A visit with Christine Warner, author of A Friendly Flirtation

Please join me in welcoming author Christine Warner! Christine is here to celebrate the release of her new book A Friendly Flirtation, which comes out today!

Take it away, Christine!

First Kisses...

One of the things I look forward to when reading or writing a romance is the first kiss between the main characters.

From the first word in the story, it seems like every word afterward is making me hold my breath until that moment in time when you know they are going to kiss, they want to kiss, and then they actually kiss. I swear each time it happens I sigh a happy sigh and the tension leaves my shoulders a little bit. I admit it, sometimes I even close my eyes a minute and savor their reactions to each other. I’m a hopeless romantic.

But I do love every bit of tension that is built into the story before that first kiss. The times when they are about to kiss and don’t for some reason—second thoughts, interruption—and then tension starts to build all over again.

Sometimes it can get frustrating because you’ve been waiting for it, expecting it, the characters are practically demanding it, but it just doesn’t seem to work out for them.

Yet.

But the moment that they finally touch—and he draws her into his arms, or she yanks him into hers—and their lips meet and fire races over their flesh, ignites the blood in their veins, and makes them forget where and who they are. It’s the best moment ever. No other kiss compares to that first one.

Why, you might ask? I believe because it’s that first test for the couple. Will they be compatible? Or are they awkward at first like my characters in A FRIENDLY FLIRTATION? Will they like the feel of the other? Will they like how the other person’s lips make them feel? Will they want seconds, thirds, fourths, and more?
The life of their romance depends on that first kiss—in so many ways. It’s the true starting point for the rest of the romance.

At least that’s my opinion.

How about you, do you anticipate the first kiss as much as I do?

A Friendly Flirtation

Friends First #3

Christine Warner

February 15, 2016

Entangled

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One kiss can change your life...

Allison Hall is fed up with being a social outcast. Even at the tech company where she works for her brother and his best friend, Jared, she's the invisible nerdy girl. What she needs is confidence—and that requires a makeover and dating tips. And she knows just the man to help…

Jared Esterly is shocked when Allison asks for his assistance and turns her down, knowing that her brother—his business partner and best friend, Nick—would kill him if he dated her, even if it is just for practice. But when Al’s attempt to make changes on her own fails spectacularly, Jared reluctantly steps in. Things heat up quickly, and soon lessons move from the salon to the bedroom.

When overprotective big-brother Nick discovers Jared is dating Allison, their friendship and business partnership sour. Allison, consumed by guilt, must make a choice: stay with Jared, even though that means ruining his friendship with Nick and possibly his career, or leave the one man who sets her on fire.

Christine Warner is living her dream in Michigan along with her family, three laptops (she might have a slight addiction, or maybe it’s a fear of one imploding from overuse) and a much loved assortment of furry friends.

Besides laughing and a good round of humor, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading, writing but no arithmetic.  A confessed people watcher, she finds inspiration for her stories in everyday activities.  She loves to read and write about strong heroes and determined, sometimes sassy heroines.

A girl gone wild, at least where social media is concerned, she enjoys meeting other avid readers and writers on Facebook, twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, and her website at christine-warner.com.

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Entangled Turns 5! - Blitz + Giveaway

Entangled Publishing is turning 5 and love is in the air!

We are so excited that we are offering all the books on our latest bestselling imprint, Lovestruck, at a celebratory price of just $.99 each! If you love romantic comedies you won't want to miss any of these laugh out loud and smexy reads.

AND that's not all. From 2/1 to 2/21 we are giving away 5 Lovestruck prize packs including 5 different Sephora Minimergency kits, an Amazon gift card and other surprise gift cards. So be sure to stop by each of our amazing blogger hosts below and visit the Lovestruck Facebook page to find out about the fun events and giveaways we will be having in the coming weeks. You will also get sneak peeks inside our different releases so you can pick out your must reads.

Don't miss our Facebook party on Thursday, February 11th from 8 to ­10pm ET where several of our Lovestruck authors will be chatting with readers and offering prizes as well. So join us on the Entangled Publishing Facebook page.

Haven't read a Lovestruck yet? Take a peek inside...

To have and to hoax...

Wild child lingerie store owner Lucy Hamilton is a happily confirmed bachelorette. As far as she's concerned, men are something best enjoyed in small doses, never to be allowed too close. Then Lucy's mother tells her Aunt Bev that Lucy has eloped and is married—a tiny lie only meant to appease the dying woman...until Aunt Bev miraculously recovers. Now Lucy needs to find a "husband" for an upcoming family wedding, and fast.

Fortunately, Lucy's ridiculously hot, ridiculously straitlaced new accountant Dex Levian is willing to be her stand ­in spouse for the weekend. And that's when the trouble really begins. For starters, Dex's "involvement" with a client―no matter how irresistible―might ruin a merger he hopes will make his career. Worse still, the chemistry between Dex and Lucy is more than convincing―it's sizzling. But for Lucy, falling for her fake new husband is the most dangerous thing she can do...

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Excerpt

Lucy folded her arms over her chest. “We can’t ask him to be my fake husband. First of all, I haven’t agreed to play this game. Secondly, Dex is my accountant, not my boyfriend. I hardly know him outside our professional dealings. And I just met him in person for the first time five minutes ago!” 

“Let’s just ask him,” her mom said. “See if he’d even consider it.” 

Through the door, Dex coughed loudly, as if to remind them he was still waiting. 

Lucy motioned toward the sound. “Come on. We can’t leave him out there. He’s an important, busy man. I’m sure he has numbers to crunch or something.” Swallowing hard, she pulled the door back open and headed to the sales floor. And found Dex examining a pair of red lacy crotch­less panties. He didn’t look in the least confused by them, which sometimes happened to the more clueless men who came in to buy something for their girlfriends or wives. 

His gaze skimmed over her body so fast she wasn’t really sure she’d seen it. Was he imagining her in those panties? 

A warm flush started at her ears and worked its way down to her throat and neck. 

With a barely concealed amused expression on his face, he returned the underwear to the display table.  

“Everything okay?” 

Mom went over to him. “I...we...Lucy has a question for you.” Placing a palm in the middle of Lucy’s back, she shoved her forward. Lucy stumbled, righting herself just before she slammed into Dex’s broad chest. 

Coward. 

A slow, sexy grin settled on his lips. “Something you want to ask me?” 

Oh, God. Did he think she was going to ask him out? He did, she could see it in his eyes. No one looked like he did and didn’t get regularly propositioned by clients. Worst of all, the idea her mother wanted her to propose was even more unprofessional than that.

A match made in Manhattan...

By­the­book Marianne McBride wants to prove she's more than a computer geek in a pair of horn­rimmed glasses. But how did she end up hiding in a cake, waiting to sing "Happy Birthday" to Nick Wright, a sexy and arrogant serial­dater? Not exactly part of her plan. Especially when she finds herself kissing the birthday boy, and then running like hell...

Nick falls for no woman. No strings, no commitments, and no relationships. Not even with the sweetly curvaceous bombshell from his birthday. But then he's hit by a bombshell of his own. He needs to find the perfect faux fiancée, or kiss his key to the executive washroom goodbye. Fortunately, his matchmaker sister has the perfect girl in mind.

Now Nick and Marianne have to pretend they're in love for six weeks. No dating. No sex. And definitely no acting on the wickedly­hot chemistry that could ruin everything...

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Excerpt

Oh yeah, they were going on a ride tonight, a long, sexy ride that would make her cry out in desperate pleasure. 

She crooked a finger at him, and he had to fight the urge not to run across the room. 

Nick walked toward her in an even stride that left no room for objection. He took her face in his hands and kissed her. Slowly. Deeply. Then he fell to his knees at her feet. Shestepped out of her dress and he moved to slip off her sexy, open­toed shoes, but her whispered words stopped him midmotion. 

“Leave them on.” 

Sweet mother of God. 

“Marianne,” he said in a husky voice, “I plan to show you how sexy you are, prove how much you turn me on, and when I’m finished, you are going to cry out my name in absolute need. Can you promise me that? Because I want to hear you say my name when you come. Promise me.”

One night, two strangers, and enough heat to melt the secret coming between them...

Special­needs teacher Kayla Johnston kisses her New Year’s Eve plans goodbye when she’s cajoled into attending a swanky fundraiser for her school at a remote estate. But instead of schmoozing with the would­be donor, a massive snowstorm sends Kayla careening off the road, straight into the path of a wickedly handsome stranger. When their chemistry ignites, Kayla’s New Year’s Eve begins to show some seriously sexy promise...

After hearing about the selfish “gazillionaire” who ruined her New Year’s Eve, reclusive entrepreneur Ryan Langford can’t bring himself to admit that he’s the millionaire responsible for the fundraiser. Besides, he’d much rather be marooned in a cabin with the enticing teacher he can’t resist. But if he wants a chance with Kayla, he’ll have to find a way to reveal his real identity before the snow melts and she disappears from his life.

Previously released on Entangled’s Ever After imprint – December 2012

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Excerpt

A dimple appeared in his left cheek. Whoa, he was adorable. If her mother hadn’t raised her right, she’d be tempted to lean forward right now and explore that cute little indentation with the tip of her tongue. Maybe she would, later—she couldn’t rule it out. 

She finished off her hot dog. Should she have another? 

No, the s’mores beckoned. “I’ll do the honors for dessert. I’ll have you know I’m a s’mores expert.” She stuck a couple of big marshmallows on the end of her skewer and held them over the fire. The sonorous tones of the grandfather clock announced eleven o’clock. 

“Really?” He leaned back on the hearth rug, propping himself up on his hands. The position showed off his long, leanly muscled thighs. “And where did you come by this expertise?” 

“Years of relentless training in the Brownies and Girl Scouts.” 

“Ah. Sounds grueling.” 

“It was,” she said. “I made sacrifices and suffered a lot. In the end, it was worth it because I became a Jedi master of marshmallow toasting.” 

“Do tell,” he said, his white teeth flashing in the firelight. 

The sight gave her a pang somewhere very near her heart. 

God, she really liked this guy.

Giveaway

Lovestruck Prize Pack #3 ­ Be prepared for any chance romantic meetings with this Sephora minimergency kit, Amazon gift card and 2 surprise gift cards (If winner is international a gift card will be substituted for the minimergency kit).

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Review: Wrecked (Axle Alley Vipers #3) by Sherilee Gray

"What have you done to me, sweet girl?" - Cole Black

Wrecked
Series: Axle Alley Vipers, #3
Author: Sherilee Gray
Publisher: Entangled Indulgence
Release Date: February 8, 2016
Source: Publisher for Review

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He’s driving her crazy…

Piper West is finally on her own, and it’s time to get crazy. Except that her overprotective big bro has enlisted his ex-cop best friend to keep an eye on his baby sister. With every move monitored and reported back, Piper’s life has gone from “going crazy” to “being driven crazy.” But a searing-hot kiss with her sexy and scarred watchdog is just the game-changer she needs…

Cole Black owes Piper’s brother big-time, but there’s nothing easy about his new assignment. Piper is all feisty sexiness and curves meant to tempt a man beyond reason, and Cole can’t stop himself. Now he’s caught up in a hunger like nothing he’s ever known, and he can’t get enough…

Even if Piper’s the one girl he’s not allowed to have.

Oh, my god. Oh. My. God. Words cannot express how much I flipping loved...LOVED...Wrecked. How have I not read one of Sherilee Gray's books before this?! Of course, I devoured it in record time. The only reason why I did not finish it in one sitting was because it was 3 o'clock in the morning and I was starting to see double. What did I do the next morning? I finished it the moment I woke up and turned into a book zombie for the rest of the day. I adored everything about this book, from the characters to the sizzling sexiness to the author's writing. Piper was fabulous. She's feisty and tenacious. She'll go above and beyond to prove herself to her family. Her determination to succeed is just one of her qualities that attracts Cole. Holy hotness, where can I clone Cole?! The man is sinfully delicious. Just one look from him... Swoon city! The sexual tension between them was scorching hot. There was one scene that I swear I re-read at least 5 times before moving on to the next chapter. Holy crap, if I could have pushed Piper out of the way I would have. Sherilee's writing was phenomenal. I loved the chemistry between Piper and Cole as well as the relationship with the rest of the characters. I need to read the previous books in the Axle Alley Viper series and, if they are as good as Wrecked, I think I may have found a new "must read" author.

Excerpt provided by Entangled.

“Hang on! I forgot my flowers,” Piper called from somewhere behind the bride. 

Shit, just the sound of her voice sent ripples of pleasure through his bloodstream. Alex stood in the doorway, so he couldn’t get a good look at the object of his obsession past all the poufy layers of wedding gown. 

Rusty fussed and arranged her friend’s dress, helping Alex step onto the porch, and then Cole took the bride-to-be’s arm, leading her down the steps since she could barely see her feet, and escorted her to the car. He went back to lock up—just in time to see Piper moving cautiously down the short hall toward him. 

He froze, breath seizing in his lungs. Couldn’t have moved if the fucking porch started giving way under his feet. 

Holy shit. 

Piper stopped a few feet away and ran her hands over the silky fabric of her dress, straightening it over her waist and hips. He sucked in an unsteady breath. The thing clung like a second skin, molded to her extremely curvaceous figure. Yeah, he was far from blind where Piper West was concerned. The woman had serious curves. The kind of curves that could bring a man to his knees. In fact, he’d studied the woman from head to toe so thoroughly, if there was an exam on Piper’s curves alone, he’d ace it. 

But he’d never seen her like this. He was used to seeing her in jeans and tanks, grease on her skin from a day in the garage, hair pulled off her lovely face. Shit, she looked hot enough in her work clothes, but this? The mouthwatering dress she had on hid nothing. Not. A. Fucking. Thing. And goddammit, it had his cock rising to attention, painfully so. It should be impossible with the anxiety still battering him, but then this was Piper, and if anyone had the ability to turn him inside out it was her. 

Jesus, she looked like one of those sexy fifties actresses, all round and soft with a tiny waist that was only emphasized further by the flare of her hips and spectacular tits. 

She grimaced, frowning in a way that was cute as hell, and tugged at the dress a few more times before she carried on in his direction. He tried to move his mouth, to offer up a compliment, to say something, but instead made a croaking sound. 

Her gaze shot up, colliding with his, only now realizing she had an audience. Her cheeks turned pink—then her eyes narrowed and she scowled at him. “Cole.” Then she continued on out the door. 

Piper was sweet to everyone she met, saw the good in people, liked everyone—but that list no longer included him. She scowled and bitched at him, because he’d done his damnedest to make sure she hated his guts. It was the only way he knew how to keep her at arm’s length. And it had worked. Phenomenally well. 

The object of his desire despised him. 

She was the only person who had never treated him any different after what happened. Not once had he seen pity in her stunning blue eyes. He’d seen compassion, yes, regret, but never pity. How would she look at him if she knew Adam had lost his life because of him? 

He couldn’t bear it if she felt sorry for him. That was the last thing he wanted, especially from her. 

He pulled the door shut and turned to follow her. Fucking hell, the rear view did nothing to help the painful throb of his cock. He was pretty sure she wasn’t wearing any underwear. The silky material hid nothing, and not one line marred the shimmery fabric hugging her heart-shaped ass. Those round hips swung provocatively as she made careful progress in a pair of mouthwateringly sexy heels down the uneven path toward the car. He groaned under his breath. Jesus Christ. 

The woman was killing him, slowly. Besides occasional morning wood, nothing had roused any kind of interest below the belt since he’d been injured. Except Piper.  

The one woman he couldn’t allow himself to have, and the only woman he wanted.

Sherilee Gray is a kiwi girl and lives in beautiful New Zealand with her husband and their two children. When she isn't writing sexy, edgy contemporary romance or fueling her voracious book addiction, she can be found dreaming of far off places with a mug of tea in one hand and a bar of Cadburys Rocky Road chocolate in the other.

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Review: Beyond the Stars by Stacy Wise

"Dreamy? No, I think he's pretty much all asshole." - Jessica Beckett

Beyond the Stars
Author: Stacy Wise
Publisher: Entangled Embrace
Release Date: February 8, 2016
Source: Publisher for Review

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Falling for him wasn’t in the plans…

Most girls would kill for the opportunity to work for Jack McAlister, Hollywood’s hottest actor, but twenty-one-year-old Jessica Beckett is ready to kick him out of her red Ford Fiesta and never look back. She should be spending her junior year in France, eating pastries and sharpening her foreign language skills. Instead she’s reluctantly working as Jack’s personal assistant, thanks to her powerhouse talent agent aunt.

Jack is private, prickly, and downright condescending. Jessica pushes his buttons—she’s not the type of girl to swoon over celebrity heartthrobs, precisely why her aunt thought she’d be perfect for the job—and Jack pushes right back.

But as she begins to peel away his layers, Jessica is shocked to find she craves her boss’s easy smile and sexy blue eyes. The problem is, so does the entire female population. And what started out as the job from hell soon has Jess wondering if a guy like Jack could ever find love with a regular girl like her.

As a fan of new adult romance, there are certain things I kind of expect when I'm picking up a new book. Most new adults I've come across tend to run high on emotions, sex, and angst. And now as I am starting to want to read more Hollywood/celebrity themed romances, I typically find the same elements. I think that is one of the main reasons why I loved Beyond the Stars. Stacy Wise almost goes against what is expected and gives readers a fun, clean new adult celebrity romance that still delivers an emotional romance without the sex. The chemistry and tension between Jack and Jess was superb. I loved Jack's transformation from the jerk he was at the beginning of the story to the man in love at the end. Although she's derailed from her summer plans, Jess doesn't let it stop her. She's determined to keep her head up as she struggles to get through the summer. Their romance was so sweet and tender. I think I "aww'd" several times in the last couple of chapters.

As much as I adored Beyond the Stars, I will say that there was one thing missing. I needed Jack's perspective. There were moments that screamed Jack. Looks that he gives Jess... Some of his actions towards her and his friend... Because we only get Jess's perspective, I felt that these moments lost a lot of impact and I think they could easily get lost in translation. Overall, I loved Beyond the Stars. Kudos to the author on an excellent debut novel. 

Excerpt proved by Entangled

“Jack, this is Jessica Beckett. Jessica, this is Jack McAlister.” 

I plastered a blasé look on my face, allowing a hint of a smile. And I reminded myself that actors are egotistical, self-centered liars. “Hi, Jack. Nice to meet you.” 

We shook hands, and Aunt Marnie explained that her big surprise was me, his new assistant. 

He dropped my hand and crossed his arms, his hands tucked into his armpits. “We’ve been through this, Marnie. I don’t want an assistant.” 

His words felt like a punch in the gut. She should’ve clued me in that he didn’t want an assistant. That would’ve been, I don’t know…helpful? 

“You need one, Jack. Stars like you sometimes have two or three assistants. It’s time you recognize who you are.” She let her words hang in the air, and Jack listened like a child learning there’s no Santa Claus. For a second, I had the urge to comfort him. 

He flashed a hurt look. “That’s not going to work for me.” 

Aunt Marnie smirked. “It will work. The solution is keeping it in the family. Jessica is my niece.” 

“Doesn’t matter. I can handle my own life. I don’t need anyone else involved to fuck it up.” 

“Because you’re doing a fine job of it on your own.” She smiled at him, looking more maternal than I’d ever seen her. “I’m not going to lecture you. I understand how the pressures can get to you. Compartmentalize, remember?” 

She paused, and I stole a glance at Jack. I could tell by the look on his face that he was considering what she said. 

“How is an assistant going to stop me from punching a photographer in the face, Marnie?” 

My mind flashed with images of late nights and liquor-fueled, testosterone-saturated brawls, and I wanted to run, but Marnie went in for the hard sell. “She can have exit routes in place for you so you’re one step ahead of the paparazzi. You can’t stop being out there. You have to play the game. It’s the perfect time to do this. Rehearsals for Steven Lowi’s film don’t start for another few weeks. It’s rare that you have this downtime. Use it to figure out how Jessica can best help you.” 

There was an undertone of desperation in her voice. Jack probably didn’t notice, but I did. As Aunt Marnie continued to push, the reality of what she needed hit me. If she lost Jack as a client, it would mean a dramatic lifestyle change for her. They made each other millions. He could easily land another agent, but his leaving her would lead to hushed, speculative conversations. Was she slipping? Too old? Out of touch? He was her meal ticket and her bait to get new clients. I had to help. 

I stole a glance at Jack and wondered if I could work for a guy who punches people in the face. Nerves circled like sharks in my stomach. Nonetheless, at the end of the meeting, I was Jack McAlister’s assistant. Aunt Marnie beamed at me before turning to Jack and hugging him. I knew he was her best client, but I got the feeling he was also her favorite. 

It’s hard to believe that was only yesterday. I had no idea I’d be working as a pig chauffeur today. Very glamorous.

Stacy Wise is the author of Beyond the Stars. She has a B.A. in Communication Studies from UCLA and a Masters in Teaching from Chapman University. She lives in California with her husband and four children. Prior to becoming a full-time writer, Stacy worked in television casting on shows including Party of Five, The X Files, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, and Married...With Children. When she's not dreaming up stories, you can find her beating up the bag at her kickboxing gym, or walking her dogs, Bailey and Rex. 

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Review: The Millionaire Makeover (Bachelor Auction #2) by Naima Simone

"Taking you to your gala. But not in that dress. Where did you get it? Nunneries 'R' Us?" - Niall Hunter

The Millionaire Makeover
Series: Bachelor Auction, #2
Author: Naima Simone
Publisher: Entangled Indulgence
Release Date: February 8, 2016
Source: Publisher for Review

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He promised to stay away…but some promises are made to be broken.

Plain-Jane computer programmer Khloe Richardson needs a date—one to make the prince of her dreams jealous. Maybe then he’ll finally see her as a desirable swan and not the ugly duckling in the second office from the left.

But when she bids on a bachelor at a charity auction, the man she wins is millionaire Niall Hunter—who once made intense, passionate love to her and then left without a word. She’s determined not to let her guard down again—among other things—around the infamous Irish lothario.

Niall never imagined his penance for one hot-as-hell night with his best friend’s little sister would be transforming her from a shy wallflower to a sultry siren. Helping her attract another man is torture…especially when he promised his friend he’d stay away. Plus, she wants forever, and he’s not a forever kind of guy. But Niall can’t stop wanting her. Can’t stop touching her. Can’t stop, period. And damn if he can remember why he has to…

I had a bit of a weird experience while I was reading The Millionaire Makeover. When I was first approved for the arc, I immediately wanted to get a feel for the author's voice and writing style so I picked it up to read the first couple of chapters. Although I enjoyed the first two chapters, I had other books to read at that time and I set it aside. When time came for me to pick it back up, I could only read two or three chapters at a time, which was odd because I really liked the book. I adored the characters of Niall, Khloe, and even Morgan. They were fabulous. Niall and Khloe shattered my heart. To say they desperately needed each other would be an understatement. Niall needed someone to believe in him. Someone that'll cheer him on and help him live. Khloe needed someone to bring her out of her shell, yet show her that she is truly beautiful, both inside and out. I loved the little bit of matchmaking from the beyond. With the help of someone close to them, Niall and Khloe begin an intense sexual relationship that left them both breathless and wanting more. 

Despite me having a difficult time reading the book, I thoroughly enjoyed The Millionaire Makeover. Honestly, I'd like to believe it was Michael that was tormenting while I was reading the book. I clearly made him unhappy when I stopped reading it earlier. *grin* It was an emotional, yet very sexy book. Niall is sex personified. Holy hotness! Naima Simone is another new to me author. Her writing was fun and smooth to read. I'd love to pick up one or two of her previous books in the future. In the meantime, I have my fingers crossed for Morgan. I need to know more about her!

Excerpt provided by Entangled.

Three years later 

“Remind me again why I agreed to this asinine idea?” 

Khloe Richardson paused in the entrance of the cavernous ballroom that glittered from the crystal chandelier to the bejeweled guests. She clutched her purse to her stomach as if the ridiculously small and sparkling bag could calm the nerves playing kickball with her intestines. God, she felt like such a fraud. She belonged in a small, messy office filled with computers, modems, and technical manuals. Not in this brilliantly lit room where the formally attired men and women of Boston’s social elite congregated and socialized. 

Beside her, Morgan Lett—her best friend, co-worker, and enabler—plucked a fluted glass off a passing tray. She sipped with an appreciative hum. “Oh my God, this is better than sex,” she purred. Then, arching a perfectly waxed, blonde eyebrow, she said, “And the answer to your question is we’re here so you can avoid spinsterhood like it’s a cubic zirconia.” 

Actually, there were some pretty nice fake diamonds out there, but since Morgan probably wouldn’t appreciate the observation, Khloe instead murmured, “Oh yeah, that’s right.” 

Still, attending the Rhodonite Society’s annual Masquerade Bachelor Auction just smacked of…Match.com meets flesh peddling. 

And desperation. Couldn’t forget desperation. 

This scheme of Morgan’s to find Khloe a date at a bachelor auction, of all places, reeked of impulsiveness, lunacy, and a whole lot of Hail Mary. The exact antithesis of Khloe’s usual predictability, sanity, and OCD-ish need to plan, chart, and graph. But love did that to a person. It stripped away common sense, persuaded a woman who reveled in algorithms and code to buy a formal gown, death-defying heels, and take part in this…spectacle. More specifically, love for Bennett Charles—brilliant, successful, handsome, sophisticated, and chief operating officer of System Solutions Unlimited, the firm she and Morgan worked for. 

An image of the company’s executive unfurled in her mind’s eyes. She’d been adoring him from afar for the past six months. But other than the occasional conversation before a staff meeting or a friendly but slightly vacant smile, Bennett didn’t seem to notice she existed. And if not for a terrifying car accident a month ago that she’d miraculously managed to walk away from with little more than scrapes and bruises, she might have been content with moseying along, quietly crushing on him. Her older brother, Michael, had died in a car accident three years earlier. Her brush with death and knowledge that tomorrow wasn’t guaranteed had jolted her awake from a catatonic, emotional slumber. Not one more second would she sit on the proverbial shelf, a spectator in life and gathering enough dust to create a sandstorm. 

Trouble was, she didn’t have a great résumé where men were concerned. 

One had stolen a project idea from her, received a promotion as a result of her hard work then took off for a new European office, breaking up with her via a PM on Facebook. 

The other? Well, the other had stolen her virginity and broken her heart…

Author Bio from Entangled

Naima Simone's love of romance was first stirred by Johanna Lindsey and Linda Howard many years ago. Though her first attempt at writing a romance novel at age 11 never saw the light of day, her love of romance and writing has endured. Now, she spends her time creating stories of unique men and women who experience the dizzying heights of passion and the tender heat of love.

She is wife to Superman - or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent - and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.

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Review: Last Wish by Erin Butler

"I am fiecely loyal. When I love, I love. When I care, I will go to the ends of the earth and back. I'll do anything." - Ronan "Bear" Pearse

Last Wish
Author: Erin Butler
Publisher: Entangled Embrace
Release Date: December 28, 2015
Companion Book: How We Lived
Source: Netgalley

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Some things can never be fixed…

Nothing feels right. Not since my best friend died and I fucked up the one promise he asked me to make. The past follows me everywhere, tangling me up like weeds, reminding me that my life is empty. So fucking empty.

Then she walks into the bar, all bright beauty and sweet lips made for kissing.

Em Stewart is a complication…one I need to avoid. She’s got heavy secrets of her own, ones she hides from her friends—and lies about to herself.

No matter how hard I try, I can’t resist her, and our unexpected road trip sure as hell isn’t helping my cause. But I’ll be damned if I screw up my first chance at something real…

There is a reason why I love new adult. Yes, some can be over the top angst with a generous amount of sex. There are others that are so emotionally raw, they'll stick with for you for a long time. Last Wish was one of those books. It is beautifully written book about love and forgiveness. From the moment I met Ronan and Em I couldn't stop myself from falling under their spell. Their young love made me swoon. I wanted to stand tall next to Em as she dealt with her ex-boyfriend. I want to be her friend as she heals, both emotionally and physically. Ronan is dealing with his own emotional issues from the death of his best friend. I wanted to hug him as he fights with himself and push him towards forgiveness rather than being angry at the world. As much as I loved Last Wish, I will say that I missed a lot of the background story by not reading the first book, How We Lived, before picking up Em and Ronan's book. I will be the first to admit that it was entirely my fault. If you want the complete story, I highly suggest picking up How We Lived first. I have added it to my TBR and I hope to get to it soon as I can piece together some of what happened before the events in Last Wish. I can't wait to try more of Erin Butler's books. 

Erin Butler is lucky enough to have two jobs she truly loves. As a librarian, she gets to work with books all day long, and as an author, Erin uses her active imagination to write the kinds of books she loves to read. Young Adult and New Adult books are her favorites, but she especially fangirls over a sigh-worthy romance. She lives in Central New York with her very understanding husband, a stepson, and doggie BFF, Maxie. Preferring to spend her time indoors reading or writing, she'll only willingly go outside for chocolate and sunshine--in that order.

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Check out the companion novel to Last Wish!

Review: Once Upon a Power Play (Risky Business #2) by Jennifer Bonds

"I'll bring the shoes, you bring the condom." - Chloe Jacobs

Once Upon a Power Play
Series: Risky Business #2
Author: Jennifer Bonds
Publisher: Entangled Brazen
Release Date: November 16, 2015
Source: Netgalley

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He’ll do whatever it takes to get her against the boards…

Sidelined by a potentially career-ending injury, the only thing hockey player Ryan Douglas should be thinking about is recovery. But after sharing a near death experience and a night of passion with a spunky brunette, the only thing on his mind is five and a half feet of sexy sarcasm. And he’ll do whatever it takes to get her back in his bed—even if it means playing dirty.

Chloe Jacobs is done with fairytales. And men. She’s kissed her share of frogs and what’s it gotten her? Dumped by text—again. Determined to eighty-six illusions of romance and prove she’s more than just a good-time girl, the last thing she needs is a pushy, arrogant hockey player testing her resolve. Especially one who’s sinfully good with his hands and thinks date-by-blackmail is a perfectly acceptable social convention.

Ryan wants to play games? Fine by her, but this is one faceoff he’s going to lose.

How much did I love Once Upon a Power Play? Let me count the ways... Ryan = hockey player. Yes! Setting? Christmas. Yes! Sex? Holy Mother of Hotness, YES!! I'm sorry if it sounds like I'm on the verge of a When Harry Met Sally moment, but that is how much this book friggin' rocked my socks and kept me up all night. Ryan and Chloe were amazing. The banter between them was phenomenal. The sexual chemistry between singed my Kindle. Sheer perfection from the first page to the very last. Yum!

Excerpt from Entangled Publishing's website. 

To read more, check out their website by clicking HERE.

Score! Ryan Douglas grabbed the last lime, thankful the tiny store had in stock at least one item he needed. He shook his head. Back home, people didn’t go crazy and clean out the grocery store every time it snowed. As far as he could tell, east coasters labored under the delusion they’d be snow bound for days every time a flake dropped from the sky. It was the craziest damn thing he’d ever seen, and after five years in the city, he still didn’t get it. 

“Hey! That’s mine!” 

He froze in his tracks, slowly turning around to find a tiny, pissed off brunette glaring at him with one hand on her hip and the other hugging a gallon-sized jug of margarita mix. “Excuse me?” 

“The lime,” she said, nodding her head and enunciating each word as if he might not speak English. “I saw it first.” 

It was impossible to suppress the grin that spread over his face. Was she serious? His gaze raked over her, taking in the fancy upsweep of her dark hair and the lacey gold dress—if you could call it that—that revealed more than it covered peeking out from under her unbuttoned coat. The furry brown boots climbing halfway to her bare knees? Those he could do without, but the rest was pretty damn sexy. There wasn’t a winter coat around that could hide those curves. She had the kind of body a man could sink his teeth into. And he. Was. Ravenous. 

“Like what you see?” She raised her brow and hooked a thumb over her shoulder. “The meat department is two aisles over.” 

He laughed, and it was an honest-to-God, full-on belly laugh. She was a fiery little thing. But that didn’t mean he was giving her the lime. Maybe if she’d asked nicely. But with that attitude? It’d be a cold day in hell. 

“Last I heard, possession is nine-tenths of the law.” He tossed the lime in the air and caught it with his right hand. She glared at him, and for a moment he thought she’d kick him in the balls with her big furry boots. He was being an ass, but she wasn’t exactly Miss Manners herself. Besides, it was the most fun he’d had all day. Which spoke volumes about his shitty afternoon, most of which had been spent getting his ass kicked by a sadistic physical therapist. His leg hurt like hell, but he’d tough it out. He had no other choice if he wanted to salvage his career. 

The brunette rolled her eyes, the dark irises shimmering like black coffee under the soft glow of the overhead lights. “It’s not my fault you have inhumanly long lumberjack arms.” The smirk that followed told him yes, she was in fact referring to his worn flannel shirt. 

Typical self-important New York princess, judging him by something so superficial. Not that he gave a fuck what she thought, but man, what he wouldn’t give to wipe that little grin off her heart-shaped face. And with years of experience antagonizing his two older sisters, he had a pretty good idea of how to do it. He waved the lime in front of her again, wondering if she’d try to make a play for it. Not that she could get her hands on it if he didn’t want her to. He towered over her by nearly a foot, and his reflexes were pretty damn good. “Princess, I wouldn’t give you this lime if you got down on your knees and begged, but if it means that much to you, you’re welcome to give it a go.”

Jennifer Bonds writes sizzling contemporary romance with sassy heroines, sexy alphas, and a whole lot of mischief. When she's not writing or wrangling toddlers, Jennifer can be found curled up with a good book and a bottle of wine. Jennifer lives in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where her overactive imagination and a weakness for reality TV keep life interesting. She's lucky enough to live with her very own real life hero, two adorable children, and a pair of rambunctious dogs. Loves Buffy, Mexican food, the Winchester brothers, and all things zombie. Sings off-key.

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Check out the first book in the Risky Business series...

Review: Falling for Her Enemy (Still Harbor #2) by Victoria James

"Don't break my heart." - Alex McAllister

Falling for Her Enemy
Series: Still Harbor #2
Author: Victoria James
Publisher: Entangled Bliss
Release Date: November 9, 2015
Source: Netgalley

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She’s falling for the one man who could destroy everything…

Alex McAllister always dreamed of a life filled with the laughter and love of a family, but being abandoned at a young age left her wary of letting anyone in. Now that she’s settled in Still Harbor, Alex struggles between keeping her distance and the magnetic pull of the handsome stranger who claims he’s the biological father of her adopted daughter.

Hayden Brooks never wanted to be a father. Long hours spent building his family’s real estate empire suits him just fine. But when he discovers an ex put the baby he unknowingly fathered up for adoption, his world crumbles. He tracks the child to Still Harbor with the intention of bringing her home-and comes face to face with his daughter’s stunning adoptive mother.

The paternity test is in. And Hayden’s about to make the most shocking decision of his life, just in time for Christmas…

Confession time... I love holiday romances. Movies... Books... If it takes place on or near Christmas, I'm a goner. Seriously, there needs to be a support group for Hallmark Channel lovers. Hi, my name is Crystal and I'm addicted to Hallmark Channel. You know the movies I'm talking about. Two characters come together, usually against their will, to find love and happiness while celebrating (or not if one is a Scrooge) the holidays. I can't get enough of them!

It is my love of holiday romances that led me to Victoria James' Falling for Her Enemy. It has Hallmark channel written all over it and I thought it was freaking fabulous. The emotions and heartbreak packed into this little present was both heart-wrenching and heartwarming. I loved that while Hayden and Alex fought their feelings, a little girl wise beyond her years pulled them together. Believing that through all the pain they faced in their past, the three of them are still willing to take a chance on each other, a chance at love and happiness. A chance to be a family... So unbelievably sweet! Victoria allowed her characters to work through their feelings through communication. They are able to express their wants and desires, their fears and sadness. There wasn't a moment in this little story that didn't melt my holiday-lovin' heart.

I always knew I wanted to be a writer and in grade five, I penned my first story, bound it (with staples) and a cardboard cover and did all the illustrations myself (if you've ever seen my drawings you'll know how horrible they must have been. I still draw stick figures). Luckily, this book will never see the light of day again. In high school I fell in love with historical romance and then contemporary romance. After graduating University with an English Literature degree, I married my own hero, pursued a degree in Interior Design and then opened my own business. After the birth of our first child, I knew it was time to fulfill the dream of writing romantic fiction. I'm a hopeless romantic who is living my dream, penning happily-ever-after's for my characters in between managing kids and the family business. Writing on a laptop in the middle of the country in a rambling old Victorian house would be ideal, but I'm quite content living in suburbia with my husband, our two young children, and very bad cat. 

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Check out the first book in the Still Harbor series!

Review: His Temporary Fix (Love at the Beach #2) by Sofia Grey

"Looks like I was destined to meet you, Holly Jacobs." - Zack Winter

His Temporary Fix
Series: Love at the Beach, #2
Author: Sofia Grey
Publisher: Entangled: Select Contemporary
Release Date: October 26, 2015
Source: Netgalley

Buy Links: Amazon - B&N - iTunes - Kobo
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One night is all it takes…

Holly Jacobs loses her heart a little too easily. Never again. But when she meets the sexy soldier on the beach, Holly knows she’s in big trouble. Zack Winter is gorgeous and in pain, and when he kisses Holly, all of her resolve melts away…

Zack is on short-term leave to attend a funeral, and he’s walking a fine line. The loss is unbearable…and he’ll do whatever it takes to distract himself from it. Especially if it means a night of searingly-hot sex with Holly Jacobs. Only his brilliant idea isn’t exactly going according to plan.

One night isn’t nearly enough. But if it goes much longer it might end in broken hearts…

When I picked up His Temporary Fix, I was looking for a quick, sexy book that'll keep me company before I jumped into a more intense book. Well, it was quick and it was sexy... What I wasn't expecting was for it to be such an emotional roller coaster that broke my heart. Oh, my god. I absolutely loved every moment of this short novella. In fact, I wish it was longer because I did not want to leave Zack and Holly without knowing that they will be okay and that their future together is bright. I wanted to gather them up in my arms and give them a soothing hug. I was disappointed that the story is only in Holly's perspective. I would have loved Zack's as well. I wanted to know what was going on in his heart and in his head as he got to know Holly in the short amount of time they were together. His Temporary Fix was a magnificent healing romance that'll warm your heart. I have my fingers crossed that Sofia Grey will release an epilogue or a bonus scene that'll revisit them at the end of the book. Those of you that have read the story will know what I'm talking about. Overall, a marvelous novella. 

Romance author Sofia Grey spends her days managing projects in the corporate world and her nights hanging out with wolf shifters and alpha males. She devours pretty much anything in the fiction line, but she prefers her romances to be hot, and her heroes to have hidden depths. When writing, she enjoys peeling back the layers to expose her characters' flaws and always makes them work hard for their happy endings.

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Also by Sofia Grey...