Blog Tour Review: The Setup (A Bro Code Standalone) by Rachel Van Dyken

The Setup, an all new contemporary romance by #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken, is LIVE!

Book info:
Title:  The Setup
Author:  Rachel Van Dyken
Series:  A Bro Code standalone
Genre:  Adult contemporary romance
Release Date:   December 28th, 2019
Source: E-galley from Social Butterfly PR which did not influence my opinion
My rating:  5 stars


Synopsis:

The first day she was sitting by herself — I felt sorry for her. After all, it couldn't be easy wrangling all the testosterone at Wingman Inc as one of the only female office managers.

The second day she literally counted her carrots during break — she had seven by the way, right along with seven sips of her drink in between taking seven tiny little bites of the first carrot.

Now I'm not one to brag, or maybe I am, but math and science fascinate me, so do problems. And this woman screamed puzzle from the way she ducked her head every time anyone looked at her, to the way she counted food and tapped the table when she didn't think anyone was watching.

I'd like to think I took pity on her that day when, in fact, she was the one that took pity on me and asked if I needed a friend. She assumed I had a learning disability since I'd been staring so damn hard.

Things would have ended there, except, my bosses need someone to test the new Wingman App and since I was the only single guy on the floor — I was nominated, right along with the only single woman, the same one who thinks I need to use my fingers to count.

Apparently rumors of my sexcapades throughout college reached even her ears, because she wants nothing to do with me, which makes beta testing a bitch. I have thirty days to win her over and prove myself to my bosses.

One thing's for certain, I'm going to have to buy a hell of a lot of carrots.

My Review:

This book grabbed me from page one, and I was sucked in, could barely put it down, even to go to bed!  I loved Finn, and his aunt was hilarious!  But not just that, it was all the characters.  They all were such a fun group, snarky and seemed like in a good mood for the most part.  While I thought that Finn's friends and co-workers, the former "Pleasure Ponies" were all about getting him set up with Jillian to start with, it seemed maybe I was a bit off when they had the two of them sign up to test out the app separately.  However in the end, it all came together and we found out just what their friends had planned, and how it actually did prove that their app worked.  All of the double dates they went on ended spectacularly and again hilariously.  The secret about Finn was a really big shock, but made when he and Jillian finally did take it all the way so much more satisfying.  It was a such an easy read, flowed seamlessly without a lot of extra drama that usually will irritate me in stories.  I adored this book so much that I have got to go back and read the rest of the stories in the series.  And it reminded me how much I love this author and that I always wait too long before reading more of her books!

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/35kDAQu

Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/TheSetupRVD

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2Q0DhnJ

About Rachel:

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor. 

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

Connect with Rachel:

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

Website: http://rachelvandykenauthor.com  

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/RVDNewsletter 

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachVD  

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2cNVwL9  

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/RVDGR  

Rachel's Rockin' Readers: http://bit.ly/RachelsRockinReaders

Release Blitz: Avoiding Temptation (Bro Code Series #1) by Rachek Van Dyken

Avoiding Temptation, an all new contemporary romance in the Bro Code series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken, is LIVE!

I hit on her first.

Realized she was my best friend Finn's little sister second.

And got a bloody nose third — compliments of Finn after he watched me nearly score with the new underclassman.

After all I did have a reputation on campus, word on the street was that a girl could orgasm within one minute just watching me eat Lucky Charms.

You can't make this stuff up — even though it was at least four minutes and included outside circumstances. Ahem, I digress.

Point is, not only did I earn the attention of the worst sort of girl for me — my best friend's only sibling — but now she's out to seduce me.

Me! One of the most famous Pleasure Ponies of them all!

I can't shower — she follows me to the bathroom. Literally.

I can't sleep — Lucky me, she lives in the same dorm.

And I can't focus on anything except for her taunting eyes every single time something goes her way.

I want her, but I don't want her to know I want her, and I definitely don't want to die before graduation, which is looking more and more likely considering we can't keep our hands off each other.

Something's gotta give, and I have an inkling I should probably start writing my eulogy now because that something is probably going to be me.

Download your copy today or read free in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/36GN1Kv

Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/AvoidingTemptationRVD

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/38Fg8j1

About Rachel:

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor. 

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

Connect with Rachel:

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

Website: http://rachelvandykenauthor.com  

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/RVDNewsletter  

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachVD  

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Goodreads: http://bit.ly/RVDGR  

Rachel's Rockin' Readers: http://bit.ly/RachelsRockinReaders

Release Blitz: Seducing Mrs. Robinson by Rachel Van Dyken

Seducing Mrs. Robinson, an all new contemporary romance by #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken, is LIVE!

We've all been there, some more than others, you know what I'm talking about, where you have the hots for the new business teacher.

I was one hundred percent that guy. I shamelessly flirted with her my senior year, only earning her irritation more and more. On graduation, I stood up to her husband after he got violent, and I'll never forget the look in her eyes when she told me it wasn't my place.

Fast forward to my senior year of college and what do you know, the new adjunct professor is the one and only Mrs. Robinson, she's eight years older than me and smoking hot. Did I mention divorced?

She looks at me like I'm trouble, and I'm only happy to deliver on that promise. I'm going to show her how a real man treats a woman and use every weapon in my Pleasure Pony arsenal to do it.

Go big or go home.

Download your copy today or read free in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/36DBECQ

Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/SeducingMrsRobinsonRVD

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2LXkloG

About Rachel:

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor. 

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

Connect with Rachel:

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

Website: http://rachelvandykenauthor.com  

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/RVDNewsletter  

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachVD  

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2cNVwL9  

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/RVDGR  

Rachel's Rockin' Readers: http://bit.ly/RachelsRockinReaders

Release Blitz Review: The Younger Man by Karina Halle

A reckless, obsessive soccer star. A forbidden affair that could ruin her career. The locker room has never been this steamy.

The Younger Man, an epic standalone forbidden age-gap sports romance, by New York Times bestselling author Karina Halle, is LIVE!

Book info:

Title:  The Younger Man
Author: Karina Halle
Genre: Adult contemporary sports romance
Release Date: December 11th, 2019
Source:  e-galley from Social Butterfly PR which did not influence my opinion
My rating:  5 stars


Synopsis:

Starting over was her only option.

Forty-years old and still reeling from a public and painful divorce, Thalia Blackwood is looking for a fresh start, somewhere far away from her upside down life. When she’s offered a new job as the sports therapist for a football (soccer) team, she jumps at the chance. This is just what she needs to leave the heartbreak and shame of Manchester behind, trading it in for the warmth and hopeful vibrancy of Madrid.

He was her only desire.

Twenty-three year old Alejo Albarado is rising up the ranks in his career. As the charming forward for the Real Madrid team, Alejo’s life revolves around women, parties, and being a tabloid darling, that is until the new sports therapist joins the team.

Their passion could not be ignored.

What starts out as a strictly professional relationship between Thalia and the young Spanish player, slowly evolves into something more. Much more.

Their relationship was forbidden.

But their combustible chemistry and simmering sexual tension can only go so far—should Thalia give into Alejo’s advances, she’s at risk of not only losing her job, but succumbing to a much younger man will drag her through the spotlight again.

Alejo might be worth that risk.

Unless he breaks her heart in the process.

The Younger Man is a full-length standalone romance. Characters from Love, in English make a cameo in this book, however The Younger Man is intended to be read as a STANDALONE. 

My Review:

This was so steamy!  I mean, WOW!  But also very emotional.  At one point at the end I definitely had tears running down my face.   As an older woman who has always been attracted to younger men, this story was one I was interested in right away. And it is a big part of the story, of course, everyone thinks Thalia is too old for Alejo, except for him.  He knows that they are right for each other.  As with most of the books I've read by this author so far, the story has lots of steamy sexy scenes all throughout.  Not just a couple times, not just the first time and then at the end when all is well, we get to enjoy many of the couples trysts.  Personally, I like that in a good romance novel, especially when they're written as well as Halle does.  But the age difference isn't really all that makes him hot, I mean, he's a professional soccer. player, what more do you need?  There's more to the story than just the romance even though, Thalia has to deal with friends, old and new, and who really is a friend, and who isn't.  She's also trying to figure out just who she is and what she wants in life, making this a really great story.

 

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2rrQYDd

Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/TheYoungerManKH

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2OhIyaE

Meet Karina:

Karina Halle is a former travel writer and music journalist and The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author of The Pact, Love, in English, The Artists Trilogy, Dirty Angels and over 20 other wild and romantic reads. She lives on an island off the coast of British Columbia with her husband and her rescue pup, where she drinks a lot of wine, hikes a lot of trails and devours a lot of books.

Halle is represented by the Root Literary and is both self-published and published by Simon & Schuster and Hachette in North America and in the UK.

Connect with Karina:

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

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2vo9pq4  

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

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Blog Tour Review with Giveaway: Beard Necessities (Winston Brothers #7) by Penny Reid

Billy Winston’s family is going to see him happy and in love if it’s the last thing they do.

Beard Necessities, the final standalone in the bestselling romantic comedy Winston Brothers series from New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Penny Reid, is available now!

Book info:

Title:  Beard Necessities
Author:   Penny Reid
Series:  Winston Brothers #7
Genre: Adult romantic comedy
Release Date:  November 4th, 2019
Publisher: Cipher-Naught

Source: E-galley from Social Butterfly PR which did not influence my opinion
My rating:  4 stars


Synopsis:
No one deserves a happily-ever-after quite as much as the second oldest Winston brother and his lady love, Claire McClure (aka Scarlet St. Claire). Cruelty and circumstance tore them apart almost twenty years ago. Secrecy and bitterness kept them separated.  

But you know who's tired of their separation and stubbornness? Everyone. Especially Billy Winston’s family. And now they're going to do something about it.  

Well-meaning interference means the star-crossed lovers can’t stop tripping over each other in the hills of Tuscany, the catacombs of Rome, and the waterways of Venice. Billy and Claire find themselves thrown together and at the mercy of the Winston siblings’ shenanigans.  

But will their forced proximity bring them together? Or push them even further apart?  

This second-chance romance brings back the entire Winston gang, playing cupid in one last story of love, hi-jinks, and family collusion.  

BEARD NECESSITIES is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, and can be read as a stand-alone, but it’s probably best read after books 0.5, 2, 3, 5, and 6 of the Winston Brothers series.

 

My Review:

Ever since I read Beard With Me, I've been on the edge of my seat anxious for how this next book, the final part of Billy and Scarlet's story, would go.  Overall I did really like seeing Billy and Scarlet finally get together.  I loved seeing all our favorite couples from the past books in this series so often and in so much of the story. Especially all the Cletus we got!  It was definitely good the way that each of them realized the issues the other had and called them out about it.  I like that once they'd gotten all the secrets out, or most of them, they then were pretty quick to finish sharing them, or not to make something into another of those secrets that characters always keep to "protect" the other one.  Definitely the book was a page-turner for me.  

Now, my problems with the book.  The first part to this story, Beard With Me, was such a majorly emotional and epic story, that this one just seemed really simple and not as complex.  I didn't cry like I did with the first one, or with other books in the series.  I honestly got a little irritated with all the back and forth between the two as well. Although I was glad that Scarlet would not give up after the first give in between the two, even when Billy clammed up or seemed to push her away.  And even though we have known several things throughout the other characters' books in the series, I feel like I needed so much more of the time we missed between the first book and this book.  I need more time with Scarlet and Ben, to know how things really were.  I need to know more about Billy and Scarlet's rendezvous at the hotel.  I guess we don't need all that, it's not really the type of story we get from this author.  It's just like how I kind of think at times I'd like to have an origin story for Bethany and Darrell Winston, but then really, since he was who he was, that wouldn't be a good HEA kind of story.  So my rating isn't a 5, because it wasn't perfect.  Also something I mentioned on the Facebook group recently, I'd love to see a "bible" for the Green Valley series, and know all the characters we've met and who they're related to, etc.  Especially once we got all the couples' kids involved.  It reminded me so much of my dad's side of my family.  He was one of 5 siblings, and his oldest brother had 5 kids, and all their kids, and at parties for the longest time, I had trouble keeping straight which one belonged to which of my cousins.  

It seems as if I had a lot of problems, but overall, as I said in the first paragraph above, it was a good ending.  Sexy scenes were just as good as ever, and all the characters were the characters I loved from their own stories earlier in the series.  I hate that this is the end of the Winston Brothers series, but am so happy for the whole SmartyPants Romance series that will give me glimpses into my favorite world of characters as well as the new Cletus and Jenn mystery series coming next year!  I also have a new idea, or a way to take a story idea I had last year and maybe change it to something that I could try to get into the world myself!  

And I have to add this, every time I would think or read the name of this book, my brain immediately began singing the "Bare Necessities" song from the Jungle Book original movie.  

 

 

Download your copy today!

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

Apple Books: https://apple.co/2nytE4S

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/BeardNec

Nook: http://bit.ly/2m48E5O

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Excerpt

Strolling to the desk, I set down the milk and cookies, crossed my arms and turned to face my brother. “You’re pointing out that Scarlet and I will see each other during various family functions.”  

“Correct.”  

“And, therefore,” I continued reasonably, “I need to be nice to her.” I knew that already, and tonight—after watching her face crumple and feeling a part of my soul shrivel at the sight—I’d finally accepted it. I would be nice. I would be so damn nice. I’d be a saint.  

But then Cletus said, “No, Billy. Not nice. Nice is for tea parties and doctor’s visits. You need to woo her.”  

I blinked once. “Woo her.”  

“That’s right. You need to woo the pants off her, hopefully literally, and then make that woman yours. Permanently. Once and for all. Put a ring on it. Woo is where it’s at. Jenn still has the centerpieces from our wedding if you’d like to borrow them.” During this enlightening monologue, he’d moseyed over and picked up the glass of milk and a cookie, dunked the cookie into the milk, and then took a bite just as he’d finished his listings of delusions.  

“That’s never going to happen.”  

“Why not? Those centerpieces are lovely. You don’t know your color scheme yet. Ask Scarlet before you decide.”  

I ground my teeth. “Scarlet and I are never going to happen, Cletus.”

He shook his head firmly. “I’m disappointed in your lack of ambition, Billy. I thought we’d be on the same page. But I see now, I’m going to have to take a tough love approach.”  

“Cletus—”  

“I’m going to give you one chance,” he said, then pushed the rest of the cookie in his mouth and spoke around it as he continued, “One more chance is all you get. I’ve waited long enough for this and you know my feelings on delayed gratification.”  

“Pardon?”  

“It’s overrated.” He took a gulp of milk and picked up another cookie.  

“No, Cletus. One chance on what?”  

“I’m giving you one chance. One.” He pointed the cookie at me. “Tomorrow, you’re going to go find her, apologize to her for whatever that kerflufflefuck was I walked in on. Tell her you were suffering from temporary insanity, hopped up on illicit drugs, abducted by asshole probing aliens, whatever. I’m giving you one chance to make this right, and if you don’t take it, you are not going to like what happens next.”

 

Enter the giveaway for a signed paperback set of the entire Winston Brothers Series!

http://bit.ly/2Y4LKcN

Meet Penny Reid

Penny Reid is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best Selling Author of the Winston Brothers, Knitting in the City, Rugby, and Hypothesis series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she just writes books. She’s also a full time mom to three diminutive adults, wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja.

Connect with Penny

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

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2lakzsD

Twitter: @ReidRomance

Mailing List: http://pennyreid.ninja/newsletter/

www.pennyreid.ninja

Blog Tour Review with Excerpt: Shelf Awareness (Green Valley Library #4) by Katie Ashley

"Don't miss this hilarious and sweet adventure in the Green Valley Library series. Five Stars!"--Aleatha Romig, New York Times bestselling author

Shelf Awareness, an all-new hilarious romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Katie Ashley is available now!

Book info:

Title:  Shelf Awareness
Author:  Katie Ashley
Series:  Green Valley Library #4
Genre: Adult romantic comedy
Release Date: November 19th, 2019
Publisher:  SmartyPants Romance

Source:  Purchased copy from author at Book Bonanza
My rating: 4.5  stars

Synopsis: 

After catching her husband in a compromising position, Finley Granger finds herself in a new hell: reentering the dating world. When she moves in with her grandmother, her great-aunt, and their best friend, Finley finds herself surrounded by a trio of well-meaning yet bumbling matchmakers.

In spite of their efforts, Finley only has eyes for one person, and that’s Zeke Masters—the 6’4”, impossibly built, and ridiculously good-looking new man in town. Along with her nether regions, Finley’s journalistic spidey-senses tingle as to why he’s on sabbatical from Seattle. Is he on the lam or escaping a bad breakup? What’s his story?!?!

As Finley finds herself reluctantly drawn to the gorgeous IT guy, she can’t help but wonder: should she indulge in a rebound tryst with the mysterious Zeke, or has she finally met her match?

‘Shelf Awareness’ is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book #4 in the Green Valley Library series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

My Review:

This was a very sweet and easy read.   While this is once again set in the library, it actually doesn't focus on a librarian. Sure, Finley works at a library, but she's getting a history room ready.  And then we have Zeke, who while he is a tech guy, he is volunteering and not an official library tech.  But that's okay, because I still loved both characters!   There was so much in this story that made me laugh.  In fact Finley's roommates, her grandmother, great-aunt, and their friend, all remind me of the grandparent characters in the books by one of my favorite authors, Emma Hart.  So many funny moments in this one, especially the Ben-Wa ball moment as described in the excerpt below.  For the most part it is a pretty simple and as I said, sweet story.  But at the end, we get some intense events thanks to Zeke's father.  It was a blast spending the time we did with our librarians we know from the other books, even though there was only a mention or two of the Winston brothers.  

Now I'm just eager to read the next round of the SmartyPants Romance books which won't be till next spring or summer I think.  Also, I have lots of thoughts about trying to either fix my one novel I started reworking during NaNoWriMo this year to possibly fit into the Penny Reid world, or else to start a new one so maybe I can get into the library world of this book!   

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/33YjLhr

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/ShelfAwarness

Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/2m2NkNC

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2lAahaG

Except

As Zeke worked on uploading the census records, I hoisted one of the many boxes from the Henderson’s donation onto the table. It kicked up an epic dust cloud. I reached inside to pluck out one of the moldering tomes of historical literature. Wrinkling my nose, I fought the urge to sneeze. Instead, I cleared my throat. When it still felt like I had swallowed a wad of sawdust, I coughed. And that was my grievous mistake.  

The force of the cough dislodged the Ben Wa ball, sending it into an epic downward dive. Yes, ladies and gentlemen the Ben Wa ball had left the building. Whirling away from Zeke, I used my hand to try an inconspicuous crotch shuffle to send the ball back to its point of origin. What happened next was truly against the laws of motion. Because the universe apparently hated me, the ball escaped the confines of my thong. As it started its descent down my thigh, I squeaked and clamped my knees together. 
   
“Are you all right?” Zeke asked behind me.  

I threw a glance at him over my shoulder. “Uh, yeah, I . . .” Okay, I had no idea how I was going to get out of this one. It wasn’t like I could say, “Well, here’s the thing. The Ben Wa ball I was using to strengthen my pelvic floor muscles to keep my vagina healthy for the D just slipped out and is about to make a very unhappy trail down my leg.”  

“I think a bug bit me or something.”  

“Oh no. Want me to take a look?”
   
“No!” When Zeke’s eyes widened at my outburst, I said, “Sorry. I’m okay.”  

“If you’re sure.”  

“Totally.”  

“I think I might’ve found something interesting for your research.”  

The only thing I was interested in at the moment was getting the Ben Wa ball out of my pants without Zeke seeing it. “Oh?”  

“I definitely see some Native American female names.”  

Damn him for being enthusiastic about my research. The last thing I wanted to do was walk the couple of steps back over to him while trying to keep a Ben Wa ball from rolling down my pants leg. Since I couldn’t see any other way out of it, I nodded. Gritting my teeth, I started shuffling over to him.  

When I started lurching like Frankenstein’s monster, Zeke tilted his head curiously at me. “Are you sure you’re okay?”  

“Yep. Totally fine,” I muttered.  

Just as I reached his chair, my knee shifted because of what I imagined was panic sweat overtaking me. As the ball became dislodged, I bit down on my lip to keep from squealing again. There was no saving the ball now or my humiliation for that matter.  

As soon as it plopped onto my shoe, I flung my foot, sending it ricocheting into the desk. Of course, it’s size caused it to make a tremendous ching-ching noise, which in turn caused Zeke to rip his attention away from the screen. “What was that?”
   
“What was what?” I questioned innocently.  

He furrowed his brows at me. “You didn’t hear that noise?”  

“Uh, no.” Plastering a smile on my face, I said, “I’m sorry. I was just so into what you were saying.”  

Ignoring my response, Zeke quickly assessed the area around us. After I’d flung the ball away, it had come to a rest to the right of his desk chair. When he bent over to examine the ball, I inwardly began screaming noooooo while at the same time cursing Estelle for even bringing the Ben Wa ball into my orbit.  

Since the universe hadn’t tortured me quite enough yet, Zeke picked up the ball. “Interesting,” he murmured as he twisted it between his fingers.
   
I decided it was best to play absolutely and completely clueless in this situation. “What is it?” Silently, I prayed he wouldn’t respond with, “It looks like one of those sex balls you shove up your cooch.”  

“I don’t know. Maybe a part off one of the desks or chairs. I should probably give it to maintenance, so they can check all the furniture in here.”
   
Oh hell no. Without a second thought, I snatched the ball out of his hands. Since I did it rather abruptly, Zeke’s surprise was apparent on his face. Waving my free hand dismissively, I said, “Don’t bother yourself with that. I’ll take it to them.”  

“Thanks, Finley.”  

After wheezing out a breath, I replied, “You’re welcome.” I jerked my thumb over my shoulder. “I’ll go do that right now.”  

I didn’t bother waiting for Zeke to reply. Instead, I power walked right out of the history room. I’m sure if he was watching me he would have been puzzled at my miraculous recovery, considering I’d been limping earlier.  

At the first trash can I could find, I deposited the Ben Wa ball. It seemed abundantly clear that neither I nor my vagina were quite ready to handle the responsibility. 
 

About Katie Ashley

Katie Ashley is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon Top Five Best-Selling author of both Indie and Traditionally published books. She lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her daughter, Olivia, her two rescue dogs named for Disney Princesses, Belle and Elsa, an out-numbered cat, Harry Potter, and one Betta fish. She has a slight obsession with Pinterest, The Golden Girls, Shakespeare, Harry Potter, and Star Wars. 

Connect with Katie Ashley

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Instagram: http://bit.ly/2klaIWg

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Blog Tour Review with Excerpt: My Bare Lady (Scorned Women's Society #1) by Piper Sheldon

My Bare Lady, a funny and heartwarming romantic comedy standalone from Piper Sheldon and Smartypants Romance is available now! 

Book info:

Title:  My Bare Lady
Author:   Piper Sheldon
Series:  Scorned Women's Society #1
Genre: Adult contemporary romance
Release Date: November 12th, 2019
Publisher:  SmartyPants Romance

Source:  E-galley from Social Butterfly PR which did not influence my opinion
My rating:  4.5 stars


Synopsis:

Suzie Samuels is the only thing standing between Clifford and his life’s work. All he has to do is change everything about her. Perception creates reality and Clifford Rutledge needs the irascible stripper to prove it.

Suzie Samuels is set to prove once and for all she’s more than Short Fuse Suze, stripper for the Black Demons and renowned motorcycle arsonist. If all it takes is hard work, then Suzie knows how to work it hard.

But Suzie’s scandalous spirit tests Clifford's resolve. And Clifford’s buttoned-up bullying is driving Suzie bonkers.

Can Clifford move past their differences long enough to pull off the impossible task of changing the bare lady into a fair lady?

More importantly, as perceptions shift and priorities change, will he want to?

'My Bare Lady' is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book #1 in the Scorned Women's Society series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

My Review:

I was a little unsure about this one, again, I'm not a big MC romance reader, but the premise sounded pretty good, and I've pretty much loved all the books I've read in the SmartyPants Romance world so far, so I had to read it.  After reading this one, I understand that the title of the series, Scorned Women's Society is probably going to have to do with all of Jethro Winston's past hookups.  And you may color me very intrigued for this series!  So I definitely think I remember hearing about our main character, Short Fuze Suze, but her story was really good.  I like how the characters in these stories, for the most part, are often people put in bad situations where they do bad things to either try to save someone else, or else they just don't feel as if they can change or get away from the life.  As Suzie did.  It was hard to read about how she felt trapped. Between her alcoholic father, and her MC "family".  It was kind of interesting to get a glimpse into a different MC gang than the Iron Wraiths.  Now, Clifford, or Ford, was a little unlikable at first. Even when we got his side of the story, I found myself not sure if I was going to like him at first. But, like his character warmed up, I warmed up to him as I got to know more about him and even learned about his past.  

Compared to a lot of the other stories, this one wasn't as much of a light romantic comedy as they have been. This one had some darkness and definite scary and intense moments.  Probably what you expect with MC stories, which as I've mentioned, I'm not usually a fan of. But I liked how the story ended up, and can't wait to read more from this series in the SmartyPants Romance collection!

 

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

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Excerpt

I was transfixed. It wasn’t just the way she mastered the room. It wasn’t just how her choreography perfectly correlated with the entrancing music. It wasn’t just her sex appeal. It was that unwavering gaze and focus on her task. To the rest of the room, staring blatantly at her admirable—ahem—assets, she was an object, but I recognized the barely controlled passion roiling under her skin. What would it be like to be that strong? Not just physically, but strong in a way that allowed her to bare her soul to a group of greedy strangers. My passions were locked away safely inside me and yet she put it all out there. Such bravery and passion.  

In certain moments, I swear she looked right at me—quick stolen glances that shot a bolt of adrenaline down my spine. Perhaps this was a skill she learned to earn more tips, as the money was out in droves now, peppered over the stage and her sweating skin. But I swore she saw me. Saw through me. To the things I didn’t want seen. I stepped back further into the darkness knowing my concerns were irrational but unable to tear my eyes off hers. I was stronger than this. I was thoughtful, pragmatic, and not a victim of animalistic natures and poetic fantasies.  

Though she occasionally snapped the thin strips of material that made up her outfit in a playful tease she never took any clothes off. She didn’t need to. She’d managed to capture the attention of every person in that room with her movements alone.  

My body reacted despite my rationale; heart pounding, skin aflame. I needed to leave. I wouldn’t be like the rest of these people.  

The song crescendoed and in a show of strength, she launched herself back to the top of the pole once again. A small gasp escaped from me but the music drowned out all noise. She performed a trick that made her appear to fall down the entire length of the pole, tumbling over and sideways, limb over limb, only to catch herself at the bottom using only her thighs. She hung upside down, panting, dark hair sprawled out around her and her gaze set on me. Her eyes were a brilliant emerald, unlike any color I’d ever seen. They were luminescent in the stage lighting. Even across the hazy bar, they were transcendent. Glowing. Fixated on me.  

Nobody else.  

I swallowed but it wasn’t easy. The song ended and the lights went out. The crowd went wild. Several moments passed before I gained control of my faculties again. With that control came the shame of watching her. The understanding that just seeing her perform was enough to make me forget who I was. That couldn’t happen.  

I got out of there as fast as I could. The entire drive back to Knoxville my chest heaved at an alarming rate; my body remained a mass of tension. Her hypnotic gaze flashed repeatedly in my vision no matter how often I tried to shake it loose.  

Thankfully, I’d never see her again.  


About Piper Sheldon  
Piper Sheldon writes Contemporary Romance and Magical Realism books that hope to be New York Times bestsellers when they grow up. For now, she works as a technical writer during the day and writes about love the rest of the time. Of course she also makes room for her husband, toddler, and two needy dogs at home in the Desert Southwest.
 

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Surprise Cover Reveal: Tease Me (Stark International) by J. Kenner

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J. Kenner comes a new story in her Stark International series…

Tease Me, an all-new steamy, full length standalone in the Stark World from New York Times and #1 International bestselling author J. Kenner, is coming March 10th!

 

Entertainment reporter Jamie Archer knew it would be hard when her husband, Stark Security Chief Ryan Hunter, was called away for a long-term project in London. The distance is difficult to endure, but Jamie trusts the deep and passionate love that has always burned between them. At least until a mysterious woman from Ryan’s past shows up at his doorstep, her very presence threatening to destroy everything that Jamie holds dear.  

Ryan never expected to see Felicia Randall again, a woman with whom he shared a dark past and a dangerous secret. The first and only woman he ever truly failed.  

Desperate and on the run, Felicia’s come to plead for his help. But while Ryan knows that helping her is the only way to heal old wounds, he also knows that the mission will not only endanger the life of the woman he holds most dear, but will brutally test the deep trust that binds Jamie and Ryan together.

 

Pre-order your copy today: http://bit.ly/2O56deb

Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2XulV5S

About J. Kenner  

Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over one hundred novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.  

Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.

JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A six time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy) and in 2017 for Wicked Dirty in the same category. Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development as a television show.  

Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages.  

In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.  

Connect with J. Kenner  

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

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Stay up to date with J. Kenner by joining her mailing list: http://juliekenner.com/contact/subscribe-to-the-julie-kenner-newsletter/  

Website: www.jkenner.com

Blog Tour Review with Excerpt: Outmatched by Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young

Book info:

Title:  Outmatched
Author:  Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young
Genre: Adult contemporary romance
Release Date:  November 19th, 2019

Source: E-galley from Social Butterfly PR which did not influence my opinion
My rating:  4 stars

Synopsis: 

Outmatched, an all-new standalone contemporary romance by New York Times bestselling authors Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young.

What happens when a boxer finds chemistry with a geek?

Parker Brown can’t believe she needs to hire a fake boyfriend. When she landed her dream job in renewable energy, she thought she’d be entering a world at the forefront of progressive thinking. But the head boss prefers to promote employees who are “settled.” Thankfully, she’s found the perfect candidate, a fellow intellectual looking for some quick cash. What Parker gets is his protective big brother—Rhys Morgan. The tall, muscled ex-boxer with a foul mouth shows up just as her boss does, and now she’s stuck with the manipulative jerk.

Responsibility weighs heavily on Rhys. Now permanently out of the ring, he’s trying to hold together his late father’s gym and keep his younger brother, Dean, on the straight and narrow. To save Dean from himself, Rhys takes his place, ready to give this society girl a piece of his mind. Instead, he finds an opportunity. Even though they can hardly stand each other, posing as Parker’s boyfriend is a win-win deal. She gets to keep her job, and he’ll charm her star-struck boss into sponsoring his gym.

Problem is, they can barely keep their hands off each other. And what started as an easy deal isn’t so easy anymore. Because what future can a rough ex-boxer, afraid to open his heart, and a polished society geek, who has sworn off real relationships, possibly have?

They say opposites attract. These opposites are about to combust on impact.

My Review:

I always love contemporary romance from Samantha Young and the synopsis of this grabbed me right away! The story was sweet, and I liked getting both main characters' points of view.  While Parker did irritate me a bit, Rhys had his own issues that bothered me at times as well.  I know that a lot of that is the drama of a romance, as I've mentioned in reviews before, and it's probably what kept me at a 4 instead of 5 stars.  It was an easy read, and definitely had its really good moments.  I think this is my first by Kristen Callihan, and I'll be sure to read more of her books in the future!  As for Samantha Young, she's still at the top of my auto-buy authors list.

Download your copy today!

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Excerpt:

AngryTink: Hey. This is Parker. Parker Brown.  

My phone dinged loudly. I fumbled around my bed, finally finding the damn thing under a pillow. Wiping the sleep off my face, I rolled onto my back and read the text that had pulled me out of a pleasant sleep. I smiled. It was just so … Parker. Settling in, I answered her.  

RhysThis: Don’t have to tell me who you are. Your number is programmed on my phone. What do you want?  

AngryTink: Well, good morning to you too, Happy Pants.  

My smile turned into an evil grin. The girl was always going to punch back and make it count.  

RhysThis: That’s Mr. Happy Pants. Though, TBH, my pants aren’t too happy at the moment. Want to help me out with that?  

AngryTink: Tempting. Truly. But, no.  

RhysThis: RU sure? ‘Cuz Happy Pants Rhys is much more agreeable than Sad That He Had to Self-Satisfy Rhys.  

AngryTink: Would you please behave?  

RhysThis: I’m not the one who mentioned the emotional state of my pants.  

AngryTink: ARGH!  

A chuckle rumbled in my chest as my thumbs tapped out a response I knew would piss her off more.  

RhysThis: Was that even English? Honestly, Ms. Brown, I thought you were educated.  

She took a moment to answer. I could picture her, phone in hand, grinding her teeth.  

AngryTink: You’re deliberately trying to annoy me, aren’t you?  

RhysThis: You’re quick. I’ll give you that.  

AngryTink: Mr. Morgan, I’m about ten seconds away from finding an alternate fake boyfriend. A goat on a rope would be a better candidate at this point.   

It was cute she thought that was threatening.  

RhysThis: Yeah, probably. But the goat doesn’t have a signed contract. I do, Tinker Bell.  

AngryTink: ARGH@!!

RhysThis: You’re kind of cute when you talk pirate.

About Kristen:  

Kristen Callihan is an author because there is nothing else she'd rather be. She is a RITA winner and three-time nominee and winner of two RT Reviewer's Choice awards. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly and the Library Journal, as well as being awarded top picks by many reviewers. Her debut book FIRELIGHT received RT Magazine's Seal of Excellence, was named a best book of the year by Library Journal, best book of Spring 2012 by Publisher's Weekly, and was named the best romance book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she is not writing, she is reading. 

Connect with Kristen:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KristenCallihan/

Twitter - Kris10Callihan

Website - http://www.kristencallihan.com/

Amazon - https://amzn.to/2zrf3Lo

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/Kristen_Callihan

About Samantha:

Samantha Young is a New York Times and #1 International bestselling author from Stirlingshire, Scotland. On Dublin Street was Samantha's first adult contemporary romance series and has sold in thirty countries. She has since published over thirteen romance titles including the New York Times Bestsellers Into the Deep, Hero, and her most recent contemporary romance Play On. When writing Adult Paranormal romance she writes under the pen name S. Young. 

Connect with Samantha:

Social media links:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSamanthaYoung/

Website – http://authorsamanthayoung.com

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Twitter - https://twitter.com/AuthorSamYoung

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.co.uk/samyoungauthor/

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