Enrage by Rachel Van Dyken- Review and Excerpt

Enrage, an all-new sexy standalone from #1 New York Times Bestseller Rachel Van Dyken is available NOW!!

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Author:  Rachel Van Dyken

Publication Date:  1 August, 2017

Publisher: Ever After Romance

Series:  Eagle Elite, book 8

Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense, Mafia Based

Age Recommendation: 18 and Up

Rating: 4 Stars

Book Description:

Enrage is the next standalone in the international best selling mafia series, Eagle Elite.

Part of a world I loathe.

Part of a family who hates me more than I hate myself.

Living with a girl who reminds me of my darkness.

I'm. In. Hell.

Also known as the Cosa Nostra.

My life was over the minute I stepped off that plane.

Son to a murdered mob boss.

Heir to a throne of murder and lies.

My name is Dante Nicolasi.

And there will be blood.

My Review:

What have you done to me Rachel Van Dyken?  I know, you completely DESTROYED me.  The problem is that in destroying me you have made it almost impossible to talk about this book.  This has become one of those 'What happens at Eagle Elite, stays at Eagle Elite.' and I don't know how to tell people about Enrage because the last thing I want to do is spoil this book.  In fact what I want is for them to go in as blind as me and every other reader and to feel every emotion you gave me.  To feel the craving, to feel the love, to feel the hate, to feel the fear, the joy, the crushing blow, the despair, the hope...mostly to feel the life that seeps from this book and into our hearts.  

"This life it is hard, but we make up for it.  We laugh hard.  We drink hard.  We work hard.  We live hard, and in the ind, isn't that what every human wants?  An existence where they can close their eyes every night and know that if God took them -- they did life well."  -Frank

Yes Frank, YES!  I want that.  Rachel you have crushed me with this book but you have also made me want to live, but not just to live, to LIVE HARD!  

I loved the slow build up of the relationship between Dante and El.  I loved their chemistry, the desire and the fear.  My heart immediately went out to Dante.  He is such a brash and charismatic personality that he burst into life on the pages.  He is everything that Frank talks about in his quote to El.  Dante is life.  He is the embodiment of that quote and I love him the more for it.  

I loved El, this girl has been through so much.  You can't blame her for her fear and her timidity.  My only challenge is I wished I had seen more development with her.  There is no doubt that her character grows through out the story and I don't know if the reason we don't 'see it' happen in a more obvious was us because of the other things happening in the book drowning out her personal growth but I wish it had been there.  I would have liked to have had more introspection from her.  More eye opening moments of realizing that she is no longer trapped, that she no longer has to fear being abused by the people who are supposed to love her.  I think sadly that El in her timidity gets overshadowed in this book by Dante and other family members.  This book turned into a book about the family for me with a side of Dante and El.

While this book is about life it is also about death.  The death of the ways of the past, the death of youth for these characters, yes even through the past 7 books they have all held that air of youth about them, as they should because they are young and we can't forget that. In Enrage however I feel the loss of that youth.  They have been young men and women playing hard in an aged game but now they are leaving their youth to their children and becoming hardened.  I know you're saying "Malissa, stahp, these characters have been hard since day one."  I don't disagree. They have been hard, they have been callous, they have been ruthless, but they have not been hardened.  They have always had a light, they have always had hope.  I'm not saying that is completely gone, but I am saying that Rachel dims that light severely in Enrage.  She changes everything.  Have they always recognized what their life is about and how they needed to live it, yes, but it hasn't been until this book that their world has really stepped up and slapped them in the face.   These are still the same characters that we have grown to love like family over the last several years but their world is so much different now and I am both anxious and terrified to keep living it with them.  All Eagle Elite books have an edge, have a sadness, but only two have ever beaten me down, Elude and now Enrage.  They are the type of book that make it hard to get up the next morning, the kind of book that makes you almost too depressed to pick up the next one in the series but make it too hard to not because while you're heart has been utterly destroyed you know that the author, you hope that the author, will piece you back together.  When I picked up Enrage I never saw the end coming.  I picked up on the clues through the story and even when I knew what was happening I was still shocked that it all actually occurred.  I wanted to cry and rage and then cry a whole lot more.  I don't know how we come back from this I really don't but I have to have faith that Rachel will make our Eagle Elite world right again.  Please.  

~ HAPPY READING ~ 

( or maybe just happ-ish reading, eep)

Excerpt:

Dante slammed his hand into the tree, his jaw popped as he gritted his teeth together and then calm washed over him as he whispered near my ear, “Want me to kill him?” A few people walked by and stared at us, it looked like he was kissing my neck, like we were normal college students sharing a moment. Nope. Wrong story, kiddos. He just offered to kill someone for offending me, run along, nothing to see here. “After,” I said. “Kill him after he stops being useful to you, to the bosses.” I couldn’t believe what was coming out of my mouth, what I was agreeing to. “Yes.” Dante pulled back, his face broke out into a smile. “How messed up is it that I’m actually looking forward to that moment?” I gulped. “It’s in your blood.” “I wish it wasn’t,” he said gruffly. “I wish I didn’t crave it — dream about it — almost as much as I wish I didn’t feel guilt every day because of it.” I sighed and put my hands on his chest, then ran them up around his neck, he didn’t move, or flinch, so maybe we were having a moment as our mouths almost touched. “The only shame in life, is not being who you were truly born to be. If that means you kill the bad guys — kill the bad, guys Dante. Just don’t lose your soul in the process.” “And if it’s already gone?” He croaked his eyes darkening as he slowly leaned in until his forehead touched mine. Days ago I would have been terrified that his body was this close. Days ago, I would have shoved him away and run. Days ago, I would have shuddered that his bloodstained hands were running up and down my skin. But today. Today was different. Today I closed my eyes and drank in the wicked scent of Dante Nicolasi, the cologne mixed with soap. I inhaled. And opened my eyes again. Yesterday I was angry. I was afraid. Today. Against the tree. Pinned by Dante’s arms. I was safe. “I’ll help you find it,” I whispered. “Just don’t damn yourself in the process, El.” He cupped my face with his right hand, his eyes fell to my mouth, his half-lidded seductive look could stop a girl dead in her tracks. The wives always talked about how attractive his father was, even at an older age. Almost like he’d aged backward. Dante was no different. If it was possible for a human to get more attractive by the day — he’d be the one to prove you right. “Are you going to kiss me again?” I asked hopefully. “No.” He pulled away. My heart sank into my stomach. “Because I don’t want to start something I have no intention of stopping.” My head jerked, our eyes locked, and I saw it. The honesty. “Told you I’d never lie to you, El.” His voice had a warning edge to it, like I shouldn’t push him, push whatever invisible boundaries he’d mentally set up between us. His eyes never left mine. And I knew, this was what he looked like when he was telling the truth. His eyes pierced through my defenses in an unapologetic search for my heart, my soul. And I let them. “We should get to class.” I finally found my voice and started walking, he fell into step beside me. And I spent the rest of the day thinking about the non-kiss. And the promise that came with it.  

Blood in.. No Out...

Catch up with the rest of the Eagle Elite Series Here: http://bit.ly/RVDEagleElite

   

Meet the Author:

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor. She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

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Beard in Mind by Penny Reid - Release Day Giveaway!

Beard in Mind, an all new standalone in the bestselling, romantic comedy Winston Brothers Series by Penny Reid, is LIVE!

 

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(Free in Kindle Unlimited)

Book Description:

All is fair in love and auto maintenance.

Beau Winston is the nicest, most accommodating guy in the world. Usually.

Handsome as the devil and twice as charismatic, Beau lives a charmed life as everyone’s favorite Winston Brother. But since his twin decided to leave town, and his other brother hired a stunning human-porcupine hybrid as a replacement mechanic for their auto shop, Beau Winston’s charmed life has gone to hell in a handbasket.

Shelly Sullivan is not nice and is never accommodating. Ever.

She mumbles to herself, but won’t respond when asked a question. She glares at everyone, especially babies. She won’t shake hands with or touch another person, but has no problems cuddling with a dog. And her damn parrot speaks only in curse words.

Beau wants her gone. He wants her out of his auto shop, out of Tennessee, and out of his life.

The only problem is, learning why this porcupine wears her coat of spikes opens a Pandora’s box of complexity—exquisite, tempting, heartbreaking complexity—and Beau Winston soon discovers being nice and accommodating might mean losing what matters most.

Enter the Giveaway!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Penny Reid is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Winston Brothers and Knitting in the City series. When she’s not immersed in penning smart romances, Penny works in the biotech industry as a researcher. She’s also a full time mom to three diminutive adults, wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja.  

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Perilous Trust by Barbara Freethy - Release Day

     

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Book Description:

In PERILOUS TRUST, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Barbara Freethy brings you the first book in a new romantic suspense series! OFF THE GRID: An FBI Series offers five breath-stealing books filled with action-packed plot, heart-stopping romance, and page-turning suspense.

It was one dark night that brought Damon Wolfe and Sophie Parker together. They were two tortured souls, looking for escape, and they weren't supposed to see each other ever again… Four years later, Sophie's FBI father, who is also Damon's mentor, is killed in a suspicious car crash after leaving Sophie a cryptic message to trust no one from the agency. When Damon shows up looking for her, she isn't sure if he's friend or enemy, but she knows he could easily rip apart what is left of her heart. The last thing Damon wants is to get involved with Sophie again. It was hard enough to walk away the first time. But she's in trouble, her father's reputation is under attack, and the lives of his fellow agents are at stake if there's a traitor in their midst. When someone starts shooting at them, they have no choice but to go on the run and off the grid. Everyone in their world becomes a suspect. They want to uncover the truth, but will it turn out to be the last thing they expect? Proving her father's innocence might just cost them their hearts…and their lives…      

          

Excerpt:

 She could see the war going on in Damon's eyes, the need to do the right thing, the desire to feel what they'd felt once before. "I don't want to hurt you," he said huskily. "You won't hurt me." "You said that the last time, but I hurt you then, and I don't want to do it again." "That was different. We know each other better now." "That might be true, but there's something else that's also true—I don’t do love, Sophie. I'm not good at it, and it doesn't work out. I might be exactly what you want in the night, but I will never be what you want in the morning." "In the morning? We don't even know if we're going to have a morning, Damon. You told me that I need to stay in the moment. This is the moment. So, stop fighting. Please, stop fighting." "You're not playing fair, Sophie." "I'm not playing at all," she said, recklessness driving her forward. She pressed her mouth against his, and took what she wanted. It was a heady, glorious, freeing feeling.  

     

Barbara Freethy is a #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of 60 novels ranging from contemporary romance to romantic suspense and women's fiction. Traditionally published for many years, Barbara opened Fog City Publishing in 2011 and has since sold over 7 million books! Twenty-three of her titles have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists, including one title, SUMMER SECRETS, which hit #1 on the NYT. In 2014 Barbara was named the Amazon KDP Bestselling Author of all time! She was also the first Indie writer to sell over a million books on Barnes and Noble. Known for her emotional and compelling stories of love, family, romance and suspense, Barbara is a six-time finalist and two-time winner in the Romance Writers of America acclaimed RITA contest for her novels DANIEL'S GIFT and THE WAY BACK HOME. 

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Wicked Envy by Sawyer Bennett - Cover Reveal

I am excited to help bring you the next cover in the 

Wicked Horse Vegas Series 

by New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author 

Sawyer Bennett.

Get ready for WICKED ENVY!

The Wicked Horse Vegas promises to fulfill your darkest desires,while leaving you with your greatest pleasures. 

Stop by and visit The Wicked Horse Vegas with the release of Wicked Envy, coming October 27, 2017!

    

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AMAZON COMING SOON 

Book Description:

The best of friends. Two men. One woman. A sinful playground called The Wicked Horse. Entrepreneur turned millionaire, Dane Hawthorne, has been known to get his kicks at The Wicked Horse Vegas, and he has no shortage of beautiful women waiting for a shot at him. Driven to succeed, no matter if he’s in the boardroom or the bedroom, Dane never backs down from a challenge. Avril Carrigan isn’t the type of woman to take risks in her personal life but after a broken heart and too much liquid courage, Avril decides to best way to get over one man, is to get under another. Looking to experience all the debauchery she’s heard about from her best friend and business partner, Dane, she requests one thing of him—take her to The Wicked Horse. The request seems simple. One friend helping another in her time of need. But now that they’ve crossed the threshold, things aren’t as easy as they once seemed. Not only is Dane looking at Avril in a new light, but so is their other business partner and best friend, Andrew Collings. As Dane’s envy blooms, he wonders if he made the right decision when he agreed to show Avril his wicked world. What happens when the lines of friendship are blurred and boundaries are crossed? Will their relationships survive or will jealousy tear them all apart?

Grab the other books in the series today! 

            

  WICKED FAVOR 

  WICKED WISH 

       

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or a combination of the two.

WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ 

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Enrage by Rachel Van Dyken - Release Day Blitz

Enrage, an all-new sexy standalone from #1 New York Times Bestseller Rachel Van Dyken is LIVE !!

AmazonUS ~ AmazonUK ~ iBooks ~ 

Kobo ~ Smashwords ~ GoodReads

Book Description:

Enrage is the next standalone in the international best selling mafia series, Eagle Elite.

Part of a world I loathe.

Part of a family who hates me more than I hate myself.

Living with a girl who reminds me of my darkness.

I'm. In. Hell.

Also known as the Cosa Nostra.

My life was over the minute I stepped off that plane.

Son to a murdered mob boss.

Heir to a throne of murder and lies.

My name is Dante Nicolasi.

And there will be blood.

Blood in.. No Out...

Catch up with the rest of the Eagle Elite Series Here:

  http://bit.ly/RVDEagleElite

Meet the Author:

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor. She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

Connect with the Author:

Facebook ~ Website ~ Newsletter ~ Instagram ~ 

Twitter ~ Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ Rachel's Rockin' Readers

   

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman - Review by Olivia and Mom

In anticipation of the release of 

The Book of Dust on 19 October, 2017  

my 11 year old, Olivia and I read The Golden Compass. Below you will find her review as well as some notes from mom! 

 We can't wait for this coming release and new spin-off series! 

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Author:  Philip Pullman

Publication Date:  13 November 2001

Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Series:  His Dark Material, book 1

Genre:  Middle Grade/Young Adult Fantasy

Age Recommendation: 10 and up

Rating: 4-5 Stars

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

Book Description:

Lyra Belacqua is content to run wild among the scholars of Jodan College, with her daemon familiar always by her side. But the arrival of her fearsome uncle, Lord Asriel, draws her to the heart of a terrible struggle—a struggle born of Gobblers and stolen children, witch clans and armored bears. And as she hurtles toward danger in the cold far North, Lyra never suspects the shocking truth: she alone is destined to win, or to lose, this more-than-mortal battle.

Olivia's Review: (5 Stars)

The Golden Compass is a book that takes place in Philip Pullman's own version of the real world.  In this world humans live together with daemons, every human has their own daemon and they can never go far from each other.  Daemons take on the forms of animals, like cats and dogs, only children's daemons can shift between forms.  One day a girl at Jordan College, named Lyra, goes on an incredible journey all because of a series of unfortunate events (hahahahaha).  She and her daemon, Pantalaiomon, end up meeting all sorts of people, also some armored bears.  

The writing in The Golden Compass is great and in my opinion it is a similar style to Watership Down. [Mom Note: This is a huge compliment because Watership Down is Olivia's favorite book, period]  The characters are very interesting and for some of the evil ones I felt almost as angry as Lyra herself.  

Since it is the first book in the series, the outcome is a bit of a cliffhanger, it made me really eager to read the next book!  

Mom's Review: (4 Stars)

I truly adored this book.  As Olivia mentioned the world building is the real world yet not.  In the beginning I struggled a little to grasp that while everything seemed familiar to me, this is not the world that I am used to.  The world building gave me vibes of a parallel universe and once you let that settle in your soul it is so easy to get lost in this world of mystery and magic.  

I know as I read the book after Olivia I kept asking her, but why is this happening, where did they go, etc and she just kept telling me 'Mom, read the book.  I can't tell you with out going you spoilers!' and it was so true.  You have to trust that this book is going to take you where you need to go, it is going to wind you down a path with several surprises but ultimately and satisfyingly get you to the 'end' (as much of an end as the first book in a trilogy can be) and answer the majority of your questions.  I loved that I wanted more all the time, I wanted to flip to the middle of the book, then I wanted to flip to the end...but I am telling you now do not do that.  Ride this book out page by page and let yourself go in it's beauty.

Now with all that said I know that this book is not for everyone.  This is a book that will challenge your thoughts on adults and children.  It will challenge your ideas on how you see the world, on your thoughts about large government or religion having power over the masses.  It will make you think about the purity of children and their inherent goodness and how the choices they make and the choices the adults around them make will shape them.  These aren't things that most young children are going to pick up on.  As you saw in Olivia's review, her thoughts while reading the book leaned more to the magical aspects of the daemons, the action, and of course the bears.  I loved train theme (to me) in the story, the growth in Lyra as she begins to discover just who she is and who the people around her are.  Do I always like the choices she makes, certainly not but I am coming at this from an adult with children stand point and while I would like them to be brave and to find their own path, I wouldn't like how Lyra spends a good portion of her time lying to discover what she wants to know.  Does it get us to the end and is she better than what we see at times, yes, but as an adult mom it made me cringe now and again. These same things aren't aspects that a young reader will really pick up on.  What they will see is her desire to find answers, her bravery, her protection of her friend, her understanding that people are people no matter their wealth, ability, etc and of course the bears...because seriously the bears are freaking awesome.  

The Golden Compass will turn some readers away.  Philip Pullman is unabashed in his agnostic beliefs and that comes through in this book.  Again, this isn't something that most children will pick up on with out the guidance of an adult in their ear but it is certainly a heavy part of the book and you should be aware of that before going in.  Think of the Golden Compass as the antithesis of The Chronicles of Narnia.  The Golden Compass is a beautifully written story full of adventure and daring and a truly wonderful read.  

~ HAPPY READING ~ 

Connect with the Author:

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Hope Restored by Carrie Ann Ryan - Release Day Review and Trailer

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Author:  Carrie Ann Ryan

Publication Date:  25 July, 2017

Publisher:  Self-Published

Series:  Gallagher Brothers, book 3

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Age Recommendation: 17 and Up

Rating: 5 Stars

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

Book Description:

The Gallagher Brothers series from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan concludes with the final brother who thought he had everything to look forward to, and the one woman who can handle him.

Life isn’t worth living if you don’t fight to live. That’s what Murphy Gallagher learned at a young age when cancer ravaged his body not once, but twice. Over the course of his survival, he lost his parents and his childhood, but he’s been healthy for years and has become a man he hopes his family is proud of. But when his world tilts on its axis yet again, he’ll have to learn what it means to fight not only the unknown but also his attraction to his best friend.

Tessa Stone works hard and plays harder. She’s spent her life trying to figure out who she is in the present rather than looking back. Yet when she’s forced into close proximity with Murphy, she’ll have to not only be his rock but learn how to relax enough to maybe let him be hers, as well. But seduction doesn’t stop when the world seems to, and close encounters of the naked kind might just be the first step in something much more complicated than either of them bargained for. Life, though, is for living, after all.

My Review:

I can't believe we're here.  We are at the end of the Gallagher Brothers series and  Carrie Ann Ryan saved the very best for last.  I have really enjoyed getting to know these brothers, their ladies, and having the chance to keep up with my favorite Montgomery clan through them.  I feel content with the end and with the belief that we haven't seen the end of these characters either. With Carrie Ann Ryan's coming spin off series I think that we will get our peek into the Gallagher's lives like we did with the Montgomery but while being content I am sad that it is over.  This is one of those series that you would like to go on and on because these characters become more than just 'some character' in a book they become a part of your book family.  They are the characters that stay close to your heart, that leave their mark in one way or another and no Gallagher more than Murphy gave that to me. Murphy and Tessa's story is a challenging one to read.  It is an emotional roller coaster and it is beautiful.  it is a story about living life to it's fullest and following your heart even when it is scary. 

Hope Restored was such a dichotomy for me.  It is a book full of both fear and hope.  A book about laughter and tears, it is a book about hate and love.  Each of these elements play off one another in such a way that you, the reader, are constantly up and then down with your emotions, but Carrie Ann is able to capture all these feelings in such a way that you know this is how life must feel when you are battling for your future.  It can't always be sadness but neither can it all be happy.  How unsatisfied as readers would we have been if the author had filled this book with depression and regret, or had she ignored the sad parts and tried to turn a life threatening situation into a comedy?  We would not have been able to connect because whether it is a situation we had personally gone through or not there would have been no truth behind the thoughts and feelings of the characters.  Carrie Ann Ryan pulled it all together seamlessly, she gives use peek int o the hard reality of life with cancer, the desire to be strong when you are at your weakest, the fear that you won't make it, and the belief that you can and must.  I loved how we were able to see these feelings from all sides, from Murphy as he personally battles, from Tessa as she stands beside him, loving him and fearing that if she loves him she may lose him but that if she doesn't she will lose everything.  From the family who have been here with him before and know the roles they need to play but are terrified that this will be the time where treatment doesn't work.  At the base of Hope Restored is a beautiful story that I believe Carrie Ann wrote in a desire to give us all a sense of hope, whether it is to fight an immense battle or just the hope and courage to smile on a Monday, or if you are me, Tuesday.  Seriously Tuesday's are the worst, except for the book releases, ha.

Of course there is more to the book than a lesson in hope, there is the relationship between Tessa and Murphy, which is honestly so adorable, they have that easy going ability that allows them to joke and be silly all while being completely open and honest with one another.  They are so SO swoon-worthy, hellooooooo there Mr. Murphy.  You know how these Gallagher boys are and Murphy WILL NOT disappoint.  There is the little bit of suspense that you have come to know and love in a Carrie Ann Ryan book.  I will say that I caught on fairly quickly to the idea of what was happening but once we get down into the nitty gritty of it all it is still pretty shocking.  I loved the growth of Tessa the most.  While Murphy's battle is the central role in the book he knows deep down who he is. Tessa on the other hand is still unsure of herself and of how to move on from her past, leaving behind years of regret and pain. Tessa's character development is powerful.  Watching her realize certain things about her life as she goes through this struggle with Murphy is a reminder that it is never too late to discover who you are and be who you were always meant to be.  

Hope Restored is hands down my favorite Gallagher story, I think most people will be hard pressed not to find that as their outcome as well after reading it.  It is a moving story of love and hope with all the trademark sexiness and suspense that you want from a Carrie Ann Ryan book.  

~ HAPPY READING ~ 

Trailer:

About Carrie Ann Ryan:

Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Talon Pack, and Gallagher Brothers series, which have sold over 2.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over fifty novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not writing about bearded tattooed men or alpha wolves that need to find their mates, she’s reading as much as she can and exploring the world of baking and gourmet cooking.

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The Beauty of Us by Kristen Proby - Excerpt Reveal

   

From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes a sexy, new standalone contemporary romance in her Fusion Series, THE BEAUTY OF US, releasing August 22, 2017! 

Check out the chapter below and get to know Trevor and Riley!

   

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Book Description:

New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby delivers another sizzling novel in her delectable and sexy Fusion series.

Riley Gibson is over the moon at the prospect of having her restaurant, Seduction, on the Best Bites TV network. This could be the big break she’s been waiting for. But the idea of having an in-house show on a regular basis is a whole other matter. Their lives would be turned upside down, and convincing Mia, her best friend and head chef of Seduction, that having cameras in her kitchen every day is a good idea is daunting. Still, Riley knows it’s an opportunity she can’t afford to pass on. And when she meets Trevor Cooper, the show’s executive producer, she’s stunned by their intense chemistry.

Trevor’s sole intention is to persuade Riley to allow Best Bites TV to do a show on her restaurant. But when he walks into Riley’s office, he stops dead in his tracks. The professional, aloof woman on the phone is incredibly beautiful and funny. But can he convince her that he’s interested in Riley for himself? Or is he using the undeniable pull between them to persuade her to agree to his offer?

      

And Don’t Miss the First Three Novels in the Fusion Series, LISTEN TO ME, CLOSE TO YOU, and BLUSH FOR ME!

       

  Chapter 2 Reveal

  ~Trevor~

 I didn’t sleep worth shit last night. I waited for a response to my e-mail from Riley for a while; I’m not exactly sure why. I just don’t like the thought of her being embarrassed. Because she has no reason to be. She didn’t know who I was, and it was closing time. She was venting to her friends. It’s really no big deal. But I could see the mortification in her big blue eyes when she realized who I was, and that doesn’t sit well with me. When no response came, and for all I know she hasn’t even read the e-mail yet, I sat down for a game on the PS4. I don’t travel anywhere without it. Some people read to unwind. Some go to the gym, and there are times I do the same. But to truly relax, I enjoy gaming. I have since I was a kid. So I settled in the apartment the network has rented for me this month and played online with my friends, talking about our days and shooting the enemy. We played well past midnight, and I usually would have gone right to bed afterward, but my mind was still turning, making falling asleep impossible. The restaurant is better than I imagined through my research on their website and customer reviews. It’s visually stunning, the food is fantastic, and they’ve hit the mark on the sexy factor. But added to that, the five women who own the place are all beautiful, smart, and will make for great TV. Viewers will eat this show up, pun intended. I lean over the sink and wash my face, not bothering to shave today, and as I dry off, I reach for my phone. I have several new e-mails. The most recent is from Riley Gibson. Trevor, Thank you for your kind email. I apologize again for the conversation last night. I would like to promise that we don’t always talk like that at work, but that would be a lie. At least we keep it to closing time over a glass of wine. Enjoy Portland, Riley I grin and sling the towel over my bare shoulders. Riley isn’t what I had pictured in my head before I got here. I knew that she was pretty because their photos are on their website, but she’s much prettier in person. And animated. Working with her will be fun. And a test to my libido. Because Riley is fucking sexy. I’ve never mixed business and sex before, and I don’t plan to start now, but keeping my hands off her will be a test of wills. And that too should be fun. After my run this morning, I stopped by a bagel place to eat and read a newspaper, came back to the apartment for a shower, and I think I’ll go to Seduction for lunch. I hadn’t planned to go back there until my meeting with Riley tomorrow, but I also haven’t had lunch there yet. I dress quickly in jeans and a red T-shirt and walk the six or so blocks to the restaurant. They’ve just opened, so they’re not busy yet. The atmosphere is calm, the lighting a bit brighter than last night, making it a fun spot to meet with colleagues or friends for lunch. I’m seated on the far side of the restaurant, where it meets the bar, and I can see Riley and the other women sitting around a high table, talking. Loud enough for me to hear. “So, he’ll be here tomorrow. Filming doesn’t start for another week, unless the timetable has been moved up,” Riley says, studying her iPad and checking things off a list. “It would be great if we could watch our language.” “Right,” Mia says, rolling her eyes. “Because that’s gonna happen.” “Just watch the F-bombs then,” Riley says with a grin. “And I’ll do my best not to vent to him about my horrible dating experiences. Not that I’ll be having any more of those.” “I wish I’d been here for that,” Addie says with a smile. “It’s hilarious.” “No, it’s not,” Riley says, but smiles and covers her lips with her fingers. “Okay, it’s a little funny. I’ll be working from home today.” “Why?” The blonde speaking, I presume Cami, asks. “Because I have a roofer coming today,” Riley says. “But if you need me, just call. I can come back after he leaves.” “Go.” Mia waves her off. “We’ve got this.” The girls all stand, about to go their own ways to get their day started. They’re clearly good friends, which will come across well on film. Riley walks out of the bar and glances up, spotting me. “Hi.” I offer her a smile and motion for her to join me. She sits, sets her iPad aside, and squares her shoulders. I love a woman with grit. “Why are you here?” she asks. “I’m having lunch,” I reply, and gesture to the salad sitting in front of me. “It’s delicious. Adding the brussels sprouts is smart.” “I’ll pass that along to Mia,” she says, and then laughs. “I guess you heard the part where I asked the girls to not swear.” “I did,” I reply, and patiently butter a piece of warm bread. “Don’t worry about that stuff. They’re adults.” “With potty mouths,” she says. “And we can bleep stuff out, or ask them to rephrase. You’ve already got the gig, Riley. I wouldn’t be here otherwise. This isn’t an audition.” “I know.” She sighs and reaches over to take a piece of my bread, surprising and delighting me. “I just want things to go smoothly.” “Perhaps you should order lunch too.” “I don’t have time,” she says, and then her blue eyes widen as she realizes what she just did. “I’m so sorry. I eat when I’m stressed out, and I didn’t—” “No.” I hold my hand up to stop her. “It’s fine. I like that you’re relaxed with me. I think you need to relax more often.” “What are you, my life coach now?” “If you like. Did you cancel those dating sites like I suggested?” She bites her lip and looks to the side, then nods. “I did.” “Good.” I take a bite of salad and nod. “Are you sure you don’t want some food?” “I rarely have time to eat,” Riley says, and checks the time on her phone. “In fact, I should go. I have to meet the roofer at my house.” “What’s wrong with your roof?” “It’s old,” she says with a shrug. “That’s what happens when you buy an old house. I’m fixing it up a little at a time.” I nod, and find that I don’t want her to go quite yet. I want to talk more, to learn more about her. “Why don’t you come to my apartment tonight and I’ll cook you dinner?” She pauses and stares at me for a moment. “Why?” I laugh and set my fork down. “Because I asked you to. We’re going to be working closely over the next few weeks, we might as well get to know each other a little better. Also, we can discuss my new duties as your life coach.” “Well.” Her lips twitch as she thinks it over for a moment, a myriad of emotions moving across her beautiful face, and finally she says, “Okay. Do you mind texting me the address and the time?” “Not at all,” I reply, and immediately pass her my phone. “Plug in your number and I’ll text you this afternoon.” She complies, passes it back, and smiles. “Okay, see you later.” And with that, she’s off. Her ass swaying enticingly in her tight skirt, calves flexing from the height of her heels, and the food I’m currently chewing immediately tastes like cardboard. Jesus. And I just voluntarily offered to spend time with her. Alone. I’m a fucking glutton for punishment. [no ornament] “I’m starving,” Riley immediately says as I open the door. She’s in jeans and a well-loved University of Oregon sweatshirt, her hair is pulled up in a ponytail, and she looks like she could be a co-ed herself. “I forgot to eat today.” “Does that happen every day?” I ask as I gesture for her to come inside and close the door behind her. “Most days,” she admits. “Is this one of those bad choices that you’re gonna coach me through?” “Yes,” I reply, and lead her into the kitchen. “You have to eat.” “I know, I just get focused on other things, and the next thing I know, the day is gone and I’m starving.” She passes me two bottles of wine. “I didn’t know what we were having, so I brought red and white.” “Thanks.” I grin and set them both on the counter. “I made salmon and asparagus with baby red potatoes. What goes best with that?” Her eyes light up. “The white. Holy shit, are you a chef yourself?” “I went to culinary school,” I reply, and squeeze some lemon on the salmon before plating it. “But I discovered I was better at a desk job.” “That’s unusual,” she says, her head tilted to the side as she listens. “Most people fight to get out of a desk job.” “Not me. I have a ton of respect for Mia, because being a chef isn’t easy, and pleasing people sucks.” “True.” Riley nods. “She doesn’t get many plates sent back to her, but there are a few. Can I pour you a glass?” “No thanks,” I reply, and reach in the fridge for a bottle of water. “I don’t drink alcohol.” “Oh.” She frowns. “I’m sorry. I can drink water too.” “It’s fine,” I reply, and pat her shoulder. “I don’t mind if you drink. I just don’t.” “But last night, you were drinking Jack and Coke.” “Nope, just Coke.” She sits at the table, still frowning. “I’m sorry.” “There’s nothing to be sorry for.” I set our plates down. “I’ve been sober for ten years. I’m not the kind of alcoholic who can’t be around others having a drink. It was never that bad for me. I’m just a better person if I don’t drink.” “Good for you for knowing that,” she says, holding her glass out to clink against my water. “This looks delicious.” “You sound surprised.” “I expected pizza or Chinese takeout,” she says. “Honestly, that’s probably what you would have gotten from me. I’m also surprised that you’re not staying in a hotel.” “I’m here long enough that the network sprung for the apartment. They usually do when I’m somewhere longer than a week or so.” “You must travel a lot for this job,” she says, eating her food like a starving child. I don’t know if she even tastes it, she’s eating so fast. “I travel often,” I reply, and grin when she takes the last bite. “Are you going to lick the plate?” “Maybe,” she says with a grin. “I’m not even embarrassed that I ate that so fast. It was delicious.” “I’m glad you liked it. There’s more.” “No, I’m good,” she says, and reaches in her bag, pulling out a pad of paper and a pen. “You can eat while I interview you.” “For what?” “For the position of life coach,” she says with a sassy grin. I want to kiss that grin right off her face, but instead I take a bite of potato and gesture for her to begin. “Okay, first question: What qualifications do you have that make you a good fit for this position?” “Well, I have a few years on you, so I would say wisdom with age.” She tilts her head to the side, the way she does when she’s turning something over in her head. “You can’t be that much older than me.” “I’m thirty-seven.” “Seven years,” she says, rolling her eyes. “A lot can happen in seven years,” I reply, and sip my water. “Okay, I’ll give you that.” She checks something off on her paper. “Did you really write down questions?” “Of course. I’m the queen of lists and the roofer was at my house forever.” She bites her lip as she looks at her list. “How many women have you life-coached in the past?” “Well, I didn’t have an official job title, but I have two younger sisters, and an ex-wife, so I would say three.” “But the wife is an ex, so maybe that did go well?” Riley asks. “And are your sisters productive members of society?” “As opposed to being in jail?” I ask, laughing. “You’re hilarious, Riley.” “You didn’t answer the question.” “My sisters are great. The older one is married, a stay-at-home mom with two kids, and the younger one is a waitress.” “But the ex-wife thing didn’t work out.” “She’s not a mess, we just both decided that she shouldn’t be my wife anymore.” “Why?” I sit back in my chair and wipe my mouth on my napkin. “Because she thought it was a good idea to have sex with other men.” Her eyebrows climb on her forehead and she blinks twice. “That’s a good reason.” “I thought so.” “Okay, next question.” She checks something on her paper and looks up at me with a smile. “How do you intend to be compensated for your work?” “I’m working pro bono,” I reply with a wink. “Why?” “Because I’m going to be here anyway, and why not.” I shrug and finish the food on my plate. “What else do you want to know?” “Is my coming to a virtual stranger’s apartment by myself one of the bad decisions you should have coached me on?” I smile and set my plate aside so I can lean on the table. “Did the girls tell you that coming here by yourself was a bad idea?” “I only talked to Cami and she thought I should come. Plus, I have a concealed carry, so I feel pretty confident that I’m safe.” I raise a brow and cross my arms over my chest. “You carry a gun with you?” “Hell to the yes,” she replies, and offers me a sweet smile. “I’ve been meeting strange men on the Internet. You bet your ass I’ve been armed.” “Good idea,” I reply with a nod. “There are a lot of crazies out there.” “Yes. But I think that if you’re gonna meet a crazy, it could be anywhere. Online, in a bar, at the gas station. They’re everywhere.” “That’s true too,” I reply, and nod. “Well, I’m glad you’re being cautious.” “I’m nobody’s victim,” she says, as casually as if she’s telling me her shoe size. That’s fucking sexy. “Do you have any other questions?” “Not really,” she says, and shrugs. “I didn’t really write anything down. But it was fun to interrogate you a bit.” “Now I have questions,” I reply, and smile when she cocks her head and purses her lips. “Do you really think you need a life coach?” “No, I have my shit together,” she says with a grin. “Why were you really on all of those sites?” She shrugs. “Because it’s not easy meeting people. And sometimes a girl wants to go out on a date.” “You don’t need me,” I reply, and smile. “But I’ll be around for a while, just in case.” “Just in case I slip and fall back into the online dating?” “That, or if you just want to have dinner, or chat. And I think we should watch a marathon of Star Wars. Your lack of knowledge is cause for concern.” “It’s kind of a guy thing,” she says. “I know many women who like Star Wars.” “Well, I would watch one or two.” “You need to see them all to understand what’s happening.” “That’s a lot of hours of my life that I’ll never get back,” she says with a frown. “Aren’t there CliffsNotes somewhere? A speedy way to get caught up?” “No,” I reply, and fist my hands in my lap so I don’t reach out and tuck her hair behind her ear. Or yank her against me so I can kiss the fuck out of her. “Are you okay?” she asks. “Are you always this observant?” “I’m an overthinker,” she says. “So yeah, I’m an observer.” “I’ve been labeled an overthinker too,” I say with a grin. “Would you say it’s an accurate assessment?” “Oh yeah,” I say with a nod, and stand to clear our plates away. She stands to help. “I’ve got this.” “No way, you cooked, so I’ll help clean.” She walks ahead of me, her empty glass in one hand and her plate in the other. “Do you use the dishwasher, or do you wash by hand?” “There are people who still wash by hand?” “I’ve heard of them, but I’ve never seen them in the wild,” she says, and smiles up at me when I join her. “So I guess that means we use the dishwasher?” “Yes.” She rinses and I load, and a few short minutes later, we’re done. “Well, I suppose I should go,” she says, and checks the time on her phone. “Oh, Cami texted. I guess I should reply so she doesn’t think you killed me after the entrée.” She smirks and types on her phone, then turns it off and looks up at me. “Thanks for dinner.” “You’re welcome.” “I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” Unfortunately, it won’t be in my bed. “You will.” “Okay.” She gathers her bag, notepad and pen, and walks to the door. “Sleep well tonight.” I grin and congratulate myself for not dragging my fingertips down her cheek. “You sleep well tonight, Riley.” “Okay. Bye.” She leaves and I close the door, letting out a slow breath. Jesus, she’s sexy and funny and smart as fuck. And I’m not going to touch her while I’m here. How the fuck am I going to do that?  

Don’t miss the first chapter of THE BEAUTY OF US! You can read it here!

   

About Kristen Proby: New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle and Love Under the Big Sky series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong, humorous characters with a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves.   Kristen lives in Montana, where she enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.    

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Drunk Dial by Penelope Ward - Cover Reveal

We are excited to bring you the upcoming standalone from New York Times, USA Today, and #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Penelope Ward.

 DRUNK DIAL will release on AUGUST 21!

   

Cover designer: Letitia Hasser,  RBA designs Cover Model: Vadim Ivanov, Cover Photography: Kevin Roldan

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 (No Amazon e-book preorder. Will go live on/around release day.)

Book Description:

    From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward, comes a new, sexy standalone novel.

It seemed like a good idea at the time. Look up Landon Roderick, that boy from childhood whom I’d never been able to forget—even though he so easily forgot about me—and call him. Then again, anything sounds like a good idea when you’ve had a little too much wine before bed, right? It was supposed to be just a quick, meaningless, prank call. Instead, I went off on him—unloading thirteen years of pent-up emotions. I didn’t think he’d call me back. I certainly could never have anticipated the weeks of sexually tense phone conversations that followed as I got to know the man he’d become. Turned out, Landon had never really forgotten me, either. That special connection we had was still there. I opened up to him, but there were also things about me he didn’t know. And he had his own secrets. Over the countless hours we talked on the phone, I wondered what would happen if we actually saw each other. One night, I did something impulsive again. Only this time, I went to the airport and booked a ticket to California. We were about to find out if one phone call could bring two lost souls together or if my drunk dial really was all just a big mistake. 

A complete STANDALONE.

     

 Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today, and #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling author of thirteen novels. With over a million books sold, her titles have placed on the New York Times Bestseller list sixteen times. She is the proud mother of a beautiful 12-year-old girl with autism (the inspiration for the character Callie in Gemini) and a 10-year-old boy. Penelope, her husband, and kids reside in Rhode Island.   

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Hard Wood by Lauren Blakely - Cover Reveal

   

HARD WOOD is coming October 23, 2017! 

A standalone romance told from the male Point-of-View, HARD WOOD is the final hot and hilarious book in the Big Rock series.

 Pre-order your copy today! Kindle users—stay tuned for the preorder right before release! And don’t miss the hot, new cover below!

   

Cover Design by Helen Williams with Photography by Wander Aguiar Photography

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Book Description:

Women often say a good man is hard to find. And a hard man is even better.

That’s why I’m quite a catch— good, hard, loaded, and wait for it…I’m ready to settle down too. But the woman I want to pitch my tent with is precisely the one I need to stay far away from.

After that fantastic night with Mia Summers, I’m ready to give her many more. But there’s a hitch in my plans — she just hired my company. If there’s one thing I’m committed to, it’s running a squeaky clean adventure tour business. One of the iron-clad rules?

Don’t screw your customers.

I can follow my own guidelines. After all, it’s only a week-long trip with Mia and her employees over the trails and down the hills I guide them on. I can obey the rules—even if it’s hard in the woods.

I’m about to give myself a badge of honor when the storm of the century hits, sending everyone else running for cover, but us—my biggest temptation and me, alone for a long weekend. You don’t screw the client, especially when you’re already in love with her . . .

But what’s a guy to do when she’s so hard to resist?

       

PREORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

     

About Lauren Blakely: A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that's hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she's sold more than 2 million books. In September, she'll release MOST VALUABLE PLAYBOY, a standalone sports romance. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter      

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