A Romance Book Blog by a Voracious Reader
Friday, June 28, 2019
Review: The Trouble with You
My rating: 0 of 5 stars
This audiobook and story was better than I could have hoped for. I was excited to listen once i read the teaser, because the heroine and I share a first name, although it is spelled differently. I have never before had the opportunity to hear my favorite narrators repeatedly say my name. How luck can a girl get when it is Wen Ross and Sarah Pukett whispering sweet, dirty and rivalry fueled words in your ear. This enemies to lovers, sorta second chance, step brother best friend romance was charged with heat and anger and lust and more than a little tenderness and emotions. The Hero, was almost an anti-hero, a character you loved to hate and watched his transformation through the books. I feel like these characters would get along well with L.J Shen's Hot Holes & Tot Holes which are books i absolutely love. Fantastic all around! I can't wait for the next book in the series!
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Thursday, June 27, 2019
Lies, a fast paced and sexy standalone filled with the perfect blend of heat and humor from New York Times bestselling author Kylie Scott, is coming July 21st and we have the sexy cover!
Betty Dawsey knows that breaking things off with Thom Lange is for the best. He’s nice, but boring, and their relationship has lost its spark. But steady and predictable Thom, suddenly doesn’t seem so steady and predictable when their condo explodes and she’s kidnapped by a couple of crazies claiming that Thom isn’t who he says he is.
Thom is having a hellish week. Not only is he hunting a double agent, but his fiancĂ© dumped him, and thanks to his undercover life, she’s been kidnapped.
Turns out Thom is Operative Thom and he’s got more than a few secrets to share with Betty if he’s going to keep her alive. With both their lives on the line, their lackluster connection is suddenly replaced by an intense one. But in his line of work, feelings aren’t wanted or desired. Because feelings can be a lethal distraction.
Pre-order your copy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Mpws0a
AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2Z7eEIE
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/LiesKS
Nook: http://bit.ly/2WdNaPZ
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2Z3ME8X
Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/2XzZz1O
Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/31cAz3h
Cover Designed by Hang Le
Photographer: Brian Kaminski
Model: Terry Dormer
About Kylie Scott
Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013, 2014 & 2018, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet.Connect with Kylie Scott
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2XujcZh
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2GngiQq
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kyliescottwriter Twitter: https://twitter.com/KylieScottbooks Instagram: http://bit.ly/2EUrx11
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2Imusk3
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/kyliescottbooks/
Book+Main Bites: http://bit.ly/2ETz5RQ
Website: https://kyliescott.com/
Friday, June 21, 2019
Review: Restored
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily give my review.
Gemma and Bronx are my new favorite Alexa Riley couple! I love that this story had a little more meat than some of the other insta loves I have read recently. While they both wanted each other, there were a few hiccups which dragged it out a bit. Not so much that I became annoyed, but enough that when they finally get together it's a sweet feeling.
One Click this one for sure!
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Chapter Reveal: HANDLE WITH CARE by Helena Hunting
Handle With Care, an all-new romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting is coming August 27th, and we have a sneak peek!
HE WANTS TO LOSE CONTROL.
Between his parents’ messed up marriage and his narcissistic younger brother, Lincoln Moorehead has spent the majority of his life avoiding his family. After the death of his father, Lincoln finds himself in the middle of the drama. To top it all off, he’s been named CEO of Moorehead Media, much to his brother’s chagrin. But Lincoln’s bad attitude softens when he meets the no-nonsense, gorgeous woman who has been given the task of transforming him from the gruff, wilderness guy to a suave businessman
SHE’S TRYING TO HOLD IT TOGETHER.
Wren Sterling has been working double time to keep the indiscretions at Moorehead Media at bay, so when she’s presented with a new contract, with new responsibilities and additional incentives, she agrees. Working with the reclusive oldest son of a ridiculously entitled family is worth the hassle if it means she’s that much closer to pursuing her own dreams. What Wren doesn’t expect is to find herself attracted to him, or for it to be mutual. And she certainly doesn’t expect to fall for Lincoln. But when a shocking new Moorehead scandal comes to light, she’s forced to choose between her own family and the broody, cynical CEO.
Pre-order your copy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2VGJ83p
AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2VXTyvK
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/HandleWithCare
Nook: http://bit.ly/2FmIv9x
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2M09aKC
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2RRkyh8
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2C9AeCB
Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2FgCXxX
Excerpt from Chapter One
Chapter One
What Have I Gotten Myself into?
Wren I slip onto the empty bar stool beside the lumberjack mountain man who looks like he tried to squeeze himself into a suit two sizes too small. He’s intimidatingly broad and thick, with long dark hair that’s been pulled up into a haphazard man bun thing. His beard is a hipster’s wet dream. His scowl, however, makes him about as approachable as a rabid porcupine. And yet, here I am, sidling up next to him. He glances at me, eyes bleary and not really tracking. He quickly focuses on his half-empty glass again. Based on the slump of his shoulders and the uncoordinated way he picks up his glass and tips it toward his mouth, I’m guessing he’s pretty hammered. I order a sparkling water with a dash of cranberry juice and a lime. What I could really use is a cup of lavender-mint tea and my bed, but instead, I’m sitting next to a drunk man in his thirties. My life is extra glamorous, obviously. And no, I’m not an escort, but at the moment I feel like my morals are on the same kind of slippery slope. “Rough day?” I ask, nodding to the bottle that’s missing more than half its contents. It was full when he sat down at the bar an hour ago. Yes, I’ve been watching him the entire time, waiting for an opportunity to make my move. While he’s been sitting here, he’s turned down two women, one in a dress that could’ve doubled as a disco ball and the other in a top so low-cut, I could almost see her navel. “You could say that,” he slurs. He props his cheek on his fist, eyes almost slits. I can still make out the vibrant blue hue despite them being nearly closed. They move over me, assessing. I’m wearing a conservative black dress with a high neckline and a hem that falls below my knees. Definitely not nearly as provocative as Disco Ball or Navel Lady. “That solving your problems?” I give him a wry grin and tip my chin in the direction of his bottle of Johnnie. His gaze swings slowly to the bottle. It gives me a chance to really look at him. Or what I can see of his face under his beard, anyway. “Nah, but it helps quiet down all the noise up here.” He taps his temple and blurts, “My dad died.” I put a hand on his forearm. It feels awkward, and creepy on my part since its half-genuine, half-contrived comfort. “I’m so sorry.” He glances at my hand, which I quickly remove, and refocuses on his drink. “I should be sorry too, but I think he was mostly an asshole, so the world might be better off without him.” He attempts to fill his glass again, but his aim is off, and he pours it on the bar instead. I rush to lift my purse and grab a handful of napkins to mop up the mess. “I’m drunk,” he mumbles. “Well, I’m thinking that might’ve been the plan, considering the way you’re sucking that bottle back. I’m actually surprised you didn’t ask for a straw in the first place. Might be a good idea to throw a spacer [CD3] in there if you want tomorrow morning to suck less.” I push my drink toward him, hoping he doesn’t send me packing like he did the other women who approached him earlier. He narrows his eyes at my glass, suspicious, maybe. “What is that?” “Cranberry and soda.” “No booze?” “No booze. Go ahead. You’ll thank me in the morning.” He picks up the glass and pauses when it’s an inch from his mouth. His eyes crinkle, telling me he’s smiling under that beard. “Does that mean Imma wake up with you beside me?” I cock a brow. “Are you propositioning me?” “Shit, sorry.” He chugs the contents of my glass. “I was joking. Besides, I’m so wasted, I can barely remember my name. Pretty sure I’d be useless in bed tonight. I should stop talkin’.” He scrubs a hand over his face and then motions to me. “I wouldn’t proposition you.” I’m not sure how to respond. I go with semi-affronted, since it seems like somewhat of an insult. “Good to know.” “Dammit. I mean, I think you might be hot. You look hot. I mean attractive. I think you’re pretty.” He tips his head to the side and blinks a few times. “You have nice eyes, all four of them are lovely.” This time I laugh—for real—and point to the bottle. “I think you might want to tell your date you’re done for the night.” He blows out a breath and nods. “You might be right.” He makes an attempt to stand, but as soon as his feet hit the floor, he stumbles into me and grabs my shoulders to steady himself. “Whoa. Sorry. Yup, I’m definitely drunk.” His face is inches from mine, breath smelling strongly of alcohol. Beyond that, I get a whiff of fresh soap and a hint of aftershave. He lets go of my shoulders and takes an unsteady step back. “I don’t usually do this.” He motions sloppily to the bottle. “Mostly I’m a three drink max guy.” “I think losing your father makes this condonable.” I slide off my stool. Despite being tall for a woman, and wearing heels, he still manages to be close to a head taller than me. “Yeah, maybe, but I still think I might regret it tomorrow.” He’s incredibly unsteady, swaying while standing in place. I take the opportunity for what it is and thread my arm through his, leading him away from the bar. “Come on, let’s get you to the elevator before you pass out right here.” He nods, then wobbles a bit, like moving his head has set him off balance. “That’s probably a good idea.” He leans into me as we weave through the bar and stumbles on the two stairs leading to the foyer. There’s no way I’ll be able to stop him if he goes down, but I drape one of his huge arms over my shoulder anyway, and slip my own around his waist, guiding him in a mostly straight line to the elevators. “Which floor are you on?” I ask. “Penthouse.” He drops his arm from my shoulder and flings it out, pointing to the black doors at the end of the hall. “Jesus, I feel like I’m on a boat.” “It’s probably all the alcohol sloshing around in your brain.” I take his elbow again, helping him stagger the last twenty feet to the dedicated penthouse elevator. He stares at the keypad for a few seconds, brow pulling into a furrow. “I can’t remember the code. It’s thumbprint activated though too.” He stumbles forward and presses his forehead against the wall, then tries to line up his thumb with the sensor, but his aim is horrendous and he keeps missing. I settle a hand on his very firm forearm. This man is built like a tank. Or a superhero. For a moment, I reconsider what I’m about to do, but he seems pretty harmless and ridiculously hammered, so he shouldn’t pose a threat. I’m also trained in self-defense, which would fall under the by any means necessary umbrella. “Can I help?”Read the rest of Chapter One: http://bit.ly/2ZBt0RL
About the Author:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She's writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.Connect with Helena: Instagram: http://instagram.com/helenahunting Twitter: https://twitter.com/HelenaHunting Facebook: http://on.fb.me/Zt1xm5 Facebook Fan group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/385795934890523/ Website: http://www.helenahunting.com/ Never miss an update! Subscribe to Helena's mailing list: http://bit.ly/2MlRKq6
Review: On the Surface
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily give my review.
I didn't know what to expect with this story. I read On The Surface as a standalone, and had not previously read the other books in the Imperfect Love series. This book had me twisted in knots from the anticipation of the second chance romance. I worried about what would happen with our hero, a single dad (covered in tattoos) who had a life full of responsibility and our heroine who refused love her whole life, except for him. I loved everything about this story and just wish i could live in their love a little longer.
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Sunday, June 16, 2019
Review: A Pizza My Heart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily give my review.
This story was funny and sweet and sentimental and swoon worthy. I could not put it down. Wren is unapologetically antisocial, sarcastic, and fiercely loyal, a totally winning combination. Foster is recovering from a divorce, struggling with feelings of unrequited love, and done playing games. These two have been apart for years, but getting to see them rekindle their friendship it's the dream of everyone who had a friend they thought could have been more. This story was a friends to lovers, brother's best friend, second chance romance for the ages. As a bonus, there are some winning pizza ideas! I definitely recommend this book!
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Saturday, June 15, 2019
Review: Getting Played
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am going to keep this short and sweet. Perfection, utter perfection! This story, these characters, the narrators... I loved every second and can’t wait to listen to it all over again.
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Friday, June 14, 2019
Making Up By Helena Hunting **Sneak Peak**
Making Up, an all-new laugh-out-loud romantic comedy standalone from New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting is coming July 16th and we have a sneak peek!
Cosy Felton is great at her job—she knows just how to handle the awkwardness that comes with working at an adult toy store. So when the hottest guy she’s ever seen walks into the shop looking completely overwhelmed, she’s more than happy to turn on the charm and help him purchase all of the items on his list.
Griffin Mills is using his business trip in Las Vegas as a chance to escape the broken pieces of his life in New York City. The last thing he wants is to be put in charge of buying gag gifts for his friend’s bachelor party. Despite being totally out of his element, and mortified by the whole experience, Griffin is pleasantly surprised when he finds himself attracted to the sales girl that helped him.
As skeptical as Cosy may be of Griffin’s motivations, there’s something about him that intrigues her. But sometimes what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas and when real life gets in the way, all bets are off. Filled with hilariously awkward situations and enough sexual chemistry to power Sin City, Making Up is the next standalone in the Shacking Up world.
Pre-order your copy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2GEt63s
AppleBooks: Coming Soon!
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/MakingUp
Nook: http://bit.ly/2IPLTvV
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2ZIrFcH
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2GFTD0b
Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/MakingUpHH
Excerpt from Chapter One
Sexy Suit
Cosy
Working in an adult toy store is the opposite of glamorous. Sure, I get a fifty-percent discount, which is a real perk, but it doesn’t offset some of the weirdness I have to deal with. Such as Eugene, one of the locals who frequents the shop on a regular basis. He came in this morning and handled all the display toys. He’s mostly harmless, but the silicone fondling is pretty high on the creepy factor. Eventually I told him I had to close up for a few minutes so I could grab lunch. The deli across the street has the best daily specials. While I wait for my chicken shawarma, I make a mental list of all the things I need to do this afternoon: check the magazines to make sure the pages aren’t stuck together, restock the flavored lube, and wipe down everything Eugene molested with toy cleaner. Once I’ve tackled those less-than-fun chores, I can work on my assignment for my hospitality class, provided I don’t have real customers. I glance out the window, checking to make sure Eugene isn’t loitering around in front of the store, waiting to be let back in. Sometimes he’ll stop by more than once during my shift. He’s not there—thank God—but there’s a black sports car parked in the lot. It looks nice and possibly expensive, which might mean an actual customer who will spend money. Loki, the cashier at the deli, hands me my drinks and shawarma. “Thanks! Have a great day!” “You too,” Loki says to my chest. As I leave the store, I see a man in a suit reading the sign I taped to the door. I don’t want to miss a potential customer, so I take a deep breath and mentally shift gears, putting on my best sales-person mask. I have to pretend to be a completely different person when I deal with customers, so I can get through what would otherwise be a fairly embarrassing event. Discussing the ins and outs of sex toys with strangers is not something I particularly enjoy, but it’s a paycheck, so I’ve learned to roll with it. My root beer foams and drips down the straw while my coffee sloshes onto my hand—the lids never fit right—and my chicken shawarma dangles perilously between my pinkie and ring finger as I cross the street. The suit doesn’t look creepy like Eugene, but then, suits can be deceiving. Half the time they think they can proposition me like a sex worker. Or they pretend the weird stuff they’re buying is a gift and not for them. Pfft. I know better. Suit turns and heads for his car, so I call out, “Hey! You in the suit, hold on!” His shoulders hunch, as if he’s trying to be smaller, which is physically impossible. Based on the size of him, he probably played college football. Or he has Marvel comic hero blood relatives. Either way, he’s a big dude. He stops walking, though, which is good. I could use some sales today. The commission boost is always a plus to the shitty minimum wage. Rent is due next week, and judging by his car, he has money to burn. My heels are skyscrapers, and everything I’m wearing is either too short or too tight to facilitate running—the Sex Toy Warehouse uniform is supposed to be sexy, aka revealing—so I awkwardly jog the rest of the way while trying to get the key to the shop out of my pocket and not drop my shawarma. The manager gave me my own set since I frequently open the store. “Sorry to keep you waiting; plastic dicks don’t quite cut it for lunch.” Inwardly I cringe, because seriously, why did I say that? “I would imagine they’re not all that satisfying,” he replies in a deep voice that would probably sound good whispering naughty things in my ear. I’m not sure if he meant that suggestively or not. Regardless, I walked right into that one. I finally look up. Dear sweet Jesus on a cloud of marshmallows, this is my lucky day. The suit is gorgeous. Like the kind of hotness that sucks the breath right out of your lungs and sends all the blood in your body rushing between your legs. It’s a good thing clits don’t react like penises, otherwise mine would be hanging out of the bottom of my shorts with excitement. I’m thankful my physical reaction is limited to damp underwear and tingles. His dark hair is straight and cut short, parted at the side and neatly styled. He’s a cross between a mobster, and a fifties movie star. Capone and Ward Cleaver rolled together and dipped in lust. His nose is straight, lips are full, and he’s got a chin that looks like it could cut glass. His features are strong, but he somehow manages to be boyish even though everything about him screams pure, undiluted masculinity. His tongue drags across his pillowy bottom lip and his throat bobs. I lift my gaze and meet his eyes. They’re a strange color. Not brown, not green, but some kind of honey-lemon color, ringed in emerald. Like a cat maybe.Read the rest of Chapter One: http://bit.ly/2KO3Mf6
About the Author
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She's writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.Connect with Helena
Instagram: http://instagram.com/helenahunting Twitter: https://twitter.com/HelenaHunting Facebook: http://on.fb.me/Zt1xm5 Facebook Fan group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/385795934890523/ Website: http://www.helenahunting.com/ Never miss an update! Subscribe to Helena's mailing list: http://bit.ly/2MlRKq6
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
Release Blitz: Getting Played by Emma Chase
Getting Played, a magnificent new romance by New York Times bestselling author Emma Chase is LIVE in Audio!
Dean Walker is all about keeping life simple. He’s effortlessly talented and intelligent—spending his summers playing drums in the local band and the rest of the year teaching high school in the same Jersey town where he grew up. He likes his love-life simple too, enjoying the commitment-free hook-ups his good looks and sexy charm have always made oh-so easy.
Then he meets Lainey Burrows. And his simple, easy life gets turned upside down.
***
One wild one-night stand was all it was ever supposed to be, so Lainey is shocked when she discovers that her sizzling summer fling is also her son’s new math teacher. But that’s nothing compared to the most unexpected twist of all—their hot hook-up left Lainey knocked-up, and now they’re about to become parents. Together.
What ensues is an addictive, insatiable, sweet and tender romance that won’t be simple, but it will be more than worth the fight.
A stand-alone, contemporary romance.
Download your copy today!
Audible Audiobook: http://bit.ly/gettingplayed
Pre-order your copy today!
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2uV5cv7
Amazon Kindle: https://amzn.to/2IqawOQ
Nook: http://bit.ly/2VzvVZT
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2X1JdhM
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2IqcPkU
Amazon Paperback https://amzn.to/2DiLjmn
Add it on Goodreads http://bit.ly/2InZUA5
About Emma:
New York Times bestselling author Emma Chase writes contemporary romance novels known for their clever banter, emotional, and sexy, swoonworthy moments. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages around the world.
Emma lives in New Jersey with her amazing husband, two spirited children, and two adorable, but badly behaved, dogs. She has a long standing love/hate relationship with caffeine.
Connect with Emma:
You can find Emma at https://authoremmachase.com
Facebook: http://bit.ly/AuthorEmmaChaseFB
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/AuthorEmmaChaseGR
Instagram: http://bit.ly/AuthorEmmaChaseIG
Twitter: http://bit.ly/AuthorEmmaChaseTw
Amazon: http://bit.ly/AuthorEmmaChaseAmz
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/AuthorEmmaChaseBB
Review: Superfan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily give this review.
I absolutely adored this book! I am so glad to have finally gotten Silas’ story! Two of my favorite tropes are Hockey and Rock Star romances and this book has both, plus a little suspense. The story had a lot of heart and affection for each other. I was also happy to be able to catch up with our other friends in the Brooklyn Bruisers universe. It’s my favorite part of interconnected stand-alones. Sarina Bowen knocked it out of the park with this one!
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Review: The Locker Room
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily give my honest review.
I have so many feelings! I loved this book! I laughed out loud right from the beginning. It was such an enjoyable read I had a smile on my face. Knox and Emory are #relationshipgoals. This book though has some twists and the last third of the book was so unexpected! I can’t say more for risk of spoilers. If you are a fan of New Adult, Friends to Lovers, Sports Romance, Romantic Comedy and some Dirty Words, you will adore this book! I hope the supporting characters get there own books!! 🤞
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Saturday, June 8, 2019
Review: Broken Envy Frances and Crowell: Indecency Suites #7
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily give my honest review. Book 7 in the Indecency Suites, Broken Envy: Frances and Crowell by Anabella Roscoff is by far the darkest book in the series so far. The inherent chemistry between these two characters is undeniable, they compliment each other so well. It would seem that they are two sides to the same coin, but Bailen Frances has other ideas, crueler ideas, that leaves the reader with questions, and I am sure Elle has some of her own as well. This book does contain dark themes, and violence and could be a trigger for some, but it is definitely worth the read.
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Review: Pretty Prize
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily give my review. Ella Goode is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. This is the story of the socialite princess locked away by her brother and then purchased by his rival who has plans for vengeance. It is every bit the fairy tale it sounds like, and its has sweetness, heart and a lot of hotness. It is the perfect summer evening read!
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Review: Shameless King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I received a copy of this audiobook from Blue Nose Audio and voluntarily give my honest review.
This book had so many things I love, and the narration was amazing!
✅Enemies to lovers
✅Characters with a complicated traumatic backstory
✅Hockey hotties
✅Humor
✅The promise of more stand-alones with related characters
✅✅✅Emma Wilder
✅✅✅Jason Clarke
If my reasoning has not convinced you to grab this audiobook right now, you are probably a lost cause. This book was wonderful and I hope that the rest of the series gets audiobooks as well.
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Tuesday, June 4, 2019
Review: Sinner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This will come as no surprise to anyone who read this book, but man o man is this a steamy read. It also makes you think about belief and faith, and while I am not a Christian or a Catholic I found something beautiful in the conversations and narrative surrounding these topics. Jacob Morgan knocks it out of the park with this one, infusing so much emotion into the character of Sean and his journey throughout this book. I can not recommend this book enough. It is definitely going onto my reread list.
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Review: An Instant Connection
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I listened to this professionally narrated audiobook on the Read Me Romance Podcast and received an ARC of the digital copy and voluntarily give my review.
This story is sweet and sexy with a hint of secrecy. I enjoyed the instant connection (no pun intended) these two have and I love a hero who knows what he wants. But men can be dumb and They make mistakes. Luckily with romance we know there will be an HEA and getting there in this book is very very sweet. I loved the long epilogue added to the digital version in which we get so much more of their life after HEA. I definitely recommend this read!
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At least I was out of the office and away from my tyrant of a boss. Plus, it was Friday, which meant I had the whole weekend ahead of me. With a heavy sigh, I turned and headed toward the bus station a few blocks away.
Michelle had been on a tear today, worse than usual. HR had confirmed the hire of a new associate at the architectural company I worked for, and he was due to arrive on Monday. Michelle was the head administrative manager of the office, and she ran her department with an iron fist. When she found out a new person would be arriving and his office needed to be ready, she had snagged me and another woman from the temp pool and put us to work. Betty had “fallen ill” by noon, which left me on my own with Michelle, who simply could not be pleased today. It was rare she could be, and it seemed the new hire, Mr. Mackenzie, was particular and liked things a certain way.
The pictures of his work I helped unpack showed his creative, edgy style. His initials on each piece were a bold MM slashed in the corner in thick black ink. There was a box I emptied, under her watchful eye, filled with unique items from around the world. I had set them carefully on the shelves that lined the wall, knowing Mr. Mackenzie would probably move them to a different spot, but thankfully, they were unpacked. Obviously, the man had traveled extensively throughout his career. The way Michelle kept nattering on about him and how lucky the company was to have hired him, I assumed he was well known and admired. He had to be for her to pay that much attention to his office. I was sure the two of them would get along famously the way she was fussing.
When I first started at the company, I had looked forward to learning from Michelle, but once I began to work under her, I changed my mind. She was catty and unpleasant, only polite to her bosses and the managers she catered to daily. To her underlings, she was dismissive, curt, and at times, cutting. I kept my head down, did my work, and unobtrusively sent out as many resumes as I could.
I reached the bus stop, knowing I had already missed the seven o’clock bus, and would have to wait for the next one, which wasn’t for forty-five minutes. It wasn’t a bad place to wait—lots of benches situated around the large area, and it was well lit. Since it was one of the main stops, and most of the city buses came through, it was usually bustling; although, being later on a Friday night, it was fairly quiet.
A woman brushed past me, calling an apology over her shoulder as she rushed for a bus ahead of us that was beginning to close the doors. She waved frantically at the driver, her stuffed messenger bag bouncing off her back as she ran. I noticed how tired she looked as she met my gaze quickly, and without thinking, I lifted my hand to my mouth and whistled.
I was a great whistler, and the sound cut through the night. The driver hesitated, saw the woman, and waited. With a wave, she climbed on the bus, and I fist bumped the air.
“My good deed for the day,” I muttered, made my way over to the bench, and sat down. I bent low, rubbing my calves. I hated high heels, but it was part of the “look” Michelle demanded of all the assistants in the office. I wore the lowest ones I could get away with, so I didn’t face her wrath, but still, by the end of the day, my legs were always sore. All I wanted was to get home, kick off my heels, pour a large glass of wine, and have a soak in the tub.
“That is an impressive set of lips.”
Startled, I looked up, meeting the eyes of a man. He was leaning against the streetlamp, his arms crossed. A bright, coppery mass of curls gleamed under the light. He was tall, his shoulders wide and thick, his coat stretched tight across his torso. He was near enough I could see the color of his eyes. Piercing, brilliant blue irises were set into a face I could only describe as gorgeous. He had high cheekbones and a strong jaw covered with more copper. His smile was lazy, his lips drawn back, showing off straight, white teeth, one corner of his mouth lifted higher than the other one, giving him a rakish air.
“I beg your pardon?”
“Great whistle.”
“I was trying to get the attention of the bus driver.”
“You got more than that. You got my attention.”
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Review: If You Need Me
If You Need Me by Helena Hunting My rating: 5 of 5 stars Full review to come! This is my favorite of the...