Coast (The Road #3) by Jay McLean

Blurb:

One life-changing summer.
One boy.
The boy.
The boy who offered me safe touches and heart-stopping smiles - smiles he shared with his son.
We filled our days with porch-step kisses,
filled our ears with laughter,
filled our hearts with love.
Deep, soul-aching, desperate love.
But love is misleading.
It's an invisible, fleeting moment.
Somewhere between false adoration and pure hatred comes an emotion, a vulnerable need, a single desire.
It lives within the ones who miss it, who crave it,
who know better than to expect it.
Love is relentless.
Even when that love turns to hate, turns to loathing,
turns to pain.
Love should heal you.
But it can also break you.
Believe me, I know...
Because I'm Becca Owens - a broken girl...
...And he's Josh Warden - the boy who broke me.

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Pre-Order Links:

Amazon US:  http://amzn.to/1WJXjkV
iBooks: http://apple.co/1TgZeKi
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1TgZlW8
B&N: http://bit.ly/1XyMt0O

Kristine's Review:
Reviewed: June 2016.

It's no secret that I've long been a fan of Jay McLean's work, in fact Kick Push and More Than Enough both earned the coveted PLATINUM lipstick in 2015, to say that she set the bar high for whatever would follow would be an understatement. Kick Push has been ever present in my thoughts since turning the last page last year, Josh and Becca never far from my mind, two characters that absolutely owned me, decimated my heart, ravaged my soul, two fictional characters that became something so much bigger, their presence in my life, the impact their journey had on me was real, tangible, and in turning the last page, the overwhelming sense of loss that plagued me, the sense of grief of having to say good bye, if only for a little while until I could COAST with them once more.

"Because it teaches me that if I stand tall, brave and unwilling to back down, then the chaos, the destruction - it can't attack me. It can't touch me. It makes me feel alive and invincible."

 Where Kick Push was essentially Josh's story, Coast is most definitely Becca's, a young woman who was abused and denigrated by the very person who should of been her protector, after leaving Josh in order to find herself, to find a way to heal, to rebuild the parts of her that had been broken over and over again, she finds herself confronting her fears, and facing him once again, the man she loved, the man who loved her, the man who reminded her of her worth when she felt worthless, and yet had the ability to leave her broken when she didn't think it was possible to be anymore more broken that she had previously felt, an albeit brief history they shared that shaped both of their lives so dramatically. In those quiet moments, as recognition washed over Josh's face, as Becca bravely forged forward, as my heart surged, threatening to break out of my chest, I knew with certainty that the author was about to claim my heart and soul again.

"Because it's not fair that you should have to love me broken, especially when I can never make you whole."

There's something about modern day fairy tales that we like to tell, where a damsel down on her luck is rescued by the tatted up badboy/heart of gold alpha and they ride off into the sunset, what I adore so much about this series is that not only is Josh Warden inherently a good guy, a great guy even, but that the author dares to challenge the norm, when Becca could of folded, could have crumbled under the weight of so much pain, of haunting memories, of nightmares she instead realised that heroes need to save themselves, Becca walks away despite the pain, knowing that the only way she truly has any chance of healing is to allow time to do just that, to take the steps to start the process, the work through everything that haunts her and rediscover who she is, outside of the labels that have been given to her. Coast isn't about quick fixes and happily ever afters, it's a journey from that very moment that Becca starts truly living again, it's a story of redemption, of second chances, of third chances, of I love you's, I need you's, I forgive you's, it's a story that's real and heartbreaking and honest, it's a story about the love between a father and son, between a man and woman, between father and daughter, it's a story about the family you make and the family you are given, it's a story of falling down seven times and getting up eight. Coast is so much more than contemporary romance or new adult, it's more than sexy scenes, angsty moments, and tender caresses. It's a story that left me boneless and breathless, a story that eviscerated me time and time again and yet left me absolutely mind numbingly, desperate for more, a tale about two people and the life they created together, as well as the lives they created apart was in so many ways an ode to living to the fullest, to jumping the hurdles that are inevitably put in  front of us, of staring our fears in the face - telling them you won't beat me today, it's remembering what comes after you kick and you push.

"We fall. We get back up. We kick. We push. Again and again. Because the joy of success is greater than the depression of failure." 

It's the moment that the story eviscerates your heart, when all you can do is smile and say thank you because feeling something that deep, that real, that inherently, that it leaves you gasping for air, it leaves you staring at the wall wondering what you just read, simultaneously causing searing pain and joyous relief, that moment is opening a book by Ms McLean, it's silently offering up your heart, saying take this but please be careful with it, it's saying I trust you to take me on the journe Finding a book that absolutely speaks to your soul is life changing, it's the moment that the story eviscerates your heart, when all you can do is smile and say thank you because feeling something that deep, that real, that inherently, that it leaves you gasping for air, it leaves you staring at the wall wondering what you just read, simultaneously causing searing pain and joyous relief, that moment is opening a book by Ms McLean, it's silently offering up your heart, saying take this but please be careful with it, it's saying I trust you to take me on the journey these characters need to go on, it's saying I will follow you wherever you need to go.

If you haven't had a chance to read Kick Push, now's the time!

GPI's Platinum Lipstick Review of Kick Push

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/22llVAH
iBooks: http://apple.co/1TgZau6
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1QY8dLR
Nook: http://bit.ly/1T5bMY5
Add to GR: http://bit.ly/1FSYTTZ


About Jay McLean:

Jay McLean is an international best-selling author and full-time reader, writer of New Adult Romance, and most of all, procrastinator. When she’s not doing any of those things, she can be found running after her two little boys, playing house and binge watching Netflix.
She writes what she loves to read, which are books that can make her laugh, make her hurt and make her feel.

Jay lives in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, in a forever half-done home where music is loud and laughter is louder.

Connect with Jay on Facebook

Sidebarred (Legal Briefs #3) by Emma Chase

Blurb:
 
Join Jake & Chelsea, Stanton & Sofia, Brent & Kennedy as they navigate the hilarious and heartwarming hurdles of love, life and the law in this final addition to the Legal Briefs Series.

There was a time when Jake Becker had it all together. He was controlled, driven, ruthless—in and out of the courtroom.

Then, six irresistible orphans and their heartbreakingly beautiful aunt crashed into his perfectly ordered life. They changed everything. They changed him. Now he’s a husband, an upstanding member of society, a father figure—a family man.
And he’s pretty damn good at it.

Sure, he has to referee sibling smackdowns, re-learn algebra, ensure his clients stay of jail, and keep his wife happy—but it finally feels like he’s got it together again....
So, of course something has to screw it all up.

It’s huge. Life-changing. Kind of terrifying.

And it will be the most amazing, perfect thing he’ll ever do.

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Purchase Links:

iBooks: http://apple.co/1XjJcjE
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1S6YnfV
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1VzlphH
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1rcMewj
Amazon PB: http://amzn.to/1rcMkUu
Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/1Nk0dd4

Kristine's Review:
Reviewed: April 2016.

When Jake Becker waltzed into Chelsea McQuaids already unstable life flipped on it's head, their undeniable connection and explosive chemistry gave this reader that goofy smile that undoubtedly follows after I have fallen in love with a book. Everything about Jake drew me in, from his stoic strength, to those handsome good looks, to the fierce protectiveness he showed for everyone he cared about, but more than just Jake, I fell in love with Chelsea as well, her quiet strength, her temerity, her tenacity, the way she took every hit aimed at her and kept getting back up, she kept fighting, never giving up or giving in. Their story is one that has not only stayed with me, but has held it's place on my favourites list, being picked up time and time again to reread when I'm feeling unmoved by other couples, it's storytelling at it's most beautiful, when characters invade your senses, steal your heart and you're forever changed by experiencing their journey with them.

Life has been good to Jake and Chelsea in the time since Jake got his act together and they became husband and wife, caring for six kids as a newly wed is not easy feat, but together they have weathered storms and created a loving environment for their family, but their biggest challenge may be one they never anticipated.

"You're crying because you're disappointed. Because, even just for a little while, you thought we were having a baby - and you were happy about it. You want to have a baby.

....And I do, too,"

What I expected here was a fun little sneak peak into Jake and Chelsea's lives, I expected a few flashes into Stanton and Sofia and Brent and Kennedy, an easy reading novella that would undoubtedly make me giggle, something light, instead Chase crafted a story that was sincere and eloquent, that was timeless in so many ways, a story that had me utterly enraptured from the first page, because these characters, these people somewhere along the lines became my people, and every moment of joy, every soft smile, every whispered word, every reverent look, every moment of heartbreak I felt with them, I wanted to climb inside the pages and laugh with Jake when things were good and sit and hold Chelsea's hand when things were difficult, it's an interesting feeling, being an avid reader, and hopeless romantic to boot, knowing that they are characters and aren't real, and yet believing so fully in the authors powers of storytelling that you forget even for the briefest of moments, sharing their joys and their sorrows as real as you would with a friend sitting by your side.

"And my whispered words slice the stillness of the moment. All of this only works if you're here. It begins with you, it ends..."

Sidebarred reminded me why I adore Emma Chase's writing, why I will drop everything to read her words, her ability to take the reader on a journey, one that can be confronting at times, one that often pushes you to think, one that makes you smile and sigh knowing that what your reading maybe be fiction but can give you lessons for life, she reminds me that life isn't just about the destination, but the journey, it's about the false steps, and pot holes and laughter and tears, it's about all those memories your creating without even realising, it's all those tiny moments that shape who you are and who you want to be, it's the soft smiles and sense of contentment that washes over you as you read her words. Saying good bye to this group is bittersweet, but loving them and letting go only to come back again, to pick them back up, to reacquaint myself with them is truly the most joyous part of reading, with the perfect balance of laugh out loud humour, of deliciously decadent heat, of heartfelt emotion Sidebarred is a book I will no doubt come back to time and time again.

"She's my love, my home, the solace to my soul, the keeper of my heart, the centre of my entire f*cking world. The only reason I really believe in my own goodness is because I see it reflected in her eyes."

 

About Emma Chase:

Emma Chase lives in New Jersey with her husband, two children and two misbehaving (but really cute) dogs. She has a long standing love/hate relationship with caffeine.

Emma is an avid reader. Before her children were born she was known to consume whole books in a single day. Writing has also always been a passion and with the 2013 release of her debut romantic comedy, Tangled, the ability to now call herself an author is nothing less than a dream come true.

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Visit Emma's Website

LOVE WILL by Lori L. Otto - Cover Reveal

 

Title: Love Will

Author: Lori L. Otto

Release Date: Late April 2016

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The brilliant mind of 24-year-old Will Rosser never rests. Literally. Scientifically-inclined and musically-gifted, he thinks in equations, hears songs in colors, dreams in geometric shapes and is forever trying to solve the world’s unsolvable problems. Whether he’s trying to escape his unpleasant childhood or forget the mistakes he perpetuates with women he barely knows, he rarely finds a moment’s peace.

 

When his best friend, Damon, invites him to go on tour as his lead guitarist, Will decides it’s a chance to get away from his bad habits in New York and to make some changes in his life. He’ll have to walk away from a career few people are suited for, but he knows in his heart he’ll return to his work as an astrophysicist once he gets his life on track.

 

There are parents to forgive or forget, and for Will, they’re decisions he won’t take lightly. He strives to make his siblings proud; to no longer have them make excuses for him. He has to consider his personal life. The only time he ever allowed himself to love a girl, she broke his heart, the pieces splintering around him as he flew across country from Utah to New York when he was just a teenager.

 

Most of all, though, Will wants peace of mind–something he’s never had–and he knows the only way to get that is to face his painful past.

 

For Will, a tour across the States allows him to reconstruct the man he’s known he’s capable of being. He comes face-to-face with his own demons, making choices along the way that threaten some relationships and strengthen others. He meets Shea, a woman that challenges him, and a spark ignites on a blustery, winter night.

 

Just as Will thinks he’s safe to fall in love again, he’s reminded that his past will always be his past, and no matter how distant, it will follow him wherever he goes. When that past threatens his future, Will’s sleepless nights return, and the woman he has fallen for has to decide where in his life she belongs. 

 

 

 

On my way back to the hotel, I see Damon eating alone in a burger joint. “Mind if I join you?”

 

“Not at all. If you haven’t eaten, you should get the Baby Bella. Oh, my God.”

 

“That’s what you’re eating?” He nods. A waitress arrives within seconds, and I point to his burger to show her it’s what I want. “And a Coke, please.” I catch myself watching her as she walks away. I can’t deny that she’s attractive. In hopes of getting my mind off her, I glance around at the other patrons. “Is it me, or does this place make you want to grow a full beard and become a mountain man?”

 

“Definitely.”

 

“These river trips and shit? We need to come back and do that sometime.”

 

“When the beards come in,” he says with a mouthful of food.

 

“Of course.”

 

“Where’s everyone else?”

 

“I’m sure Ben’s gettin’ some action from his girl online…”

 

“That was a given, man.”

 

“Tavo’s playing pool at this cowboy bar. It has saddles for barstools. I’m not shittin’ you.”

 

“Pool, huh? Could I make some money?”

 

“You gonna go hustle? Some scrawny city boy in that place? Mountain men, Will. We just talked about that.”

 

“They don’t scare me. And whatever, I’m not scrawny.” I puff out my chest just to make my point… but I’m not.

 

“Compared to Wooly Mammoth over there, and his sidekick, Big Bad John?” He nods to two guys in plaid flannel shirts walking down the street as if they’ve just dismounted a couple of bulls. “Pretty sure they had an axe to grind with you before you even walked in just because of your damned Yankees cap.”

 

“Fuck you and fuck your Mets.” He laughs at me as the waitress sets down a soda for me.

 

“You’re not scrawny,” she says softly to me, poking her head in between us.

 

“See? Thank you.”

 

“You’re welcome.” She flutters her lashes at me, smiling.

 

Damon’s staring at me when my eyes meet his. “What?”

 

“Nothing.”

 

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

 

“Why were you looking at her like that?”

 

“Like what?”

 

“Like you wanted to mount her and grind your axe into her…”

 

“Oh, shut the fuck up. I was not.” He raises his brows. “Jesus Christ, I’m not sure if you’re aware of this, but the hormones don’t just stop flowing when you meet a woman you like.”

 

“A hundred bucks says she gives you her number… and you’ve got your own room here for one more night. This has ethical dilemma written all over it.”

 

“It does not! And I’m not taking that bet. I’m saving my money.”

 

He chuckles. “You know she’s giving you her digits.”

 

“Probably…” I can’t help it if I know the signs. “I’m not gonna keep them… or call her. Why don’t you ask her out?”

 

“Not my type. She has no meat on her bones whatsoever. I have to have something to hold on to.”

 

“You’re saying if she came on to you, you’d turn her down?” I ask him point blank.

 

He thinks for just a split second. “No.”

 

“Dipshit. Hey, you didn’t mention Peron… what’s he up to?”

 

“He was in the fitness center.”

 

“No, I said Peron.” He nods. “Peron’s working out?”

 

“Treadmill.”

 

“I might have a running buddy?” I ask, over-dramatically.

 

“You might…”

 

“Here’s your burger.” Our waitress takes a seat on the empty stool next to Damon.

 

“You’re Damon Littlefield, aren’t you?”

 

I grin as I take a bite of my food, now wishing I’d taken the bet. It would have been a quicker and easier way to make money than a round of pool. Nah, I like a little bit of a challenge.

 

“I hear you like to have a little fun,” she flirts.

 

“Yeah,” he admits to her.

 

“Into three-ways?”

 

He clears his throat before answering. “My favorite of all the ways.”

 

“So stupid,” I whisper under my breath, earning an elbow in my side.

 

“What about him?” she asks, nodding at me. I shake my head politely.

 

“Not Will’s favorite thing…”

 

“But… would he?”

 

“I think he might want to know who the third party was.”

 

“No,” I say, trying to be polite.

 

“Oh, it’d be you,” she says to Damon.

 

“Wait, what?” he asks.

 

She has my attention, too. “Sorry?” I’m biting my lip, stifling a laugh if she’s suggesting what I think she’s suggesting.

 

“I wanted to see if you two wanted to have a three-way with me.”

 

“Oh, God, no,” Damon says even before the laughter escapes my lips. “No, see… it’s not like that with us. No. We’ve known each other for too long.”

 

“Eight years. And neither of us are, uh… curious at all, in that aspect. Sorry. I’ve already seen more of Damon than I ever want to.”

 

“You wouldn’t have to do anything with each other… just, you know… watch… and maybe touch.”

 

“Oh, we know…” I say. We’ve seen porn, thank you very much. “I have to pass. Damon, you’re a handsome guy, but, uh…”

 

“You’re an ugly son-of-a-bitch,” he tells me. “Fuck that.”

 

We both start laughing as our waitress gets up, clearly embarrassed. “Look, I’m flattered,” I tell her. “We–we–are flattered. It’s just not something we’re into.”

 

She nods, smiles, and returns to us. “Well, I get off at nine, if either one of you are interested in a little solo action…”

 

“I’ll be here at five after,” Damon says quickly. “And if you have a girl friend you want to bring…”

 

“For him?” she asks, nodding to me.

 

“For him, or for us…” he says.

 

I glare at him, then start shaking my head vehemently. “Not for me. That’s all you guys. Or maybe Tavo. Or Peron. Or anyone other than me.”

 

“I’ll see what I can do,” she says. “I’m Ralli, by the way.”

 

“Cute name,” Damon says. “Suits you.”

 

“I might need one of these alcoholic shakes to get this image out of my head,” I joke with him.

 

“Might I suggest the Mudslide?” he asks. “Dark chocolate oozing with sweet, vanilla custard.”

 

“Awww, fuck,” I say, throwing down my burger on my plate. “You’re the absolute worst.” He can’t stop laughing, and eventually I join in with him, now thinking about how ludicrous her invitation was. When I can talk, I finally pose a question to him. “Do we look like we swing both ways?”

 

“Compared to…” He gestures to the abundance of mountain men around us.

 

“Yeah, we’re not coming back until we get the facial hair thing figured out.”

 

“You better start now.”

 

“Mine grows fast!” I argue, feeling the stubble on my chin.

 

“Your mustache takes awhile, though. The beard’s good, but there’s something weird about part of your upper lip.”

 

“It’s a scar, you idiot. It’s never gonna grow right.” I drag my finger over the line on my lip that I can barely even feel anymore.

 

“I guess we can’t come back.”

 

“I don’t think mountain men will take points off for a scar. Girls even like it. You just have to be perfectly coiffed. Can’t have a single imperfection… spend more on beauty products than any woman I know.”

 

“But feel my skin.” He picks up my hand.

 

“No!” I pull my hand back into my body, chuckling again. “We do look like we swing both ways. It’s your fault, too.”

 

He puts his arm across my shoulders and plants a kiss on my cheek.

 

“We’re so getting beat up as soon as we walk out of this place…” I mutter.

 

“We’re both too pretty.”

 

 

“I’m not shaving anymore,” I vow. “So, Ralli, huh?” I ask him, starting to eat again.

 

 

 

Will Rosser is smart.
Will Rosser is creative.
Will Rosser is driven.

Will Rosser is no Jon Scott.

 

Amazon

 

 

 

 

After an exhilarating, collaborative writing project, Lori L. Otto had an idea for an original novel. The characters and their rich stories would keep her awake at night, and even with barely any sleep, she felt more alert and alive than she had in years. Her days off were spent in cafés, sandwich shops and bookstores, feverishly trying to get all of the details out of her head and onto paper.

 

In the spring of 2009, after a few months of writing, Lori decided to tweak one chapter from the novel-in-progress and enter it as a short story in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition, where she was awarded Honorable Mention in the Mainstream/Literary Short Story category.

 

A year later, she completed a series of three novels–Lost and Found, Time Stands Still, and Never Look Back–which were published in the spring of 2011. Since then, she has published seven more full-length novels and two novellas, as well as a book of extras and short stories. Her current work-in-progress, Love Will, is scheduled to be released in April of 2016.

 

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Last Call (Bad Habits #3) by Staci Hart - Review

Released: 15th February 2016.

Blurb:

Once Rose Fisher makes a decision, that’s it. End of story.

Like when her ex, Patrick, dumped her out of the blue, then showed up with a super hot, tatted up sex kitten on his arm. Then it was over for good. The end. Poof. Dead to her. Except he was everywhere — down the hall, at the bar with their friends, worming his way into her dreams.

But with their friends paired off, they’re left alone more and more. Rose is determined to keep him friendzoned — doesn’t matter that he stares at her with a smolder that drops all panties in a ten foot radius. She’s over him, and she’ll prove it by getting back into the dating game, Patrick be damned.

Patrick Evans is no stranger to consequences. When your mother walks out, your dad drifts away. When you leave home, you’re on your own. And when you run away from the girl you love, you lose her. He finally has an opportunity to rebuild the bridge he burned, and it’s not one he’ll take for granted. But he’ll have to fight for her, even if it hurts. Even if it means he’ll walk away brokenhearted. Because deep down, he knows that she’s it for him.

The trick will be to get her to admit she feels it too.

Find Last Call on Goodreads 

Purchase Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/20SD9op
Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/1W9ArYz
Amazon UK: amzn.to/1Sd6okp

Currently on sale for 99c *at time of posting*

Purchase: With A Twist (Bad Habits #1)
Purchase: Chaser (Bad Habits #2)

Kristine's Review:
Reviewed: February 2016.

When I picked up With A Twist last year I was smitten with Staci Hart's words, by Chaser I was utterly hooked, the way every emotion bleeds into her stories, the way West and Lilly connected - a connection that comes from years spent together while hiding behind the guise of friendship, to the raw and unyielding chemistry between Maggie and Cooper - the kind you can try to run from but never escape, but what truly intrigued me was tenuous relationship between Rose and Tricky, this relationship that had once been so sweet that had soured and left a poisonous void between them, when friends become lovers and everything falls apart, what you're left with is a connection that won't let you breathe, try as you might to move on, it holds you captive, the friendships you've built around it leaves you held hostage inside your own grief, inside the torment of what was and what it could have been, while you wear a mask, one that shows the outside world you're okay, while you're still crumbling inside.

"So I stared in his direction, wondering how I'd gotten to where I was, lying across from the boy who I couldn't escape but couldn't have."

The second I opened Last Call I was mesmerised, Rose had always seemed like such a strong, infallible woman, and she was, but reading her thoughts, slipping into the story, as her words and thoughts invaded my mind like ink sinking into my skin, I saw all of her, her joy, her sadness, her grief, her strength, her tenacity and her strong will, it was impossible not to love her from the very first page, Rose had loved and lost, and it had hurt her, it tore her heart from her chest, but she refused to wallow in that soul crushing pain, she stood strong even when she felt weak, Rose embodied everything I look for in a heroine, she made me think, made me feel and had me in her corner, cheering her on, not just for Tricky but for Rose, from that very first page, I wanted Rose to find her happy regardless of what that might be, so often I find leading ladies happily ever afters tied up in the hero, but what I found here was that what I wanted most of all was for Rose to be okay, and not a shadow of her former self.

"I didn't know which was worse. The truth, or the lie we'd been telling ourselves."

Tricky the inked up man of few words, everything about Tricky intrigued me from the very first mention of him in With A Twist, to say that I was desperate for more of him would be a gross understatement, from the smouldering glances he levelled at Rose, to the easy camaraderie he had with West and Cooper, everything about his outward appearance may have screamed back off, but those secret smiles...gosh those secret smiles made me want to crawl inside his mind and know everything about him, Tricky seemed like that kind of man that was forever trying to do the right thing, even when it was to the detriment of himself, and I wanted to know why, what made him tick, what made him guard his heart so closely especially when it was clear that the Bad Habits crew loved him, that even Rose despite the pain of their past still cared for him deeply, but most of all I was desperate to know what happened that a man whose eyes tracked Rose's every movement, eyes that told the story of hurt and regret, of pain without a chance of absolution would willingly walk away from her.

"Rose doesn't love you for any reason other than she does. You didn't have to do anything. Don't you get it?"

Last Call was a strange concept for romance novels, so often we start at the beginning hoping that the hero and heroine will find each other, will find their happily every after, instead Hart invites the reader to what could possibly be the end, Rose and Tricky have already had the passionate love affair, they tried and failed, where any romance reader salivates for the elusive HEA, the author begs you to leave your preconceived notions at the door and take a journey that is just as much moving forward as it is looking back, as two broken characters try to navigate what they were and who they are, as well as what they could be, whether together or alone. When Rose and Tricky battled to just keep moving through the pain of their past, the fear of the unknown threatening to drown them, the waves of trepidation crashing angrily against them, the unfettered joy of second chances, of making up for lost time, I felt that, I felt it wash over me, I felt it chip away at my heart, knowing with certainly that like Rose and Tricky, whatever happened I would never be the same.

There are books that make you laugh when you desperately need it, books that leave you reading through blurry teary eyes, books that make you want to slam down your kindle, cursing the characters and the world, and there are books that make you forget time and space, that draw you in, make you feel something bigger than yourself, they hold you captive and demand your attention, they remind you why you love to read, they remind you what it feels like to truly become invested in someone else's words, they take your heart, and hold it, knowing it's precious while being unafraid to take you on the journey they need you to go on. Staci Hart reminded me that sometimes we need to get through the pain and hurt to find what we truly need on the other side, that sometimes time and perspective is what we need despite how much we just want to forget and move on, but most of she reminded me that sometimes endings are really just the beginning of something new.

"Cheers to the end, because every story that ends begins another. Cheers to beginnings that they may be full of hope and love..."

About Staci Hart:

Staci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life: a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can't forget that. She's also been a mom, with three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She's been a wife, even though she's certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She's also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she's been drinking whiskey. Her favorite word starts with f and ends with k.

From roots in Houston, to a seven year stint in Southern California, Staci and her family ended up settling somewhere in between and equally north, in Denver. They are new enough that snow is still magical. When she's not writing, she's sleeping, cleaning, or designing graphics.

Visit Staci's Website: http://stacihartnovels.com/

Wicked Sexy LIar by Christina Lauren - Review

Blurb:

When three college besties meet three hot guys in Vegas, anything can—and does—happen. Book Four in the New York Times Wild Seasons series that began with Sweet Filthy Boy (the Romantic Times book of the year that Sylvia Day called “a sexy, sweet treasure of a story”), Dirty Rowdy Thing, and Dark Wild Night.

For two people ambivalent about dating and love, they sure get naked around each other an awful lot . . .

London Hughes is very content to surf daily, tend bar, hang out with her group of friends, and slowly orient herself in the years after college. Everything’s going great and according to the non-plan.

But when a wave knocks her for a loop one morning, then Luke Sutter’s flirtatious smile knocks her for another that evening, she veers slightly off course…and into his path. Sure, he’s a total player, but the Why not—it’s only one night is a persistent voice in her ear.

For his part, Luke’s been on hookup autopilot for so long that he rarely ever pauses to consider what he’s doing. But after an amazing time with London, he realizes that he hasn’t been moving on from a devastating heartbreak so much as he’s been drifting to wherever—and whomever—the current takes him. With London he wants more.

Every relationship involves two people…plus their pasts. And as much as she enjoys her fling with Luke, when London learns about his past—more specifically, who’s in it—everything becomes the brand of complicated she strives to avoid. It’s up to Luke then to change some things in order to try and ensure he’s not something she’ll outright avoid as well.  

Find on Goodreads

Kristine's Review:
Reviewed: February 2016.

Okay, I'm just going to admit it, I am crazy fangirl for Christina Lauren, truly I look all put together on the outside, but every time a new book is announced I do a little happy dance, I still remember hearing about Beautiful Bastard years ago and umming and ahhhhing about it, reviews were mixed, I couldn't decide, but this writing duo had a cult like following, I purchased the book and dove into Chloe and Bennett's world, I felt as though I barely drew a breath, I was instantly hooked, I purchased every remaining book in the series that had been released at the time and read them back to back, then I watched social media waiting for the slightest hint for what was coming next... not much has changed since then, when news of London and Luke's story hit social media, I again did my happy jig, and I've been checking my mailbox obsessively so waiting to get me greedy little hands on it, the second the trusty postie dropped it on my frontdoor, I was tearing into the wrapping so I could dive in. I didn't move, I read Wicked Sexy Liar in one sitting, savouring the words, and speeding through it at the speed of light because I couldn't get enough. I was convinced this book would be fun and sexy, and then reading lines like this, left me no doubt that the authors were going to give me more than I bargained for.

"Do we ever see the big things coming, though? A predictable life never changed anyone."

London is confident, sassy and one of those women who just seem to have life figured out, she's got a college degree and qualifications behind her, but instead of suiting up and doing the 9-5 grind she's surfing all day and bar tending by night, London does what she wants, when she wants, she's made new friends, and life is good, with no time for men or the delude of heartache they bring with them, London is focused on keeping her no muss no fuss life exactly as it.

Luke once had life mapped out, he was other half of everyone's favourite couple, but when Mia was involved in the accident, everything changed for more than just Mia, in the blink of an eye, Luke lost everything he had planned. Side note, I'm going to be honest, I didn't much like Luke in the previous books in this series, sure I felt bad for him when Mia moved on and found her happy with the sexy French man and he seemed to still be hanging on to the past, I had my reservations whether I could truly care about his fragile male ego, the glimpses of London we had in Beautiful Stranger and Dark Wild Night cemented for me London was definitely a new favourite heroine of mine, but Christina Lauren had their work cut out to convince me that there was more to meet the eyes with Luke, but from the very first interaction I found myself rooting for him, I was either giggling at his stupidity, rolling my eyes at his naivety or swooning at those moments that showed me, without a doubt that this dynamic writing duo know how to redeem a character, make you cheer for them, make you want to console them when things go wrong, make them feel real, and honest. Watching the Manwhore Luke meet someone like London, who both drew him close and pushed him away in equal measure made me love them both all the more.

"falling in love isn't about who makes you feel the best, but who could make you the most miserable if they leave."

Everything about Wicked Sexy Liar drew me in, I wanted to know more about Luke, I wanted to know why London shied away from the chance of letting people in, I wanted them to find something that opens you up to new experiences, that changes the way you see the world, and I wanted to follow their journey, through their eyes, and Christina Lauren did that, I felt every moment of trepidation that London felt, every inch of joy that Luke felt at rediscovering love, that all encompassing feeling that bolsters your spirit, the butterflies that buzz in your tummy, the anticipation that builds when you can't wait to see the other person. I felt it all in spades, every second of the this wicked sexy story left me sated and yet desperate for more.

 

Purchase Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1UJ3IIY
Amazon PB: http://amzn.to/1JXx8Tz
Amazon UK: amzn.to/1NPq3z1
Amazon AU: bit.ly/1PgeFOE
iBooks: apple.co/1MoUWOa


About Christina Lauren:

Christina Lauren is the combined pen name of long-time writing partners/besties/soulmates/brain-twins Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. The coauthor duo writes both Young Adult and Adult Fiction, and together has produced eleven New York Times bestselling novels. Their books have been translated into 23+ languages. (Some of these books have kissing. Some of these books have A LOT of kissing.)

Contact Christina Lauren on Twitter @seeCwrite for Christina and @LolaShoes for Lauren

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ACED by K. Bromberg - Review

 

“Colton is back and better than ever. Be ready for another lap around the track that you’ll never want to get off.”Corinne Michaels, USA Today Bestselling Author

 

 

 

Synopsis:



Rylee and Colton's ride continues...
One moment. Six years ago.

The night she made the world around me so much more than just a blur. Now it's the catalyst that threatens to tear us apart.

Our happily was supposed to be ever after. So why do I feel like it's slipping through my fingers?

How can one moment, when our world seemed so right, resurface and cause our perfect life to spiral out of control?

I can't lose her.

She's my checkered flag.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25687858-aced

Kristine's Review:
Reviewed: January 2016.

"Remember, son, marriage isn't about how madly in love you are through the good times, but how committed you are to each other in the bad times."

I'm sitting here staring at my computer screen, trying desperately to put what I'm feeling down on paper so to speak, and I've got to be honest...I'm struggling, because I don't know how to do ACED justice, I don't know how to eloquently say what I need to tell you, which is that this book captured my heart, it crushed it, it tore it apart, and it taped it back together. Years ago when I picked up Driven I fell in love with Colton Donovan and Rylee Thomas, because yes Colton was the epitome of alpha males we love, but more than that he had demons, demons that have dominated his life, dominated so much of it, before Rylee he used racing and women to numb himself, he tried to f*ck everything out of his system but that's the thing about your past it never truly goes away, and no one understood that better than Rylee because she had a past that haunted her, they both understood what it was like to want to desperately forget and together found a connection they never expected.

"The only thing you can do is to turn your wounds into wisdom."

Aced begins years later, Rylee and Colton have freed the ghosts of their collective pasts, they've grown together, they've leant on each other, they've built a foundation so solid that nothing could ever break them, they've lived through the worst life has to throw at them and come out stronger, more resilient, but that's the thing about life, it continues to throw curveballs at you, continues to test your limits, push you to colour outside the lines, forces you to take one step forward and two steps back, to keep getting up.

"I love that you raced me even when I didn't have any wheels on the f*cking track."

Bromberg gives fans readers back their beloved Rylee and Colton, and every ounce of love I had for them came rushing back, I felt it in spades, I felt that soul deep connection between two people who were made for each other, who chose to be with each other, two bestfriends in every sense of the word, a bond forged in fire, but now years on from that first meeting in a broom closet, they have waves rolling in, ready to knock them off their proverbial boards, the more the scamper to right themselves, the faster and harder the waves crash into them.

"No one has control of life, Rylee. That's the beauty and fear in living it."

There's a expectancy of fantasy to contemporary romance, we don't want to read about average hero's who work the 9til5 and come home to eat dinner, watch an hour of sports and fall asleep, we want a hero we can dream about, fantasise about, revel in, and while Colton Donovan is certainty not your average Joe, there's a sense of normalcy here, an overriding sense of I've experienced that, I've been there, I know your pain because I've felt it too, for an author to be able to take the reader on a journey where she can elicit an emotional response is telling of their prowess, but to take a story that's fantastical in so many ways, and have readers connect with it because they've been through it, to take something away from it, to use it to help heal a part of themselves that they worried would always be broken, is a testament to her exceptional talent.

"You're only alive if you bruise."

I feel as though I'm being deliberately evasive, and I am because you don't want me to ruin this for you, BELIEVE ME on this, you want to go in like I did, pulling on my imaginary protective armour, because I knew, I KNEW with absolute certainty that I was about to take a journey, one that I may not of been ready for, and I devoured Aced, as I turned the last page, I put my kindle down and just breathed, as my emotions ebbed and flowed, and I looked back on every moment, every smile, every shared look, every soft touch, from the beginning, through five books, and thousands of words, then I picked it back up and started Aced all over again.


Bromberg shows such growth in her writing, which astounds me as I've always been captivated by her ability to draw you in, to make you truly live and breathe her words. This story is captivating from the very first line until the last page, her prose exquisite, her ability to cradle your heart in her hands, while she begs you to trust her to take Colton and Rylee where their story needs to go. Heart stopping, mesmerizing, the old adage that it's not about the destination, but the journey is true here, Bromberg valiantly and sensitively takes the reader on a journey that will leave them both sated and desperate for more.

Purchase Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1SboTp5
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1J7I4gi
iBooks: http://apple.co/1hML059
B&N: http://bit.ly/1NqDlFf
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1EkCboq
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1NX9mb5
Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/1OVtIjs
Amazon PB: http://amzn.to/1SboRO7

Also Available By K. Bromberg


Driven

Amazon • Barnes & Noble • iBooks



Fueled

Amazon • Barnes & Noble • iBooks



Crashed

Amazon • Barnes & Noble • iBooks


About the Author:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines and damaged heroes who we love to hate and hate to love.



She’s a mixture of most of her female characters: sassy, intelligent, stubborn, reserved, outgoing, driven, emotional, strong, and wears her heart on her sleeve. All of which she displays daily with her husband and three children where they live in Southern California.



On a whim, K. Bromberg decided to try her hand at this writing thing. Since then she has written The Driven Series (Driven, Fueled, Crashed, Raced), the standalone Driven Novels (Slow Burn, Sweet Ache, Hard Beat, Aced, and a short story titled UnRaveled. She is currently working on new projects and a few surprises for her readers.



She loves to hear from her readers so make sure you check her out on social media.


Connect With Kristy



Facebook • Twitter • Website • Goodreads


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