Sunday, March 31, 2019

Review: Downfall by Jay Crownover















From New York Times bestselling author Jay Crownover comes DOWNFALL, a sexy, standalone contemporary romance! Check out all the stops on the tour, and grab your copy today, or read in Amazon KU!
 

About DOWNFALL:

Solomon Sanders doesn’t have time to fall in love. Until a stunning, skittish, single mother forces him to pause and recognize just how empty and hollow his busy life has become.

From the start, it’s been ingrained in Solo’s DNA to fight.

Fight for what he believes is right.

Fight for the people he loves.

Fight for the traces of good in a place which tends to be filled with a variety of bad.

Fight for survival, so at some point, his life will quiet down and find a normal pace.

He wasn’t ready for the impact his secretive, shy, obviously out of place new neighbor was going to have on him. And never in a million years was he prepared to fall head over heels for her and her young daughter.

Now, he’s facing the most important, and the hardest fight he’s ever fought… the battle to win Orley’s damaged heart.

Orley Vincent’s heart is full of fear, leaving no space for love. Until a big, brash, brawler of a man forces his way in and makes her realize facing her fears is the only way she can ever be free.

From the start, Orley was groomed to believe she wasn’t good enough.

She wasn’t the perfect daughter. Or student. Or girlfriend.

But, she has always been the best mother she could be to her daughter, Noble.

Keeping Noble safe has always been the one thing she was determined to do, which ironically, is how she ended up on the wrong side of the tracks, living next door to an unlikely hero. Orley’s a woman on the run. She had no idea her frantic sprint was going to land her in the tattooed arms of a man ready to teach her how to fight for herself… and for love.


DOWNFALL is now available in KU! 


Review:

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Downfall is Jay Crownover's newest novel and it's a complete stand-alone! The author mentions that the story is set on the same universe as The point series, but she doesn't even mention the names of the characters from that series, so if she hadn't given this easter egg to her fans I wouldn't have known about the connection. So read freely.

The book is about Solo and Orley. Solo, our hero, who is working two jobs while taking courses to become a mechanic. He is very good at fixing cars and fighting. Orley, our heroine, has a weird name. I had to say it, because I couldn't remember it no matter how hard I tried and I haven't heard it before. She is a single mom who is struggling to make sure that she and her daughter have the basics and she is raising her lovely daughter alone. There is some backstory to that, but it has an impact on the story and it's considered a spoiler. The reason why she is on the run as the blurb says is what made the book turn slightly dark. Both characters have sad stories and they shaped them into becoming the people we were introduced to at the beginning of this book. 

Orley and Solo's story was good. They had chemistry and the way they were brought together and started developing a relationship felt very organic. It wasn't rushed and it wasn't unbelievable. Noble was a huge part of the story, but she didn't steal the spotlight from the two adults. She appeared and was mentioned in just the right amount considering that she is a toddler and Orley lives and breathes for her. Solo was protective of her (and her mother of course) and he slowly eased his way into her life. His name though was the thing that won her over and you could say that it was insta-love on her part.

The only bad thing about this book was the epilogue. As an epilogue junkie, I take them very seriously and they can even ruin a book for me (like when the reunion happens in the epilogue). This epilogue left me wanting to read more about how Solo and Orley were doing years after the main events happened. We left them in a good place, but I wanted them to be in an even better one. At least you know you read a good book when the only complaint you have is about the epilogue. 

Overall, the downfall was a good story. The pace was good and it had some unexpected turns. Both characters are struggling, but I never doubted that they could make it. The romance was good and the relationships were balanced, so I would recommend the book!

 

EXCERPT:
~ORLEY~
The nearly naked man in front of me stretched his arms over his head and I couldn’t look away from the ripple and flex of his clearly defined abs. His body was ridiculous in all the right ways. I’d never seen a man in person who looked like he did. He was like one of those irrationally, unrealistically hot Instagram guys, but one who was standing in front of me in all his muscly, sweaty glory. I knew somewhere in the back of my head he was dangerous, and I shouldn’t be so nonchalant about chatting him up, but I figured I owed him the common courtesy I bypassed the night before. One thing I had left was flawless manners.
He cocked his head to the side and asked, “If yesterday was the second worst day, how did you survive the first one?”
That wasn’t a day I ever talked about. It was the day that changed everything. The only reason I survived the day was because I had to for the little girl clutching my hand and watching the stranger with wide, curious eyes. I blew out a breath and changed the subject as quickly as possible.
“You ever have one of those days where it’s one thing after another and it feels like the universe is trying to tell you something? Trying to tell you to give up?” I shrugged before he could answer me. “My car broke down. My babysitter quit. My job cut my hours. The icing on the cake was getting attacked on the way home. Like I said, it was a bad day, but that doesn’t excuse me running off without thanking you properly. I owe you more than I can every repay.” I couldn’t think about what might have happened if he hadn’t shown up. My mind wouldn’t allow it.
He dipped his chin again. “No worries. I happened to be in the right place at the right time.” He moved to put the earbuds back in and I considered myself dismissed, but before he could block out the sound, the homeless man on the stoop roused himself into a sitting position and pointed a finger at the man looming in front of me.
“Go help the girl with her car, Solo.” His finger wavered but his voice was surprisingly clear as he issued the order.
Noble bounded up on her toes and tilted her head to the side. “Solo?” My kid was obsessed with Star Wars so there was no way she was going to miss the unusual name.
The man looked down at my daughter, and finally, a grin cracked the stern expression chiseled on his ruggedly handsome face. “Solomon. Solo is my nickname.”
Before I could stop her, she stuck out her hand for the big man to shake. I gulped when her tiny hand disappeared in his much larger one. “I’m Noble.”
He nodded at her. “That’s a pretty name.”
His head moved in my direction and I bit back a sigh. “Orley.” I tossed out my own name reluctantly. “And don’t worry about the car. We’ll figure it out. Seriously.” I wasn’t sure I wanted to spend any more time in his company. He made me feel weird and unsteady. There was a low vibration I could feel humming throughout my body standing this close to him, and I had no time for any kind of distraction.





About Jay Crownover: Jay Crownover is the international and multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men series, the Saints of Denver series, the Point series, the Breaking Point series, the Getaway series, and the Loveless, Texas series. Her books can be found translated in many different languages all around the world. She is a tattooed, crazy haired Colorado native who lives at the base of the Rockies with her awesome dogs. This is where she can frequently be found enjoying a cold beer and Taco Tuesdays. Jay is a self-declared music snob and outspoken book lover who is always looking for her next adventure, between the pages and on the road.For more on Jay and her books, visit www.jaycrownover.com.

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Saturday, March 30, 2019

Release Blitz: Dawn to Dark Anthology





Title: Dawn to Dark Anthology
Authors: Various
Publisher: Vixen Publishing
Genre: Fairytale Retellings
Release Date: March 30, 2019



Blurb

Vixen Publishing Presents: "Dawn to Dark"

I'm sure you've heard the tales, we all have, but you’ve never heard them quite like this…

Seven authors bring your seven nail-biting stories. From a dark and twisted Rapunzel to a modern retelling of Cinderella, these authors will have you enthralled and howling for more.

Halston James retells Beauty and the Beast with a twist. “Out of the Woods” has a touch of urban fantasy and a healthy dose of paranormal romance that’ll have you turning the pages, ravenous for more.


Sonya Jesus will capture you with her dark contemporary retelling of the Little Mermaid in "Part of His World." Follow Ari as she defies her father’s strict rules to be part of Derrick’s life.


Suzan Lee has re-written a Grimm brothers classic, Snow White and Rose Red in her young adult, contemporary "Witching Woods." With magic and malevolence strolling hand in hand, you'll be left guessing right until the end.


Kelsie Rae is best known for her sweet contemporary romances, and her version of Aladdin is no different. “The Hack”is a modern twist on a Disney favorite. One girl who prays for freedom. One man who craves a different life. One hacker with the power to change their stars. Three wishes. No turning back.


Take a step on the seductive side with Angharad Thompson Ree's gothic horror retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. A paranormal romance meets psychological thriller, “Moon Bitten" is a story that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.


K.Z. Riley has written "Arabella", a beautiful young adult love story where you're more likely to find soccer boots than glass slippers. Follow Arabella on her journey of finding herself, discovering love and overcoming fear.


If you think you know the story of Rapunzel, think again. Courtney Shockey’s twisted tale is about a queen who looks far more innocent than she actually is. Bring her silk or priceless gifts, and she’ll seal your fate with a sweet, gentle kiss.








Purchase Links

99c for a VERY limited time!!

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited





Excerpt

“Moon Bitten” by Angharad Thompson Rees

I pull the hood of my red cape over my head, concealing myself against the gust of frigid winds biting with ice and spite. The skies hold the promise of more snow to come. He does not let go of my hand. And it’s not the snow concerning him.
“Blaxton,” I say—his name as sweet as honey on my recently-kissed lips. “Do not concern yourself. It is but a short walk through the woods, and yes, I promise to stay on the tracks.”
I raise an eyebrow, threatening him to contradict me. But he should know my penchant for wandering and losing myself. That’s how we met—deep within the woods in the first days of spring, when frost thawed atop the lake and his green eyes melted ice from my nervous heart.
He pulls me into his chest, his body warm against my own, tempting me to stay. Tempting me to never leave. I melt into him, lips hot as the first flakes of snow dance from the sky.
“Blaxton, no,” I say, pulling myself away with reluctance. The space between his heart and mine gapes as if the very universe could fill the hole. “I have to get back to Grandma, you know I do.”
His face drops at her mention. Grandma despises him despite his soft features, warm honey eyes and sweet, crooked smile. Though I suspect her hatred is aimed more at the threat he will steal me from her. Just as her daughter, my mother, was stolen so many years ago I can no longer picture her face. But that was different. Mother did not fall in love as I have. She was taken…
By wolves.
A perfectly timed howl echoes across the valley, carried along the land muted by snow. Blaxton raises his own eyebrow at the beast’s call and I laugh. An empty tin-like sound of hollow mirth and creeping fear.
“I’ll be fine. Tomorrow,” I say, allowing a smile to creep across my frost-numb face. “Let’s meet tomorrow, same time and place.”
Blaxton captures loose strands of my red hair in his pale fingers. The contrast startling like blood on snow. Tucking the strands behind my left ear, his fingers trail my cheek as he kisses my forehead. “Tomorrow,” he promises.






Contributing Authors

HALSTON JAMES

SONYA JESUS



SUZAN LEE



KELSIE RAE



ANGHARAD THOMPSON REES



K.Z. RILEY



COURTNEY SHOCKEY




Review: Hustle (Men of Inked: Southside #4) by Chelle Bliss



Hustle (Men of Inked: Southside #4) 
by USA Today bestselling author Chelle Bliss
AVAILABLE NOW!
Amazon: mybook.to/hustle
Apple: smarturl.it/9mo8nq
Nook: bit.ly/2SwCASk 
Kobo: bit.ly/2IAVSWR 
Print $12.99: amzn.to/2Axk31W

**Remember, buy the print on amazon.com and get the eBook FREE.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
#ChelleBliss #Hustle #BlogTour #MenOfInked
Hustle is the fourth book in the interconnected standalone Men of Inked: Southside series




Synopsis
Vinnie Gallo's the hottest rookie in professional football.
He's a smooth-talker, good with his hands, and knows how to score.
Bianca Hernandez thinks she's immune to Vinnie's charms.
She's not impressed by the glitz, glamour, or fame, but after a six month self-imposed break from men and sex, she feels her resistance slipping.
Nothing will stop Vinnie from trying to get the girl--not a crazy stalker, Bianca's two older brothers, or the fear he's falling in love.


Men of Inked Series Also Available Now!
❤️Maneuver→ menofinked.com/maneuver ❤️Flow→ menofinked.com/flow ❤️Hook→ menofinked.com/hook
**Remember, buy the print on amazon.com and get the eBook FREE.
Hustle Available Now!
 Amazon: mybook.to/hustle
 Apple: smarturl.it/9mo8nq
 Nook: bit.ly/2SwCASk
 Kobo: bit.ly/2IAVSWR
 Print $12.99: amzn.to/2Axk31W
**Remember, buy the print on amazon.com and get the eBook FREE.


Review:


Rating: 4 out of 5 stars



The problem I had with Hook (book 3 in the series) was that I felt like the Tilly was Angelo's second-best choice and vice versa. Thankfully, that wasn't the case with this book and I enjoyed it a lot. Vinnie and Bianca's relationship had a good development. I liked how they went from the pretend to the real stuff. I loved that Vinnie is (not so) slowly becoming one of us when he meets Bianca. And by that, I mean that he gets hooked on romance novels. He is also reading Bianca's book and tries to help her with her current project. What more could I ask? He was very considerate as a boyfriend and overall I think that he is book boyfriend material. Bianca was also a good character and I liked her as much as I liked her man. These two were very good together and that made the book more enjoyable and easy to read. I would recommend the book and I hope to see more from the author soon. 






Meet the Author
USA Today bestselling author Chelle Bliss currently lives in a small town near the Gulf of Mexico. She's a full-time writer, time-waster extraordinaire, social media addict, and coffee fiend. She's written over ten books and has two series available. She loves spending her free time with her boyfriend, 2 cats, and her hamster.
Before becoming a writer, Chelle taught high school history for over ten years. She holds a master's degree in Instructional Technology and a bachelor's in History. Although history is her first love, writing has become her dream job and she can't imagine doing anything else.

Review: Misadventures with My Ex (Misadventures, #21) by Shayla Black


 





Can the ex who once broke her heart seduce her into happily ever after? Once, Eryn Hope fell fast and incurably for Weston Quaid. And he seemed to adore her too—until she learned their love was built on lies when he walked out on their wedding day. Three years later, West has finally won control of his family empire and fortune, but it cost him Eryn—something he regrets every day. When business forces him to return to her life and temporarily shut down her livelihood, of course she’s furious. But their chemistry is still beyond combustible. So he makes her a proposition: he’ll take care of her until her bistro reopens…if she becomes his mistress. Her mind screams no, but her body whimpers yes, yes, yes. As soon as West has her back in his bed, their passion burns hotter than ever. So do his feelings. But can he and Eryn really recapture the love they shared? And when their bargain ends, will he be the one shattered this time or will they finally come together forever?



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“You’re supposed to groom the way I want you to. It’s in the contract.” That raises my alarm. “It’s not!” “Oh, it is. Paragraph three, subparagraph six, clause B. You’re to be presentable to my satisfaction.” “When we go out.” I’m positive that’s what I read. Well, almost... West shakes his head. “I wrote three-quarters of it myself. I know exactly what it says.” “You wrote most of that?” He nods. “After I went home, I managed to finish my last semester of college at Columbia, then attended law school. While working as Quaid’s CEO.” I blink. “You went to law school?” “There’s a lot you don’t know about the last three years.” “Whose fault is that?” His face shutters closed as he reaches into his jeans for his cell. “I’m done arguing about this.” With a puzzled frown, I watch as he sends a quick text. Almost immediately, he receives a reply. Then he smiles and tosses the device onto the nearest nightstand. “In the spa downstairs, Leona will clear up that landing strip at ten a.m. tomorrow.” On one level, it’s heady that he cares about the state of my flesh he intends to use. On the other hand, I don’t understand his insistence to have me bare. “Why are you trying so damn hard to control everything, even the state of my pubic hair?” “Because I want back the sexual compatibility we once had. I want the naked dinners and the lazy Sunday afternoons. I want the long, hot nights of lovemaking. I want—” He lets out a rough breath and shakes his head. “I want your pussy bare.” That’s not the whole truth. I know West’s expressions too well. Oh, he wants to recreate something about our past. The question is why? And how much? But I’m guessing it’s not just the sex. Holy cow, is he looking to make me his girlfriend? His “fiancée” again? Maybe...but now that I’m thinking about it, two and two aren’t adding up.




 

Review:

Rating: 1-ish out of 5 stars

If you have by any chance read some of my other reviews you will know I have some pet peeves. One of them are the exes who add nothing to the story. When a book is 11 chapters and 196 pages long, I don't want to keep hearing about the other people one of the main characters has slept with. Not until chapter 8 anyway. Up to that point, I was thinking that if didn't get a line about how Eryn slept with other people the book would burst into flames or something. I don't understand why we had to read about her sleeping with one of his frat brothers 2 weeks after his grandpa died. Does it add to the story? No. In the prologue/chapter 1, Eryn drunkenly admits to her sisters (and West overhears) that she did the deed with other people, but they didn't satisfy her and that West ruined her for other men. We could have left it at that, but noooo, we had to bring it up in every single chapter. That led me to the decision to give 3 stars to the book. So why the lower rating? The final nail in the coffin came when Eryn had to trust West and she didn't. She ran away and we had to have a third (and a fourth, I might add) person brought her to her senses. Then she dropped the "I trust you line" and I was out. No lady, you didn' trust him and you didn't bother to give him the benefit of the doubt. After that, I completely understood why West ghosted her 3 years ago. She would have reacted even worse. I don't see how Eryn changed in the last three years. And that's why I was so bothered by all the ex mentions. They filled space that could have been used to help West and Eryn become better people and a couple. West matured somewhere from the time he called off the wedding until he saw Eryn again at least. In the end, all I feel is frustration. And the worst thing is that the ending felt rushed to me. I had high hopes for the book since I am a Shayla Black fan, but I was disappointed in the end.

 

Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than sixty novels. For nearly twenty years, she’s written contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances via traditional, independent, foreign, and audio publishers. Her books have sold millions of copies and been published in a dozen languages. Raised an only child, Shayla occupied herself with lots of daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and realized that she could have a career publishing the stories spinning in her imagination. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America to pay the bills, her heart has always been with her characters. She’s thrilled that she’s been living her dream as a full-time author for the past eight years. Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her daughter, and two spoiled tabbies. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.


 

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Thursday, March 28, 2019

Review: The Roommate Agreement by Emma Hart

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Let your homeless best friend stay with you, he said. Being roommates will be fun, he said. It's only temporary, he said.

He never said I'd fall for him.

The Roommate Agreement, all-new hilarious and romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Emma Hart is available now!

ROOMMATEAGREEMENT-coverdraft1


You know what isn't 'temporary?' The endless stream of dirty socks in my bathroom and empty food packets under the sofa—and don't even get me started on the hot guys who take over my living room every Sunday to watch sports.
I can't take anymore.
So I propose a roommate agreement. One that will bring peace and order back to my life, complete with rules that might just stop my newfound crush on my best friend in its tracks.
After all, there’s only so many times you can see your best friend naked before you start to lose your mind.
Rules. They're meant to be broken... Aren't they?


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Download your copy today!
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2U6lAam
Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2H3qOyc

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

If I could change one thing in the book, I would shorten the time it took Shelby and Jay to become more than friends. I feel like they spend too much time trying to set the house rules and later trying to go from friends to the lovers. If I recall correctly, that's a problem I have with Emma Hart's books. Too much time passes from the time we meet the characters and the time they actually start a relationship. I would have loved to read more about Jay and Shelby's relationship. I have to acknowledge that these two have known each other for a long time and the roommating helped with their case. Jay was slowly starting to become the person Shelby needed in her life and understood her job as an author. He was not whining about it and it was great. 

The book overall was everything I have come to expect and I was very happy about it. I knew from early on that this would be one of the books I would enjoy because the author delivers exactly what I want. It has the author's signature all over it and that's a solid reason for me to recommend the book. Of course, I had a great time reading it and it was a fun read. The only thing I could ask more of were the romantic scenes. Other than that, the book was light-hearted and it had some funny moments. I would certainly recommend the book!

Excerpt:


Shelby shut the door with a click and peered over at me. “What are you writing? If it’s permission to use the feather duster as a sex toy, the answer is no. Unless you buy your own, but if you haven’t figured out where the laundry room is yet, I doubt you’ll find where to buy one.” She was as funny as a car crash, this one. “Hilarious,” I drawled. “No, I’m making amendments as I go. I added a new rule.” “You added a new rule?” She raised one dark eyebrow and walked over, hovering over me. “All right, what is it?” “Decent clothes must be worn. Do you know how many times I wake up early on a morning to open the gym and find you basically in your underwear in the kitchen?” “Basically in my underwear? Who are you seeing in the kitchen? I wear shorts and a tank top at the very least.” “Yes, but the shorts barely cover your ass, and you’re sure as hell not wearing a bra.” She paused, eyes glittering as she said, “And why are you looking at my ass and my boobs?” That was an excellent question. “Because there’s nowhere else to look!” I rushed out before my stupid cock could get any ideas. “Look, waking up in the morning can be challenging for a guy.” She stared at me. “I don’t need to get up for a coffee with… you know.” I motioned to my groin. “And see you half-clothed.” She flicked her hair over her shoulder and walked to the kitchen, turning her back to me. “Why does it matter? I’m your best friend. I hardly think your little friend is remotely interested in whether or not I’m wearing a bra.” Yeah, well, he is. “Fine. If I have to wake up and see your perky nipples prancing around the kitchen, I’m going to stroll around in my underwear so you can get a good view of my morning glory.” She spun, lifting up a finger. Her cheeks were flushed, and she had to swallow before she could speak. “My nipples do not prance. They are not horses.” I grinned. “Also, I have no desire to have anything to do with your morning erection, much less get a good view of it, thank you very much.” “Have I told you that you’re cute when you blush?” “Have I told you that you’d be a cute dead guy?” I laughed, leaning back on the sofa. “C’mon, Shelbs. We need to respect each other’s privacy. You don’t want to see my cock hard over your breakfast, and I don’t want to see your nipples standing to attention when I make a coffee.” She sighed. “Why did I ever let you move in again?” “Because I was going to be homeless and you’re the best friend ever?” “Mm.”


About Emma Hart

EmmaHart.jpgEmma Hart is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels and has been translated into several different languages. She is a mother, wife, lover of wine, Pink Goddess, and valiant rescuer of wild baby hedgehogs. Emma prides herself on her realistic, snarky smut, with comebacks that would make a PMS-ing teenage girl proud. Yes, really. She's that sarcastic.
Connect with Emma
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