Review of BREAKING A LEGEND (Kavanagh Legends #1) by Sarah Robinson

"I figured stalking you and then plowing into your chest would be a more memorable experience." - Clare Ivers

Breaking a Legend
Series: Kavanagh Legends #1
Author: Sarah Robinson
Publisher: Loveswept
Release Date: September 29, 2015

Source: Netgalley

Buy Links: Amazon - B&N - iTunes - Kobo
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Perfect for fans of Katy Evans and Monica Murphy, Sarah Robinson’s blistering-hot series debut introduces the Kavanagh brothers—mixed martial arts fighters who work hard, play hard, and love with all their hearts.

As one of the big names at his family’s gym, Legends, MMA star Rory Kavanagh is used to being in the spotlight—until a gruesome leg injury knocks him out of the cage. Rory is left feeling sidelined in more ways than one, battling the inner demons that come with losing the one shot at his dreams. Then Clare walks into his life and gives him a new dream: winning her heart. There aren’t many new faces in Woodlawn these days, but this tough, beautiful stranger makes Rory want to get his life back into fighting shape.

Clare Ivers doesn’t think she’ll be able to tell anyone what really brought her to the close-knit Bronx neighborhood where she just started bartending. But her life’s on pause and her past is catching up fast, try as she might to move on—with new friends, steady work, and a chiseled alpha male trying to get her attention. Even though Rory’s more than a little intense, she can’t deny that her heart beats faster when he looks at her with those soulful silver eyes. Clare thought she was done with love, but Rory might just be man enough to show her she thought wrong.

I have been wanting to pick up one of Sarah's books for some time now. I've heard many good things about her romantic suspense Photography trilogy, so when I saw that she was releasing a new series with Loveswept, I jumped at the chance to read it. Going into Breaking a Legend, I was expecting (and kind of hoping for) a dark, gritty romance. Not necessarily on the level of her Photography series, but something with a punch. Well, there are punches thrown in Breaking a Legend, but it turned out to be a sweeter romance. And you know what... I really liked it. There was a part in the beginning that I could have done without (leg injuries are icky)... Nope, no thanks. Let's not revisit that paragraph. I fell in love with Rory and Clare from the moment he is drawn to her at the bar. Life after a horrible leg injury hasn't been all sunshine and daisies for Rory. Forced to the sidelines, he drowns his sorrows in alcohol. That all changes the moment Clare walks into his life. He's instantly attracted to her and goes to great lengths to not only show her that she is worthy of love, but that he'll rally the troops (aka his family) if she's in trouble. Poor Clare. Her ex really was an asshole that should be castrated. Slowly... Now that she's finally away from him, Clare is able to grow stronger and live the life she deserves. The more Rory got under her skin, the more she blossomed. As the saying goes... The bigger they are, the harder they fall. And Rory sure did fall hard for Clare.

There is quite a cast of characters in the Kavanagh series and I am so looking forward to seeing how the series progresses. I loved all of the characters that we get to meet in Breaking a Legend. Sarah's writing style was fun and had a great flow. After conversations that she shares on Facebook between her and her husband, I knew there would be funny moments in the book. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with the Kavanagh family. Crossing my fingers that this is going to be a long series...

If you want to know more about the Kavanagh family, I hosted a guest post with Sarah this past Tuesday. To check out the Kavanagh family tree, click HERE to be taken to that blog post.

Sarah Robinson is the bestselling author of The Photographer Trilogy and the Sand & Clay rock star series. A native of Washington, D.C., Robinson has both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal psychology. She is married to a local police officer who is just as much of an animal rescue enthusiast as she is. Together, they own a zoo of rescue and foster animals.

Sarah's Links

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Review of Just One Lie (Just One Night #2) by Kyra Davis

"Those of us who are self-destructive will always love the ones that hurt us most." - Melody "Mercy" Fitzgerald

Just One Lie
Series: Just One Night #2
Author: Kyra Davis
Publisher: Pocket Books (Simon & Schuster)
Release Date: July 28, 2015
Source: Netgalley

Buy Links: Amazon - B&N - iBooks - Google - BAM - IndieBound - Simon & Schuster
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In the instant international sensation, JUST ONE NIGHT, sensible Kasie Fitzgerald unleashed her passions-and found herself-through an explosive affair. In JUST ONE LIE we meet Kasie’s wild and tortured sister, whose impulsivity and lack of self-control has set off a chain of events that changes her family forever.

Melody Fitzgerald is the opposite of the “perfect” daughter. The lead singer of an indie rock band, she is impulsive and creative, with a rebellious streak that both defines her and becomes her greatest enemy. Her lover, unpredictable and enticing Ash, shares her free spirit and penchant for trouble. On the face of it, he seems to be her perfect match.

So why is she so drawn to her soft spoken, reliable drummer, Brad Witmer? How can a fitness obsessed man who wears polo shirts and reads the financial section of the paper be of any interest to her at all? And why on earth does someone like that appear to be so captivated by her?

Before she knows it, Melody finds herself on a path of self-discovery, passion and affairs of the heart. But will a dark secret from her past derail it all? Or will its exposure be the very thing that frees her from her troubled past and allows her to seek a future with the one man who loves her completely?

Just One Lie is a haunting tale of secrets, fierce passion, and a love strong enough to overcome all. For some reason, I have always been attracted to dark and gritty romances that usually leave me emotionally wrecked by the time I finish the book. Just One Lie was no different. Following the story of Mercy as she tries to recover from the death of her alter-ego, Melody, I found myself connecting with her on a deeper level. Her story is heartbreaking, but as she rises from the ashes and forces herself to clean up, we see just how incredibly strong Mercy truly is. Once she realizes this for herself, she's able to open her eyes and her heart to a love so powerful it'll essentially stop time until they can be reunited. I cringed when she was with Ash and soared as her romance with Brad blossomed. The characters were flawed, but lovable enough that you still want them to succeed. Even Ash... However, the aspect of Just One Lie that I enjoyed the most was the lapse in time. Nothing in this book felt rushed. Kyra Davis took the time to set up and allow each relationship to flourish. She allows the reader to decide which relationship is destructive and which is not. Kyra also gives Mercy the time needed to truly find herself and heal before she's able to love with all her heart. Once she gets to that point, you get a feeling that everything will be okay for the characters. Now, I had not read the first book in the Just One Night series before I picked up Just One Lie. Since this book takes place years before Just One Night, it is not necessary to read them in order. I should warn you, though. If you loved Just One Lie as much as I did, you will want to pick up Just One Night as soon as possible. Must read it soon!

Kyra Davis is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Just One Night, Pure Sin and Sophie Katz series as well as So Much For My Happy Ending. Just One NIght has been optioned for television by Anonymous, (the producers of True Detective).

Before publishing her first book, Sex, Murder And A Double Latte in 2005 Kyra supported herself and her son as a marketing manager for a sports club and before that was a department manager at Nordstrom’s Savvy department. She studied at The Fashion Institute Of Design and Merchandising and Golden Gate University.

Kyra now lives with her husband (director and screenwriter, Rod Lurie), her teenage son (proud science-geek and Hawaiian-Shirt-aficionado), dog (champion eater and guardian of the backyard…no squirrel will dare set foot in it) and gecko (the gecko doesn’t do much).

Kyra's Links

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Review of If You Dare by Jessica Lemmon

"Take me for a test drive, McIntire." - Marcus Black

If You Dare
Author: Jessica Lemmon
Publisher: Entangled: Lovestruck
Release Date: July 21, 2015
Source: Netgalley

Buy Links: Amazon - B&N - Google Play - Kobo
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He'll make her a bet she can't refuse...

Lily McIntire is in the creepiest mansion in town. Alone. At night. Because she's an idiot-and can't ignore a dare from her cocky and infuriatingly hot co-worker, Marcus Black. But she'll be damned if she's going to give him the satisfaction of winning.

Marcus has had a thing for Lily for ages, and he has no intention of losing this bet. His plan? Scare her out of the house, and into his arms. Once there, scaring her turns into protecting her and soon after, into seducing her. And his plan is working...

Lily is having trouble relegating Marcus to the role of "asshat" as easily as before. He came to her rescue, and he's actually funny. Charming. Sexy as sin on a stick. But Lily has a strict no-love-in-the-workplace rule, and even one night of the best sex ever won't make her change her mind. So she's calling everything off...

Surviving a night in the mansion might just be the easy part. Surviving Marcus's increasingly convincing advances is going to take everything she has. Losing is not an option...

If You Dare is the epitome of a sassy summer read. Not only was it fun and sexy, it'll also keep you up past your bedtime on a hot summer night without even an ounce of guilt. I love immersing myself into Jessica's books as I meet her characters. Lily and Marcus made me want to work with them just so I could experience their chemistry first hand. I wanted to make a side bet with their co-workers on how long it'll take them to wind up in each other's arms. I would have loved to sit back and watch them try to hide the obvious fact that their feelings run deep. It won't be easy for them in the long run, what with Lily determined to not make the same mistake twice, but it'll sure be fun along the way. If You Dare is a book that you can start and finish in a couple hours because you just can't put it down. Jessica's writing will suck you in and her characters will keep you company as you follow them on their journey. If You Dare was so much fun packed into one pretty package...

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’s Links

Website - Facebook - Goodreads - Twitter

Review of Hate F*@K: Part Two (The Horus Group #2) by Ainsley Booth

"Mine."  - Cole

Hate F*@K: Part Two
Series: The Horus Group #2
Author: Ainsley Booth
Publisher: self-published
Source: Netgalley

Buy Link: Amazon
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It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt. Then it’s business as usual.

Cole:
I screwed up, but I can fix this.

Hailey:
This can’t be fixed.

Part two of a three book serial about a bad-ass alpha male and the curvy woman he can't give up.

Hate F*@k: part one is now available! Hate F*@k: part three will finish the serial in April 2015.

Cole's back! YUM!! This is going to be a super quick review for Hate F*@K: Part Two, the second book in Ainsley Booth's yum-tastic Hate F*@k series. I don't want to go into great detail about part two just in case you haven't read part one (and if you haven't...what are you waiting for?). I am in love with this series of sexy hot novellas. Hate F*@K: Part Two starts shortly after the previous novella ended. It explores the intense relationship between Cole and Hailey, not just their new sexual relationship, but also the mutual attraction they shared in the past. Hate F*@K: Part Two is just as hot and intense as the previous novella, but with a little more oomph. I loved it and I cannot wait for the third novella, which will be out later this month! And I'm hoping Ainsley has plans to expand the series with the other hotties that form the Horus Group. Please?

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Coming April 2015

Review of Game Play (Power Play #1) by Lynda Aicher

"Are you running from me, Samantha?" - Dylan Rylie

Game Play
Series: Power Play # 1
Author: Lynda Aicher
Publisher: Carina Press
Release Date: February 16th, 2015
Source: Netgalley

Buy Links: Amazon - B&N - Kobo - iTunes
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One night, one time, nothing more. That’s all it was supposed to be. They’d agreed their first night together would be their only night together—and Minnesota Glaciers defenseman Dylan Rylie was fine with that. Giant hickeys and claw marks on his ass had never been his style, even if the very memory of Samantha Yates’s merciless sexual energy gets him hard within seconds. He needs to focus on getting a better contract, not mind-blowing orgasms.

One night, one time, nothing more. Fresh off representing the US at the Games and with nowhere else to play, Samantha gave in to one night of frantic passion with the Glaciers’ brawny hotshot. She couldn’t get hurt—not if she controlled the outcome. And she planned to leave Minnesota soon, anyway. She didn’t expect to be recruited to coach Dylan after they’d gotten down and dirty.

When brutal on-ice workouts lead to kinky locker room sessions and “one night” falls by the wayside, Samantha insists on keeping things casual, despite Dylan’s quiet hope for more. But when Dylan goes down—hard—and his career is in jeopardy, Samantha is the first one by his side. What will it take to keep her there after he’s healed?

I love hockey players... Hockey romances... Just about anything to do with the sport. In fact, I have the Anaheim Ducks game playing in the background (we won't mention the score...). Plus, I have been wanting to pick up a Lynda Aicher book. In Game Play we meet Dylan Rylie and Samantha Yates, two very talented hockey players at different points in their careers. Dylan is in his contract year and he is determined to get a contract from the Glaciers. Meanwhile, as a female hockey player, Samantha is dealing with the end of her playing career. I loved the contrast between Dylan and Samantha. While both of them are focused on their future, it is taking them into two separate directions. I loved Dylan and Samantha. The banter between them was prefect. I loved that they challenged each other and often fought for control in their relationship. Although he's focused on his career, Dylan is still determined to make Samantha see that their relationship is worth fighting for. I had so much fun reading Game Play. I don't know whose book is next, but I'm looking forward to finding out.

Lynda Aicher has always loved to read. After years of weekly travel implementing computer software into global companies, she ended her nomadic lifestyle to raise her two children. Now her imagination is her only limitation on where she can go and her writing lets her escape from the daily duties as a mom, wife, chauffeur, scheduler, cook, teacher, volunteer, cleaner and mediator. Find her at: http://lyndaaicher.com.

Author Links

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Review of Hate F*@K: Part One (Horus Group #1) by Ainsley Booth

"If we met at a different time and place, I'd want you to teach me how to be good. Because you're so good it makes me wish I had a heart. For you, I'd try to be an average man, with feelings and everything." - Cole Parker

Hate F*@K: Part One
Series: The Horus Group #1
Author: Ainsley Booth
Publisher: Self-Published
Release Date: February 17, 2015

Buy Link: Amazon
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Warning: This is just the start. This doesn't end well. And it's going to get much worse before it ever gets better.

Cole:
I push her buttons. I want to push them in the good way. Dirty, up-against-the-wall, my-hand-in-her-pants kind of way.

But that’s not possible, because I’m dark and she’s light, and we both know it.

So I push her buttons in the bad way, making her hate me.

Hailey:
If a genie granted me three wishes, I’d ask for Cole Parker to never look at me again, that I’d forget the dark promise in his eyes, and that just once, before he vanished from my life completely, that he’d push me up against a wall and make me scream.

Then I’d go wash my mouth out with soap.

Part one of a three book serial about a bad-ass alpha male and the curvy woman he can't give up. The next two parts will be published in March and April of 2015.

As Hailey would say... "Oh, sweet mother of all that is holy..." I couldn't have said it better myself. Hate F*@K rocked my Kindle. The characters, the sex, and everything else in between was freaking fantastic. Cole is a mystery. He's angry. He's raw. All of that goes away the moment he's near Hailey and all he wants to do is be a better man for her, but in his mind, he can't be that man for her. Hailey has had the hots for Cole since the moment she laid eyes on him, but she sees herself as chubby and doesn't think he'll ever be attracted to her. Put them in the same room and watch the sparks fly. Yum!! I loved the first installment so much, I don't even mind that we have to wait until next month to see what happens next. In the meantime, I'm just going to replay part one in mind a few more times...

Coming March 2015

Review of For Keeps (Love to the Rescue #2) by Rachel Lacey

"I'll catch you if you need catching." - TJ Jameson

For Keeps
Series: Love to the Rescue #2
Author: Rachel Lacey
Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing)
Release Date: January 27, 2015
Source: Netgalley
*I also purchased a finished paperback copy.*

Buy Links: Amazon - Barnes & Noble
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A SUMMER FLING . . . OR SOMETHING MORE?

Merry Atwater would do just about anything to save her dog rescue - even if it means working with the most stubborn man on the planet. It's hard to avoid the sparks that fly with TJ Jameson, the ruggedly sexy cowboy in charge of the children's camp where she's just taken an animal therapy job. But commitment is not Merry's style, and TJ clearly wants more than just a roll in the hay.

TJ Jameson isn't looking for anything complicated-just a peaceful life on his family's ranch with a wife and kids. "No-strings" Merry Atwater doesn't fit that bill, no matter how irresistible she is. But when he sees how Merry gets through to his autistic nephew and the other kids at Camp Blue Sky, TJ's a goner. If he doesn't give in to the now, he might just lose his shot at forever . . .

What do you get when you mix sexy and lovable heroes, smart and independent heroines, and some of the most adorable puppies? You get Rachel Lacey's enchanting Love to the Rescue series. I fell madly in love with the first book, Unleashed, and I could not wait to get my paws on For Keeps. I loved For Keeps just as much as I loved the first book. Oh, my gosh, these books are amazing. The characters are so damn lovable. TJ... Dear, sweet TJ... He is my new favorite book boyfriend. Merry is nothing short of amazing. Both are kind hearted characters that went through things that tested their strength and left holes in their hearts. The transformation they go through in the book was perfection. I loved watching them fumble along the way in hopes that they'll be able to open their hearts for each other. The transformations doesn't stop with the two main characters. The children in the book go through their own heartwarming growth. I adore Rachel's writing style. She made me laugh, grin like a fool, and get teary eyed towards the end of the book. I cannot wait until Olivia's book and a part of me hopes that even Amy may get her own little happy ending. 

If you would like to see my review of the first book in the Love to the Rescue series, please click HERE.

I grew up with a passion for reading and an unquenchable need to write stories of my own. As a girl, my journals and, later on, computers were always filled with snippets of stories and dialogue. These characters got inside my head and wouldn’t rest until I’d written them down. The number one item on my bucket list has always been to publish a novel, and I am beyond thrilled that my dream is coming true with Unleashed.

The first thirty years of my life led me around the globe on some amazing adventures. I’ve been climbed by a monkey on a mountain in Japan, gone scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, and camped out overnight in New York City for a chance to be an extra in a movie. These days, I’m a stay-at-home mom to my five-year-old son, and the majority of my adventures take place in the books I write. I currently live in warm and sunny North Carolina with my husband, our son, and a variety of rescue pets.

Rachel's Links

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Review of Bringing Home the Bad Boy (Second Chance #1) by Jessica Lemmon

"Wasn't in your bed one night and I hated it. Not gonna give you a break until you know I'm here for good. Here wanting you, wanting us, wanting this every single day." - Evan Downey

Bringing Home the Bad Boy
Series: Second Chance #1
Author: Jessica Lemmon
Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing)
Release Date: January 27, 2015
Source: Netgalley

Purchase Links: Amazon - B&N - iTunes - Google Play
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The Bad Boy Is Back

Evan Downey needs a new beginning. Since the death of his wife five years ago, the brilliant tattoo artist has shut himself away in a prison of grief that not even his work can break him out of-and what's worse, Evan knows his son Lyon is bearing the brunt of his seclusion. Moving back to the lake town of Evergreen Cove where he spent his childhood summers is his last chance for a fresh start.

Charlotte Harris knows she owes it to her best friend's memory to help Evan and his son find their way again, but she can't stop her traitorous heart from skipping a beat every time she looks into Evan's mesmerizing eyes. Charlotte is determined to stay strictly in the Friend Zone-until a mind-blowing night knocks that plan by the wayside. Now, if they're brave enough to let it, Charlotte and Evan might just find a love capable of healing their broken hearts . . .

Jessica Lemmon dares to cross a fine line between love lost and love found in her new book Bringing Home the Bad Boy. Charlotte "Charlie" Harris has been in love with bad boy Evan Downey for as long as she can remember. Much to her dismay, Charlie's best friend, Rae, saw him first. Destined to live in the friend zone, Charlie sat back and watched the two of them marry, have a son, and lived what appeared to be a happy life until Rae's death. Now, years later, Evan decides to move back home. As they see each other more and more, Charlie and Evan's attraction grows. Evan is ready to move on, but can he convince Charlie to take a chance and find her own happiness with him? 

I know that I've been saying this a lot lately, but the emotional rollercoaster this book took me on was a-ma-zing. I loved every moment of Bringing Home the Bad Boy so much that I devoured it in one sitting. However, it took me a week to digest the beauty that is this book. I loved both Evan and Charlie. They were each other's rock. They helped each other deal with the loss of Rae in two completely different ways. For Evan, his body moved on after her death, but his heart never fully healed until Charlie helped him deal with the guilt and the anger of losing his wife at such a young age. As for Charlie, she needs Evan to show her that it is okay for the two of them to move on together. He shows her that there is a place for Charlie in his life and Evan needs her beside him. Evan takes his time pursuing Charlie, showing her the pleasures and happiness she can find with him. He shows Charlie that no matter what other people might say or think, the only thing that matters is what is in their hearts. Together, they are ready to take on the world and show everyone that second chances are worth it.

As my first Jessica Lemmon book, I have to say that I'm hooked. I loved Bringing Home the Bad Boy. I loved the characters and the slow-building romance. And, of course, I love that it is the first book in a new series! The group of characters that make up Charlie and Evan's friends have a lot of possibilities and even some history. I have a feeling that this is going to be a magical series and I'm so glad that I get to go along for the ride.

Jessica Lemmon has always been a dreamer. At some point, she decided head-in-the-clouds thinking was childish and went out and got herself a job. …And then she got another one because that one was lousy. And when that one stopped being fulfilling, she went out and got another …and another.

Soon it became apparent she’d only be truly happy doing what she loved. And since “eating potato chips” isn’t a viable career, she opted to become a writer. With fire in her heart, she dusted off a book she’d started years prior, finished it, and submitted it. It may have been the worst book ever, but it didn’t stop her from writing another one. Now she has several books finished, several more started, and even more marinating in her brain (which currently resides in the clouds, thankyouverymuch), and she couldn’t be happier.

She firmly believes God gifts us with talents for a purpose, and with His help, you can create the life you want.

Jessica's Links

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Coming May 2015

Review of Sugar's Twice as Sweet (Sugar, Georgia #1) by Marina Adair

"My mama was a tiny thing, would barely reach my chest if she were still alive. She was the strongest woman I know. You remind me of her." - Brett McGraw

Sugar's Twice as Sweet
Series: Sugar, Georgia #1
Author: Marina Adair
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: November 25, 2014
Source: Netgalley

Purchase Links: Amazon - Barnes & Noble
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He's trouble she doesn't need . . .

Thanks to a cheating fiancé, Josephina Harrington's perfect life just crashed and burned. Moving in with her overbearing parents is definitely not an option. No, she needs to prove she can make it on her own. And she will-by turning her great-aunt's old plantation house into a destination getaway. She's just not expecting her contractor to be so hands-on-and so totally irresistible.

. . . but everything she wants

Bad-boy golf champion Brett McGraw figured his hometown of Sugar, Georgia was the perfect place to lay low and get his life back up to par. The leggy blonde with a pint-sized pup is the kind of sweet 'n sassy trouble he never saw coming. She doesn't know a nut from a bolt and before long, he's renovating her house . . . as she steals his heart. Can he convince Josephina that his womanizing ways are in the past and he's ready for forever?

I have been in a perpetual state of book zombie-ness, It all started with Sugar's Twice as Sweet and continued with the two books I read after it. Sleeeep! I just want sleep!

Sugar's Twice as Sweet is the perfect title for this little gem. Everything about this book was too freaking adorable. From the lovable characters to the small town craziness, I loved it all. I swooned over Brett and bonded with Joie. Brett's single goal for the book is to get Joie to go out with him. He knows that there is something deep between them and he wants nothing more than to explore it. Joie is understandably gun shy after exposing herself in front of her fiance...and his other woman. She runs to the home her beloved aunt left her with plans to turn it into a successful Inn and spa. Once she arrives in Sugar, Georgia, she is faced with crazy old ladies and Brett, both are distractions she can't afford. Brett was amazing. He feels as if he's been waiting for her ever since he rescued her when they were kids. Its almost as if he's destined to support Joie, but as usual, he goes about things the wrong way. Lucky for Brett, he can grovel like it is nobody's business. Joie, on the other hand, just needs to believe in herself. She may be a little flighty, but she's also a strong woman once she sets her mind on a goal. The poor girl just can't shake the old biddies that are driving her up a wall and down the banister.

Holy smokes! Sugar's Twice as Sweet was my first Marina Adair book and it certainly will not be my last. I love her writing! The dialog had me in stitches. The chemistry between Brett and Joie was sweet and sexy. And can I just say...if a certain mechanic and a hunky sheriff do not get paired off.... It'll be on, Marina! Ahem, sorry. I got carried away. Anyway, I adore small town romances and I can't wait to visit Sugar again in the next book. Is it here yet?

From Marina Adair's website...

Marina Adair is a #1 National best-selling author of romance novels. Along with the St. Helena Vineyard series, she is also the author of the upcoming Sugar, Georgia series and Tucker’s Crossing, part of the Sweet Plains series. She currently lives with her husband, daughter, and two neurotic cats in Northern California.

As a writer, Marina is devoted to giving her readers contemporary romance where the towns are small, the personalities large, and the romance explosive. She also loves to interact with readers and you can catch her on Twitter or visit her on Facebook.

Marina's Links

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Review of THE V-SPOT by Wendy S. Marcus

"I here with you. I want you. Only you." - Brody "The Bull" Bullock

The V-Spot
Author: Wendy S. Marcus
Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: October 8, 2014
Source: NetGalley


Purchase Links: Amazon - Barnes & Noble
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How hot is your night going to get? Take the quiz and find out!

1. You're a curvy, cute and practical nurse, ready to unleash your inner naughty nymphette for your 25th birthday. You start with...
a. Chocolate cake.
b. Champagne. Lots of it.
c. A blind date set up by your daring best friend.

2. Your guy turns out to be popular (and insanely hot) wrestler Brody "The Bull" Bullock. You...
a. Run for the door.
b. Admire his hotness, then run for the door.
c. Imagine him naked.

3. You're meeting Brody at The V-Spot, a "Voyeur Motel." What are you wearing?
a. A cute sundress with wedge sandals
b. You're not going anywhere without Spanx
c. Doesn't matter. Brody is sexy enough that it's all coming off!

If you selected all of the above, you're in for the night of your life....

Imagine this... It is your 25th birthday and your best friend sets you up on a blind date. Not just any blind date. Oh no, this blind date is at The V-Spot, aka the Voyeur Motel, a place where you check your inhibitions at the door for one night of steamy, hot sex. Thanks to her hyper-sexed best friend, this is exactly how Emma Masters will be spending her birthday. Having the best sex in her life with a total stranger... Until that total stranger turns out to be Brody "The Bull" Bullock, a sexy wrestler that volunteers at the hospital she works at. No way, she can't spend the night in his arms... Can she?

I am addicted to Harlequin's Cosmo Red-Hot Reads. The V-Spot was fun, sweet, and incredibly sexy. I adored Emma and Brody. Emma was sweet, curious, and a little insecure about her body. Brody, on the other hand, is sex on a stick. It was sad that Emma didn't believe that a guy like Brody would be interested in a girl like her, but we learn very quickly that Brody has his own motive for being Emma's blind date. I loved that Brody spends the novella helping Emma lose her inhibitions and open herself to him, both emotionally and sexually. He wants to teach her things, to bring her out of her shell. And after their amazing night together, he's determined to prove to Emma that he's the man for her. Yum!! I loved this little novella. It had funny moments, sexy moments, and a lot of sweet moments as Brody and Emma got to know each other. The V-Spot has the perfect amount of sizzle to make erotic romance fans happy and a dash of romance to make you swoon.  

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/e-mailing/tweeting/facebooking with her online friends.

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Review for BREAKING ALL HER RULES by Maisey Yates

"Dear Lord. You need some kind of disclaimer." - Zack Camden

Breaking All Her Rules
Author: Maisey Yates
Publisher: Harlequin Cosmo
Release Date: August 12, 2014
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

Purchase Links: Amazon - Barnes & Noble
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Buttoned-up financial consultant Grace Song lives life by her own strict rules. Spontaneity leads to chaos. Always play it safe. So when she shares a Manhattan cab with a handsome stranger and they accidentally swap cell phones, her first instinct is to track him down and put things right. Stay on track. Stick with the plan.

But when beyond-gorgeous Zack Camden answers the door draped only in a towel, Grace is suddenly inspired to ditch her rules for a day…and a night. Indulging in one delicious encounter with a perfect stranger is just the break she needs. But one turns into two, then three mind-blowing nights—and soon Grace is in danger of breaking the biggest rule of them all—never fall in love….

What would you do if a sexy stranger just happens to share his cab with you? That same question runs through the mind of our heroine, Grace Song. Straight-laced Grace has spent her entire life living by her rules. The moment she accepts Zack's offer to share his cab, her rules go out the window. When a mix-up leads Grace to Zack's hotel room, all bets are off. Can she resist the attraction that is pulling her towards him? Will she be able to say no to Zack's offer of one night filled with passion? Her mind may be saying no, but her body is ready to break the rules.

I am in love with Harlequin's Cosmo Red-Hot Reads. They are short romances with a fabulous combination of sexy and sweet. I'd have to say that Breaking All Her Rules is my favorite so far. It was adorable! I loved both Grace and Zack. For a novella, both characters were incredibly deep, Ever since Grace was younger, she's forced herself to follow very strict rules because, in her eyes, success equals the being the perfect daughter. Zack, on the other hand, is leery about the success that comes along with his sculptures. It has forced him into a very public career and, since he's been surviving alone for so many years, Zack isn't so sure if he's ready to open his heart. Together, Grace and Zack slowly form a bond that helps the other heal. They both start looking at their lives in a different light and begin to want more. I loved watching their relationship develop from two total strangers sharing a cab to tender lovers on the verge of forever. Not to mention, the banter and one-liners that fly between Zack and Grace were hysterical. I loved how much they fumbled and stumbled after their first night together. They were nervous and excited all at once. It was great. I really loved Breaking All Her Rules. It was a short, but wonderful journey that left me swooning. 

USA Today Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit.   

In 2009, at the age of twenty-three Maisey sold her first book. Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances  set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard. She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world. 

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Review of SCRATCH by Rhonda Helms

"Why should I hold back? Life's too short to not be upfront." - Daniel

Scratch
Author: Rhonda Helms
Publisher: Kensington
Release Date: September 30, 2014
Source: Netgalley

Purchase Links: Amazon - Barnes & Noble
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The most painful scars are the ones you never see.

In her DJ booth at a Cleveland dance club, Casey feels a sense of connection that's the closest she ever gets to normal. On her college campus, she's reserved, practical-all too aware of the disaster that can result when you trust the wrong person. But inexplicably, Daniel refuses to pay attention to the walls she's put up. Like Casey, he's a senior. In every other way, he's her opposite.

Sexy, open, effortlessly charming, Daniel is willing to take chances and show his feelings. For some reason Casey can't fathom, he's intent on drawing her out of her bubble and back into a world that's messy and unpredictable. He doesn't know about the deep scars that pucker her stomach - or the deeper secret behind them. Since the violent night when everything changed, Casey has never let anyone get close enough to hurt her again. Now, she might be tempted to try.

As with most of New Adult books, Scratch is an emotional romance between two college-aged characters, one of which is scarred and broken. In Scratch we meet Casey and Daniel. In some ways, Casey is not your typical New Adult character. After a violent event in her childhood, Casey closed herself off from people. What I loved about Casey was the fact that she was a DJ. She can pour her heart and soul into her music. Casey is able to express herself with music in ways she can't with people. However, I would have loved to see more of Casey in her element. She loves being able to watch people move on the dance floor knowing that it is her music that sets them free. The change she goes through in the story is remarkable. With Daniel and her roommate by her side, Casey gets the courage to talk about her past and create connections with her classmates. As for Daniel, he was the perfect boyfriend. He wants Casey to be happy and he hopes that she'll find happiness with him. Although, he does go about it all wrong. He pushes her to face her past and nearly pushes too far. The majority of their relationship is focused on Daniel trying to get Casey to tell him the truth about what happened to her family. We learn a lot about Daniel through Casey's eyes, but other than the fact that he's from a loving family, we really don't get to know much more about him. This is one book where I wished we had gotten both perspectives and I think it would have given Daniel more depth. I respected how slowly Casey and Daniel's relationship progressed. They start off as simply classmates before it grew into friendship and eventually, their romance blossomed. I felt that pacing of their relationship was perfect. Never once did I wish they moved faster or wished they would slow down. Overall, I thought Scratch was an enjoyable book with two characters I could find myself rooting for. I wanted Casey to overcome her past and to have some kind of a future with Daniel. Scratch was my introduction into the author's world and I look forward to becoming more acquainted with Rhonda's work in the future.

Rhonda Helms and Kensington created the perfect playlist to go along with Scratch. If there was ever a book that would be perfect for a playlist, this was it. To find the Spotify playlist and listen to the tracks, please click on the link below.

My favorite song on the playlist is Say Something by A Great Big World.

Scratch Playlist on Spotify

Rhonda Helms started writing several years ago when she realized she was having far too many conversations with people in her head that hadn't actually happened. She has a Master's degree in English and a Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing. She also edits for Carina Press (an imprint of Harlequin Publishing) as a freelance acquisitions/developmental editor, plus offers freelance editing.

When she isn't writing, she likes amateur photography, digging her toes into the sand, reading for hours at a time, and eating scads of cheese. WAY too much cheese.

Rhonda lives in Northeast Ohio with her family, dog, and a very loud cat.

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Review of BOMBSHELL by Jody Gehrman

"Nobody's ever...looked at me so closely. Nobody's ever..." - Ruby Sugars

Bombshell
Author: Jody Gehrman
Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: September 10, 2014
Source: Netgalley

Purchase Links: Amazon - B&N
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Copywriter Ruby Sugars is in a rut. Her life consists of the following: long hours, boring neutral colors and regular fat-shaming from her stick insect-looking boss. But Ruby isn't really a Bland Betty—she's a complete Bettie Page hottie, with an enviable collection of vintage couture and very naughty vixen lingerie. Now if only she could channel that girl into her real life….

Cue Ruby's best friend, whose recent fixation is "fantasy matchmaking." She's decided that all Ruby needs is one night with a sexy, delectable man—one with a serious thing for curvy pinup girls. And "Lancer" is hot enough to make any girl's fantasy come true.

For one night, it's pure, X-rated hotness. But come the next morning, this brand-spankin'-new bombshell will get the shock of her life when the man she vowed to see only once shows up again…as her new boss.

Bombshell is a wickedly delicious foray into the fantasy world of Ruby Sugars. In the corporate world, Ruby is forced into the side of her that everyone sees. She's boring and conforming. She's constantly told by her super skinny and bitchy boss that she's a failure. Instead of standing out, she uses her wardrobe as a way to hid her body from her coworker's scrutiny. Then there is Bettie. As Ruby's inner vixen, Bettie is the side of her that only her best friend has seen. Bettie is very va-va-voom. She's sexy and sultry and can get any man she wants. Well, she would if Ruby felt comfortable  enough to wear the clothes in public. So when Ruby accidentally emails her coworkers racy photos of herself, she's ready to push Bettie even deeper in her closet. That is, until her best friend sets Ruby up with "Lancer." Ruby is finally able to be herself with him and together, they explore their most intimate sexual fantasies. But when "Lancer" steps out of Ruby's fantasy and right into her real life, all bets are off . Suddenly Ruby is not only fighting for her job, but she is also fighting for Bettie.

I adored this little novella and because I liked it so much, it was inevitable that I wished it was longer. The build-up towards Lancer's and Bettie's one night together was amazing. I loved their shy flirting and getting to know each other. I loved how Bettie took charge in the bedroom. As part of her fantasy, Ruby wanted to be a woman in charge of her sexuality and she capitalized on that with Lancer. What I would have loved was more interaction between Ruby and Colin as themselves. Not necessarily sexual, but I wanted to how their relationship progressed outside of their fantasies. I just would have loved more. Still, I adored Bombshell. I thought it was hysterically funny and very sexy. I hope to read more of Jody's work in the future. Until then, let us all release our inner sex kittens. 

Jody is the author of nine published novels, one novella, and numerous scripts for the stage and screen. She grew up in Northern California. Babe in Boyland, published by Penguin's Dial books, was optioned by Disney. Her plays have been produced in Ashland, New York, San Francisco and L.A. She and her partner David Wolf won the New Generation Playwrights Award for their one-act, Jake Savage, Jungle P.I. She's a graduate of UC Santa Cruz, Western Washington University, and University of Sounthern California. She's currently a professor of English and Communications at Mendocino College.

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