Friday, 30 September 2016

Blog Tour & Review ~ Claimed (Evermore #2) by Andrea Smith

Claimed - Book 2 in the "Evermore Series"
RELEASES: September 30, 2016


Book Description:

Book #2 in the Evermore Series finds Neely Evans back in Malibu. She's seventeen and under her father and stepmother's care. Not the ideal situation, but Neely knows she has to bide her time and play the game until she goes off to college. 

Seth Drake is studying in New York, and Neely is relieved she won't have to face him after the way things ended two years prior. But little does she know a chance encounter on the beach a few months later will rip open scars she thought had healed forever. 

Seth Drake's rise to fame soon parts them once again, but he will forever be entwined in Neely's heart and soul, and that fact does not sit well with her. She's determined to live her life recklessly, and in doing so, she puts everything at risk. 

Adult Content 
17+


Buy Links:

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2dwETkG
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2dAOOtZ


Our Review:

Crushed & Claimed ~ Reviewed by Donna ~ 4 stars
***ARC received for an honest review***



“I care about Seth. I wouldn’t do anything to screw up his life, no matter how bad mine is right now.”


Crushed and Claimed are the first two books in a four-part series and are novella in size. Both these books were quick reads for me, especially as I was drawn into the story from the get go and couldn’t turn the pages quick enough to see what life had in store for Neely Evans. This series is a coming of age story and follows Neely from teenager to adulthood.

Crushed starts as Neely’s life is uprooted and she has to move from her roots in Tennessee to California for her father’s job. Her father is a lawyer and is now specialising in Entertainment so he has to go to where the actors and actresses are, so Malibu it was. Neely feels incredibly out of place, from Tennessee to Malibu is a culture shock and she struggles to fit in, yet once she makes a friend, Malibu doesn’t seem that bad after all.


“As beautiful and golden as California was – and is, I ached for the rolling hills, lazy creeks, and dirt roads of Tennessee. I felt like I would never fit in here. But I did.”


Seth Drake is the boy next door, he is a year older than Neely and these two strike up an incredible friendship, they truly were inseparable. As Neely’s home life shatters due to her father working long hours and her mother seeking solace at the bottom of a bottle, Seth’s family become her adopted one and the Drake’s become the only people that she can rely on. As these two get older though, those lines of friendship blur and these two cross the line to something more and their reliance on one and other deepens even further.

The relationship between Seth and Neely was adorable, you sensed their attraction, their love for one and other and their chemistry. They were responsible, no matter the temptation and tried their hardest to be what the other needed. So what would happen when life strikes another blow and these two are torn apart?


“I LOVE YOU, NEELY EVANS!”


Neely’s life was about to change for the worse when her cheating father is discovered and Neely’s alcoholic mother makes them up-sticks and move back to Tennessee. They write, they talk but what happens when that all comes to an end and what happens when Neely finally makes it back to Malibu?

Neely is a strong girl, she had to be to become the main carer for a manic depressive and alcoholic mother. She lost her late teens to the bottle and my heart broke for her so many times. Seth was always her anchor and it pained me when interference often caused misunderstandings. There was one particular person I wanted to throttle who seemed to be the one constant in everything that went wrong in Neely’s life.


“I would never waste years of my life getting wasted like Mama had, still allowing herself to be tortured over something that just wasn’t meant to be.”


Now that Seth is following in his mother’s footsteps and is now gracing the TV screen will fame and fortune go to his head, or will he stay true to his roots and his friends? His life has changed in Neely’s absence, will she forever be the past, or will she remain the one that got away?

Andrea Smith stays true to her character’s ages and their dialogue and actions were very representative of their ages, something that is often missed. Their stories are relatable and these two really got under my skin because when they hurt, I hurt. First loves always leave an impression, especially those born from a solid friendship and I cannot wait to see what happens to Neely and Seth going forward. Has too much happened or will these two get the happily ever after they so richly deserve? I cannot wait for Paparazzi!!

Other Books in this Series:

Crushed 
Book 1 in the "Evermore Series"


Book Description:

It's 1993 in the pristine coastal community of Malibu, CA. Fourteen year-old Neely Evans is coming of age, like it or not. A Tennessee transplant, she ended up in California when her father landed a job at a top law firm.

Neely fills her time painting seascapes, still life art, and combing the beach for her next perfect picture. And then, the boy down the beach enters her life, and she will never be the same.

Seth Drake, a year older than Neely, takes her under his wing. He enjoys hanging with her and they are soon inseparable. As they grow close, their friendship gives way to something more. But before the teens can fully revel in their budding romance, Neely's life is ripped apart. Her father's infidelity is made public, and her mother is determined to seek revenge by using Neely as her weapon. She takes her daughter and moves back to Tennessee.

Months later, when Neely returns for a visit, she finds that Seth has matured in ways she'd never imagined. Neely isn't sure if she's ready to take the next step in their relationship. In the end, Neely makes a decision she may live to regret. 

This first installment in the Evermore Series is bittersweet; complete with first love, first heartbreak, a family forever fractured by infidelity, and a teenager that becomes the primary caregiver for her mentally unstable mother. But Neely has strength that sometimes surprises even her. She learns how to cope - any way she can.

Buy Links:



About the Author:

Andrea Smith is a USA Today Best-Selling Author.

She self-publishes Erotic Romance, Menage, Romantic Suspense, and Sensual Romance with a paranormal twist. She also writes New Adult Romance, and has recently collaborated with Author Eva LeNoir on two M/M Romances, with the third in process! 

To sign up for her monthly newsletter, visit her website: http://www.andreasmithauthor.com/



Follow her on Twitter: @GManAuthor

Here is a listing of her published fiction to date

Baby Series
(Contemporary Romance/Suspense w/erotic tone)
These Books should be read in order:

Maybe Baby (Book 1)
Baby Love (Book 2)
Be My Baby (Book 3) 
Baby Come Back (Novella) (Book 3.5)

G-Man Series
(Contemporary Romance/Suspense w/erotic tone)
These Books do not have to be read in order, but they are most enjoyable if done so.

Diamond Girl (Book 1)
Love Plus One (Book 2)
Night Moves (Book 3) 
G-Men Holiday Wrap (Novella) (Book 3.5)
These Men (Spin-off) Part of the BEND anthology. (M/F/M)
My Men (Sequel to "These Men") (M/F/M)
Taz (G-Man Book 4)

G-Man: Next Generation
(New Adult Romance)

Walk of Shame (Book 1)

Limbo Series
(Contemporary Steamy Romance w/paranormal edge)

Silent Whisper
Clouds in my Coffee 

September Series
(New Adult- Taboo)
Need to be read in order.

Until September (Book 1)
When September Ends (Book 2)

M/M Romance
(Co-Authored with Eva LeNoir)

Black Balled 
Guns Blazing (Spin-Off from Black Balled)
Hard Edit (Release Date 9-4-16)

Evermore
Series (YA/NA Serial)

Crushed (Book 1)
Claimed (Book 2)
Paparazzi (Book 3)
Star F*cking (Book 4)
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Cover Reveal ~ Say You Want Me by Corinne Michaels


Author: Corinne Michaels
Release Date: October 31, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cover Design: Okay Creations
Photographer: Embry Allen Lopez


Book Description:

From New York Times Bestseller, Corinne Michaels, comes a new friends to lovers standalone romance.

There's no way I'll fall for Wyatt Hennington. 

He can keep his Southern drawl, irresistible smile, and those pick up lines all to himself. It's bad enough that I made the mistake of sleeping with him once. It will never happen again. I don't want nor need some cowboy complicating my life.

But I don't always get what I want.

Whether I like it or not, our lives are intertwined. Trying to keep him out of my heart is futile. He'll find every loophole and embed himself there.

The problem is—I don't know if he even loves me. And when the ground crumbles beneath us and our world shatters, I'll finally know if he truly wants me or if we are only fooling ourselves . . .


Ebook Preorders

✦ Sign up for Amazon Alert ➙ http://bit.ly/AmazonAlert 
✦ Pre Order on iBooks ➙ http://smarturl.it/SYWMiBooks
✦ Pre Order on Barnes & Noble ➙ http://bit.ly/SYWMBN 
✦ Pre Order on Kobo ➙ http://smarturl.it/SYWMkobo 

Paperback Pre-orders

✦ Books A Million ➙ http://smarturl.it/SYWMBAM
✦ Amazon Paperback ➙ http://amzn.to/2dsqtl5

✦ Add to Goodreads ➛ http://bit.ly/SayYouWantMeGR 

About the Author:


Corinne Michaels is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author of The Salvation Series and Say You'll Stay. She's an emotional, witty, sarcastic, and fun loving mom of two beautiful children. Corinne is happily married to the man of her dreams and is a former Navy wife. After spending months away from her husband while he was deployed, reading and writing was her escape from the loneliness.

Both her maternal and paternal grandmothers were librarians, which only intensified her love of reading. After years of writing short stories, she couldn't ignore the call to finish her debut novel, Beloved. Her alpha heroes are broken, beautiful, and will steal your heart.

Contact Corinne

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Cover Reveal ~ Kill Me (Kiss of Death #1) by LP Lovell


COVER REVEAL
Title: Kill Me
Series: Kiss of Death #1
Author: LP Lovell
Genre: Dark Romance
Cover Design & Photographer: Cassy Roop, Pink Ink
Model: Casey Creswell
Release Date: October 24, 2016


Book Description: 

Una
To many, I am little more than a myth. The Kiss of Death, a hired killer, revered by the some of the greatest criminal organisations in the world. Trained by the bratva themselves, without conscience, without mercy, the perfect soldier. I’ll kill anyone… for a price. Death doesn’t discriminate, she sells to the highest bidder, but even I have a weakness.

Luca
I want one thing—power. But power is merely a game of strategy. The pieces are on the chess board. Death is my queen, and also my pawn. She’ll paint this city red in exchange for the one thing she wants. Now all I have to do is watch it all play out. She’s nothing more than a weapon, and yet, I find myself wanting to dance with death, to possess her. And I always get what I want.

A game of power. A risk that could cost her everything. An obsession that would see the world burn at their feet. A bloodied king. A broken queen. Kill me or kiss me?




Pre-Order Links: 



About the Author:

Lauren Lovell is an indie author from England. 

She suffers from a total lack of brain to mouth filter and is the friend you have to explain before you introduce her to anyone, and apologise for afterwards.

Lauren is a self-confessed shameless pervert, who may be suffering from slight peen envy. 

LP loves to hear from readers so please get in touch.

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Friday Frights ~ PNR Review ~ Blood Bound (Blackthorn #7) by Lindsay J Pryor


Book Description:

Love can be heaven. Or it can hurt like hell. 

For exiled angel Jessie, falling for Eden Reece has been her salvation. When she discovers that her angel tears, used to heal Eden, are actually poisoning him the burden of guilt is crushing.

Jessie is determined to make things right and, with Eden by her side, they are a formidable team. But with Blackthorn surrounded by an impenetrable barrier and the army of Sirius Throme closing in, their mission is a desperate one. When Jessie discovers they are up against her own kind too, it looks impossible. 

Eden and Jessie don’t just need a cure, they need a way out – and have less than 48 hours to find both. 

Eden will fight to the last to protect Jessie, but when they are captured and separated, demons from his past return to haunt him. Suddenly, Jessie is forced to question everything she knows about the man she loves. 

Yet the most shattering twist is still to come. Because what you care about most can be your biggest weakness. 

For Blackthorn to survive, either Jessie or Eden will have to make the greatest sacrifice of all… 

The thrilling penultimate story in the Blackthorn series will leave you breathless.

Buy Links:


Our Review:

Reviewed by Shirley ~ 5 stars
***ARC received for an honest review***


This series has had me gripped from the very first book. As this series continued the characters came to life before your eyes weaving a gripping story of the struggles and the hierarchy in the world of Blackthorn. The characters are so believable that you feel yourself being drawn into the stories that Lindsay J Pryor weaves and this book is no exception even though it is sad to say that this is the penultimate book before the end of this awesome series. I for one will be very sad to say goodbye to the world of Blackthorn as it has given many hours of pleasure and when I read that very last page it will be like saying goodbye to an old friend.

This book is about Jessie and Eden, of their unfailing love for each other that sees them through what can only be called cruelty at its highest. Also, their love for Eden’s family and the fate of Blackthorn in which they have a vital role to play. This sees them through these very dark times showing you their strength of character knowing what has to be done to keep everything they love safe from the enemies that surround them.

But even through everything that is put in their way a love like theirs cannot be taken away from them as the feelings that are deep inside each of them comes to the fore.


“The deepest part of her core ignited, the warmth of his kiss about more than the heat of his lips. Teasing, coaxing, exploratory, he brushed his lips against hers time and time again before finally clutching the nape of her neck, his palm pressed to the wall beside her head as he backed her against it, as his tongue met hers.”


I won’t say anything more as I do not wish to spoil it for any of the readers only to say that the build-up in this book is tremendous and exciting and a real page turner.

One can only wonder what Book 8 will hold for our heroes and heroines of that magical place called Blackthorn.
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Thursday, 29 September 2016

Excerpt Reveal ~ The Eagle (Spy Girl #2) by Jillian Dodd


Revenge won’t change anything—or will it?
The Eagle by Jillian Dodd releases October 11th!! 
Pre-order TODAY!


Book Description:

From USA Today bestselling author Jillian Dodd comes the second book in a sizzling series filled with action and adventure. Fans of The Selection and The Hunger Games will discover a heart-pounding thrill ride of espionage and suspense set in glittering high society.

The world’s most deadly assassin, a man known only as The Priest, has come back from the dead to take a series of high profile hits. When the assassin completes his first task—shooting an important world leader, the global community goes into collective shock and his government vows retaliation.

With her cover firmly cemented as Huntley Von Allister, Spy Girl’s vacation on the Royal Yacht is cut short when she’s called home for her next mission—and, this time, it’s personal. 

Can Huntley accomplish her mission before the next hit takes place? 

And what will happen when she finally comes face-to-face with the man who killed her mother?

Pre-Order Links:

Amazon: Will go live on release date.

Excerpt:

Two men are seated in a large room with ornate gold leaf bookcases and a deeply toned, hand-painted mural covering a large, domed ceiling. The mural features the Archangel Michael in a battle with Satan. It was painstakingly created for this room based on the Baroque painting, “The Fall of the Damned,” and it took an artist three years to complete.

Although one of the men seated owns the home this beautiful room is in, he is not sitting in a place of power behind his mammoth hand-carved mahogany desk, but rather both men are seated in matching wingback chairs covered in the softest of plaid cashmeres and are situated near the room’s French doors, which overlook the estate’s vast grounds.

“We have some loose ends to tie up regarding Montrovia,” the owner of the home says after taking a sip of amber-colored liquid from a heavy crystal tumbler.

“We shouldn’t have trusted the girl,” the other man says.

“Easy to say in retrospect, especially considering she came very close to succeeding. If she would have become Queen, it would have made things much easier for us. We will prevail, regardless.”

“What is our next course of action, then?”

“We continue with our plan,” the owner states. “Although, I’m afraid there will have to be a few slight variations.”

“Does one of those variations have to do with why the Eagle wasn’t present at our meeting today?” the man asks, the understanding of an unusual event earlier in the day showing in his furrowed brow. 

“He isn’t doing what he promised. Now that he controls the world’s most powerful military, he seems to have forgotten who put him into power.”

“That was a very expensive endeavor.”

The owner of the home nods in agreement. “One of which we are not reaping the reward from. So, I’m afraid we have no choice. We must liquidate our bad investment.”

The man sets his drink down, trying to keep his hand from shaking, knowing it could just as easily be him if he dared to cross the man in front of him. “But he’s our friend.”

“Something he has also forgotten. Do it. And I only want the best, for obvious reasons.”

“Sadly, the best is dead.”

“Are you referring to The Priest?”

“Yes. He was killed after the Eagle’s father hired him for a hit then double crossed him.”

“I don’t believe he’s dead. Find him.”

“I’m sure we can find someone equally as talented—”

“I want The Priest and no one else,” the owner interrupts. 

How in the world am I supposed to hire a dead man? he thinks, but he doesn’t dare say.

“It’s going to be dangerous for us to even try to find him, but I will see what I can come up with. What if he is still alive, but says no?”

“You will make him an offer he cannot refuse. And see if he will give us a group discount regarding the outstanding Montrovian situation.”


***

The assassin known as The Priest enters an empty bar in France. The hole-in-the-wall drinking establishment is supposed to be open this afternoon, but the owner just hung the closed sign on the door.

“What is this nonsense about an offer?” the assassin asks, freaking out a little. “Everyone thinks I’m dead. We’ve worked hard to establish ourselves here. How did they contact you?”

“Through a secure network. I left a few trusted assets in place in case we ever needed the money.”

“We could be traced though that.”

“No, we can’t. I’m good at what I do. Are you interested in hearing the offer, or not?”

“It doesn’t matter how much it is. I’m not interested.”

“So are you saying that fifteen million dollars wouldn’t sway you?”

“Fifteen million? Who the hell is the target?”

“It’s a series of three hits, but they have only revealed the first one.” He whispers the man’s name. 

“You’ve got to be kidding. No way.”

“This money could set us both up for life.”

“We’re already set up for life. Sort of. Besides, I retired. With good reason.”

“They will go as high as twenty.”

“You know how well-guarded a man of his stature is.”

“Are you saying no because you don’t want to do it, or because you don’t think you can do it?”

“Whether or not I can do it is not the question. I always complete my tasks. However, in this case, getting away with it would be another story. I’d have a whole country after me. And they’d find you first, since you are the one brokering the deal.”

“You don’t trust my skills?”

“All I know is that I’m lucky to be alive. It’s been over six years since I was double-crossed, and you know as well as I do, that when Lara was killed it should have been me driving. I had gotten careless with my cover.”

“That was four years ago.”

“Two years after I was presumed dead. Men like that never forget. For all we know, this could be their way of setting me up.” He pushes himself away from the bar. “No. We can’t risk it.”

“If we could get them to twenty-five million, we could buy our own island and live in paradise forever.”

“We already live in paradise, my friend.”

“I’m tired of running this bar.”

“This bar is your cover. Hiding didn’t work before. Hiding in plain sight is. And we will continue to make it work.”

“Whatever,” the bartender says, his disappointment showing in both his expression and gestures. But he does as told—logs into a secure network and declines the offer. 

He’s surprised when there is an immediate response. 

“They just offered thirty million.”

The assassin closes his eyes. The thrill of the hunt is something he craves, but he can’t. 

He shakes his head no.

The bartender relays his decision, then his eyes go wide with shock.

“You need to see this for yourself,” he says, handing him the laptop.

The assassin reads the instant message.

Thirty million is my final offer, but I suspect it’s not about the money. I have other information that may interest you. The first target is not only a powerful world leader, but he is the legacy of the man who double-crossed you six years ago. 


He’s rereading it again just to be sure, when another message pops up.


Does that change your mind?
The assassin drains the beer in front of him. “Tell the man that it most certainly does.”


Other Books in Series:

THE PRINCE (Book One) is NOW AVAILABLE

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2d50NOy

About the Author:


Jillian is a USA TODAY bestselling author. She writes fun romances with characters her readers fall in love with, from the boy next door in the That Boy trilogy to the daughter of a famous actress in The Keatyn Chronicles series.

She's married to her college sweetheart, has two adult children, two Labs named Cali and Camber, and lives in a small Florida beach town. When she's not working, she likes to decorate, paint, doodle, shop for shoes, watch football, and go to the beach.

FOLLOW JILLIAN:ON HER WEBSITE.
SIGN UP:HERE FOR HER NEWSLETTER.
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Release Day Blitz & Excerpt ~ Silver (All That Glitters #4) by KA Linde


SILVER
By K.A Linde
All That Glitters Series
Standalone
Release Day : September 29, 2016


Book Description:

Stacia Palmer had one goal in life--to become an NFL quarterback’s wife.

For the past three years, she’s seduced her way through the university’s football line-up. But when she finally has a quarterback fresh off the draft, Stacia experiences a shocking change of heart. One that sends her back to the place she never thought she'd return to.

Vegas.

Once there, she finds that no one believes her. Least of all Pace Larson, her sexy on-again off-again ex who has never quite gotten over her leaving him for someone else. Of course, he’s now the starting quarterback and determined to claim her as his prize.

But can Stacia give him a second chance when he’s toyed with her emotions into the fourth quarter? Or will they run out of time?


Buy Links:



Excerpt:

Stacia felt a presence at her shoulder. She recognized his cologne before she even looked up. It smelled like desire and late-night sex marathons.
Pace.
“What do you want?” Stacia asked, not looking up.
“Just coming to check on you,” Pace said in a sexy low tone that sent a shot of need straight between her legs.
Damn him for being able to do that to me!
She jerked her head up. “Why?”
“Because you look miserable, even from across the room.”
“I do not!”
He raised an eyebrow, and she had to keep from sighing. That face. God, if he wasn’t such an asshole… 
“The hair flip earlier, Pink? Really? Sure sign of distress. You practically called me over here.”
“Don’t call me that,” she said through gritted teeth. 
He smirked at her response. 
“And I didn’t call you over here. I don’t even want to see you.”
“You can talk to me, you know.” He leaned his hip against the bar. He was almost touching her but not quite. She could feel the heat of his skin. “Come on, let’s go outside. Away from all this noise.”
“If you think for one second that I’m going to go anywhere with you, you’re insane,” she said, straightening.
He brushed her hair off one shoulder and just barely skimmed his finger across her exposed collarbone. She stiffened. Her entire body throbbed. No one else elicited these primal emotions from her. Not even the guy she’d given her virginity to. The guy no one knew about.
“I promise I won’t touch you,” he growled out. “Unless you beg me to.”
Stacia smacked him in the chest and stormed away. What an arrogant jackass! How dare he say those things to her! For all he knew, she was still dating Marshall. Pace was so testy over the fact that he thought she’d slept with Marshall when they were together, yet here he was, seducing her, while he still believed she was with Marshall. Ass!
Pace chuckled behind her. “Come on, Stacia. I’m just messing with you.”
He followed her across the crowded room until she reached the restroom. Then, he did exactly what he’d said he wouldn’t. He grabbed her arm and kept her from entering a place he wouldn’t follow.
“Seriously, what’s up?” he asked.
“Do you really want to know?” Fury and also desperation coated her features. She really wanted to tell someone. She wanted it off her chest.
“Yeah. Though this fire is pretty hot.” He raised an eyebrow.
“God, is everything just a joke to you?” she asked.
His eyes shot straight through her. “Not everything.”
“Feels like it. I feel like a joke to you.”
“Most things, Pink,” he said, stepping closer, “but not you. Never you.”
Stacia tensed as she forgot the world around her. Pace had a way of doing that—making her lose herself. But all she did by losing herself was open herself up for him to hurt her. Time and time again.
“Pace,” she said through a shuddering breath.
“I won’t take what isn’t mine.”
“Good.”
“I just still consider you mine.”

About the Author:


K. A. Linde is the USA Today bestselling author of the Avoiding series and the All That Glitters series as well as seven additional novels. She get up as a military brat traveling the United States and even landing for a brief stint in Australia. She has a Masters degree in political science from the University of Georgia and is the current head coach of the Duke University dance team.
An avid traveler, reader, and bargain hunter, K.A. Linda currently lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with her husband and two super adorable puppies.

 DIAMONDS 

  Amazon UK / Amazon US / iBooks / Kobo / B&N ($0.99)

GOLD


EMERALDS 


PLATINUM 

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Wednesday, 28 September 2016

Review ~ Strong Side (Eastshore Tigers #1) by Alison Hendricks


Book Description:

Their chemistry on the field is undeniable. But can they ever be more than friends?

Jason Hawkins is about to throw the biggest Hail Mary pass of his career.

If he can't turn NFL recruiters' heads this year, he'll lose his shot at the one thing he's ever been good at. But every quarterback needs a man he can count on down-field. For Jason, that man just might be the Tigers' new receiver, Derek Griffin.

Four years ago, Derek nearly lost everything after being outed by his teammates.

Now he finally has a chance to get it all back as a walk-on for Eastshore College... if he can resist his immediate attraction to the gorgeous and very straight star quarterback.

An instant connection during practice leads to an easy friendship that only grows stronger off the field. Derek is convinced friendship is all it'll ever be, but a very confusing moment of impulse leaves both of them fumbling for answers about their relationship.

As curiosity gives way to passion and passion gives way to something deeper, Jason and Derek will have to tackle their own personal demons to bring home the win and earn their happy ending.

Buy Links:


Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4 stars



“I think I’m starting to have feelings for my best friend.”


For a debut author Alison Hendricks certainly starts off with a bang and stamps her name firmly in the MM genre. Strong Side is one hell of a sweet, cute and adorable Gay For You story that will have you championing these two from the very start. Low on angst, with a healthy balance of steam this story will quench those MM itches that I know I get on the regular, trouble with me though is one MM is never enough.

Derek Griffin is the new guy, the new receiver, the new team mate, the new gay team mate. His coach knows his sexual orientation but he has kept it quiet from the team for the fear of repercussions. He had been there once and didn’t want to go there again. He is openly gay with a huge support network, but coming out the first time had nearly cost him his footballing career and had left its lasting mark.


“…I want things to go back to the way they were before I got injured. Before I realized there were people in this world so fucking hateful that they would do something like that.”


Jason Hawkins was the team; he was the All Star Quarterback that needed to make his impression this year to catch the NFL recruiters eyes. He was the crux of the team, the guy that the team relied on for the moves, the calls and the motivation. He was the guy that all girls wanted to date and the guy that all guys wanted to emulate. He was as straight as they came, chock full of testosterone and masculinity. But Jason Hawkins was different. He was not your typical jock and from the very start he was a character that I connected with.


“Fake it ‘til you make it.”


Derek is having a few struggles and issues and Jason can see it, but Jason can also see Derek’s potential. Jason knows that if he can iron out those issues that he and Derek could make a formidable team. Giving up his spare time to help, Jason and Derek start a fantastic friendship, one where secrets are told and they become each other’s confidante. Where they both spur the other on to be the best and are a great support network to each other. Derek tells Jason that he is gay and Jason isn’t bothered, but what happens when those lines of friendship blur?


“I want more of this. I’ve never been all that sex-crazed before—I’ve always had too much other shit on my mind—but with Griff, it’s like I can’t get enough. He’s a drug, and I’m the guy who can’t quit buying. Can’t quit using.”


Strong Side was an engaging read, low on drama and angst and with something that I crave…the slow burn. The transition from friends to lovers was captivating but most of all, believable. Both Griffin and Jason were adorable, two characters that I instantly fell in love with and the journey that they undertake was engaging. This book will leave you with the warm and fuzzies, a heart glowing full of love and pride as the heart knows who the heart wants. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

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Tuesday, 27 September 2016

Review ~ The Goal (Off Campus #4) by Elle Kennedy


Book Description:

She’s good at achieving her goals…

College senior Sabrina James has her whole future planned out: graduate from college, kick butt in law school, and land a high-paying job at a cutthroat firm. Her path to escaping her shameful past certainly doesn’t include a gorgeous hockey player who believes in love at first sight. One night of sizzling heat and surprising tenderness is all she’s willing to give John Tucker, but sometimes, one night is all it takes for your entire life to change.

But the game just got a whole lot more complicated

Tucker believes being a team player is as important as being the star. On the ice, he’s fine staying out of the spotlight, but when it comes to becoming a daddy at the age of twenty-two, he refuses to be a bench warmer. It doesn’t hurt that the soon-to-be mother of his child is beautiful, whip-smart, and keeps him on his toes. The problem is, Sabrina’s heart is locked up tight, and the fiery brunette is too stubborn to accept his help. If he wants a life with the woman of his dreams, he’ll have to convince her that some goals can only be made with an assist.

Buy Links:


Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 3 stars
***ARC received for an honest review***


“I’m not the girl for John Tucker, and I never will be.”


After the bomb was dropped at the end of The Score I was more than eager for John Tucker’s story, he was a character that had always blended into the background and we never really got to know him throughout the other books in this series, but as they say, the quiet ones are often the worst.

However, John Tucker was adorable in every sense of the word. He really surprised me in The Goal. He was one of the most loyal and loving guys out of all of them and had the patience of a saint to back it up and with Sabrina James he certainly needed it. But also, Tucker was as sexy as hell and had a filthy mouth, I never would have guessed it. For some godforsaken reason Tucker loved Sabrina, whereas some guys would have given up and run for the hills, Tucker was glutton for punishment, he took the punches, he took the rejection, but would he get a happy ever after?


“Even if you hadn’t said you loved me back, I’d take whatever scraps you were willing to give me as long as I could be with you. I don’t give a shit if that makes me pathetic-”


Sabrina James, she was one cool customer who I just couldn’t warm up to. I admired her drive and determination, her focus on bettering herself but her treatment of Tucker just wound me up no end. She was the puppet master and she definitely pulled all the strings and led our Tucker on a merry dance. Her coolness and aloofness throughout just grated on my every last nerve. If Tucker was insincere I could understand it, but she knew deep down that she held Tucker’s heart in her hands and had no qualms about toying with his emotions.


“It doesn’t matter how thin or thick anyone’s wallet is. We all hurt. We all love. We’re the same. And your past, who you live with, where you came from, it doesn’t have to matter. You’re creating your own future, and I want to see where the road forward takes you.”


For me though, my biggest gripe with this book was pacing. This story runs parallel with The Score and so a chunk of the plot line was repetitive. I just felt that as situations were rehashed through someone else’s eyes it lost its impact and for me interrupted my reading mojo. If you are reading this as a standalone and have not read The Score, then this shouldn’t be an issue. The first half of the book was particularly slow for me, however, as everything hots up in the second half it pulled me back in.


“My goal, once upon a time, was to succeed. I didn’t realize that success wasn’t grades or scholarships or achievements, but the people I was lucky enough to have in my life.”


My heart definitely belonged to John Tucker in this book, this guy had a heart of gold, was the most loving and giving, he gave Sabrina everything she wanted and needed and yet she still kept him at arm’s length. He was forever trying to bore little holes into her life and heart to inch that little bit forward but she was an emotional fortress, it all seemed a little one sided. They get there in the end but she was definitely a tough nut to crack.


“I can’t make a single decision. Not until Sabrina makes the most important one of all.”

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Teaser Tuesday ~ Blow (Virtuous Paradox #1) by Heidi McLaughlin


Book Description:

Meet the complicated men behind the sexiest boy band in America! In Blow, the start of an emotionally charged series from bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin, an insatiable heartthrob gets blinded by the spotlight—and learns to fight for love.

Bodhi McKnight has always had everything handed to him on a silver platter: fame, success, money, girls. The raven-haired, blue-eyed hottie is the son of Hollywood A-listers, and when he’s asked to join the boy band Virtuous Paradox, his star shoots even higher. But so do expectations, leading Bodhi down a destructive path of addiction—until a drop-dead gorgeous guardian angel shows him her sizzling brand of tough love.

When Bodhi ends up in rehab, he doesn’t expect to meet someone as cool and down-to-earth as Kimberly Gordon. Although he’s enjoyed the company of beautiful, charming women before, none of them have tried to get to know the “real” Bodhi. But Kimberly isn’t fazed by his stardom. She’d rather go horseback riding, teach Bodhi to play guitar, or ask him about his feelings. Soon Bodhi realizes he’s fallen head over heels for her. He just hopes that he’s strong enough to protect what they have from all the pressures and temptations of the outside world.

Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

Release date: November 8th! 

Pre-Order Links: 


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Teaser Tuesday ~ Thief of Hearts by LH Cosway

We're so excited to share a teaser for THIEF OF HEARTS by L.H. Cosway! 


Title: Thief of Hearts
Age Group: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense
Release Date: October 4, 2016

Add it to: Goodreads

Book Description:

Seduce the teacher.
Meet the cousin.
Make a deal.
Steal the painting.

Andrea Anderson has no clue of the thoughts churning around in the dark and dangerous ex-con’s head as he enters her classroom. In fact, she’s momentarily lost for words. Not in her entire teaching career has she had a student who looked quite like Stu Cross.

A widow at just twenty-eight, love is something Andie hasn’t considered a part of her life for a very long time. However, when lingering touches turn to whispered words and hot, searching stares, she begins to wonder if maybe she should take a leap of faith.

But Stu is in her class for a reason, and it has nothing to do with love. He’s there to burrow his way into her life and repay a debt, otherwise his family will suffer. Andie is the first person to show him true kindness since he left prison, and though he doesn’t want to mislead her, he doesn’t have another choice.

Before long, Stu can’t tell whether or not he’s acting anymore, and his feelings for Andie could throw all of his carefully crafted plans into complete and utter disarray.

**Can be read as a stand alone.


Pre-order Links:

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/2c1bkMz
Amazon link to come!

About the author:


L.H. Cosway lives in Dublin, Ireland. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books. She thinks that imperfect people are the most interesting kind. They tell the best stories. L.H. is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.

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