THE PLAYER by K. Bromberg

Blurb:

Baseball has never been sexier in an all-new novel by New York Times Bestselling Author, K. Bromberg.

Easton Wylder is baseball royalty. The game is his life. His passion. His everything.

So, when an injury threatens to end Easton’s season early, the team calls in the renowned physical therapist, Doc Dalton, to oversee his recovery. Except it’s not Doc who greets Easton for his first session, but rather his daughter, Scout. She may be feisty, athletic, defiant, and gorgeous, but Easton is left questioning whether she has what it takes to help him.

Scout Dalton’s out to prove a female can handle the pressure of running the physical therapy regimen of an MLB club. And that proof comes in the form of getting phenom Easton Wylder back on the field. But getting him healthy means being hands-on.

And with a man as irresistible as Easton, being hands-on can only lead to one thing, trouble. Because the more she touches him, the more she wants him, and she can’t want him. Not when it’s her job to side in the club’s best interest if he’s ready to play.

But when sparks fly and fine lines are crossed, can they withstand the heat or is one of them bound to get burned?

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Purchase Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2p9a66M
Amazon PB: http://amzn.to/2nGw3tC
iBooks: http://smarturl.it/PlayeriBooks
B&N: http://smarturl.it/PlayerNook...
Kobo: http://smarturl.it/PlayerKobo

Kristine's Review:
Reviewed: April 2017.

Holy Moly... I do not know what I expected from Bromberg's latest release, but whatever it was the final product well and truly exceeded my expectations. From the outset The Player was intriguing, everything about Easton and Scout invited you to want more, from their resilience and strength individually, the their explosive chemistry together.

"There's something about Easton that makes me want when I shouldn't, need when I needn't, and desire when I know it'll be disastrous."

On the road to recovery after a shoulder injury the last person Easton wants to deal with is a pretty young thing pretending to have the skill required to help him heal and get him back to the game he loves. Easton is the epitome of a major league star, he's cocksure, sexy as hell, talented and has a considerable pedigree. After a shock accident on the field Easton has seen more time on the bench than ever before in his illustrious career. When he meets Scout Dalton he's ready to dismiss her like some many others before her, until she shows him that she's not to be messed with. Stuck between the pressure to succeed and live up to his famous father's reputation and trying to rediscover his passion for the game he once loved, Easton is desperate to get back on the field.

"I've had enough people in my life leave me, Easton. I'm not walking willingly into a situation that sets me up for that hurt."

Scout knows all about pressure, about wanting to measure up to her famous father. As the daughter of arguably one of the best sports physiotherapists in the league, Scout has big shoes to fill. When she is given the opportunity to work with Easton she knows it's her shot for a permanent role with the Aces, a coveted role that would fulfil her fathers' only unchecked professional bucket list. Filled with secrets she's desperate to keep hidden, Scout has one mission, to rehab Easton and prove her skill to the powers that be.

"Sympathy will break me, when I can't break."

The Player is arguably one of my favourite titles by Bromberg, filled to the brim with intense chemistry, stormy angst and a story that has you utterly invested from only moments in, there was everything I look for in my next favourite book. While I'm a sucker for anything written by this author, The Player had that something special that's hard to replicate, it has that unquantifiable thing that makes reading so enjoyable, that enviable connection between story and reader that makes it impossible to put down. I wanted more, no... I needed more and because of that I finished in one sitting, bleary eyed, heart racing, utterly spent. Some books leave you feeling sated, some leave you grateful for the journey, Bromberg's ability to weave a tale so eloquently left me desperately wanting more.

"The worst part about telling yourself lies is you know the real truth."

About K. 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.

A mom of three, she plots her novels in between school runs and soccer practices, more often than not with her laptop in tow.

Since publishing her first book in 2013, K. has sold over one million copies of her books and has landed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists over twenty-five times.

In April, she’ll release The Player, the first in a two-book sports romance series (The Catch, book 2, will be released June 29th), with many more already outlined and ready to be written.

She loves to hear from her readers so make sure you check her out on social media or sign up for her newsletter to stay up to date on all her latest releases and sales: http://bit.ly/254MWtI


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The Dead Come Calling (The Wraith Files #2) by C.C. Wood

Blurb:

I'm Zoe Thorne and I speak to the dead. Unfortunately, dead isn't always synonymous with good-natured. In fact, most of the spirits I meet have dirty minds and a tendency to create mischief and mayhem.

For the past two months, I've been traveling with the cast of The Wraith Files, a paranormal investigation web show. Stony and Blaine are like the perverted, annoying brothers I never had. Our boss, Malachi Flemming, well, he makes my heart beat faster and my hormones dance.

During a break from filming, I've returned home to my resident ghost, Teri, an exotic dancer who died thirty years ago. I'm on a mission to find the man who murdered her and see that justice is served.

Preoccupied with my search for a killer, I'm unaware that something dark and twisted lies in wait for me. Not one, but two faceless entities intent on terrorizing me before moving in for the kill.

With unseen enemies shadowing my every move, it's time to discover how deep my abilities run. I need every bit of power I possess...or I'll be taking my place among the dead.

*This book contains a perverted ghost, two men who act like teenage boys, and lots of sarcasm.
Find on Goodreads

Purchase Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2htNGcn

Amazon PB: http://amzn.to/2gusJOM

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

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2gBMvpR
Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2hCAYUH
iBooks: http://apple.co/2fMG44r
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2h13Nyd

GPI's review of Don't Wake The Dead (Wraith Files #1)

Kristine's Review:

Reviewed: December 2016.

As a self confessed non reader of the paranormal genre I always find myself at a bit of a loss with C.C. Woods books, there's something inherently special about her words, some magical culmination of her storylines, covers, and witty prose that have me so utterly invested that I can't put them down. The Wood Effect usually takes hold in the first chapters, it's in those initial pages that I forget about werewolves this and vampires that, it's when I don't even notice that a main character is a ghost, it's when I forget entirely that I have an aversion to the fantastical and just allow the Author to capture my imagination and take me wherever she pleases.

"I'm sick and tired of you using our working relationship as an excuse to deny our feelings for each other."

Right there is one of the many reasons I adore Wood's work, in between stories of fiction, some that absolutely profit on her ability to make believe is those brilliant reminders of the human condition. For those already introduced to the newest paranormal offering from Wood, you would of no doubt fondly remembered the slow burning chemistry of our hero and heroine. She created so wonderfully this smouldering connection between Mal and Zoe that it was palpable, you could feel it clawing it's way off the page, and yet much like it's predecessor, Don't Wake The Dead didn't rely on sexual intimacy to strengthen the story.

"I'm a man who knows what he wants and had the patience to wait for it."

I found myself devouring the pages, skimming in parts, not out of boredom but in desperation to know what came next, as the drama intensified, and the action increased I found myself restless and deliberately jumping ahead so I could get to the end quicker, for a usually fast reader, you can only imagine the utter excitement that was coursing through my veins as I absolutely devoured this book. Wood mixes her trademark wit with her ability to build tension perfectly here, Don't Wake The Dead was addictive, utterly impossible to put down. As Zoe frantically searched for Teri's murderer, and the pressure mounted, I found myself on the edge of the seat, yelling at my kindle like a childhood pantomime "look behind youuuuuuuu". Wood's latest offering was a breath of fresh air at a time when I find myself more and more underwhelmed by lackadaisical sex scenes that seem to only serve as filler. With a strong push toward character development and really crafting a story that I can't wait to continue, The Wraith Files has easily become one of my newest favourites.

  

About C.C. Wood:

A native Texan, C.C. grew up either reading or playing the piano. Years later, she’s still not grown up and doing the same things. Since the voices in her head never shut up, C.C. decided to share their crazy stories and started writing books.

Now that she has a baby girl at home, C.C.’s non-writing time is usually spent cleaning up poopy diapers or feeding the poop machine. Sometimes she teaches piano, cooks, or spends time bugging her hubby and two beagles.

Connect with C.C. on Facebook

Dirty Royals: A Sexy Manhatten Fairytale Part 3 by Michelle A. Valentine

Blurb:

My evil plan is right on schedule.
I have her right where I want her, and soon I’ll be ready to lower the boom.
That is, if I can force myself to screw her over.
She’s got to me—made me care about her—and now I have two loves—my company and the Feisty Princess.
I can’t have them both.
It’s time to choose.

Purchase Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/28ZvmDd
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1UxxqPt
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/28V8L7N
Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/1OceCZz
B&N: http://bit.ly/1XJ56kh
iBooks: http://apple.co/24x3Ejh
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1Uxx8rG

Kristine's Review:
Reviewed: June 2016.

If Naughty King was dinner and Feisty Princess was foreplay than Dirty Royals was very much the main event. Alexander and Margot are married, their chemistry off the charts, the competition to outwit each other continues in the background, but in the wake of news of Margot's father's sudden death all thoughts of hostile take overs and backdoor wheeling's and dealings are pushed aside. In the final instalment of this aptly named sexy Manhattan fairytale Valentine delves deeper into the connection that originally started as openly hostile and animalistic lust.

Alexander's past comes hurtling back, dredging up painful memories and reinforcing his belief in love and it fleeting nature, his relationships are closely guarded, the image portrayed to the world at large was carefully constructed, Margot slowly breaking through the walls he built to keep his heart safe. The more Alexander struggles with what he knows to be the smart business decision and in the process destroying any chance of a future with a woman that has come to mean more to him than he ever anticipated, the more he has to decide the kind of man he wants to be.

"I'm falling in love with you, Alexander. I want to make this work with you, but I have to know I can trust you."

Margot has led a semi charmed life, loving parents, an opulent childhood, despite all the trappings of a great life Margot knows a thing or two about heartbreak, despite her snappy one liners and resting bitch face, there's a beautiful warmth to her, and openness, a willingness to trust and even love again that makes her so much stronger than the Alexander's of the world, it was singlehandedly the thing that made me adore her, made me cheer loudly for her, made me steadfastly and resolutely stand in her corner, in all the ways Alexander was the naughty King of this series, Margot was the unrivaled Queen.

"I love you, too. I have for a while now, but I was scared. Getting my heart broken again. I tried to keep my distance from you because I knew you had the power to destroy me."

Fast paced, emotionally driven, Valentine once again captivates the readers attention, while the conclusion to this series focuses more solidly on the bond between Alexander and Margot, as well as the bonds between sister and brother, between mother and daughter, examines the ties that bind and those that have fallen away. Sweetly romantic at times, heartbreakingly real, my only complaint was that the final instalment felt too rushed for me, I wanted more in the final chapters, I wanted more of the love connection and all that followed. A sweet and sexy conclusion to a fun and dirty serial, Dirty Deals packs a punch.

About Michelle A. Valentine:

New York Times and USA Today Best Selling Author Michelle A. Valentine is a Central Ohio nurse turned author of erotic romance and New Adult novels. Her love of hard-rock music, tattoos and sexy musicians inspired her BLACK FALCON series.

Connect with Michelle on Facebook

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.

Find on Goodreads

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

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…

Find on Goodreads

 

 

 

Purchase Links:

 

 

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/23r0X7L



Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1SKTLbJ
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1SKTGVk
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01BDSLWNG
iBooks: http://apple.co/1TAd5wf



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/

One With You (Crossfire #5) by Sylvia Day - Review

Blurb:

Gideon Cross. Falling in love with him was the easiest thing I've ever done. It happened instantly. Completely. Irrevocably.

Marrying him was a dream come true. Staying married to him is the fight of my life. Love transforms. Ours is both a refuge from the storm and the most violent of tempests. Two damaged souls entwined as one.

We have bared our deepest, ugliest secrets to one another. Gideon is the mirror that reflects all my flaws ... and all the beauty I couldn't see. He has given me everything. Now, I must prove I can be the rock, the shelter for him that he is for me. Together, we could stand against those who work so viciously to come between us.

But our greatest battle may lie within the very vows that give us strength. Committing to love was only the beginning. Fighting for it will either set us free ... or break us apart.

Heartbreakingly and seductively poignant, One with You is the breathlessly awaited finale to the Crossfire® saga, the searing love story that has captivated millions of readers worldwide.


Purchase Links: 

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1S2ynRw
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1qe1p7c
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1UPEzQA
Amazon PB: http://amzn.to/1UPDRCI
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01836U3VI

Kristine's Review:
Reviewed: April 2016.

I remember the first time I had heard of Bared to You and Sylvia Day, I was standing in Dymmocks Bookstore, I was picking up the final book in the FSOG trilogy and the helpful sales assistant placed a copy of BTY in my hands, she strongly urged me to read it, it was a new release and was garnering great feedback from staff and customers alike, I added a copy to my sale and happily walked out the door. I had just rediscovered reading, the world of e-books and kindles was a brave new world, I was hooked, suddenly I didn't have to carry around paperbacks in my already heavy handbag, I could read on my phone...regardless of where I was, it was May 2012 and I was hooked. When I began BTY I was immediately captivated by Eva, she was sassy and charming and forthright, she was sexy and owned it, even in those first moments she had a clear idea of who she wanted to be, even if she wasn't quite there yet, and Gideon, boy Gideon, with his ink black hair, three piece suits (yes you're right Mr Cross...is there any other kind) and beguiling charisma I was intrigued, because I wanted, no I needed to know more. Despite owning the paperback, I downloaded the e-book version so I continue reading even when I had pressing matters like work and a husband and a business to attend to, now as I sit here writing this review, I can honestly say not only had my love for this pair grown in leaps and bounds, but so has my collection of both Australian and International covers of this series, but also my e-library, spanning across different platforms.

"I hadn't even known Eva was out there, had been afraid to even dream of finding the one person in the world who would accept and love every facet of me."

There are authors I will automatically drop everything for, there are series I will do the same, as I eagerly awaited the final instalment hitting my kindle, and my bookshelf, I found myself rereading my favourite lines, my favourite passages, reconnecting with Eva and Gideon, watching their growth both independently and together, seeing their relationship blossom despite the almost constant wave of trials they faced, on the surface the Crossfire series is about a billionaire business man and a young woman who is certainly not new to wealth and power, but when you pull back the layers there's something inherently beautiful here, there's two people who have lived through horrific, traumatic experiences, they've found ways to continue on, to continue living a life that while may have seemed fanciful on the outside somewhat of a bland existence in reality. While Ms Day's writing may be deliciously sexy, gripping and at time tumultuous, ultimately this is a love story, a grand, sweeping tale, of two people who have fought in every sense of the word, for their mental health and stability, for their pasts that can't be unwritten, for themselves but ultimately for each other, for a reader that thrives on living the journey not just relishing the destination, Crossfire has become a favourite that I will no doubt revisit time and time again.

"You fascinate the f*ck out of me, you know that? You're never boring. A lifetime alone with you wouldn't be long enough to figure you out."

What I found most thrilling in One With You was the noticeable changes in both Eva and Gideon, for many years both used sex as a way to claim back something that was lost, the lack of control they had in their earlier lives, the intense, almost soul deep connection was never in any doubt, their bond not in question, but where sex had become a salve previously we saw two people who found intimacy in their connection, where natural instincts begged them to shut down and back away, it was that pull, the magnetism, the siren call they seemed to elicit only for each other that led them back, time after time, heartache after heartbreak, and for each seemingly insurmountable obstacle that they overcame together, the stronger they became both independently and together.

"She hugged me so tightly I could hardly breath. But I didn't need air. I had her."

There were so many moments that I had to take a breath, set my book down and just smile, so may times across a series spanning five books that I sighed as my heart fluttered, knowing what was coming next only had the ability to tear them both down, apart, if they let it, what I loved most though was that this series, these characters have become friends, for almost four years I have cheered with Gideon and Eva's triumphs, have commiserated with their heartaches,  have swooned with every one of their romantic entanglements, saying goodbye to them is bittersweet, after so much time I almost don't want to let them go, the Crossfire series truly epitomises the old adage that life isn't about the destination but rather the journey. Ms Day introduced to the world two characters that were captivating individually, they were warriors who had known darkness, been shrouded in it for far too long, letting it break them down, and tear them apart, in bringing them together she forced them to step into the light, finding acceptance and peace, but most importantly love, their journey may have come to an end, but their legacy will no doubt live on in readers hearts.

About Sylvia Day:

Sylvia Day (aka S. J. Day and Livia Dare) is the #1 New York Times and #1 international bestselling author of over 20 award-winning novels sold in more than 40 countries. She is a #1 bestselling author in 28 countries, with tens of millions of copies of her books in print. Her Crossfire series has been optioned for television by Lionsgate.
Website: www.sylviaday.com,
Facebook: Facebook.com/AuthorSylviaDay
Twitter: @SylDay.

Shopping For A Billionaire's Wife (Shopping for a Billionaire #8) by Julia Kent - ARC Review

Released: 23rd March 2016.

Blurb:

Who needs a SWAT team to escape from their own wedding? Me.

My Momzilla turned us into hostages at our own ceremony, so Declan and I are getting married the good old-fashioned way, just like everybody else.

By calling in his private security team, stealing away before the ceremony by helicopter, connecting to his corporate jet and heading for Las Vegas.

The Boston wedding of the year is about to become a trashy Elvis drive-thru ceremony.

Until the best man spills the beans and Mom, Dad, my sisters, his brothers, my maid of honor, my friend Josh, and even my cat, Chuckles, all come along for the ride.

I can’t win, can I?

Oh. Yeah. I already did.

Love conquers all.

Even my crazy family.

Shopping for a Billionaire's Wife is the 8th book in the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Shopping for a Billionaire series. After Declan convinces Shannon to escape from their own wedding minutes before the ceremony begins, the madcap adventures are just getting started. When the mother of the bride pries their location out of the tortured best man, the whole crazy crew follows the bride and groom to Las Vegas in this romantic comedy from Julia Kent.

Purchase Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1RKKNuk
Amazon PB: http://amzn.to/1XrP2ze
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1RKL00B
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1TKcoSr
Amazon AU:

Kristine's Review:
Reviewed: March 2016.

I became obsessed with Shannon and Declan over the course of a few days, I started on book one needing a break from heavy, emotionally draining titles, I binge read seven books in a row, desperate for more of this couple, Shannon was hilarious, quirky and exactly what I needed, the chemistry she shared with Declan was off the charts, sizzlingly sexy, irresistible, when I reached the end, I waited desperately for the next chapter in their lives together. Shopping for a Billionaire's Wife picked up right where the previous book left off, with Declan and Shannon escaping their wedding from hell. I think as women we're conditioned to dream of our wedding days, I myself had a wedding far bigger that I ever expected, coming from a small family I had always envisioned something small, intimate, my husband and his family had other plans, while my guest list reached only 400, a small cry from the over a thousand Shannon was expecting, in my moments of panic leading up to my special day I understood her need to run far away, taking with her only the clothes on her back and her soon to be husband, thankfully my special day ended sans the great escape that Shannon's had, being privy to a front row seat as Declan and Shannon navigated momzilla, an extravagant bridal budget and an air chase that had the TSA on alert was the perfect reminder of why I fell in love with this series in the first place.

I was expecting a funny, wild ride for Shannon and Declan in the latest instalment of their story, and while I certainly got that, I was blown away by Kent's ability to make me feel every second of their confusion, doubt and even fear as they navigated the road they found themselves on, both growing up in two completely different worlds, one of wealth and expense, where nothing was ever wanted for, but lacked that feeling of a close knit family, compared to one where financial constraints dictated so many choices, and yet one where the familial bond was so strong that it was almost stifling. The true beauty of this story was gaining insight into their relationship, from beyond their sexual chemistry, far beyond the quirky Shannon and business mogul Declan, being able to revel in the foundation of their relationship left me swooning and sighing, because for all of Declan's self assured silence, stood a man who truly knew Shannon, saw her like so few people before had.

"I was about to tell you that you're stronger than you think, but those aren't the right words...People say that all the time - you're stronger than you think. What they mean is that you have to learn to suck it up. That's not strength. That's being groomed to accept suffering.  You Shannon, are more powerful than you think."

Despite Declan's wealth, and Shannon's truly crazy mother, there was a sense of realism here, beyond the fanciful locations they found themselves in, their journey both together and alone was mesmerising, it never felt abstract for me, I felt as though I truly knew these characters, I was laughing and cheering with every tiny scrap of ground they made, every time Shannon said no to her meddling mother, every time they squirreled away time together seeming to outwit their entourage, every time Shannon ninja'ed her way into another secret latte, but more than that when those moments came along where Declan and Shannon took an honest look at who they are and tried to decide what they needed from each other I silently smiled to myself, heart full to bursting, because these two just got it, inherently they understood that there's more to fancy cars, and nice clothes, and fighting over how extravagant gifts should be. Kent took this fun, sexy tale and gave it a depth that made it so darn easy to read. For lovers of this series Shopping for a Billionaire's Wife was uproariously funny, I found myself giggling into my pillow, desperately trying to stifle the loud guffaws so as to not wake my sleeping husband, not only did Kent leave me deliciously stated and yet simultaneously desperate for more of Andrew and Amanda and whatever comes next for this crazy bunch.

About Julia Kent:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Julia Kent turned to writing contemporary romance after deciding that life is too short not to have fun. She writes romantic comedy with an edge, and new adult books that push contemporary boundaries. From billionaires to BBWs to rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every book she writes, but unlike Trevor from Random Acts of Crazy, she has never kissed a chicken.

Visit Julia's Website: http://jkentauthor.com/
Connect with Julia on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julia.kent.100

Redemptive (Combative #2) by Jay McLean - Release Day

Blurb:

It's said that your life flashes before your eyes when you die.
It must only happen to those whose lives were worthy.
Clearly, mine was not.

The only thing that happened to me was a repeat of what I thought was my death.
The blast of the gun as it went off.
The loss of my breath as two hundred pounds of dead weight dropped on top of me.
And then darkness.
This replayed over and over.

When the guy squatted down next to me and asked if I was hurt, the only thing I could see, feel,
hear, were those few seconds.
Even now, as I sat in the back of a blacked out van—it was the only thing that ran through my mind.
Gunshot, breath, darkness.

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1XcpqqB

Purchase Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1pcIYjk
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1X9hCFd
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1QDJ1Pe
iBooks: http://apple.co/1X98mkp
B&N: http://bit.ly/1X98mkq
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1X98kt0

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

 

US (HIM #2) by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy - Review

Blurb:


 Can your favorite hockey players finish their first season together undefeated?

Five months in, NHL forward Ryan Wesley is having a record-breaking rookie season. He's living his dream of playing pro hockey and coming home every night to the man he loves–Jamie Canning, his longtime best friend turned boyfriend. There's just one problem: the most important relationship of his life is one he needs to keep hidden, or else face a media storm that will eclipse his success on the ice.

Jamie loves Wes. He really, truly does. But hiding sucks. It's not the life Jamie envisioned for himself, and the strain of keeping their secret is taking its toll. It doesn't help that his new job isn't going as smoothly as he'd hoped, but he knows he can power through it as long as he has Wes. At least apartment 10B is their retreat, where they can always be themselves.

Or can they? When Wes's nosiest teammate moves in upstairs, the threads of their carefully woven lie begin to unravel. With the outside world determined to take its best shot at them, can Wes and Jamie develop major-league relationship skills on the fly?

Warning: contains sexual situations, a vibrating chair, long-distance sexytimes, and proof that hockey players look hot in any shade of green.
Goodreads

Purchase Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1PXJoTb
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1QCgZFE
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1T5CnUqy
Amazon PB: http://amzn.to/1Lath5H
Amazon AU: bit.ly/1Q2mdXR

Read HIM:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1SQdtIa
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1SQdz2E
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2163hfG
Amazon PB: http://amzn.to/1SQdEn3
Amazon AU: bit.ly/1M1OH2w

Kristine's Review:
Reviewed: February 2016.

Most stories end when the main characters find their happily ever after, so it's always fun when authors allow us to revisit our beloved characters again, unfortunately as much as I love to take a step back into the lives of the characters that touched me so deeply the first time around, it can often feel stilted, that certainly wasn't the case here, Kennedy and Bowen captured my attention instantly, falling back into Wes and Jamie's lives was effortless, the more I read, the deeper in love I fell with these two crazy, courageous, sexy men, the more desperate I was for more.

With Bowen and Kennedy's trade mark wit, and snark Wes and Jamie felt like old friends, their love and attraction is clear, their chemistry undeniable but hiding this big love from the world comes at a price, being able to walk down the street holding your partners hand is one of those sweet moments that I think most of us take for granted, being able to update your social media status to in a relationship one of those relationship milestones that has become all to important in today's society, for two people who fought long an hard to cement their relationship, to be able to admit to themselves what they had was special, was worth taking that leap of faith that any new relationship is, is slowly stripping away at the layers of the happy they built around themselves.

"I roll onto my back and start counting the weeks until the end of the season. I don't think I can take this anymore. Not if it makes Jamie unhappy."

 The bittersweet part of US comes from the fact that Jamie and Wes knew their budding relationship would face setbacks, they would have to jump hurdles in order to be together, maintaining a secret relationship, pretending to be roommates, purely friends was always going to be tough, denying their attraction to each other in public, keeping Wes in the spotlight purely for his skills on the ice  and not his sexual orientation during his rookie year was always the plan,  but in the face of starting a new life together even that seemed like a hurdle they could take in their stride, but the more they are both pulled in different directions, as communication breaks down, and it becomes easier to slip into their own minds and focus less and less on actually talking things through open and honestly the more the once solid foundation they thought they had begins to crumble.

"Do I yell at him now? Is that the right thing to do? I don't know what Jamie needs. If I knew, I'd give it to him."

Fear and helplessness are stifling, it can choke you so slowly that you don't even notice it at first, when you suddenly go from happy and in love to feeling confused and alone, no amount of love filled platitudes can bring you back from the brink, peppered throughout those moments that tug at your heart, that make you want to climb into the book just to hold both Jamie and Wes, while brushing their hair away from their faces and murmuring that everything is going to be okay, are moments of giddy anticipation, swoon worthy romance and laugh out loud hilarity, Blake, the loud and lovable larrikin of a team mate that he is, is simultaneously uproariously funny, with his sheep proclamations and bad Mafioso jokes, as he is heart-warmingly sweet. His obnoxiousness is strangely endearing, and balances Wes's uptight and controlling ways, and left me wanting more from not only the hero's of this story but from Blake as well.

For me a lot of the MM I have read steers towards the physical connection only, focusing on the sexual chemistry only to sell the story, Bowen and Kennedy balance the down right blazing inferno that is Wes and Jamie, while centring around a fluid and organic tale about two people who found each other again, found something bigger than either of them had ever experienced, something bigger than labels like straight, gay or bi. Everything about US captivated me instantly, I couldn't put it down, couldn't look away, I forgot about my phone, lost track of time, and found myself so fully immersed in them that I was both desperate for more and didn't want it to end, my only hope is that this isn't the end for these characters. Honest, raw, thought provoking, US is the kind of book you will savour long after your turn the last page.

About the Authors:

Sarina Bowen:

Sarina Bowen writes steamy, angsty Contemporary Romance and New Adult fiction from the wilds of Vermont.

She is the author of The Ivy Years, an award-winning series set amid the hockey team at an elite Connecticut college. Also, the The Gravity series.

Stay tuned for a new Vermont contemporary romance series and hockey novels including Rookie Move.

Sarina enjoys skiing, espresso drinks and the occasional margarita. She lives with her family, eight chickens and more ski gear and hockey equipment than seems necessary.
Connect with Sarina on Facebook


Elle Kennedy:

A New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Elle Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a B.A. in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer, and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager.

Elle currently writes for various publishers. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!

Connect with Elle on Facebook