Ladies Man (Manwhore #3) by Katy Evans - Review

Blurb:

Tahoe Roth.
Irreverent, cocky, playful and naughty.
He’s not the guy you date.
He’s the one night stand.
The one your mother warned you about.
The one your body craves.


You’d think the man who called me succulent would want to strip me down and spread me out on his bed—like he’s done with countless others.

But he passed on my offer….

Just like I’d once passed on his.

He’s wary, like I am.

He’s broken, like I am.

And everyone knows two broken parts can’t ever make a whole.

Tahoe and I are strictly friends.

So I distract myself with other men.

He doesn’t think my new man is good enough. This blond blue-eyed beast doesn’t think any man is—himself included.

But the more time we spend together, the more confused I feel.
I'm trying to open myself to love.

Yet I'm quickly realizing that the only man I want is Tahoe Roth.
The one man who will surely break my heart.

A sexy new Manwhore series standalone contemporary romance from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katy Evans.


Purchase Links:

Amazon PB: http://amzn.to/1NKpAjj
iBooks: bit.ly/LadiesManiBooks
Nook: bit.ly/LadiesManNook

Audible: bit.ly/LadiesManAudible

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1VyJgP6

Kristine's Review:
Reviewed: April 2016.

Tahoe Roth is the epitome of the term ladies man, he's well known, lusted after, and isn't at all discreet about his night time dalliances with the fairer sex, he's part of the Manhattan elite, he's wealthy and powerful, with friends like Malcolm Saint he's sure to have quite a reputation. Men want to be him, women want him, watching his best friend find love only seemed to make him more determine to continue leading his swinging single life, answering to no one but himself, Roth has quite the enviable existence.

Regina was determined to maintain her single existence, after heartbreak and betrayal years before, she swore off love and romance, determined to protect her heart against men who would only disappoint and hurt her, when her best friend Rachel falls hopelessly in love with one of the city's most eligible bachelor's Saint, she finds herself fighting to keep telling herself that single is what she truly wants to be. Saints best friend Tahoe was at first the epitome of everything she hated about men, he was cocky and arrogant, had women falling at his feet, and he used them and tossed them away just as quickly, but the more she got to know the cocky business man, the more she began to see him as her friend, the friend that she spent her time alternating between wanting to kiss him or punch him in the face.

On the surface, everything about Tahoe and Regina's friendship seems all wrong, and yet quickly they come to mean more to each other than anyone else, they become each others sounding board, lucky charm, best friend, their chemistry is explosive, their attraction undeniable, and yet they skirt the truth of what they are and how they feel, seeming to always take one step forward and two steps back, coming dangerously close to unravelling the lies they tell themselves and each other. Regina has always felt broken, betrayed, forgotten, left behind, first by her parents and then by her ex boyfriend Paul, she's a walking case study on abandonment issues, terrified of being hurt again, and yet simultaneously scared to miss out on life by pushing people away. It's assumed that she is the one battling past demons, but the more we delve into their friendship, the more we see that Tahoe is just as adept at keeping secrets himself. Are his playboy ways be design or is there more to the man the he leads people to believe...

Ladies Man isn't a story of instalove, their chemistry is potent, it's undeniable, there's a rawness to their budding friendship, an honesty that neither has truly experienced, despite her overwhelming attraction to the man, Gina slowly shows more of herself than she even realises, Tahoe despite his reputation dispels the playboy myth so many times when it comes to her, neither can deny that what they have is more than friendship, and yet there is still a slow build that is so exquisite to watch unfold, admitting they want each other has never been a problem, spending time together definitely not a chore, recognising that together they have something worth fighting for is part of the beauty of the journey. Ladies Man was captivating, exploring the enigma that is Tahoe Roth had me glued to the pages, watching Gina's journey from a woman who resigned herself to never putting herself out there again, to a woman who almost welcomed the pain knowing she was chasing after something more for herself that hiding behind past heartbreak is what had me unable to look away.

About Katy Evans:

Katy Evans is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her debut REAL shot to the top of the bestselling lists in 2013 and since then all of her titles have been New York Times bestsellers. Her books have been translated into nearly a dozen languages across the world, with over a million copies sold worldwide.

Connect with Katy on Facebook

Shameless by Lex Martin - Review

Blurb:

Brady…
What the hell do I know about raising a baby? Nothing. Not a goddamn thing.

Yet here I am, the sole guardian of my niece. I’d be lost if it weren’t for Katherine, the beautiful girl who seems to have all the answers. Katherine, who’s slowly finding her way into my cynical heart.

I keep reminding myself that I can’t fall for someone when we don’t have a future. But telling myself this lie and believing it are two different things.


Katherine…

When Brady shows up on a Harley, looking like an avenging angel—six feet, three inches of chiseled muscle, eyes the color of wild sage, and sun-kissed skin emblazoned with tattoos—I’m not sure if I should fall at his feet or run like hell. Because if I tell him what happened the night his family died, he might hate me.

What I don’t count on are the nights we spend together trying to forget the heartache that brought us here. I promise him it won’t mean anything, that I won’t fall in love.

I shouldn’t make promises I can’t keep.

Shameless is an adult contemporary romance/spinoff featuring a character from The Dearest Series, but it can be read as a complete standalone.

 

 

 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29282745-shameless

 Purchase Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1UaR0Fq

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/23SE2CC

Universal Amazon link: http://myBook.to/Shameless

B&N: http://bit.ly/1VnRtFy

Kobo: http://bit.ly/248KdiD

iBooks: http://apple.co/1S3GPBl

 

Also Available: 

The Dearest Series Boxed Set is FREE on KU for a limited time. Get all three Dearest Series books, including Dearest Clementine, Finding Dandelion and Kissing Madeline, as well as Dearest Series bonus scenes and the first chapter of Shameless.

US: http://amzn.to/1U0pB97

UK: http://amzn.to/1YBClSN

Universal Amazon link: http://myBook.to/DearestSeries

http://amzn.to/1VM8ZUo

Kristine's Review:
Reviewed: April 2016.

Brady isn't the kind of man who chases women, he's never really needed to, there was a time when he lusted after his close friend Dani, despite knowing she would never feel the same way, when she found happiness with someone that wasn't him, he nursed his bruised male pride and moved on, he had bigger things to worry about than women, like his dad's ailing health and crumbling family business, his brother had  left town to study in order to be an asset to their fathers business,  but instead had met a woman and eloped and was now a young father himself, with no intention of returning home Brady faced a future of sacrificing his passion in order to support his father and mother by taking over the family business. Brady is tired, he's worn out, he's frustrated and angry, once again he's stepping up to support everyone else's choices with little regard given to what he truly wants.

A phone call in the middle of the night changes everything for Brady, suddenly he's second guessing himself, he's rethinking every cross word, every heated thought, his baby brother Cal is gone and his last thoughts of him were filled with anger and frustration, there's a heady sense of loss, one the reader feels acutely. With the mounting pressure of a sick father, a family business haemorrhaging money, a dead brother and an estate to deal with Brady heads to Cal and Melissa's farm to try and say goodbye the only way he can.

"Death does that. Sticks everything under a magnifying glass and makes each scratch or cut feel like a gaping wound."

Brady isn't the only person who lost someone that dark night when Cal and Melissa died, Melissa was more than just Katherine's best friend, she was her confidante, her support system, Cal, Melissa and their daughter Isabella were her family, her sense of peace, her safe haven when her world was rocked once before. Katherine found a home with them, she loves Isabella like her own, standing in to care for her after her parents sudden death was never an issue, her bond with the little girl unquestionable, grieving for the loss they both feel so acutely, they are tethered to one another.

"Her chubby little cheek drops to my shoulder, and it's all I can do to keep from breaking down myself."

There's a familiarity between Kat and Brady, one borne out of experiencing the same grief, living through the same nightmare, wishing they would wake up and Cal and Melissa were still alive, that Brady was only visiting, that Isabella still had two parents. Grief and loss weigh heavily on both of them, struggling to keep the farm running, caring for a baby girl, processing and dealing with their own sense of grief, Brady and Kat circle each other, doing what's needs to get, focusing on just making it through, the connection between them growing deeper each day, their chemistry is undeniable, in another time and another place, they would be perfect for one another. Regrettably they are not the care free young adults they should be, Brady is facing the brunt of familial financial expectation, as well as guardianship of his baby niece Izzy,  and Kat has secrets that weight heavily on her mind. Finding solace and support in each other is inevitable, an intimate connection borne out of need that would end when Brady and Katherine returned to their own homes.

"Because in another lifetime, in a parallel world - one where he doesn't live on the other side of the country - I think he's the kind of man I could love."

From the title, I expected Shameless to be quick, sexy ride...boyyyy was I wrong, the author demonstrates her range here, making the reader every second of that bleak, shrouded sense of pain and loss, from the very first moments we feel something building, and when that phone rings, it's the feeling of dread, of anguish, of powerlessness, the loss so acute, the pain so real, that you can feel it wash over you, leaving you feel like you're treading water, just trying to stay afloat right along with Brady and Kat. Ms Martin weaves moments of hilarity through the tapestry she created, the connection they share going beyond purely physical attraction, it's a recognition of each other on a soul deep level, the ability to provide comfort and understanding to one another when they both feel so utterly alone. There's a rawness there that makes it impossible to look away, and utterly mesmerising to watch. Set against the backdrop of farm life, complete with animals to care for, Shameless tells the story of love and loss, of hope and most importantly reminds the reader that even after the darkest storms, there's a rainbow.

About Lex Martin:

Lex writes adult novels, the sexy kind with lotsa angst, a whole lotta kissing, and the hot happily ever afters. When she's not writing, she lives a parallel life as an English teacher. She loves printing black and white photos, listening to music on vinyl, and getting lost in a great book. Bitten by wanderlust, she's lived all over the country but currently resides in the City of Angels with her husband and twin daughters.


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Bookblogging: what happens when reading is leaving you feeling burnt out.

This might just be the most honest blog post I've ever written, over the past almost five months GPI has changed a lot, over Christmas and New Years I experienced something I wasn't acquainted with when it came to reading, being a speed reader I've always been able to read quickly, even at that speed I've been able to take every word in, digest it, ruminate on it, comprehend it, but over New Years I found myself struggling to connect, to become invested, reading felt more like a chore than the joy it had previously been, for the first time in years I found myself staring at the television screen instead of having my nose stuck in a book. I changed up what I read, I took a break from heavy, emotionally taxing books, I drifted toward the light and fluffy and for a while it was enough. I instigated some other changes, I cut back on beta reading, I disabled private messages on GPI's facebook page, I made a conscious effort to focus less on promotion, and more on the books I was eager to read, I stopped accepting ARC's or review copies unless it was a book I had already pre-ordered and was desperate for, whether it be via author, tour company or publisher invite.  I wanted GPI to be a reflection of my personal tastes, I wanted the readers who follow my blog and reviews to know that anything featured was because I loved it, read it, reviewed it, or couldn't wait to get my hands on it, some followers loved the changes, I created a reader group - GPI Wine Bar for those who love reading the way I do, for book discussion, for promotion of the aforementioned books, I wanted to carve out a little space of the interwebs to connect with readers just like me. Again for a while it worked, I found myself loving reading again, I was discovering new books, new authors, I fell in love with some of my old favourites again, and I loved reading again, I found myself desperate to get back to my book, devouring pages.

I bet you're thinking that's great, you're fixed... only I wasn't, again those feelings started coming back, I'd already cut back on signing up for blogging tours, and yet those restless feelings were definitely there. Between some health problems, stress at work, helping to plan a signing, making arrangements to attend a signing overseas, and trying to fall pregnant and making arrangements to begin our IVF journey... I was exhausted, both mentally and physically,  I've heard about people being burnt out before, but until now I never really understood what they meant. I do now.

The changes that started to come into effect will continue for the foreseeable future, to be honest, feeling less harried is something I'm enjoying, it's helping to alleviate some of the stress I placed on myself, when I started this blog it was to create a place where I could talk about the books I loved (without regaling my husband with my next favourite book) I wanted somewhere I could promote the Authors I adored, somewhere along the line it became about maximising followers, getting better reach, and I guess what I realised is as long as I'm chasing that I'm loosing track of why I started this journey. I recently created a blogger support group if you will, with a blogger I admire and respect, we wanted a place where we could vent and talk about our blogs, and the struggles we were facing, and the most common one is juggling reviewing and promotional posts, networking and building an audience, responding to messages and emails, handling requests, this is part of the reason I'm writing this, because I want to be honest about where I am, and want other bloggers to know that most of us will experience those moments where we struggle to remember why we started this, will find themselves drowning under blog commitments and trying to be everything to everyone, I've always been an exceptionally honest person, writing reviews can be intensely personal, so this post is just an extension of that, if you yourself are a blogger and want to join our support group the link is posted below.

Book Bloggers United

Until next time...

Sidebarred (Legal Briefs #3) by Emma Chase

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find on Goodreads

Purchase Links:

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

Kristine's Review:
Reviewed: April 2016.

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

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

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

....And I do, too,"

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

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

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

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

 

About Emma Chase:

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

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

Connect with Emma on Facebook
Visit Emma's Website

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?

Purchase Links:

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1MetF1F
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1Mez6t6
iBooks: http://apple.co/1TOAhIG
Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/1NyBX1I

Amazon PB: http://amzn.to/20PGvsc
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1Sp9m6p
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1Ni7UjT
Amazon FR: http://amzn.to/1S52okT
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1U1NTQ6

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.

Website

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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…

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/

Parker (Dick Dynasty #2) by David Michael - Review

Blurb:


My name is Parker Hale and I single handedly brought down a Dynasty.

For me, life has been a study in bad decisions and worse results.

My party boy days landed me with one foot in the grave, but Rebecca Sloan pulled me back from that ledge.

She’s here for me when I need her most and all I do is disappoint.

I’m scared to lose what we have.

I need to fix this mess before it’s too late.

There are fates worse than death.

I’m gonna prove it.

Purchase Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1MYbRoz...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01DOXEHF8
Amazon CA: http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01DOXEHF8
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01DOXEHF8

Kristine's Review:
Reviewed: April 2016.

I'm not going to lie I was expecting something pretty dark here, in the first book in the series Porter, we meet Parker, one of three brothers, not forgetting Preston, who are the air apparent to the well known Hale Porn Dynasty, their father was a star, but after many coke addled years of numerous affairs (yes even in adult firm a sense of monogamy outside of work hours is possible)  it seemed that Senior Hale wasn't quite the type of man his sons looked up to and admired. The three brothers have taken to their chosen careers with great aplomb, Porter only recently making the transition to mainstream, happily settled with girlfriend Holly, Preston is still in fine form continuing his career, and Parker seemed like he was on the road to fighting his drug addiction getting clean and straightening himself out.

Parker begins with one hell of a backslide, overdosing and landing back in hospital and rehab, he's finally ready to take the steps to move forward with his life, to address his issues once and for all.
Holly's best friend Rebecca has seen the ugly side of addiction, she has no urge to be around someone who can't help themselves, she feisty and determined and refuses to be pushed around, but despite her initial aggression towards Parker, almost immediately she see's something more in him, something bigger than just being the stuff up son, or the addict, or the screw up, in those moments there's a connection she feels, a pull they each recognise, one that says they both have a past, one that says they both hope for a happy future.

"None of my walls were high enough or thick enough to protect me from that blow."

While I expected something intrinsically dark, what I found was a story that skirted sensitive topics without plunging the reader into something utterly heavy, the author isn't afraid to address issues that are confronting for most but does so in a way that made Parker an ultimately uplifting tale,  Parker's ability to recognise the sins of his past, and the steps he would need to take in order to move forward in a way that would both act as salve to repair the strained relationships he had with his family, while focusing on getting stronger himself, and becoming the kind of man that was worthy of capturing Rebecca's love made him a captivating lead, Rebecca with her determined strength, her temerity, her tenacity, her sass and bravado, but mostly her heart made her a heroine that was impossible not to like. I thoroughly enjoyed the second instalment in the series and can't wait for Preston's chance to tell his story.

Purchase Porter (Dick Dynasty #1): http://amzn.to/1qeiFJw

About David Michael:

David Michael, author of The United Series, is a self-proclaimed crazy cat lady, a hater of snow, a lover of Star Trek and has an addiction to coffee that is excessive even for an author.

He lives in Salt Lake City where he is currently majoring in Psychology, working a "big boy" job, and writing full time. He shares a living space with his best friend, idolizes his mother, and has a strange knack for making friends with people on the other side of the planet instead of his own back yard.

Connect with David on Facebook

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.

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.

Connect with Penny Reid on Facebook

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.
Connect with LH Cosway on Facebook