A Knight of Her Own by Oberon Wonch - Review and Giveaway

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Author: Oberon Wonch

Publication Date:  23 January 2017

Publisher: Entangled Select

Series:  Rogues of Rouen

Genre:  Historical Romance

Age Recommendation: 17 and up

Rating: 4 Stars

~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~ 

Book Description:

Sir Drogo LaForce has spent a lifetime chasing the family honor and wealth denied him by his bastard birth. A clever scheme to uncloak a traitor against the Crown finally promises to win him everything he desires...

Lady Isabel has been in hiding ever since an evil Norman lord killed her father and usurped her English lands. But her plot to avenge her father and free her people is threatened when a mysterious Norman knight abducts her with plans to use her for espionage.

Drogo’s fascinating captive is nothing like he anticipated. Outspoken but innocent, Isabel reluctantly submits to Drogo's tutoring in the spymaster's craft, as well as the art of making love. But their potent attraction nearly leads to disaster. In the end they must decide between their dueling appetites for riches and revenge...or love.

My Review:

This is my first book from Oberon Wonch and I was not disappointed, I am rather sad that I hadn't found her before now.  A Knight of Her Own was the perfect book to bring me out of a book slump I'd fallen into after one too many just okay romance reads.

Drago LaForce, a Knight of the Norman Realm, particular 'friend' to the Norman King has been sent out to discover if the rumors of treachery against the current Earl of WulfLandt, who happens to be related by marriage to the King, making disposing of him rather difficult.  To aid in Drago's task he captures (but does not kidnap, riiiight, haha) Lady Isabel, who was the past Earl of WulfLandt's daughter and is known as the Blue Lady.  The Blue Lady is known through out the lands as a woman not to be trifled with.  She lures Norman fighters into her clutches through seduction and in essence 'de-mans' them.  She loathes the current Earl of Wulflandt and may be the only person that can bring him to his knees.

However, Drago soon learns that the legend of the Blue Lady does not match the truth of Lady Isabel and that Lady Isabel is in truth not so much the Lady he expects but rather bit of a wild ruffian.  To get the Earl into his clutches he needs The Blue Lady, he needs a skilled seductress, his only option now is to turn Isabel into a myth and manage to not fall for her in the process.  Isabel is scared for her family, angry to the point of severe prejudice at the Norman invaders (who can blame her?) finds herself in taken into the clutches of the legendary Drago LaForce.  To protect her people and rid their lands of tyrant she must step out of her comfort zone and become a woman meant to seduce men.  Our naive heroine must quickly accept that her future, the future of her people and her lands lie in her ability to tempt and tease.

I really felt for Isabel and Drago in this story.  I loved how well the author painted their pasts so clearly for us and how well her characters develop through out the book.  These two both come at each other from a place of anger, frustrations and pain and while the road is not smooth believing in their story and in their love is easy to do  This isn't an insta-love, there is an immediate attraction but the love comes about over time and through great trial and error.  One of my favorite traits of Drago is that while he is doing what he feels he must do and while that at times hurts both Isabel and himself you always see that everything he does is laced with kindness, he is truly a good man.  He's not the bad boy who becomes a good man, he is simply a hero with a golden heart.

Isabel and I could have been great friends I think.  She's a determined heroine with a spirited heart.  She does what needs to be done and accepts that life, especially the life of a woman in this era, is not going to be easy.  She understands that her future is set, she is a Lady and there are expectations and realities that have to be met.  She may find herself resigned to what is to come, she may know where her duty lies and it may not be what she wants but she will do what needs to be done, she will give her people and her lands all of herself to protect them.  I loved that about her, her strength is extraordinary and Drago is the perfect man for her because he can handle and nurture that strength.  I am also quite fond of her propensity to cuss, she is truly a woman of my heart, haha.

A Knight of Her Own is a wonderful Historical Romance, light enough to make it an easy read but with enough substance and heart to make it one that will leave you completely fulfilled.  I will say that I found a few times where I was wondering what I missed, particularly when it comes to the back story of the Rogues of Rouen.  I am assuming that there is more history in the first book so I am definitely going back to read Come to Me.  I won't say that you have to have read it, I think they can all be safely read as stand-alones but there is clearly a past that I missed out on and I am hoping to discover more about it when I go back to book one.  I will definitely be keeping up with this series and am very excited for more.  I hope it won't be long between books as I noticed there was quite a gap between books 1 and 2 but maybe if I talk this up enough and convince all the Historical Romance fans out there to give this book a go (you won't be disappointed) we will see future books coming along quicker!  So go out and get this one and then settle in for an adventure!

~ HAPPY READING ~ 

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Oberon Wonch has engaged in a love affair with books for as long as she can remember. Penning her own stories from an early age, she later earned a degree in World Literature while studying several languages—all in order to learn what makes a tale endure the ages, but really just to read more books. Her very favorite stories—both to read and write—are those that celebrate the happily-ever-after.


An avid gardener and armchair archaeologist, she grew up in northeast Ohio but now lives in Indiana with her college sweetheart husband and two very joyful little dogs.

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My Rogue, My Ruin by Amalie Howard and Angie Morgan - Review and Giveaway

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Author:  Amalie Howard and Angie Morgan

Publication Date:  14 November, 2016

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Series:  Lords of Essex, book 1

Genre: Historical Romance 

Age Recommendation: 16 and up

Rating: 5 Stars

~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~ 

Book Description:

“Smart and fast-paced with plenty of steam! This writing duo is a powerhouse of talent!” – New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan 

  He stole their riches, she stole his heart   The Marquess of Hawksfield’s lineage is impeccable and his title coveted, but Archer Croft is as far from his indulgent peers as he can get. His loathing for the beau monde has driven him to don a secret identity and risk everything in order to steal their riches and distribute them to the less fortunate. Lady Briannon Findlay embraces her encounter with the Masked Marauder, a gentleman thief waylaying carriages from London to Essex. The marauder has stirred Brynn’s craving for adventure, and she discovers an attraction deeper than the charming thief’s mask. Brynn is a revelation, matching Archer in intelligence, wit, and passion. Stubborn and sensuous in equal measure, she astonishes him at every turn, but when someone sinister impersonates Archer’s secret personality, and a murder is committed, Archer begins to think he doesn’t stand a fighting chance without her.

My Review:

This is one of those books that you put down and feel completely satisfied at having read it but also wondering why you don't spend all your time reading, in this case, Historical Fiction.  To say that I adored My Rogue, My Ruin would be an understatement.  The book itself is simplicity at it's finest, allowing you to slip into the world of Brynn and Archer with ease and comfort.  The historical nuances are not too overwhelming to leave you constantly looking up information about the era but not so simplistic that you wonder if you are even reading a historical novel to begin with.  The depth of character development is perfectly balanced with what the authors put the characters through and what you expect to see for their happily ever after.  The secondary characters will suck you in as easily as the Heroine and the Hero by enhancing their story.  You won't wish that you were reading the secondary charters stories while you read Archer and Briannon's but you will want those characters books in your hands as soon as possible.  

I adored Briannon and Archer individually and as a couple.  Archer has a heart of gold hidden beneath his fierce exterior.  He's lived a life of great wealth and comfort yes, but he's also lived a life that has been full of pain and disappointment.  A life he has had to secretly fight to not only keep but to better.  He, as with many of the male population of the Ton,  is far from 'pure' in thought and deed but he is also not the rake that many believe him to be or the brooding angry man he has portrayed.

Briannon is a a breath of fresh air when it comes to some historical fiction heroines.  She will as needed play by the rules of decorum and society but she plays them in her own way.  I loved that not only does she stand strong during a time period that would have women sitting idly at home with their needlepoint while they allow the world to happen around them but that she finds her own path to happiness.  Don't get me wrong, I absolutely am clear on how society worked in this time period, women were not given many options and were expected to hold to a standard that would be beyond reproach and that is why I loved Briannon because she knew that.  She unlike Heroines I have read from similar books was not too timid to go against the grain or too independent and brash to go with the grain at all.  Briannon understood her situation and she understood how to work that situation to her best advantage.  

Together Briannon and Archer are a fierce team as proven in the epilogue, but I knew they would be from their interactions through out the book.  I loved their chemistry, it lights up the pages from the very beginning and keeps your heart racing even during the books more quiet and reflective moments.  

The book takes a bit of an unexpected turn at one point and I will say that I am a bit sad for it.  I had hopes of another storyline developing but I can't say that I am disappointed in what occurred.  It gave me a shock that I hadn't seen coming and I think that was the true moment that I fell in love with this story.  It was a great book to that point but then it became something different all together and well, now here we are with me gushing on profusely about my feelings.  

I am so excited for more in the Lords of Essex series, I need to know all about Lana, Gray, Brandt, who's not a Lord but still needs a story and, Langlevit, who after everything is going to need one I think.  I also am hopeful that in their stories we will get glimpses into Archer and Brynn's life again because I am truly going to miss them.  

This is just a fantastic read for any Historical Romance or plan Romance fans, perfect to read over the holidays!  

~HAPPY READING ~

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About Amalie Howard

AMALIE HOWARD grew up on a small Caribbean island where she spent most of her childhood with her nose buried in a book or being a tomboy running around barefoot, shimmying up mango trees and dreaming of adventure. 25 countries, surfing with sharks and several tattoos later, she has traded in bungee jumping in China for writing the adventures she imagines instead. She isn’t entirely convinced which takes more guts. She is the award-winning author of several young adult novels critically acclaimed by Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, VOYA, and Booklist, including Waterfell, The Almost Girl, and Alpha Goddess, a Spring 2014 Kid’s INDIE NEXT title. Her debut novel, Bloodspell, was a #1 Amazon bestseller, and the sequel, Bloodcraft, was a national silver IPPY medalist. She is also the co-author of the adult historical romance series, THE LORDS OF ESSEX. As an author of color and a proud supporter of diversity in fiction, her articles on multicultural fiction have appeared in The Portland Book Review and on the popular Diversity in YA blog. She currently resides in Colorado with her husband and three children.

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About Angie Morgan

Angie is the author of several critically acclaimed young adult and middle grade books written under two other names (Page Morgan and Angie Frazier), and is now thrilled to be taking a much-anticipated leap into the world of adult romance. My Rogue, My Ruin is the first of three books in her new Lords of Essex series, co-written with good friend and fellow author, Amalie Howard. Angie lives in New Hampshire with her husband, their three daughters, and a menagerie of pets.

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His Best Mistake by Diane Alberts - Review

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Author: Diane Alberts

Publication Date:  3 October 2016

Publisher: Entangled Brazen

Series:  Shillings Agency, book 6

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Age Recommendation: 18 and up

Rating: 4 Stars

~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~ 

Book Description:

One night with a stranger…

Security expert Mark Matthews has loved, and lost, and has no intention of ever loving again—especially not a woman who thrives on her life being in danger. Now, hot, meaningless sex with strangers he had no intention of ever seeing again? That’s a whole other story. And it’s all life as a single father allows him to enjoy. But when he meets a woman who refuses to tell him her real name, the game is on, because she’s everything he swore to stay away from. Daisy O’Rourke has bad idea written all over her, but he’s in too deep to walk away now…

My Review:

This was just the book I needed right now.  I have been in a bit of a...I don't even know what to call it, it isn't a slump because I am reading a ton but I have been reading a lot of one particular author and I find myself starting to get increasingly frustrated with the story lines and character behaviors so taking a break from that and reading Diane Albert's His Best Mistake could not have come at a better time.  His Best Mistake is a perfect read for a quick pick me up.  It is a fast paced steamy romance with some action, tons of sweet moments, the perfect amount of steamy ones, and a whole lot of heart.  

I loved how Diane brought these two characters together.  A one night 'no names' romance that leads to more than either of them ever expected.  I was curious how Diane would go about this since we know that these two have been pushed on each other for a while now but neither was willing or ready to meet the person their friends thought would be their perfect match, her plan worked perfectly.  I loved how Diane made the night about more than just a 'one night stand' from the beginning the night was about a connection, a need, about healing.  Even if 'Chris (Mark) and Scarlet (Daisy) never expected to see each other again they knew they would walk away from the night changed, in some small way healed from the tragedies that had been the last few years of their lives.  

Diane does what I have been having trouble finding lately, strikes the perfect balance between the romance, the action, and the drama.  His Best Mistake was so enjoyable to read because it has an ease to the flow, it deals with difficult topics but it is done in such a way that you can truly see and feel where the characters are coming from and more importantly where they are going.  Yeah, there is an 'emo' moment or two but considering the couples pasts the book wouldn't be right with out them.  Honestly the only thing I could have wished for was more time with them.  In the less than 200 pages Diane puts out a stellar book, but imagining what it could have been as a longer novel has me just plain and simple wanting more, particularly when it comes to Daisy and her father.  I wish there was a conclusion to that part of the story.  It plays an important part in who Daisy is and we get a moment there but then it's just over.  It is the one issue from the storyline that I didn't feel like got it's due.  

I enjoyed seeing the couples from previous books and getting a moment to see how their lives are changing.  While this is a series book, you won't feel left in the dark if you haven't read the first 5 books, that said as always I suggest it just so you get the full impact.  These books are quick reads, they'd be great for a nice long weekend, a series you can start Saturday morning and be caught up on by Sunday night.  Perfect for the fall weather that is coming; it is coming right?  (ayyy)  I can't think of a better thing to do than cozy up with a warm cup of tea,  a soft fluffy blanket wrapped around you and this book (or series).

~HAPPY READING ~

Diane Alberts is a USA TODAY bestselling Contemporary Romance author with Entangled Publishing. Under the name Jen McLaughlin, she also writes New York Times, USA TODAY, and Wall Street Journal bestselling books with Penguin RandomHouse. She was mentioned in Forbes alongside E. L. James as one of the breakout independent authors to dominate the bestselling lists. Diane is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.

Diane has always been a dreamer with a vivid imagination, but it wasn’t until 2011 that she put her pen where her brain was, and became a published author. Since receiving her first contract offer, she has yet to stop writing. Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, and three cats. Her goal is to write so many fantastic stories that even a non-romance reader will know her name.

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Fool Me Once by Katee Robert - Review

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Author: Katee Robert

Publication Date:  1 August, 2016

Publisher: Entangled Brazen

Series:  Foolproof Love, book 2

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Age Recommendation: 18 and Up

Rating: 4 Stars

~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~ 

Book Description:

They say opposites attract, but this is just ridiculous.

Aubry Kaiser doesn’t like people—actually, that’s not right. She loathes people. With her crippling anxiety, there’s no way she can demo her favorite video game at a convention with five thousand other people. Maybe if she brings someone to act as a shield…

But the only person available is the sexy cowboy she can’t stand.

Quinn Baldwyn is in a mess of his own. He’s been dodging his wealthy family’s matchmaking attempts—and life advice—for years, but with his sister’s wedding on the horizon, he needs of a shield of his own.

He and Aubry can barely hold down a civil conversation, but in bed…fireworks. And the closer they get to Quinn’s sister’s wedding, the more he realizes that he might actually like Aubry.

Now it’s up to him to convince her she might actually like him, too.

My Review:

So I am finding that one of my favorite tropes is the fake relationship into real relationship story and Fool Me Once plays it out perfectly.

When two people who despise each other turn out needing one another for support you get a snarky, engaging, and sexy read.

I am a big fan of Aubry.  She's a geeky, anxious, strong-willed, introvert...she feels a bit like me and that makes her completely relatable.  I just wish I had her snark ability, she could flay a person as easily as flaying a fish...something she would never EVER do...that person though, they best walk with care around her, she isn't going to put up with crap.  I really appreciated the realistic portrayal into what it's like for female gamers.  I could have been even happier if the author may have spent a little more time delving into the difficulties that Aubry faces everyday from the male dominated gaming community.

Quinn, how can you not fall for the quiet caring cowboy who can give as good as he gets.  The guy that takes the time to listen to Aubry, to understand her challenges both personally and professionally.  They guy who would walk away from wealth because he can't abide by the community he would have to become a part of.  The guy who will bear that community and their nastiness just so he could be there for a loving sister.

I love the tension and play between Quinn and Aubry and can say that I am really sad now that have missed out on them in the first book in the series, I will definitely need to go back and read it just so I can go back to the beginning of their long and complicated relationship.

The only two things I could have wanted to make this a 5 star for me would have been what I talked about above as far as Aubry's professional challenges and seeing Quinn's family get their freaking comeuppance, a pet peeve of mine is nasty people not getting their due.  I always feel like if an author is going to make a point out of showing that nastiness then there needs to be some sort of resolution and my go to is a public putdown that shames them.  I carry a vindictive streak though so I think that may just be me, haha.

I am really looking forward to the next book in there series, A Fool for Love, 9scheduled to release 3 October) which is Daniel and Hope's story and I am most certainly going back to read the first book Fool Proof Love because I am definitely a fool in love with this series!  This is a wonderful Contemporary Romance read that would be a great addition to your summer reading list.  It's a fairly quick read that will lead you completely fulfilled in the story and the couples HEA.

~ HAPPY READING ~ 

Katee Robert learned to tell stories at her grandpa’s knee. Her favorites then were the rather epic adventures of The Three Bears, but at age twelve she discovered romance novels and never looked back.
Though she dabbled in writing, life got in the way—as it often does—and she spent a few years traveling, living in both Philadelphia and Germany. In between traveling and raising her two wee ones, she had the crazy idea that she’d like to write a book and try to get published.
Her first novel was an epic fantasy that, God willing, will never see the light of day. From there, she dabbled in YA and horror, before finally finding speculative romance. Because, really, who wouldn’t want to write entire books about the smoking-hot relationships between two people?
She now spends her time—when not lost in Far Reach worlds—playing imaginary games with her wee ones, writing, ogling men, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.

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Worked Up by Tessa Bailey - Review and Giveaway

You guys....YOU GUYS!   Let me introduce you to one of my favorite reads of the year.  Not on of my favorite Romance reads, not one of my favorite Contemporary reads, one of my FAVORITE READS Period.  

Also, HAPPY RELEASE DAY to our 'Queen', Tessa Bailey!  
Worked Up is LIVE and you can get it now...don't wait!  

(Gratuitous Chris Pratt)

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Author: Tessa Bailey

Publication Date:  1 August, 2016

Publisher: Entangled Brazen

Series:  Made in Jersey, book 3

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Age Recommendation: 18 and Up

Rating: 5 Stars

~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~ 

Book Description:

Factory mechanic Duke Crawford just wants to watch SportsCenter in peace. Unfortunately, living with four divorcee sisters doesn’t provide much silence, nor does it change his stance on relationships. But when a fellow commitment-phobe stumbles into his life, getting him good and worked up, he can’t deny his protective instincts.

Samantha Waverly’s brother just put her in an impossible situation. The only way out? Marry huge, gruff, gladiator look-alike Duke—for show, of course. She doesn’t make promises—she knows too well how easily they can be broken—and this is no exception.

As the blistering attraction between them grows, the lines around the no-strings relationship blur. But Duke and Samantha’s marriage is only for show…or is it?

(because I love Chris Pratt as much as I loved this book!)

My Review:

So here's the thing...do you even want to hear how I felt about this book?  Is there still any question how I feel about this book?  I think it is pretty obvious that I have fallen head over heels in love with this book, I can hear my college history professor yelling at me (oh he really did) when reading my thesis paper...

"You LOVE this man don't you?  You LOVE him, it's all over the pages, you LOVE him, now rewrite it!"  -Dr. Saunders

Sadly for you guys, I am not going to re-write this 'paper' you're stuck with all my gushing and fawning.  Your stuck listening to me go on and on about how much I adore Tessa Bailey and how she is an automatic one-click and read for me, EVERY. TIME. You're stuck hearing me tell you how enamored I am with this couple but especially DUKE.  I admit it now and admit it with great fervency, I LOVE DUKE CRAWFORD and regardless of what I write here and how much I shake the rafters... 

(I bet Duke could shake the rafters!)

(Just Sayin')

 ... with my shouting, the fact is that I know deep down in my Tessa Bailey book loving soul that all you need to do is pick this book up and you will have fallen down the well into the Duke-dom and you won't ever want to come back out! However, just in case you need more than me just plain telling you that you HAVE to read this book, here are a few whys...

Let's start with the goddess that is Tessa Bailey.  This woman makes me crazy, she writes some of my favorite characters and it isn't just because they are these sexy steamy guys and gals no, it is because  that beyond the dirty talk, and she has been named the Queen of Dirty Talk for a reason, oh yes, her characters have beautiful hearts and souls. These characters aren't simply there for gratuitous sex scenes, they aren't throwing around meaningless words in an attempt to make a meaningless sex filled relationship work.  Her characters fall truly and deeply for one another.  They fight fears and insecurities, they fight their need and desires, they fight for each other and for their families.  They fight for love!  While I would never EVER say I wish Tessa wouldn't write the sexy times, I can honestly say that her books could stand alone without them because the story isn't based off of those times, they don't revolve around those moments.  Her books revolve around the hearts of her characters, we're just lucky enough that she throws in some steam that makes our hearts race giving us a few moments of a cardio workout with each book!  

Now, let's talk our Heroine.  The funny, beautiful, compassionate, sexy, insecure Samantha.  She is the perfect girl for Duke.  I almost think of her as this piece of fine bone china.  She's fragile in Duke's hands and he takes such care with her, always in the back of his mind worried that she may one day crack, but knowing that she's as strong as the steel that is the foundation of her brother's factory, a place he has poured his sweat and heart into.  I loved her quirky-ness, she actually reminded me a bit of a friend with all her puns. *whispers, Jillian, are you there?*  I loved her love of children and her desire to bring art into their lives.  I love her business plan and I want someone to make that a reality!  

Duke's sisters...Tessa, please tell me that Renner's book (and I can not wait for  it!) won't be the last in Made in Jersey or that there will be a Made in Jersey Spin off and we will get to see these lovely, crazy ladies find their happiness!  Oh, and you know it wouldn't hurt me one bit if we HAD to see a little more Duke in each book...sigh, I suppose I could put up with a few more puns and a lot more #PMB (Pouty Man Bear).  I love his sisters.  They are wild, they are crazy, they are smart-mouthed, and they LOVE their brother and it just makes me want to see more of them.

Now Duke, you knew I couldn't/wouldn't leave out Duke.  Duke is simply....Duke.  He isn't the typical romance hero, the rich, ripped guy.  He's not the cocky bastard (although that's not to say he isn't 'sure of himself') that expects girls to trip over their own feet when ever he is in their radius.  He's a PMB, a Pouty Man Bear.  He's a big bearded guy, he's gruff, he's blue collar, he's a sports fanatic and a grill master.  He's an everyday man who adores his family, who is dedicated to the few people he's let into his circle and calls friends.  He takes the problems of his world on his shoulders and works tirelessly to fix those problems, to give confidence and care to those he loves, no matter how they may frustrate him.  He is a teddy bear deep down, with a broody demeanor, but when he gets to 'let loose' watch out ladies...he is one of Tessa's best Dirty Talkers ever!  I'd leave you with some quotes but I don't want to take anything away from your reading the book.  This is one of those books that you will wish you could read for the first time EVERY TIME you read it and you will want to read this one multiple times...Duke's just good to us that way.  I will say that there is a paragraph in this book that ends with Samantha saying 

"Duke. I call Duke."

that I may never be able to get out of my head.  Even thinking just those last few words has my heart racing and my face smiling in a swoon.  

I love the Made in Jersey series but this book...it is everything you want a contemporary romance to be.  It is, as I have said, one of my favorite reads of this year.  It is a book that I will go back to over and over whenever I am having a book drought or just a bad day.  This book will make you swoon, smile, laugh, and crave.  This book will simply just plain make you happy!  Tessa, you out did yourself (for me) with this book.  My heart four days after reading it still races every time I think about it.  Duke and Sam are the perfect balance of sexy, funny, loving characters.  They are characters you wish were real so that you could be friends.  You want Sam in your inner circle making you laugh, giving you advice, and being an amazing listener.  You want Duke in that circle because you know his strength, you know he cares for those he loves, you want to laugh with Sam over the slight crush you carry for her man, you want to be one of his friends that makes him smile because you know that he'd be there for you in a heartbeat because you are his friend and the best thing you can give him back is helping to make him even happier, if such a thing is possible now that he has found his Sam.  

I don't think I need to say it but just in case...READ THIS BOOK.  If you love Tessa Bailey, do not hesitate to GRAB THIS BOOK NOW.  If you love contemporary romance...heck romance reads of any genre....GET THIS BOOK. I have no doubt in my mind that you will love it and if you don't, well....I'll still be your friend but I might give you the side-eye.  ;-)

~ HAPPY READING ~  

GIVEAWAY:

(3 E-copies of Worked Up)

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Tessa Bailey is originally from Carlsbad, California. The day after high school graduation, she packed her yearbook, ripped jeans and laptop, driving cross-country to New York City in under four days.

Her most valuable life experiences were learneTessa Bailey is originally from Carlsbad, California. The day after high school graduation, she packed her yearbook, ripped jeans and laptop, driving cross-country to New York City in under four days.

Her most valuable life experiences were learned thereafter while waitressing at K-Dees, a Manhattan pub owned by her uncle. Inside those four walls, she met her husband, best friend and discovered the magic of classic rock, managing to put herself through Kingsborough Community College and the English program at Pace University at the same time. Several stunted attempts to enter the work force as a journalist followed, but romance writing continued to demand her attention.

She now lives in Long Island, New York with her husband of nine years and four-year-old daughter.  Although she is severely sleep-deprived, she is incredibly happy to be living her dream of writing about people falling in love.

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The Finn Factor by Rachel Bailey - Review

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Author: Rachel Bailey

Publication Date:  28 September, 2015

Publisher: Entangled Embrace

Genre:  New Adult Contemporary Romance

Age Recommendation: 18 and up

Rating: 4 stars

~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~

Book Description:

Sometimes all a girl needs is a little practice...

It's been twelve months, three days, and eleven hours since accounting student Scarlett Logan made it past a second date. A pitcher of mojitos in hand, she employs her supreme graphing skills to narrow things down to one horrifying explanation. Kissing. Clearly someone needs to teach her how to kiss properly. Like, say, her best friend and roomie, Finn Mackenzie. He's safe, he's convenient, and yeah, maybe just a little gorgeous.

Finn knows exactly why Scarlett's boyfriends are disappearing quickly. Him. Not a single guy she's brought home is nearly good enough. And he'll be damned if he lets some loser give her "kissing lessons." No. He'll do the honors, thank you very much. The moment their lips touch, though, everything turns upside down. But Scarlett deserves the one thing Finn can't give her. And if he doesn't put an end to the sexy little shenanigans, he'll teach Scarlett the hardest lesson of all...heartbreak.

My Review:

I adored this book.  This was my first time reading Rachel Bailey but I can guarantee you it will not be the last.  The Finn Factor is a fun, sweet, swoon-worthy, quick read.

Scarlett Logan, can't seem to keep a date interested.  It's been over a year since she's made it past the critical second date.  Guys just won't let her in and she can't figure out what she's missing that keeps them from coming back for more.  One night after a number of her 'famous mojitos' and some series best friend talk with well, her best friend, Scarlett concludes, through graphs mind you, that her inability to keep a guy around is her lack of experience with kissing.  She must simply be a terrible kisser and decides on a course of action to rectify this.  Of course after numerous mojitos Scarlett determines that there is only one way to go about this...practice.  She's going to contact Cole Jericho, a client at work and a well known actor...who will clearly having his kissing game down.  

"Well, he's been on TV most of his life, so he's had to kiss a lot of girls on camera." With the roles he'd been playing in the last few years, it had been a LOT of girls."" - Scarlett

Finn MacKenzie, never saw it coming.  He's been working behind the scenes for years keeping Scarlett's un-worthy dates at bay 

"It had been more complicated to track down her dates in the first few years of our friendship, and sometimes they'd get to four or five dates before I could find the latest guy, assess him, and send him packing.  Luckily things had become much more streamlined since she'd moved in......She really needed to start picking a better class of guy." -Finn 

then boom, she practically smacks him straight in the heart with this talk of being a bad kisser and wanting to practice; practice with some  random, rich, handsome actor.  He's not worked this hard to keep guys who could appreciate all that was Scarlett away for the past four years to be undermined by some silly notion (brought on through no fault of her own, ahem) that she's a bad kisser.  There is only one way to fix this...It has to be him, Finn has to fall on his sword (so to speak) for the cause.  

Can Finn's and Scarlett's friendship survive kissing lessons or will it doom them to a life without each other?  I have to say, that first kissing scene...you think it's going to be all awkward and well, awkward but if you couldn't feel this couple's chemistry before then, you got a load of it during that kiss!  

(Gratuitous Chris Pratt moment, don't judge)

It was hot and I think I may have even fallen in love with Finn by then.  The guy does some shady stuff all in the name of friendship, but he truly does it out of a love that he doesn't even recognize and Scarlett isn't exactly clear of conscious either.  I loved their back and forth, I loved the friends to lovers aspect, it works beautifully in this story.  Finn is going to have your heart fluttering in no time, he is really such a great guy.  He's dedicated, hard working, caring, a little bit broken, and a whole lot of sweet.  Scarlett, is a great girl. She's the girl you want to be at that age. Working out who she is and where her life is going, surrounded by friends and family, (even if she would like to strangle her parents every now and again, I mean who doesn't right?) she's kind, generous, fun, also a bit broken, and equally as sweet as Finn.  

I really enjoyed the rest of the characters as well.  They are all a bit unconventional, especially Scarlett's parents, who I adored, the scene where Scarlett and her mother talk sex with Finn's youngest sister still makes me giggle.  I could totally feel the heat crawling up my chest and put myself right into Scarlett's place.  I am hopeful that we will perhaps see Finn's oldest sister in a upcoming book, although this is a stand alone.  Maybe if we beg enough?  :-)

This is a sweet, funny, moving book about family, friendship, and love.  If you are a New Adult, Contemporary Romance, or Adult Romance fan you will enjoy this sweet story .  

~ HAPPY READING ~ 

I live with my own personal hero and four dogs on the east coast of Australia. Our house is on my dream property – 10 acres of native trees on the side of a hill, within driving distance to the beach.

I’ve always loved dogs. I love all animals, but dogs have a special place in my heart. My current pack is: Dougal the Border Collie (the most perfect dog that ever there was), Oliver, a black Lab x doberman (the Heathcliffe of dogs – all brooding, clingy and likely to snap), Princess Ava the rescued greyhound (she’s always posing as if a camera is hovering nearby), and Billie our other rescued greyhound (who is still settling in and wondering what she’s got herself in for.

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Compromising Her Position by Samantha Beck - Cover Reveal

Cover Love!!

I'm happy to help reveal the cover of Samanthe Beck's upcoming book, Compromising Her Position!

Compromising Her Position is a Contemporary Romance published by Entangled Brazen

Releases 16 November 2015

Introducing Compromising Her Position:

Goodreads

Book Description:

When Chelsea Wayne drags Santa into a supply closet for a little office party nookie, she assumes the man in the suit is her on-again/off-again coworker boyfriend. Instead, it’s Rafe St. Sebastian, a man known for his hard-driving ways in business as well as the bedroom—and, kill her now, the brand spanking new owner of Las Ventanas—who grants her naughtiest Christmas wishes.

  So much for her reputation, not to mention her career.

  Rafe needs to close three acquisitions to prove to his father he’s ready to take the helm of St. Sebastian Enterprises. A hot interlude in a supply closet after deal number two seems like the perfect illicit Christmas bonus. Unfortunately, when that “bonus” becomes the key to the final deal, he finds himself back in bed—so to speak—with Chelsea, and after their steamy tryst, he’s not interested in keeping things professional…

 

Wine lover, sleep fanatic, and USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy contemporary romance novels, Samanthe Beck lives in Malibu, California, with her long-suffering but extremely adorable husband and their turbo-son, Hud. Throw in a furry ninja named Kitty and Bebe the trash talking Chihuahua and you get the whole, chaotic picture.

When not clinging to sanity by her fingernails or dreaming up fun, fan-your-cheeks sexy ways to get her characters to happily-ever-afters, she searches for the perfect cabernet to pair with Ambien.


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