Review: Bad Reputation (Bad Boys of Sports #1) by Nicole Edwards

"What happened in Vegas..." - Cassie Desrosiers

Bad Reputation
Series: Bad Boys of Sports #1
Author: Nicole Edwards
Publisher: Loveswept
Published: October 3, 2017
Source: Publisher for Review

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Meet the most wanted players in sports . . . one ridiculously hot alpha male at a time.

Chase: With a nickname like “Sin,” it’s no wonder they call me the bad boy of hockey. Opponents curse me. Fans scream my name—in the arena and in other, much more private places. Penalties or not, I’m not afraid to dish out a little pain. But pleasure? That’s my weakness. And no one knows it better than my best friend, Cassie Desrosiers. I’d have to be blind not to notice her rocking body and teasing grin. So when she invites me along on a trip to Vegas, my curiosity isn’t the only thing that’s aroused.

Cassie: Chase Barrett is a world-class A-hole. As his best friend, I’m allowed to call him on his BS. Who else is going to do it? Certainly not the puck bunnies swooning at every flex of his biceps. Everyone knows that Chase is the love-’em-and-leave-’em type. There’s no such thing as commitment for the king of casual hookups. So why should I care? Maybe because all work and no play makes me a sexually frustrated girl. It’s time to put the hockey stud at my beck and call to good use . . . but after a week in Vegas with Chase, I might never want to go back to the real world.

Review: Jackson's Trust (Fourth Down #1) by Violet Duke

"Babe. I've never been one to spank a woman in bed, but you're seriously asking for it." - Jackson Gray

Jackson's Trust
Series: Fourth Down #1
Author: Violet Duke
Publisher: Loveswept
Release Date: March 8th, 2016
Source: publisher for review

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New York Times bestselling author Violet Duke kicks off her fun and sexy new Fourth Down series with a heartwarming friends-to-lovers romance between a no-strings-attached sports analyst and the hottest damn tomboy he’s ever met.

It’s no secret that sports analyst Jackson Gray doesn’t do relationships. What is a secret, however, is the reason why. Jackson’s life is . . . complicated. And it doesn’t help that his current hands-off “friendship” is with the cute-as-hell new sideline reporter he’s assigned to train. Turns out, not only is the woman damn sweet, she also knows as much about football as he does. Like it or not though, Jackson has to remind himself that sex is the only thing he has to offer . . . until now.

Leila Hart’s fast-growing friendship with Jackson is something she’d never risk, no matter how unbelievably seductive the reward. Becoming an NFL sportscaster has always been the goal, and thanks to Jackson’s fierce support and mentoring, it all finally seems within reach. Problem is, a girl can only take so much of that sexy-as-sin voice whispering dirty, filthy football stats in her ear before she loses all self-control. A workplace romance with Jackson is a disaster waiting to happen, especially for someone with big dreams . . . and secrets of her own.

Oh, my god... Jackson's Trust was FABULOUS! From the characters to the different relationships and friendships to Violet Duke's writing, everything in this book was sensational. I adored every character that appears in the book. Jackson and Leila were perfect together. I loved watching their unique "cuddle-buddy" friendship develop into a deep love for each other. They are immediately attracted, but it takes some time for both to gather the courage and strength to take things to the next level. I'm pretty sure they would still be fighting it if it weren't for the hilarious antics from Donovan and Bennett. The amount of plotting those two did... Let's just say I can't wait until the tables get turned on them. Oh, how the mighty will fall. The aspect of Jackson's Trust that I loved the most was the author's writing. This was my first Violet Duke book and I'm 100% certain that it will not be my last. I loved the verbal foreplay between Jackson and Leila just as much as I loved the zingers that Bennett and Donovan sent flying. It was Violet's writing that kept me up way past my bedtime because I couldn't stop laughing. Simply fabulous book all around. I'll be counting down the days for Bennett's book. Who will his mystery woman be?

One last thing, can we talk about that cover? Raise your hand if your mind went south when you saw that belt. *raises hand proudly*

NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Violet Duke is a former professor of English Education ecstatic to now be on the other side of the page writing wickedly fun contemporary romances filled with strong, unique heroines and memorably romantic heroes. With just under a million books sold to date, since becoming an author in 2013, Violet has appeared on the USA Today bestseller list thirteen times and the NYT bestseller list three times, with the additional honor of charting in the Top 10 across the major eretailers both in the U.S. and internationally. 

When she's not feeding her book-a-day reading addiction, Violet enjoys tackling reno projects with her power tools, trying pretty much anything without reading the directions first, and cooking impossible-to-be-duplicated 'special edition' dishes that laugh in the face of recipes. A born and raised island girl, she spends her days in Hawai'i chasing after her two cute kids (daughter Violet & son Duke) and similarly adorable husband (their ringleader).

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Review: Forgotten Promises by Jessica Lemmon

"I should be sorry for letting you love me with your body, Morgan. I should be sorry for dragging you into this, but I'm not. I'm not sorry, and that is the most undeniably selfish thing..." - Tucker Noscalo

Forgotten Promises
Author: Jessica Lemmon
Publisher: Loveswept
Release Date: January 19, 2016
Source: publisher for review

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In an edgy, seductive novel hailed by Rachel Van Dyken as “unique and gripping,” Jessica Lemmon introduces the ultimate bad boy . . . and a love that crosses all boundaries. 

Morgan Young had a perfect upbringing, and now she’s got a perfect boyfriend and a perfect future—until her twenty-first birthday changes everything. First Morgan finds out, in the most painful way possible, that her relationship is a sham. But that’s nothing compared to the nightmare about to unfold.

It’s too late for Tucker Noscalo. A brutal childhood left him with a bad reputation and a criminal record. Fresh out of jail, Tucker has a score to settle with Baybrook’s crooked chief of police—his own father. Nobody will believe Tucker’s explosive accusations without proof and a good lawyer, neither of which he has on his side. Until he sees someone he used to know, someone who just so happens to be the daughter of the best lawyer in the county.

He needs Morgan to convince her father of the ugly truth. But first he has to convince her, and he’ll do whatever it takes to get her to listen. Confronted by the story of Tucker’s dark past, Morgan feels utterly compelled to help him. And as their connection grows into a fierce bond fueled by raw passion, Morgan finds herself falling for the wrong guy—but never has the promise of love felt so right.

I'm not often taken by surprise by an author when reading something that is slightly different from their previous works. Of course I've come across authors that can write fabulous books in a variety genres, but it wasn't until I read Forgotten Promises that I was completely caught off guard. Although I have only read her Second Chance series, I adore Jessica Lemmon's writing and she has become one of my new favorite contemporary romance authors. When I came across Forgotten Promises, I knew I immediately had to read it. I was in the mood for something darker and, hey, it's Jessica Lemmon! I knew I would be in for a treat. What I didn't anticipate was the heartbreaking journey Tucker and Morgan took me on. While the synopsis does convey the darkness of the book's topic, it still did not prepare me for the beautiful and haunting story. Jessica's writing was phenomenal, as usual. Her characters shattered my heart into a million pieces. Tucker's reluctance towards any sexual desires tore me apart. Morgan's quiet strength and determination to come to his rescue as he once did for her was amazing. I found myself tearing up several times while I read this book. Good thing I finished it in the wee hours in the morning and I could cry without an audience. I loved the raw emotions that run throughout Forgotten Promises. Tucker and Morgan move from the fear of the situation towards a rocky trust with each other before finally falling into a love that is so moving it healed both of them. I hope Jessica writes more darker romance because Forgotten Promises was breathtaking.

A former job-hopper, Jessica Lemmon resides in Ohio with her husband and rescue dog. She holds a degree in graphic design currently gathering dust in an impressive frame. When she’s not writing super-sexy heroes, she can be found cooking, drawing, drinking coffee (okay, wine), and eating potato chips. She firmly believes God gifts us with talents for a purpose, and with His help, you can create the life you want.

Jessica is a social media junkie who loves to hear from readers. You can learn more at:

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Release Blast: Call Me, Maybe by Ellie Cahill

CALL ME, MAYBE

Ellie Cahill

Releasing on February 9, 2016

Loveswept

 “Ellie Cahill is definitely one to watch!” raves bestselling author Cora Carmack, and this steamy, upbeat modern romance about connecting in all the best ways proves it once again.

Clementine Daly knows she’s the black sheep. Her wealthy, powerful family has watched her very closely since she almost got caught in an embarrassing scandal a few years ago. So when Clementine’s sent on a mission to live up to the Daly name, politely declining isn’t an option. Of course, the last thing she does before boarding the plane is to grab a stranger’s phone by mistake—leaving the hunky journalist with her phone. Soon his sexy voice is on the line, but he doesn’t know her real name, or her famous pedigree—which is just the way Clementine likes it.

Despite all the hassles, Justin Mueller is intrigued to realize that the beautiful brown-eyed girl he met at the airport is suddenly at his fingertips. They agree to exchange phones when they’re both back in town, but after a week of flirty texts and wonderfully intimate conversations, Justin doesn’t want to let her go. The only problem? It turns out that Clemetine has been lying to him about, well, everything. Except for the one thing two people can’t fake, the only thing that matters: The heat between them is for real.

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I pushed my fingers through my hair. My heart was full of a feeling I’d had waiting for my grandmother to come out of her hip replacement surgery three years ago. Which was ridiculous considering my phone could be replaced for a few hundred dollars. I could replace both of ours with a few phone calls and a swipe of my American Express. 

“I’m really sorry,” I repeated. 

“Unless you did this on purpose, you can stop apologizing. We just have to deal with this.” 

“Right.” I bit my lip. 

“Who are you?” he asked. 

My nerves jangled with familiar anxiety. But he had my phone. There was nothing I could do about it if he decided to play detective. Oh god, I’d worked so hard at keeping it clean. Had I missed anything? Anything that he could use? Finally, I said, “Clementine.” 

“Clementine?” he repeated with a tone of total disbelief. It was a typical reaction.  

“Yes.” 

“I’m Justin. I’d say nice to meet you, but . . .” 

“Yeah. Well, thanks for being cool about this, Justin.” 

“No problem. Do you mind if I give your number to a few people?” 

It took me a moment to process what he meant. He still needed a phone, and for now, mine was all he had. 

“No, that’s fine. Go ahead. I don’t really think I’ll be getting many calls. Everyone knows I’m out of town.” 

“You can give my number to people if you need to.” 

“Same to you.” 

“Okay . . .” He faded, seeming uncertain. “I guess I’ll just . . . get in touch with you if you get any messages.” 

“Um . . . I guess . . . I’ll talk to you later then.” 

I disconnected, finding my brother staring at me. “Was he upset?” he asked. 

“Yeah, but at least he wasn’t a dick about it.” 

“Why don’t you just have them both replaced? Tell him to go pick up a new phone at the nearest store.” 

“I thought of that, but maybe he doesn’t have the cash to drop on a new one.” 

“So pay for it.” 

“People are weird about stuff like that. Besides, do you really think I should point out the fact that he has the personal phone numbers of some of the wealthiest people in the country? We have no clue who this guy is.” 

He made a face, but he knew I was right. 

This was so so bad. My grandparents were going to kill me. “Oh my god, Honor, you have to call Grandma right away!” 

He didn’t even hesitate, just reached for his phone and dialed. He knew how it was. If she didn’t hear that we were safe and sound very soon, she was going to start calling me. And the last thing the poor schmuck whose day I’d already ruined needed was to have Miriam Schulman-Daly hitting redial until she got a response. 

“Don’t tell her a stranger has it! Tell her I left it at home!” I added to Honor in a rush, tugging on his arm to make sure he was paying attention. 

He waved me off, but I thought I could trust him to give me this small bit of cover. While I waited for Honor to explain the situation, the phone buzzed with a new text message from my line. 

Sorry if I was a jerk on the phone. I’m frustrated. 

I replied, You weren’t. No apology necessary. 

We’re stuck with each other for now. An apology is definitely necessary. 

I’m the one who should be giving it. My stupid brother grabbed the wrong phone. 

All right, so we’re mutually sorry and we can blame your brother, agreed? 

I smiled. Who was this guy? 

Agreed.

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Ellie Cahill is a freelance writer and also writes books for young adults under the name Liz Czukas. She lives outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with her husband, son, and the world’s loudest cat.

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Review: I Wish You Were Mine (Oxford #2) by Lauren Layne

"I saw you, Mollie. I've been seeing you." - Jackson Burke

I Wish You Were Mine
Series: Oxford #2
Author: Lauren Layne
Publisher: Loveswept
Release Date: February 2, 2016
Source: Netgalley

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Perfect for fans of Alice Clayton and Emma Chase, Lauren Layne’s Oxford series heats up in this story of forbidden desire as a brooding jock hoping for a comeback falls for a woman who’s strictly off-limits.

A year ago, Jackson Burke was married to the love of his life and playing quarterback for the Texas Redhawks. Now he’s retired, courtesy of the car accident that ruined his career—and single, after a nasty scandal torpedoed his marriage. Just as he’s starting to get used to his new life as a health and fitness columnist for Oxford magazine, his unpredictable ex shows up on his doorstep in Manhattan. Jackson should be thrilled. But he can’t stop thinking about the one person who’s always been there for him, the one girl he could never have: her younger sister.

Mollie Carrington can’t say no to Madison. After all, her older sister practically raised her. So when Madison begs for help in winning her ex-husband back, Mollie’s just glad she got over her own crush on Jackson ages ago—or so she thought. Because as Mollie reconnects with Jackson, she quickly forgets all her reasons to stay loyal to her sister. Tempted by Jackson’s mellow drawl and cowboy good looks, Mollie is sick and tired of coming in second place. But she can’t win if she doesn’t play the game.

Confession time... There are books and authors that I seriously have zero willpower against. If one of my favorite authors releases a new book, I must devour it on the spot. As a new favorite, it was no different when Lauren Layne's I Wish You Were Mine popped into my Kindle. Where art thou willpower? It was nowhere to be found and I literally finished this book that same day. I don't even think I paused to stretch my legs. Once you start a Lauren Layne book, you'll never be able to put it down.

I'm sure most fans of the Oxford series will agree with me when I say we're all waiting on pins and needles for Lincoln's book. When the blurb for I Wish You Were Mine, I was excited that this was actually going to be Jackson's book. Although we don't really get to meet him at the end of the previous book, he still struck a cord with me and I was a giddy school girl as I fell in love with him in this book. Oh boy, he was amazing. Torn between the loss of his career and his future as a journalist, he doesn't know which was is up. Then Mollie comes back into his life and everything seems right again. Always coming second to her beautiful sister, Mollie is finally able to be with the man she's always wanted. I loved these characters. Jackson was perfection, a new favorite book boyfriend. Mollie was an absolute doll. She's spunky and tenacious. She can hold her own against any man, including the infamous Lincoln. Together, Jackson and Mollie were so much fun. I loved their bickering and laughter. The ending... My heart soared with them. 

After devouring I Wish You Were Mine that day, I had a huge grin on my face. Going back to re-read it a couple weeks ago to refresh my memory, the grin was still there. This is a book that'll stick with me, one that I'm sure I'll re-read once more right before the release of the final book in the Oxford series. And be still my heart, we'll finally get to watch Lincoln in all his glory. 

Lauren Layne is the USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance.

Prior to becoming an author, Lauren worked in e-commerce and web-marketing. In 2011, she and her husband moved from Seattle to New York City, where Lauren decided to pursue a full-time writing career. It took six months to get her first book deal (despite ardent assurances to her husband that it would only take three). Since then, Lauren's gone on to publish ten books, including the bestselling Stiletto series, with several more on the way in 2015.

Lauren currently lives in Chicago with her husband and spoiled Pomeranian. When not writing, you'll find her at happy hour, running at a doggedly slow pace, or trying to straighten her naturally curly hair.

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Review: Major Misconduct (Aces Hockey #1) by Kelly Jamieson

"You are so not a lesbian." - Marc Dupuis

Major Misconduct
Series: Aces Hockey #1
Author: Kelly Jamieson
Publisher: Loveswept
Release Date: October 13, 2015
Source: Netgalley

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In Kelly Jamieson’s seductive new Chicago Aces romance—perfect for readers of Sawyer Bennett and Toni Aleo—a fun-loving free spirit tempts an uptight hockey star into opening himself up to love.

As the captain of the Chicago Aces, Marc Dupuis is all business. The apartment he shares with his teammate and best friend, Duncan, is a refuge from the pressures of fame. But when the sexiest woman he’s ever seen interrupts his early morning coffee wearing only a skimpy cami and matching panties, Marc can’t exactly say he minds. Their chemistry is off the charts. Unfortunately, this girl’s no random puck bunny. She’s Duncan’s little sister—and she’s moving in.

Lovey Armstrong could stare at Marc’s chiseled abs and listen to his French-Canadian accent all day. She just has no idea what’s going on inside his head: When he’s not charming her pants off, Marc makes a Zamboni machine seem warm and cuddly. Lovey knows the team’s bro code says no messing with sisters, but all these mixed messages are hard on a girl’s self-esteem—especially since she’s finally getting her new life together in Chicago. She decides he’s worth another shot . . . because if anyone can melt the ice around Marc’s heart, it’s Lovey.

Going into Major Misconduct, I really wanted to love the book for two reasons. One, it is a hockey romance and you should know by now how much I love hockey heroes. And two, it is Kelly Jamieson. I have read and loved some of her previous series and I was excited to start the new Aces Hockey series. By the end of Major Misconduct, I was very much enjoying it. However, there was one aspect of the story that left me with conflicting emotions. 

I adored Marc and the rest of the Aces. Loved them! Marc was a fantastic hero. He's strong and confident, but still keeps his heart on his sleeve. Reeling from a break-up, he's thrown a curve when Lovey sweeps into his life and into his heart. He doesn't quite know what to make of her, but he's sure willing to find out more... Even when it is against his better judgement. 

Lovey was the one aspect of the book that left me with mixed feelings. At the beginning of Major Misconduct, she comes off as a flighty, immature, and spoiled. And because of that, I really had a difficult time liking her. However, as her characters starts to grow and become aware of her actions, that was when I started to like her. It takes a few chapters before her true nature is revealed and she turns into a smart, hardworking woman that want to succeed on her own. By the end of the book, I loved her and I would love to see how she continues to grow as the series progresses.

Teammate's younger sibling is a trope that seriously needs to be explored more. Loved it! I loved the whole "secret romance" aspect of the book. Sneaking around was hot for Marc and Lovey... I liked the sly glances they shared... The smiles and the quite moments leading up to when they can be alone again. All were fabulous. The sex between them was hot! I would have liked more sexual tension, but the sizzling sexual chemistry made up for it.

Overall, I really enjoyed Major Misconduct. I had to fight through my initial reaction towards Lovey and I am so glad I did. It took a couple chapters for me to get into it, but once I was, I couldn't put the book down. I can't wait to see who is in the next book. 

Kelly Jamieson is the author of more than thirty contemporary romance novels. She’s a married mother of two who lives a very ordinary life outside of her imagination. She likes coffee (black), wine (mostly white), and shoes (high!). She also loves watching hockey.

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Review: Loving Lucas (Lies & Leather #1) by Violetta Rand

"You belong here, with me." - Lucas Lafontaine

Loving Lucas
Series: Lies & Leather #1
Author: Violetta Rand
Publisher: Loveswept
Release Date: October 20, 2015
Source: Netgalley

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Perfect for fans of Joanna Wylde and Monica Murphy, Violetta Rand’s explosive new Lies & Leather series kicks off with a red-hot motorcycle racer who rides hard and plays for keeps.

Twenty-one-year-old Karlie Augustine is a survivor. She’s smart and tough, but she’s in too deep with a bad boyfriend who isn’t above breaking her spirit—or her body. Luckily, help arrives in the form of a leather-clad, motorcycle-riding hunk on the right side of the law. Lucas Lafontaine is pure muscle, a Corpus Christi cop who ignites something primal deep within Karlie. And when he offers her room and board in exchange for housekeeping, she finally starts to feel safe again.


As their arrangement turns deliciously decadent, Lucas gets hooked on Karlie’s killer body and fighting spirit. He wants to heal the pain he sees behind her eyes, but to protect her he needs to keep her close, especially now that her psycho ex won’t take a hint. Even as Lucas fights his own battle for custody of his young son, he knows that what he’s found with Karlie is real—and that he’d do anything to protect the woman he wants to take to the finish line.

Confession time... I'm addicted to Violetta Rand. Her books are fabulous. Her characters are insanely sexy. The emotion and raw desire is always amazing. These are three of the reasons why I snatch up and devour any of her books. Loving Lucas was no different. I devoured Loving Lucas, just like I devoured all of her previous titles. One of the main reasons why I think I enjoy reading Violetta's books so much is that she allows her characters to be very sexual. All of her characters enjoy sex and will have sex as often as possible. They're not having sex just for the hell of it. Every time her couples come together (pun intended), it has meaning behind it and it moves the story along. That is the same with Lucas and Karlie. Lucas is extremely protective and loving towards Karlie. He wants to shield her from the horror her ex-boyfriend put her through. He wants to heal her, both physically and emotionally. One way that he heals Karlie is through sex. Lucas shows her that she is worthy of love and his devotion, something her asshole ex-boyfriend never did. Karlie is able to find freedom with Lucas. Finally away from her ex, she's free to be who she wants to be. She's a survivor and, thanks to Lucas, is able to express herself once again. In return, Karlie is able to help Lucas move past his anger he harbors against his ex-wife and gets the courage to confront her. Their relationship had a fantastic emotional connection, as well as a lot of hot sex. 

As much as I have loved Violetta's writing, there has been moments where the usage of a couple words make sentences seem a little awkward. They are so minor, but I can see how some readers might be put off by it. In Loving Lucas, for example, Violetta uses the word "ejaculate" when I felt like other words would have made the passage more cohesive. Again in another passage, "penis" is used and seemed rather awkward. Other than that, I have loved reading the books I have read from the author. I'm so glad to see that she is almost extending the Devil's Den series by using Craig's cousin (Lucas) as the hero of the first book in her new Lies & Leather series. I loved that connection between the two series and I'm hoping there will be more crossovers. Overall, I really enjoyed meeting Lucas and Karlie. They were great characters in an emotional and sexy book. 

An environmental scientist by day, Violetta Rand has been in love with writing since childhood. Struck with an entrepreneurial spirit at a young age, she wrote short stories illustrated by her best friend and sold them in her neighborhood. Rand enjoys outdoor activities, music, reading, and losing herself in the world she brings to life in the pages of her stories. The only thing she loves more than writing is her wonderful relationship with her husband.

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Review: Irresistibly Yours (Oxford#1) by Lauren Layne

"When was the last time you've been decently kissed, Penelope?" - Cole Sharpe

Irresistibly Yours
Series: Oxford #1
Author: Lauren Layne
Publisher: Loveswept
Release Date: October 6, 2015
Source: Netgalley

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Meet the men of Oxford magazine! In the first captivating spin-off of Lauren Layne’s Sex, Love & Stiletto series, a not-so-friendly battle of the sexes turns into a scorching office romance.

Hotshot sports editor Cole Sharpe has been freelancing for Oxford for years, so when he hears about a staff position opening up, he figures he’s got the inside track. Then his boss drops a bombshell: Cole has competition. Female competition, in the form of a fresh-faced tomboy who can hang with the dudes—and write circles around them, too. Cole usually likes his women flirty and curvy, but he takes a special interest in his skinny, sassy rival, if only to keep an eye on her. And soon, he can’t take his eyes off her.

Penelope Pope knows all too well that she comes off as just one of the guys. Since she’s learned that wanting more usually leads to disappointment, Penelope’s resigned to sitting on the sidelines when it comes to love. So why does Cole make her want to get back in the game? The man is as arrogant as he is handsome. He probably sees her as nothing more than a barrier to his dream job. But when an unexpected kiss turns into a night of irresistible passion, Penelope has to figure out whether they’re just fooling around—or starting something real.

You know... I really should know better by now... Picking up a Lauren Layne book after 9 o'clock at night is never a good idea, especially the night after I was up all night reading another book (check yesterday's review). I keep telling myself that, but do I ever listen? Well, apparently not because I was, once again, a zombie the following morning. Do I regret the lack of sleep? Not one bit. Do I regret scaring people that came across my path? Well, maybe... But hey, Halloween is in less than two weeks. I'm only preparing people for the inevitable.

If you've read my blog post from yesterday, then you'll probably have guessed that Lauren's Irresistibly Yours was the second book I couldn't wait to get my greedy little paws on. Her books embody everything that I love in contemporary romance right now. Amazing and irresistible characters that make you fall in love at first sight. Writing that makes you want to re-read each page 5 times just to make sure you didn't miss a word. And scenes that can make you laugh out loud, sob like a baby, or even a little of both. I was hooked on Lauren's every word from the first page. Truth be told, I have only read a handful of her previous books and I don't recall much about Cole Sharpe from the previous book (which was actually the last book in the Stilettos series), so I got to meet him with fresh eyes. Can we clone him? Seriously... The man is book boyfriend material. He's got the hidden sensitive side that really only comes out after her meets Penelope "Tiny" Pope. She brings out the best in him and it was so much fun watching him woo her. The men in Tiny's life need to be kicked in the junk. Reeling from the jerk that left her hanging, she doesn't let men get close and immediately plants herself firmly in the friend zone. Once Cole sets his sights on Tiny, he will do anything to make her see herself as the same beautiful woman he sees. The two of them together were marvelous. I loved the playful moments they shared just as much as the sizzling chemistry that sparks every time they are together. Perfection!

Lauren Layne had made her way onto my "must read" list. I have loved every book I've read of hers and Irresistibly Yours was no different. From the moment I was finished with the first page that I knew I would not be able to put it down. And I didn't... My goal now is to go back and read the previous books I somehow missed. And I will do so happily.

Lauren Layne is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance.  Prior to becoming an author, Lauren worked in e-commerce and web-marketing. In 2011, she and her husband moved from Seattle to New York City, where Lauren decided to pursue a full-time writing career. It took six months to get her first book deal (despite ardent assurances to her husband that it would only take three). Since then, Lauren's gone on to publish ten books, including the bestselling Stiletto series, with several more on the way in 2015.

Lauren currently lives in Chicago with her husband and spoiled Pomeranian. When not writing, you'll find her at happy hour, running at a doggedly slow pace, or trying to straighten her naturally curly hair.

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A visit with Laura Drewry, author of How Forever Feels

Please join me in welcoming author Laura Drewry as she celebrates the upcoming release of the fourth book in her Friends First series - How Forever Feels.

Take it away, Laura!

Hi Crystal – thank you so much for inviting me to your blog today!

With the release of HOW FOREVER FEELS next week, I thought now would be a good time to let one of the secondary characters step forward for a minute. He’s actually been in each of the Friend First books and while many would argue (myself included) that he deserves the scorn that’s been heaped on him, he disagrees.

So, without further ado, I give you Dickhead. Er. . .I mean Will.


For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Will Carson. For those of you who *think* you know me, don’t believe everything Maya’s told you.

Yes, I’m Maya’s ex-husband, the one she and her posse call “Dickhead” and yes, I probably deserve that. Okay, in truth, I absolutely deserve it, but it’s way past time we all moved on, don’t you think? Now hold on there a second, don’t go getting all sanctimonious on me. Let me tell you my side of the story and then you can judge, okay?

So there was this girl I’d hooked up with off and on for a while and she invited my buddy Jack and me to her birthday party – one of those God-awful Hawaiian themed ones. It had been a while since I’d hooked up with anyone, including her, so I was hoping if no one else looked good at the party, maybe she’d be up for a one-off.

Anyway, we were at the party, I went to the can, and when I came back out, there was Jack chattin’ up this cute blond. Now you need to understand that Jack’s never been very good at picking up women. It’s because he doesn’t swoop in and grab their attention with a great line or a sexy smile. No, instead, Jack tries to be their friend first, which is the stupidest thing a guy can do, but in this particular situation it worked out because that little blond was way too cute for him, and while Jack was busy being friendly, I saw a chance to swoop and I took it.

I won’t bore you with too many details but suffice it to say things were moving along pretty fast, which made my mom happier than I’d seen her in a very long time, certainly happier than I’d ever made her. I liked Maya well enough, but I swear to you I don’t remember proposing to her. All I know is she and I had gone out to celebrate with Jack, we all had way too much to drink, and by the time I fell out of bed the next morning, she was wearing my grandmother’s ring – the one Mom gave me a couple years back for “when I found the one.” I’d known for months that Maya wasn’t “the one” but what the hell was I supposed to do now  – she was standing in the living room crying with Mom over how beautiful the ring was!

Yeah, yeah, I know, I should have stopped it right there and then but have you ever been in a situation like that where you have no recollection of making two people so freakin’ happy and with one word, you can rip that way and devastate both of them? No, I’m betting you haven’t, so don’t judge me just yet, okay? My dad passed away about six weeks later and all Mom kept saying was how great it was that Maya and I were getting married because she needed something happy to look forward to. So there – are you beginning to see how it was? Not so Judge-Judy-ish now, are you?

The only thing I could do was try and force Maya into being the one to call it off, so I rushed her into everything, hoping and praying she’d get spooked. I mean, shit, we hadn’t even known each other a year! Nothing worked; she was game for everything I threw at her so it became clear pretty quick that I didn’t have any choice. I was going to have to marry her. Fast forward to the bachelor party and yes, you can bet your ass I wanted a stripper and if you ask any guy you know, he’ll agree that I damn well deserved one. If I was going to be saddled to Maya for the rest of time, I deserved a little enjoyment first, and if memory serves, I enjoyed the hell out of that stripper all night and well into the morning.

For the life of me I can’t remember her name but Jack probably does since he’s the one who hired her.

I got through the wedding okay, and I know you’re not going to believe me, but I tried to make it work with Maya, I really did. There was just something about her, maybe it was the way she took to the whole wife roll so easily while I struggled night and day with being a husband. It was like that ring was cutting off my circulation.

And then I met Stella and suddenly I could breathe again. The first time I touched her, I knew she was the one, not Maya, and I wouldn’t do anything to hurt Stella, which was why as soon as I started sleeping with her, I stopped sleeping with Maya. I haven’t so much as looked at another woman since I met Stella, and trust me, I’ve had plenty of opportunities, especially with Delilah down at the Youth Center.

So you see, I’m not the Dickhead Maya and her posse think I am. Sure I made a few mistakes, who hasn’t? This thing with Stella, though, it’s the real thing. I’m almost positive of it. Hell, we’re even getting married and I’m looking forward to it! Now all I have to do is make Jack see how great everything is. He’s going to be in town for a the next few months for work and it’ll be the first time he’ll meet Stella face-to-face. They’ve talked on the phone but every time I try to get all of us together, Jack comes up with an excuse. I know it’s because I cheated on Maya, but he needs to get over it like I have. Bros before hos, am I right?

I mean, sure, in a town this small, they’ll probably run into each other at some point, but I know Jack, and when push comes to shove, he always has my back. I wonder if he can get that same stripper for my bachelor party this time?


So there you have it, dear readers. Direct from the horse’s mouth, this is Will Carson. I have to admit, I think Maya’s nickname for him is bang-on, but you’ll have to read HOW FOREVER FEELS to find out if the nickname sticks or if he finally redeems himself after all this time.

Thanks again, Crystal, for inviting me to your blog – I’ve had fun introducing you all to Will.

Happy reading everyone!

Laura

How Forever Feels

Friends First #4

Laura Drewry

October 13, 2015

Loveswept

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From USA Today bestselling author Laura Drewry comes a warm and witty new Friends First novel—perfect for readers of Jill Shalvis and Susan Mallery. How Forever Feels is a sweet tale about the one that got away . . . and the one that came back.

Maya McKay’s heart is as big as Jack Rhodes’s shoulders are broad. Their chemistry is out of control, but it could never work between them because Jack is more than just best friends with her cheating ex-husband—they’re like brothers. Maya, the sensitive, practical florist, has given up on love and is ready to settle for like. But now that Jack’s around again, he’s stirring up old feelings—and turning Maya’s fantasies into irresistible reality.

Jack blew his chance with Maya years ago when he stepped aside for his best friend, Will, and he’s still kicking himself about it. Maya was promised forever once before, and she got burned. But when Jack realizes that second chances aren’t going to fall out of the sky, he seizes the moment—and the woman he’s always loved—to show her how forever truly feels.

USA Today Bestselling author, Laura Drewry had been scribbling things for years before she decided to seriously sit down and write. After spending eight years in the Canadian north, Laura now lives back home in southwestern British Columbia with her husband, three sons, a turtle named Sheldon, and an extremely energetic German shepherd. She loves old tattered books, good movies, country music, and the New York Yankees.

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A visit with Wendy S. Marcus, author of All I Need Is You

Please join me in welcoming author Wendy S. Marcus as she celebrates the upcoming release of the second book in her Loving You series - All I Need Is You. I loved the first book in the series - Loving You Is Easy - and I can't wait to pick up her new book.

Take it away, Marcy!

I’m so happy to be at Crystal Blogs Books today to talk about how authors get their ideas. This is a question I’m asked a lot. Let me start by saying, ideas can come from just about anywhere. I remember driving in my car to pick up my son from school a few years ago, a route I’d traveled often back then. One afternoon, for no particular reason that I can recall, while taking the curve an idea popped into my head. What if a car was coming the other way and veered into my lane? What if, when I swerved to avoid it, I ran off the road and hit a tree? What if the person driving the other car was teenager? Maybe one of my son’s underage friends? What if I smelled alcohol on his breath? Would I report the accident as it happened? Or would I say a deer ran out in front of me? What if I wasn’t married? What if the boys very thankful dad came over to help me recover from my injuries…? You see where I’m going with this, right? Sometimes a story idea can hit from something as simple as going to pick up your children from school.

For All I Need Is You, the idea for Neve’s occupation as an adagio dancer, not your typical occupation, came from a video from Ukraine’s Got Talent that I’d seen on Facebook. I became obsessed with the video and couldn’t stop watching it. I searched the Internet for more on the two dancers from Duo Flame. To justify all the time I was spending (so I didn’t feel like a stalker!) I decided to use the female dancer as inspiration for one of my characters, and Neve started to take form. Here’s a link to the video that started it all: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJbYi-sGPAk&list=RDpJbYi-sGPAk#t=8

My Internet ‘research’ led me to an Instagram page where I found this amazing video of the female dancer of Duo Flame, Aiusha Fonti, doing a beautiful pole dance. Thus the idea for a stripper pole in Neve’s bedroom was born!  https://instagram.com/p/x0hRXRoucJ/?modal=true

The idea for Neve having recently donated bone marrow came from an article on bone marrow donation that just happened to pop up in my AOL newsfeed one day. Of course I took it one step further to research complications of bone marrow donation, because hey, I’m an author and we need obstacles for our characters to overcome.

There you have it. Easy peasy right? A few random ideas and a story is born! Okay, it’s not that easy. It took a lot of hard work to get these story ideas to form an enjoyable, satisfying romance. But in the end, I’m extremely pleased with how All I Need Is You has turned out. I hope you’ll give it a read!

Thank you so much for having me here today to talk about story ideas and my new Loveswept Contemporary Romance, All I Need Is You!

November 26, 2011 

Dear Neve, 

First off, please call me Rory. (Rhymes with “story.” Sorry, couldn’t resist.) Or Mic. We’re big on nicknames over here and that’s mine. 

Thank you for your letter. I got it yesterday, which was the day after Thanksgiving. They try to do it up big here, to make the day special, but it’s not the same as being at home. And I was in a funk, thinking about my family and friends, all together at our pub, everyone there but me, stuffing themselves on Mom’s delicious turkey, Aunt Jackie’s honeyed ham, cousin Barbara’s mashed potatoes, and our neighbor Abigail’s macaroni and cheese, which is the best I’ve ever tasted. Damn it, now I’ve got my mouth watering again. 

Anyhow, your letter came at the right time to cheer me up and give me something else to think about. Like the picture you sent. Hot damn. That had to be the finest female butt I’ve ever seen in a skimpy purple bikini bottom . . . or any bikini bottom, for that matter. In fact it’s so perfect the guys are convinced you’re trying to catfish me—you know, sub someone else’s pic for your own. How about we prove them wrong? Send me another picture, a full body shot this time. In that same bikini would be my preference. 

To answer your question, I don’t know anyone who would call me amoral. But a dog? There, uh, may be one or two girls from my past who think so. But I’m a guy, and any guy who tells you he’s never in his life exhibited some doggish behavior is a liar. One thing I am not is a liar. That said, when I’m in a relationship, I don’t cheat. Lucky for me, I’ve got no girlfriend or special someone at the moment. And being of high moral character—if I do say so myself—I would certainly have told you, without you having to ask, if I did. 

So if you’re up for writing me some sexy letters (and hell yeah, the hotter the better!) I’m more than okay with reading them. For sure I like the entertainment you’re offering a helluva lot more than any entertainment I could have gotten from a classroom of third-graders. 

Now, about me. My bio probably told you I’m a twenty-three-year-old Southie from Beantown. (Translation: From South Boston.) My family owns and runs an Irish pub there, McRoy’s. My mom, dad, and three brothers all live above it. I’m the oldest. Been working at that bar for as long as I can remember. Couldn’t wait to get the hell out. As soon as I graduated high school I went straight into the army. 

I’m six weeks into a twelve-month combat deployment, and I can tell I’ll be seeing a lot more fighting this time around. I’ve already decided this tour of duty will be my last. I only hope I survive it. 

On a happier note . . . what I’m looking for in a pen pal? Someone to take my mind off all the shit happening here—and so far you’re doing a bang-up job. Tell me about your day. Share the story of why you and your brother are only six months apart. Tell me about your childhood, your teen years, and your dreams for the future. Tell me about the loser who needed stitches. Talk dirty to me. I think we’re pretty evenly matched in the pen pal department. I just happen to be an up-for-anything kind of guy. I don’t shock easily. So give me all you got. I can handle it. Care packages? I’m happy to get whatever you want to send. 

Favorite food: My dad’s corned beef and cabbage. Favorite non-alcoholic beverage: Lemon-lime sports drinks. Favorite alcoholic beverage: Guinness Draught. Favorite color: At this point anything that isn’t tan or green. New favorite treat: Peanut brittle. Favorite part of the female anatomy: (I’m laughing because you have no idea how long I’ve been sitting here trying to decide.) A butt that looks like the one in the picture you sent is certainly high on my list. Especially if it tops off a nice set of toned legs, which I bet you have since you’re a gymnast/dancer. But for some reason I am really attracted to a woman’s feet. Not in a toe-sucking, fetish kind of way. But if a woman takes care of her feet, she probably takes good care of the rest of her. I like small, feminine feet with painted toenails. Part of the reason I love summer so much is for the opportunity to see women’s feet in pretty sandals. 

Okay. I sound like a creeper. But I’m not. Really. 

In my downtime I like to work with my hands, building things or repairing stuff. I run when the mood hits, which it doesn’t often. But I think chasing after you might be fun. See, something nice to think about for a change. 

Well, I gotta go. Time for lunch, then some training stuff. Send out your letters as often as you like. Please don’t wait to hear back from me. Sometimes things get crazy, but I’ll do my best to stay in touch. It’ll help if you’d include your email address in your next letter. 

Rory

All I Need Is You

Loving You #2

Wendy S. Marcus

October 6, 2015

Loveswept

Buy Links: Amazon - B&N - iTunes - Kobo

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Perfect for fans of Kristan Higgins and Robyn Carr, this sexy yet sweet military romance reunites a headstrong dancer and a rugged army soldier after one steamy encounter tears them apart.

As a dancer who creates mesmerizing visions onstage, Neve James is looking for the same kind of stability in her love life. Her pen pal, Rory McRoy, is on leave from deployment in Afghanistan, so she heads to Boston to surprise him. After corresponding for months as part of a “Support Our Troops” initiative—and exchanging dozens of “Read When You’re Alone” letters—Neve knows what Rory likes, and she intends to fulfill his every fantasy. But all they get are a few blissful moments together before they’re interrupted by a woman claiming to be Rory’s fiancée.

Rory has fallen hard for Neve’s letters. When he finally meets her in person, he has to have her, right then and there—until Neve takes off in a fit of anger. Forced to return to Afghanistan before he can fix things between them, Rory waits four agonizing months to prove that he’s not the man Neve thinks he is. But by the time he arrives in New York, she’s already made up her mind. Luckily, Rory never backs down from a challenge, and he’s prepared to put everything on the line for love.

Advance praise for All I Need Is You

“Wendy S. Marcus has penned a perfect romance in All I Need Is You, with a sexy dancer heroine, a hot military hero with a sense of humor, and a story you won’t want to end.”—New York Times bestselling author Claudia Connor

Wendy S. Marcus is an award-winning author of contemporary romance. A nurse by trade, Wendy holds a Master of Science in Health Care Administration, a degree that does her absolutely no good as she now spends her days, nights, and weekends mucking around in her characters’ lives creating conflict, emotion, and, of course, a happily ever after. Wendy lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley region of New York. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her dog Buddy, and blogging/ emailing/ tweeting/ facebooking with her online friends.

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