Real Kind of Love by Sara Rider - Spotlight, Excerpt, and Giveaway

In REAL KIND OF LOVE by Sara Rider, Clem and Jake have one week to convince her quirky, overbearing family that their relationship is real during a summer vacation at a lakefront cottage.

 Fans of ACT LIKE IT by Lucy Parker and ACTING ON IMPULSE by Mia Sosa will love this spicy, lighthearted contemporary romance novel featuring a grumpy hero and introverted heroine. 

Find out what happens when a fake relationship turns into a real kind of love.

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Book Description:

As an audiobook narrator, Clementine Cox has no trouble mastering the voices of space aliens, elven warriors, or even demon-possessed cats. But the moment she tries her hand at an erotic romance, she’s stumped. With her deadline looming, she books a week at a secluded cabin to restore her inner muse, telling her loving-but-overbearing family it’s a romantic getaway with her not-so-existent new boyfriend to keep them from worrying. She never expects them to invite themselves along to meet the new guy. Now, she has less than twenty-four hours to find a pretend boyfriend in order to save her job and, potentially, her sanity.

Workaholic Jake Donovan isn’t interested in a real relationship. After a broken engagement, all he wants to do is focus on keeping his brewpub, the Holy Grale, afloat. But when he finds out his favorite customer is in need of a fake boyfriend, and his business partners insist he take a long overdue vacation, he has no choice but to help Clem out. All he has to do is enjoy the sunshine, play nice with her family, and keep his hands to himself for the week. 

But Jake’s not prepared to like waking up next to Clem every morning as much as he does. Or to feel so welcome by her quirky family. And as the line between real and fake starts to blur, he realizes one week might never be enough.

REAL KIND OF LOVE Excerpt

Copyright © 2018 Sara Rider

With a deep breath, she opened her eyes to see Jake standing in front of her with his arms crossed. She swallowed the bile rising in her throat, reminding herself that if mortification could actually kill, she’d have been a pile of ashes by now. 

“Tomorrow?” 

“Thanks for playing along. For the record, you die of Ebola tonight. Or dysentery. Whichever one works faster.” 

“Clem.” He tilted his head toward her, voice deepening to a low growl. “Why do your sisters think we’re dating?”

“I kind of told them I was going on a romantic getaway this week so they wouldn’t tag along on my vacation. Except instead of giving me space, they booked the cabin right next door and now I need you to use that hammer to build me a tiny little coffin while I curl up and die.” 

“Wait a second,” Julia said from the dining room doorway with Eli standing next to her, grinning. “You lied to your family about having a boyfriend and now they think Jake is coming with you on vacation tomorrow?” 

“Of course you and Eli overheard,” she mumbled. “I know it was a terrible idea but—”

“It’s a great idea!” 

Clem wiped her clammy palms against the ugly pair of basketball shorts she was still wearing and tried to fathom the reason for Julia’s wide grin. “Sure, if you think watching me dig myself into a deep hole with no escape is fun.”

“You don’t need an escape. You need Jake.”

“What?” Her and Jake’s gazes met like a head-on collision. 

Eli rubbed his palms together. “I don’t know what devious idea is churning in your brain, Sis, but I have a feeling it’s going to be good.”

“It’s simple. I need Jake to get out of my hair for the next week before he micromanages the wedding I’ve been planning to death, and you need a fake boyfriend. It’s perfect.”

It would be perfect, the devil on Clem’s shoulder whispered. Her family was so desperate to see her in a relationship, they’d probably actually give her some space this week. Maybe even enough that she could focus on the recording she needed to turn over to the publisher two weeks from now. 

But it was a ridiculous idea. There was no way Jake would go for it. He had a business. A life. A fiancée. Crap. “You can’t be serious?”

“Sorry, man,” Eli said, raising his palms. “My vote’s with Julia. We outnumber you.”

Jake’s jaw clenched so hard, Clem could see the pulse point ticking in his neck. Her heart thumped against her chest as she waited for him to laugh at her. Or shake his head in disgust. Because there was no way he would actually go through with this. 

She braced herself for rejection as he turned toward her, expression grim. “I’m game if you are.”

Holy shit.

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About Sara Rider:

Sara Rider writes contemporary romance full of heart, heat, and happily ever after. She lives in British Columbia with her husband and daughters. She spends far too much time in public libraries and never leaves the home without her e-reader stuffed in her purse.



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Undone by Elisabeth Naughton - Review and Giveaway

Undone

by Elisabeth Naughton 

Publication Date: June 5, 2018 

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

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Author: Elisabeth Naughton

Publication Date:  5 June 2018

Publisher: Elisabeth Naughton Publishing, LLC

Series:  House of Sin, book 3

Genre:  Contemporary Romance, Dark

Age Recommendation: 18 and Up

Rating: 5 Stars

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

Behind the doors of the House of Sin, no one is ever safe… I love him. It’s the only truth that matters now. I’ve cast my old life aside and given myself fully to his wants and desires, to the fire he alone ignites inside me. And together, we’ve found strength and salvation in each other. But there are evil forces, people who see me as a threat that must be undone. I trust that our love can withstand any test, but I can’t ignore the growing shadows lurking beyond our door. Because I understand now that those shadows are not waiting to destroy me as I once feared. They’ve come for him. To steal him away from me for good. And to finally and completely engulf him in a sinister world he’s eluded for so long. In the inescapable darkness of the House of Sin… 

My Review:

This was an interesting series for me, one that I will admit in the beginning I wasn't sure I was going to like it, but by the end I was completely enraptured with.  

Throughout the series we have watched Natalie and Luc fall into a deep and honest love.  There were moments of frustration with them where I almost put the book down and stepped away from it, but when all is said and done their mutual lust and first sight becomes a bond that can be torn away and I loved that about this story.  I loved that even when one of them was all drama they never let it stay with them for long.  They learned the very hard lesson of trust and communication and it tool all three books to get there, but it was worth it in the end.  

As odd as it may seem, another thing I loved were the truly emotionally painful moments. This book has some pretty darn moments, moments that might leave the reader completely disgusted with the nature of the 'Sin' that occurs, and honestly it should.  It should leave you appalled at what these people think acceptable and even at times I was appalled with Luc for not standing up to fight it sooner.  I see his reasoning but at the same time you just want to yell at him to make it all stop.  It does all come to a head in the most dramatic ways, and it will leave you shocked at the brutality of it but also cheering because finally, FINALLY the good guys are winning.  

Thankfully for us, the reader, Elisabeth does a wonderful job of taking these harsh moments and bringing them back down and luckily it's mostly through some pretty damn hot steamy moments, ha. I also loved that her characters acknowledged that they used sex as a way to communicate with each other, to find their common and stable ground.  I read so many romance books where every time the characters have a problem the have sex and suddenly everything is okay.  There was a moment in this story where I started to feel that, ugh, not again...can't you just talk to one another feeling but just at that age moment Luc recognized that they weren't fixing their relationship but by having these steam filled moments they were reconnecting and allowing themselves to take a moment and remember who they are together.  It was a really bright spot for me to have the characters say 'yeah, we know, every time you turn around we're making up in a bed but we aren't, not really, we're just coming back together so that we can talk.'   

I really adored this love story, even without all the drama that unfolded around them.  They took us on quite the ride but each step of the way they showed the reader that love does not come easy, it must be worked on, couple must trust in one another, they must communicate, they must forgive.  In the end I love the way it wrapped up for Natalie and Luc, it honestly could not have ended any better...wait, well unless someone took care of Luc's mom, I would have been all down for that, but maybe she'll get hers yet because I’m going crazy feeling like this is not quite the end....dun dun duuuuuuunnnnnn.  Elisabeth Naughton wraps of Luc and Natalie's story, they are HEAing it up right now and I am so happy for them but she leaves just this little hanging possibility that the story isn't quite over and I am totally ready for more!  

~ HAPPY READING ~

Fine out more about the 

First Books in the Series:

Deceived

by Elisabeth Naughton 

Publication Date: May 15, 2018 

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

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Some doors were never meant to be opened… 

 I made a fateful mistake. I should never have peeked behind the doors into his forbidden world. But I did, and now I’m a prisoner. Trapped by the man I thought I loved. The man I once foolishly trusted. The man who, despite his lies and deception, I continue to crave. He can melt my resolve with one rough, whispered demand, and I feel myself giving in to the desire he still stirs inside me. And yet, if I want to survive, I must find a way to escape. Because if I don’t, I’m afraid I’ll be consumed by a shadowy world that will ultimately destroy me. 

  Lost forever in his wicked House of Sin…

Forbidden

by Elisabeth Naughton 

Publication Date: April 24, 2018 

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

She has no idea what lurks behind the forbidden doors of the House of Sin… 

 He is temptation. Forbidden fruit. A craving I can’t seem to resist. I went after him in search of answers, certain he had blood on his hands. Now I’ve fallen prey to his seductive looks and commanding charisma. I know he is a threat. He’s entwined in a dangerous world I don’t understand. But that doesn’t stop me from aching for his touch, for the taste of his wicked lips. Before I can truly surrender to the fire smoldering between us, I need to know more. I have to see behind the doors he keeps firmly locked. I need to discover what he’s hiding in the shadowy world known as the House of Sin… 

  **WARNING!** This book is very sexy, very dark, and very addictive! Contains consensual kink and a dark and dominant hero with a dangerous secret.

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About Elisabeth Naughton

 Before topping multiple bestseller lists—including those of the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal—award winning author Elisabeth Naughton taught middle school science. A voracious reader, she soon discovered she had a knack for creating stories with a chemistry of their own. The spark turned into a flame, and Elisabeth now writes full-time. Elisabeth has penned over thirty books and continues to write in multiple genres. Her books have been translated into numerous languages and have earned several award nominations, including three prestigious RITA® nominations from Romance Writers of America. In 2017, REPRESSED, the first book in her Deadly Secrets series, won the RITA® for best romantic suspense. Her work has been praised by the Chicago Tribune as being filled with “deadly intrigue, high adrenaline action, and scorchingly hot passion.” Kirkus calls her “a writer talented enough at weaving a yarn to get her readers ensnared in it.” When not dreaming up new stories, Elisabeth can be found spending time with her husband and three children in their western Oregon home, wrangling two needy cats, or chasing after one very rambunctious Dalmatian.

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The Darkest Warrior by Gena Showalter - Waiting on Wednesday

   

The Queen of Paranormal Romance, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Gena Showalter, returns with THE DARKEST WARRIOR, a searing Lords of the Underworld tale featuring a beastly prince and the wife he will wage war to keep. 

Pre-order your copy of THE DARKEST WARRIOR today!

   

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Book Description:

He is ice…

Puck the Undefeated, host of the demon of Indifference, cannot experience emotion without punishment, so he allows himself to feel nothing. Until her. According to ancient prophecy, she is the key to avenging his past, saving his realm and ruling as king. All he must do? Steal her from the man she loves—and marry her.

She is fire…

Gillian Shaw has suffered many tragedies in her too-short life, but nothing could have prepared the fragile human for her transition into immortality. To survive, she must wed a horned monster who both intrigues and frightens her…and become the warrior queen she was born to be.

Together they burn.

As a rising sense of possession and obsession overtake Puck, so does insatiable lust. The more he learns about his clever, resourceful wife, the more he craves her. And the more time Gillian spends with her protective husband, the more she aches for him. But the prophecy also predicts an unhappily-ever-after. Can Puck defeat fate itself to keep the woman who brought his deadened heart back to life? Or will they succumb to destiny, losing each other…and everything they’ve been fighting for?

      

  About Gena Showalter: Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the spellbinding Lords of the Underworld and Angels of the Dark series, two young adult series--Everlife and the White Rabbit Chronicles--and the highly addictive Original Heartbreakers series.  In addition to being a National Reader's Choice and two time RITA nominee, her romance novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan (Red Hot Read) and Seventeen magazine, she's appeared on Nightline and been mentioned in Orange is the New Black--if you ask her about it, she'll talk for hours…hours!  Her books have been translated in multiple languages. She’s hard at work on her next novel, a tale featuring an alpha male with a dark side and the strong woman who brings him to his knees. You can learn more about Gena, her menagerie of rescue dogs, and all her upcoming books at genashowalter.com or Facebook.com/genashowalterfans  

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Whiskey Reveals by Carrie Ann Ryan - Chapter Reveal

We're less than a week way from the release of WHISKEY REVEALS by Carrie Ann Ryan, but you can read the first chapter now! Be sure to check it out below!

 

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Book Description:

One whiskey-saturated night turns into something far more in the second standalone installment of the bestselling Whiskey and Lies series from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan.

Fox Collins likes his life just the way it is. His siblings are falling in love all around him, but he'd much rather focus on his next story than on a serious relationship. However, when his latest one-night stand returns to Whiskey-this time for good-he'll need to learn to trust his instincts to figure out if he can live without her in his life.

Former dancer Melody Waters is finally ready to settle down in her grandmother's small Pennsylvania hometown. Bad decisions and fateful nights have changed her path more than once, but now she's focused on one thing: opening her new own dance studio. But fate is a funny thing, and once again, she'll be forced to learn that actions have consequences and some repercussions can not only change your life forever, they can also come back to haunt you…one broken promise at a time.

Each book is a complete stand alone and can be read in any order.

 

WHISKEY REVEALS releases 

June 12th 

- preorder your copy today!

 

Read the first chapter of 

WHISKEY REVEALS

Fox Collins never wanted to wake up. At least not while he was having the best damn dream of his life. He wasn’t necessarily fully asleep at the moment, but rather half dream-like snoozing, where he could wield his subconscious to finish the delicious dream he’d been having. Meaning, any sound could wake him up, and thinking about it too hard could also rip him from sleep. That meant he quickly shoved those too complicated thoughts out of his head to avoid waking and went back to the delectable blonde currently sucking his cock. Sadly, she was only his dream woman, not real, but he’d take what he could get since this was one damn sexy figment of his imagination. The fact that she was sort of based on a real person was, again, one of those thoughts he wasn’t going to think about since he wanted this part of his morning to continue. His blonde licked up his shaft, her tongue like magic and warmth and everything that made him want to come right there. But he held himself back— barely. She slowly sucked on the crown, the tip of her tongue playing with his slit, and his eyes mentally rolled to the back of his head, his body shaking both in and out of the dream. She was so damn sexy, all curves and softness. There was a strength to her, as well. Something that had taken him for a ride the one time they’d had sex out of his dreams, but he wasn’t going to focus on that either. Instead, he would only think about her on her knees on the bed in front of him, as he lay back to let her suck him down. She bobbed her head, her eyes meeting his as she took him whole. He didn’t reach out to touch her, didn’t let his hands follow the curves of her soft skin. As soon as he did that, he knew he’d wake up. He always did. Because he’d never be able to reach her. It was as if his brain wouldn’t allow him to remember exactly how perfect she felt in his arms— even if those memories were wrapped in a whiskey-laced fog. His blonde squeezed his dick, and his eyes crossed, his hips bucking off the bed. He shouted her name, but only her first since she’d refused to give him her last, and found himself awake in his bed, his stomach sticky, and his own hand wrapped around the base of his cock. He was alone, somewhat sated, and as he looked over at the clock on his nightstand… running late. “Well, Melody, it seems I just can’t quit you.” His voice sounded loud in the emptiness of his room, and he let out a sigh. Apparently, Fox wasn’t the best at one-night stands— even if he’d tried to be. And, now, the blonde from his single night playing with whiskey and fate haunted his dreams and his dick. He quirked a smile at that. A haunted dick? That could be a fun story to write. He might be the owner and editor of the Whiskey Chronicles, but he could take an afternoon and write a short story just for fun. It would keep his skills sharp, and frankly, he could use a laugh. It had been a long few months with deadline after deadline, and his dream woman continued to seep into his subconscious to the point where he wasn’t sleeping nearly enough. His second alarm went off on his phone, and he sighed. He’d jacked off in his sleep through the first one, and that meant he had no more time to stay wrapped in his sweaty sheets and brood. Plus, he wasn’t the broody brother, he let that title go to Loch— and maybe even Dare before he’d met Kenzie. And now, he was thinking about his brothers and his future sister-in-law while naked in bed because he didn’t want to get up and go to work. He’d officially hit rock bottom. Fox rolled out of bed, careful to keep his dick close to his stomach so he didn’t make more of a mess and went to clean himself up at least slightly. Before he even took a shower, he went back into his bedroom and stripped off his sheets. This was the second time this week he’d woken to a dream like that, and he was already getting tired of doing laundry. Knowing he needed coffee before he did anything else, he strode naked to his kitchen and made himself a cup while checking his email and looking over the news on his phone. He’d read the physical publications as well since he was in the paper business and tried to keep up with both formats, but for now, he just wanted to check on any headlines. And with the world as it was, it seemed there was almost hourly breaking news these days. That was one reason he liked living and working in Whiskey. It was not only his hometown where he knew every single person in residence— other than the tourists, of course— but it was also quiet enough most days that he could get to the heart of the town with its news rather than reading horror stories day in and day out. Maybe, at one time in his life, he’d have liked to be the hardcore reporter who worked on terrifying and heartbreaking news until the wee hours of the morning, but he’d learned long ago that he needed balance in his life in order to make his writing mean something. There needed to be substantial pieces of good news amongst the horrors, and finding a way to do that without looking as if they were merely fluff pieces was his juggling act. “And now I’m getting way too philosophical on half a cup of coffee. Not to mention, talking to myself.” He drained the rest of his mug and set it under the spout for when he got out of the shower and wanted his second cup. He was on a three-cup-a-day rule and would switch to water after his third, but he tended to drink all three at once. Probably not exactly what his doctor wanted, but it wasn’t as if he were going to change his habits anytime soon. Fox rolled his shoulders and, still naked, made his way back the bathroom so he could shower and finish getting ready for the day. For a man already late, he sure was taking his time. Of course, since he owned the paper, he could come and go as he pleased, but he didn’t like showing up after the rest of his staff. He needed to at least show some responsibility. Thoughts of his dream blonde filtered into his mind again, and his cock stiffened once more. Defeated, he looked down at his stiffening dick and frowned. “Traitor.” He didn’t live by his dick and actually needed to get to work, so it looked as though he’d be finishing up his shower as a cold one. Again. Damn it.  

Missed the first book in the WHISKEY AND LIES series? 

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 Book Description:

Sparks fly between a former cop-turned-bartender and his new innkeeper in the first installment of a Montgomery Ink spin-off series from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan.

Dare Collins is a man who knows his whiskey and women—or at least that’s what he tells himself. When his family decides to hire on a new innkeeper for the inn above his bar and restaurant, he’s more than reluctant. Especially when he meets the new hire. But he’ll soon find that he has no choice but to work with this city girl and accept her new ideas and the burning attraction between them.

Kenzie Owens left her old life and an abusive relationship behind her—or so she thought. She figures she’ll be safe in Whiskey, Pennsylvania but after one look at her new boss, Dare Collins, she might still be in danger, or at least her heart. And when her past catches up with her despite her attempts to avoid it, it’s more than her heart on the line. This time, it might mean her life.

 


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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Dirty Exes by Rachel Van Dyken - Release Day Blitz and Excerpt

Title: Dirty Exes

Series: Liars, Inc #1

Author: Rachel Van Dyken

Genre: New Adult
Release Date: June 5, 2018

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Book Description:

They’re serving up some red-hot revenge. A sizzling series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel van Dyken.

Blaire has never quite gotten over Jessie Beckett, the ex–NFL star whose kisses were hot enough to ignite the entire Eastern Seaboard. When he chose work over her, Blaire was left brokenhearted. Why else would she have married a skeezy two-timer, just to divorce him less than a year later?

Now Blaire is getting even by becoming one half of Dirty Exes, a PI firm fully committed to humiliating cheating jerks. If only the new jerk she’s been hired to uncover wasn’t Jessie Beckett himself.

Exposing Jessie isn’t going to be easy, especially when she still daydreams about his sexy smile. Further complicating matters is Colin, Jessie’s best friend. He’s gorgeous, a little bit cunning, and willing to help Blaire get the inside scoop on Jessie—for a price.

Now caught between two men—one totally right and the other totally wrong—Blaire will need to decide just how much she’s willing to risk…and whom she’s willing to risk it for.

Excerpt

“What’s with you and nakedness?”

“It’s how we’re born.” I smirked. “Easy.”

“I was also born with crooked teeth and no hair, so I should revert back to that?”

“Actually,” I licked my lips, “You were born without teeth, unless God made you extra special…” I pushed away from the counter. “Did he?”

She plastered her ass against the door and looked up at me. “Did he what?”

“Make you extra special?”

“Why are we in the bathroom?”

“It think it was a power move on your part, lock me in here, tell me how things are going to be, maybe add in a spanking and teach me my lesson—“

“—why do I even talk to you?” Blaire wondered out loud. 

“Because I’m not boring. Like some football players…”

“You never played football.”

“Guilty. I was more of a rugby sort of guy, what prick wears padding?”

She eyed me skeptically, “No offense but don’t Rugby players have a bit more…” She gulped and looked down past my waist, “Okay this is coming out wrong but… thicker—“

The more she talked the redder she got like she couldn’t bring her eyes up any higher without doing permanent damage to her retinas. 

I grinned so hard my face hurt. “Thicker?”

“Um,” She pressed a hand to her forehead. “Legs, damn it, legs!”

“Totally thought you were going somewhere else with that, spy girl.”

She made a face and crossed her arms. “Stop calling me that, it makes me feel young, stupid, and inexperienced.”

“Like a virgin?” I said helpfully. “Touched for the very first time?” She muttered out a dear God what did I do in a past life to deserve him.

I took it as a compliment and pressed my hands against the door on either side of her head. “I think you’re asking yourself the wrong question.”

She frowned, “I didn’t say anything.”

“No, but you’re thinking it.” I whispered. “You’re wondering what the hell you’re doing in here instead of out there.”

She swallowed and looked away. 

I tilted her face back towards mine, my finger and thumb cradling her chin. “The past always looks better through I got fucked over glasses.” I got a bit closer, so close I could taste the mint from her gum. “You think you still want him. You’re wrong.”

She inhaled sharply. “You don’t know me.”

“I know you blush from here,” I tapped her chin then ran my hand down the slim column of her neck until it pressed against her chest. “To here, when you get embarrassed,” I leaned in and whispered in her ear. “Or turned on.”

She blushed immediately. 

I kissed her neck and said. “Told you so.”

She shoved me away so fast I almost got whiplash. “This,” She took another deep breath. “This is business.”

“This?” I pointed between her and me. “Is more than business, but whatever helps you sleep at night spy girl… just be sure to let me know when you want it to get more personal because I’d love to see every inch of blush infused skin, and I’d love to eat my way—“

“—No.” Shed jammed her finger at me. “When I called you, you literally had to kick a woman out of bed.”

“Two, actually.” I shrugged, “Not that it matters.”

“See!”

“So? I like women.”

“I’m not them.”

“No,” I said seriously. “You’re not. If you were, this would already be finished.”

“There is no… this, or us, beyond you helping me get info on Jessie and Vanessa.”

“Sure.” I nodded. “Fine.”

“Why don’t I believe you?”

“Because I just lied.” I admitted with a grin, “But at least you know where I stand.”

“Oh yeah? Where’s that?”

“In front of you.” I smirked. “Obviously.” I walked towards her again and reached for the door knob, “Look I’m just a guy standing in front of a girl asking her to—“

“—finish that sentence and I’m going to show you my kung fu skills.”

Author Bio

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!

Want to be kept up to date on new releases? Text MAFIA to 66866!

You can connect with her on Facebook or join her fan group Rachel's New Rockin Readers. And make sure to check out her website.

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Order of Protection by Lexi Blake - Release Day Review and Excerpt

 

    

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Author: Lexi Blake

Publication Date:  5 June 2018

Publisher: 

Series:  Courting Justice, book 1

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Age Recommendation: 17 and UP

Rating: 

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

Book Description:

To high-end defense attorney Henry Garrison, Win Hughes is a woman he met during one of the most trying times of his life. She’s soft and warm, and he finds solace in their brief relationship. But Win has a secret. She’s actually Taylor Winston-Hughes—born to one of the wealthiest families in the country, orphaned as a child by a tragic accident. Win moves in the wealthiest circles, but her lavish lifestyle hides her pain. When her best friend is murdered in the midst of a glittering New York gala, Win’s charged with the crime, and the only person in the world she wants to see is Henry. Henry is shocked at the true identity of his lover, but he can’t reject the case. This case could take his new firm into the stratosphere. Still, he’s not getting burned by Win again. And yet every turn brings them closer together. As the case takes a wild turn and Win's entire life is upended, she must look to the people she's closest to in order to find a killer. And Henry must decide between making his case and saving the woman he loves…   

   

     

My Review:

This is classic Lexi Blake and I love it.  Order of Protection jumps right off the pages from the get go, as we learn about Henry and then Win.  I really loved how she gave us so much of Henry just from those first few pages, I pretty much fell in love with him instantly, much like Win, though I will say it didn't stay that way through out the book.  Dear sweet Henry has a bad habit of falling back on...well bad habits, mainly a bad attitude.  He was/is called the Monster of Manhattan for a reason and just when you think that man is gone he shows back up with force.  Luckily for us readers we have Win who doesn't have a problem putting him right back in the place he belongs, bringing us right back to the sweet broken Henry we meet in the beginning.

I loved Win, she is a fighter.  She is spit and vinegar but sugar and spice all rolled in to one.  I loved her strength and her ability to keep it together even when she seems at the end of her rope.  I will say in the beginning I was a bit taken aback by her forwardness and her straight up honesty, but it grows on you and you really start to admire her for those traits.  She's the girl you want at your back during any 'fight'.

I really enjoyed the suspense that Lexi always brings to her books.  It's not always 'OH MY GAH' I can't believe that just happened suspense, you'll figure some things out fairly quickly but others will take you by surprise in the best kind of ways.  I love that there is always the romance with a good does of action and drama in a Lexi Blake book and she definitely brings it here in Order of Protection.  She also has a way to really pull us into these characters lives, she makes them real, she gives them honest emotions, honest baggage.  They fight inner demons and personal battles that make them all that more relatable and likable.  I love how her characters always become a part of your family well before you close the final page on one of her books.

I am also really looking forward to more in this series.  I am very curious about David, the Ex-NFL player and Noah...a Lawless, I do love that Lawless family and was so excited when his name can across the pages.  I think that Lexi has another winner with her Courting Justice series and I hope that you'll pick it up and give it a try.  You do not have to have read the Lawless series to start this one.  It is a bit of a crossover with the characters but storylines aren't blurred or confusing if you haven't read them.

~ HAPPY READING ~ 

Excerpt:

   Henry glanced up at the clock. Two thirty p.m. Somehow he’d expected Win to show up bright and early this morning. He’d woken up and made a pot of coffee, and he’d gone over all the ways he would explain to her that this was a bad idea. Because it was still a bad idea. Alicia might have given in to Noah and Drew Lawless’s blackmail, but she would be back at some point. Then there was the fact that he dealt with unsavory clients on a daily basis. He took on high-profile cases and often got dragged through the mud along with the client. There were plenty of people out there who hated him. Loathed him and despised the very fact that he existed and cheered if he failed. He was used to it. Sweet little Win was not and would be horrified. So he was going to tell her how amazing their night together was and then turn her down gently. Except she hadn’t shown up and that bugged the hell out of him. She’d been the one to claim she would be here despite the fact that he’d told her not to come. She’d told him she didn’t care what he thought. It was perverse, but if he’d had her number, he might have called and said a few things about setting expectations and then not meeting them. He started another pot of coffee. This was completely foolish. She’d put some distance between the two of them and realized how little they had in common. At least one of them had some sense. The scent of French roast hit the air and he realized he was pro-crastinating. He was putting off the moment when he had to step back into the city and face the music. He would have to work his ass off to find anyone who wanted to hire a lawyer with his tarnished reputation. It didn’t matter that his addiction issues had never cost a client a dime. The perception would be there, and perception was over half the battle in life. He should pack up tonight and leave it all to the agent. It’s what he should have done yesterday, but he’d enjoyed spending time with David, showing him places on the island and telling him stories. It was time to go home now. Time to forget about pretending to be someone he couldn’t afford to be anymore. Time to put away thoughts of quiet and peace and get back to being the Monster of Manhattan. That was the only way he was going to survive. The Monster of Manhattan didn’t give in to urges. He plowed through all problems with a single-minded, ruthless intent. The Monster didn’t need attention, though he tended to get it. Attention didn’t matter to the Monster. Money mattered. Power mattered. He would get them both back. The Monster certainly didn’t need some do-gooder in his bed. He would select a woman, rationally discuss his needs with her, and pay her for her services, whether they be as a plus-one to gatherings or as a body in bed. That was how he would view it. Transactional. Transactional was safe. So he was going to stop being such a whiny asshole and be grateful that Win had some sense. A knock broke through the quiet of the house. He practically ran for the door. He opened it and there was Win, standing in the soft light of the afternoon, her hair up in a ponytail. She was wearing denim shorts and a blousy, feminine shirt. She had a bag of groceries in one hand and what looked like a duffel in the other. “I know you said I shouldn’t come back, but you’re wrong and I’m going to give you all my reasons why.” He didn’t care. She was here. He walked straight up to her and cupped that pretty face in his hands and kissed her for all he was worth. Fuck transactional. He wanted something real for once in his damn life. When he came back up, he was rewarded with a soft look in her eyes, her lips curving into a small smile. “No arguing with me?” He did have some problems they should discuss. “You’re late.” Her smile went brilliant. “I had some things to clear up. I thought if you didn’t mind, I might stay with you for a few nights.” He took the bag of groceries out of her hand and led her inside. “I think that sounds like a great idea.” “This is way easier than I thought it would be,” she admitted. “Have you had lunch? I could whip up some sandwiches and we could have a picnic.” He stashed the grocery bag in the fridge. She set down her duffel, and that made it much easier to scoop her up and into his arms. “I know exactly what I want for lunch.” Her eyes went wide, but she didn’t struggle at all. Her arms went around his shoulders as he carried her to the big bedroom. It had been cozy in his old room, but he needed more space if she was going to live here with him for a few weeks. He stopped at the edge of the big bed he’d had brought in after he’d inherited the place. It was the only room he’d redone, with the thought of spending long weekends with his friends up here. He never had managed the time, but now he was happy he’d spent the cash to do it because he could share it with her. The last few weeks of being Henry before going back to the real world. He set her down on the bed and pulled his shirt over his head. He wasn’t playing around this time. That was for later. It had been entirely too long since he’d had her. He needed her. He knew it was something he should question, even be slightly afraid of, but he didn’t care in the moment. All that mattered was she was here and he could put off any thoughts of letting her go for a few days. He could sink into her. She was his reward for every crappy thing he’d been through in the last couple of years.    

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

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