Thursday 31 March 2016

Review - Cuff Me by Lauren Layne


Title: Cuff Me
Series: New York’s Finest #3
Author: Lauren Layne
Release Date: March 29, 2016



Meet New York's Finest-three hot brothers sworn to protect and serve the city they love . . . and the women who've stolen their hearts.

ARRESTED BY LOVE

Vincent Moretti is one of the NYPD's top homicide detectives-and one of the most eligible bachelors in town. His family, however, thinks he should date his longtime partner, Jill-a sassy, sexy, smart-mouthed blonde who drives him absolutely crazy.

Behind the quiet authority, tough-guy demeanor, and dark aviator glasses lies a man with a big soul-and a hard body that can soften any girl's heart. After years as his coworker, Jill Henley has given up hope that anything could happen between her and Vin. Besides, loving him would break all the rules. But seeing Jill with someone else triggers feelings in Vincent he never knew he had. Now he'll have to stop playing good cop/bad cop-and find a way to convince her to be his partner for life. . .






Vincent Moretti is one tough, badass cop. Known for his gruff exterior as well as his drop-dead-sexy good looks, Vin is also one of the most eligible bachelors in town. But behind that badass façade is a gentleman with a big heart, if only he’d drop down the walls around it to let love in. 

Vin’s guarded heart has frustrated his partner, Jill Henley, for years. After taking time off to take care of her mother, Jill’s given up hope that she and Vin could be more than just partners on the job, but partners in life too. So, once she meets Tom and thrives on their whirlwind romance, Jill is ready to take the next step toward her perfect future—marriage, the white picket fence, and children with her perfect man. 

But is this perfect relationship really going to make Jill happy in the long run? Or will Vin’s meddling family help get Vin to really open up about his feelings toward Jill?

I. Loved. This. Book. Hands down, this is the best one in the series. Jill and Vin are both so damn proud. Vin just wants Jill to be happy, even if it’s not with him. Jill doesn’t know exactly what she wants—but she’s scared to make a wrong decision. The Moretti’s are a gregarious, loving, crazy, meddling family where each one of them knows how to get under the skin of the others—just like my family. But I digress. There’s so much love to go around with this group, but holy hell, some of them need some lessons how to show it! I loved catching up with the rest of the family and I’m crossing my fingers Lauren Layne writes Marco’s story. 
~ Review by Missy




A long-time romance reader, Lauren Layne thinks the only thing better than reading about happy endings is writing them. She now pursues a full-time career in Happily Ever After, a job she's naturally suited for after marrying her high school sweetheart. A bit of a nomad, Lauren's lived everywhere from Orange County to Manhattan, and currently lives in the Seattle-area. Her hobbies include coffee by day, wine by night, and lots of writing in between. She's also a total website nerd and insists you check out laurenlayne.com!



Review - Nobody But You by Jill Shalvis


Title: Nobody But You
Series: Cedar Ridge #3
Author: Jill Shalvis
Release Date: March 29, 2016



SOMETIMES YOU CAN GO HOME AGAIN…

After an overseas mission goes wrong, Army Special Forces officer Jacob Kincaid knows where he must go to make things right: back home to the tiny town of Cedar Ridge, Colorado. All he needs to scrub away his painful past is fresh mountain air, a lakeside cabin, and quiet solitude. But what he discovers is a gorgeous woman living on a boat at his dock.

Sophie Marren has nowhere else to go. She’s broke, intermittently seasick, and fighting a serious attraction to the brooding, dishy, I’m-too-sexy-for-myself guy who’s now claiming her dock. Something about Jacob’s dark intensity makes her want to tease—and tempt—him beyond measure. Neither one wants to give any ground . . . until they realize the only true home they have is with each other.






Jacob Kincaid left Cedar Ridge, Colorado at eighteen, in a huff over a fight with his brother, Hudson, and joined the Army. His brother’s in arms have been his family for the past nine years, because Jacob hasn’t found a way to make things right at home. After a mission gone wrong, Jacob realizes he needs to fix the past, needs to go home to heal his body, mind, heart and soul. Needs to be around his family. What he didn’t realize was he also needs some love. Maybe some love and lovin’ from the gorgeous redhead who’s somehow living on a boat attached to his dock.

Sophie Marren is living day to day on the boat she wrangled from her ex-husband in their divorce. It was the only thing her ex really loved, too bad she hates every minute because she’s so seasick. Add to that the fact that she needs to traipse from dock to dock every night because she doesn’t have a permanent mooring location—she’s been squatting at a dock in front of an empty house, until it’s suddenly no longer empty. One hot, sexy, delicious man is now living there…and Sophie is having a damn hard time fighting her attraction. She lost her heart and herself to a brooding man she thought loved her and only her once before, she’s not willing to give herself away again. 

I love a “prodigal son returns home” story. And this is a great one! Jacob is desperate to repair the relationship between himself and his siblings—he doesn’t realize is that his family forgave him a long time ago, and they’re just happy he’s home and safe. What Jacob really needs to do is forgive himself and open himself up for love and happiness. Sophie needs to do the same thing! She married young to a man who hid his real self from her—she wasn’t wrong to fall in love, and she had the strength to get out of the relationship. Now, she just needs to allow herself to love again. Sigh. I found myself cheering on Jacob’s attempts to “fix” the past with his siblings. Cheering on Jacob and Sophie to become more than “friends.” And especially cheering on Sophie when she dealt with her ex-husband! 
~ Review by Missy




New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill's bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.




Review - A Passion to Pursue by Kelsey Browning


Title: A Passion to Pursue
Series: Prophecy of Love #2
Author: Kelsey Browning
Release Date: March 31, 2016


What if a pair of cowboy boots could foretell true love?

For years, Texas gal Greer Maddox waited to inherit her legacy as the next prophecy bootmaker. But that day never came. Now, instead of living out her rightful destiny, she’s lost, restlessly jumping from one art project to the next. 

Until the day leather tooler Alejandro Villanueva strolls into town looking like ten kinds of sexy trouble.

After surviving his dark and dangerous past, all Alex wants is a quiet future. Alone, where his former life and mistakes can’t hurt anyone else. Even casually screwing around with a girl next door like Greer—whose dulce de leche voice and curvy body make him sweat—is a bad idea. But when she gets involved in his attempts to win the Prophecy Boot Company’s tooling contract, waving adios is the last thing on his mind.

Their attraction flares hot and undeniable. He wants her, and even knowing he shouldn’t have her can’t stop him from indulging in the temptation she offers. But when his past comes calling, he is forced to choose between hiding from his sins, or saving the woman he loves.







It was supposed to be a simple interview. Alejandro (Alex) Villanueva is more than qualified for the Tooler position at Prophecy Boots, but the universe appeared to be angling to keep the position just out of reach for him. When his car breaks down on the way to the interview, Greer Maddox becomes his unlikely rescuer and—despite the instant attraction he feels for her—a chronic pain in his rear. Alex is running from a dark past that has molded him into a man with no room for a woman in his life, much less an All-American, Girl Next Door like Greer. However, he can't deny his attraction to the strong, stubborn woman who's become determined to show Alex that there's more to life than the shell he's allowed himself. 

Greer has been waiting to find her calling—dallying in every art form imaginable, hoping that something will stick. It isn't until dark, tattooed, broody Alex shows up in town that she's struck with inspiration, and with him as her muse—and eventually her voice of reason—she's not willing to let him go easily. When his dark past comes calling, it could end the couple before they even get started and leave their own prophecies unfulfilled.

This is the second book in the Prophecy of Love series and I think it's even better than the first. I loved mysterious and broody Alex, and I simply adored vivacious and plucky Greer. They're scorching hot together, but they're also so much deeper than their physical chemistry. Greer's heart is huge; she’s brave and loyal and, in the end, strong enough for both of them, which was kind of an amazing thing to read. 

I enjoyed all facets of the storyline here—I even feel like I bought into the whole mystical idea of Prophecy Boots more in this book than I did with the first one. It's a sweet, poignant secondary storyline that ties neatly into the larger storylines, and I really connected with it. 

There's a little bit of everything in this book—some angst, some drama, some humor, lots of pages that had me grinning like crazy, and more than a few pages that had my panties in danger of certain ruin. I was able to predict some of how the story played out, but there were some small twists that I didn't see coming, and I loved that Ms. Browning could surprise me like that! 

In the end, I enjoyed everything about this book, including the little updates on Cal and Delaney, and the whole quirky, lovable town of Prophecy. I am now completely invested in this series and wholeheartedly look forward to more! 
~ Review by Shelly




Kelsey Browning writes sexy contemporary romances that readers describe as funny, sassy, and full of sizzling chemistry. She also co-authors humorous Southern women’s fiction with a sprinkling of mystery. Originally from a Texas town smaller than the ones she writes about, Kelsey has also lived in the Middle East and Los Angeles, proving she’s either adventurous or downright nuts. These days, she makes her home in Athens, Georgia, with her tech-savvy husband, her smart-talking son, a rescue dog from Qatar, and her (fingers crossed) future therapy pup.



Cover Reveal - Strumming Me by Diemme Black




Title: Strumming Me
AuthorDiemme Black
Genre: Contemporary Rocker Romance
Release Date: April 18, 2016



Blurb

Sarah has finally escaped the man who almost had her forever but never had her heart, but she's still left hurt and confused. Now she's even more cautious than she was before when it comes to life, and especially men.

Matt Lewis is the guitarist in the band Blacking Out, and while he has women flinging themselves at him every night, the second he sees Sarah he knows his playboy days are over. When he rescues Sarah from her past, he's determined to become her future and he'll stop at nothing to make her his. While Sarah wants to commit to more than just a fling, she's not sure she can ever move past what she's been through.

Matt knows how to play Sarah's body, but can he find the right chord to strike her heart?







Author Bio

Diemme Black is an author of adult romance novels who loves captivating her readers with stories about real women and masculine men who love them. In writing her books, Diemme gives a voice to women who deserve to be heard and does it in a way that keeps you enthralled and wanting more. And, of course, the romance and erotic scenes are a nice plus.

Diemme has been married to her husband for over a decade and is still madly in love. Diemme lives on the West Coast, likes to travel to all different beach destinations, and loves the sun and the sand. She thoroughly enjoys reading other erotica romance and adult romance novels.




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Release Blitz - S.I.N.G.L.E. by Lindsay Marie Miller




Title: S.I.N.G.L.E.
(Still In Need of a Good Loving Equivalent) 
Author: Lindsay Marie Miller 
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
 Release Date: March 31, 2016



Blurb

Jessica Jacobs is a twenty-two-year-old finance major at the University of Washington, whose brief encounters with blind dating have left her a single, cynical woman. When her best friend, Sara, gets dumped by the love of her life on Valentine’s Day, Jessie proposes a pact boycotting all men for the rest of the semester.

But then Jessie meets Graham, a gorgeous, yet respectable gentleman with the body of a Greek god and a heart of gold. Torn between her commitment to the pact and an undeniable attraction towards Graham, Jessie remains guarded and distant, which only makes Graham want her more. As fate intervenes time and time again, Jessie must embrace the inner fear surrounding her heart or risk losing the only man who would never break it.





Purchase Links

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Excerpt

Feeling a stich in my side, I slowed to a stop and unzipped my jacket. With my hands on my hips, I took several deep breaths, embracing the sharp burn in my lungs. I loved this time of year, when the snow was at its last days. I enjoyed the cold white sheets of ice, because I knew that they would be gone in no time. Just like everything else.

“Hey, girl!” An SUV full of guys pulled up beside me, the one in the passenger’s seat sticking his head out the window. “What’s your name?” he asked, looking me up and down.

Ignoring him, I turned on my heel and kept walking. But the SUV stayed at my side, slowly skimming the edge of the sidewalk. Warmth flooded my body, along with a mix of fear and unease.

“Hey!” the driver shouted, leaning over the console. “We’re talking to you! Come here!”

They must have been students, like me and Sara. The neighborhood wasn’t far from campus and we knew a handful of people at school who had rented houses here before, out of a dislike for dorms and apartments. If these guys went to UW, I hoped that today would be our first and last encounter.

“Maybe she needs to warm up,” the passenger suggested. “Here, Ice Queen! Have some coffee.” He threw a Starbucks cup out the window at me, despite the fact that the container wasn’t empty.

As I braced myself, steaming hot coffee burst through the lid and splattered all over me. I staggered back and collided with another runner, as we both fell to the ground.

“Yes!” the guys in the SUV cheered. They took off, speeding through the neighborhood, as the passenger stuck his head out the window and rejoiced in celebration.

“Jerks,” the stranger beside me muttered.

Sitting back on my elbow, I looked over at the one thing I hated the most in this world right now. The one thing that had to be here at this moment. A Guy.

“Let me help you up,” he offered, extending his hand for me to take. When we were both on our feet again, he looked at me and smiled. It was the best smile I had ever seen.

Dressed in jogging pants and a sweatshirt, he was the embodiment of everything I had been searching for and now sworn off for good. Tall. Lean. Attractive. His short, curly hair was the darkest shade of brunette, yet not quite black. His eyes were soft and light, his irises somewhere in between blue and gray. My mouth watered at the sight of his chiseled cheekbones, strong jawline, and the slight stubble on his face.

He was my dream guy, but I had given up on dreaming a long time ago. So I did what I had to do. I ran.

“Hey, wait,” he pleaded, grabbing my arm. “Are you okay? I’m sorry about those guys. Don’t worry about them. They’re just jerks.”

I nodded, then looked down at the coffee stains on my clothes. These would be fun to get out, especially since our washing machine was a gadget sent straight from hell.

“I’m fine,” I said. “Thanks.”

With my head down, I stepped back and walked away from him.



Author Bio


LINDSAY MARIE MILLER was born and raised in Tallahassee, FL, where she graduated from high school as Valedictorian. Afterwards, Lindsay attended Florida State University and graduated Summa Cum Laude with an English Literature major, Psychology minor, and Specialized Studies in Markets and Institutions.

Lindsay is the author of S.I.N.G.L.E., Jungle Eyes, Me & Mr. Jones, and Emerald Green. An incurable romantic at heart, she enjoys writing about strong heroines and the honorable gentleman who claim their hearts, often utilizing elements of suspense, adventure, or even comedy. While the context of her writing is diverse, one factor always remains at the center of every novel: Love.



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Release Blitz - The Bad Boy Reformed Series Boxed Set by Alyssa Rae Taylor




Title: The Bad Boy Reformed Series Boxed Set
Series: Bad Boy Reformed #1-3
Author: Alyssa Rae Taylor
Genre: New Adult Romance
 Release Date: March 31, 2016



Blurb

#1 Raising Ryann

He's the stereotypical fighter- 100 percent alpha male. The kind of guy a girl should avoid at all costs. When he's hired to privately train me, avoiding him isn't an option. Most girls would love to drop their panties, even if it is just to catch a glimpse of his dimpled smile. I won't fall victim to his charm. That's what I tell myself at least, though it's torture when my mind's at war with my body. Something about the tattooed bad boy draws me in. It isn't just the broad shoulders, piercing eyes, and muscular frame that has me entranced. Luke Ryann has a secret. And I plan to find out what it is.

#2 Resisting Ryann

What happens when the person you love becomes threatened by your very existence? How far will you go to keep them safe?

Luke Ryann will do anything to protect the woman he loves, even if it means shattering her heart. When the mystery of his past comes back to haunt him, he leaves Reese behind and enters the life of crime he had worked so hard to escape. When all is said and done, will he be able to get out of this alive, or will he be in over his head?

She's been in love with him since her childhood, but now she questions everything. After Reese Johnson discovers Luke's disappearance has nothing to do with the MMA, she faces a difficult choice. Can she find it in her heart to forgive him? Or will the secrets and lies be too damaging for her to trust again? Will this couple ever have a chance? You know what they say.

Sometimes ... love just isn't enough.

#3 Breaking Ryann

He promised to leave me alone, but that was a lie. I should have known he’d have this pull on me—seeping through my skin and into my bones, burning me from the outside in. It’s just like when we were kids, and I can no longer avoid him. I’ve accepted it, but what will it take to convince him that I am no longer his? Is that really what I want?

I told her I’d leave her alone. But who was I kidding? I’ve never been one to back away from a challenge. He stole my girl—my future—from me. I’m coming back with a vengeance. I’m taking back what he took from me. After all the secrets and lies, can we come back from this? Even if it breaks me, I’ll stop at nothing to protect what’s always been mine.







Purchase Links

$2.99 for a limited time

AMAZON US / UK





Excerpt

He runs a hand over the back of his neck, “Oh, and just so you know, when we train together…” He smirks, then leaning in he whispers against my ear, “I’m the one in control.”

I blink a couple times, opening my mouth to argue, then decide against it.

Pulling away he meets my eyes, “Can you handle that?” He’s still whispering.

I feel my cheeks heat. I want to say, Actually, I don’t know if I can. Instead I answer, “Yeah, I think I can handle it,” in a funny voice that I don’t recognize. The cocky son of a bitch can probably do anything he wants talking to me like that!


His mouth turns up. “Good.”





Author Bio


USA Today Bestselling author Alyssa Rae Taylor lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, their three daughters, two English bulldogs and a miniature pig. Her hobbies include reading, writing, watching Sam & Dean Winchester, fight off scary creatures on the WB, Sons of Anarchy and reality television. She enjoys stories that tug at her emotions and include lots of sexual tension. Her dream is to travel the world with her husband and children beside her. The first time she started writing, she couldn’t stop, which leads to the publishing of the Bad Boy Reformed Series.



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