Roomies by Christina Lauren

Blurb:

Marriages of convenience are so…inconvenient.

Rescued by Calvin McLoughlin from a would-be subway attacker, Holland Bakker pays the brilliant musician back by pulling some of her errand-girl strings and getting him an audition with a big-time musical director. When the tryout goes better than even Holland could have imagined, Calvin is set for a great entry into Broadway—until he admits his student visa has expired and he’s in the country illegally.

Holland impulsively offers to wed the Irishman to keep him in New York, her growing infatuation a secret only to him. As their relationship evolves from awkward roommates to besotted lovers, Calvin becomes the darling of Broadway. In the middle of the theatrics and the acting-not-acting, what will it take for Holland and Calvin to realise that they both stopped pretending a long time ago?

Find Roomies on Goodreads

Purchase Links:

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2MPO6Gy
Amazon PB: https://amzn.to/2Ml6SV8
Amazon FR: https://amzn.to/2tz5o1Z
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2KbtLNF
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2KhexTZ

Kristine's Review:

Reviewed: June 2018.

Christina Lauren have long been a favourite duo of mine, many of their titles hitting my most loved lists each year, with sexy and suave heroes and sassy and strong heroines I always enamoured by their words. The authors note for Roomies stated that writing Holland and Calvin's story was "pure, shameless fun." While this story was exactly that, Holland's character also resonated so deeply with me, this young woman who was so sure of her dreams and yet inherently terrified of taking that leap. That's the thing about dreams, they don't work unless you do.

Holland isn't living her best life, she has a job that she doesn't love but doesn't despise, she has a roof over her head thanks to her uncles, she has dreams of becoming a great writer but nothing that thrills her enough to write about, and she has a crush on a mysterious, talented subway musician.  

"I think I admire that she, more than anyone I know, tries to be circumspect about her successes and failures and who she is. She tries to see herself clearly - both kindly and critically - and I think she's generally pretty spot on."

Calvin came to the US to study music and never left, despite his VISA expiring years ago. He's doing his best to continue pushing forward to find his dream of playing music in the big leagues while trying not to arose too much suspicion that would get him booted from the country.

"Use your words, Holland. Tell him it isn't so much that you're feeling regret as you're feeling sheer panic at the prospect of sharing an apartment with a stranger who also happens to be the hottest man you've ever touched. What if you fart in your sleep?"

When an opportunity arises that would give Calvin his dream and save Holland's uncles show, a marriage of convenience seems like the best plan, this is contemporary romance though, so we know it won't all be smooth sailing.

"What I said before was true...about how Holland tries to see herself clearly and seems to end up in a pretty good place. But I also think she sees herself as a supporting character, even in her own life story."

Roomies is a stand alone, and while Calvin plays a huge role, it's Holland that truly stood out for me. She's so very self aware, so in tune with her strengths and her flaws and yet she's stifling her talent and her chances at success because she's too scared to push out of her comfort zone, terrified that she would even have a voice to begin with. It's easy to find yourself stagnate, most of us have dreams for our lives, whether it's professionally or personally, we have these secrets that we hope and pray become a reality, and often the fear of failure wins out over ever truly trying. When Holland realises she's been playing a side character in her own life her world tilts on it's axis, in truth so did mine, for I felt that realisation inherently. How often have I wanted something bigger for myself and been too scared to truly go for it, content with where I was, safe in the knowledge that if I didn't really try  couldn't fail. Remember what I said about dreams not working if you don't. When a book makes you pause, makes you re-evaluate what you want out of your life, makes you question whether you're living your best life, it's a joyous thing. The authors may not have set out to give Roomies such a strong message, but as I turned the last page I felt invigorated in a way I certainly didn't expect, passionate and ready to take that starring role in my life. 

About Christina Lauren:

Christina Lauren is the combined pen name of long-time writing partners/besties/soulmates/brain-twins Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. The coauthor duo writes both Young Adult and Adult Fiction, and together has produced fourteen New York Times bestselling novels. Their books have been translated into 30+ languages. (Some of these books have kissing. Some of these books have A LOT of kissing.)

Connect with Christina and Lauren on Facebook

Mariana Zapata Binge Reading Review

I don't know where to start right now friends, because this past week has been a whirlwind of delicious reading time, I've been utterly swept away, lost in a Mariana Zapata abyss, and to be totally honest, I don't know if I'm ready to emerge yet.

Back in August 2016, at the second Sydney Author Event I was lucky enough to meet and chat with Mariana Zapata, it seemed at the time her books had taken the Romance Reading world by storm, the titles on everyone's lips were Kulti, Winnipeg, Lingus. When my follow SAE organisers were RAVING about the new Queen of Slow Burn I'd been ignorant to her books. I was so enamoured by our meeting though that I ordered a collection of her paperbacks to read at a later time. And yet in the blink of an eye, almost two years passed, while those pretty (and heavy) paperbacks collected dust on my bookshelf. When I started a new job at the end of April I knew that the extra long commute would give me ample time to get back into reading, or more aptly, back into audio. I started listening to book after book during those long drives, slowly reaffirming my love of the romance genre.

“I was an only child; I didn't know how to share, and I wasn't willing to learn. What was I going to do if I started developing feelings for a porn star?” - Lingus

When Lingus popped up on my kindle, I figured why not, it had been one of the titles I'd been meaning to read after all. I started and those long commutes starting feeling way too short, instead of turning of my kindle when I got home I found myself reaching for it not long after walking in the door. I found myself using any excuse to grab my phone, desperate to sneak in even one more chapter. For those who know me, you know I love a long book, once I've connected with an authors words I crave more and more, I love the banter and slow burn, the delicious feeling that rumbles through your body when your head and your heart play the will they won't they game. Throw in a porn star hero and I was all but assured to be in my book nirvana. The storyline had me giddy and I loved the quirkiness of real life meeting...well porn life, I loved that the portrayal of the adult industry wasn't seedy and underground. I adored how Zapata explored the themes while crafting an engaging and hilarious story about two people who just happened to meet at a Porn Convention. 

“I was going to murder his ass. One day. One day long after I quit, so no one would suspect me.” - The Wall of Winnipeg and Me.

After Lingus I moved on to The Wall of Winnipeg and Me, and you know I'm a sucker for Sports Romance. Throw in a frienemies / my boss is a complete and utter jerk storyline and holy moly was I on the fast track to worshipping at the Zapata alter. The chemistry between Vanessa and Aiden...the banter that had me so invested that sleep no longer seemed important, the snap, crackle and pop of their developing relationship made me want to weep for joy. I adored these characters, and despite the long length I still found myself bereft as I turned the last page, I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Aiden Graves and Vanny but more than that, I certainly wasn't ready to move onto another author when there were still more books in Zapata's back catalogue to explore.

"It was the worst non-break-up ever in the history of imaginary relationships with a man who didn't even know I existed." - Kulti.

From Winnipeg, I moved on to fan favourite Kulti... the man, the myth, the Legend. Another sports romance? YES PLEASE. This time I met Salome (Sal), twenty seven year soccer star, head strong, determined and filled with talent, has dedicated her life to her profession. As a child she fell in love with German Soccer legend Reiner The King Kulti, as an adult she's just learnt he's accepted a role as her new assistant coach. Kulti, known for his talent and temper in equal measure makes waves, but it's the unlikely bond these two develop that shocks them both. In true Zapata style, Kulti is slow burn all the way, despite the length, the story never feels disjointed or tedious. The push pull of growing fondness for one another left me giddy. The sizzling chemistry, the will they won't they left me desperate, I wanted... no I needed more of these two characters. Not since discovering the Rock Chick series by Kristen Ashley have I been this voracious of a reader. With a thirst that couldn't be quenched, moments after turning the last page I downloaded every title in print, both ebook and audio to continue my love affair with Zapata's words. 

“Right then, in that moment, Dex The Dick grinned. Grinned. And sweet mother of God, it was devastating. So completely catastrophic I just stood there and absorbed the nuclear bomb going off in front of me, defenceless.” - Under Locke.

From Soccer stars I dove into Motor Cycle Clubs and Tattoo parlours. Under Locke introduced me to Iris and Dex. Down on her luck and needing a job in a new city, Iris uses the connections of her half brother to secure employment at a tattoo parlour. Her first day doesn't go as planned and her new boss is a jerk. While Iris is used to looking after herself, there's something about the jackass boss that gets under her skin more then she would like. As their connection deepens, and their proximity to one another causes all kinds of close calls, Iris finds herself seeing Dex in a different light. More fast paced then her other titles, Under Locke had me smiling and giggling and down right swooning as this heroine showed time and time again that she didn't need saving. 

"Real love was gritty. The real kind of love never quit. Someone who loved you would do what’s best for you; they’d stand up for you and sacrifice. Someone who loved you would face any inconvenience willingly.” - Wait For It.

Four books in as many days and I found myself opening Wait For It. To my surprise I found myself face to face with Vanessa's (The Wall of Winnipeg and Me) bestie and Sal's (Kulti) cousin Diana. In the years since Winnipeg and Kulti ended, Diana has had a rough go of it. A relationship that ended badly, and inheriting two young nephews in the worst possible way, she's just managed to keep her head above water. Moving to a new home is all the upheaval she can handle. Until she meets her new neighbour and coach of the Select baseball team Dallas. Oh boy did Wait For It do a number on my heart. Ya'll I cried real tears (something that doesn't happen that often anymore) I felt every second of Diana's struggle while she navigated her own grief, as well as the pressure to be the best parent to her nephews. This book hit me in the feels and refused to release it's choke hold on my heart. I smiled so damn big as I turned the last page, not ready to say goodbye. 

“Because if I remember correctly, your text message said, ‘I just kicked the hottest guy I’ve probably ever seen in the ass.’ And I asked you what he looked like and you texted me back, ‘Like a double bacon cheeseburger I’d take a bite out of.” - Rhythm, Chord and Malykhin.

From single aunts raising a young family to rockstars seemed like the logical next step. In Rhythm, Chord and Malykhin in which we meet Gabby, freshly dumped and with no job prospects knocking down her door after finishing college, the idea of going on tour with her brother and his two knuckle headed best mates doesn't sound so bad. When the four of them join together again hilarious pranks
and sometimes good natured ribbing is sure to happen while touring around the States, Australia and Europe. What begins with a untraditional first meeting between Sacha, lead singer of The Cloud Collision and Gabby soon blossoms into something far more. Rhythm had me laughing out loud literally, I could not wipe the smile off my face from the first page until the very last. This book was ridiculous in the best possible way, the bonds Gabby shared with her twin and her extra brothers from other mothers had me giggling throughout, the connection between Gabby and Sacha gave me the kind of butterflies every romance reader dreams of. Rhythm was fun, sweet and one hell of a hilarious adventure.

“Mostly though, Rubes, I want to go back in time and beat every single person’s ass who’s ever made you doubt yourself, because the girl who makes me smile ‘til my face hurts even on a shit day needs to see that in herself. I feel like I owe it to you.” - Dear Aaron.

As I picked up Dear Aaron, it felt like the beginning of the end. From musicians I swiftly moved into pen pals. Ruby lives a quiet unassuming life, she's in her early twenties and lives at home, a seamstress by day and er night, and regularly takes part in a program writing letters and emails to an assigned soldier serving overseas. After a couple of pairings she's assigned Aaron, after a slow start and no reply she's ready to bid farewell to her newest match. When Aaron finally replies the two embark on an ongoing conversation of sorts. The more they exchange emails the more they find themselves turning to each other as more than just a pen pal. Aaron is weary of relationships after a bitter breakup, and well Ruby is just weary in general. Both desperately trying to guard their hearts and yet slowly finding more and more reasons not to around each other. While all of Zapata's books have had me captivated, Dear Aaron was a like a punch to the gut, because boy did I feel all of Ruby's insecurities and fears. I felt every moment of her hurt and doubt and I felt it in spades. I wanted to hold her in my arms and whisper all kinds of tributes to the incredible woman she is. The slow burn and build of their relationship was so deliciously satisfying that I felt bereft as I turned the last page.

“Everyone, Jasmine, everyone that’s an athlete—that’s successful—has had to give up a lot. Some of us more than others. You’re not the first person, and you’re not the last person that sees that and feels bad about it,” he started to say, his voice steady and even. “You don’t get to become good at anything without sacrificing something to make time.”

I pressed my lips together and closed my eyes and tried again. “Successful people, Ivan. It’s worth it if you’re successful, not if you’re not.” - From Lukov With Love.

What did I say about the beginning of the end... from pen pals to figure skaters, and to the last book on my list. Remember Ruby from Dear Aaron, it was my pleasant surprise that the figure skater I was about to read about was none other then Jasmine, Ruby's younger sister. OMGGG can you sense my smile from there?? Page one and I was HOOKED! From Lukov With Love is Jasmine's story, in the years that have passed since the end of Dear Aaron, Jasmine hasn't had the best run, her professional career has had set back after set back, and she's never gotten back to the level of success she enjoyed years before. Skating singles or in pairs hasn't seen her rise to the top of the pack, and even at her tender age she knows her time competing on the ice might be coming to an end. When her arch nemesis Ivan makes an offer she can't refuse she might have found the golden ticket to her dreams of success. The snarky banter, the constant bickering, the way these two move around each other captivated and thrilled me. I was floating on cloud nine so utterly with this story that I could of dropped dead with a smile on my face. When Jasmine faced a set back I wanted to lift her up, and when she excelled I was cheering her on.

Despite my love of all things slow burn, and let's be clear, Mariana Zapata is, without a doubt, the undisputed Queen of Slow Burn, what I adored was the depth of technical knowledge that went into each story, from NFL to Soccer to Musicians to Armed Forces Letter Campaigns to Figure Skating, to ahem Porn Stars to Baseball to Tattoo Parlours and MC clubs Zapata gives the reader enough to be well informed without overloading the technical background. Her storytelling seamlessly giving the reader characters to love and cherish, and a story that fills them with hope, heartbreak and joy in equal measure. Stories that are filled with heroines that are strong and sassy, flawed and sometimes vulnerable, women who are above all else real, the connection from character to reader often tangible. Mariana Zapata has cemented herself as a MUST READ author for me, her books skyrocketing to my all time favourites list for so many different reasons. I feel so many things as I sit here pouring out my jumbled thoughts onto paper, oh so bereft that I've finished, but so very grateful for the journey.

Purchase Links and GPI's suggested reading order:

Lingus:

US: https://amzn.to/2HpVvbM

AU: https://amzn.to/2sCxMk3

UK: https://amzn.to/2JjdjHd

The Wall of Winnipeg and Me:

US: https://amzn.to/2Jw7w4G

AU: https://amzn.to/2szqqhe

UK: https://amzn.to/2kU7lCi

Kulti:

US: https://amzn.to/2LoO4nK

AU: https://amzn.to/2JfJtYf

UK: https://amzn.to/2HoMgbL

Under Locke:

US: https://amzn.to/2sK9XG9

AU: https://amzn.to/2sAWQI1

UK: https://amzn.to/2sA1aaK

Wait For It:

US: https://amzn.to/2xMRrTp
AU: https://amzn.to/2syGqQK
UK: https://amzn.to/2kT2f92

Rhythm, Chord and Malykhin:

US: https://amzn.to/2xMCyjT
AU: https://amzn.to/2JeSOzy
UK: https://amzn.to/2kSNZgT

Dear Aaron:

US: https://amzn.to/2Jw95Q6
AU: https://amzn.to/2JhaU3S
UK: https://amzn.to/2JiUbct

From Lukov With Love:

US: https://amzn.to/2JoOeuN
AU: https://amzn.to/2sC0ktO
UK: https://amzn.to/2Jdmugk

About Mariana Zapata:

Mariana Zapata began writing love stories soon after she learned how to spell. She probably shouldn’t admit that she started sneaking romance novels from her aunt’s bookshelves way before she was old enough to even understand what it meant when a man flipped up a woman’s skirt… don’t tell her mom. Luckily, she stuck to stories about princesses and princes for a while.

In her teens, she wrote boy band fanfiction (there’s still a website up somewhere on the internet with those masterpieces), and in her early twenties, she picked it back up again with Sookie Stackhouse and Twilight. Eventually, her significant other finally told her to do what she wanted to do and she began working on her original work. Her novels tend to include potty humor, bodily functions, and bad words.
Mariana lives in a small town called Pagosa Springs, Colorado with her husband/best friend, Chris Letchford, and their two well-beloved (and emotionally manipulative) Great Dane children, Dorian and Kaiser. When she’s not pretending to write, she’s reading sci-fi, fantasy, steampunk or historical romance novels. You can usually find her harassing her dogs, being a hermit at home or cracking jokes at the expense of her family members.

Connect with Mariana on Facebook

CAKE by Carmen Jenner

Blurb:

Poppy Porter's ex is getting married ... to her ex-best friend. To land her dream job of partner in the most prestigious firm on the Upper East Side, Poppy must now pull double shifts as their wedding planner and maid of honor. And the icing on a truly craptastic cake? Leo Nass. Handsome, infuriating, womanizer, and … the best man. Despite their longstanding loathing, Poppy doesn't see Leo coming. Literally.

One ruined cake.

One archnemesis.

One hour to save the wedding.

Can they put their hatred aside long enough to save Poppy’s job and Bridezilla's head from exploding?

Piece of cake, right?

Find on Goodreads

Purchase Links:

AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/2CJWSja
AMAZON AU: http://amzn.to/2sUouCn
AMAZON UK: http://amzn.to/2sSilHb
AMAZON CA: http://amzn.to/2CljT0j

Kristine's Review:
Reviewed: March 2018.

HOLY MOLY!!! When an authors tagline line is what’s a happily ever after without a little torture? you come to expect stories full of angst, heartache and most definitely not smooth sailing. You hope for those belly flutters and warm fuzzies to accompany the aforementioned torture, but it wouldn't be remiss of us to not expect it. When Ms Jenner first announced CAKE I did a little happy dance because word on the street was SPOILER ALERT: NO ONE DIES.

Can you hear my excitement through my review because OMGGGGGG an honest to goodness happy book from one of my favourite authors.... well slap my butt and call me Sally because I am utterly obsessed with rom com's right now, I crave that fun, sexy, light banter and in my honest opinion no one does witty banter like Carmen Jenner.

"You see, the groom, Chase Vanderbilt, is my ex. The bride, Claire Schaefer? My ex-best friend."

Poppy Porter is that instantly loveable heroine I crave, she's sassy, strong and has that self deprecating humour I easily relate to. She's had a full on year, her career in on track, but her personal life is anything but stable. Less than two years ago she was living the exact life she planned, but when she's dumped by her fiancé the life she imagined takes a considerable shift in direction. One bonus of single life is no longer having to tolerate her now ex fiancés best friend Leo Nass. 

Leo Nass has had his fair share of women to warm his bed, he's crass, a womaniser and seems to derive an obscene amount of joy from ruffling Poppy's feathers. He's always been a thorn in Poppy's side, after all Poppy's engagement might never had ended if Nass didn't stick his nose in. She's determined to believe the worse in him but there may be more to Nass the Ass then Poppy ever imagined.

"I hate you. You talked him out of marrying me."

"Word to the wise, Pop Tart. If a man can be talked out of marrying you after a couple of brewskies and a handful of stripper dollars, he's not the man for you."

This is well and truly the story I craved from Carmen Jenner, it's got everything I love about her writing, strong characters, ridiculously funny run ins, story development that serves to draw the reader into the world created as well all the heat and heart I have come to expect. What I absolutely adored though was Jenner's ability to prove that rom com's can have depth without unnecessary drama or death. There's an inherent beauty to Carmen's prose and CAKE has that in spades. Hands down my favourite cover from her collection of work, and without a doubt a new favourite recommendation for a story that absolutely stole my heart and had me laughing and swooning in equal measure.

About Carmen Jenner:

Carmen Jenner is a thirty-something, USA Today and international bestselling author.

Her dark romance, KICK (Savage Saints MC #1), won Best Dark Romance Read in the Reader’s Choice Awards at RWDU, 2015.

A tattoo enthusiast, hardcore makeup addict and zombie fangirl, Carmen lives on the sunny North Coast of New South Wales, Australia, where she spends her time indoors wrangling her two wildling children, a dog named Pikelet, and her very own man-child.

A romantic at heart, Carmen strives to give her characters the HEA they deserve, but not before ruining their lives completely first … because what’s a happily ever after without a little torture?

Connect with Carmen on Facebook

The Beau and the Belle by RS Grey

Blurb:

Beau Fortier starred in most of my cringe-worthy teenage fantasies.

I met him when I was a junior in high school, a time that revolved exclusively around bad hair, failed forays into flirting, and scientific inquiries into which brand of toilet paper worked best for stuffing bras.

That is, until Beau moved into the small guest house just beyond my bedroom window.

A 24-year-old law student at Tulane, Beau was as mysterious to me as second base (both in baseball and in the bedroom). He was older. Intimidating. Hot. Boys my age had chicken legs and chubby cheeks. Beau had calloused hands and a jaw cut from steel. Our interactions were scarce—mostly involving slight stalking on my end—and yet deep down, I desperately hoped he saw me as more of a potential lover than a lovesick loser.

Turns out, I was fooling myself. My fragile ego learned that lesson the hard way.

Now, ten years later, we’re both back in New Orleans, and guess who suddenly can’t take his eyes off little ol’ me.

My old friend, Mr. Fortier.

But things have changed. I’m older now—poised and confident. My ego wears a bulletproof vest. The butterflies that once filled my stomach have all perished.

When I was a teenager, Beau warned me to guard my heart.

Let’s hope he knows how to guard his.

Find on Goodreads

Purchase Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2CjrHuP

Amazon PB: http://amzn.to/2spPTfk

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2o2U23o

Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2EmTqwx

Kristine's Review:
Reviewed: February 2018.

I've been such a huge fan of RS Grey's for a long time now, in fact when I first discovered Grey's unique narrative I was so infatuated that I devoured every title in her back catalogue that was available. I spent days lost in a Rachel Grey bubble and I loved every single second of it. Her subsequent releases have often hit my best of each years top buying guide, without a doubt she is and will continue to be a must read author for me. It's the reason why this review is so hard to write because unfortunarely The Beau and the Belle was not for me, I struggled to connect in the way I usually would with Grey's words. I found myself putting it down in the early chapters and when I picked it back up not finding that thing that would grab me and fail to let go.

“It didn't eat away at him like it did me. I wanted us to both suffer & that's why I'm here now. He owes me heartache.”

I continued but failed to truly connect with the story the way I'm accustomed to with Grey's work, while I could recognise the strength of her talent, and a well crafted story, I found I lacked that illusive oomph that usually has me so invested in Grey's characters that I find it near impossible to stop for even the briefest of breaks. While I did eventually find my AHAAA moment at the half way mark, my inability to initially connect hampered my enjoyment through the second half of the story.

“When I'm 40, I'll be able to re-enact this scene for my therapist with chilling accuracy”

I desperately wanted to love Beau and Lauren, and there were moments where my hope glimmered, this story was never quite the perfect fit for me. Funny in parts, sweet most definitely, The Beau and the Belle will no doubt be a hit for many, unfortunately it wasn't my favourite.

About RS Grey:

R.S. Grey is the USA Today bestselling author of fourteen novels, including THE FORTUNATE ONES. She loves books, chocolate, reality TV, and cold weather. She lives in Texas with her husband, daughter, and two dogs. 

Connect with RS Grey on Facebook

CAKE by Carmen Jenner Cover Reveal

Author: Carmen JennerGenre: Rom-com
Cover Design: Ben Ellis, Be DesignsIllustration: Yehuda DevirRelease Date: March 1, 2018

Blurb:

Poppy Porter's ex is getting married ... to her ex-best friend. To land her dream job of partner in the most prestigious firm on the Upper East Side, Poppy must now pull double shifts as their wedding planner and maid of honor. And the icing on a truly craptastic cake? Leo Nass. Handsome, infuriating, womanizer, and … the best man. Despite their longstanding loathing, Poppy doesn't see Leo coming. Literally.

One ruined cake.

One archnemesis.

One hour to save the wedding.

Can they put their hatred aside long enough to save Poppy’s job and Bridezilla's head from exploding?

Piece of cake, right?

SIGN UP TO BE NOTIFIED ON RELEASE DAY: https://www.subscribepage.com/cake

ADD TO GOODREADS: http://bit.ly/2CNzLZN

PRE-ORDER LINKS: (to come)

Excerpt:

“Are you still going to this wedding, or can I eat your cake?” I mean for that to come out nothing like it sounds, but of course because apparently I’m now a teenage horn bag, it comes out low and sounds just like cake is a metaphor for her grumpy cat.

“Yeah—”

“Yeah I can eat your cake?” I ask, somewhat breathlessly. Jesus, fuck. When did I grow a pair of ovaries?

“Yeah, I’m still going. My job is on the line, and no, you can’t eat my cake. Don’t think I don’t know that was a metaphor. You’re not going anywhere near my cake.”

“Damn. I’m excellent at eating cake. Everybody says so.”

Poppy rolls her eyes. “That’s the problem.”

About Carmen Jenner:

Carmen Jenner is a thirty-something, USA Today and international bestselling author.

Her dark romance, KICK (Savage Saints MC #1), won Best Dark Romance Read in the Reader’s Choice Awards at RWDU, 2015.

A tattoo enthusiast, hardcore makeup addict and zombie fangirl, Carmen lives on the sunny North Coast of New South Wales, Australia, where she spends her time indoors wrangling her two wildling children, a dog named Pikelet, and her very own man-child.

A romantic at heart, Carmen strives to give her characters the HEA they deserve, but not before ruining their lives completely first … because what’s a happily ever after without a little torture?

Connect with Carmen on Facebook

The Fortunate Ones by R.S. Grey

Blurb:

At Twin Oaks Country Club, there are the fortunate ones, and then there are the rest of us: the waiters, the caddies, the valets, and in my case, the cabana girls. Most days, I’m poolside in a pleated skirt, dishing out margaritas to tycoons and titans. It’s not exactly my dream job, but it does come with one perk…

James Ashwood.

He’s my silver lining in a custom black suit.

Besides being a legacy member at the club, he’s a tech mogul and Austin’s most eligible bachelor. Oh, and those dimples? Yeah, they make my stomach dip too.

On good days, I catch his sleek Porsche winding down the tree-lined drive. On better days, I steal a glimpse of his handsome profile as we pass in the hall. And on the absolute best day, I find him alone at the bar, looking for company.

“Come have a seat.”

Those four little words set me down a path I never could have imagined. Private planes, penthouse suites, and temptations around every corner make it impossible to keep my distance. His world feels decadent and wild—but overindulgence comes with a cost. Every kiss comes with strings. Every erotic encounter is a promise I’m not ready to keep.

When I pump the brakes, he hits the gas. James doesn’t want to go slow—he wants a commitment.

And the thing about the fortunate ones?

They’re used to getting what they want.

Find on Goodreads

Purchase Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2z1g2kp

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2xF88f6

Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2hpzrUB

Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/2zTF44d

Kristine's Review:

Reviewed: October 2017.

Oh gosh... I've just endured a .... well let's just say an unpleasant day at work, it was long and tedious and headache inducing and yet I still have a smile on my face, I'm physically drained but my heart is still soaring, and I have R.S. Grey to thank for that. 

In true Grey style The Fortunate Ones was sassy and sexy and laugh out loud funny, but even more than that there was a synchronicity to her words that made this story absolutely impossible to put down, in fact I don't remember the last time I stayed up all night reading, that feeling of complete and utter FOMO if I dare putting my kindle down for long enough to rest my eyes, and yet last night as the clock struck one (don't judge me I get up early and can't read all night like I used to) I was still lying on my side devouring Grey's exquisite prose as they wrapped themselves around my heart like a warm embrace, as I turned the last page, my soul filled with joy and smile on my face I slept a soft dreamless sleep, still thinking of James and Brooke.

"Some people carve their initials so deeply into your heart, they’ll always be a part of you."

Brooke Davenport had big plans at school and college, and for a few years those dreams came to a bright, beautiful fruition, living and travelling abroad while working as an Au pair life seemed almost perfect, but when her perfect job came to an abrupt end Brooke found herself back in Austin, and virgin daiquiris to precocious preteens. This is certainly isn't the job or life she had planned for herself, but it pays the bills and contributes to her savings account that will one day take her around the world again when she lands her next Au pairing role.

James Ashwood is the talk of Austin, he's a tech genius, devastatingly handsome and a legacy member of Twin Oaks, from afar he could be the cool and aloof billionaire some say he is, or just maybe he's a man in his thirties who's looking for something real and genuine away from the world of hangers on and followers.

Before you think this is a tale of poor little cabana girl who gets saved by the big bad James Ashcroft, you're way off.... like wayyyyy off. Forget all the regular tropes because The Fortunate Ones was so much more than a coming on age for a twenty something young woman, or a billionaire hero or anything else you've ever read, this was fresh and fun and full of chemistry that leapt off the page.

"That's great. I want those things for you too, but I want to be honest about what I want. I'm sick of serial dating, sick of living out of an empty house I don't want to come home to at the end of the day."

Gahhhh I'm trying to relay every moment I loved without giving away too much,  I could wax lyrical about every moment that had me laughing out loud, swooing or clutching my heart. I could shout praise at Grey for absolutely captivating me from the first page until the very last line, I have been a long time fan of her work, several of her titles have earned their places of my favourites lists, The Fortunate Ones is certainly no different, in fact it's easily earned its place alongside my very favourite books of 2017 and my Top Reads of all time.

About R.S. Grey:

Rachel is a lover of books, chocolate, reality TV, metaphors and similes, black labs, and cold weather.

Connect with Rachel on Facebook

PUCK LOVE by Carmen Jenner

Blurb:

Stella Hart is the hottest thing in country music. For ten years, she’s been Nashville’s darling. She’s pure, sweet, and a positive role model in an industry rife with scandals, sex, and sequins. Men want to own her, women want to be her—everyone wants a piece of her, and Stella? Well, she wants out.

As the center for the Calgary Crushers, Van Ross isn’t afraid of the spotlight, but he doesn’t much like it either. Despite his reputation as a player, the NHL’s bad boy lives for only two things: the game, and his younger brother. That’s why when he comes across a country music superstar seeking refuge at his home in the Canadian Rockies, he’s not too happy with the media sh*tstorm this surprise houseguest brings.

With a nationwide manhunt, paparazzi dogging their every move, producers of a reality TV show baying for blood, and a record label desperate to see their “good girl” returned safely home, Van and Stella’s lives are snowballing out of control.
While Van would like nothing more than to show the purest of them all how well he handles his er ... stick, Stella is no puck bunny. Nor is she as innocent as she’d have the world believe.

With chemistry like theirs, tension runs high on and off the ice, but the end game is the same for both players: line up the puck, take the shot, and score. If only their hearts understood the play.

Puck fame and fortune.
Puck right and wrong.
Puck love.

Find it on Goodreads

Purchase Links:

Uhttp://bit.ly/2y4ibgDS: http://amzn.to/2xRSQGq...
PB: http://amzn.to/2xRSU8X
UK: http://amzn.to/2yDr1yO
CA: http://amzn.to/2hG9vqQ
AU: http://amzn.to/2xGJiOU

Kristine's Review:
Review: October 2017.

When news of Puck Love hit the interwebs I was instantly intrigued, I mean talk of a book from Carmen Jenner without death and destruction... without rape or torture... a book that's fun and light and won't make me shriek or cry.... GET OUT OF TOWN....I knew I *needed* this book like I needed my next breath. It's not secret I've been on a happy book binge of late, give me happy and laugh out loud funny and I'll be all over it like ...well myself at a Tieks sale.

Stella Hart is the undisputed GOOD GIRL of the Country music scene, she's loved by little girls, teenage boys and parents alike, the World is her stage and she *seems* like she's got everything figured out. Unfortunately for Stella, she's just barely holding on. Suffering from crippling anxiety, each SOLD OUT show on her Tour seems harder to get ready for, each night the voices and fears getting louder and louder and harder to hide away. 

When Stella finally has had enough and makes a break for it, hilarity ensues, and for maybe the first time in a long time she can breathe without feeling like drowning. I remember listening people talking about anxiety years ago and not really getting it. I mean sure panic attacks seemed legitimate enough, but it was still in the abstract, I mean surely anxiety couldn't possibly be *that* bad. Funny isn't it, that earlier this year I found myself huddled in the corner of my bedroom mid panic attack trying to remind myself how to breathe with tears running down my face, so anxious over an upcoming signing that the thought of not packing the right clothes left me a bleary eyed mess. As I read the opening chapters of Puck Love I FINALLY *got* it, I understood Stella in my bones, I understood inherently why running was the ONLY option she could live with, I felt a soul deep connection to Jenner's words, it was the most holy of UH HAAAA moments, in the most unlikely of places.

"You wanna try on your own?"

"No, don't let go."

"You looking for an excuse to hold my hand, country?"

"No, I'm afraid of falling."

"But that's the best part." He grins, squeezes my hand tighter, and I have a feeling he's right. 

While I may have had a earth shattering connection to Puck Love in the opening chapters what followed was a fun filled adventure as Van the BADBOY of Ice Hockey crosses paths with Stella the enteral GOODGIRL of country music, and boy did Stella give him a run for his money. Van The Man, strong and stoic, the man who wants nothing more than to flatten anyone who gets in his way on the ice, and keep his life off the ice private. From the outside Van looks like the typical sports star, but beneath the bravado and icy glare - he's a man who's ready for something real away from the ice. And Stella, well Stella has wanted real for as long as she can remember and for the first time in a long time, she might have found someone who will give that to her.

Jenner keeps us enthralled with her trademark blend of snarky banter and tantalising sexual chemistry, but where she truly flexes her muscles is delivering a story that doesn't rely on emotion and angst to deliver something thrilling, from a quirky beginning that had me genuinely invested to a story about two people who as poster children for the lifestyle's of the rich and famous shouldn't be entirely relatable but inherently made Puck Love a book that was not only easy to devour but to love, leaving this reader smiling long after she turned the last page. 

About Carmen Jenner:

Carmen Jenner is a thirty-something, USA Today and international bestselling author.

Her dark romance, KICK (Savage Saints MC #1), won Best Dark Romance Read in the Reader’s Choice Awards at RWDU, 2015.

A tattoo enthusiast, hardcore makeup addict and zombie fangirl, Carmen lives on the sunny North Coast of New South Wales, Australia, where she spends her time indoors wrangling her two wildling children, a dog named Pikelet, and her very own man-child.

A romantic at heart, Carmen strives to give her characters the HEA they deserve, but not before ruining their lives completely first … because what’s a happily ever after without a little torture?