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Release Blitz: Close Quarters by Kandi Steiner

Posted on February 18, 2021 by Amy-OUABB
Release Blitz: Close Quarters by Kandi Steiner

My boyfriend’s billionaire boss always gets what he wants.⁣

Menacingly handsome and unquestionably powerful, Theo Whitman need only snap his fingers to have a flock of supermodels fall at his feet. So when his steel gray eyes first meet mine, I expect him to pass right over me, to not give so much as a second thought to my presence.⁣

Instead, he sees me. ⁣

Truly sees me. ⁣

And for a girl who prefers to hide behind her camera lens, it’s the most unnerving experience of my life.⁣

Until he asks me to stay on his yacht for the summer.⁣

All I have to do to earn my keep is be Theo’s on-call photographer when he has guests, and I’ll get a free ride through the Mediterranean with my boyfriend. Easy peasy.⁣

Still, my skin prickles in warning when I say yes.⁣

As the humid days fade into balmy nights, I can’t seem to avoid Theo. And when he finds me, it’s like a rabbit running into a wolf.⁣

His intense gaze immobilizes me. The way he speaks strips me bare. Every brush of his skin sears me like a violent flame.⁣

⁣My boyfriend’s billionaire boss always gets what he wants.⁣

⁣And this time, I think he wants me.

Download today or read FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon:  https://geni.us/CloseQuarters

Add to Goodreads:⁣ https://bit.ly/CQGoodreads

Meet 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 die hard 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

Website:  www.kandisteiner.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7319216.Kandi_Steiner

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kandi-Steiner/e/B00JDJOINE

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KandiSteiner/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kandilandks/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kandisteiner/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KandiSteiner

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kandi-steiner

Book+Main: https://bit.ly/39u1KLs

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Review: Could’ve Said Yes (Thistle Bend #3) by Tracy March

Posted on December 13, 2016 by Amy-OUABB

couldvesaidyes

Having recently returned to Thistle Bend, Colorado, Ellie London is working hard to make a living as an artist, and to get over her broken engagement. She’s focused only on guarding her heart and healing her mind . . . until a cocky, undeniably sexy out-of-towner rides in on his motorcycle. Turns out, Ellie might have just found the perfect opportunity to prove to herself that she’s over her cheating fiancé.

After his own engagement falls through, EPA Inspector Collin Cooper is eager for a change of scenery in Thistle Bend. His principle rule of the road is not to get too involved with a new woman—and yet he can’t resist beautiful, outdoorsy Ellie. But when a local river becomes polluted under Collin’s supervision, resentment floods the entire town, running even deeper with Ellie’s family. With his job on the line, Collin needs to find a way to set things right—and hold on to the woman who has captured his heart.

My Review

Could’ve Said Yes was a quick and easy read for me. Told from dual points of view, this story follows Ellie and Collin. Ellie is in Colorado trying to make a new life for herself. After finding out that her fiancee is a cheater, she wants nothing more than to heal her heart and prove that she’s moved on. What she didn’t plan on was Collin. His cocky attitude and sexy good looks are just what she needs to get her mind off of her past. But, Ellie and Collin might just be more alike than they realize. You see, Collin has escaped to Thistle Bend after his own engagement failed. He desperately needs a change of scenery, and finds Ellie instead. Will these two get a second chance on love or will some wounds prove to be just too deep.

Overall, I thought this book was an ok read. I enjoyed the story-line and the characters. I found the story-line itself to be intriguing and I loved the small town feel. I liked Ellie and Collin right away. They were both heartbroken by the ones that they loved most, so I couldn’t help but find myself rooting for them to have a HEA. I also really enjoyed the chemistry between the two of them and loved watching them navigate their way to a happier life.

Could’ve Said Yes was a sweet and entertaining romance and I look forward to checking out more from this author in the future.

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

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Posted in 3 Stars, Adult, Reviews and tagged , . Bookmark the permalink.

Truth or Beard (Winston Brothers #1) by Penny Reid

Posted on July 13, 2015 by charmouabb
Truth or Beard (Winston Brothers #1) by Penny Reid

Truth or Beard

Beards, brothers, and bikers! Oh my!
Identical twins Beau and Duane Winston might share the same devastatingly handsome face, but where Beau is outgoing and sociable, Duane is broody and reserved. This is why Jessica James, recent college graduate and perpetual level headed good girl, has been in naïve and unhealthy infatuation with Beau Winston for most of her life. His friendly smiles make her tongue-tied and weak-kneed, and she’s never been able to move beyond her childhood crush. Whereas Duane and Jessica have always been adversaries. She can’t stand him, and she’s pretty sure he can’t stand the sight of her…
But after a case of mistaken identity, Jessica finds herself in a massive confusion kerfuffle. Jessica James has spent her whole life paralyzed by the fantasy of Beau and her assumptions of Duane’s disdain; therefore she’s unprepared for the reality that is Duane’s insatiable interest, as well as his hot hands and hot mouth and hotter looks. Not helping Jessica’s muddled mind and good girl sensibilities, Duane seems to have gotten himself in trouble with the local biker gang, the Iron Order.
Certainly, Beau’s magic spell is broken. Yet when Jessica finds herself drawn to the man who was always her adversary, now more dangerous than ever, how much of her level-headed heart is she willing to risk?

I have been acting like some next level creeper-stalker person over this book… Ever since I read the excerpt for this story in the Shiver Anthology last year I’ve been counting down the months until I could get my hands on ALL of the story. So when I finally got hold of it last week I was a very VERY happy human. Since everyone knows my Penny Reid fan status (Big, HUGE fan) I’m going to try and keep this review less on the fan-girl side and more on the explaining why I’m fan-girling so much side…. So here goes!

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters most, in the end” – Ernest Hemingway

Truth or Beard is the first instalment in the series that Penny Reid has dedicated to the 6 Winston brothers who were first introduced to us in Beauty and the Mustache. I love this idea, I love how this series connects with the Knitting in the City series. I love how we are going to get a (much) more in-depth look at each brother and his story, because they were so intriguing in BatM. And most of all I love how I just know that Penny will take each brother and create a story that is as unique as he is. Starting here, with Duane.

I love Duane! Yes, he comes across distant and broody on the outside, but once I got into his head he was so much more. The depth of his feelings made him a complex character. For a lot of the book he was battling his own emotions as much as he was battling Jessica’s. He had big plans for the two of them and no matter what he wanted to make sure everything was planned and executed to perfection so that he could give her everything that he felt she deserved. However, what Duane didn’t take into account was that life can’t be organized perfectly, sometimes you just have to live and chase your dreams. He was so busy trying to do the right thing by everyone that he almost missed out on his own dream in the process.

He nibbled on my ear, whispering my name like it was a dirty word – but not a curse word – a dirty word. Something erotic and scandalous. I had an odd thought then, that I liked my name on his lips more when it was whispered.

Jessica was instantly likeable. I loved that she was busy obsessing over travelling and experiencing the world rather than obsessing over finding a husband and a white picket fence. She had long dreamed of all of the places she would go and she was determined. So determined, that when her heart started to travel on it’s own path she had no idea what to make of it or how to reconcile the fact that even if she hadn’t planned on love, it may have found her and if it had found her, then how on earth was she going to be free to embark on her childhood dream?

Penny Reid is super duper talented at dual POVs. She knocks it out of the park every time. The tone, the subtle details, these things really make all the difference when you’re the reader. She always gets it right and this book is no different. So I LOVED having the book set up like this, the story called for it. It really added to the back and forth between Jessica and Duane. The angst of not knowing what to do next with their feelings, the hotness of the hot looks, the intricacies of their relationship and themselves… All of these things were magnified from being able to look through both sets of eyes.

…I wanted to hold on to this moment for as long as possible, because it was the first time – and maybe the only time in my life – I felt truly seen, known and understood. And I wanted to give him everything in return. I wanted him to know I saw him. I knew him, too.

So! Like I promised, fan-girling moments aside… I  FREAKING loved this book! Penny Reid is an exceptionally talented writer who never shies away from writing exactly the type of story she feels like she needs to write. I’m positive this is why her books always hit the mark and why every time I read a new one I find it harder and harder to have a firm favourite. This is a definite must read whether you are familiar with Penny Reid’s work or not. This book… This freaking book… It’s definitely made it into my top reads of the year that’s for sure,

ARC received in return for an honest review

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Review: Come to Me Recklessly by AL Jackson

Posted on April 6, 2015 by Amy-OUABB


cometomerecklesslyHis heart was turned off…

Until she turned him on…

Christopher Moore gave up on the idea of love years ago. Now, his life is an endless string of parties and an even longer string of girls. Enjoying the physical perks with none of the emotional mess, hes convinced everyone that hes satisfied—everyone but himself.

Samantha Schultz has moved on with her life. Finishing her student teaching and living with her boyfriend, shes deluded herself into believing shes content. But there is one boy she never forgot—her first love—and she keeps the memory of him locked up tight. She will never allow any man to break her the way Christopher did.

When Christopher’s sister and her family move into a new neighborhood, Christopher is completely unprepared to find Samantha living at the end of the street. Memories and unspent desires send them on collision course of sex, lies, and lust. But when guilt and fear send Samantha running, Christopher will have to fight for what has always been his.

My Review

Finally, we get Christopher’s story. We first met Christopher in Come to Me Softly and I’ve been dying to know more about him ever since. Come to Me Recklessly is Samantha and Christopher’s story. Christopher gave up on love many years ago. After some events took away everything that he cared about, Christopher went to a very dark place. He spent his years drinking, partying and going through girls like crazy. Never letting anyone get close to him and never opening up his heart. The last thing that he ever imagined was having Samantha walk back into his life.

Samantha is just coasting through her life. She’s desperately trying to convince herself that she is happy with the decisions that she’s made and the person that she is with. She’s spent years just trying to move on. However, her heart will always belong to one person, Christopher. Christopher is one person that she does not allow herself to remember. He broke broke her heart in a way that can never be repaired and now she guards her precious heart.

Fate, however, has other plans. When Samantha runs into Christopher’s sister, Aly, all bets are off. They have an instant connection, like they are meant to be apart of each others lives. As the days pass, Samantha finds herself more invested in Christopher’s family and then the moment that she has been waiting for/dreading happens. She sees Christopher for the first time in years. All those old fears, doubts and feelings come to surface. A second chance is now being presented to Christopher and Samantha. Can time really heal old wounds? Will Christopher fight for what should and has always been his?

“What does it take to delete the past? A thousand apologies?
A million regrets?
A litany of prayers?
If I shouted them, would you hear? If I whispered them, would you believe? If I fell at your feet, would you forgive? If I asked, would you start again?”

I am a big fan of the Closer to You series and loved being a part of this world again. Being with Christopher, Jared and Aly again, felt like no time has passed. I was hooked on this story from the first page. The love and feelings that Christopher and Samantha shared were so real, so raw and it was torn away from them so quickly.

“Falling in love with you? That was the best gift I’ve ever been given.”

My heart broke for them and all the years that they missed together. Their push and pull was so amazing. It was like gravity. No matter how hard you fight it, you just can’t. Come to Me Recklessly is told from dual pov’s and it worked so well with this story. It really helped give me perspective and understanding for all the events that happened in the past and led up to where we are right now.

Come to Me Recklessly is a great story of young love, misunderstandings, second chances, fighting for what you want and never giving up. This story was well written, and heartfelt. The characters are real, they are flawed, so perfectly imperfect that you just want to know more about them. I loved the angst/drama, the romance and the friendship. This book made me laugh, brought tears to my eyes, frustrated me and made me swoon. If you are a fan of AL Jackson, you will not be disappointed. I highly recommend checking this one out!

*I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

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Blog Tour & Review – The Hooker and the Hermit by L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid

Posted on February 16, 2015 by charmouabb

New York’s Finest
Blogging as *The Socialmedialite*
April 22
LADIES AND GENTS! I have an announcement!

You know that guy I featured on my blog a few months ago? The really, really hot Irish rugby player who plays the position of ‘hooker’ in the RLI (Rugby League International)? The one with the anger management issues, the body of a gladiator and the face of a movie star? The one with the questionable fashion choices leading me to ask whether he was the lovechild of a leprechaun and a hobbit? Ronan Fitzpatrick? Yeah, that guy.

Well, I have a confession to make…

THE HERMIT

Annie Catrel, social media expert extraordinaire at Davidson & Croft Media and clandestine celebrity blogger, can make anyone shine in the court of public opinion. She is the Socialmedialite, anonymous creator of New York’s Finest and the internet’s darling. Virtual reality is Annie’s forte, but actual reality? Not so much.

THE HOOKER

Ronan Fitzpatrick, aka the best hooker the world of rugby has seen in decades, despises the media—social or otherwise. The press has spun a web of lies depicting him as rugby’s wild and reckless bad boy. Suspended from his team, Ronan has come to Manhattan to escape the drama, lay low, fly under the radar. Only, Ronan isn’t easy to overlook, and he can’t escape the notice of the Socialmedialite…

THE PLAN

When Ronan is sent to Davidson & Croft Media to reshape his public image, he never expects to cross paths with shy but beautiful Annie, nor does he expect his fierce attraction to her. He couldn’t be happier when her boss suggests pairing them together.
What lengths will Annie take to keep her virtual identity concealed? And what happens when the hooker discovers who the hermit really is?
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

REVIEW

I was both super excited AND a wee bit nervous when I sat down to read this book… I LOVE me some Penny Reid…LOVE her, but I haven’t read any L. H. Cosway, so a mixture of the two was a bit of an un-known for me. Well there was no need to worry of course, everything was firmly under control. This pairing worked really well, the story flowed and was completely cohesive, while at the same time giving me plenty of glimpses of pure Penny Reid.

The story follows social media whizz Annie, a quiet, unassuming wallflower in her public life, while in her private life she is avid online personality Socialmedialite. Her blog is a big deal and she values her anonymity more than anything when it comes to it. She at the start comes across as extremely stand-offish and absolutely terrible at anything that requires her to interact with people in person. As the story progresses you do find out a lot more about why she is like this, her backstory is actually pretty heavy, but it does go a long way to explain why she’s like how she is. Her complete lack of friends did make me feel all kinds of sad though, every girl needs a bestie or two! However, on the flipside Annie online in her Socialmedialite persona is COMPLETELY different, which in this day and age is a very appropriate storyline. She blogs about celebrities and employs a cutting humor to get her point across, no matter who she could potentially offend. In her mind she can be what she describes as ‘her true self’ knowing that behind the computer screen no one can get under her skin…

Until, that is, an Irish rugby player by the name of Ronan comes along. Pretty soon the bad boy of rugby is rocking Annie’s safe little world. And OH he does it well! I loved Ronan. He really was the epitome of everything male. I LOVED his confident swagger, in fact his swagger dominated the book for me. (Which was a VERY good thing) The two characters balanced each other out really well, because without Ronan and his brash manliness I think the book would’ve been slower and not nearly as electric. He needed to be the in your face Irish guy to be able to drag Annie out from behind her keyboard and into the real world, and in fact it does take him more than a few tries to do so. I loved the banter and spark between these two, from the very first time he saw her eating pastry you just knew there was going to be chemistry leaping off the pages, and the way he approached her right there and then. Honestly, this is what I mean about him and his swagger.

The storyline was really entertaining. You expect there to be drama in this genre and there definitely is here in this story. I always love to see how the boy meets girl storyline can be turned into something different, which was definitely achieved here with barely a complaint from me. I have to say though, at one point near the end, while they were in Ireland I do remember feeling completely frustrated, more at Annie than Ronan, but generally at the both of them. It was just a flickering irritability, but it goes to show how fine the line is between acceptable levels of drama induced frustration and maybe a little too much drama induced frustration. Overall I found this book to be super entertaining and full of great humor. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes their menfolk a little rougher around the edges and their story to be full of wit and clever writing. If Penny Reid & L.H. Cosway ever write together again I’ll definitely be checking it out.

Thank you to the amazing Penny Reid for providing an ARC in return for an honest review

The Hooker and the Hermit

By L.H. Cosway, Penny Reid


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Blog Tour and Review: Obligation (Underground Kings #2) by Aurora Rose Reynolds

Posted on February 12, 2015 by Amy-OUABB

NOW AVAILABLE

Amazon US:

Amazon UK:

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1y2bxMH

iTunes: http://bit.ly/1DVAfDi

[ob-li-gey-shuh n]
An obligation is a course of action that someone is required to take, whether legal or moral. 

At six years old, Myla was sent to a family her father and mother had chosen for her when they knew their time on earth was almost up. What they were unaware of was what they thought would be her safe haven would become her living hell. 

Kai has been watching Myla from afar since he took over the family business from his father and inherited the responsibility of keeping her safe. When word gets back to Kai that Myla is not only in danger, but that his assets are being compromised, he immediately jumps into action and does the only thing that can be done at the time by marrying her. 

Neither Myla nor Kai would have thought that something that started off as a farce would become the most important thing either of them could’ve ever done.

My Review

Obligation follows the story of Myla and Kai. When Myla was very little, her family sent her to live with another family as their time here was almost up. They thought that they were protecting her, but had no idea that her new home would become her worst nightmare.

Kai has always felt the need to protect Myla. Since the first time he saw her, he knew that he had to protect her and vowed that he would always keep her safe. Since taking over his family business, he’s been trying to keep his promise. Once again their paths will cross and put them in an unlikely scenario. Just how far will Kai go to protect Mila?

I have been a big fan of Aurora Rose Reynolds for a long time. So, when I see she has a new book coming out, I have to read it immediately. I just know I’m going to read something amazing and she never disappoints.

Obligation gave me everything that I was looking for and more. I loved the idea of this story: A sham marriage in order to protect someone, that will ultimately become more. The chemistry between Kai and Mila was intense and so full of promise. Their passion so palpable. I couldn’t get enough of the two of them together.

This book was full of angst, romance, passion and frustration. I fell for the characters immediately: wanting answers and just wanting to know more about them. Obligation had a lot of  great twists, turns and suspense.  I was completely captivated and was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what was going to happen next. If you haven’t had the opportunity to read any books by Aurora Rose Reynolds yet, I highly recommend checking them out.

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

Excerpt  

“Everyone is looking for you.”

I turn my head, pulling my hair out of my face as I watch a boy I’ve never seen before climb up the stairs and into my tree house.

“Who are you?” I ask him as he sits across from me.

“Kai,” he smiles, looking around. He looks a lot different than the other kids I know. His hair is long, and his skin is a lot darker than mine. “Why are you hiding?”

I shrug and look away from him. Daddy was yelling earlier; he was so mad that he was turning red. Then Mommy started crying, and Daddy started yelling louder. I heard Mommy telling Daddy that he had to send me away. I don’t want to go away. I try to be good, but sometimes, I forget to listen.

“Why are you crying?”

I look up at him and wipe my face. “I’m scared,” I whisper, wiping my nose.

“Come on. I’ll protect you,” he says, holding his hand out to me.

Then my mommy calls my name again. I look at his hand, move Mr. Bear under my arm, and put my hand in his.

“Myla!” Mommy yells, running towards me.

I can tell she has been crying again.

“Where did you go?” Her hands grab my shoulders and she shakes me hard.

“It’s my fault. I asked her to show me the tree house,” Kai tells her.

She stops shaking me then looks at him. “You shouldn’t have done that. You knew we were looking for her,” she says angrily her head.

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking,” Kai says softly, putting his hands in his pockets and looking at the ground.

I look back at Mommy, and she shakes her head before grabbing my hand and pulling me with her. When I look over my shoulder at Kai, he smiles, making me smile back.

Assumption (Underground Kings #1)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1onxQI0

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1qaNWJ3

iTunes: http://bit.ly/1pdSccC

Goodreads Link: http://bit.ly/1olp5C0

as·sump·tion:

a thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof

They say when you assume that you make an ass out of you and me. Kenton Mayson learned this lesson firsthand when he made assumptions about Autumn Freeman and the kind of woman she is based on what little information he had. What he finds out is she’s not only beautiful, but also smart, funny, a fighter, and exactly the kind of woman he wants to share his life with. Autumn made assumptions of her own about Kenton, and now he needs to prove her wrong in order to protect her and their future.

About the Author:

Aurora Rose Reynolds is a navy brat who’s husband served in the United States Navy. She has lived all over the country but now resides in New York City with her Husband and pet fish. She’s married to an alpha male that loves her as much as the men in her books love their women. He gives her over the top inspiration everyday. In her free time she reads, writes and enjoys going to the movies with her husband and cookie. She also enjoys taking mini weekend vacations to nowhere, or spends time at home with friends and family. Last but not least she appreciates everyday and admires it’s beauty.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

Giveaway —  $50 Gift Card

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Posted in 4.5 Stars and tagged . Bookmark the permalink.

Book Review – Sweet Addiction by J. Daniels

Posted on September 10, 2014 by charmouabb

Wedding hookups never amount to anything.

Those who partake in this wicked little activity know the rules. Get in. Get laid. Get out. There’s no expectation of a relationship. It is what it is.

Dylan Sparks knows the rules. She’s familiar with the protocol. And she engages in the best sex of her life with a complete stranger at her ex-boyfriend’s wedding.

Reese Carroll doesn’t care about the rules. He wants more than just one night with Dylan. And he’s too addicting to pass up.

Sweet Addiction is the story of one girl’s struggle to keep things casual, and one boy’s desire to never let her go.

I figured I couldn’t go to wrong with a book whose main character owns a bakery. Anyone who can whip up baked goods like that has to be someone I want to read about! Did I mention SHE LIVES ABOVE HER BAKERY!?! Now I don’t know about you guys, but that right there is a fantasy of mine. Delish. Now, ahem, since we’re on the subject of fantasies… Have I mentioned Reese Carroll yet? More to the point, have I mentioned Reese Carroll AND baked goods AND smutty acts in the same sentence yet? Yep that whole situation is a thing people… it’s actually a thing….

So, if you hadn’t already guessed, Reese Carroll will definitely make your book boyfriend list. There’s literally no doubt about that. This guy… This guy is EVERYTHING. Sex on a stick. Literally a beautiful, super intelligent, super swoon-worthy stick of sex. He will turn you inside out with his perfect gorgeous hotness. No run of the mill alpha-male here. How Dylan didn’t, from the second she fell into his lap, refuse to ever get off him I will never know. She is a much stronger woman than I! But then again, she really was just looking for ‘slutty wedding sex’ so how was she to know that by hoping for a moment of outrageousness, she’d end up entwined with a force of nature such as Reese.

Dylan is pretty awesome herself actually. I loved how I was reading about a strong, self sufficient, hilarious, feisty WOMAN. She was no virginal angel (Ok yes, her vocabulary was more risque than her past sex life had actually been, but still.) Neither was she sitting around with a major lack of self esteem, waiting for some guy to make her feel better. Nope, she was out doing her thing, living life and it was this fact, which made sure that this story completely captured my attention. Yes, she sometimes probably needed to put her big-girl knickers on and sort her sh*t out, but truthfully, when haven’t we all acted like that? Just because we are grown-ass independent women it doesn’t mean once and a while we take a wrong turn somewhere, or can be so stubborn that it’s infuriating. Plus it made for great drama!

The story had me turning pages like an insane person from the get-go. I’ve read plenty of books along the same lines as this one, but this book had Dylan and Reese. I really connected with them and it was these two that made this story really stand out from the rest, I honestly spent half the book wetting myself with laughter and the other half swooning with everything in my body (oh and maybe a fraction of time spent on wanting to smack both of their heads together!) This has to be, so far this year one of my favourite unexpected book loves. A perfect treat of a story for when you just want to lay in the sun and read something and be thoroughly entertained (and maybe have fantasies of replacing Dylan with yourself… Ahem…) There’s a sequel coming out at the end of this month and I for one, will definitely be setting aside a sunny weekend to check it out.

Sweet Addiction

By J. Daniels

 photo credit: sea turtle via photopin cc

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Book Review – Nameless

Posted on July 19, 2014 by charmouabb

They named it anything but love.

After a failed marriage to a domineering man, Erin refuses to be controlled by anything or anyone. That includes Seth, the father of her baby—a man who was supposed to be only a one-night-stand, a man who’s used to always getting his way.

There’s a reason that Seth Thomas, a successful defense attorney, is often referred to as the Bulldozer. If something needs to happen, he makes it happen. That includes being part of his baby’s life—even if he never expected to be a father, even if Erin doesn’t really trust him.

They’ll work out an arrangement in the best interest of their baby—and if they occasionally have sex, well, that’s just an added perk—but they both agree on one thing.

What they have will never be love.

This book was a long read for the genre, I didn’t feel like it was a slow burn but I did feel like potentially there was a bit of room to cut some length out. If it was just condensed down a tad I think I would’ve been happy. As it was I did still enjoy this story. I was interested to see how it would play out and I can definitely say that at the end of the day I was not disappointed with how it ended. Everyone loves a good HEA regardless of how it looks don’t they?

Erin and Seth have an interesting chemistry from the get-go. Throughout the whole book they swung wildly between passionate intimacy and standoffish awkwardness while interacting with each other. It was the epitome of hot and cold and if you think it sounds good and twisty but a little bit frustrating you would be right!

For me, it was Erin that was the most frustrating character in the book. That woman! At first I could deal with her issues. Deal with her reluctance to allow anyone close to her heart. But characters need to develop. Especially grown adult characters and I didn’t feel like Erin developed enough. I get that she had been hurt before, I get that she had her ‘strongholds’ but I felt like right till the end she was still emotionally stunted. This made her not as likeable as she could’ve been. I wanted to to be invested in her and for the most part I was. But sometimes she induced a few eye-rolls.

As for Seth, I loved how his character was written. You could tell that there was so much going on under his cool, calm, polished exterior. He was the ultimate in powerful alpha-male, good looks, amazing career and charisma to spare… He was damaged, yes, but that just added to his allure. Sometimes he had me lost with his reactions, but more and more as I progressed through the book him and I were completely on the same wavelength. At the end of the book I was well and truly a Seth fan.

This book has everything that anyone who is a contemporary romance fan loves, all while retaining a point of difference. You’ll spend your whole time while reading pleading with Erin and Seth to sort themselves out. The book does spend a reasonable chunk of time dedicated to Erin being pregnant/giving birth/raising a baby. I’ve had babies so this definitely wasn’t off-putting or boring for me, but I think even if you haven’t had children of your own you won’t dislike this aspect of the story. The author definitely knew her stuff when dealing with all things pro-creating related and managed to bring the right amount of humor and sensitivity to the mix. Oh and be prepared for smut. A decent helping of smut considering this book revolves around a pregnancy…

This was an interesting take on what happens when two people are thrown together to face one of the biggest responsibilities any of us can take on. There are tears, as well as vomiting, sex, arguments and random cravings. (not in that order) This story does have a decent conclusion, I was definitely happy to leave it where it ended. However I have seen that there are two follow-up books to Erin & Seth’s story. Both sequels are much shorter reads; Christening is the second in the series followed by the novella Incarnate. Those who just can’t leave the story where it lays at the ending of Nameless will jump right into these two books I’m sure. However for me, after reading the blurb of Christening, I think I’m going to stop now while I’m ahead. I’m happy where this story finished up, I don’t really feel the need to delve further into the twisty world of Erin and Seth and their relationship.

 

Nameless

By Claire Kent

photo credit: Brett Sayer via photopin ccphoto credit: Enrique_L. via photopin <a

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