Accidental Tryst by Natasha Boyd

Blurb:

A new standalone, sexy, romantic comedy! Meet Trystan Montgomery. Suit monkey, commitment-phobic serial dater. No more than three dates, unless he hasn't ... you know.

Emmy:
What a disaster! I only just made my flight to New York to help my uncle, and the phone I’m holding is not mine! It seems to belong to some commitment-phobic serial dater who’s never made it past four dates (according to the constant notifications he's getting from his fake dating profile...) And worse? I have a sinking feeling it’s that hot suit-monkey with the arctic grey eyes I just had a run-in with at the airport. Somehow I have to persuade him not to get a new phone until I get back. My whole life is on that phone. It’s only a few days. Surely we can handle it.

Trystan :
This is a joke, right? My life could not get more f*cked up. I’m in the middle of selling my company and on my way to a funeral and that hot mess hippie-chick stole my freaking phone. I’m not sure how she convinced me not to immediately walk into a smart phone store and get a new one, but now she’s going to have to play stand in and distract me while I deal with my long-avoided and estranged family. I don’t have my dating apps after all, and frankly she’s pretty funny. And sexy. And why can’t I stop texting her? And now we’re talking. And … look, I’ll admit that I usually run for the hills the morning after, but the morning after phone sex? That’s not really real, right?

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Kristine's Review:

Reviewed: June 2018.

I feel as though I've been on a quest to find the very best in slow burn romance, my requirements always remain the same, witty banter, electric chemistry, a story that grabs my attention from the first chapter. Accidental Tryst was sitting on my kindle, it's bright cover calling to me. The fun and flirty chemistry between Trystan and Emmy was intoxicating, the unexpected emotional connection between the two from text to in person made this story absolutely impossible to put down. 

Trystan L Montgomery is locked up tight, rigid business man, typical Type A personality, I'll be honest, he seemed like such a jerk. He's built a life focused solely on his business, forsaking relationships and companionship for physical pleasure when needed that's free of commitment and complications. 

“I’d really love to fall asleep talking to you.”

From their first, albeit brief meeting Emmaline Angelique Dubois seems like Trystan's polar opposite. Despite first impressions Emmy isn't the free spirited gypsy Trystan thinks. Emmy has commitments and people who love her, people she loves and will do anything for even to the detriment of herself. 

‘Maybe most people never meet that someone, or maybe they don’t recognize when they do. Maybe they pass them on the street and share a look, but they don’t realize the size of the opportunity they are passing. Or they do but their hands are tied.’

It's the growing connection between these two that I found so thrilling, the banter that erupts between

the two from their very first accidental and brief meeting, from the texts they exchange, to the phone calls that soon develop into something far more. It's their sizzling chemistry and their electric connection. It's the way something that started out as mistaken phone sway evolved into something so much bigger. Accidental Tryst left me feeling all those warm, lovey feelings as I turned the last page, Boyd created a story that was filled with so much raw emotion that I felt that familiar tug on my heart. The deeper I got into Trystan and Emmy's story, the more I needed from them. Smile on my face and a song in my heart, Accidental Tryst was an absolute joy to read leaving me giddy.

About Natasha Boyd:

Winter Rose FINALIST 2013 (Eversea), Digital Book Award Winner 2014 (Eversea) and Chatelaine Awards for Romantic Fiction FINALIST 2015 (Deep Blue Eternity).

Connect with Natasha on Facebook

Dating-ish (Knitting in the Cty #6) by Penny Reid

Blurb:

There are three things you need to know about Marie Harris:
1) She’s fed up with online dating,
2) She’s so fed up, she’s willing to forego the annoyance and consider more creative alternatives, and
3) She knows how to knit.

After the most bizarre and irritating first date in the history of human kind, Marie is looking for an alternative to men. With the help of her friends, she quickly identifies a few possibilities:

Need a cuddle? Use a professional cuddler. Need affirmation? Get yourself a life coach. Need an orgasm? Try orgasm meditation! Why does she need the hassle of a romantic partner when she can meet all her needs with paid services?
But then her irritating date resurfaces. And he’s not at all the person she thought he was. And he suggests a different—and crazier—solution to her dilemma . . .
As everyone knows (or will soon come to realize), traditional relations between humans are a thing of the past. Robots are our future. And if robots are our future, then why do we need other people at all?

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Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2slWRNJ

Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2rEpUzK

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2sdCenw

Kristine's Review:
Reviewed: June 2017.

Over a week later and I'm still ruminating over Dating-ish, the basis of this story was instantly intriguing, there's something inherently thrilling about diving into a Penny Reid novel, it's filled with a sense of the unknown, never quite sure what you're going to find. For fans of the Knitting in the City series, we finally get to embark on Marie's story, for those new to this crafty bunch, it's a seamless introduction to an old group of friends.

“Whatever happened to taking the time to actually know a person?"

"People don’t do that anymore.” Sandra flicked her wrist toward Ashley’s image on the laptop. “It’s all swipe left for sex or right to murder.”
“Not quite, but, yeah. It’s pretty bad out there.”  

Tinder, eHarmony, Plenty of Fish, HER, Grindr most of us have used some sort of dating app in our quest to meet THE ONE, after all we're busy 20, 30, 40 and beyond somethings, we work chaotic jobs, live in a fast paced world, and we won't say no to a little help when it comes to finding a good match. Before marriage I saw Saturday nights with equal amounts of joy and trepidation, I was happy being single but I saw my coupled off friends and wondered if I was missing out on something, I wanted to meet someone, I wanted the butterflies and the swoony eyes, the elation over receiving that text and trying to figure out how long I had to wait before replying, and don't even get me started on weird first dates, and the sheer horror of some of those blind dates, awkward introductions, stilted conversations, longingly staring at your phone praying it will ring, the entire process is not for the faint of heart, at least in my experience. The worst part of my tale of woe, isn't even the bad first dates, it's what comes after, it's the meeting someone and clicking, it's the hanging out and becoming something else entirely, it's the threat of the dreaded FRIEND ZONE, and for a girl who's lived a great deal of her life in that murky grey area, I've got to tell you, it's tough, because feelings get involved, and you realise the line between friendship and more is actually pretty blurry.

“I’m gonna give you some unsolicited advice, okay?” Dan peered at me, as though making sure I knew to take his words seriously. “But it’s good advice, even though I’m tired as hell, so it might not make much sense.”
“Sure. Go for it.” Even in my muddled state, I couldn’t help but smile at my friend.
“You like that guy, you tell him flat out. You just lay what you want and everything out there. Don’t waste time not saying things that need to be said. He’ll always be in your mind, wrecking the possibility of things with other people, because your heart can’t move on until it knows for sure a door is closed.”
I managed a reassuring smile. “Thanks for the ad—”
“But then, if the door opens, make sure it’s the right door, not a different door. Because then you’ll be in the room, but it’s not the right room. And then you’re stuck in the room, you’ve committed to the room, and you’d be an asshole for trying a new door in the same house when you’re already in a room. And then your f*cking heart won’t stop looking for a window.”  

When Marie goes out on a quasi blind date she's hopeful, surely it's her turn right, she's a good catch, she has a good job, great friends, her own place, sure she's not Rockafeller but she does okay for herself, what has potential soon crumbles, dissolving in the most awkward of first dates, so bad it's entirely laughable, and just when she thinks the whole thing is done and dusted, life has a way of throwing her a curveball, in the form of the socially awkward Matt. As Marie begins her quest to find out if services bought and rendered can make up for a real life intimate relationship, something bizarre happens, the man who was once the enemy, becomes someone who makes her life better.

“Maybe the answer is: Don’t be an asshole, think before you open your trap, take responsibility for your words. Meaning, apologize when you’re wrong and correct yourself moving forward—and don’t constantly look for reasons to be offended and police well-meaning people’s words. We want folks to talk to each other, right? Not just hang out with like-minded people all the time. Everyone is ignorant about something, and everyone is offended by something. If people can’t have a calm, respectful dialogue without being hurt by ignorance, or without offending with insensitivity, then what the hell are we supposed to do? Surround ourselves with robots who don’t challenge our ideas?”

At its heart, Dating-ish is essentially a frienemies/friends to lovers rom com, but like everything Reid writes, it's also so much more than that, with her ability to engage in a moral debate of sorts with the reader, I often find myself, asking more questions, of not just my own thoughts and beliefs but of the world around me. There were so many moments that I found myself stopping to process my emotional response Reid's words, from the outset I found myself drawn to Marie, from her self deprecating humour, to the care she easily bestowed on all lucky enough to be loved by her, but more than that I sympathised with her in the way only someone who has felt the sting of developing feeling for someone who won't or can't reciprocate them, I felt that physical, crushing pain for her in the quiet moments when she allowed herself to break, and because of that I could feel her joy when she smiled and laughed.

“Only you get to decide how you stand, what you stand for, and when you do it.”  

Penny Reid has easily become one of my go to authors, I find myself drawn to her words, like a moth to a flame, her often poignant dialogue and spirited thought provoking prose is what leaves me remarking to book friends "I feel smarter reading her books", there's a simple, unassuming beauty in Marie and Matt's story, one filled with undeniable heart, and a health amount of humour, that had me utterly invested from the very first page, even now I find myself struggling to make sense of everything I felt reading this book, the emotions often too big to adequately describe, and the sucker punch to the gut to real and raw, Dating-ish left an indelible mark on my heart, one I'll wear proudly.

About Penny Reid:

Penny Reid is the USA Today Best Selling Author of the Winston Brothers and Knitting in the City series. When she’s not immersed in penning smart romances, Penny works in the biotech industry as a researcher. She’s also a full time mom to three diminutive adults, wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja.

Connect with Penny on Facebook

#1 Crush by T. Gephart

Blurb:

#1 Crush

Tia Monroe was smart, sassy and successful. Sure, she could get a little crazy at times—life around Tia was never boring—but that was part of her appeal. And while she didn’t see herself as ‘classically beautiful’, she had no shortage of options in the boyfriend department. She just hadn’t found one who held her interest.

Until she laid eyes on Eric Larsson, and then it was lust at first sight.

He packed the perfect mix of smoldering sexy and unapologetic cool into his blond-haired, blue-eyed, ridiculously hot six-foot-four frame. One smile from him was enough to twist her insides, making her girlie bits tingle in the most delicious way. But it wasn’t just his looks, he was smart and funny—charming in the most a-dork-able way.

The only problem was . . . Tia had never actually met him.

Eric Larsson was one of Hollywood’s hottest movie stars, rising to the top of his game and leaving a trail of disintegrated panties in his wake. Tia’s were no exception—but she wasn’t delusional. Love, marriage and happily-ever-after were not part of her fantasy; she just wanted to meet him. Just one time. One time. Confident that just seeing him in the flesh would get him out of her system.

So, with her resolve steeled, Tia set off on a quest to make it happen while avoiding her mug shot being splayed across the five o’clock news.

The journey no doubt will make for one hell of a story.

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B&N: http://bit.ly/2kDhqEx
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2kX7whV
iBooks: http://apple.co/1tvo2pk

Kristine's Review:
Reviewed: February 2017.

Before I tell you all about #1 Crush I feel the need to tell you a little known story, in year seven (the first year of high school for the non-Aussie's) I discovered David Duchovny, today's generation would know him as Hank from Californication, but back then DD or my future husband as I affectionately referred to him was Fox Mulder, he was half of the lead cast of The X Files and my God was he swoony... he was determined and single minded, he was searching for the truth and he was sexy AF! I adored him, his posters adorned my walls, his pictures covered my school diary and folder, I played the MATCH game with our names more times than I could count, hell myself and two of my friends probably could of started writing erotica with the crazy stories we came up with featuring our mutual love. Even now through his sexual addiction scandal and everything in between he still floats my boat if you know what I mean... you see we've all been there at one point. Or at least after showing you my crazy, I hope we've all been there, crushed on a singer or actor or someone we'd never have the slightest chance with, I mean sure David might have been my first, but through five live concerts for The Script I still try to convince everyone around me that there's a HUGE chance the lead singer Danny will see me in the crowd and fall madly in love with me, I mean sure it hasn't happened yet, but considering last time I touched his arm so we're getting closer, I have to hope for lucky number six.

"Not any crush either. Eric Larsson was my number one."

Now that I've thoroughly embarrassed myself, I can tell you about what you came here for, in #1 Crush Tia Monroe has a thoroughly indecent and unholy crush...obsession...lets just stick with crush on Hollywood A Lister Eric Larrson. He's well and truly out of her league in the sense that they run in two different worlds, that's not to say that Tia isn't a pretty rockin' lady, she's self sufficient, independent and under no false assumptions that she would meet and run off into the sunset with the object of her affection. Tia has been able to earn a decent living as a columnist for a New York paper and she's content, she's happy with where she is and has no real reason to complain.

"Think about it. I meet him, I see what an asshole he is and I move on with my life. Simple. Because we both know he’s going to be a disappointment.” Boom. Cured. It was brilliant."

Tia hatches a plan to meet her #1 Crush, with the goal to find out that he's a Hollywood jerk and finally get over her obsession over a night of heavy drinking with her bestie, I mean despite all the craziness involved what could possibly go wrong?? In true Gephart style what ensues is a wacky, wild ride as one woman gets everything she ever dreamt of. The author referred to #1 Crush as ridiculous and crazy, and I'll be honest, it is, it's so ridiculous that I found myself laughing my arse off, it's so crazy that it could almost actually happen, and it was so damn sexy that I found myself fanning my face as reality and one girls wild imagination collided in the best possible way. Instead of rolling my eyes or shaking my head, I was giddy for more, because while David and I were never meant to be, maybe there's a chance that the Tia's of this world might just have a chance with the Eric's and after all isn't that why we read romance in the first place?

"He’d stopped being my crush a while ago, and now he was my forever."

T. Gephart showed a new breadth to her talent with this release, while her previous books have had a comedic vibe, #1 Crush cemented her ability to write pure comedy, with a delicious sexy twist. Funny, engaging and impossible to put down this book left me giddy and overjoyed in a way very few have.

About T. Gephart:

T Gephart is an indie author from Melbourne, Australia.

T's approach to life has been somewhat unconventional. Rather than going to University, she jumped on a plane to Los Angeles, USA in search of adventure. While this first trip left her somewhat underwhelmed and largely depleted of funds it fueled her appetite for travel and life experience.

With a rather eclectic resume, which reads more like the fiction she writes than an actual employment history, T struggled to find her niche in the world.

While on a subsequent trip the United States in 1999, T met and married her husband. Their whirlwind courtship and interesting impromptu convenience store wedding set the tone for their life together, which is anything but ordinary. They have lived in Louisiana, Guam and Australia and have travelled extensively throughout the US. T has two beautiful young children and one four legged child, Woodley the wonder dog.

An avid reader, T became increasingly frustrated by the lack of strong female characters in the books she was reading. She wanted to read about a woman she could identify with, someone strong, independent and confident who didn't lack femininity. Out of this need, she decided to pen her first book, A Twist of Fate. She enjoyed the process so much that when it was over she couldn't let it go.

T loves to travel, laugh and surround herself with colourful characters. This inevitably spills into her writing and makes for an interesting journey - she is well and truly enjoying the ride!

Based on her life experiences, T has plenty of material for her books and has a wealth of ideas to keep you all enthralled.

Connect with T on Facebook

P.I.T.A. by Brooke Blaine

Blurb:

As one of the most prestigious wedding coordinators in Los Angeles, Paige Iris Traynor-Ashcroft is known for being classy, elegant, and the orchestrator of many happily-ever-afters.

But in the words of Paige herself: “What a crock of shiitake.”

Known affectionately (or not) as P.I.T.A. to those closest to her, she’s never been one to buy into the whole monogamy thing for herself. Sure, her BFFs are getting picked off by Cupid one by one, but his arrows have nothing on her semiautomatic.

Richard “Dick” Dawson does his best to live up to his name. A long-time frenemy and manwhore extraordinaire, he thrives on pushing limits, pushing up skirts—and pushing every single one of Paige’s buttons. He’s the itch she can’t scratch, and doesn’t want to. Or does she?

What happens when blazing-hot rage turns to crazy, unexplainable lust? Surely not...love? Because that would just be a total P.I.T.A.

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Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2kPfFCb
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2kanIwA
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2karKEV
Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2l0qIe8

Kristine's Review:
Reviewed: February 2017.

Prior to the L.A. Liaison's series I had not been introduced to Brooke Blaine, and yet the quirky bright colours and bold title of the first book in the series instantly intrigued me. Throughout the previous two books in the series Paige Iris Traynor-Ashcroft aka P.I.T.A. struck me as a strong, business savvy, man eater, loyal to a fault to her friends but filled with contempt at the thought of true love and marriage, despite two of her bestfriends finding love. 

“I appreciate the strip show, but you can keep your clothes on and Channing your Tatum some other time.”

When the wedding planner who doesn't believe in marriage ends up in a battle of the wits with her arch nemesis Richard Dirty Dick Dawson sparks are sure to explode. Two former best friends that now seem to thrive on annoying the other creates the kind of animosity that breeds my favourite kind of chemistry. In between the battle for control, unbridled chemistry and I can't believe I want you this badly even though I don't want to lust, there was a sweet story about two old friends that were perfect for each other if they could just get out of their own way.

"That was how it always was with us—constantly trying to one-up each other, always fighting for dominance. It put things back on comfortable ground."

The third book in the series was just a quirky and fun as the previous two, with their witty banter and sizzling chemistry it has become an easy read favourite of mine, Brooke Blaine shows both her depth and comedic timing here, interspersed with humour and heat, was sweet moments that left the heart swelling in anticipation of what was to come. P.I.T.A. left me sated and yet anxious for the final part of this series.

"I want to be the goddamn reason you can’t wait to wake up in the morning. I want you to be unable to sleep if I’m not there with you at night. And I want to be the only fucking man that you let come near you when you’re moving those hips like you’re having sex on the dance floor."

About Brooke Blaine:

You could say Brooke Blaine was a book-a-holic from the time she knew how to read; she used to tell her mother that curling up with one at 4 a.m. before elementary school was her ‘quiet time.’ Not much has changed except for the espresso I.V. pump she now carries around and the size of her onesie pajamas.

She is the author of Flash Point, a romantic suspense standalone, as well as the co-author of the erotic series, A Desperate Man, with Ella Frank. The latter has scarred her conservative southern family for life, bless their hearts. Licked, a romantic comedy, will be released November 11th, 2015 and is the first in the L.A. Liaisons series.

If you’d like to get in touch with her, she’s easy to find - just keep an ear out for the Rick Astley ringtone that’s dominated her cell phone for ten years.
Connect with Brooke on Facebook

Sweet Cheeks by K.Bromberg

Blurb:

An all new second chance love story by the New York Times Bestselling author of the Driven series.

It all started with the invitation. To my ex-fiancé's new wedding.

I should have ignored it. Thrown it away. Set it afire. But I didn’t. I replied.

With a plus one.

And then my assistant accidentally mailed it.

Enter Hayes Whitley. Mega-movie star. The man who has captured the hearts of millions. But I gave him mine years ago. He was my first love. He was my everything. Right until he up and left to chase his dreams without so much as a simple goodbye.

When he showed up out of the blue ten years later, I should have known to steer clear. I should have rejected his offer to take me to my ex’s wedding. I should have never let him kiss me.

But I didn’t.

And now we’re left wondering if the pieces of the life we once shared still fit together somehow. First loves are hard to forget. The question is, do we want to forget? Or do we risk the chance and see what happens next?

Find on: Goodreads

Purchase Links:


Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2ePJ3Ud
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Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2fO8sT7
Audible: http://amzn.to/2g2gYPs
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Kobo: http://bit.ly/2euz9Jc
Audible: http://adbl.co/2fVsr3i
Paperback: http://bit.ly/2fZ1ITA

Excerpt:

He chuckles and all of a sudden my back straightens. “That’s their schedule, Ships. Ours is a secret.” He abruptly stands and grabs my hand to pull me up. My body jolts at the connection th...at sitting side by side with him all this time has had buzzing just beneath the surface. As if knowing he was close enough to touch but not really touching was an awareness all in itself. I know he can feel it too. That I’m not alone. Because the words on his lips falter momentarily before he recovers. And a part of me wants to stay like this a bit longer but know it’s just that missed connection we lost so long ago that’s causing the sensations to simmer to the surface. Nostalgia. Muscle memory of the heart. “C’mon. Let’s go.”
“Go?”
“Yes. Go. It’ll be easier if you think of this whole trip as an adventure rather than their wedding.”
“And what? You’re my tour guide?”
“If that’s what you want to call me. I prefer cruise director though, considering we’re kind of stuck with the nautical theme, Ships.” He winks and holds his hand out.
“Oh, please.” I roll my eyes.
“Or captain.”
“You’re certifiable, you know that?” I shake my head and he pulls on my hand to help me stand.
“Quite possibly, but all that matters is I’m in charge of this schedule, and we need to get a move on it. Your adventure awaits.”
“And, oh captain, my captain, that adventure is what?” I drag my feet like a child, curious what he’s talking about but smiling nonetheless.
“Do you actually think I’m going to tell you?” He dazzles me with that smile I can’t resist. “Didn’t you know? Spontaneity is the best kind of adventure.”
Oh. Shit.

© K. Bromberg 

Kristine's Review:
Reviewed: November 2016.

Quite some time ago I stumbled upon a book almost by chance, with it's distinctive black cover and intriguing blurb about cocky race car driver and sweet counsellor, I was enamoured instantly, the author's writing drawing me in, jump starting my heart and declaring war on my emotions, it was in that moment that I became a life long fan of Bromberg's words. In the years that have followed and in the titles subsequently released I found myself falling in love with her prose over and over again. Through the Driven series and the stand alone titles that continued the Driven legacy I found new heroes and heroines to adore, I cheered them on in good times and shared their sorrows in bad, I felt every emotional response a writer tries to elicit with their words, I knew with absolute certainty that I  would bare the emotional scars on my heart, the elation that comes with pure, adulterated joy long after reading THE END, and more than that I would endure it willingly with each new book she released.

As an avid reader, I know that growth for an author comes when they step away from their tried and true formula to do something different, after the world wide success of Colton and Rylee and their friends and families stories I can only imagine the trepidation of publishing something entirely new, in truth despite wanting to see that growth unfold before my eyes, there's a healthy level of worry for a long time fan...would I love this story as much as her others? would I be swept away by new characters? I shouldn't of worried, from the opening page Saylor's voice undid me in the kind of way a reader dreams about, she was sweet and funny, sassy and feisty, strong and determined, instantly I saw Bromberg's words play out like a film in my mind.

"Trying to forget her is like trying to remember someone I've never met. It's impossible."

When Saylor Rodgers receives an invite to her ex fiancés wedding she's sure she's being punked, from the familiar cardstock, to the location, and the rumors that her ex's wife to be could be her twin, she's hovering between incredulity and downright shock, with a failing business and the growing belief that her one time soon to be pretentious in-laws are the reason for her dwindling customers she begins to see the merits in accepting the invitation.

When Ryder, his childhood bestfriend calls in a long time IOU to help his sister
When Hayes Whitley walked out of her life over a decade ago Saylor believed she'd never recover, her one time best friend and childhood sweetheart broke her in ways she longs to forget, when he waltzes back into her life and offers to help her not only save face in front of the man she ended her engaged to and his entire blue blooded family, but potentially save her business, she's willing to let the past stay where it is and move forward.


Hayes may have left Saylor behind in the quest to make his dreams of acting become a reality, but he never forgot the girl that was Saylor, Hayes knows without a doubt he'd move heaven and hell to make things right.

"There's only one love that matters more than your first love, your last love."

In Sweet Cheeks Bromberg pens a touching, witty and sexy tale about second chances, with the perfect balance of heat, humor and heart Saylor and Hayes journey from childhood sweethearts, to estranged friends, to something bigger and bolder than either of them imagined captivated and titillated the senses in equal measure. Bromberg reminds the reader that there's truth in the old adage that sometimes people need to fall apart so they can fall back together. My enjoyment of this story was clearly evident in the number of highlighted passages, the number of notes I made in the margin, the sheer volume of screenshots safely saved in my phones memory, the tenderness that exuded from the pages, as I felt every emotion barrel through me from anguish and heartache, to joy and happiness, from the warm blush that spread over my cheeks while devouring Bromberg's trademark sexy prose to the absolute utter heartbreak and angst only she can provide. Everything about Sweet Cheeks was scintillating and engrossing, I didn't want to set my kindle down, I wanted to stay lost in the world Bromberg created, I handed over my heart on the very first page, and now days later I still don't want it back. Sweet Cheeks easily cemented it's place on my Best of 2016 list, and reaffirmed the reason why she became a Must Read Author for me so long ago. Read it, let it carry you away, steal your heart and be the very best reminder of why we read in the first place.

About Kristy Bromberg:

New York Times 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. decided to try her hand at this writing thing. Since then she has written The Driven Series (Driven, Fueled, Crashed, Raced, Aced), the standalone Driven Novels (Slow Burn, Sweet Ache, Hard Beat, and Down Shift), and a novella (UnRaveled). She is currently finishing up Sweet Cheeks a standalone novel out November 14th.

Her plans for 2017 include a sports romance duet (2 books: The Player, The Catch) and the Everyday Heroes series (3 books: Cuffed, Combust, and Cockpit). She’s also writing a novella for the 1,001 Dark Night series that will be out in February 2017.

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Dirty (Dive Bar #1) by Kylie Scott

Blurb:

The last thing Vaughan Hewson expects to find when he returns to his childhood home is a broken hearted bride in his shower, let alone the drama and chaos that comes with her.

Lydia Green doesn't know whether to burn down the church or sit and cry in a corner. Discovering the love of your life is having an affair on your wedding day is bad enough. Finding out it's with his best man is another thing all together. She narrowly escapes tying the knot and meets Vaughan only hours later.

Vaughan is the exact opposite of the picture perfect, respected businessman she thought she'd marry. This former musician-turned-bartender is rough around the edges and unsettled. But she already tried Mr. Right and discovered he's all wrong-maybe it's time to give Mr. Right Now a chance.

After all, what's wrong with getting dirty?

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PreOrder Twist (Dive Bar #2)

Kristine's Review:
Reviewed: April 2016.

Since discovering Lick all those years ago, I've been an avid Kylie Scott fan, her rough and tumble rockers who have hit the big time have been keeping thoroughly entertained for quite a while now, when news of Dirty broke I was excited, Vaughan had a small but memorable role in Deep, as the sweet talking rocker who noticed Lizzy almost immediately, in another place and another time, one where Ben didn't exist Vaughan might have found his perfect match. In Dirty, Vaughan is coming home to Coeur d'Alene after a tour with the worldwide sensation Stage Dive, unfortunately his band Down Fourths didn't make it, one or two hit songs and supporting a major bank does not equate to longevity or success in the music industry. His visit is only meant to be long enough to lick his wounds, and to sell his house, before going back out on the road to conquer his dream of hitting the big time, the last thing he expects to find is a stranger in his bathtub.

"But I'm not that piece of shit. I'd never deliberately do anything to hurt or humiliate you."

Lydia has had a bad day, dressed in vintage couture, ready to marry the sweetest man she's even known when she discovers that the man of her dreams is actually the man of the Bestman's dreams as well, finding out your fiancé is cheating on you on your wedding day is horrendous, realising he's gay just the next blow, hurt and humiliated, her only goal is to escape her wedding.  Jumping a fence in your dress definitely isn't pleasant, waking up in a strangers bathtub, with said stranger standing above you only cements it as the worst day in history.

"You've done nothing but show me who you are since I met you."

From the moment their paths cross, there's a tangible chemistry, despite the bumbling words, and apologies, and never minds, and breast ogling there's something innate there, like a recognition on a soul deep level, sometime that draws the two together. Both are running from past hurts, both are desperate to wipe the slate clean and start over somewhere else, whereas Vaughan has consistently ran from everyone and everything he knows to carve out a new life filled with success and music, Lydia has been desperately been seeking somewhere to fit in, to belong, in all the ways that they are similar, they are also polar opposites, however despite everything they both seem to be chasing the idea of what they thought their lives would be like, still desperately clawing onto hope of what ifs and some days, missing the things in front of them until it becomes so blaringly obvious that they can no longer deny it.

"The great thing about crying in the shower was that with all of the noise and water, there was no real evidence. No one need ever know."

 Vaughan had an inherently sexiness about him, effortlessly cool, confident and charismatic, rocking that sexy ripped V that women lose their minds over, but aside from that, he's a good guy, within moments of meeting Lydia, on what could possibly be the most humiliating day of her life, a day when she feels wrung out and used, when she has to reconcile her life now, with what she imagined it would be, while she grieving the loss of the life she imagined for herself, something she has in common with Vaughan without even realising it, he see's beyond her humiliation, beyond her despair, beyond her bruised face and torn dress, he's see's a woman he wants to know. Vaughan doesn't see the too curvy girl, nor does he see the girl who's confidence took a hit because of her douchebag ex fiancé, instead he sees a woman who excites and tantalises him, he see's a woman who makes him laugh, a woman who is honest and real.

"Deal with your shit, Vaughan. Mourne your parents. Get over your guilt. Give you and your sister a break. Do whatever the hell you need to, to be alright."

Lydia is so much more than just her plus size figure, more than her failed wedding, more than her cheating fiancé or his stuck up family, she's taken a hit to her self esteem, beyond the hurt and embarrassment is the feeling that she's not enough, not enough for her parents, not enough for her college boyfriend, not enough for her fiancé or his family, not enough to be noticed and certainly not enough to be lusted after by someone like Vaughan, such is the beauty of Scott's writing that the more she examined their burgeoning relationship, their electric connection, the explosive chemistry, the more desperate I became for these characters. Every part of Dirty was deliciously enticing, affable characters, eclectic locations, a story that seamlessly blended heart and humour, beautifully tender and yet uproariously funny, scintillating and sexy, Scott yet again gave this reader her Rocker fix, it's safe to say that the Stage Dive boys have some competition, Vaughan and Lydia proving themselves to be stars in their own right.

About Kylie Scott:

New York Times & USA Today Best Selling Australian Romance Writer.

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The Randy Romance Novelist by Meghan Quinn - ARC Review

Blurb:


It finally happened, I lost my virginity. Cue applause and cheers.

For a while life was all rainbows and kittens prancing in a sky full of cotton candy clouds…that was until the demands of the real world set in.

My best friend is getting married and she asked me to be her maid of honor. She’s not worried about flowers, or the dress, or the food at the venue. No, she’s worried about the bachelorette party, what kind of penis crown she will wear, and the nipple size of the stripper who will be attending.

I’m in way over my head trying to balance life with a boyfriend, planning a penis party, and writing my romance novel. Something is bound to give.

This is my life after my happily ever after…

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Purchase The Virgin Romance Novelist

 

 

Excerpt:

 

Being a lube virgin, I wasn’t quite sure what to do with the thin liquid, so, I popped the top open, squatted ever so slightly with my legs spread as much as they could go, thanks to my underwear, and I pressed the lube up near my vagina. Taking a deep breath, I squeezed hard and shot the lube straight up into Virginia.

A cold wave of thin liquid coated my inner walls right before gravity took hold of it and brought it back down, straight into my underwear, my now appointed lube net.

“Crap,” I muttered, looking down at the pile of liquid sitting in the crotch of my underwear.

Bottle and balls in my hands, I stared at the mess and tried to decide what to do. The heaviness of the lube weighed down my underwear, so I shimmied them down my legs and toed them to the side to pick up after. Commando was sexy, I told myself.

Still eyeing the balls, I convinced myself I could do this. How hard could it really be? Taking a deep breath, I prayed there was enough lube still coating Virginia and slipped the first ball in. Easily I pushed it up and was pleased with the way it fit. With a little more confidence, I thumbed the second one inside and clenched. A small vibration rang through me . . . a pleasing sensation was I wasn’t expecting.

“Well, isn’t that delightful?” I said to myself.

Standing there, I felt comfortable; I could totally do this. More confident, I deposited my underwear and the empty lube bottle in the sanitary napkins trash can—sorry cleaning service—and wiped my hands with some toilet paper so I didn’t slick down the door handle.

Flushing the toilet, I exited, walking very slowly to the sink. With every step, my confidence wavered. I had to really think about each push forward, clenching as tight as I could, praying I didn’t strain my damn cervix.

 

Kristine's Review:
Reviewed: April 2016.

At the end of The Virgin Romance Novelist all was looking great for Rosie, she finally had plenty of material for her book, she was no longer a virgin, and she had the love of her best friend, now boyfriend Henry, after years of two people being oblivious both Rosie and Henry saw what was always in front of them. Living together, Rosie and Henry have quickly adjusted to a happy committed relationship, and Rosie seems to be making up for all those years she missed out on, trying an array of new positions and new kinks that she had previously only read about, the life of a romance writer giving her plenty of suggestions, but more than just her new found exuberance for all things sex, Rosie has found her other half in Henry, a man that makes her exceedingly happy, makes her feels sexy and wanton, makes her feel wanted both in and out of the bedroom, it's a feeling she never expected to feel so readily, but one that gives her confidence in all facets of her life, as she starts to explore her sexual desires, she also becomes more confident in her writing deciding to give up on historical romance and try her hand at contemporary romance, penning a memoir of sorts, giving Henry the kind of recognition he deserves, memorialising him as one of the great book boyfriends, reminiscing about how they finally found each other, her heroine Meghan is going to realise that the love of her life has been sitting under her nose the entire time.

In true Rosie fashion nothing is simple, while actively trying to recreate a sexual bucket list of favourite positions, organising her best friend Delaney's bachelorette party to her high penis filled exacting standards, working her normal job, cat sitting the psychotic feline evil mastermind Sir Licks A lot, and maintaining her new found relationship with the sexiest, sweetest, most loving man she's ever known isn't going to be easy, from complicated positions to mood swings to an insatiable sexual appetite, the bridezilla demands for phallic objects, to writing her debut novel, to incidents with Marta and vajazzling, Rosie is set for one hilarious, at times cringe worthy adventure.

The Randy Romance Novelist was equal parts sweet and tender and uproariously funny, with each new test she faces Rosie gains a little more confidence, the result leaving a smile a mile wide on this readers face, Rosie is still a little naïve and clueless, a lot sweet and innocent, definitely a whole bunch irreverently honest and funny, she's not only the kind of heroine you are desperate to root for, but one you want to be friends with, one you want to share her triumphs and her sorrows, one you find yourself cheering for even when she says the wrong things or jumps to the wrong conclusion. Henry once again was the charismatic hero that was equal parts debonair and sexy, and romantic and cheeky. Despite Henry's mishaps and the moments when I held my kindle in the air shouting "no dudeeeeee what are you doing" there wasn't a moment when I didn't love him simply for the awe inspired way he would stare at Rosie, for the way he loved her, truly, madly, deeply.

Meghan Quinn writes romantic comedy in a way that draws the reader in, instantly intriguing, utterly engaging, Rosie and Henry, Delaney and Derk, hell even Sir Licks A lot had me giggling and smiling through out, it was so much fun to go back and spend time with them again, where most stories end when love has been declared, it was refreshing to see what happens after the characters has said I love you, everything that they experienced, every hilarious second, every sweet, sexy moment left me grinning like a goon.

Giveaway: Signed Print copy of The Randy Romance Novelist & $15 GC

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About Meghan Quinn:

Born in New York and raised in Southern California, Meghan has grown into a sassy, peanut butter eating, blonde haired swearing, animal hoarding lady. She is known to bust out and dance if "It's Raining Men" starts beating through the air and heaven forbid you get a margarita in her, protect your legs because they may be humped.

Once she started commuting for an hour and twenty minutes every day to work for three years, she began to have conversations play in her head, real life, deep male voices and dainty lady coos kind of conversations. Perturbed and confused, she decided to either see a therapist about the hot and steamy voices running through her head or start writing them down. She decided to go with the cheaper option and started writing... enter her first novel, Caught Looking.

Now you can find the spicy, most definitely on the border of lunacy, kind of crazy lady residing in Colorado with the love of her life and her five, furry four legged children, hiking a trail or hiding behind shelves at grocery stores, wondering what kind of lube the nervous stranger will bring home to his wife. Oh and she loves a good boob squeeze!

Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meghanquinnauthor

Find me on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7360513.Meghan_Quinn

Visit my website: http://authormeghanquinn.com/

The Player and the Pixie (Rugby #2) by Penny Reid & LH Cosway - ARCReview

Blurb:


How can someone so smokin’ hot be so bad in bed? I mean, Sean Cassidy is absolute rubbish. RUBBISH. He is the epitome of walking, talking false advertising and I want a refund! Plus he’s an arsehole. So… what is wrong with me that I can’t stop thinking about him?


The Pixie and the Player is a full-length, romantic comedy novel, can be read as a standalone, and is the second book in the Rugby Series.



THE PIXIE
Lucy Fitzpatrick doesn’t like rugby.
As the little sister of Ireland’s most infamous rugby player, Lucy can’t seem to escape the championship-sized shadow cast by her big brother, or her mother’s frequent attempts to micromanage her future. Her rainbow hair is as free-spirited as her quest for inner peace, yet overbearing expectations keep bringing her down. And when she’s down, her compulsive little problem lands her in seriously big trouble.

THE PLAYER
Sean Cassidy is a cold-hearted brute… or so he’s been told. Frequently. By everyone.
His blonde locks, baby blues, and rock hard bod make ladies the world over drool with desire. As the rugby world’s second most infamous player, he should be basking in his success. But Sean has never been content settling for second place, and his frequent confrontations with Lucy’s big brother leave him cold. And when he’s cold, his compulsive little problem lands him in the lap of Lucy Fitzpatrick.

THE PLAN
Sean has a problem only Lucy can solve. Lucy has a problem only Sean can fix. The solution seems obvious: you scratch my back, and I’ll bail you out of jail. But when their business arrangement unexpectedly leaves Sean scorching hot and Lucy on the precipice of inner peace, can they convince the world—and Lucy’s big brother in particular—that this is the real deal?

Either way, both the Player and the Pixie are about to teach each other some pretty monumental lessons about family, life, but most importantly, love.

Purchase Links: 

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/231666i
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1RUOtzL
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1RFSzX5
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01DPMWBFQ


Kristine's Review:
Reviewed: April 2016.

I'm going to be entirely honest here, I've been struggling to read of late, my ability to devour a book the way I once did has been sorely lacking, my speed reading skills seem to have taken a holiday, and I've been finding my concentration poor, I've been ill and exhausted, in short I'm burnt out, I find myself trying to read, and within a few pages I'm staring at the words on the page as they dance across the screen, my mind frazzled, feeling dejected because the thing that has maintained my sanity isn't working the way it used to, picking up and setting down title after title just because, when new books wouldn't capture my attention the way I'd hoped, I'd return to old faithfuls, rereading paragraphs of text hoping to reignite my passion for reading.  When The Player and the Pixie hit my kindle I felt that zing of anticipation, followed quickly by the dread of "what if I can't get into this either".... I'll be honest I was cautious, I told myself to just give it a go, if I couldn't get into it I'd put it down and take a breath, one page turned into two, two turned into three, three turned into five chapters, and before I knew it I was lying awake at 2.30am this morning, my eyes drooping, my brain begging for just one more page. There's something about Penny Reid and LH Cosway's writing independently that draws me in, after falling in love with Cosway's prose years ago when I first picked up Painted Faces I instantly became a bona fide fan, similarly Reid's quirky Knitting in the City series enticed me, but it was her Elements of Chemistry series and the aloof but ultimately charismatic Martin Sandeke that made her an automatic one click author for me. Creating stories that readers love is no small feat, dreaming up fictional worlds the reader can get lost in is monumental in itself, but two authors crafting a story that is cohesive, that drags the reader into it, that feels organic and real, that flows from one sentence to the next...well that for me is mind blowing, Reid and Cosway may not be the first to collaborate or co-write a novel, but they certainly are an unstoppable force in contemporary romance, and one of my automatic must read recommendation duo's.

Lucy Fitzpatrick and Sean Cassidy felt like old friends to me after meeting them both in the first book in the Rugby series, Lucy was flighty and lovable, ethereal and quirky - everything about her set me at ease, unaffected by wealth or societal standing Lucy was a joy, beneath her outlandish appearance lurked a quiet temerity, Shakespeare's words ring in my mind when I think of her "Though she be but little she is fierce" - with her diminutive stature but loud personality everything about Lucy screams that she's a silent warrior, she knows her flaws, see's her faults and yet she keeps trying to find ways to better herself, but more than that, she's desperate to effect change in a world that often lacks humanity, refusing to fight hate and aggression with venomous vitriol, she endeavours to do good, to be good, to find the good in people even when they are desperate to prove to the world that they are nothing but bad.

Sean Cassidy is cocky and aloof, his vehement distaste for most of his acquaintances is clear, he has a tenuous relationship with most of his family, his connection to the women whose bed he shares is apathetic at best, and a well documented aggressive relationship with his team captain Ronan Fitzpatrick means there's very little for him to hold dear. Sean is meandering through life with zero expectations, he has wealth and prestige but as he already knows all too well, money only gets you so far, it certainly doesn't keep you warm at night, nor does it allow you to dream about a future filled with a life you are eager to experience.

Everything about Sean and Lucy is wrong, the woman who finds the inherent goodness in her surroundings, and the man who is trying to prove to the world just how much of a jerk he is, their connection is immediate, there's a pull there from their first reconnection that catches both of them off guard. Moments of candour interspersed with snarky barbs set the tone for two people inexplicably drawn to one another and yet desperate to keep their distance.

"It was a completely insensitive thing to say. I am insensitive. But I'd like to be otherwise, with you, if you'll give me the chance."

The more they explore their blinding sexual chemistry, the more cracks appear in Lucy's resolve to keep Sean at arms length, when the man who has never wanted for anything suddenly knows what it's like to have someone who feels like coming home, we see the metaphorical shackles breaking as he finally figures out the lengths to which you can be willing to go when you find someone who colours your world. Despite his earlier childish pranks, his smart remarks, his outward disdain for almost everyone he knows, there's a softer side to Sean that was thrilling to unravel, my heart beat faster, my breath stilled every time I saw a glimpse of the kind of man Sean truly was under the armour he put on for the world.

"Now you have two people in all the world who will always be there for you."

 

There wasn't a word in this story that I didn't adore, nor a moment when I felt that all too familiar panic set in, telling me my concentration was waning, that I was ready to set it down to move onto something else. I fell deeply, hopelessly and irreverently in love with Sean and Lucy, from Sean's clueless bumblings in the bedroom, to Lucy's klepto tendencies, to the sweet smiles, soft sighs, shared looks and warm caresses they made me smile, but more than anything they made me desperate for more, they made me want to keep reading, they had me losing track of time, and just being in the words, getting swept away. The Player and the Pixie was tender and heart-warming, funny and exhilarating, and sexy as sin, the balance of heat, heart and humour was a winner for me, one that left me feeling both sated and invigorated, with a smile on my face long after I turned the last page.

Review: The Hooker and the Hermit

About the Authors:

Penny Reid

Penny Reid is a USA Today Best Selling Author of romantic fiction. When she’s not immersed in penning smart romances she works in the biotech industry as a researcher. She's also a full time mom to three diminutive adults (boy-8, girl-6, and girl-4 months), wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja.

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LH Cosway

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.

She thinks that imperfect people are the most interesting kind. They tell the best stories.
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