It’s that time of year again! As you know, there is nothing more that I love than challenging myself when it comes to the books I read. Whether it’s a new author, series, a genre that takes me out of my comfort zone or being able to tackle some books that have been on my tbr for far too long; I live for a good reading challenge. In the past few years, I stepped up my game not only with the books that I read but also by attempting to clear out that never-ending to-read list. As always, my challenges have been hard, but a ton of fun at the same time.
For 2023’s Reading Challenge, I really wanted to once again challenge myself and kick my never-ending to-read list’s butt!! And I am more than ready for the challenge……
Re-Read a favorite book A book by an author new to me A Contemporary Romance A New Adult Read A Biker Novel A Paranormal/Fantasy Romance A Sports Romance A Romantic Comedy A book chosen for its cover An Accidental Pregnancy Romance An Older Brother’s Best Friend Romance A Holiday Romance (any holiday) A Forbidden Romance A Billionaire Romance A Jilted Bride Romance A Workplace Romance A Fake Relationship A Marriage of Convenience My Favorite troupe A book with a red cover A Book with a One-Word Title A Book with a pink cover A Book with an illustrated cover A book set in a different country from where I currently live. 10 books on my TBR 6 New Releases A Rock Star Romance A Book picked by a friend A Dark/Taboo Romance A Historical Romance A Reverse Harem Romance An Enemies to Lovers Romance A book that will make you Ugly Cry A book with an Age Gap A book with Friends to Lovers A book with a Blue cover A Book with a White Cover A Book with no people on the cover A Book that will be made/has been made into a movie/tv show A Diversified Read A Romantic Suspense A Book with a black cover A book, where the main character is/, was in the military A Small-Town Romance A First Responder (Police Officer/Firefighter/EMT) A Second Chance Romance A Dystopian/Science Fiction Romance A Grumpy/Sunshine Romance A book with a yellow cover 2 Books that’s been on my tbr for 3 years or more A Book with a Purple Cover A Book by my favorite author A Royal Romance A book with a Cowboy on the cover A YA Book An Insta-Love Romance An Opposites Attract Romance A Forced Proximity Romance A Romance With A Bearded Man On Cover A Fighter/MMA Book Romance A Bad Boy Romance A Bully Romance Romance A Mafia Romance A Gothic Romance A Stand-alone Novel Finish A Series I Started 2 Novellas 3 Duets 1 Box Set
Jimmy’s always been the one who protected me—at any cost. I was content to let him clean up my messes. And when he kept his promise to get us out of our hometown and living the lives we always dreamed of, I was happy to pretend everything would be okay… for a while.
While Jimmy was able to leave the past behind, mine felt like a tattoo I could never scrub clean.
Jimmy thinks he can fix me—he tries, and tries, and tries.
Sometimes love isn’t enough to heal all the wounds from the past. Sometimes even your savior thinks you’re not worth saving.
And he’d be right… until everything changed.
Jimmy
I’ve loved Lilah for as long as I can remember.
And for as long as I can remember, she’s pushed down the traumas of her past until they became poison running through her veins, infecting everything she touched.
Watching the woman you love destroy herself piece by piece is the slowest, most painful form of torture I know.
Giving her up may be the only way to save her. But how do I just walk away from the one person I love most in this life?
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Rina Kent is an international bestselling author of everything enemies to lovers romance. Darkness is her playground, suspense is her best friend, and twists are her brain’s food. However, she likes to think she’s a romantic at heart in some way, so don’t kill her hopes just yet. Her heroes are anti-heroes and villains because she was always the weirdo who fell in love with the guys no one roots for. Her books are sprinkled with a touch of mystery, a healthy dose of angst, a pinch of violence, and lots of intense passion. Rina spends her private days in a peaceful town in North Africa daydreaming about the next plot idea or laughing like an evil mastermind when those ideas come together.
NYT Bestselling Author A.L. Jackson has a sneak peek of her upcoming single dad, fake fiancée romance, Promise Me Always. Coming January 30th!
“Go, go, go!” Tessa jumped up and down, rooting on Remy who’d thrown the Frisbee and was currently rounding the bases.
I scooped Scout into my arms, and he and I raced toward the Frisbee that’d rolled out the right side of the baseball field.
Scout was bouncing all over, his laughter filling the air, my little guy kicking my sides like I was a horse. “Hurry, Dad, hurry, Remy is so really fast, and we gotta catch her before she gets all the way to home base.”
I dipped down to snag the Frisbee, holding tight to Scout as I tipped him upside down, making him holler and laugh uncontrollably while Tessa was shouting, “You’re almost there, Remy! Whoop, whoop! Team Remy-T Wreckers coming in for the win. Yeah, baby!”
Scout’s eyes went wide. “Go, Dad! We gotta catch her. Rocket speed!”
I shifted him, tucking his side to mine so he could stretch out his arms like he was flying, and I was supplying the rocket propulsion as we bounded back the opposite direction, a bunch of sounds bubbling out of my mouth as I found a lightness I hadn’t felt in a long, long time.
Remy rounded third base.
Tessa jumped up and down on the pitcher’s mound, waving her hands in the air and cheering on my kid. “Go, Remy, go!”
Both their faces were red.
Joy radiated all around.
Guessed it was my joy, too.
This feeling in the air that might have been the best thing I’d ever felt.
Scout kept himself rigid, still zooming through the air. “After burners, Dad!”
I increased my speed a fraction.
Remy screamed and laughed as she ran for home, my daughter soaring free when her steps were often laden with reservation.
Her load too heavy.
I made sure that we just missed her as she stomped onto the base.
“Ahh, dang, you’re too fast.” I feigned the grumbled complaint while my little girl squealed in victory and shouted, “I did it! I did it!”
Tessa ran her way, her arms in the air. “You did it! You are a rockstar, Remington Hendricks!”
They jumped, high-fiving each other with both hands.
“Oh, man,” Scout whined. “We got a tie. How do we even know who’s the best?”
I pressed my lips to the top of his head. “Means we’re all the best, little man.”
“That’s Rocketman to you,” he told me.
A chuckle got free, and Tessa was giggling nonstop, her smile so bright, happiness this glow of warmth that surrounded her.
She poked Scout’s belly where I’d shifted him upright. “Pure awesomesauce, I tell you.”
He jumped out of my arms and into hers.
She caught him like she was completely accustomed to pint-sized shenanigans. “There’s my Rocketman! You’re off to Mars!” she sang as she swung him around.
Peals of his laughter rang in the air, and Remy moved to hold my hand, grinning in a way I hadn’t seen her do in so long that I’d almost forgotten what it looked like.
God, I wasn’t even sure how to navigate through it when I kept getting struck with an urge to capture it.
Hold it and protect it forever.
“Okay, I think that’s my favorite game.” Remy was almost shy to say it, though it was adrenaline and glee rushing all over her face.
“So fun!” Tessa agreed.
Everyone was panting with the exertion, sweat slicking our skin, and we moved back to where we had the blanket set up in the shade.
Tessa flopped down onto her back on it, Scout still held in her arms. Remy flopped right down beside her.
Tessa rolled her head in Remy’s direction so they were staring at each other where they lie on their backs. “Thank you for being on my team.”
“Best team ever.” Timidity might have filled Remy’s voice, but joy shined in her eyes.
They just sat there for a second, smiling at each other, something special moving between them.
Scout climbed off Tessa, and he crawled to the cooler and tossed open the lid. “I spy with my little eye a blue Popsicle.”
Like he hadn’t spotted it earlier when we were passing out sandwiches and fresh-cut fruit.
He reached for one.
“You’re supposed to ask first, little man,” I told him.
“Is it okay, Tessa?” He beamed at her. I was pretty sure those full lips would be enough to swindle the last dollar out of a starving man’s hand.
I blinked at him. “Excuse me? What am I, chopped liver?”
Scout shrugged. “Tessa’s got my back.”
Tessa sat up, pressing her fingertips to her mouth like she was trying to keep back her laughter.
“What are you giggling about?” I asked, voice low as I climbed down onto my knees at the edge of the oversized blanket.
“I think I found myself a couple of new besties.” Her smile softened, pure affection as she glanced between the two of them.
Remy smiled, too, and fuck, my chest tightened.
I loved to see my little girl happy.
“I’ll be your best friend because you brought me a Popsicle,” Scout supplied as he grabbed a handful of them and started to pass them out.
“One for Daddy-Doo, one for Remy-Roo, one for Tessa-Too.”
My kid, he was a poet.
“Dad, you better kiss her if you’re gonna marry her,” Scout said so nonchalant as he peeled the wrapper and stuck the blue bullet into his mouth. “Because in a minute, she’s gonna have blue lips, and that’s gross.”
I knew we were going to have to get these displays of affection right, but my nerves decided it was a fine time to short-circuit.
To go zapping and zinging in all those places she kept bringing to life.
Shaking me down and tightening my guts in a flurry of want as I looked at the woman who watched me with such a tenderness that my spirit groaned.
“You’ve got love, Dad,” Remy whispered.
Soft encouragement that cut me to the quick.
My child’s belief filling me full after I’d lost it.
Warily, I crawled forward on my knees, already towering over Tessa where she sat on the blanket.
My friend.
My friend.
Curling my hand around the back of her neck, I drew her closer.
Fire flashed.
That feeling rising that I had to keep at bay.
But those blue eyes, they were so intense and deep and filled with this trust that spread like fingers through my senses.
The girl a lure.
Her lips barely parted as we sat there with an inch of space separating us.
Hovering.
Hesitating.
Unsure.
My heart thundered too loud, and I finally drew her the rest of the way in and pressed my lips to hers.
A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.
Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, BLEEDING STARS, FIGHT FOR ME, CONFESSIONS OF THE HEART, FALLING STARS, and REDEMPTION HILLS novels. Watch out for her upcoming stand-alone, PROMISE ME ALWAYS, releasing January 30th!
If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.
Be sure not to miss new releases and sales from A.L. Jackson – Sign up to receive her newsletterhttps://geni.us/ALJacksonBookClubB or text “aljackson” to 33222 to receive short but sweet updates on all the important news.
My band, The Wild, has finally had its big break. It’s what we’ve always wanted–what we have always dreamed of–and nothing will stand in the way of achieving success.
Except maybe me.
As soon as we sign with our new record label, our producer gives us one rule; stay away from his daughter.
I thought it would be easy to resist her, but Mia Hayes is under my skin. She is everything I never knew I wanted or needed.
But falling for Mia might cost us everything we’ve worked so hard for.
Do I sacrifice my band member’s dreams and chase her, or will Mia be the one thing that is more important than any stage I have ever dreamed of?
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“I feel like a small cornered animal being stared down by the big bad wolf. Too bad this wolf doesn’t know who he’s messing with.”
“She’s like a siren and I’m caught in her dangerous melody.”
“Impossibilities only exist to prove the possible, and we, Mia”….” are most definitely possible.”
Oh, my goodness! Ever since I heard about this book I have been dying to get my hands on it and Wild does not disappoint!
Wild follows the story of Mia and Hollis and will suck you in from the very first page. When we first meet up with Hollis, he is the bad boy musician your parents warn you about. He’s cocky, arrogant, and so sure of himself. But, the more time you spend with him, the more you discover there’s more to this playboy than meets the eye. And when Hollis meets Mia, all bets are off. Mia is the untouchable and off-limits daughter of musician, Josh Hayes. And while Mia loves her dad and family more than anything, she’s desperate to prove herself and make it on her own. She knows she should stay away from bad boy Hollis, but she can’t help but find herself drawn to him like a moth to a flame. In the end, neither one of them stood a chance…
Wild captivated me from the very first page and I easily devoured this story in a single sitting. After the first interaction between Mia and Hollis, I knew I was done for. Their chemistry was instant and I couldn’t get enough of their banter. I loved the bad boy, forbidden romance, and rockstar vibes that this story delivered. Hollis exceeded my expectations and there is nothing like watching a musician fall. The romance between Hollis and Mia may have taken these characters by surprise, but it was pure and sweet and I loved every second of it. Now, as with any good love story, there have to be a few bumps in the road, and the bumps in this story certainly tugged at my heart.
In the end, I fell hard and fast for Hollis and Mia. Their story had everything I was looking for and I certainly can’t wait to see what adventures Hollis’ band has in store for us readers in the future.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Meet Micalea Smeltzer
Micalea Smeltzer is a twenty-something author from Northern Virginia. She has four dogs, which is as crazy as it sounds. As a recent kidney transplant recipient she’s dedicated to raising awareness around the effects of kidney disease, dialysis, and transplant as well as educating people on living donation.When she’s not writing you can catch her with her nose buried in a book.
Compel by Rachel Van Dyken & Patti Stanger is now live!
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken and bestselling author Patti Stanger comes a gripping love story of cursed soulmates who are forced to relive tragedy over and over again until their curse is broken…
Compelled to seduce, designed to kill.
What do you do when your love destroys the only person you are designed to be with?
For centuries I’ve been trapped in a curse with my soulmate, only she has no idea… until history finally repeats itself.
The Matchmaker of the Fae felt wronged when we both chose our own destinies, and now, we’re forced to relive our fate over and over again.
I try like hell to fix the curse, but I remember nothing after each death, only that I’m lonely and heartbroken.
The small town of Orca Cove, Oregon, doesn’t help matters.
Filled with paranormal lore from all over the world… if anything, they’re just as trapped as I am.
My only help is the large library on my estate.
If I can just find the notes I know I would have hidden, along with texts, maybe this time will be different.
The house groans with need for its mistress.
My heart breaks with sorrow that she doesn’t recognize me until it’s too late.
Her blood will always be on my hands, just like her heart is in mine.
The path to your soul mate isn’t a fairytale—at least ours isn’t.
My Fae queen thinks she’s nothing more than a normal college student. She believes that the world is just as she sees it, without a clue that the darkness lurking in the shadows, the man she’ll fall for once again, the man who will be her demise…
Is me.
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Rachel Van Dyken is the #1 New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of over 110 books ranging from new adult romance to mafia romance to paranormal & fantasy romance. With over four million copies sold, she’s been featured in Forbes, US Weekly, and USA Today. Her books have been translated into more than 15 countries. She was one of the first romance authors to have a Kindle in Motion book through Amazon publishing and continues to strive to be on the cutting edge of the reader experience. She keeps her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, adorable sons, a naked cat, and two dogs. For more information about her books and upcoming events, visit www.RachelVanDykenAuthor.com.
Patti Stanger is the star and executive producer of her own television show, the wildly successful Millionaire Matchmaker, on Bravo. But Patti had been receiving worldwide kudos long before her show aired. A third generation matchmaker, she founded the Millionaire’s Club in January of 2000 after serving five years as the Director of Marketing/Special Events for Great Expectations, (the oldest and largest dating service in the U.S.). Her wildly successful matchmaking efforts have been featured on Oprah, E!, MTV, Dateline, Dr. Phil, Ellen, Tyra, NBC News, The Big Idea with Donnie Deutsch and numerous other television shows, as well as in Marie Claire, Elle, Glamour, the New York Times, Forbes, The National Enquirer, the Washington Post and many more. She is a popular guest on talk and news shows throughout the world, and is frequently accessed as a dating resource by international media outlets.
Broken Trust by Nana Malone & M. Malone is now live!
I’m what some people call the bogeyman. Most people have the good sense to be afraid of me. Unfortunately, my best friend’s little sister is NOT most people.
She’s not afraid of me at all. But she should be. She doesn’t know the secrets I’m hiding.
Look, Lucia Demarco is a handful. She’s stubborn, gorgeous, a magnet for trouble, and sets my blood on fire.
Ignore that last part. I can’t have her. I promised my best friend on his deathbed that I’d always take care of her. And I have…never you mind about the thoughts that plague me at night.
The point is, she’s been poking her head where it doesn’t belong and now some idiots are about to find out why they call me the reaper.
I hear former hitmen make the best bodyguards. True story!
I’ll keep my word and keep Lucia safe. And I absolutely refuse to give in to her sunny smile or sharp wit.
I can be strong. Or will I risk just one taste?
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Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling author, Nana Malone writes Sexy Feel-Good Romance and loves all things romance and adventure.
That love started with a tattered romantic suspense she “borrowed” from her cousin. It was a sultry summer afternoon in Ghana, and Nana was a precocious thirteen. She’s been in love with kick butt heroines ever since. With her overactive imagination, and channeling her inner Buffy, it was only a matter a time before she started creating her own characters.
M. Malone is a RITA® Award winner and a NYT & USA Today Bestselling author of completely inappropriate romantic comedy. She lives with her husband and their two sons in the picturesque mountains of Northern Virginia even though she is afraid of insects, birds, butterflies and other humans.
She also holds a Master’s degree in Business from a prestigious college that would no doubt be scandalized at how she’s using her expensive education.
Trace Caldo’s smart mouth always gets him in trouble. As the youngest of three brothers, he’s used to scrapping to earn respect. But when he picks a fight with the wrong person, Trace ends up kidnapped, bound, and blindfolded with no hope for escape. And when a beautiful woman comes to his rescue and offers him a way to stay alive, Trace can’t refuse her.
Ana Marie Kelly appears to live a charmed life. Raised in a wealthy family, she has everything a woman can want—if you don’t count freedom. Ana’s always been under her father’s thumb, expected to do as she’s told and not bring shame upon the family. But when Ana makes a mistake that could send her life in a tailspin, she can only think of one way out—the handsome man in her father’s garage.
…and their only way out is to say, “I do.”
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Chelle Bliss is the Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author of Men of Inked Series and Misadventures of a City Girl.
She’s a full-time writer, time-waster extraordinaire, social media addict, coffee fiend, ex-high school history teacher, and currently lives near the beach even though she hates sand. Chelle loves spending time with her two cats, alpha boyfriend, and chatting with readers.
Vicious Vows, an all-new gripping dark mafia romance box set from USA Today bestselling author Zoe Blake is live now!
She’s finally mine… and I’m never letting her go.
The Ivanov brothers ruthlessly control their billionaire mafia empire.
And they will stop at nothing in their pursuit of the women they want.
These innocent heroines will soon learn that, despite their objections, they are under the complete control of these dangerous men… till death do them part.
Vicious Vows Ivanov Crime Family Dark Mafia Arranged Marriage Box Set includes Savage Vow, Vicious Oath and Betrayed Honor. These dark enemies-to-lovers romances are filled with passion, obsession, revenge, secrets, and drama.
Grab your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited
“Audrey Carlan has taken a beautifully provocative premise and turned it into my unable-to-put-down series of the year!” ~New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst
The Marriage Auction, all-new sinfully-hot romance series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Audrey Carlan is available now!
From #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Audrey Carlan, discover The Marriage Auction
You can now dive into the Kindle Vella phenomenon with over 1 MILLION READS. This saga has ranked #1 for over a full year and continues to break records each month as America’s favorite serial. Each volume contains more than 10% new content that includes two never before scenes from some of our favorite couples.
What would you do for three million dollars?
Four young women enter into a clandestine auction to be married to the highest bidders. For no less than a million dollars a year, for three years, each woman will do what it takes to secure her future. Entangled in a high-stakes game of money, lust, power, and the hope for absolution, this group of women becomes a sisterhood unlike any other.
Once chosen by a man she’s never met and agrees to marry sight unseen…there is no going back. Hidden secrets, wicked desires, fiery couplings and intense family drama are all part of the deal when you willingly enter into The Marriage Auction.
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