:
Rafe was preparing for the fight he's been waiting for a long time, but when a motorcycle accident forces him to slow down on his training, his manager persuades him to participate in a dating show. After all, it can't be that bad to have a bunch of beautiful women flirt with him and compete for him. What he didn't expect though, is to come face to face with the woman who left him six years ago. The one he went to jail for and never thought to see again. This show became a lot more irritating with her appearance. How the hell will he get through the next few weeks?

'I'd know her anywhere, any time, even after six years. At the sight of her, the floor drops out from under me and ice water fills my stomach. Pain hits my chest like a two-thousand-pound wrecking ball.'

Thoughts:
The characters were likeable and the story realistically and very well written; it was hard to put the book down.
I absolutely loved all the details we got about Rafe's passion MMA. I’m not one for any kind of violent sport, but felt oddly fascinated by it in this book.

Rafe was a fighter and physically very tough, but his heart still ached because of Lily. She hurt him and broke his heart which made him even more wary about opening up to other people.

'The only girl I ever had a real relationship with, a monogamous relationship, is here. The only girl I ever let hurt me. And she broke me, badly.'

I rooted for Rafe although sometimes I wanted to give him a push to his luck, but I understood why he was guarded and I was thankful that he got his time to heal and wasn't rushed into anything by the author.

'With his stance, his personality, his bulging muscle, he's like a god. A very angry god. His dark eyes scan the line of woman and stop on me. I stare right back at his cold eyes like we're strangers. Because we are now. We're nothing to each other. Except that, once upon a long fucking time ago, we were everything to each other.'

I really enjoyed this book a lot despite its slow pace. It felt like watching a dating show in slow motion but maybe that was just because I read rather slowly.

In such an environment it kind of had to be expected for Rafe to have fun with other women and this was something I usually do not like in a romance book. I know there’s always a past with other people but as soon as the heroine comes back in the picture, there shouldn’t be another woman. I don’t want to give anything away and won’t tell you if something happened in the book or not, it’s just that the thought alone that there could be someone else during this show was frustrating and had me on the edge every time he was near another contestant.

Honestly, I was no fan of Lily for a long while at first because it felt like she wanted Rafe back because of his fame and money. She was so desperate for him and it felt so off, but I warmed up to her later on.

I really liked the secondary characters though. They all added a lot to the story, and not just the contestants but also Quentin, Rafe's manager.

This book is highly recommended not only because it’s an entertaining up-to-date romance and the best alternative to watching TV =)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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Book Review: Protecting Caroline by Susan Stoker

Now, don't get me wrong, I devoured this book and thoroughly enjoyed reading this fast paced, suspenseful and easy read but some things were just a little too convenient for my liking. Was Tex a genius? He could do anything better than others. And why did everything that a military man trained hard for seem so easy for an ordinary civilian woman?

Anyway, I liked this book a lot; also because the hijacking of the plane was just one of many dangers they had to survive. The characters were great despite the – may I say - lack of depths in personality, the story moved fast ahead and had me on the edge and who doesn't love a bunch of funny, hot navy seals?!

I’m not sure why others complained about the writing because I think it was pretty good although there's space for improvement, but the author knows how to keep the reader on the edge and going. It's more or less the details that would need some fine-tuning.
If you're searching for a heavy literature work, you should keep on looking; but if you like easy reads and to get sucked into enthralling stories, then look no further and prepare for swooning.

'If she couldn't trust a SEAL, then she couldn't trust anyone.'

I kind of liked that the heroine wasn’t described as the most beautiful woman turning heads and whatnot. It's great that she was somewhat normal and got by unnoticed more often than not. I at least could relate to her and liked the message that looks and especially the first glance at someone aren’t everything.

This was a very enjoyable and quick read for me and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

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