Top 10 of 2018: My Top Book Boyfriends of the Year with Giveaway

This year I'm participating in the Top 10 of 2018 hosted by Kimberly Faye Reads.  Now today's actual topic was supposed to be captivating characters or favorite characters, but since I'd already kind of planned to do the same as last year's end of the year top 10, I am sticking with my favorite book boyfriends, which are, of course still characters.  These are in no particular order.

1.

Kip - who I started out picturing as a Jason Momoa lookalike, until it said he had blond hair.  Then I had to change my image a bit.  But what I loved most about Kip was his witty banter and snarkiness.

2.

Okay, that's not him, but Luke from this story is a great guy!  He's that best friend I wish I had, and again, I loved the banter and all the funny jokes and comments they made to each other.

3.

JLA always writes some of the best boyfriends, and Luc is no different.  He's no Daemon Black, but he's pretty close!  I can't wait to read more in this series, to learn just what all Luc is capable of.

4.

So, we didn't get much from his viewpoint, but I just loved Jake.  I think what I liked most about him was how he was able to deal with his love interest's sarcastic side, something that is totally me, something a guy would have to deal with me as well.

5.

Ash is the younger man I wish I could find.  I am a cougar technically because I like younger guys, but I am not a cougar really, because I am not aggressive at all.  So Ash is totally the type of guy I wish for all the time.




6.

Adam - hot and hilarious.  And I love that he give the main character's sarcasm and snarkiness right back to her.  Again, my perfect kind of guy.


7.

Pretty much any guy that K. Bromberg writes is a perfect book boyfriend. But Grayson Malone, hot dad, hot guy, yeah.  Just hot.  While some of the problems in the book were on his side and made me mad, I still would love to have my own Grayson.

8.

As much as I liked the first book in this series, Three Blind Dates, this second book which concentrated on Beck that we met in that first one, is my favorite.  Because, Beck.  'Nuff said.

9.

You've probably noticed this one on all the days this week. Well, of course it only makes sense that Leo is another of my new favorite book boyfriends.  He is just hilarious. The love-hate relationship is perfect. This is a book I can see reading over and over.

10.
Now I've got a tie here for this last one.

Okay, I love both of the boys in this series so far.  I can't decide which I liked more.  Miles, had to love him, how he dealt with his dirty-minded romance author woman.  But then there was Sam from Next in Line, and Sam was all man.  Outdoorsy, hot, hot, ginger, bearded.  Sigh.

RUNNER UP!!!

Okay, if you've followed me for very long, you know that Nate Sawyer from Before Jamaica Lane is tied for one of my three top book boyfriends.  Nate got a little novella this year, so he gets to make the list as a runner up, but I didn't count him as the top 10 since technically I've loved him for years.  

So, those are my top ten book boyfriends this year, top 11?  Top 12 actually?  How about you?  Do you have any new book boyfriends from this year?  Or, maybe in the spirit of the actual theme of Captivating Characters, who was your favorite character in the books you read this year?

Below is today's giveaway.  But I've posted three other giveaways this week on my other Top 10 posts:  Top 10 New to Me Authors, Top 10 Favorite Covers, and Top 10 Favorite Books.  

And hey, there aren't that many entries yet, so you have a good chance!  Go enter!  But share if you can!  Enter today and then come back tomorrow for yet another giveaway!  These will run until the end of 2018.

Giveaway:

Some more rules on this one.  There will be two prizes again. 

• US only - Choose a physical copy of  Wait with Me by Amy Daws, Jock Rule by Sara Ney, Kiss My Ash by Leddy Harper, Four Day Fling by Emma Hart, or ebook from Amazon of any of the above books.
• US or INT - Physical copy of The Darkest Star by Jennifer L. Armentrout

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Two Adult Romance Audiobook Reviews: Cuffed (Everyday Heroes #1) and Worth the Risk (Everyday Heroes #3) by K. Bromberg

I was going to do all of my past due audiobook reviews in one big mini-review post, but then I got the opportunity to listen to Worth the Risk and thought it deserved to be reviewed just with the other books in the Everyday Heroes series.  Kind of weird, but I actually listened to book 2 in the series, Combust first, and you can read that review HERE.  Each book can be read as a standalone, but since they are about the Malone brothers, they are all interconnected, and each one will make you want to read the others to find out about the brothers you meet.

Cuffed (Everyday Heroes #1):

Release Date:  October 23rd, 2017 Source:  Purchased audiobook from Audible.com My rating:  5 stars

Synopsis:
“I hate you. I never want to see you again.”

Grant Malone is not the reason I moved back to Sunnyville—at least that’s what I tell myself. Yet, those parting words I said to him back in third grade, ring in my ears every time a townsperson brings up one of the Malone boys. I thought time had healed my wounds. I was wrong. Nothing could have prepared me for how I felt when I finally saw him again.

Twenty years does a lot to turn a boy into a man. One who hits all my buttons—sexy, funny, attractive, and a police officer. But Grant is off limits because he knows too much about my past.

But I’m drawn to him. That damn uniform of his doesn’t hurt either. It’ll be my downfall. I know it.

What’s one night of sex going to hurt . . . right?

***

I’ve always loved Emmy Reeves.

That’s why I’m shocked to see her all these years later. The shy girl I once knew is all grown up.

Adventurous and full of life, she owns my heart now, just as much as she did back then. Convincing her of that is a whole different story.

I’ll give her the one night she asks for—like that’s a hardship—but when it comes to letting her walk away after, she has another thing coming. There’s no way in hell I’m letting her go this time without a fight.
 
My Review:
This book, once again Bromberg emotionally rings me out with her story!  I cried!  Something I should expect with all of her books it seems.  But this one had such an intense back story, and such a heart-breaking case that Grant is on as a cop.  Of course his case is similar to what Emmy's past was, the thing that sent her away from her friend Grant.  Emmy fought so hard against getting back with him, and it was hard not to empathize with her and her past.  But it was so wonderful to see how hard Grant fought for her.  There was something at the very beginning that I just knew would come into play later in the book to cause an obstacle for them.  I learned a new term for friends with benefits, banging buddies, hadn't heard that one before!  Since I'd already read/listened to book 2, I already knew Grady, but I kinda want to go back and reread/listen to hear things that might make more sense after getting this first one read.  And while there was a short time in my life I thought I'd like to skydive, I've since decided I don't want to. But then, the rush that they talk about afterwards?  Well, I kinda want to experience it just once!  

I had actually won a physical copy of the book from the author, on Facebook I think, but I listened to the audiobook instead.  As I seem to do with all of Bromberg's books. 

Worth the Risk (Everyday Heroes #3):

Release Date:  May 15th, 2018 Source:  Audiobook gifted through Audible.com from author which did not affect my opinion. My rating:  5 stars

Synopsis:
This whole contest was supposed to be easy. I know, I know. Famous last words.

It’s a long story, but I messed up at work. Big time. To earn back the trust of my boss, I promised to save one of our magazines. Yep. That Hot Dad contest you’ve seen advertised all over the place was my idea. And if I’m successful, if I’m able to increase our online readership, then I get a shot at my dream job.

But the one thing I never expected to happen, happened: Contestant number ten, Grayson Malone. Hello, Mr. Difficult. And did I mention sexy as hell?

Unfortunately he knows me. The old me, anyway. And while we might be older now, I remind him of before. Of the woman who broke his heart, who hardened him, and who left him alone to raise the cutest little boy I’ve ever seen. 

But I don’t want a relationship. And I definitely don’t fall for single dads with baggage. Even ones with chiseled abs and killer smiles. 

But he got to me. They got to me. Him and his son and their messy, crazy life. But I got to him too. I see the stolen glances. I feel the walls he built start to crumble. I recognize that there’s an unexpected beauty to the chaos in his life. 

And now that the contest is about to end, we’re left to decide whether the last six months were just fun or if what we have is worth risking it all? 

My Review:
Now first off, the cover doesn't match the first two in the series.  And I get why the author changed, although honestly, since there was the hot dad contest that Grayson was in, the original cover would still have worked in my opinion.  I have to say after reading/listening to this one though, it is probably my favorite. And the reason for that is that Luke, Grayson's 8 year old son, totally steals the story/show/book.  He made me cry whenever he asked his dad about getting him a mom, made me laugh with his talk about innies and outies, and I smiled so much when he asked Sidney to go the picnic with him and his grandma.  In fact I was a little disappointed that the little epilogue didn't actually have him in it really.  

It took a bit of time, almost halfway through the book before we got into any steamy stuff though, but once we did, it was the usual good stuff from this author.  Even when Grayson and Sidney tried to keep telling each other it was only a sexual/friends with benefits relationship, you could tell how much each wanted more than that.  I was so mad that Sidney never said anything about how if she helped save this magazine she'd be getting her own magazine to run.  Although I feel like Grayson should have realized that.  And in a way, he did, only he was just assuming she was just like his ex and would leave.  But then when she showed in so many ways that she was different from his ex, he made me so mad for not giving her a chance!  For not asking her to stay, for not telling her that he chose her!  

As much as I loved Luke, and that he totally made the book over the top perfect for me, I also feel like we got so much more interaction with all three of the Malone brothers in this book.  Not that we didn't have them before, but I just feel like this one had more of them.  The three of them together was so much fun.  I loved how they teased and tortured one another.  Of course you have to adore their mother and how she just wants to get all her boys hooked up.  But then I loved how his father really was a great influence in this one.  I also like how Sidney's father was at the end too.

Such a great wrap-up to such a great series, but a series of standalones, that can be read in any order and as far apart as you want.  Although if you get the time, and you can, I'd suggest listening/reading them all right in a row! 

Blog Tour: Worth the Risk by K. Bromberg

 

“Bromberg is a master at turning up the heat.”

—New York Times bestselling author Katy Evans

Worth the Risk, an all-new, sexy standalone about taking chances and finding love when it’s least expected, from New York Times bestselling author K. Bromberg, is LIVE!

Synopsis

This whole contest was supposed to be easy. I know, I know. Famous last words.  

It’s a long story, but I messed up at work. Big time. To earn back the trust of my boss, I promised to save one of our magazines. Yep. That Hot Dad contest you’ve seen advertised all over the place was my idea. And if I’m successful, if I’m able to increase our online readership, then I get a shot at my dream job.  

But the one thing I never expected to happen, happened: Contestant number ten, Grayson Malone. Hello, Mr. Difficult. And did I mention sexy as hell?  

Unfortunately he knows me. The old me, anyway. And while we might be older now, I remind him of before. Of the woman who broke his heart, who hardened him, and who left him alone to raise the cutest little boy I’ve ever seen.  

But I don’t want a relationship. And I definitely don’t fall for single dads with baggage. Even ones with chiseled abs and killer smiles.  

But he got to me. They got to me. Him and his son and their messy, crazy life.  But I got to him too. I see the stolen glances. I feel the walls he built start to crumble. I recognize that there’s an unexpected beauty to the chaos in his life.  

And now that the contest is about to end, we’re left to decide whether the last six months were just fun or if what we have is worth risking it all?

Excerpt

But by the time I reach her, my blood boils with irrationality spurred on by too much alcohol.“Can I have a moment?” I ask as I walk up to her and grab her elbow, pushing her down the darkened hallway. “What is your problem?” She hisses as she fights me every step of the way. We get looks. I get looks. I don’t care because all I keep seeing is Vince’s hands on her arm. His eyes on her tits. His bullshit game I can spot a mile away. I find the closest door down the hallway leading to the bathrooms, and it opens. I push her through it, barely noticing that it’s an office of sorts before the door is shut, her back is up against it, and my mouth is covering hers. Take. Goddammit. That’s my only thought as I fit my lips to hers and take out my anger on her mouth with tongue and teeth and every fucking lick and nip in between. “What—” “I’m so pissed at you.” It’s all I say. It’s the only chance I give her to come up for air before my lips are back on hers. Before my tongue wars with hers. Before my body admits it would beg, borrow, and steal in order to taste every other part of her. Groan. I swallow the tiny sound she makes in our kiss as my hands hold her neck still and my lips wage an all-out assault. She hesitates—just a split second—before she reacts. Before her body bows into me, and her mouth argues back. Fist. Her hand in my shirt. Her other hand at the back of my neck as our bodies meet—pressed knee to chest. Her perfume in my nose. Her hair tickling my cheeks. The feel of her tits against my chest. Give. I can’t get enough. I’m mad at her. I want her. I don’t want to want her. Christ, do I want her. “Gray.” A murmured protest. I tear my lips from hers, shove off the door I have her pressed against, and stride to the other side of the room. “You are . . . you just . . .” It’s as if I can barely breathe. Christ, I’m mad at you.” She stands there, lips parted, chest heaving, and golden brown curls messed from my hands, but her eyes look hurt. A hurt I don’t want to see but can’t deny. “Why?” “You did this,” I accuse as I try to manage the anger that’s waging a war against my desire. “Did what?” Her eyes narrow. Her hand goes to press against her chest. “Made me want you.” for CGFC Grayson: I’ve been thinking about you all day. I look down at the text and smile before turning my attention back to Rissa and our plans for how we’re going to end this round of voting and move on to the top five. “So, I think we close it out and then maybe take the next week and announce one of the finalists each day. Give little tidbits about each of them, make readers like them more, just have fun with it.” My phone beeps again with another text, and I bite back the new grin trying to form on my lips. Rissa only huffs, eyeing my phone with annoyance. “Sorry, let me turn my ringer off.” And then I have to feign nonchalance when I look down at my phone and find another text. Grayson: My dick is rock hard, and it’s you I’m imagining. It’s in my hand when I’d rather it be in your mouth with my fingers in your pussy, working you into a frenzy. “Is everything okay?” Rissa asks, making me realize I must have made a noise when I read the text. “You look startled.” I glance back at the text again and shake my head while every part of my body comes to life. “Yeah, it’s, uh, fine.” “Your ringer.” Her brows are lifted as she glances to my phone and then back to me. “My finger?” I squeak, thinking she saw the phone screen. “Ringer. Sound on your phone.” “Oh, yes . . . sorry.” Flustered, I fumble with my cell, and before I can even switch it off, another text alert pings. Grayson: I want to bend you over and watch as my cock slides in and out of you. “So back to next week . . .” “Yes,” I swallow over the desire lodged in every place it should be and try not to glance at my phone as it vibrates again. “Are you good with that plan?” Rissa asks as I shift in my seat to abate the sudden ache burning brighter than bright. “Yes. Sure. I think that sounds like a great plan.” Grayson: I want my cock buried so deep that you feel every damn inch of me. “Are you sure you’re okay?” “Yeah, why?” My voice breaks like a prepubescent teenager. Grayson: I want you to come so hard you have to bite the pillow. “You look a little flushed. Are you coming down with something?” Grayson: You always have a choice. Isn’t that what you said to me once? Make a choice, Sidney. Isn’t it time to head to lunch? “I mean, yeah, maybe.” I pull at my collar some. “Maybe that’s why I feel so flushed all of a sudden.” Grayson: Meet me on the backside of The Cottages. Room Six. Fifteen minutes. “Either that,” she says as she stands and heads to the door, only turning back to give me a wink, “or you’re guilty as hell. Maybe you should go take care of that itch texting you . . . or take some Tylenol. Whichever one it is, I think you should take the afternoon off.” Grayson: Choose me. “Oh.” It’s the only thing I can think to say because my brain is otherwise occupied imagining Grayson following through on his promises. “And, Sid?” “Yeah?” “I sure hope he’s every bit worth breaking the rules.” She winks. “It’s about damn time. Your secret is safe with me.”

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About K. Bromberg

New York Times bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy, and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines, and damaged heroes who we love to hate and hate to love.

A mom of three, she plots her novels in between school runs and soccer practices, more often than not with her laptop in tow.

Since publishing her first book in 2013, Kristy has sold over one million copies of her books across sixteen different countries and has landed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists over twenty-five times. Her Driven trilogy (Driven, Fueled, and Crashed) is currently being adapted for film by Passionflix with the first movie slated to release in the summer of 2018.

She is currently working on her Everyday Heroes trilogy. This series consists of three complete standalone novels—Cuffed, Combust, and Cockpit (late spring 2018)—and is about three brothers who are emergency responders, the jobs that call to them, and the women who challenge them.

She loves to hear from her readers so make sure you check her out on social media or sign up for her newsletter to stay up to date on all her latest releases and sales: http://bit.ly/254MWtI

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Release Day Blitz and Giveaway: Worth the Risk by C.J. Lynne

NEW RELEASE
WORTH THE RISK
by
C.J. Lynne

Two men, a chance meeting, an unexpected fight for love...

Some risks are scarier than others
because they’re the most important ones we’ll ever undertake…

Purchase Link: Amazon.com

Series: Infinity Series, Book One
Genre: Gay/Lesbian, M/M Erotic Romance
Publication Date: November 7, 2016
Add to Goodreads

Love doesn’t exist…

Or so Tyler Johnson thinks. He’s never had much, if any, of it thrown his way. A chance meeting with the enigmatic Jaxon Markham causes Ty to—if still not believe in love—at least know without a doubt that lust is alive and well. Ty’s not looking for forever, but what’s the harm in spending a few days—and scorching nights—with Jax; as long as Jax plays by his rules and keeps things casual and uncomplicated?

Jax knows his luck has finally changed for the better when he lays eyes on Tyler. The man is gorgeous, and stirs feelings in Jax he’d thought he’d never experience. The more time Jax spends with Ty, the more certain he is that Ty’s his soulmate. Now all that remains is convincing the stubborn Tyler of that fact, but Jax is more than up for the task, because he’s nothing if not persistent—a fact the elusive Tyler will soon find out.

Jax quickly, and much too easily, demolishes all of Ty’s protective walls and Ty reluctantly begins to think that maybe that intangible emotion called love is alive and well after all, and perhaps finally within his grasp. However, when his ugly past returns to haunt him, making him doubt all the good he’s experienced with and because of Jax, Ty’s positive outlook crumbles, giving way to doubt and despair.

Can he be the man Jax needs and deserves? Or will past and present demons destroy Ty’s one chance at true happiness?

BUY NOW!
Get your copy of Worth The Risk today.
Available at: Amazon.com

Join the Book Tour

Mark your calendars!
Get ready for the book tour of Worth The Risk for
sneak peaks, excerpts, fun facts and other never-before-published
info about the book.

Starting January 16, 2017.
Visit the Worth the Risk Tour Page regularly for updates.

Giveaway

Join the giveaway contest from
November 16 - January 28, 2017.

You could be ONE OF THREE LUCKY WINNERS of:
$25 Amazon Gift Card
$10 Amazon Gift Card
Worth the Risk by C.J. Lynne Autographed Copy

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About C.J. Lynne

C. J. is first and foremost an avid reader of romance.  Nothing is better than watching two strong-willed people meet, connect and work through personal challenges and fight to overcome internal and outside obstacles to be together.

C. J. is a southerner who believes that love is love, and if you’re ever lucky to find it, you should hold onto it with both hands and feet.  C.J. writes love stories filled with emotion and hopes you—the reader—will enjoy them as much as C.J. enjoys creating them.

Visit the official C.J. Lynne website:
http://www.cjlynneauthor.com/

Connect with C.J. Lynne on social media:
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