Blog Tour: “City Beautiful” by C. M. Foss – My Review, Book Trailer & Teasers

Title: City Beautiful

Author: CM Foss

Release Date: June 29, 2015

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Patrick Thompson is all city, all the time. A young doctor, once full of passion, now disillusioned by the practice, he sets off across the country, intent on a small breather before a fresh start.

Ivy Lang loves the country way. So much so that she’s created a place where others can experience her ideas of the fundamentals for both mind and body. The life is perfect for her, carefully cultivated by her own hands.

He’s waiting for something to inspire him.

She finds inspiration all around her.

But when a chance meeting turns their worlds upside down, can they come together to create something beautiful?

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My Review

Complimentary copy received by the author in exchange for an honest review

It is no secret that I adore C. M. Foss. Both of her previous novels were – and still are – 5 star reads for me, and “City Beautiful” surpassed my expectations tremendously, leaving me with the meanest book hangover I have not experienced for a long time. But it is the kind of hangover that I crave, and I am so thrilled about it, actually.

Now, as usual, there is no reason to recap the story for you, and this review may also be slightly shorter than others because there are so many twists and turns that I do not wish to unearth for you. You all know how much I loathe spoilers – but here are my thoughts.

The way Ivy has moved forward after having experienced one traumatic event after the other is admirable; she is a fighter, plain and simple, and how she has chosen to lead her life is actually quite fascinating. Has she completely overcome her past heartaches? No, of course not, and I was a bit sad with the way she held herself back from truly living her life to the fullest in the beginning…But it is understandable.

And then Patrick comes along…What. A. Guy. At a crossroads in his life, I absolutely loved seeing how he became infatuated with Ivy, and how spending only 24 hours with her made him take stock of his life; he may not have changed the course of his path right away, but I loved reading how he developed throughout his and Ivy’s journey in life. That is the beauty of this story, in my opinion: the way one meeting with another person has the ability to change you in some way or another.

Miss Foss possesses a knack of writing romance novels that are so realistic: her characters could be your neighbours – the cool ones 😉 – that you would like to spend an evening or two with, and her ability to paint a vivid scene in colours with her words is just beautiful. She has a no-nonsense, no-filter type of writing that I hope you will see as well once you read her books. Finally, I love how she manages to make me both cry and laugh within the span of one scene, because that shows so much talent.  

All the characters in “City Beautiful” have an important role to play, and I am glad to see Lissa and Ethan in particular – the main characters of “Shiver” – and Ivy’s friend, Ginnie, was such a joy to get to know as well.

If you are looking for a romance novel with quirky, loveable characters…one that provides humour mingled with the heartache…If you want some swoony scenes mixed with the sexy…and if you long to lose yourself in a book that will both surprise and astonish you: this is the book for you. I highly recommend it to all romance lovers, and I know that I will read this book over and over again in the years to come.

Miss Foss: thank you, again, for causing a major book hangover. I am one happy bookaholic. ❤

CM Foss is a hopeless romantic with a love for the written word. When she was little, her mom would ration her books so she wouldn’t go through them too quickly. It didn’t matter, she would just re-read. She’s always been an avid equestrian, competing in the top levels of Three Day Eventing by age seventeen. CM now resides in Northern Virginia with her husband and kids where they own and operate their own equestrian business, as well as raising grass-fed, sustainable meats. She doesn’t have this thing people call “free time”, but she does spent a weird amount of time writing, reading, playing with her kids, milking goats, and drinking wine, while avoiding bananas at all costs. Other books by CM Foss include Shiver and Swoon.

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Cover Reveal: “Sweet Sinful Nights” (Sinful Nights #1) by Lauren Blakely – Preorder Links, Author Message, Excerpt & Giveaway

We are beyond excited to bring you the Cover Reveal for Lauren Blakely’s SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS, the first title in Lauren’s new erotic romance series, Sinful Nights! Lauren Blakely is well known for writing sexy, heartfelt and humorous contemporary romance as well as deeply emotional new adult stories — one commonality in all her books is the scorching hot sexy times. You can expect nothing different from her upcoming Sinful Nights series! Starting with Brent and Shannon, SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS is sure to give you thrilling and sexy moments alike!

Available June 30th!!!

 

Cover designed by Sarah Hansen at Okay Creations

SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS Preorder Links – Coming June 30

✦ Amazon US ✦ Amazon UK ✦ Amazon Paperback ✦ iBooks US ✦ iBooks UK ✦ B&N ✦ Kobo

 

Message from Lauren:

Dear Readers:

I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you! Many of you have been patiently waiting for SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS, the story of Brent Nichols and the woman he loves. Many of you already know Brent since he’s the younger brother of Clay Nichols, from NIGHT AFTER NIGHT….The good news is this-SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS is Book One in a new erotic romance series, Sinful Nights, written in the high-heat, high-stakes, high-glamour style of the Seductive Nights series that readers know and love, but heading in a new direction with a new family that’s full of drama, checkered pasts and dangerous life-and-death secrets.

SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS kicks off this new series with a fiery, passionate, and suspenseful story of two lovers reuniting after ten years. Each book in this series follow a new couple and will be set against the backdrop of sin, money, sex, greed, passion and love in the city of Las Vegas. Brent’s love interest is Shannon Paige, and she has three brothers. Yep, you guessed it – each of her brothers will be getting a book! And while each book in the Sinful Nights series follows a new couple, get ready for a storyline that will carry across the entire series — a story of danger, risk and high-stakes suspense.

Q&A about the Sinful Nights series:

Does this take place after the events in the Seductive Nights series?

A: Yes. This story begins one year after the final Seductive Nights book.

Can I read this if I haven’t read the Seductive Nights series?

A: Yes! You won’t miss a beat if you start with SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS. That’s why it’s Book One!

Brent is Clay’s brother. Does this mean Clay will be in SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS?

A: Why yes! He will indeed appear in a handful of scenes!

Is this series similar to the Seductive Nights series?

A: Absolutely. The hero in book one is a Nichols man! Nichols men are known for being dirty, passionate and fiercely loyal! You can also expect scorching hot sex scenes, dirty talk, high-class and glamorous settings, and passionate love. Have I mentioned the heat :)?

 

 

EXCERPT from SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS:

SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS, Book One in a brand new erotic romance series, Sinful Nights! In the high-heat, high-stakes, high-glamour style of the Seductive Nights series…

She turned around and pushed hard on the ladies room door. But she felt his hand around her wrist, and he yanked her back, spinning her in one quick move, so she was chest to chest with him. She felt his breath on her.

“It did work out well for me. I’m also not the same person I was ten years ago,” he said, then did that thing again — that thing where he undressed her with his eyes, where he fucked her completely with his hot, dirty stare. “And you obviously have become a different person too.”

He tugged her, pulled her closer. His heart pounded against her breasts. His hand gripped her lower back.

He felt so good that she didn’t resist because her stupid body was stuck in the past, was living ten years ago when he alone was the one who could help her, who could free her, who could take away all the pain in one touch.

But he hadn’t, had he?

He’d caused more in his wake.

In his cruel exit.

She jammed a hand against his chest. His strong, firm chest that she knew intimately. The fucker. “I had reasons. Real reasons. Life and death reasons,” she said in a low hiss.

He shut his eyes briefly, looking pained. He sighed heavily, then somehow his arms were around her, and this time his touch wasn’t sexual. It wasn’t lustful. It was an embrace. From someone who knew nearly everything about her.

“Are you okay? Are you safe?” he asked in a whisper into her hair.

A tear had the audacity to slip out of her eye. To slide down her cheek, and fall onto his shoulder. It was a Pavlovian reaction. Too many tears had fallen on that shoulder.

“Yes,” she said quietly, with a nod. “I am. It’s fine. It’s all fine.”

He pulled back, tucked a hand under her chin, and lifted her face. She was so close to him she could trace the outline of his jaw, could run the pad of her finger over his stubble, his unbearably sexy eight-o-’clock shadow. She could drag her fingernails through his hair, soft, thick strands that simply had belonged between her hands. She could look in his eyes as he moved in her, those deep, soulful eyes that understood her. Somehow, he was rough and gentle, he was charming and fierce, he was funny and dirty. He was the man she’d wanted to spend the rest of her life with.

“Are you sure?” he asked, so much tenderness and worry in his tone.

She gathered herself, and willed that obstinate organ in her chest to stop beating in double time. She informed her traitorous body to stop trembling just from being near him. “Yes. I’m sure.”

He let her go. He tipped his forehead back to the bar. “I should get back out there. They’ll start wondering. See you in a few.”

And he walked away.

Just like the last time she’d seen him.

She pressed her lips together, and breathed out hard. She pushed open the ladies room door, walked to the sink, dropped her hands onto the cool tile and let out the longest, hardest breath. She hoped to hell this was the only time she’d have to deal with Brent Nichols.

When she was near to him like that, she couldn’t think straight. She could only feel. And that was far too dangerous for her heart.

 

 

SINFUL NIGHTS Series

About SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS:

A sexy, suspenseful new romance novel from Lauren Blakely, author of the New York Times Bestselling Seductive Nights series….

She was the one who got away…

Ten years ago, Brent Nichols let the love of his life slip through his fingers. It’s his greatest regret, especially since she’s all but disappeared. But when the gorgeous and captivating woman walks into his life unexpectedly, he’s determined to win her back. Whatever it takes, he won’t make the same mistake twice.

Easier said than done…

Shannon Paige has hardened her heart to the man she was once engaged to be married to. After the way he left, and after the hell she’s been through with her checkered family, there’s no way she’s letting him into her life again. The problem is, the second she sees him, he’s more handsome and charming than before. And she’s torn between wanting to fight with him and wanting to sleep with him – maybe both. Soon they fall into each other’s arms, consumed with a desire that burns through the years.

But if these two fiery lovers are going to have a real second chance at this kind of intense, passionate, bone-deep love, he’ll have to give her his whole heart, and she’ll have to give up all the secrets from her messy past.

And that messy past is about to spill over into her carefully constructed present…

SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS is book one in SINFUL NIGHTS, a four-book series. Each book will follow a new couple.

 

And be sure to watch for the next titles in the Sinful Nights series!

 

SINFUL DESIRE – Sept 29

http://apple.co/1JqMPNe

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25384172-sinful-desire

SINFUL LONGING – Jan 2016

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25384178-sinful-longing

SINFUL LOVE – March 2016

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25384184-sinful-love

 

About Lauren Blakely:

Lauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat, heart, and humor, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. Like the heroine in her novel, FAR TOO TEMPTING, she

thinks life should be filled with family, laughter, and the kind of love that love songs promise. Lauren lives in California with her husband, children, and dogs. She loves hearing from readers! Her bestselling series include Caught Up in Love, Seductive Nights, No Regrets and Fighting Fire. She recently released Forbidden Nights, a standalone novel in her New York Times Bestselling Seductive Nights series that became an instant New York Times Bestseller. Her next book is 21 Stolen Kisses, a new adult romance filled with angst and romantic tension, releasing in May. This summer she’ll release Consumed by You, her next title in her NYT Bestselling Fighting Fire series about sexy firemen and the women they love, and Sweet Sinful Nights, the first book in her new series Sinful Nights. She also writes for young adults under the name Daisy Whitney. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, text BLAKELY + your email address to 678-249-3375 (please use the actual + sign).

 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | SWEET SINFUL NIGHTS Goodreads | Lauren Blakely Goodreads

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Review Tour: “Swoon” by CM Foss – My Review, Teasers & Excerpt

Title: Swoon

Author: CM Foss

Release Date: April 2, 2015

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Steph

I’ve never been your typical girl. I didn’t grow up in a warm fuzzy family, and emotions weren’t something I needed now. Love has never been something I could wrap my mind around, so why bother? I know what I’m good at. I’m a great friend, have a passion for healing others, and a way with horses. I can be all those things at the same time without ever discussing my own feelings.

Until him.

Lawrence

I’ve always been told I have a way with words. It’s one reason I manage the family business so well. I can wine and dine with the best of them, selling bloodlines and high-priced stallion services over a five-course dinner. I’m able to talk myself into or out of just about anything and anyone.

Until her.

****

Young and carefree, living worlds apart, they indulged in what seemed like the perfect fling.

Until Lawrence decided he wanted more.

Until Steph’s careful world fell apart.

Until they had to decide if love was worth the fight.

My Review

Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

I finished reading “Swoon” by CM Foss a couple of days ago, and I cannot stop thinking about it! This book…well, I hardly know where to begin. It is romance at its finest…it is funny, heart-warming, a bit sad, and just have this feel-good vibe I love to be left with after I have reached The End.

The love story of Steph and Lawrence is one filled with a few bumps, and one that leaves a few bruises as well, but that is exactly why I love it: it feels so incredibly believable to me. Because life is not an easy road – for any of us, in my opinion – so why do we sometimes expect that of the characters in the books that we read? I, for one, do not.

Steph comes from a rather loveless family which forced her to become very independent at a young age. Lawrence’s background is entirely opposite, so when these two meet and find that they have an incredible chemistry, it is only to be expected that their journey is not an easy one.

What really endeared me to Steph is the fact that she finds herself in a situation she cannot seem to get out of, and instead of facing it head-on, she is in denial. For a long time, actually. And that, my dear readers, is so realistic when we are dealing with people in their early twenties. Because it is not always easy to just shrug everything off and move on. Sometimes, you need a person to come along and push you in the right direction – but once Steph gets that push, she is a force to be reckoned with. I loved how she only becomes stronger and more determined the older she gets, but she is also a truly quirky, funny, and loveable character. All in all, I can now say that I have such a girl crush on her, and that I also wish she was real – because I want her to be my new best friend. 😉

Lawrence…oh be still, my beating heart! What a truly fantastic person he is! Yes, he made me swoon – over and over again, in fact – and just like Steph, he seems so real to me now. Can he be annoying? Yes. Does he have the ability to push the wrong buttons? Oh, indeed. But here is the thing: he is a guy – which, you know, kind of says it all – and just like all men, he has to learn patience and perseverance when it concerns dealing with women. Or, well, just one woman: Steph. 😉 Lawrence is not one to back down from a challenge, however, and once his mind is made up about certain matters, he goes after what he desires. And you have to admire and appreciate that kind of stubbornness in a man.

The passion with which Miss Foss writes is clear on every page. You can just feel how much she cares for her characters; the equestrian world is, once again, evident in “Swoon” as is the case with her previous novel, “Shiver” (also a favourite book of mine). I do not believe that you have to be a horse lover to enjoy her writing, though, because, overall, this is a love story, and that is what you are looking for, is it not?

Technically, this is a standalone novel, but I strongly recommend that you read “Shiver” first because it will give you a better understanding of the background stories of all the characters. Lissa and Ethan – the main characters from Miss Foss’ previous book – play a prominent role in “Swoon”, but we are also introduced to some new – and rather interesting – secondary characters.

Before I let my words run away with me, I will end my review here by simply asking you a few questions:

Do you love romance novels?

Do you like a bit of drama?

Do you want to laugh when you read?

Do you like steamy sex scenes? 😉

If your answer to these questions is a big, fat YES, then buy this book – do not wait, do it today. I am certain that you will not regret it.

Miss Foss: thank you for making me swoon! This is, without a doubt, one of my all-time favourite novels, and I hope that we will get to meet Lawrence and Steph – as well as Lissa and Ethan – again in the future. ❤

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

Ten minutes later, I had to walk back through the kitchen to get some laundry from the dryer in the mudroom. I had a towel wrapped around my waist and that was it. Steph’s eyes followed me, her eyebrows raised as she sipped on a glass of wine and lazily stirred whatever was in the pan. I winked as I passed by.

I returned a minute later dressed in sweatpants and a T-shirt. 

She was still in the same position. “That was indecent.”

“What? The towel?”

She pursed her lips and nodded.

“Sweetheart, you’ve seen me in less. And what we’ve done together could never be considered decent. You’re lucky I was covered at all.”

She laughed loudly, taking another long sip from her glass and turning back to the stove. 

I reached into the fridge for a beer and popped it open. “Sure you don’t need me to help?”

She responded without turning around. “Nope. Why don’t you find something on TV to watch and I’ll bring dinner in just a sec.”

I nodded as I walked to the living room, really just to myself since she wouldn’t look at me. Sighing heavily, I sank down on the couch and closed my eyes for a moment. I’d lied earlier. I was tired. Not only was I pulling long hours in the saddle, but I’d been spending most of my free time on the phone with clients from home. A couple of them were causing problems, and my dad needed me to talk them off the ledge. It’s what I excelled at.

I was startled awake by the sound of a plate being set on the table in front of me and the feel of the couch dipping as Steph sat down, smirking.

“Gosh, you need to get in better shape.”

“Shut up,” I muttered as I sat up, rubbing my hands over my face. At least now she seemed infinitely more comfortable in her own skin since she had something to tease me about. “I was just resting my eyes.”

“You were snoring.”

“I was not.” I started to laugh.

“Totally snoring.”

“I don’t snore,” I insisted. 

“How would you know? You’re sleeping.”

“Someone would have told me.”

“No girlfriend would ever mention it,” she pointed out.

I shook my head. “I wasn’t talking about a girlfriend.”

“No one-night stand would ever mention it.”

“You just did!”

There was a moment of silence after I blurted that out. Steph’s eyes were wide, but when they met mine, we both erupted into laughter, doubling over, shoulders shaking. My stomach actually hurt by the time we were finished. Steph wiped under her eyes and I took a deep breath, relaxing back into the couch with a sigh.

“Let’s face it,” she said. “I’m more than just a one-night stand.”

I live in beautiful Northern Virginia with my incredible husband, two awesome kids, three dogs, and two budgies. My husband and I both grew up riding and competing horses and have our own equestrian operation that we run together. In my spare time, I read through the hundreds of stories awaiting me on my e-reader.

My love of books started early, and my mom used to ration my reading time so I didn’t go through them too quickly. I love all things romantic, whether it’s dark or light or silly or dirty, but I really love a happy ending!

In my small moments of quiet time, you’ll find me sipping on wine and reading while any movie where people randomly burst into song or dance plays in the background.

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Blog Tour: “Deep” (Stage Dive #4) by Kylie Scott – My Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Title: “Deep” (Stage Dive #4)

Author: Kylie Scott

Genre: Nev Adult / Contemporary Romance

Release Date: 31st March, 2015

SYNOPSIS

Positive. With two little lines on a pregnancy test, everything in Lizzy Rollins’ ordinary life is about to change forever. And all because of one big mistake in Vegas with Ben Nicholson, the irresistibly sexy bass player for Stage Dive. So what if Ben’s the only man she’s ever met who can make her feel completely safe, cherished, and out of control with desire at the same time? Lizzy knows the gorgeous rock star isn’t looking for anything more permanent than a good time, no matter how much she wishes differently.

Ben knows Lizzy is off limits. Completely and utterly. She’s his best friend’s little sister now, and no matter how hot the chemistry is between them, no matter how sweet and sexy she is, he’s not going to go there. But when Ben is forced to keep the one girl he’s always had a weakness for out of trouble in Sin City, he quickly learns that what happens in Vegas, doesn’t always stay there. Now he and Lizzie are connected in the deepest way possible…but will it lead to a connection of the Heart?

ADD TO GOODREADS

My Review

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

The Stage Dive Series by Kylie Scott has been one of my favourite series from the very beginning, and I have been eagerly anticipating the final book, “Deep”, ever since I learned it would focus on Ben, the sexy bass player, and Lizzy, the younger sister to Anne.

The thing most college students dread happens to Lizzy, and I enjoyed the way Miss Scott managed to convey all the different and conflicting emotions Lizzsy goes through once she learns that she is pregnant. I have to confess that I was a bit sceptical at first, but the more I read this book, the more I came to admire Lizzy for the way she chooses to handle her situation. Furthermore, she is a very witty and strong character who had me chuckling quite a bit, and I really appreciate that fact in the books I read. It was easy to understand why she fell for Ben, and even more so to cheer her on whenever she seemed confused and sad about certain aspects of his character.

Ben is the typical rock star: he revels in his freedom, and in the fact that he can have whatever his heart desires because of his stardom. Having grown up with not much money, it is not difficult to understand why he does things a certain way. He was, however, also a bit of a douche towards Lizzy, but, again, his reasons were valid – at least up to a certain point. Also, the way he reacts when he hears about the “bun in the oven” is not that farfetched: who would not freak out just a little bit when learning about an unplanned pregnancy?

These two characters share a very evident attraction towards one another, but I have to say that the way they become friends first is one of my absolute favourite parts of this story. Ben and Lizzy are perhaps not so different from one another – not deep down, anyway – and I really hoped that things between them would be resolved in a way that it would not ruin the relations they have with the rest of the Stage Dive band members and their girlfriends.

Miss Scott has, as always, a very compelling and engaging way of telling her stories. Her writing always pulls me in from the very beginning, and it was no different with this book. I really love how she is able to incorporate wit and banter even when certain scenes may not exactly call for it, and I also admire her for not taking the easiest route all the time.

The reasons that “Deep” is not given my highest rating is the fact that I sometimes failed to connect completely with Ben; in many ways, I had trouble understanding some of his actions, and I would have loved to have had a few chapters written from his point of view. The other reason is that the ending was a bit rushed to me, but, as usual, please remember that these issues are subjective – thus, mine alone – and I daresay that many of you will disagree with me on these two points. But I have always given you my honest opinions, and it would be wrong of me to ‘change my ways’, if you will, if I did not continue to do so.

I feel a bit sad that this series has come to an end, because it has provided me with many laughs, tears, and swoon-worthy moments; “Deep” is definitely steamy, Lizzy is a truly interesting character, and Ben is incredibly sexy…I firmly believe that you will enjoy this last instalment to this series, and if you have not read any of Miss Scott’s books before, I strongly urge you to read these. I guarantee that they will make your romantic heart go all aflutter.

Enjoy the excerpt!

His laughter, it didn’t really sound the smallest bit amused. “Christ. You’re done here.”

“Ah, no. I’m actually not. Now see, this is where we have a problem.” I folded my arms. Then unfolded them because like fuck I’d look defensive. He was the one in the wrong, not me. “You’re not prepared to take me, or my feelings, seriously. What you want is to hide away in Mr. Too Cool for Commitment land and just play with my affections when it suits you. Okay, I’ve accepted that. But none of that means it’s okay for you to come in here and act like you’re the boss of me. None of it.”

“That so?” he asked, leaning down so that we were almost nose to nose.

“That’s so, baby.” I play-punched him in the shoulder, which it should be noted, I barely came up to. Okay, so maybe the alcohol on a mostly empty stomach had made me slightly/lots braver/sillier. “So why don’t you take your little caveman jealous tantrum bullshit somewhere else. See, I do this funny thing I like to refer to as whatever the fuck I want. Understand?”

He just stared.

“And as pretty as you are with your beard and your muscles, you are too damn tricky and . . . complicated and shit for me.”

“I am?”

“Yes, you are. Are you finally seeing my point here?”

“You bet.”

“Excellent. So take your hotness elsewhere, kind sir. I want no part of it!” Huh. I had so told him. Drunken bravado was the best.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

iBooks

 

Stage Dive Series Reading Order

“Lick” (Book One)

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

iBooks

“Play” (Book Two)

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

iBooks

“Lead” (Book Three)

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

iBooks

“Deep” (Book Four)

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

iBooks

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kylie is a long time fan of erotic love stories and B-grade horror films. She demands a happy ending and if blood and carnage occur along the way then all the better. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and one delightful husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet.

Kylie is represented by Amy Tannenbaum at the Jane Rotrosen Agency, New York.

Stalk Kylie Scott: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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“To The Max” (Bowen #3) by Elle Aycart – My Review

Title: “To The Max” (Bowen #3)

Author: Elle Aycart

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Release Date: 10th February, 2015.

Publisher: Loose ID

SYNOPSIS

Forensic accountant Annie Griffin has always suspected she’s a bit jinxed, so when she finds herself 35, single, temporarily homeless, and pregnant on a technicality by a gigolo, her fears are confirmed.

Adrenaline junkie and professional stuntman Max Bowen needs a house-sitter to watch after his pets while he’s out of town. Annie needs a place to stay. Standard quid pro quo. No biggie. She can handle that, whatever hellhounds he owns. Until Max, the most sought-after bachelor in the county, comes back ahead of schedule and suddenly she’s roommates with a 27-year old sex God who turns out to be so much more than what she expected.

Max might have had the attention span of a humming bird on crack when it comes to women, but that was before Annie. Her quirkiness and sweet contradictions soon captivate him, not that she’s inclined to give him the time of the day. With his reputation preceding him, he knows the odds are badly stacked against him, but he will do his best to prove her that he’s what she needs, stuck-up socialite grandmothers, doomsday preppers, groupies, pregnancy hormones, and repentant biological dads be damned.

ADD TO GOODREADS

My Review

Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

Every reader who has read the previous books about the Bowen brothers (“More than Meets the Ink”, “Heavy Issues”, and “Inked Ever After”) by Elle Aycart has probably been as eager as me about getting the story of Max: the incredibly handsome stuntman and womanizer, and the youngest of the brothers. I was very eager to get beneath the skin and find out what makes Max the way it is, and when I read the blurb about Annie, his love interest, I became even more excited about reading this romance novel.

I do not really see a point in giving you a play-by-play about what happens in this book, because I really believe that you should delve into it and become lost in Annie and Max and everything that takes place without any preconceived notions about it. However, as always, I will do my best in writing my thoughts and feelings about these characters and the story as a whole, and I hope that, in turn, will make you pick up a copy of your own. That is why I write reviews, after all. 😉

Imagine finding yourself pregnant after a random one-night-stand at a time in your life when your biological clock is ticking away. What will you do? I have to say that the way Annie chooses to go about her situation – and the subsequent “issues” many women face as the weeks pass – seems very realistic, and I came to care for her a great deal. She is a smart and pretty down-to-earth character, and I very much enjoyed getting to know her. She has an inner strength that I admire, and although she feels rather insecure about herself at times, the issues she carries within were very easy for me to relate to. Annie grows through the course of the book, and I admit that Max helps her a lot in this aspect – but is that not also what we seek in a partner? One who is able to help us see ourselves in a different light…and help us if we cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel?

Max stole my heart rather quickly. Yes, he is hot. Yes, he is well aware of it. But is he conceited about it? No, absolutely not. His honesty regarding his casual encounters with women is, in fact, rather refreshing: obviously, he is a man, and he has certain needs that have to be met on a regular basis, but he is never cruel. And you have to appreciate that in a man. His sense of loyalty, his love for his family, and his pretty alpha-ish ways in the bedroom are all contributing factors in making him a new favourite BBF of mine.

These two people seem to be poles apart when you first meet them, so imagine their surprise when they actually seem to gravitate towards one another as times goes by. Yes, they may still be different in many ways, but they value the same things in life. And that, in my opinion, is all that really matters in a relationship: a certain understanding or regard for each other’s needs, but also the willingness to compromise when that is necessary.

I love Miss Aycart’s storytelling skills: there is just something about it that stands out from other authors writing the same type of novels. Her words bring me to tears one minute, and then flat-out, belly-aching laughing the next. The secondary characters are just as well developed as the main ones, and I particularly enjoyed the scenes when she referred to a certain book club. Those were really cute in a sassy way. That is my viewpoint, anyway.

To sum up: yes, I loved this book. Yes, I would recommend it to all romance lovers who enjoy some laughs amidst the tears. Yes, I will most definitely read it again…and again. Because in giving us the final chapter to the Bowen brothers and their lives, Miss Aycart was able to transport me into another world: and that is why I read and love books. I want to lose myself for a couple of hours at a time. She certainly fulfilled this particular need in me which is why this romance is placed on My Favourite Books list. ❤

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

(from Amazon.com)

After a colorful array of jobs all over Europe ranging from translator to chocolatier to travel agent to sushi chef to flight dispatcher, Elle Aycart is certain of one thing and one thing only: aside from writing romances, she has abso-frigging-lutely no clue what she wants to do when she grows up. Not that it stops her from trying all sorts of crazy stuff. While she is probably now thinking of a new profession, her head never stops churning new plots for her romances. She lives currently in Barcelona, Spain, with her husband and two daughters, although who knows, in no time she could be living at the Arctic Circle in Finland, breeding reindeer.

Elle loves to hear from readers!

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Blog Tour: “Confess” by Colleen Hoover – My Review

 

 

Title: “Confess”

Author: Colleen Hoover

Genre: New Adult / Contemporary Romance

Release Date: 10th March, 2015.

Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK

Tour Host: The Hot Bed

SYNOPSIS

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover, a new novel about risking everything for love—and finding your heart somewhere between the truth and lies.

Auburn Reed has her entire life mapped out. Her goals are in sight and there’s no room for mistakes. But when she walks into a Dallas art studio in search of a job, she doesn’t expect to find a deep attraction to the enigmatic artist who works there, Owen Gentry.

For once, Auburn takes a risk and puts her heart in control, only to discover Owen is keeping major secrets from coming out. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything important to Auburn, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it.

The last thing Owen wants is to lose Auburn, but he can’t seem to convince her that truth is sometimes as subjective as art. All he would have to do to save their relationship is confess. But in this case, the confession could be much more destructive than the actual sin…

ADD TO GOODREADS

 

My Review

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

One of the difficult aspects of being a book reviewer, in my opinion, is when you sit down to write one of a book from one of your favourite authors: because how will you be able to put all your thoughts and feelings down of a book you loved when you feel that your words will be inadequate? It is not merely enough to say that you loved it, of course.

“Confess” by Colleen Hoover is, without a doubt, a wonderful story about loss, love, heartbreak, hope, and, to me at least, a story about finding your inner strength and let it shine. It is a story about how two individuals – Auburn and Owen – cross paths in a seemingly coincidental way, and how that one meeting ends up being the catalyst of future events. In some way, I am tempted to believe that there actually is such a thing as fate even when I am not usually the type of person to believe in it, but this book has made me rethink my beliefs a bit. And that is the power of a great storyteller: when the author makes you question and reconsider previously unwavering thoughts on a concept. It seems to me that Colleen Hoover always manages to make me do this, actually.

The title itself will instantly make you intrigued as to the plot of this book, and I believe that the many twists and turns will also make your heart constrict because you will be surprised on more than one occasion. The main characters, Auburn and Owen, have secrets. Some are of the light-hearted kind whereas others are more complicated. It would be a great disservice to you if I were to reveal any of them, obviously, so I will not do that. But I can reveal a few confessions of my own as to the feelings I went through while reading this book:

Confession #1: The prologue had me in tears.

Confession #2: Auburn and Owen made me chuckle, laugh, cry, and swoon.

Confession #3: The many facets to the characters had my head reeling.

Confession #4: This is not a “simple” love story; it is complicated; it is difficult; it is uplifting. In short: it is realistic.

I am of the firm belief that you will fall head over heels in love with both Auburn and Owen; they are easy to love. Auburn has quite a battle on her hands, but nothing will stop her from conquering it, and you have to admire that kind of tenacity. Furthermore, her sweet yet stubborn character traits made me really enjoy getting to know her: this woman does not give up.

Owen also has a battle to fight – and you quickly learn why that is – and it was at times very difficult to read how he chooses to handle it. It was, however, never something that made me less sympathetic towards his character. His passion for his art is evident, the driving force behind it quite unique. He is sweet, caring, and funny…Not without faults, of course, but that is what makes him a believable character in my eyes.

There are quite a colourful and interesting cast of secondary characters appearing in “Confess”, and I have to say that I would like to get to know some of them even better. Not that they pull your focus away from the main story, of course. But I do wonder about them, and I love when that happens in a book.

No one, in my opinion, can doubt the very unique penmanship of Miss Hoover’s. Her at times no-nonsense kind of writing – including the dry humour many of us have come to associate with this author – as well as the love story which will make you cry are all evident in this book. If you are already a fan of hers, I believe that these are a part of the reason why you love her books as much as I do.

I realise that this is a somewhat different kind of review from the ones I usually write, and maybe I have even confused you a bit. I am sorry if the latter is the case. But like I told you in the beginning of my review, I have been very uncertain about how to write it. And this is, I am afraid, the best I can come up with.

Miss Hoover, I loved every moment of “Confess” – I know I will read it many times in the future, and I hope you will never run out of heartbreaking – yet hopeful – love stories to tell us. ❤

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

(from Amazon.co.uk)

Colleen Hoover lives in the United States with her husband and three children. She loves to write in her spare time and prefers stories that are both humorous and heart-wrenching. Her goal through writing is to give readers a pleasant experience that will leave them viewing life from a slightly different angle. To read more about this author, visit her website at http://www.colleenhoover.com

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“Sting” (Spark Series #4) by Jennifer Ryder – My Review

Title: “Sting” (Spark, #4)

Author: Jennifer Ryder

Genre: Steamy Erotic Romance

Release Date: 27th February, 2015.

 

SYNOPSIS

Going undercover has its challenges. When Detective Ryan Clark is sent to the sleepy coastal town of Fremantle to dismantle the country’s most lethal drug syndicate, it’s worth the risk. Even if he becomes a fatality in the war against drugs.

Ryan finds himself coming back to the same coffee shop. Blondie, the local barista, has him hot under the collar and reaching for his piece. He knows the attraction isn’t just one-sided.

She’s trying to keep her distance.

It only makes him want her more.

Willow Asher left it all behind, but not by choice.

After two long years, she’s finally getting somewhere. Willow has a busy café with her buxom business partner, Gabby, who is the closest thing she has to family.

Although Willow’s past still plagues her thoughts, she’s determined to have her happily-ever-after. As soon as her demons stop haunting her.

What she doesn’t need is the complication of Mr Sexy-Brown-Eyes, who seems to be drinking more and more coffee.

She doesn’t want the questions.

She’s still trying to get her story straight.

*** For over 18 years. Contains Adult themes. CAN BE READ AS A STAND-ALONE***

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 My Review

Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review

I have been a fan of Jennifer Ryder’s work ever since her first book, “Spark”, came out last year. Her ability to create stories with believable and relatable characters always draw me in, and ever since she introduced us to Detective Ryan Clark in “Spike”, I have been very curious to find out if this very sexy man would end up surprising me. I am happy to say that he has – and in the best possible way.

Being an undercover cop has its ups and downs, but Ryan loves his job, despite the sacrifices he has to make whenever he is working on one. This time, he is moving to the small town of Fremantle in order to bust a major drug cartel, but it does not take long before this charismatic man gets more than he bargained for.

Willow Asher, the local barista is a very guarded, but attractive woman, and Ryan quickly becomes rather intrigued by her. Granted, her beauty is what catches his attention first – he is a man, after all – but the way she conducts herself whenever he is around soon makes him realise that here is a woman who has the ability to make Ryan think about more than his career: could she be the woman he, unknowingly, has been waiting for? Equally important, how is it fair to start a relationship with someone when he cannot be completely honest about whom he is? Finally, what secrets is Willow keeping, and will she find herself able to confide in Ryan eventually?

Read the book and these questions will be answered. 😉

Like I said in the beginning of this review, Ryan took me by surprise. I was already aware of the fact that he loves his job, and that he is very good at it, too, but what made me fall head over heels in love with him was experiencing the love he has for his family, his sense of loyalty to the people closest to him, and, finally, the way he does not seem to be reluctant to let his feelings for Willow develop. This man truly has the biggest heart rarely seen: he is a protector, a friend, and, yes, a very sexual man – but what woman in their right mind does not long for these three character traits in a partner? I cannot think of a single one. Moreover, he has a wicked sense of humour that made me snort-giggle, or downright laugh, sometimes; lastly, the fact that he becomes a bit of a romantic sap – his own words, not mine – when he realises the depth of his feelings for Willow made me swoon completely. Ryan felt so real to me, and you all know how much I appreciate that in the books I read.

Willow is quirky, sweet, and rather funny as well when she lets her guard down. Being forced to uproot her life and ending up a successful business owner, making some good out of a horrible situation, made me admire her a great deal. Her circumstances in life also made me very sad, and I found myself glued to my Kindle, near desperate to learn what had happened to her: she is quite a mystery. However, the way she, in the end, allows herself to let go, both emotionally and sexually, was a joy to experience. My romantic heart was almost filled to burst when Willow finally realises that there is not only darkness and fear in the world – no, there is also light and hope, even for her. So, yes, I developed quite a girl crush on her.

As always, Miss Ryder’s storytelling skills are incredible. Her passion for her story and her characters shine through, and her ever-present wit and dry humour made me lose myself, forgetting about the real world for a few hours. If I did not need to sleep sometimes, I believe I would have read “Sting” in one sitting, actually – that is how immersed I was in this romance novel.

This review would not be complete if I failed to mention Gabs – Willow’s friend and business partner – because this character is simply hilarious! Despite her own past heartaches, she has managed to pull herself up and lead a life that is pretty close to perfect for her and her daughter, Sienna. Trust me when I say that the antics of this woman will have you laughing so hard that you will come pretty close to pee your pants. 😉

If you, like me, already are a fan of Miss Ryder, I am sure you have bought a copy of “Sting” by now. However, if you are new to the Spark Series, I will have to urge you to pick them up asap. In my honest opinion, you do not have to read the first three books in the series in order to enjoy “Sting” – it can definitely be read as a standalone novel – but I would still recommend them to all lovers of romance novels: these books will make you laugh, cry, swoon, and even slightly turned on.

Miss Ryder, thank you for giving us the story of Ryan and Willow. It has been a real pleasure getting to know them. ❤

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 Interested in the Spark Series?

Then check them out below!

“Spark” (Spark #1): Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | B&N

“Spike” (Spark #2): Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | B&N

“Strike” (Spark #3): Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | B&N

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

New Adult and erotic romance writer, and author of the Spark series.

A sexy imagination, a life-long love of books and a sucker for romance, Jennifer Ryder couldn’t stifle her creativity any longer.

Writing steamy adult romance has become her new focus. Living on a rural property in New South Wales, Australia, she enjoys the best of city and country.

Her loving husband is ever willing to provide inspiration, and her two young cherubs, and sheep that don’t see fences as barriers, keep life more than interesting.

Jennifer placed third in the International Stringybark Erotic Short Fiction Award 2013.

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“Held Against You” by Season Vining – My Review

Title: “Held Against You”

Author: Season Vining

Genre: New Adult / Contemporary / Romantic Suspense

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press (US Macmillan Publishers)

Release Date: 13th January, 2015.

SYNOPSIS

Accused of a horrible crime and on the run, Kat has been rejected by everyone she loves. She’s a fugitive from her past, flitting from town to town with nothing but the clothes on her back. Until she meets a man who literally stops her in her tracks.

This notorious bounty hunter, with his stunning good looks and powerful instincts, never fails to capture his prey. But there’s something about his newest mark that gets under his skin–and it’s not just the naked innocence he sees in her eyes. Behind his ice cold demeanor, he has his own secrets… and now his lively, vulnerable captive is about to crack him wide open.

As they drive across the country together, neither of them can deny the spark of attraction between them. Will their journey force these two passionate opposites together…or will their dangerous secrets be too much to bear?

ADD TO GOODREADS

My Review

ARC provided by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

It has been a while since I read a romantic suspense novel – you know what it is like when you are a bookaholic: you have a tendency to jump between genres, reading a certain one for a while before feeling you need a change of scenery. I believe that “Held Against You” by Season Vining will appeal to other readers of this genre, and I have to say that I really enjoyed it.

I see no need to hatch down the book and write a synopsis of it – the blurb tells you a lot about it already – but I will endeavour to write a spoiler free review of it.

One of the things that appealed to me about Kat, the heroine of the book, is the fact that she owns up to her crime; she knows that she should pay for what she has done, but, at the same time, she is terrified of going to prison. Her emotional state of mind is very believable to me, and I do believe that most of us would try to make a run for it if we were to find ourselves in the same position.

Another thing I want to touch upon is Kat’s personality: she is quite the character! Her love of the eighties, her zest for life, and her geeky nature made me laugh a lot; but her defence mechanism is to use humour, it is her armour, and I really loved it whenever her mask slipped and I got to see her vulnerable side as well.

The bounty hunter – and he shall remain nameless – is a very closed-off, mysterious, and actually also a very sad kind of person. The life he leads is a lonely one – by his choice, of course – but he carries so many demons within that you, like Kat, want to see unravel…You really want to get to know him on an intimate level. So his character had me very curious all throughout the book.

You cannot help but wonder how Kat’s fate can ever have a happy outcome, but I found myself hoping and praying that, somehow, she would be able to escape prison; otherwise, her personality, I believe, would be crushed in such an environment.

Miss Vining has an appealing way of telling the story of Kat and the bounty hunter; she manages to paint a very vivid picture of the situation and the surroundings, the way her characters think and feel, and I must say that I am glad she has chosen to write the book in dual POVs; it allows us, the readers, the chance to fully connect with the characters, and you all know how important that is.

Overall, I would recommend this book to readers who, like me, enjoy a bit of fun in their romantic suspense novels; both Kat and the bounty hunter are very complex characters, and I like the many layers of the plot. The writing is engaging, the pace flows really well, and there are also a couple of interesting secondary characters which are an asset to the story as a whole.

I will most definitely be reading more of this author’s work in the future.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

(from Goodreads Author Profile)

SEASON VINING is an author, a designer, a philanthropist, a bookworm, a cook, inked, and a night owl. She loves John Hughes films, tattooed boys, and celebrating anniversaries of her 29th birthday. She lives in Louisiana, where she likes to spend time with her corgi, Chap.

Season is a graphic designer by trade and adores all form of art. She’s a fan of live music, vintage cars, and people who know the difference between their, there, and they’re.

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Cover Reveal: “Now Leaving Sugartown” (Sugartown #3) by Carmen Jenner – Synopsis, Excerpt & Giveaway

 

Title: “Now Leaving Sugartown”

Series: Sugartown #4

Author: Carmen Jenner

Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance

Cover Designer: Cover It! Designs

Release Date: March 2, 2015

 

SYNOPSIS

Pepper Ryan grew up the troublesome, spoiled child of a rock god. With her less-than-stellar parentage, and the bipolar disorder that has plagued her existence, to say this little firecracker is a handful would be the understatement of the century.

Sammy Belle spent more than half his life saving Pepper. He’d been her strength, her sanity, and the protective brotherly figure she never wanted to have.

They were never meant to be together.

They gave in anyway.

And just when Sammy thought he had everything he wanted, Pepper ran.

Now twenty-three, Pepper returns to Sugartown, a failed tattoo artist with one too many screws loose who’s down on her luck, wielding an ice cream van as beaten up as her heart.

Sugartown’s most coveted bachelor has always been content with the quiet life he leads until Pepper, the hellion from his past, returns to test his strength, his patience, and perhaps even his sanity. But two can play at that game, and Pepper is about to learn that Sam can give as good as he gets.

Can this good country boy survive Pepper’s cruel city world, or will the whole thing be put down to a bout of temporary insanity?

One thing is for certain:

He’s crazy about her.

She’s just crazy.

Warning: Intended for an 18+ audience. Contains sexual content, oodles of profanity, a firefighter so hot you may need a very cold shower, and one pink-haired crazy Harajuku girl.

 

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PRE-ORDER LINKS

#4 Now Leaving Sugartown

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**Sorry, no Amazon pre-order available**

 

Enjoy the excerpt!

Sam

I squirt a little lotion from the bottle–Pepper’s expensive stuff that smells like cupcake batter–and run my hand over the head of my cock, and down the rigid length as I think about her in that dress. Then I think about tearing off that dress, and covering her tattoos with my mouth as I take her on the bathroom sink. I slide my cock in and out of my grip, imagining it’s her perfect, wet pussy. Pinching my nipple hard, I picture her teeth clamped down over the sensitive flesh.

I groan. My muscles tense, my balls shrink up close to my body, and then my orgasm rips through me at the same time that the bathroom door is flung wide. Pepper hobbles into the room, her hands clutching the hem of her dress. I turn in an effort to hide the evidence from her, but my cock is still spilling seed. Come hits the fan and flies off in all directions as I grind out the last of my orgasm, and a final burst of semen spills from my cock.

Fuck.

I don’t even have time to bathe in the afterglow because Pepper is sending me death glares in the mirror and her mouth is twisted into a sneer.

“YOU. GOT. COME. IN. MY. HAIR!”

I practically bust a nut laughing. Loud, unruly guffaws that are so incredibly inappropriate right now that I’m afraid she might actually hurt me.

“You got come in my hair!” She screams again.

“I’m so sorry.” I say, still howling with laughter.

“You got come in my hair ten minutes before my mother’s wedding.”

 

READ THE OTHER BOOKS IN THE SUGARTOWN SERIES

 

#1 Welcome to Sugartown 

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#2 Enjoy Your Stay

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#3 Greetings from Sugartown

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Carmen Jenner is a thirty-something, USA TODAY Best Selling Author, doctor, pilot and CIA agent.

She’s also a compulsive, flagrant prevaricator who gets to make things up for a living.

While Sugartown may not technically exist, Carmen grew up in a small Australian town just like it, and just like her characters, she always longed for something more. They didn’t have an Elijah Cade, though.

If they did, you can be sure she would have never left.

 

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“All Of You” (The Between Breaths Series #1) by Christina Lee – My Review

Title: “All Of You” (The Between Breaths Series #1)

Author: Christina Lee

Genre: New Adult

Release Date: 17th September 2013

Publisher: Intermix (Penguin Group (USA) LLC)

SYNOPSIS

Avery has just met her hot upstairs neighbor. He’s irresistible. Tattooed. And a virgin.

Nursing student Avery Michaels wants nothing to do with dating—she’s perfectly happy single. Privy to too many of her mother’s bad decisions and even worse taste in boyfriends, all Avery can handle is a string of uncomplicated hookups whenever the mood strikes.

When she meets smoking hot tattoo artist Bennett, she wants him—for just one night. But he won’t accept a no-strings-attached arrangement. He lives by a straight-laced code of values based on his own troubled upbringing.

Bennett sees something special in Avery and he wants more from her. Way more. As Avery wrestles with her emotions for Bennett, danger and tragedy force them to open up to each other. And Avery must face the terrifying realization that she wants more from him, too.

So she needs to make a choice—let Bennett go or finally let him in.

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My Review

The New Adult genre might be considered “predictable” by some reviewers, but I for one wholeheartedly disagree with such sentiments. True, there are often similar themes recurring in these books, but what matters to me are the STORY, the LANGUAGE, and the FEELINGS they evoke in me. And yes, I do believe that capital letters are in order here.

This is the first full-length novel of Christina Lee that I have read, and I am so happy to end the year 2014 with a bang – yes, you may giggle all you want *wink* – and ”All Of You” was and is a book that fulfilled my hopes of finishing off the year with a great New Adult novel.

I will not go into that many details about the story line – read the synopsis, dear readers, and you will get a very clear picture of what this romance is about – but, as always, my review will be spoiler-free and reflect the thoughts and feelings I had while reading it.

One of the things that stand out in this book is the heroine, Avery: she does not do relationships because of past issues, but she is certain to make that very clear when she meets a guy her libido takes a fancy to. This makes her a very refreshing character in my eyes; she comes off as a rather cynical young woman, but anyone suffering from abuse will tell you that this is a very common character trait, and it deserves respect. She does, however, work in an environment that tugs at her heartstrings, and the more I got to know Avery, the more I saw a gentle and vulnerable side to her, and I could not help but admire this woman.

Meeting Bennett forces Avery to finally take stock of her life and issues, and I confess that I had a big, fat grin on my face when this guy reveals his hopes and wishes for the future: because here is a cute, handsome, genuine guy who does not sleep around – at all – and one who makes Avery trip over her feet because of the hot-as-sin chemistry they share.

I truly loved Bennett – no, scratch that: I adored him. He seems older beyond his years – and once you learn about his past, you fully understand why that is – and the fact that he seems hell-bent on sticking to his code, I found it incredibly sweet how his resolve wavered whenever Avery is around him. This, in my opinion, just goes to show that he is a very believable character, because – and let us be honest here – what hot-blooded male can resist a sexy woman? *wink*

Avery and Bennett are not as different as one would think, and I applaud the author for creating characters that you can relate to completely; their pasts, although different, are a part of who they are, but they strive to make their future become better from what they have known before. Moreover, they are both adamant about the fact that everything should happen on their own terms instead of letting others dictate their choices: that, to me, tells me that they are incredibly strong characters.

Miss Lee’s storytelling skills had me hooked from the very first page; the narration flows really well, and even though this, to me, feels like a very sweet love story, it is also one that left me chuckling and swooning on more than one occasion. I would say, though, that I would have loved a few chapters or an epilogue written from Bennett’s point of view, but that is not to say that the story is lacking in any way – I am just a greedy bookaholic who cannot get enough of this guy.

To sum up: if you love the NA genre, and if you have been searching for a somewhat different story for a while, but still one that will make you swoon and sigh, I would recommend “All Of You”. Avery and Bennett complement each other tremendously, and I actually miss this book couple a lot. Miss Lee, thank you for a wonderful reading experience! You have gained a new fan in this Dane. ❤

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mother, wife, reader, dreamer. Christina lives in the Midwest with her husband and son–her two favorite guys.  She’s addicted to lip gloss and salted caramel everything. She believes in true love and kissing, so writing romance novels has become a dream job.  Author of the Between Breaths series from Penguin. ALL OF YOU, BEFORE YOU BREAK and WHISPER TO ME available now, PROMISE ME THIS on October 7th, 2014.  Also Adult contemporary romance TWO OF HEARTS coming from Peguin/NAL on May 5th 2015.

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