Category Archives: Contemporary Romance

Release Blitz with Review: Hard As Stone (Heart of Stone #8) by K.M. Scott

Posted on February 21, 2019 by Amy-OUABB

Title: Hard As Stone
A Heart of Stone Series Novel

Author: K.M. Scott

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: February 21, 2019

Blurb

The Heart of Stone series moves into the next generation with Hard As Stone, a full-length novel featuring Tristan and Nina’s son, Ethan.

Trouble. Playboy. Heartbreakingly gorgeous. Ethan Stone, the only son and spitting image of billionaire Tristan Stone, has a long line of women who would kill for a night with him, and rumor has it he’s more than happy to oblige.

But Ethan has a problem. His family wants him to settle down. Why, he can’t understand. But he needs to figure out a way to convince them he’s given up his wild ways while at the same time living his life the way he wants to.

He has a plan, though, and Summer Carmichael, the quintessential girl-next-door, is perfect to help him. But Ethan better watch out or he might just find himself falling for exactly the kind of woman his family wishes he’d bring home.

ADD TO GOODREADS

Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS
GOOGLE PLAY

MY REVIEW

Picking up Hard As Stone was just like coming home. It’s been a long time since I’ve been a part of the Heart of Stone world and it honestly felt like no time had passed at all.

Hard As Stone follows the story of Ethan & Summer. If you’re familiar with the Heart of Stone Series, then you know that Ethan is the son of Tristan and Nina. Ethan is devastatingly good looking like his father and has the artistic talent of his mother. The whole world is Ethan’s oyster and women flock to just be near Ethan. However, Ethan’s family isn’t too fond of his playboy ways. They want to see settled and calm. That’s where Summer comes into play. Summer is everything his family could dream of if they had to pick a girl for Ethan. She’s beautiful, quiet, totally the girl next door. She’s perfect. Now, Ethan just has to convince her to go along with his plan. Ethan will soon find out that there is more to Summer than meets the eye. She’s the total package. She’s everything he never knew he wanted. He had better hold onto his heart before it’s too late…

Stories like this are just so much fun. Fake relationships are one of my favorite troupes and I was so excited to see this author’s spin on it. Right away I knew this story was going to be a good one. I was hooked instantly. As someone who was already a fan of Tristan and Nina’s story, I was excited to see what would lie ahead for their son and I was not disappointed. Ethan was everything I was expecting him to be; the perfect blend of his parents. I loved that he was cocky, but had a heart of gold. He struggled with his past and wanted to do what was right even though he knew he would mess up along the way. Then you have Summer who is this amazing girl and is just real. She’s honest and good and would be the perfect friend to share all of your secrets with. Even though she was Ethan’s opposite, she just got him and gave him the support he needed, even when he didn’t know he needed it.

I loved watching Ethan & Summer together. They had great chemistry and I loved their push and pull. Yes, they did make me crazy a few times, but that led to such terrific angst. And well, I’m a sucker for angst. I really enjoyed watching these two figure things out and learn how to communicate with one another.

Hard As Stone is a terrific addition to the Heart of Stone Series. I loved catching up with Nina & Tristan and getting to see their three amazing kids. I had a really great time getting to know Ethan and Summer and loved watching their story unfold. This story had everything I was looking for: angst, drama, sexual tension, excellent chemistry and characters that just kept me begging for more. Bottom line, I had a great time getting lost in this book and being apart of the Heart of Stone Series again.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*

Author Bio

K.M. Scott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of sexy contemporary fiction. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading a book, watching tv or movies, or cooking a new dish for family and friends.

Author Links

WEBSITE
NEWSLETTER

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

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Posted in 4 Stars, Adult, Amy, Contemporary Romance, Release Blitz. Bookmark the permalink.

Release Blitz: What He Never Knew by Kandi Steiner

Posted on February 21, 2019 by Amy-OUABB

What He Never Knew, a standalone teacher/student romance in the What He Doesn’t Know series by bestselling author Kandi Steiner is live!

WHNK Cover.png

I never learn my lesson.

And I always want what I can’t have.

When Sarah Henderson walks into my life, I tell myself she’s off limits. She’s my student, sixteen years younger than me, and my boss’s niece. It doesn’t matter that I see the same pain reflected in her eyes that I have in my own, or that the dead organ better known as my heart kicks to life when she’s around.

I’ve been here before, and I know how this ends.

It’s been two years since I fell for the last woman I knew I couldn’t have, the one with the ring on her finger that I chose to ignore.

Two years of trying to overcome that heartache when Sarah slides into my life.

Another woman I can’t have. Another woman I can’t stop myself from wanting.

I never learn my lesson, but with a constant reminder of how that last forbidden love burned, I think I’ve finally learned this one.

This time, I won’t chase what’s off limits.

This time, I’m staying away.

And I’ll keep telling myself that until I believe it.

Now Available IG 5 RB.png

Download your copy today!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2FQyjpN

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/WhatHeNeverKnewKS

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2Vl9BmZ

Now Available IG 2RB Teaser.png

About Kandi:

Kandi Steiner is a bestselling author and whiskey connoisseur living in Tampa, FL. Best known for writing “emotional rollercoaster” stories, she loves bringing flawed characters to life and writing about real, raw romance — in all its forms. No two Kandi Steiner books are the same, and if you’re a lover of angsty, emotional, and inspirational reads, she’s your gal.

An alumna of the University of Central Florida, Kandi graduated with a double major in Creative Writing and Advertising/PR with a minor in Women’s Studies. She started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.” She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a diehard hopeless romantic, and likes to highlight all the challenges of love as well as the triumphs.

When Kandi isn’t writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, talking with her extremely vocal cat, and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys live music, traveling, anything heavy in carbs, beach days, movie marathons, craft beer and sweet wine — not necessarily in that order.

Connect with Kandi:

Mailing List: bit.ly/NewsletterKS

Facebook: facebook.com/kandisteiner

Facebook Reader Group: (Kandiland): facebook.com/groups/kandischasers

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kandisteiner

Twitter: twitter.com/kandisteiner

Pinterest: pinterest.com/kandicoffman

Website: www.kandisteiner.com

Kandi Steiner may be coming to a city near you! Check out her “events” tab to see all the signings she’s attending in the near future:

www.kandisteiner.com/events

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Release Blitz with Review: Let Me Burn by Carrie Elks

Posted on February 21, 2019 by Amy-OUABB

Title: Let Me Burn

Author: Carrie Elks

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: February 21, 2019

Cover Designed by: Najla Qamber

She isn’t looking for love. He’s not planning on staying around. But when they meet, sparks fly…

As a big city firefighter, Lucas lives for his job. Forced to take extended leave following an accident, he returns to his small hometown to stay at the beach cottage his grandparents left him. The problem is, he’s not used to having so much time on his hands.

After a broken engagement, Ember isn’t ready for love right now. Though her heart might be mended, she prefers to keep herself busy with her family and work; that way she won’t get hurt again. But she didn’t count on meeting a handsome firefighter with that dimpled smile. After Lucas saves her from one awkward situation too many, she can’t stop thinking about him.

Ember finds Lucas impossible to resist. And he’s determined not to let her. As long summer days melt into sultry, passionate nights what begins as a fling develops into something much deeper. Until the day Ember’s ex-fiancé returns to town and threatens to destroy the fragile connection that’s building between them.

MY REVIEW

Let Me Burn is the first book in the all new Angel Sands Series and follows the story of Ember and Lucas. Lucas loves his job, but when a recent accident shakes him up, he’s forced to take some time out and go on a much needed vacation. The problem is, Lucas isn’t used to the slower paced small town life…The last thing that Ember is looking for is a new relationship. After her failed engagement, Ember just wants to put the past behind her and focus on her friends and her job. All was going to plan until Ember met Lucas. She can’t get him out of her head. Soon Ember will find Lucas too hard to resist. Is Ember ready to put her heart on the line and take a chance on Lucas? There’s only one way to find out….

Let Me Burn is a quick and enjoyable read. I was pulled in to Ember and Lucas’ story right from the very beginning. I loved getting to know these two. They were both pretty down to earth and just had an ease about them. I found Ember very easy to relate to. Even though she’s not looking for love, she isn’t completely closed to the idea. She’s a great friend and loves her job. And then we have Lucas who is hard working, determined and super charming. I really enjoyed the slow burn and pull of Lucas and Ember’s relationship. They kept me glued to the pages and I found myself unable to put this book down.

Overall, I think that this series is off to a really great start. The characters are a lot of fun and I really enjoyed getting to know all of them. These are definitely people I could see myself hanging out with if they existed in real life. I loved the small town feel to this story. The romance was sweet. The story had some nice humor and l loved that even though there was some drama, it was light for the most part. At the end of the day, this was a really nice read to spend my day getting lost in and I look forward to seeing where this series will go next.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*

Excerpt

“Will you do something for me?” Lucas asked, leaning his hand on the car and glancing up at her.

“Um, maybe?” She blinked, trying to focus. “I guess it depends what it is.”

With one hand steadying himself on the car, he ran the other across his closely cropped hair. “It doesn’t matter.”

Ember tilted her head, the smile still playing at her lips. “You can’t do that. I’m intrigued now. What is it you want me to do?”

“I… ah…” He shook his head. “You’re gonna think I’m crazy.”

She lifted an eyebrow to let him know she already did.

“But I really don’t want you to go on that date.”

Advance Praise For Let Me Burn…

‘The perfect mixture of romance, humour, and that hint of angst we all love.’ – MB, Goodreads reviewer

‘A captivating book…’ – Bev’s Books Blog

‘I couldn’t put it down…’ – KarenJ, Goodreads reviewer

‘5 Beautiful, Soul Binding stars!!!’ – Alison Parkins Reviews

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carrie Elks writes contemporary romance with a sizzling edge. Her first book, Fix You, has been translated into eight languages and made a surprise appearance on Big Brother in Brazil. Luckily for her, it wasn’t voted out. Carrie lives with her husband, two lovely children and a larger-than-life black pug called Plato. When she isn’t writing or reading, she can be found baking, drinking an occasional (!) glass of wine, or chatting on social media.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/CarrieElksAuthor/

FACEBOOK GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CarrieElksWaterCooler/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CarrieElks

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/carrie.elks/

NEWSLETTER: http://www.subscribepage.com/e4u8i8

WEBSITE: https://carrieelks.com

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Posted in 4 Stars, Adult, Amy, Contemporary Romance, Release Blitz, Reviews. Bookmark the permalink.

Cover Reveal: Diary Of A Bad Boy by Meghan Quinn

Posted on February 21, 2019 by Amy-OUABB

Dear Diary,

I might have gotten myself into a wee bit of trouble—and I’m not talking about the “court mandated community service,” or “therapy sessions from bashing a bloke in the head” kind of trouble.

I wish it were that simple.

Nope. I’m talking about the “falling in love with one of my client’s daughters,” kind of trouble . . .
The kind of problem I can’t talk my way out of when the truth gets out.

How I ended up with her phone is a long story—and when she called to get it back, I took things a bit too far. One innocent exchange wound up leading to so much more.

Fun, new, and totally immune to my charm, Sutton is different. And I had no idea she was the daughter of Foster Green.

Blame it on the dark colored stout running through my veins, pushing me toward one bad decision after another. Pushing me toward her even though I know right from wrong; even though she’s my client’s daughter.

Dating her might be the best or worst decision I’ve ever made. Only time, whiskey, and one more roll around the mattress with her will tell.

USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.

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Throwback Thursday: Fallen Crest High (Fallen Crest High #1) by Tijan

Posted on February 21, 2019 by Amy-OUABB

“In that moment, I realized that he always had that affect on me. The ice façade I reined over myself was plucked away whenever his attention was on me. He reached over and took it away like I was a baby with candy.”

“People are snakes, you just have to figure out their different colors, but they’re all the same. Everybody wants something.”

“You’re so secretive, Samantha. We had no idea you liked to run.”My eyebrow shot up. “Well, how could you? We’ve been such great friends since…” I waited a beat and gave my own forced laugh. “Oh, that’s right. We’re not friends.”

“Yeah. He looked like a cat who’d found his favorite mouse wounded or something. It was eerie. And he started to make fun of her, like all cruel and stuff. The things he said to her were horrible and he was only playing with her. She didn’t try to defend herself. I guess Mason Kade really hates that girl, and the way he ripped into her. It was something else.” “He enjoyed it.” Adam’s voice was quiet. I looked over and held his gaze. Something dark was in their depths. He spoke again, “It was like an animal that was playing with its kill before they fully killed it. That’s what he was doing with her. I’ve never seen anything like it before.”

“People don’t know what they’re made of until they’re tested.”

“I was broken. I didn’t need to break anyone else with me.”

“Fun was fun and Sam was strung like a violin. I could play sweet music when I plucked at some of her strings.”

“Because you don’t care about anything. It’s your ammo. You don’t give a damn and no one can touch you because of it.”

“He watched behaviors. He didn’t listen to words.”

Mason and Logan Kade are two brothers who did their own thing. They were rich and expected to attend her school, Fallen Crest Academy. They chose public school and now Samantha has to live with them. The problem is that she doesn’t care at all: about them, about her friends, about her cheating boyfriend, or even about her parent’s divorce. But maybe that’s a good thing. Maybe change is a good thing.

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Purchase on Amazon

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Posted in Amy, Contemporary Romance, NA and tagged Throwback Thursday. Bookmark the permalink.

Cover Reveal: Luca by Brenda Rothert

Posted on February 20, 2019 by Amy-OUABB

Today we are sharing the cover reveal of LUCA by Brenda Rothert. This is a contemporary romance, standalone that will be releasing on April 23rd. It is the second title in the Chicago Blaze hockey romance series. Pre-order your copy now for only $2.99!

Add the book to your TBR Pile now!

Pre-order on Amazon | Nook | Kobo | Apple Books

Follow Brenda’s newsletter for exclusive details!

Luca by Brenda Rothert

Releasing April 23

Chicago Blaze, #2

Pre-order on Amazon | Nook | Kobo | Apple Books

Book Blurb:

Abby

I only have one love now—the home furnishings business I’m building into an empire. Maybe money and success can’t love me back, but they keep what’s left of my heart safe. One-night stands are my way of scratching the occasional itch I get for something more. And no one’s better for that than a sexy as sin hockey player I’ll never see again after one very hot night together.

Luca

I used to love two things: hockey and women. But now my nieces and nephew are my top priority, because I’m raising them after tragedy stole their parents. Somehow I balance single parenthood and my career as a forward for the Chicago Blaze. There’s no time for women, until I get knocked on my ass by Abby Daniels. She’s everything I’ve ever wanted, but her devastating past may end us before we even get started.

Add the book to Goodreads

————–

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Brenda Rothert is an Illinois native who was a print journalist for nine years. She made the jump from fact to fiction in 2013 and never looked back. From new adult to steamy contemporary romance, Brenda creates fresh characters in every story she tells. She’s a lover of Diet Coke, chocolate, lazy weekends and happily ever afters.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Wattpad | Amazon

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Posted in Adult, Amy, Coming Soon, Contemporary Romance, Cover Reveal and tagged Sports Romance. Bookmark the permalink.

Cover Reveal: Sweet Fate by Laurelin Paige

Posted on February 20, 2019 by Amy-OUABB

Sweet Fate (Dirty Sweet #2) by Laurelin Paige
Release Date: March 26, 2019
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Add to Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42734204-sweet-fate

#Preorder Sweet Fate Today!
Amazon: laurl.in/sweetfateamz
Apple Books: laurl.in/sweetfateapple
Kobo: laurl.in/sweetfatekobo
Nook: laurl.in/sweetfateBN
Google Play: laurl.in/sweetfateGP

Blurb:
Dylan Locke knows that pining over the young ingenue Audrey Lind is pointless. He can’t offer her what she wants. He definitely can’t give her what she needs. Thank goodness she’s half a world away, and he doesn’t have to deal with his attraction head on.

But fate has other plans for him, and when Audrey once again lands in his path, it’s only too easy to fall back into their easy rhythm. And then their easy banter. And of course, each other’s arms.

He tells himself nothing has changed. She still wants forever, and he still thinks tomorrow is long enough. But watching her search isn’t as easy as he thought it would be, and now Dylan must figure out if he’s really the love Scrooge he professes to be or if he’s been Fate’s willing victim all along.

About the Author:
With over 2.4 million books sold worldwide, Laurelin Paige is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author. Her international success started with her very first series, the Fixed Trilogy, which, alone, has sold over 1 million copies, and earned her the coveted #1 spot on Amazon’s bestseller list in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia, simultaneously. This title also was named in People magazine as one of the top 10 most downloaded books of 2014. She’s also been #1 over all books at the Apple Book Store with more than one title in more than one country. She’s published both independently and with MacMillan’s St. Martin’s Press and Griffin imprints as well as many other publishers around the world including Harper Collins in Germany and Hachette/Little Brown in the U.K. With her edgy, trope-flipped stories of smart women and strong men, she’s managed to secure herself among today’s romance royalty.

Paige has a Bachelor’s degree in Musical Theater and a Masters of Business Administration with a Marketing emphasis, and she credits her writing success to what she learned from both programs, though she’s also an avid learner, constantly trying to challenge her mind with new and exciting ideas and concepts. While she loves psychological thrillers and witty philosophical books and entertainment, she is a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there’s kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters. Her husband doesn’t seem to complain, however. When she isn’t reading or writing sexy stories, she’s probably singing, watching Game of Thrones or The Walking Dead, or dreaming of Michael Fassbender. She’s also a proud member of Mensa International though she doesn’t do anything with the organization except use it as material for her bio. She is represented by Rebecca Friedman.