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Tuesday, December 27, 2022

This book is scorching HOT!

The Intern by Marni Mann is now live!  Download today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited. Check out my spoiler-free review.


Buy Link: https://amzn.to/3jspzfC

Try Kindle Unlimited for FREE for the first month: https://amzn.to/3hMlWk4

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3xebkPN


The Intern by Marni Mann Kindle cover
A scorching hot enemies-to-lovers office romance from USA Today best-selling author Marni Mann…


In the legal world, everyone knows my last name. So, when Declan Shaw—the hottest, most ruthless and sought-after litigator in the state—comes in to mentor my class’s mock trial, I decide not to reveal that piece of personal information.


I want a one-on-one with him like I’m any other law student, especially when we go out to celebrate after class.


But the one-on-one ends with us in the alley behind the bar.

With us stripping off our clothes.

With me screaming his name.

It’s desperate-to-have-you, no-holds-barred, downright filthy sex.


And then, he ghosts me, like a complete alphahole.


But a few weeks later, when I walk into The Dalton Group—my family’s law firm—where I’m starting my internship, my new boss is waiting for me.


The man I despise.

The man I can still taste in my fantasies.

Declan Shaw.


Spoiler-free Review

The Intern (The Dalton Family, #4)The Intern by Marni Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hello Bookgasm! The Intern by Marni Mann is smoking hot. This age-gap, forbidden office romance is F I R E. My Kindle is smoking. I wanted a cigarette and an ice-cold shower after I finished this book. The Intern is Marni’s hottest book yet. 
The Intern is the fourth installment in The Dalton Family series of interconnected standalones. One-click worthy.

description




Marni  Mann on Kindle Crack
USA Today 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, Marni was fantasizing about penning her first novel. She crafts unique stories that weave together her love of darkness, mystery, passion, and human emotions. A New Englander at heart, she now lives in Sarasota, Florida, with her husband and their yellow Lab. When she’s not nose deep in her laptop, working on her next novel, she’s scouring for chocolate, sipping wine, traveling, or devouring fabulous books.



Connect with Marni


Facebook: http://bit.ly/MarniMannFB

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1597153177180837/

Instagram: http://bit.ly/MarniMannIG

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/MarniMannPin

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2IsSRWC

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/MarniMannBB

Website: http://marnismann.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5400988.Marni_Mann

Verve Romance: https://ververomance.com/app/marnimann

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marnimann

Sign up for her newsletter: http://marnismann.com/newsletter/




Thursday, December 15, 2022

Only Mine by Laura Pavlov is LIVE

Only Mine by Laura Pavlov is now live! Check out my spoiler-free review below and one-click this all-new contemporary romance. You can read Only Mine for FREE on Kindle Unlimited!

Only Mine by Laura Pavlov
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited


Amazon: https://amzn.to/3j1YL5N

Audio: https://amzn.to/3VXQYEy

Try Amazon Kindle Unlimited for the first month FREE —>   https://amzn.to/3FVsvu4


Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3ApITjz


Synopsis:


Wolf Wayburn is the devil in an Armani suit. Most women would drop to their knees at just the sight of him. Lucky for me—I’m not most women.


The first time we met, he cut me off at a gas station.

So, I flashed him the bird and mocked his family jewels.

The second time we met, he tried to get me fired.

He took his shot—and he missed.

At least for now.

Wolf Wayburn was an ex-Navy SEAL with an attitude.

But it would take a lot more than the big, bad Wolf to scare me off.

I had ninety days to win the man over.

To convince him that I was the right person for the job.

But spending endless amounts of time with him proved more challenging than I’d expected.

He was stubborn and broody and charming and sexy—all at the same time.

I despised him as much as I craved him.

We taunted and teased and terrorized one another for weeks.

The first time he dropped to his knees, it was to search me for a weapon.

The second time… it was an altogether different story.

I never planned to fall for the enemy.

Because I knew it was easier to hate Wolf Wayburn than to love him.


Spoiler-Free Review of Only Mine by Laura Pavlov

Only Mine (Honey Mountain #5)Only Mine by Laura Pavlov
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Only Mine by Laura Pavlov on Kindle Crack

Only Mine by Laura Pavlov is the last book in the Honey Mountain series. I couldn't wait to read Dylan's story because she has been such a standout character in the series, and I had huge expectations. I'm thrilled to report that Only Mine surpassed my expectations. Dylan met her match when she finally came to terms with her feelings for her "enemy" co-worker, Wolf. That's all I will say because I want you to experience Dylan and Wolf for yourself. This hate-to-love-you workplace romance is five star Kindle Crack.  

I knew writing this review would be bittersweet since this is the final book in the series. I've said it before, but it bears repeating, this series is truly small-town romance lovers gold!  

The Honey Mountain series of interconnected standalones can be read individually, but I recommend reading them all to appreciate the sisters' relationships.

I'm thrilled that Laura is working on a spin-off series featuring Thomas' sister's cousin! I'm excited to read Into the Tide (Cottonwood Cove) when it releases in March 2023.

Laura Pavlov author Kindle Crack

Laura Pavlov writes sweet and sexy contemporary romance that will make you both laugh and cry. She is happily married to her college sweetheart, mom to two awesome almost-grown kids, and dog-whisperer to one temperamental yorkie and one wild bernedoodle. Laura resides in Las Vegas where she is living her own happily ever after. Be sure to sign up for updates on new releases. Laura loves to hear from readers!

 

Connect with Laura


Website: https://www.laurapavlov.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6569734.Laura_Pavlov

Amazon: http://amzn.to/3c1xKZX

Facebook: http://bit.ly/3eSvEdp

Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/2OKU6T5

Instagram: https://bit.ly/2TKf5Zs

Twitter: https://twitter.com/laurapavlov2

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/3ii8Vdp




Friday, December 2, 2022

Book Review: Swear On My Life by S.L. Scott

Swear On My Life by S.L. Scott is LIVE, and I swear it's one-click worthy! You can read this book for FREE on Kindle Unlimited! Check out my spoiler-free review below.  


Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/3FomC8t

Audio Link: https://amzn.to/3H63eyb

Try Kindle Unlimited for FREE for the first month https://amzn.to/3gY39lC


Swear On My Life by SL Scott Kindle Review

SWEAR ON MY LIFE

S.L. Scott

Release Date: December 2 

Tropes: Opposites Attract/ Emotional/ Second Chance Romance/ Angsty/ Billionaire/Small Town & Big City 


Warm brown eyes that melted my unsuspecting heart.

A smile that knocked me off my feet.

His touch—raw electricity.


I never saw Harbor Westcott coming.


I was a small-town girl with big city dreams and more ambition than money to my name. He had everything—money, privilege, and the world at his feet.


Opposites in every way, but that didn’t matter. We were lightning in a bottle, and everything felt possible when we were together.


Life was perfect.


Or so I thought . . .


Years later, I’m no more prepared for him than I was the first time. He swears on his life that we are meant to be forever, but I know I can’t survive this man twice.


Spoiler-free Review of Swear On My Life

Swear on My LifeSwear on My Life by S.L. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Swear On My Life by S.L. Scott is an unputdownable second-chance romance. I binge-read this book. Lark and Harbor’s heard-earned HEA is the stuff that dreams (or addictive reads) are made of.  This opposites attract; all-consuming story of love and sacrifice will pull on your heartstrings. I swear on my life that I absolutely loved this book, and you should one-click it! 

Meet S.L. Scott:


Living in the capital of Texas with her family, Scott loves traveling, avocados, beaches, and cooking with her kids. She's obsessed with epic romances and loves a good plot twist.

Scott writes character driven, heart-racing, and swoony romances to suspense that will leave you glued to the page. Her stories are regarded as emotion-filled and soulful. With stories ranging from light and witty beach reads to heart wrenching and heart healing, Scott has a story for all readers. Her books are more than escapes for the voracious readers of today. They are journeys of the heart that always come with a happily ever after reward at the end.

Connect with S.L. Scott: https://linktr.ee/s.l.scott





Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Review: Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan

Before I Let Go, an all-new powerful, soul-gripping second chance romance filled with raw emotion and sizzling steam from USA Today bestselling author Kennedy Ryan is now available!  Check out my spoiler-free review below. 

Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan

Synopsis:
Award-winning and bestselling “powerhouse” author Kennedy Ryan is at her absolute best in this compelling, scorching novel about hope and healing, and what it truly means to love for a lifetime (USA Today)

 

Their love was supposed to last forever. But when life delivered blow after devastating blow, Yasmen and Josiah Wade found that love alone couldn’t solve or save everything.

It couldn’t save their marriage.


Yasmen wasn’t prepared for how her life fell apart, but she’s is finally starting to find joy again. She and Josiah have found a new rhythm, co-parenting their two kids and running a thriving business together. Yet like magnets, they’re always drawn back to each other, and now they’re beginning to wonder if they’re truly ready to let go of everything they once had.


Soon, one stolen kiss leads to another…and then more. It’s hot. It’s illicit. It’s all good–until old wounds reopen. Is it too late for them to find forever? Or could they even be better, the second time around?


Spoiler-free Review:

Before I Let Go (Skyland, #1)Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"There is only one letter of difference between love and lose, and somewhere along the way, for me they became synonymous."

Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan delivered an emotional sucker punch straight in the feels. This book might be the realist, second chance romance I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Before I Let Go pulled on every last fiber of my heartstrings as a mother and wife. I've loved Kennedy's books in the past and went in with high hopes. I didn't expect THIS BOOK! Before I Let Go is on my Best of 2022 list.



Thursday, November 3, 2022

Review: Hidden Scars by Andi Jaxon

HIDDEN SCARS by Andi Jaxon is LIVE! Don’t miss this all-new enemies to lovers, M/M, sports romance! You can download this ebook for free in Kindle Unlimited.Try Kindle Unlimited for FREE!

One-click TODAY! FREE IN KU!  https://amzn.to/3FAHSZ4


Hidden Scars by Andi Jaxon ebook Kindle Crack


BLURB

Charles Preston Carmichael is the most infuriating man I’ve ever met. 

I want to sock the golden boy of college hockey right in the mouth. 

He enjoys telling me everything I’m messing up. Publicly.

And since he’s my roommate for the next year, I can’t avoid him. 


Yet there’s something about him that makes me watch him. 

Something dark. 

A secret I want to uncover. 


When he returns from a weekend away, broken and haunted, I can’t keep my distance anymore. 

He needs someone and I’ll be damned if it’s not me. 

Soon my life no longer revolves around hockey, but the nightmares he’s living with. 

Desperately I want to save him but I can’t, not yet. The timing has to be just right. 


Can I watch him destroy himself as he tries to hold tight to the things that matter or will I be the final hit in the destruction of his life?

Spoiler-free review:

Hidden ScarsHidden Scars by Andi Jaxon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I finally popped my Andi Jaxon cherry. I've been hearing about this author’s m/m romance books for some time, and I finally decided to take the plunge. In Hidden Scars, Jeremy and Preston are roommates that play for the same college hockey team. Preston is a complex and grumpy perfectionist that is silently suffering from physical and mental abuse. Jeremy is a sweet guy that starts to fall for his prickly teammate. Jeremy knows that a good man is hiding beneath the barbwire-like exterior persona that Preston created for himself. Getting to know Preston is like peeling back the skin of an onion. He didn't expect to uncover Preston's heartbreaking secrets and the truth behind his tortured existence. 

Hidden Scars packs a wicked emotional punch and is equally heart-wrenching and spicy. That's all I will say because I don't want to give the plot away. Please check Andi's website for further information if you have any triggers. This new emotion-packed dysfunctional romance is one-click-worthy! 

ADD TO YOUR TBR: 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62342935-hidden-scars


ABOUT ANDI JAXON

From Dyslexic kid with a love of Algebra to a published author, no one expected me to become an author. I love to write about tortured pasts and hot sex, a happily ever after that has to be worked for. My stories tend to be contemporary with a few little dark elements and some comic relief, typically in the form of sarcasm.

  


Thursday, October 20, 2022

Book Review: Simply Mine by Laura Pavlov

Simply Mine by Laura Pavlov is LIVE and FREE to read in Kindle Unlimited.  Check out my spoiler-free review of this 5- star standalone romance. Try Kindle Unlimited FREE for the first month https://amzn.to/3MMfdlp

Simply Mine by Laura Pavlov book cover

She’s looking for Mr. Right. I can offer her Mr. Right Now.

That’s my specialty.


He’s my best friend’s older brother.

He was also my teenage crush and completely out of reach.

But we had our secrets—moments that nobody knew about.

I’d tucked them away in a safe place, and that’s where I’d planned to keep them.

He’d moved to the city, and I’d moved on.

But now he was back in Honey Mountain for a few weeks.

And he’d found endless reasons to spend time with me.

What started out as rekindling our friendship turned into a different kind of… stroking the fire.

No pun intended.

It was temporary.

Just another secret that we’d keep between us.

Ledger Dane came with an expiration date.

He’d always been one foot out the door.

Why would this time be any different?


Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MMfdlp

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3poymii

Review of Simply Mine 

Simply MineSimply Mine by Laura Pavlov
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Simply Mine (Honey Mountain #4) by Laura Pavlov is the latest book in this irresistible small-town romance series. Reading this book felt like a warm hug from an old friend. I adore the Thompson sisters. Just like the other books in this interconnected series of standalones, Simply Mine had the perfect balance of heat, sweet and memorable characters. I'm dying to read Only Mine (Dylan's book) on December 15th. One- click worthy.


Laura Pavlov Image Kindle Crack


Laura Pavlov writes sweet and sexy contemporary romance that will make you both laugh and cry. She is happily married to her college sweetheart, mom to two awesome almost-grown kids, and dog-whisperer to one temperamental yorkie and one wild bernedoodle. Laura resides in Las Vegas where she is living her own happily ever after. Be sure to sign up for updates on new releases. Laura loves to hear from readers!

 

Connect with Laura


Website: https://www.laurapavlov.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6569734.Laura_Pavlov

Amazon: http://amzn.to/3c1xKZX

Facebook: http://bit.ly/3eSvEdp

Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/2OKU6T5

Instagram: https://bit.ly/2TKf5Zs

Twitter: https://twitter.com/laurapavlov2

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/3ii8Vdp

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laurapavlovauthor

Sunday, September 25, 2022

Review: Memories of a Life (Duet Book 2) by Jewel E. Ann

Memories of a Life: Colten & Josie: Part Two by Jewel E. Ann is now live!  Check out my spoiler-free review.  You can read this book for FREE on Kindle Unlimited. Try Kindle Unlimited for FREE here! 

Memories of a Life by Jewel E. Ann Kindle Crack

Download today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited! TRY KINDLE UNLIMITED FREE FOR THE FIRST MONTH~> https://amzn.to/3xmE0pQ


Amazon: https://amzn.to/3UCOcUX

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/MoaL


Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3McgTTa


Start Part One, Pieces of a Life now!

https://amzn.to/3CbcSNi


Synopsis:

The girl I met when we were nine is now the woman who said "yes" to being my wife.

But Josie's not planning our wedding; she's too consumed by things that happened over a century ago.

She has terrible dreams and unrelenting visions of the unspeakable. I believe her, but I don't understand her.

If I can't understand her, I can't stop her.

If I can't stop her, I can't save us.

And without us ... well, I can't imagine that world.


 

 Review of Memories of a Life

Memories of a Life (Life, #4)Memories of a Life by Jewel E. Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Memories of a Life: Duet #2 by Jewel E. Ann is thick with raw emotion and layered suspense. This book is a solid page-turner that made me want to both scream and hug my Kindle. I went through so many different emotions reading this duet. Once again, Jewel delivers another masterpiece. Go into this series totally blind, and get ready to have your mind blown. I think my mouth is still hanging open from that plot twist. The Life Series is not to be missed and is on my Best of 2022 list. Please read Pieces of a Life before reading Memories of a Life. 

Jewel E. Ann image Kindle Crack



Jewel is a Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author with a quirky sense of humor. When she's not saving the planet one tree at a time, you can find her role modeling questionable behavior to her three boys, binge-watching Netflix with her husband, and writing mind-bending romance. 

 

Connect with Jewel


Website: https://www.jeweleann.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7505427.Jewel_E_Ann

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jewel-E-Ann/e/B00IJYHDIG/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjeweleann

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/485996228236493

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorjeweleann/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JewelE_Ann

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jewel-e-ann

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jeweleannauthor/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeweleannauthor


Thursday, September 22, 2022

Kindle Book Review: Devil of Dublin is LIVE!

Devil of Dublin by BB Easton is now live! Check out my spoiler-free review of this dark and devilish mafia romance. You can download this Kindle book for FREE in Kindle Unlimited!  

Devil of Dublin by BB Easton Kindle
Buy Links

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3xFoTaU

Audio: https://amzn.to/3BCXoQm

Paperback: https://amzn.to/3S3uqjD

Hardback/paperback special covers: https://amzn.to/3R2uZJq


Try Kindle Unlimited for FREE for the first month https://amzn.to/3xmE0pQ


Special edition hardbacks and paperbacks are also available with an alternate cover designed by Emily Wittig and eight full-page, B&W photos of the gorgeous Irish locations mentioned in the book!


Also available in audio!

Narrated by: Elizabeth Klett and Eric Nolan 

(an Irish actor seen on Game of Thrones, Vikings, Vikings Valhalla, & The Witcher)


From the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of 44 Chapters About 4 Men (inspiration for the Netflix Original series Sex/Life) comes a dark mafia romance steeped in Irish folklore.


Synopsis:
I can't remember anymore if my grandfather's eyes were blue or green, but I'll never forget the way they wrinkled at the corners when he laughed at one of his own jokes. Or the way they sparkled with mischief when he told me tales about the magical creatures that dwelled in the forest behind his humble Irish sheep farm--shy fairies who liked to eat tea biscuits, cruel witches who liked to eat children, a moody lake spirit with a taste for expensive gifts. 

As a child, I believed every fantastical word. But when he warned me about the mute boy who also lurked in those woods, the one the priest had declared to be the spawn of Satan himself, I refused to listen. Kellen wasn't evil. He was kind, and beautiful, and special, and hurting. He was my friend. And with every summer I spent stolen away with him in those enchanted woods, he grew to become so much more.

But when I return to Glenshire as an adult, grieving and engaged to someone else, all those legends quickly morph into nightmares.

My grandfather had been right about everything, especially the boy.

If only I had listened.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Devil of Dublin is intended for mature audiences who enjoy extremely dark subject matter, high emotional intensity, explicit adult content, graphic violence, heart-pounding suspense, fairy-tale worthy love, and gorgeous Irish scenery. If that sounds like you, then welcome to Glenshire! If you're unsure, please review the comprehensive content warning on my website before reading.


Spoiler-Free Review of Devil of Dublin

Devil of DublinDevil of Dublin by B.B. Easton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Get ready to meet Kellen, the anti-hero in The Devil of Dublin by BB Easton. BB Easton serves up magic and mayhem in this one-of-a-kind, dark mafia romance with an Irish folklore twist. This friends-to-lovers story is equally unique, angsty, and packed with raw emotion.
The Devil of Dublin is a standalone romance and anti-hero lovers' gold! Please read BB's author's note on her website if you have triggers. One-click worthy!


Meet BB Easton:
Author BB Easton photo image Kindle Crack

Wall Street Journal bestselling author BB Easton lives in the suburbs of Atlanta with her long-suffering husband, Ken, and two adorable children. A few years ago, she quit her job as a school psychologist to write books about her punk rock past and deviant sexual history full-time. Ken wasn’t super excited about that, but now that he’s appeared in three of her books and inspired a TV show character, he’s incredibly supportive.


BB’s debut memoir, 44 Chapters About 4 Men, went on to inspire the Netflix original series, Sex/Life, which was viewed by 67 million households worldwide within the first month making it the 3rd most-watched Netflix original series of all time. Because she had so much fun writing 44 Chapters, BB went on to publish four more wickedly funny, shockingly steamy, and heartwarmingly autobiographical books, one for each man in her memoir—Skin, Speed, Star, and Suit.

The Rain Trilogy—a dark, immersive, end-of-the-world romance—was BB’s first work of fiction. Or at least, that’s what she thought when she wrote it in 2019. Then, 2020 hit, and all of her dystopian plot points started coming true. Hoping to fix everything, BB returned with a fun, feel-good romantic comedy called Group Therapy, but alas, the world is still on fire … and so is BB’s desire to write intense, us-against-the-world romances. Her next release, Devil of Dublin, is a dark Irish mafia romance steeped in folklore and family secrets.  


You can find BB procrastinating in all of the following places:

Website: www.authorbbeaston.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/author.bb.easton

TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeEKRLyS/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bbeaston

#TeamBB Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/BBEaston

Twitter: www.twitter.com/bb_easton

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/artbyeaston

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/bbeaston

Goodreads: https://goo.gl/4hiwiR

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/bb-easton

Thursday, September 15, 2022

SNEAK PEEK & REVIEW: The Rules of Dating by Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

The Rules of Dating by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland is almost here!  Check out my spoiler-free review and a little excerpt below. This September 19th release will be available to download for free in Kindle Unlimited.  

The Rules of Dating by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward on Kindle Crack

Title: The Rules of Dating

Authors: Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance

Release Date: September 19, 2022


BUY LINKS:

KINDLE Amazon US https://amzn.to/3BorSWs

Paperback https://amzn.to/3BjvE39

Audio https://amzn.to/3UhhB78

Paperback https://amzn.to/3BjvE39

Amazon UK https://smarturl.it/TROD-Ebook-Amazon-UK

Amazon CA https://smarturl.it/TROD-Ebook-Amazon-CA

Amazon AU https://smarturl.it/TROD-Ebook-Amazon-AU



BUY LINKS:

KINDLE Amazon US ➜ https://amzn.to/3BorSWs

Paperbackhttps://amzn.to/3BjvE39

Audio https://amzn.to/3UhhB78


AMAZON LIVE RELEASE ALERT: https://www.subscribepage.com/2FreeBooks

 

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61645755


Try Kindle Unlimited FREE for the first month - https://amzn.to/3xmE0pQ


Excerpt:

Crash!

Shit. Billie and I looked at each other. A devilish smirk spread across her face…and then she turned and bolted.

I looked around. The coast seemed clear, so I ran as fast as I could while pushing a heaping cart full of crap. For the last hour and a half, Billie had been picking things out and holding them up to show me. If I agreed, she chucked them over her shoulder for me to catch with the cart. I’d been zigging and zagging, trying to scoop up all the merchandise she threw as I followed her around—both of us laughing like school kids the entire time. That is, until I missed that last toss and a glass bowl shattered on the floor.

IKEA was a giant maze, and both of us kept running, turning left and then right, until we finally arrived in the warehouse portion of the store, which was right before the checkout line. Billie leaned over with her hands on her knees, huffing and puffing.

“I think we’re in the clear,” she said.

“Pretty sure I would’ve rather paid for the twelve-dollar bowl than make a run for it. This cart is so full, it almost tipped like ten times.”

She laughed. “Did we get everything we need?”

“I’m not sure. But we definitely bought a lot of shit we don’t need. Like I think we could have done without the motorized ice cream cone spinners. The tenant can lick their own ice cream.”

Billie grinned. “Those are for me and Saylor. They light up, too!”

I snorted. “Come on, let’s check out before I’m completely broke.”

While we loaded everything onto the conveyor belt, I lifted my chin toward the in-store restaurant located just after the cashier stations. “You still up for meatballs?”

“Uh…hello? It’s the only reason I came.”

I clutched my hand over my heart. “Oww, that hurts. And here I thought you came for the company.”

After we were all checked out, I wheeled the cart over to a table for two in the corner of the restaurant. “Why don’t you stay here with the stuff, and I’ll go get us some meatballs.”

“Okay. But can you get me a drink, too, please? I’m so thirsty.”

When I came back, I set two big plates of meatballs on the table.

“Did you forget the drinks?” Billie asked.

I grinned and lifted a finger. “Actually, I didn’t. I brought them.” My gym bag from earlier had been lying on the bottom shelf underneath the cart since we walked in. Taking it out, I unzipped and started to unpack. “Wine, madame?” I held a bottle of merlot over one arm, showing the label like a maître d’.

Billie cracked up. “You brought wine with you? I thought it was strange when you took your duffle bag into the store. But I figured maybe your wallet was in it and stuff.”

I shrugged. “What choice did I have? You won’t go out with me, so I have to make the best out of our undate at IKEA.” I unloaded two plastic wine glasses, white cloth napkins, and a candleholder with a red candle.

Billie picked up the candle and examined it before raising a brow. “A winter village scene?”

I shrugged. “They’re Christmas candles. I only had an hour to get out of the house with a four-year-old. Don’t judge.”

The looks we got from the people around us as we ate meatballs by candlelight were pretty comical. I was also pretty sure it was against the rules to have an open flame in IKEA, let alone an open bottle of wine, but evidently the people behind the counter hadn’t read the employee rule book to be certain. Either way, the smile on Billie’s face made it all worthwhile. After we were done eating, I blew out the candle and started to pack up.

“You know…” Billie shook her head. “I think you just snuck a date into our undate.”

I shoved the cork back into the top of the wine bottle and zippered it into my duffle. “I did not.”

She squinted at me. “I’m pretty sure you did. What’s the difference between what we just did and a date? We shared a candlelight meal with wine and cloth napkins.”

I leaned down and whispered in her ear. “The difference is, you don’t get to come at the end.”

When I pulled back, Billie’s jaw was hanging open. I freaking loved that she looked so affected. She swallowed. “Is that the way all your dates end?”

I shook my head back and forth slowly. “No, but it’s damn straight the way ours would.”

 

Copyright © 2022 Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland



Review:


The Rules of DatingThe Rules of Dating by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Rules of Dating by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland made my heart sing. I'm still smiling like a loon just thinking about this book a week after finishing it. It was that good! This unexpected, opposites attract romance has the perfect about of sweet and heat.

The Rules of Dating is flirty and fun romance lovers gold. I legit couldn't put the book down until I reached the end. You guys are in for a treat. That ending! I've said this before, and I'll repeat it, Vi and Penelope make it impossible not to fall in love with their characters and their co-authored books. The Rules of Dating is on my Best of 2022 list.


The Rules of Dating by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland Video review

BLURB

 

It all started when I hosted a little party for a bunch of new friends. 

Though “friends” might not be the right word since the invitees were all the women I’d found out my boyfriend was talking to behind my back. When the guest of honor walked in—aka my now ex—things took a turn… 

Unfortunately, a stranger witnessed the whole blowout. I was in a mood that night and ended up giving this gorgeous guy an attitude, too. As if my night could get any worse, before he stormed off, he informed me he was actually my landlord.

Colby Lennon, along with three of his friends, owned the building where my tattoo shop was located.  He and I were total opposites.  He wore a tie, oozed confidence that came with years of women falling at his feet, and wasn’t afraid to say what he wanted, which lately—was me

I hated that I found myself attracted to him.  Especially since I was supposed to be on a self-imposed dating hiatus. Yet the two of us couldn’t seem to stay away from each other. We started hanging out, as friends.  I even went as far as making rules for what he’d dubbed our “undates.”

But eventually, our explosive attraction became too much to bear, and we broke our resolve. I let my guard down and started to really fall for Colby.

Nothing could have prepared me for the ride he took me on. And I certainly wasn't prepared for where I'd wind up when the ride was over.

All good things must come to an end, right?

Except our ending was one I didn't see coming.


PENELOPE WARD

 

Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.

 

She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.

 

With over two million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over thirty novels. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.

 

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VI KEELAND

 

Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles are currently translated in twenty-seven languages and have appeared on bestseller lists in the US, Germany, Brazil, Bulgaria and Hungary. Three of her short stories have been turned into films by Passionflix, and two of her books are currently optioned for movies. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.

 

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