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Monday, October 28, 2019

New Book Review + GC Giveaway: The Kingmaker by Kennedy Ryan


“A dazzling, thought-provoking, layered romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat. One of the best books of 2019."
 -- L.J. Shen, USA Today bestselling author 

The Kingmaker, the first in the all-new powerful and emotional All The King’s Men Duet, from RITA ® Award-winning author Kennedy Ryan, is available now! Download your copy today or read FREE with a Kindle Unlimited subscription! Check out my spoiler-free review and enter for a chance to win a $50.00 Amazon gift card.
Free to read on Amazon


Synopsis:


Power. Passion. Betrayal.

Kennedy Ryan delivers the epic first installment of the All the King's Men Duet.
Raised to rule, bred to lead and weaned on a diet of ruthless ambition.
In a world of haves and have nots, my family has it all, and I want nothing to do with it.
My path takes me far from home and paints me as the black sheep. At odds with my father, I'm determined to build my own empire. I have rules, but Lennix Hunter is the exception to every one of them. From the moment we meet, something sparks between us. But my family stole from hers and my father is the man she hates most. I lied to have her, and will do anything to keep her. Though she tries to hate me, too, the inexorable pull between us will not be denied.
And neither will I.

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon Worldwide: https://fave.co/2WrNQ60
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/36dyI0k
Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/PowerBook1

Pre-order the stunning conclusion, The Rebel King! 
Releasing November 17th
Amazon Worldwide: https://fave.co/2NfwOUm
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/32SWAEF
Be notified FIRST when The Rebel King goes live: http://bit.ly/2oRuDhf


Get notified when The Kingmaker is available on Audio: http://bit.ly/kingmakeraudio 



Review of The Kingmaker


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
description
“I want the girl who chases stars.”

OMG, I LOVED THIS BOOK! Hands down, The Kingmaker by Kennedy Ryan is on my Best of 2019 List. I can’t get enough of Lennix and Maxim. I don’t know about you, but I LOVE strong and smart female characters. Lennix is a Kingmaker, and I hereby declare that Kennedy Ryan is a Queenmaker, lol. Lennix (and Kennedy) can be in my girl gang any day of the week!

This addictive second-chance romance is beautiful, and full of pride and passion. This book is going to make your heart sing. The Kingmaker left me breathless with it's soul-sucking ending. I’m still trying to pick my jaw off the floor from the last chapter! We won’t have to wait long to read the conclusion of Lennix and Maxim’s blistering romance. Trust me, you'll be begging her to get your hands on the Rebel King before its November 18th release date

Pre-order the paperback today! Other links to follow)
Amazon: https://fave.co/324bU0R





Enter the $50 Gift Card Release Giveaway: 





About Kennedy 

A RITA® Award Winner and Top 25 Amazon Bestseller, Kennedy Ryan writes for women from all walks of life, empowering them and placing them firmly at the center of each story and in charge of their own destinies. Her heroes respect, cherish and lose their minds for the women who capture their hearts.
She is a wife to her lifetime lover and mother to an extraordinary son. She has always leveraged her journalism background to write for charity and non-profit organizations, but enjoys writing to raise Autism awareness most. A contributor for Modern Mom Magazine, Kennedy's writings have appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul, USA Today and many others. The founder and executive director of a foundation serving Atlanta families living with Autism, she has appeared on Headline News, Montel Williams, NPR and other media outlets as an advocate for families living with autism.

Connect with Kennedy 

Never Miss A Release! Follow Kennedy on BookBub: http://bit.ly/2HcRuee
New Release Txt: https://clk2.me/mgFv
Subscribe to Mailing List: http://bit.ly/2QjisCW
Reader Group:  http://bit.ly/2GY6eyb
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2TaYiAi
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2GUq0uF
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2Fvhqiz
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/2NE0cU0
Book+Main:  http://bit.ly/2GVByO7

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/PowerBook1



Friday, October 25, 2019

New Romance Book Review + Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!


PRACTICE TO DECEIVE by Olivia Evans is LIVE! This NA romance was a solid page-turner!  Check out my spoiler-free review and enter for a chance to win a $50.00 Amazon gift card!  You can read this book for free by using Amazon's Kindle Unlimited program.  Sign up here and try it for FREE! 



Free Romance Book

ABOUT THE BOOK
I wasn’t always a bad guy, but betrayal has a way of finding your darkest inner demons. Great friends and family weren’t enough to save me. I wanted revenge. When the opportunity presented itself, I felt justified. That’s karma, right? 

Turns out, karma has a way of circling back. 

If only I hadn’t been so stupid.
If only I’d known what my deceit would cost me. 

It will take a lot of work to unravel the damage I’ve done, but I’ll do it. I’ll do anything to keep from losing her.

BUY LINKS

Review of Practice to Deceive

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5 Whoa, Practice to Deceive by Olivia Evans gave me some serve emotional whiplash. Brennan Dixon hatches a revenge plot, and Skylar Griffin has no clue she is participating in his plan. What happens when a relationship that’s based on lies turns into love?

I was infuriated by Brennan’s actions. There were so many times that I wanted to dropkick or hug him. If this story ended without a HEA, it almost would have been justified. I say almost because of the beauty of redemption. I ended up cheering him on in a big way! Practice to Deceive was a solid page-turner! 


EXCERPT
For the next couple of hours, we lay together on her couch watching reruns, wrapped up in each other. We didn't talk, but we didn't need to, we'd done enough of that. Even though there was still so much I was keeping from her, a part of me felt lighter, better. Because now I had one less secret, one less thing hanging over my head. I also knew, now more than ever, that if I wanted to be completely free of all the bullshit, I'd have to come clean. She deserved it. The selfish side of me hugged her tighter, like a child with his favorite blanket. What would my honesty cost me? My subconscious whispered the answer against my ear with a hiss of air...everything. 


PLAYLIST


GIVEAWAY
The author is giving away a $50 Amazon Gift Card!


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Olivia Evans is a writing obsessed, world traveling, thrill-seeking, music junkie.  A true Gemini, she follows her heart blindly and lives life to the fullest. Wife. Mother. Oscar Wilde lover. ~To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all. 
Links-
FB Author Page- https://www.facebook.com/oliviaevansauthor/
FB Group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/BooksByOliviaEvans/
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/olivia_evans_author/
Twitter- https://twitter.com/OliviaDEvans
Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9866530.Olivia_Evans
Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/Olivia-Evans/e/B00J8EUQ1C%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
BookBub- https://www.bookbub.com/authors/olivia-evans


Wednesday, October 23, 2019

New Romance Book Pick: Before You by Marni Mann


From USA Today best-selling author Marni Mann comes Before You, a contemporary romance and a devastating examination of the people we meet, the life we create, and the things we lose. Before You is LIVE!  Check out my spoiler-free review.  Stop by my reader group for a gift card giveaway from Marni! 

Romance Book

Synopsis:
It was supposed to be a typical work trip. New York to San Francisco, window seat, exit row. Maybe a mimosa.

Then, seat 14B sat down. When our eyes met, the flight became anything but routine.

I could pinpoint the moments in my life where everything changed forever.

Meeting Jared on that flight was first.

Falling in love with him was second.

Discovering the secrets he kept was third. 

Putting my broken self back together and forgetting what I learned would be difficult. Forgiving Jared would be impossible. 

He said, before me, nothing mattered. But after him, nothing would ever be the same.

Download your copy today!
Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/BeforeYouMMGR

Candy Book Collage


Review of Before You

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m out to dinner with my family in NYC.

Me: I can’t wait to get home.
Husband: Why?
Me: I’m reading the best book!
Husband: Vi and Penelope?
Me: I just finished and LOVED it! (Dirty Letters).
Husband: Okay. What book?
Me: Omg...it’s a Marni Mann book.
Husband: Who?
Me: I’ve mentioned her before. This one is called Before You.
Husband: Okay, cool. I’ll know if you love if you’ll make a college.
Me: I don’t know if it’s possible to make one based on this book. It’s complicated and inf#cking-credible all at the same time.
Me: I hate that I’m typing out this convo. I’m a loser but this book is THAT GOOD!

YOU! 🔽
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2OJI7GP
Before You by Marni Mann will release on 10/22. I’m going home to read this. Bye NYC!

PS - I finished this book and LOVED IT. This book is total Kindle Crack and I'm working on a college now. #bestof2019

Excerpt:

“Are you willing and able to help in the event of an emergency situation?” the flight attendant asked as she stood beside our row. She had appeared directly after the announcement that informed us that all of the passengers were now on board the plane to San Francisco and the pilots were doing their final preparations before Flight 88 pulled away from the gate.
“Yes,” I answered, and I should have gone back to the article on the housing market in lower Manhattan that I’d started when I was waiting to board. Instead, my eyes were on her.
The girl in seat 14A.
She had dark hair that went well past her shoulders, a patch of freckles under each of her eyes, and lips that were pouty and full. She wasn’t beautiful. She was exquisite.
And she had no idea at all.
In the forty-seven years I’d been alive, I’d learned something about women. There were those you couldn’t help but look at and those you just shouldn’t look at.
She was both.
That was rare.
“Yes,” she replied to the flight attendant, and then she looked at me. 
Before all of the interruptions, she had asked why I was going to California. I finally answered, “Some work, some pleasure. And yourself?”
“Same.” Her eyelids narrowed. “Are you from Manhattan? I don’t detect an accent.”
I felt the paper in my hands and knew there was no way I could go back to it. Not yet at least, not with her fiery green gaze on me.
“When you’ve lived in New York for as long as I have, you tell people you’re from there. It’s easier.”
She laughed, and it caused me to keep staring at her. “I’ve been here a while, too, and I agree. Once New York becomes home, you seem to forget everywhere else you’ve lived.” She tucked some hair behind her ear. “Why is that?”
When I’d asked my assistant to book this flight, I hadn’t considered flying commercial would put me in a position for conversation, like the one she’d just started. I hadn’t thought much about the actual flight at all besides knowing I had to be on it.
But now that I was here, I had no idea what the fuck I was thinking.
I really shouldn’t be going to San Francisco at all.
I looked away from her to glance up ahead. The main door was closed, telling me it was too late to get off the plane. The only thing I could do at this point was get some air.
I excused myself, halfway to my feet, knowing we were minutes from leaving the gate and supposed to be in our seats, and I went down the aisle. “I’ll be quick,” I said to one of the flight attendants as she approached me, and I continued to the lavatory.
When I got inside, I locked the door behind me, guessing I had about thirty seconds before I heard a knock.
If I were in any other restroom, I would have washed my face, but I wasn’t going to do that with the water from a plane. What I needed from this tight, crammed space was to catch my breath.
Because all of it had been sucked out of me, and there wasn’t any air to be found in row fourteen.

About Marni: 

Best-selling Author Marni Mann knew she was going to be a writer since middle school. While other girls her age were daydreaming about teenage pop stars, Mann was fantasizing about penning her first novel. She crafts sexy, titillating stories that weave together her love of darkness, mystery, passion, and human emotion. A New Englander at heart, she now lives in Sarasota, Florida with her husband and their two dogs who subsequently have been characters in her books. When she’s not nose deep in her laptop working on her next novel, she’s scouring for chocolate, sipping wine, traveling to new locations, and devouring fabulous books.

Connect with Marni:

Stay up to Date with Marni by signing up for her mailing list here: http://marnismann.com/about/

Monday, October 21, 2019

NEW BOOK NEWS: Chase the Butterflies


Check out the cover and synopsis for Chase the Butterflies by Monica James!  I can't wait to read this book. 

Monica James Books

CHASE THE BUTTERFLIES
Author: Monica James 
Release Date: December 5, 2019

Synopsis:
 “Victoria, will you marry me?”
Those words changed my life forever…just not in the way it would for most. I had it all until one fateful evening transformed my life in ways I never imagined.
Nine months later, I move to a sleepy little town, hoping to escape the demons of my past. As I attempt to claim back my life, Jude Montgomery enters my world, and things begin to change.
I thought running would appease the nightmares, but I soon discover my past won’t let go. Things are not what they seem, and I begin to question the world as I know it. Jude may hold the answers, but will my love for him blind me to the truth? 
Does the flap of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas? In my case, yes, it does.
Will the truth set me free? Or will it imprison us both?
My name is Victoria Armstrong, and this is my story…I think.  

“With heart and heat and a depth we adore for in our favorite reads, James has penned an absolutely stunning novel.” Christina Lauren, NYT and #1 International Bestselling Authors of Twice in a Blue Moon.


Pre-Order your copy NOW!


Australia Kindle: https://tinyurl.com/y2o3pfxw
Canada Kindle: https://fave.co/2pHcMu0

Bio
Monica James spent her youth devouring the works of Anne Rice, William Shakespeare, and Emily Dickinson.
When she is not writing, Monica is busy running her own business, but she always finds a balance between the two. She enjoys writing honest, heartfelt, and turbulent stories, hoping to leave an imprint on her readers. She draws her inspiration from life. 
She is a bestselling author in the U.S.A., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, and the U.K.
Monica James resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her wonderful family, and menagerie of animals. She is slightly obsessed with cats, chucks, and lip gloss, and secretly wishes she was a ninja on the weekends. 


Stalk Me
Facebook: facebook.com/authormonicajames
Twitter: twitter.com/monicajames81
Goodreads: goodreads.com/MonicaJames
Instagram: instagram.com/authormonicajames
Pinterest: .pinterest.com/monicajames81
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2E3eCIw
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2EWZSyS
Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2nUaRyi

Half Truths by Claire Contreras is LIVE!

Half Truths by Claire Contreras is LIVE!  This slow-burning romantic suspense is not to be missed! Check out my spoiler-free book review. The price is going up on Friday so get it before then. Standalone and no cliffhanger. Get this book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books and Kobo. 
Romantic suspense books

Amazon Worldwide: https://amzn.to/35UJ0lN
Barnes & Noble: https://fave.co/30dVDFv

Synopsis:
You’ve heard of these groups – the secretive ones that only the crème de la crème are invited into, the ones outsiders speculate about for centuries – I’m the second in my family invited to attend, but to them, I’m fresh meat. New blood. New money, too.
They think they’ll elbow past me, that I’m here for their amusement, for them to walk all over, they’ll find out soon enough that I’m not.
I may look like one of them, with my designer bags and clothes straight from the Parisian runways, but I’m not. I’m here for answers, to take revenge for blood spilled on their centuries-old Persian rugs.
I transferred here in search for answers about what happened to my older brother, who hightailed out of here, and my friend who seemingly disappeared into thin air. I certainly wasn’t here for the attention of the star hockey player, regardless of how much he willed my eyes his way. I wasn’t here for his scrutiny or his judgment or to read into his mysterious aura. I was here for the society, because only they held the answers I needed. That was, until I found out that in order to get those answers, I needed to go through him. He’s saying if I want in, I have to play by their rules, follow their lead.
It’s a game I’m willing to play.

I may be the second person I know of to be invited into their society, but I’ll be the first to make it out intact

Review of Half Truths
Half Truths (Secret Society #1)Half Truths by Claire Contreras
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
description

Claire Contreras spins a wicked web of love, lies, and secrets. Amalia finds herself coerced to join an Ivy League secret society. She is determined to find out the truth about her family and a missing girl from her school. Is Amalia just a pawn in a dangerous game of sex and lies?

Amalia starts to receive notes with a random gold octopus symbol demanding her presence at a meeting spot. The octopus is the secret society's calling card and part of its mysterious history. She thinks there might be a connection to the missing girl and this cult-like group. What she uncovers is going to change everything. Just like an octopus going after its prey, this book is going to surround you with its tentacles and put a vice grip on your chest until the end. You’ll never see who the dangerous predator is until you uncover the Half-Truths. This one-click worthy romantic suspense will release on 10.21. 🐙



Friday, October 18, 2019

Downfall by Willow Aster: $100 Gift Card Giveaway & Review


Downfall by Willow Aster is LIVE!!! Only $.99 for a limited time. FREE on KU! Check out my spoiler-free review and enter for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card.
 Romance book list

ABOUT THE BOOK
I was naïve to think my marriage to Luka Catano might work.
I was infatuated with him from afar…
Until I met him.
He loved the challenge of his next conquest, anyone would do...
Except me.
A wife was never something he wanted.

Torturous was not a strong enough word to describe how I felt when I was in a room with Luka. Besides hating nearly every word that came out of his mouth, I also drowned with lust every time I looked at him. 

At times I thought he might feel the same.

But nothing prepared me for what his family would make me become.
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/Downfall-WillowAster

BUY LINK! Only $.99 for a limited time! FREE on KU!
Amazon Worldwide: https://fave.co/32tTVRB

Review of Downfall

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 This one of a kind royal romance took me by surprise! I was hoping that this NA world of collegiate royal brats and princesses was going to capture my interest. It certainly did! Downfall addictive mix of angsty romantic suspense, murder, and heartbreak. I’m excited that Kingdoms of Sin is turning into a series. One-click worthy Kindle Crack.




EXCERPT
“You’ve outdone yourself,” he says. “Which Eden do I have tonight? Will you bite or will you purr?”
“I could ask you the same thing.”
He holds his hands out. “What do you think? Am I suitable to be by your side?”
“You clean up okay.”
He smirks and steps closer to me, pulling me flush against him. “Keep playing the cool act. I know it shouldn’t, but it gets me so hard.” He presses into me to prove his point.
“Have you been drinking already?” I frown.
“This is me stone-cold sober.”
“So there’s nothing to excuse your behavior.”
His hands go lower and when he still feels my skin, he frowns. His hands go lower still until they find material, which happens to be hugging my backside. He thrusts into me again and leans his forehead against mine. 
“You don’t want to excuse my behavior. You like me best this way. Hot and salivating over you. Admit it.”
I shake my head. “You need to take a step back.”
He exhales a shuddering breath and drops his hands, stepping back. “We’re going to be late. Let’s go.” 
I shiver from the loss of his hands and the chill in his voice. I can’t win with him.


GIVEAWAY
The author is giving away a $100 Amazon GC.



AUTHOR BIO & LINKS
Willow Aster is a USA Today Bestselling author and host of Living in the Pages podcast. She lives in St. Paul, MN with her husband, kids, and rescue dog.

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/willowasterauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WillowAster
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowaster1/
Listen to her Living in the Pages podcast:
iTunes: https://bit.ly/2DzM9ZU
Android: http://bit.ly/2Uj5JkZ
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2SJE7bI


Thursday, October 17, 2019

BOOK GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: The Living Canvas by Pepper Winters


Check out my spoiler-free review of The Living Canvas by Pepper Winters. You must read this two-book series in order.  The Living Canvas is free to read for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. Also, enter for a chance to win a signed copy of this new dark romance. This giveaway is open Int'l.

Read for free


The Living Canvas 
by Pepper Winters 
(Master of Trickery Duet #2) 
Publication date: October 15, 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Purchase Links:
The Living Canvas (Master of Trickery Duet #2)   

READ BOOK 1 FIRST!
The Body Painter (Master of Trickery Duet #1) 

Synopsis:
The second and final book in the Master of Trickery Duet!

"Must be brave, stubborn, and impervious to the tempers of loved ones."
The first line hissed with history.

"Hours are endless, pay is non-existence, quitting absolutely forbidden."
The second line ached with truth.

"Able to function on no sleep, refrain from running when times get hard, and be more than just a living canvas but a lover."
The third thrummed with honesty.

"Other attributes required: forgiving, opinionated, and not afraid to tell me when I'm wrong. Must also enjoy being touched and kissed at any time of my choosing."
The fourth glowed with promise.

"Call or email 'YOUR HEART, HIS SOUL' if interested in applying."
The final made my future unfold.

The advert was so similar to one I should never have applied for.
A twist of fate that brought two destined people back together.
A job I would take in a heartbeat if the employer could offer such terms.
But I wasn't free.
Neither was Gil.
Therefore, my interview could never happen.

Review of The Body Painter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4,5
Olin and Gil's tragic story picked up where it left off in The Living Canvas (Book 2 of 2). Gil had to make a life-changing decision to save or sacrifice the two people he loves. His actions will have devastating consequences for everyone.
The ending of this second chance, romance was devastatingly beautiful and tough to read at times. Pepper is an incredible writer, and without a doubt, this two-book series was a page-turner. One-click worthy.


SIGNED BOOK GIVEAWAY - OPEN INT'L
a Rafflecopter giveaway


AUTHOR BIO:
Pepper Winters is a multiple New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestseller. 

After chasing her dreams to become a full-time writer, Pepper has earned recognition with awards for best Dark Romance, best BDSM Series, and best Hero. She's a multiple #1 iBooks bestseller, along with #1 in Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, and Erotica Thriller. She's also honored to wear the IndieReader Badge for being a Top 10 Indie Bestseller.

Pepper is a Hybrid Author of both Traditional and Self-published work. Her Pure Corruption Series was released by Grand Central, Hachette.

Her books have garnered foreign interest and are currently being translated into numerous languages, including already released titles in Italian, French, German, Hebrew, and Turkish. 

Author links:
https://pepperwinters.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pepperwintersbooks/
https://www.instagram.com/pepperwinters/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7151973.Pepper_Winters
Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Are you Getting Played? I hope so.


Getting Played, a magnificent new romance by New York Times bestselling author Emma Chase is LIVE!  Check out my spoiler-free book review of Getting Played.  Getting Played is sexy, sweet, and a heartfelt treat. I loved this all-new romance book! It's available at all major retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks and more! This is a standalone/no cliffhanger. 

New Romance Book


Synopsis: 
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: https://fave.co/2LUZ4fq
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2IqcPkU
Amazon Paperback: https://fave.co/2Mmw6UN
Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2InZUA5 

Review of Getting Played


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Getting Played by Emma Chase is sexy, sweet, and a heartfelt treat. I loved this book!!! I’m originally from New Jersey, and I have friends that are teachers or play in rock bands like the characters in this book. Fun fact: I used to play drums. I’ve had a Dean-like character break my heart and a friend or two like Lainey. This story was relatable for me on so many levels. Maybe I was feeling a bit nostalgic while reading Getting Played since I was just making plans with my NJ crew. Nah, it’s this book! I felt like I knew these characters. I laughed out loud so many times, and my heart is bursting from the ending. One-click worthy!

Excerpt:

Dean
I find Lainey in the living room—standing on a ladder, with those long, toned legs peeking out from itty bitty cotton black shorts and a power drill in her hand, while Bruce Springsteen sings “I’m Goin’ Down” from a speaker in the corner.  
And, dear God—the things I could do to her on that ladder.
Wonderful, filthy things that instantly make my heart pound and my cock throb. She’s the perfect height for me to just walk over there and put my mouth between her legs. I picture it, see it in my mind—the way she’d grip my hair and pant my name, arch her back and writhe against my face . . . 
But then I catch sight of the small bump of her stomach, and reality smacks me in the head. I think about the baby—and how making Lainey lose her mind three feet off the ground wouldn’t be the safest option. My protective instinct overrides the desire to get freaky on the ladder. 
“Hey, Dean.” She sets the drill on the ledge and picks up a beeping light green rectangle, running it along the wall.
“What are you doing up there?” I ask.
I don’t have a decorative bone in my body, but the room looks good—with light gray walls and navy corduroy covered couches, reclaimed wood tables and a dozen different-sized candles filling the white-washed brick fireplace. It’s clean and simple but warm, the kind of place you’d look forward to coming back to every day. 
“I’m going to hang up those boards.” Lainey gestures to three square planks, with ornamental arrows burned black into the wood. “I just want to make sure this stud-finder works.”
“If you’re looking for a stud,” I wink, “I’m standing right in front of you.”
“Ha-ha. I’ll keep that in mind.”
She turns back to the wall, reaching up over her head and stretching onto her tippy toes on the narrow step. I move under the ladder to catch her if she goes ass over end, and a stab of terror slices through me at the thought that Lainey would still be doing this if I wasn’t here. Alone. Without Jason even in the room in case something went terribly wrong.
What the hell is up with that?
“I read that you’re not supposed to reach above your head when you’re pregnant.”
“That’s just an old wives’ tale.”
I wrap my hands around her hips, holding her steady. 
“Maybe the old wives knew what they were talking about. Come on, come down.”
Slowly, Lainey lowers her arms and turns in my hands. I lift her off the ladder by her hips, tilting my head back and holding her above me for a moment, before sliding her slowly down. And the feel of her softness rubbing against me, the friction—it’s fantastic. 
When her feet are on the ground, I dip my head and our faces are just millimeters apart. Close enough to count the sprinkle of cute, light freckles that dust the bridge of her nose.
“That’s better,” I say softly, taking the stud-finder out of her hands. “I’ll do it.”
“Okay.” Lainey’s tongue peeks out, wetting her bottom lip. “Thanks.”
Like I said . . . fucking killing me.

***

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

Monday, October 7, 2019

SNEAK PEEK: The King Maker by Kennedy Ryan


“A dazzling, thought-provoking, layered romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat. A round of applause for one of the best books of 2019."
 -- L.J. Shen, USA Today bestselling author 

All The King’s Men Duet, an all-new powerful and emotional duet from RITA ® Award-winning author Kennedy Ryan, is coming October 28th, and we have the first sneak peek! 

Blog SNEAK PEEK

Power. Passion. Betrayal.

RITA®  Award-winning author Kennedy Ryan delivers the epic first installment of the All the King’s Men Duet.

Raised to rule, bred to lead and weaned on a diet of ruthless ambition. In a world of haves and have nots, my family has it all, and I want nothing to do with it.
My path takes me far from home and paints me as the black sheep. At odds with my father, I’m determined to build my own empire. I have rules, but Lennix Hunter is the exception to every one of them. From the moment we meet, something sparks between us. But my family stole from hers and my father is the man she hates most. I lied to have her, and would do anything to keep her. Though she tries to hate me, too, the inexorable pull between us will not be denied.

And neither will I.

Sneak Peek from The Kingmaker

A fat raindrop plops on my nose, sliding down the bridge, followed by another and then a wet succession.
“Aw, hell.” I pull my jacket up on my elbows to provide some shelter for the two of us, but the rain trebles, more coming down and faster.
“We still have four blocks before my place,” I say. “Sorry, but the weather is unpredictable this time of year.”
Rain has already started molding the thin dress to her body, faithfully hugging every swell and curve. A hard shiver runs through her and her teeth chatter.
“Come on.” I grab her hand and duck into an alleyway. An overhang provides a tiny patch of dry ground and shelter. “We may be able to wait it out. These showers sprout up and pass over like they never happened.”
We’re sandwiched between two buildings and there is barely any light, but the moonlight finds her, sculpting shadows beneath her cheekbones and etching dark crescents of her lowered lashes. The rain has smeared her mascara, and water-slicked hair flattens to her head. She should look bedraggled, but she manages to be the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen.
I bend, tentative at first, even after last night. Even after making love to her again this morning when I chased her up the stairs. I approach slowly, giving her the chance to refuse, but she doesn’t. She meets me, eyes open, lips eager, hands bunched in my wet hair. It’s a freshwater kiss, made of rain and passion.  
WANT MORE? Click here to keep reading and to enter Kennedy’s cover reveal GIVEAWAY >>> http://bit.ly/sneakpeekKR 
Releasing October 28th

Pre-order the paperback today!
Barnes and Noble: https://fave.co/30T99hl
Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/PowerBook1

Be notified FIRST when The Kingmaker goes live: http://bit.ly/2oRuDhf

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

BOOK REVIEW: Perfectly Adequate by Jewel E. Ann is LIVE!


“Another brilliantly written winner. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up, you will not regret it.” —Kate Stewart, USA Today bestselling author 

Perfectly Adequate, an all-new must-read romantic comedy from Jewel E. Ann, is available now!   Check out my spoiler-free book review and an excerpt below. You can read this book for free on Amazon's Kindle Unlimited. 
Rom Com Books Amazon


Synopsis:
Dr. Elijah Hawkins needs … something. 
After his wife jumps headfirst into a midlife crisis, he’s left with his young son, Roman, and a lot of unanswered questions. 

That something turns out to be a someone—Dorothy Mayhem, nursing student, patient transporter, reckless driver, and emu owner. 

Dorothy studies humans, the neurotypical kind, through books and television. Then she emulates their behavioral patterns to fit in with her peers.

But nothing can prepare her for Dr. Elijah Hawkins. 

Single dad. 
Brilliant pediatric oncologist. 
And the sexiest doctor at the hospital. 

When his failed attempts at asking her out turn into a string of playdates with his son, Dorothy finds herself unexpectedly enamored with the boy and his father. 

And that’s a problem, a huge one, because Elijah’s ex-wife is a famous plastic surgeon—and Dorothy’s idol. 

Perfectly Adequate is a beautiful, hilarious, and heart-felt journey along the “human” spectrum. 

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2mAIDuZ
Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2OWq81s

Excerpt

“You can call me Eli.” 
She swallows hard. “I don’t actually think I can.” 
“Why not?” I force my gaze away from her mouth. 
The second our eyes meet, she averts her attention to her feet. “Because you’re half of the Hathaway-Hawkins duo.” 
This is a new one to me. “I’m divorced.”
“I know. I …” She makes an attempt to look at me, but her attention shifts to my temple then maybe my ear. “I mean you’re a brilliant doctor, and Dr. Hathaway is too—so brilliant. God, she’s just phenomenal. Like there are no words. But still … you change the lives of young children. You save them. You’re what every young person entering the medical field can only dream of becoming. You’ve earned the title. I can’t call you by your name. It’s too personal. I don’t know … almost intimate.” 
She has Julie on a really high pedestal. Me? Down a few pegs. Sounds about right for my life at the moment. It’s not that Julie doesn’t deserve to be on the pedestal. No matter how much I hate her, I still love her. And her skills as a pediatric plastic surgeon are unmatched. She deserves Dorothy’s admiration. 
But I don’t want to talk about medicine, accolades, and saving lives. I know … I know … how terrible of me. Sorry, but I need something for myself. Something personal and maybe a little selfish.
Definitely intimate. 
“I don’t need a babysitter for Roman.” 
She jerks her head back, giving me her full attention, eyes squinted, gaze locked to mine. “What?” 
I trap my top lip between my teeth, drowning in coconuts as my heart races, sending ample blood to all regions of my body. God … I just want—need—to kiss her. 
“Oh jeez …” She shakes her head, closing her eyes for a breath. “You invited me to dinner to … flirt.” Her eyes open to their widest point. 
A tiny laugh escapes me. I can’t help it. Everything about this woman feels like a rebirth. “I invited you to dinner because Roman really likes you. And I just can’t thank you enough for all that you’ve done for him. You’re so generous.”  
Gah! I suck at this! 
What is my problem? Yes. The answer is yes! Yes, Dorothy, I invited you over to flirt, maybe even kiss. And other things … 
“Oh.” She takes a step backward, stumbling a bit as the front door catches her, and more embarrassment tints her cheeks. “Well, now I feel stupid. Yes, of course you invited me here because Roman likes me. Duh. Now I just look like an idiot for assuming you wanted to flirt with me. And really, no need to thank me. My generosity is selfish. It makes me feel good to do nice things. That’s all. And really, you’ve bought me coffee and made me dinner again. It’s like I should be thanking you again. But that’s probably weird. So … I’ll just go now.”  
Really, really weird shit goes through my mind as she fidgets. Dr. Hawkins is nowhere to be found. Neither is Roman’s dad. Raging-puberty-hormones Eli Hawkins invades my head—both of them really. And I just want to kiss Dorothy. That’s the PG version of my thoughts. Most of them are R-rated. Worse than the R-rating. All I can think about are the ways Dorothy and I can be generous with each other, leading to never-ending thank-you’s that don't involve stationary, replacement scrubs, superhero capes, pasta dinners, lunch boxes … or clothing. 
 “Should we call it even? No more thank-you’s,” I suggest. 
“Okay.” She lifts her gaze, eyes going a little cross-eyed like her focus is centered on the bridge of my nose. 
“Okay.” I release a slow breath, but it does very little to relax all of my body. “Can I ask your age?” I’m not sure why I’ve been so chicken about asking her age. I think it worries me that she’s too young, and I’ll feel like a dirty old man having really inappropriate thoughts about her. 
“I’m thirty. Why?” 
“You just look young.” 
“I wear massive amounts of sunscreen.” 
I nod slowly. 
Just kiss her, you big chicken!
What if she doesn’t want to be kissed by me? Or flirt with me? I internally laugh at the memory of her comment and at myself for being just as awkward. Why does something so simple have to be so complicated? 
“I have a forty-five-minute drive home.” 
And school the next day. Where is my head?
Oh, that’s right …
“Of course. I’m sorry. I lost track of time.” 
“Okay.” She smiles. 
I love her okay’s. They feel like more than the average okay. 
“I’ll walk you out.” 
“Have you not closed all of your rings?” She holds up her wrist, signaling to her watch. 
I chuckle. “All rings were closed hours ago.” 
“We could track each other. Share our rings. Did you know that?” 
Rings. Kisses. Trips to the on-call room for sex. 
For the love of God … get your shit together, Elijah!
“Never mind. That’s weird.” She shakes her head, rolling her eyes at herself just before opening the door and scurrying ten steps ahead of me. Her pace gains momentum with the hill of my driveway. 
My long strides catch up to her at the bottom of it. She looks both ways and bolts across the street to her car, clicks the locks, and opens her door. 
“Goodnight!” 
“Dorothy Mayhem … you’re killing me.” 
She turns just before ducking into the driver’s seat. 
“What do you mean?” 
Resting my hands on my hips, I drop my chin in defeat and stare at my untied gray canvas shoes. “What if I did ask you to dinner tonight to … flirt?” I glance up, digging my teeth into my bottom lip on a slight cringe. 
Her body remains stoic as her eyes shift from side to side, like she’s been caught on a hidden camera. “Well … then I wore the wrong outfit.” She refuses to look me in the eye. 
“I think you look amazing.” 
“Yes. But this is a playdate outfit. Maybe even one I’d wear to apply for a babysitter position. It’s fun, but wholesome. Practical and safe.” 
I just want to spend one day in her head. Everything about her fascinates the hell out of me. The curiosity gives me such a high. 
“Tell me about your flirting outfit.” 
“Well …” She clears her throat, keeping her focus on the big hill leading out of my development. And of course … her cheeks are perfectly flushed as she talks to the wind. “Since Romeo was involved, I would have chosen my red dress with white stripes. It hits just below my knees, but it’s strapless. And I would have worn my blue cardigan with it and matching blue wedge sandals with straps that tie around my ankles. Flirty … but appropriate for young eyes.” 
“And if Roman wouldn’t have been here tonight?”  I stare at the side of her head, wondering if she’ll look at me again before driving home. 
She narrows her eyes. “I would have taken off the cardigan after you invited me into your house.” 
The picture she paints in my head does all kinds of wicked things to me. Why imagining her in a striped strapless dress has such a physical effect on me is a mystery. It’s not like she suggested showing up wearing nothing but high heels and a trench coat. Dorothy Mayhem possesses her own brand of seduction, and I’m completely entangled in every part of it. 
“And in this scenario, would you have kissed me after I walked you to your car?” 
She turns completely red. I feel certain even her toes hidden in those blue shoes have to be red. “You’re making fun of me.” 
Her comment knocks me back a good ten steps, even if my body remains right next to her. Why would she say that? 

Review of Perfectly Adequate

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is more than perfectly adequate this book is Jewel E. Ann perfection. Perfectly Adequate is one special book that will pull your heart in a full spectrum of emotions! It doesn’t matter if Jewel writes a dark romance or rom-com cuteness; this author is an automatic one-click for me. I don’t even bother to read a synopsis when I’m picking up one of her books; I always know it’s going to be one incredible journey of the heart and soul. 

About Jewel 
Jewel is a free-spirited romance junkie with a quirky sense of humor.

With 10 years of flossing lectures under her belt, she took early retirement from her dental hygiene career to stay home with her three awesome boys and manage the family business. 

After her best friend of nearly 30 years suggested a few books from the Contemporary Romance genre, Jewel was hooked. Devouring two and three books a week but still craving more, she decided to practice sustainable reading, AKA writing. 

When she’s not donning her cape and saving the planet one tree at a time, she enjoys yoga with friends, good food with family, rock climbing with her kids, watching How I Met Your Mother reruns, and of course…heart-wrenching, tear-jerking, panty-scorching novels.

Connect with Jewel
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjeweleann/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JewelE_Ann
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BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jewel-e-ann
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