Category Archives: Contemporary Romance

BLOG TOUR + REVIEW & GI’S FAV: HARD TO HANDLE (Play Hard #1) by K. Bromberg

 

HARD TO HANDLE

Author: K. Bromberg

Author: Play Hard #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cover Photographer: Rafa G. Catala

Cover Designer: Helen Williams

Model: Emilio Alcaraz

Release Date: June 30th, 2020

 

Synopsis

At first, the request seemed simple—sign a new athlete to the agency. 

Then I found out the new athlete was none other than the most wanted man in hockey today: Hunter Maddox

Gifted. Sexy. At the top of his game. And the only man who has ever broken my heart.

If signing him will help save our family business, I’ll swallow my pride and do what’s asked. 

But when it becomes clear his uncharacteristic antics off the ice are a hint of something deeper, keeping things strictly professional between us becomes more than complicated.

But I know better than to cross that line. 

I’ll never date a client. Not even for him.

***

Win the Stanley Cup and do it before time runs out. 

Not a small feat, but it’s what’s motivated me since the start of my career. 

And time is running out.

Enter Dekker Kincade.

Feisty. Dogged. Damn gorgeous. The one I let get away.

I have no idea why she’s traveling with the team, but hell if resisting her is going to be easy. 

But I have a job to do, and I refuse to lose sight of that end game. Even if she confuses me. Even if she sees parts of me I’ve hidden from the world. 

I can’t lose focus. Not even for her. 

 

Buy Links

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Kobo | Google Play

5 ‘It’s Always Been You’ Stars

ALL. THE. FEELS! Heart wrenchingly beautiful, soul soaringly powerful and mind blowingly sexy, Hard To Handle, is THE second chance romance, second chance at a love and second chance at life! Hunter and Dekker’s story pulled at ALL my heart strings, and I can honestly say, my heart is FULL! Skill, Stick, Finesse, all the way!

This completely wrecked me! In the best of ways that is. I don’t know how K. Bromberg does it, but she manages to flawlessly pack a TON full of emotion in one single story, so much so I end up feeling like my heart went through the best of workouts, because even days after finishing, my mind is still there, together with Hunter and Dekker.

This two main characters, were so masterfully written I felt every single one of their emotions: Hunter’s self deprecation, his world heavy guilt, his pain, the internalization of his feelings, gahhhh… I was crying for him, seriously, even this black hearted woman, could not bear the enormous weight and suffering on his broad shoulders. And Dekker, what a brilliant leading lady, I adored her honesty, her strength and specially her bickering relationship with her sisters – whom I can’t wait to read about – she was just the perfect half for Hunter, because she GOT him, she recognized his broken, as it were a match for her own. 

Their chemistry was palpable and INSANELY hot, but what I adored even more was their true connection, they were each other’s person, and I ADORED every minute of them together.

The rawness of the emotional charge that I did not anticipate, the beautifully flawed and damaged characters, and the EPIC love story that is Hard to Handle will forever stay in my heart. Ms. Bromberg truly stole my heart, yet again, with the simultaneously lifelike and idillic forever kind of love, and I can’t wait for more!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

 

 

ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review 

 

 

 

About the Author

HeadShot Color

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

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

Since publishing her first book in 2013, Kristy has sold over one million copies of her books across sixteen different countries and has landed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists over twenty-five times. Her Driven trilogy (Driven, Fueled, and Crashed) is currently being adapted for film by Passionflix with the first movie slated to release in the summer of 2018.

She is currently working on her Everyday Heroes trilogy. This series consists of three complete standalone novels—Cuffed, Combust, and Cockpit (late spring 2018)—and is about three brothers who are emergency responders, the jobs that call to them, and the women who challenge them.

She loves to hear from her readers so make sure you check her out on social media or sign up for her newsletter to stay up to date on all her latest releases and sales HERE

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RELEASE BLITZ + REVIEW: SOMETHIN’ ABOUT THAT BOY by Lani Lynn Vale

SOMETHIN’ ABOUT THAT BOY

Series: Standalone

Author: Lani Lynn Vale

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date:June 23rd, 2020

Synopsis

Banner Spurlock knew the moment that he walked into Kilgore High School and saw Perry Street that life was about to get interesting.

Forced to move due to a problem at home, a problem in the form of his ex-best friend hating him for something that Banner’s father did, Banner doesn’t think very much could improve in his life.

He left his status as king of Benton High School behind and moved to a new school where not only would he have to try out for a new football team and prove himself, but he’d also have to find a place for himself in the hierarchy.

Only, the moment that he arrives, he knows that finding a place for himself won’t be too hard. Especially when his reputation follows him all the way to Kilgore, Texas.

***

Perry Street hates school. She hates her peers—most of them anyway—and she hates her classes. All she wants to do is finish her senior year, graduate, and find a place that will give her a full scholarship so that she doesn’t have to be stuck here forever.

That’s her goal, anyway.

Then she walks into first period, on her first day of her senior year, and sits down. Seconds later, he walks in and changes every single plan she’s ever made.

It isn’t long before Perry starts to fall for the bad boy who doesn’t care who he does and doesn’t impress. The boy makes her heart flutter. The boy makes her want things that she’s never wanted before. Not ever.

The boy brings trouble with him that nearly kills her.

 

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4.5 ‘Our Dreams Are Waiting’ Stars

Oh wow! There really is something about THAT boy! Deliciously light, funny and plenty of treats keep us enraptured from the very first page. I never expected to enjoy a HS romance so much, but it went beyond because I was HOOKED to it! A must read for every romance lover! 

For real, I knew with Ms. Vale writing this trope, I would enjoy no matter what, but I should have known better, not only did I sucked up every moment, but I loved every single bit.

“I want your dad to actually like me. I plan on hanging around a lot.”

Only Ms. Vale could make me get lost in the high school drama and its setting, and still feel like I was reading about mature young adults, and a awesome and highly entertaining crew at that. 

Banner was pushed to this school, but I’d say he hit the jackpot, not only did he end up meeting his one, the girl of his dreams, Perry, when he least expected on his very first day in his new school, but he also got ton of loyal buddies. 

These two were so incredibly well match and oh so amazing together that I had no chance not to fall for them, in all their teenage/young adult glory. Much like other LLV characters, they are so down to earth and relatable that it’s impossible not to connect with them, even accounting their age. They were fabulously written, and for such a young couple they packed a big punch of raw chemistry. Their magnetism was palpable from the first meeting, and it only grew and blossomed along with their love for one another. They made my heart so happy!

“Just… don’t break my heart, Banner Spurlock. I’m trusting you with it.”

“You fit perfectly in my arms,”

I should have known by now, that Ms. Vale could pull of any genre and trope, but still it amazes me the freshness and novelty she manages to continue to bring, every time, even after reading dozens of her books. Her trademark writing style is always present, but always with a hint of something new, something that I can’t exactly explain, a lightness and deceivingly effortless story telling that gets us addicted and begging for more, each and every time. And Somethin’ About That Boy is the written proof of it, because it made me insanely curious about the rest of the crew, and even with a certain wariness about events revealed, and circumstances less than favorable, for my picky self, lol, I still am begging to know more, also to get a chance to see more Banner and Perry. That’s the LLV witchcraft right there! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

I wasn’t sure when it happened. Somewhere in between meeting Perry Street and now, I’d gone and fallen in love with her.
No turning back. Fight anyone that tries to hurt her. Kill anything that does kind of love.

I’ll always wait for you, Banner Spurlock.”

ARC kindly provided by the author via Wildfire Marketing Solutions

for an honest review

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author


LaniLynnVale

Lani Lynn Vale is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author of over thirty titles. She is married with three children, two dogs, two cats, a donkey, and a couple (a couple meaning over twenty) chickens. She hails from the Great State of Texas.

When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up in her favorite chair reading. 

 
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RELEASE BLITZ + REVIEW: STARTING POINT ( Doomsday Preppers #0.5 ) by Elle Aycart

STARTING POINT

Series: Doomsday Preppers #0.5

Author: Elle Aycart

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: June 16th, 2020

 

 

Synopsis

After years of waging a losing battle, Megan’s resigned herself to kicking the bucket.

Discovering that the rural retreat of her childhood is now a crazy town full of Doomsday Preppers is a surprise, but whatever. It’s as good a place as any to wait for the end of her world. If the universe would be so kind as to send a hunk to make the transition bearable, she’d be good to go.

Alec can’t believe the woman he just rescued is the same girl who saved him all those years ago, when he was nothing but an angry street thug. She’s not the doe-eyed teenager he crushed on so sweetly, but she still draws him like a magnet, and by God that he’s not going to allow fate to take her away a second time.

Megan was Alec’s starting point. Now they’ve come full circle- and he vows to be hers.

 

Buy Links

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4.5 ‘Star Shower’ Stars

My heart is full! Starting Point’s perfect balance of deeply emotional, lightheartedly funny and steamy romance left me feeling  blissfully overjoyed!

How I missed Ms. Aycart’s brilliant writing, and her returning with this little treat novella was the best of surprises. Diving back into preppers’ world couldn’t have made me happier, specially considering we are going back to the past and witness Alec and Megan’s love story, one of my favorite NoName’s couples. I already loved them from Sky’s the Limit, but after Starting Point I can say I don’t just love them, I ADORE them!

“I don’t think you really understand—”
 “Understand what?” he interrupted. “That you are all I want, all I see? I understand that perfectly.”

“You don’t understand the term ‘casual relationship,’ do you?”
 He kissed her on the lips. “When it comes to you, there’s no way in hell I can do casual. Never. Nor would I want to.”

I knew going in – based on the first book – that their story, considering Megan’s fight with cancer – and the hints in it that their journey would be an emotional and deeply intense one, well, it was so much more! They pulled at my heartstring until I was shedding tears more than once, not only by Megan resignation with her fate, and Alec’s helplessness, but also the easiness in which he showed his unwavering love and devotion for her. She was it for him, there was never a doubt in my mind of it. The way he kept on fighting for her, for them, his words and his actions, his care and his worshiping of Megan blew me awed and set Alec up there, together with my other all time favorite book boyfriends. He was dreamy as it get and the perfect match for Megan’s strong and witty personality.

Dying is easy, Megan. Living is hard.”

“Not acceptable. You die, you die fighting like what you are: a warrior.”

Elle Aycart truly has a talent in writing extremely deep situations and connections, but still keeping a light and happy thread on it, and this prequel proved just that. And lets not forget some insanely HOT sexy times. Not only their love and connection shone through, but their scorching chemistry was beyond palpable.

It was equally fantastic to get a look on the past of this prepper community, and see again so many familiar faces, that left me once again curious about their future, in particular Alec’s gang.

Starting Point was indeed the perfect come back for Ms. Aycart, this novella was the perfect little read to get us back hooked to this world, and her writing. Steamy, emotion packed and hilariously funny, this book left me craving even more, of not Megan  and Alec – yes, I want to witness their HEA! – but all the Doomsday Preppers. I. NEED. THEM. ALL! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

“I want you. You, heart included, not just your body.”

“I don’t want to die staring at a hospital ceiling or an IV drip, surrounded by faces full of pity.”
“You won’t, baby. If you die, you’ll die staring at me, and it won’t be pity on my face. It will be love.”

 

 

ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review

 

About the Author

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After a colorful array of jobs all over Europe ranging from translator to chocolatier to travel agent to sushi chef to flight dispatcher, Elle Aycart is certain of one thing and one thing only: aside from writing romances, she has abso-frigging-lutely no clue what she wants to do when she grows up. Not that it stops her from trying all sorts of crazy stuff. While she is probably now thinking of a new profession, her head never stops churning new plots for her romances. She lives currently in Barcelona, Spain, with her husband and two daughters, although who knows, in no time she could be living at the Arctic Circle in Finland, breeding reindeer.

Elle loves to hear from readers!

 

 Website | Facebook | Twitter | Author Goodreads | Author Amazon

RELEASE BLITZ + REVIEW: JOKES ON YOU (SWAT Generation 2.0 #6) by Lani Lynn Vale

JOKES ON YOU

Series: SWAT Generation 2.0 #6

Author: Lani Lynn Vale

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date:June 9th, 2020

Synopsis

Booth Pena definitely didn’t make the smartest of decisions when he was a teenager.

At eighteen, he knocked a girl up and signed up for the military all in the same day—signing his life away in more ways than one. Fast forward six weeks and he’s in bootcamp learning that he’s going to be a father while also learning that not only is he going to be deployed, but it’s going to stay that way for a year.

There weren’t a lot of things that the baby’s mother and he saw eye to eye on after that. He honestly wasn’t sure why he even slept with her in the first place.

Okay, that last part is a lie. He knows exactly why he slept with her. Because the real woman he’s in love with, her twin sister, Dillan, won’t give him the time of day.

Five years later, and he still wants her.

Now he’s home for good, being the best father and police officer that he can be, and still he’s not good enough.

***

Dillan Davidsdottir hated Booth Pena. Immensely.

She hated him because he slept with her sister, then left. Granted, she knew that he hadn’t meant to leave like he did, unknowingly and unconsciously leaving his daughter behind, but that didn’t change the fact that he had.

Five years later, and she still dislikes him just as much now as she did when he chose the wrong sister to take to his bed.

Maybe if he’d chosen her, her heart wouldn’t be broken, and his wouldn’t be untouchable.

But when a SWAT officer sees his life flash before his eyes, and decides that enough is enough, what’s a girl to do?

Give in, that’s what.

 

Buy Links

Amazon | Amazon UK |Amazon CA| Amazon AU

 Barnes & Noble | Kobo| iBooks

 

 

3.5 ‘No More Denying’ Stars

Holy Hell! Only Lani Lynn Vale can turn my ‘fear’ into enjoyment, and a major clusterf@ck of situation into just a damn complicated one, and Jokes on Joke is the number one proof of that!

Like I mentioned in the previous book, I also both anxious and fearful of this book, because sleeping with the heroine’s sister a one of my biggest no no’es. After all is explained and why the event happened – I will not spoil it for you, lol – that issue didn’t hurt me nearly as much as I expected. Sure, I’d preferred that the event had never taken plan, and that the pregnancy was never an issue – just because it was an extra hurtful element, that it peeves me too – but with how Ms. Vale set things up here, and little Asa was just a adorable element, that brought all the family together and showed their incredible support system on the Pena family, I could let it go. Almost… LOL

I was an ol’ pro at hiding my pain.

“Sometimes life gives you exactly what you need. Not necessarily what you want.”

“We’re having our new start now,” I told her. “We’re not going to dwell on the past, because we can’t change it.”

There were a lot amazing elements, and though I thought their relationship did the one eighty far too fast, and without a needed deep enough look into their feeling, after five years of basically ignoring and repressing their feelings (that were clear to EVERYONE!), they just kind of completely let go of those five years in a blink. I did appreciate immensely that there wasn’t constant dwelling nor flashbacks on the past, but more like looking forward to the future. They were so level headed and mature right there at the start, and I was more than okay about that. Another HUGE point for me was the incredible role and support of not only the Pena family, but all the SWAT team guys and their significant others. It’s always a joy to check on the past couples, and witness the awesome SWAT gang chats.

Two other things that made the whole ‘love crossed’ situation better for me was the fact that it was very clear that not only Booth and Melanie had no feelings whatsoever for one another, and they were fully aware of the depth of feelings of his siblings had for the other, and felt so deeply sorry and torment for having caused this pain and hurt in Dillan. They couldn’t feel worse about it that they did. All this and the fact that Booth remained true to his feelings for Dillan, even after it was all blow to hell. Adding to that Dillan was not a virgin (which I was happy to find out) even though we discover that it too was not clear as expected, both events I felt it deserved a deeper look into and respective consequences set. 

I did wish that the whole reason for that fateful night to happen had not been so ‘brushed off’ as it was, specially because I’m not sure of how possible/credible that was, in reality, specially considering the setting.  It was a serious unveiling and it did deserve a bit more ‘touch’ on it, which I think it would be possible while keeping the lighter undertone of the book.

This wasn’t a one-time thing, Dillan. This was an all the time thing.

“You feel like mine,” I told her.
 “You feel like mine, too,”

Seems Ms. Vale truly is a miracle worker, when she manages to keep me beyond engaged in a book that had me cringing at the premise. It just shows how incredibly talented she is. WE had the emotional, the suspense – OMG, I was going insane right there with Booth on the climax scene! – the friendship and family, and the amazing love story wrapped up with some smoking hot sexy times. Yep, definitely constant and sure ‘LLV literary drug’ once again. And after we saw from broody and kind of @sshole Bourne here, I’m already DYING to see him break next!!! <3 <3 <3 <3

“For the rest of your life?” I asked huskily.
He nodded once.
“For the rest of our lives,” he said. “That’s where this is going, baby. That’s where it’s been going since the moment that I met you. You’re mine and I’m yours, and that’s the only way it’s ever going to be from now until we die.”
I loved his words.
“I love you.”
He moved until his mouth was pressed to my nose. “I love you, too, Dillan. So much.”

 

ARC kindly provided by the author via Wildfire Marketing Solutions

for an honest review

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author


LaniLynnVale

Lani Lynn Vale is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author of over thirty titles. She is married with three children, two dogs, two cats, a donkey, and a couple (a couple meaning over twenty) chickens. She hails from the Great State of Texas.

When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up in her favorite chair reading. 

 
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REVIEW & GI’S FAV: A DARK AND STORMY KNIGHT (Victorian Rebels #7) by Kerrigan Byrne

A DARK AND STORMY KNIGHT

Series: Victorian Rebels #7

Author: Kerrigan Byrne

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: June 2nd, 2020

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Synopsis

 

This Knight of the Crown is driven by a painful past and a patient fury… and his entire life is a lie.

Sir Carlton Morley is famously possessed of extraordinary will, singular focus, and a merciless sense of justice. As a man, he secured his fortune and his preeminence as Scotland Yard’s ruthless Chief Inspector. As a decorated soldier, he was legend for his unflinching trigger finger, his precision in battle, and his imperturbable strength. But as a boy, he was someone else. A twin, a thief, and a murderer, until tragedy reshaped him.

Now he stalks the night, in search of redemption and retribution, vowing to never give into temptation, as it’s just another form of weakness.

Until temptation lands—quite literally—in his lap, taking the form of Prudence Goode.

Prim and proper Pru is expected to live a life of drudgery, but before she succumbs to her fate, she craves just one night of desire. On the night she searches for it, she stumbles upon a man made of shadows, muscle and wrath… And decides he is the one.

When their firestorm of passion burns out of control, Morley discovers, too late, that he was right. The tempting woman has become his weakness.

A weakness his enemies can use against him.

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5 Million ‘You’re My Biggest Prize’ Stars

ALL. THE. FEELS! Mind blowingly enrapturing, heart dauntingly romantic and soul touchingly emotional, A Dark and Stormy Knight is PERFECTION in its masterful writing!!!

I believed I was prepared for this book, well I was wrong, the way I fell HARD for these two, and their utterly brilliant story, surpassed all my wildest bibliophile’s dreams!

He was the knighted war hero Chief Inspector because he had to be, and he’d become the Knight of Shadows because London had needed him to be.

So he wouldn’t have spent the past twenty odd years so acutely alone.
not be so bloody broken.

Ah, how my heart broke for Inspector Morley… I knew  – at least I thought I did – already from the previous books how broken and lonely Carlton felt, but to witness it first hand, omg, I just wanted to wrap him in my arms, that’s how utterly alone he felt, how tortured he was.

Now occupying his days as Chief Inspector and his nights as a vigilant, he has no time or desire for liaisons of any kind, not that he allows anyone to get close to him, so when Prudence falls right into his lap, their insane and palpable instant attraction doesn’t allow him to turn her away…

Morley blinked down at her, suddenly wishing he’d ever thought to steal a moment from crime reports and newspapers to crack the spine on a book of verse.
Because the woman in his arms was a poem, and he hadn’t the words to describe her.

The kind of siren that would dash a man like him on the rocks.
And still, he’d go willingly.

Kissing her was dangerous. As was the sweet detention of her arms.

Prudence Goode had just discovered all her present and future to be a farce, and that all around her were keeping her in the dark, and even making ‘fun’ of her and her cheating fiancée, and his many affairs. As she was not allowed to cancel the betrothal, she decide to make one sole decision for herself, one night at her own terms with a lover of her choosing, and let’s just say that the fates had something more planned for her than a lover for hire, lol.

That one single night replete with passion and carnal desires and fulfillments, they never expected to see each other again – not that both hadn’t tried to find one another, but the anonymity of the encounter and their common complicated situations, didn’t allow for it to happen. Well, not until Morley is called to a murder scene on a wedding day, to find none other than Prudence, the bride, covered in blood and with the murder weapon in her hands. And like things weren’t complicated enough she announces to him she’s with child, his child. Let’s just say that Morley obsession with order  was blown to smithereens, lol. His solution, marriage to him!

He was a Chief Inspector. A vigilante. A knight. Her lover. A husband.
Her husband.

What a complicated man she’d married. Possessed of dichotomy between a heart capable of such unequaled valor, gallantry, and courage tied to a mind bedeviled by skepticism, enigma, and for lack of a gentler word, fear.

I absolutely ADORED Morley and Pru together! The setting of their first encounter, and then the surprise baby and marriage of convenience were the perfect stage for their passage from lust to love, and to witness their blossoming love and adoration, just made my romantic heart soar. A true EPIC LOVE STORY!

Not only were they scorching hot together – and their sexy times were epitome of steamy! –  but Ms. Byrne gave them such incredible depth, and complexity, that it made me love them that much more for their fragility and their flaws as it did for their qualities. Their growth, and mature reactions even when heart broken just made me fall even hard, and the way that Carlton acknowledge his mistakes and groveled, omg, talk about a major swoon-fest. SO MANY brilliant lines – there was one there that gave me all of vibes of my favorite quote of Mr. Rochester, another of my ultimate fav – that just put him up there with the most swoon worthy of book boyfriends…

“You are the epitome of every desire or dream I’ve conceived of since before I can remember, and that is a very specific kind of torment. An unparalleled beauty, a superb lover, a woman of grace and kindness and intellect whom I can only respect and admire. A fantasy in the flesh, here in my house. With my name.”

The intimacy he felt forming between them, the bond that wove between his ribs and hers, stitching their ticking hearts together, was made of some stronger material than the steel and ice he’d encased around his heart.

Oh my, there was no chance to resist falling for this man, for this couple. A Dark and Stormy Knight left me spellbound with not only these characters but also with all the previous couples, specially with the delicious male banter and camaraderie between all the man, in particular with Dorian, Ash and Argent. I lived for those little snippets between the Victorian Rebels’ males and I was left joyous as can be.

Kerrigan Byrne had me already obsessed with her exquisite and masterful writing, and this book just proved once again why she is my gothic romance queen. The genius story setting, the passionate and intricate characters, the unforgettable love story, and the suspense background, such just right from the first page and leave us with a heart warning sensation that lasts even after days of finishing the book. That is proof of the epicness right there and I’m always here for it. Already counting down the days until the next book!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

 

“What do you have to say for yourself?”
“I—I love you, too.”

“I want to reward you.”
“You are my greatest prize,”

 

ARC kindly provided by the author via Oliver Heber Books for an honest review

 

About the Author

 

Author Kerrigan ByrneKerrigan has done many things to pay the bills, from law enforcement to belly dance instructor. Now she’s finally able to have the career she’d decided upon at thirteen when she announced to her very skeptical family that she was going to “grow up to be a romance novelist.” Whether she’s writing about Celtic Druids, Victorian bad boys, or brash Irish FBI Agents, Kerrigan uses her borderline-obsessive passion for history, her extensive Celtic ancestry, and her love of Shakespeare in almost every story.

She lives in a little Victorian coast town on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State with her wonderful husband. When she’s not writing you can find her sailing, beach combing, kayaking, visiting wineries, breweries, and restaurants with friends, and hiking…okay…wandering aimlessly clenching bear spray in the mountains.

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BLOG TOUR + REVIEW & GI’S FAV: YOU BELONG WITH ME (With Me In Seattle #14) by Kristen Proby

YOU BELONG WITH ME

Series: With Me In Seattle #14

Author: Kristen Proby

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cover Design: Hang Le

Photography: Eric Battershell

Release Date: January 21st, 2020

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Synopsis

From NYT Bestselling Author Kristen Proby comes an all new stand-alone novel in her beloved With Me In Seattle Series!

Elena Watkins is used to getting what she wants. She grew up the daughter of one of the most powerful mafia bosses on the west coast, an indulged, rich girl who got away with everything.

Except the love of her life.

Archer was the king of their high school. His charming grin swept her off her feet. Days after graduation, they ran away together and eloped. Elated to spend the rest of their lives together, Archer and Elena were on cloud nine.

Until Elena’s father discovered what they’d done. 

He swore to keep them apart, even if it meant taking Archer’s life. Knowing what her father was capable of, Elena left Archer, and never looked back. The pain of leaving him would pale to the pain of losing him.

That’s what she’s told herself every day for twelve years. But now her father is dead, and Archer is back. Finally, they should be able to piece the broken pieces of their love back together.

But the mafia has a long memory. 

 

Buy Links

Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | Barnes & Noble

 

5 ‘ You’re Worth It’ Stars

Oh wow!!! You Belong With Me is a heart palpitating, passion filled blend between the most perfect of second chances and the most taunting of mafia romances. Truly the BEST of both worlds packed up in one EPIC love story! Mind and heart gripping in every way!

Ahhh, the feels… Even as a die hard fan of Ms. Proby’s writing I was not prepared for this book, because right there on page one, the very Prologue, it wrecked me and brought me to tears – the emotional kind ones, lol – talk about jumping right into the emotional rollercoaster of the mafia lifestyle…

No, the pain of losing Archer forever is far worse than any physical pain could ever be.

So get ready for THE journey! The pain, the heartbreak that we feel right off the bat are just a sneak peek into the rainbow of emotions this book, and this couple will make us feel. Elena and Archer may very well be my new favorite KP couple.

“This could be so dangerous for you.”
 “Not being with you is dangerous for me.”

 

“The risk of being with you is better than the agony of being without you.”

After being torn apart by Elena’s dad, and ten years of separation, a decade of running for E, Archer finally found her and nothing will keep him apart from her now.

What I adored the most, really the very best?! The way Archer had been not only relentlessly searching for her after finding out why she had broken his heart that many years ago – moment we got to witness in the previous books of the series – but the way he was willing to do ANYTHING to win her back. So Alpha, and so very ‘ultimate book boyfriend’!

“We’re as complicated as it gets, honey.”

“This is a very expensive courtship,” she says, swirling the wine in her glass.
“You’re worth it,”

So, so many swoon worthy moments in this ‘courtship’ that I had a hard time picking up just a few from them. 

Add to that an incredibly strong and resilient heroine in Elena, and it truly was a winning duo in this couple. The setting (the small coast side town of Bandon, Oregon) was so romantic and intimate that made us focus on THEM, and that just made their reconnection that more believable and intense. Elena and Archer gave us plenty of scorchingly hot moments yes, but also deeply emotional ones too.

Even with the mafia element and the conflict and internal battle it created, I never once felt too overwhelmed by its ‘darkness’, au contraire, I just felt it added positively to the intrigue and made their love and connection shine that much brighter, because they were willing to fight together for it, they had lost too much time already, after all… 

We were both robbed of it. We lost so much time. We lost each other.

 

“You’re everything. It feels like I’ve loved you my whole life.”

Sigh, Archer and Elena were just outstanding, the relationship was just so genuine and raw, that Ms. Proby’s usual maturity of the characters stood out even more, because they themselves could see how different they were from the young adults they were one decade ago, but one thing never changed – in this case it just escalated – , the bone deep love they felt for one another.

Not only the dreamy relationship of the main couple was everything I dream for my second chance romance reads, but all their connections with the side characters including some of the other Montgomerys – and yes, though we don’t get to view much of them, they were there for them too – just added that much richness to the world building. 

You think the fucking mafia is scary? Try fucking with the Montgomerys.

Kristen Proby truly outdid herself with You Belong With Me, with not only her usual brilliant and realistic story telling talent, this intensely emotional journey with Elena and Archer, introduced us to a whole new and tantalizing KP Mafia world that left me BEGGING for more. I can’t wait for Carmine, Rocco and Shane’s own books, for which I know I’ll be counting down the days. And like that wasn’t teasing enough, that ending with the hint of Shawn’s story, omg, I’m soooooo here for all these coming Proby’s gems!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 

 

“The heart knows what it wants, E, no matter how old it is.”

We’re as entangled, emotionally and physically, as we’ve ever been. It’s intoxicating. Addicting. And I don’t have to give him up, now or ever.

“Is she worth it?”

“And more.” I tap my glass to his. “She’s worth everything.”

ARC kindly provided by the author via Valentine PR for an honest review

 

 

 

In the Series

 

 COME AWAY WITH ME (With Me In Seattle #1)

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 FIGHT WITH ME (With Me In Seattle #2)


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PLAY WITH ME (With Me In Seattle #3)


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ROCK WITH ME (With Me In Seattle #4)


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SAFE WITH ME (With Me In Seattle #5)


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TIED WITH ME (With Me In Seattle #6)


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BREATHE WITH ME (With Me In Seattle #7)


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FOREVER WITH ME (With Me In Seattle #8)


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STAY WITH ME (With Me In Seattle #9)

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INDULGE WITH ME (With Me In Seattle #10)

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LOVE WITH ME (With Me In Seattle #11)

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WONDER WITH ME (With Me In Seattle #11.5)

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DANCE WITH ME (With Me In Seattle #12)

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DREAM WITH ME (With Me In Seattle #13)

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About the Author

Kristen Proby_AuthorPic1

Kristen was born and raised in a small resort town in her beloved Montana. In her mid-twenties, she decided to stretch her wings and move to the Pacific Northwest, where she made her home for more than a dozen years.

During that time, Kristen wrote many romance novels and joined organizations such as RWA and other small writing groups. She spent countless hours in workshops, and more mornings than she can count up before the dawn so she could write before going to work. She submitted many manuscripts to agents and editors alike, but was always told no. In the summer of 2012, the self-publishing scene was new and thriving, and Kristen had one goal: to publish just one book. It was something she longed to cross off of her bucket list.

Not only did she publish one book, she’s since published close to thirty titles, many of which have hit the USA Today, New York Times and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists. She continues to self publish, best known for her With Me In Seattle and Boudreaux series, and is also proud to work with William Morrow, a division of HarperCollins, with the Fusion Series.

Kristen and her husband, John, make their home in her hometown of Whitefish, Montana with their two pugs and two cats.

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RELEASE BLITZ + REVIEW: THE BEGINNING OF THE END by R. Holmes

THE BEGINNING OF THE END

Author: R. Holmes

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: May 22nd, 2020

Synopsis
 

Ambrey
My last name was royalty in New Orleans, at least, I guess to those who mattered. But to me…my last name was a curse.
High society. Expectations. Old money. Politics. Everything I despised.
If only they could see what happened behind those high-society closed doors. The same doors my daddy paid a lot of money to keep closed.
Deceit. Destruction. Bribery. You name it, my family was guilty of it.
My father’s throne was built on lies. Our family was the epitome of faux royalty.
Then, I fell in love and oh what a fool I was. I was just a pawn in my father’s game. And to use the man who claimed to love me…
Five years ago, I walked away, and left my father to his riches.
And that man who left me in broken, jagged pieces?
Well, what goes around, comes around.

Grey
Four years in a prison cell changes a man.
I spent those four years fighting to survive.
When I emerged, I was nothing like the man who had walked through those cell doors all those years ago.
I overcame things that I never imagined I’d be faced with..
The one person who promised to never leave, did.
The life I thought I knew, gone.
The future I once thought I had, up in smoke.
Like so many things in my life, my story and my future were stolen from me.
Sure, it’s made up of the usual parts…a beginning and an end. But just like every story, there’s a hero, there’s the villain…and then there’s me.
And this is the beginning of the end.

 

 

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4 ‘ My Moon, My Stars, Everything In Between’ Stars

Ahhhhh, who can resist the sweetest of single dad’s stories?! As angsty and emotional charged as expected from a second chance, The Beginning of The End really brought us all the feels in the combo of heart squeezing and steamy hot moments! A true page turner that once again made me wish I lived right there on NOLA!

Well, talk about books that have us so involved we want to jump into the pages and have words with the characters! That’s just how involved I was into Grey and Ambrey’s story.

If there ever were two halves of one soul, he’d be the other half of mine.

With the blurb announcing the heart wrenching separation, and the complicated past, I thought I had an idea going in about these two’s past and their heartbreak, but I really didn’t have a notion of just how tortured Grey was, and how much heart break Ambrey had to endure. And the fact that none of them was to blame for their separation, when they had felt they were each other’s rock and their forever, that about ruined me. I was heartbroken right there with them….

He broke my heart. He left me in pieces to pick up on my own, knowing he was the only person in the world who had ever helped me feel not so broken.

I’ve done nothing but love her with everything inside me.
And that love just destroyed me.

“Loving you cost me everything.”

Sooooo much pain, such a complicated past, it is no wonder things don’t go right back to how they were before their separation. Seeing each other now, after eight years, just brought back to light all that hurt and desperation. As much as they fought their feelings though – and I did wish Grey hadn’t taken so very long with his back and forth, hot and cold, that gave me a bit of whiplash, as did to Ambrey, lol, though I did understand his hesitation, because it did steal on the thing I missed the most in the book, more couple time – we could all see it was a fruitless battle. I did wish there was more true real couple time, or perhaps it’s the fact that we did have a lot of long moments between Grey and his baby girl, by themselves, that yes showed their connection, therefore important for the trope, I just craved just as many – in this case or romance, more, lol – one on one moments between the couple, specially after their reunion. I wanted more happy moments between them, because their connection was undeniable, I just wanted witness even more. They were just too deeply connected, we could practically FEEL every time they were in each other’s presence, their souls begging to be reunited, as well as their bodies, of course. Their attraction was so raw and evident, that I was almost screaming into my kindle, for they to just get together.  Yep, Grey could be pretty maddening in his resistance, but oh boy, in those moments he let go, and gave in, and in the end when he finally opened up his heart: Oh my…. Swoon worthy!

We were like two storms, constantly crashing into each other, leaving behind a wake of destruction and carnage.
I don’t know if this time I’m strong enough to survive.

The Beginning of the End marks not only the return of R. Holmes’s writing that I enjoy so very much, but an incredible and intense ‘second chance’/’single dad’ romance combo that had me on the edge of my seat and mentally cheering for Grey and Ambrey. These two – and his adorable little girl – left me with a huge smile on my face, specially considering that PERFECT epilogue! Emotionally packed, intensely sexy and endearingly adorable, this was the perfect comeback tale. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Holmes will do with Bishop and Madi, I’m both scared and curious, lol! <3 <3 <3 <3

“You were always my moon and stars, and everything in between, chère. Just like stars do, I knew you’d always guide me home. Where I was supposed to be.”

 

ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review

 

 

 

 

 About the Author

 

R. Holmes is from a small town in southern Louisiana where she lives on a farm, with her husband and two little boys. Whenever she’s not chasing around the goats and her boys on the farm, she spends her time watching ridiculous amounts of Netflix and is almost always stuck with her nose in a book. She thrives on horror films, sarcasm, and reruns of Harry Potter. A perpetual night owl, you’ll find her in her office locked away until the wee hours of the morning. She loves to meet her readers and discuss her latest favorite books and her upcoming projects!

 

RELEASE BLITZ + REVIEW: MAY CONTAIN WINE (SWAT Generation 2.0 #5) by Lani Lynn Vale

MAY CONTAIN WINE

Series: SWAT Generation 2.0 #5

Author: Lani Lynn Vale

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: May 12th, 2020

Synopsis
 

This is for charity. This is for fun. You are a professional. You can do it.

Those are the words that Calloway Alvarez chants to herself as she watches all the large men gather into the small room where she’ll be doing the interviews for her employer—Hero Magazine.

Honestly, she’s convinced herself that she can’t accomplish the task at hand.

That is until she hears his voice, and her head turns to see him standing there.

Louis Spurlock. Greek god. SWAT officer. Keeper of her secrets. Ultimate fantasy. Man who will break her heart.

***

Louis Spurlock has been playing nice.

He’s been biding his time, giving Calloway the space she thinks she needs.

But then he sees her taking photos of his friends in all states of dress, talking to them all as if they’re best friends, and that little thread of control he’d been managing to hold onto unravels.

Let’s change it up, she says. And the moment the words are out of her mouth, he’s stripping to his skivvies, and throwing out a challenge while he’s at it.

Calloway won’t know what hit her when he’s through playing.

But he does know one thing for sure. When it ends, she’ll be his.

 

 

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4.5 ‘ You’re His One and He’s Yours’ Stars

Awww… There just something so incredibly satisfying about Lani Lynn Vale’s second chance romance! Funny, emotional, sexy and just the right amount of suspense, May Contain Wine checked all my romance loving heart’s boxes!

Yep, that’s right, Ms. Vale did it yet again, making me fall in love with characters that I could see myself holding a grudge against, after the previous books. Calloway I knew from the get go I’d love, because as Ares – from Ask Me If I Care – best friend we got to know her quite a bit, but Louis was the one surprising me…

There was something about the men of SWAT—their overprotective instincts, their extreme hotness, paired with their overall sense of danger—that just made them so appealing to everyone.

I’ll not reveal too much, but just Louis immediate acknowledgment he screwed up as young man, and his straight forwardness in what he wanted, and who he wanted for years after, his devotion and love that everyone could see, just made me melt on the spot, specially how he was willing to do EVERYTHING to prove to Callie she was his one, and that he was never letting her go. Him insisting to be her monthly blood donor was a dead giveaway, but when he decided she had time enough, and that he could not wait any longer for her anger to subside, oh my, he was indeed as swoon worthy as possible, a best book boyfriend for sure!

“I didn’t hide my attraction to you, nor my feelings when you would ignore me. I wore my heart on my sleeve, and the only one that didn’t notice was you because you were too busy ignoring me.”

Callie was both mature and resilient, even with her health issues and having her heart broken at seventeen, she still made a life for herself, and was able to ‘resist noticing’ Louis for many years, so she stood by her guns much longer than I expected. I think the timing for their reunion was perfect, both of them having grown up, but still keeping their unwavering love for all these years, the setting and all the elements that led them back together, specially with Louis taking back what he always wanted, sigh… It was insanely romantic, uber sexy, and beyond ALPHA! 

I so loved and appreciated not only the second chance romance aspect, and Louis spot on groveling, but the fact that the present angst and drama was regarding outside the relationship elements, leaving them time to reconnect and for us to believe in their love and connection, while keeping us beyond entertained with all the happenings. It really was a beautifully executed and believable second chance, that I so adored.

May Contain Wine really was the perfect feel good read to brighten up my week, once again LLV’s winning formula hit a jackpot for me with Louis and Callie! A delicious read full packed with a array of emotions and enough suspense to suck us right in and leave us wanting even more, yep, I’m ready for more SWAT generation 2.0, and to see what Ms. Vale will give us on the clusterf@ck that is the Booth/Bourne/Dillan/Delani…

“I love you, too.”
 “I’m… what?”
 “You keep saying it, then running away like a little girl,” she said. “And I just wanted you to know that I love you, too. I’ve never stopped.”

 

ARC kindly provided by the author via Wildfire Marketing Solutions

for an honest review

 

 

 

 

 About the Author


LaniLynnVale

Lani Lynn Vale is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author of over thirty titles. She is married with three children, two dogs, two cats, a donkey, and a couple (a couple meaning over twenty) chickens. She hails from the Great State of Texas.

When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up in her favorite chair reading. 

 
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BLOG TOUR + REVIEW: ARTFUL LIES (Hunt Legacy Duology #1) by Jodi Ellen Malpas

ARTFUL LIES

Series:Hunt Legacy Duology

Author: Jodi Ellen Malpas

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: April 30th, 2020

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Synopsis

 

Artful Lies, a brand new irresistible and passionate romance from the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author of the This Man series, Jodi Ellen Malpas, is coming April 30, 2020!

An irresistible connection, a desire that won’t let go…

When aspiring antiques dealer Eleanor Cole is handed the chance of a lifetime to work for the Hunt Corporation, the renowned antiques dealers, she doesn’t think twice. Only to discover she’ll be working up close and personal with the notorious and insanely irresistible Becker Hunt. He is a man famous for getting what he wants, and Becker wants Eleanor.

But as Becker pulls her deeper into his world, she discovers there’s more to him than meets the eye.

And falling for Becker goes from being foolish to dangerous…

Buy Links

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Excerpt

 

‘I’m told you’re settling in well,’ he says, but I still refuse to look at him. 

‘Yes, very well, thank you,’ I answer, giving myself a cheer for my professionalism. Then I move to the right. And so does he. 

‘Good,’ he says quietly. ‘Very good.’

Biting my lip, desperately wrestling off the urge to take a quick peek at him, I step to the right again. And so does he. ‘Excuse me.’ It takes everything in me to maintain my strength. He’s like a magnet to my eyes. Nothing as stunning as him should be ignored. Immune? I laugh to myself. I don’t think that’s possible. 

It’s a long, long while, but I eventually see his smart brogues shift. 

‘My lady,’ he says quietly.

Damn it. I chance a peek up at him as I scoot past, catching the signs of a cheeky smirk. And, shit, if my eyes don’t sprint over his entire face as I continue past, and then down his tall frame.

‘I look better naked,’ he says, all low and sexy. That soon breaks my trance, and I swing away, outraged, marching on. 

‘I don’t plan on finding out,’ I mutter under my breath, and he laughs, telling me I didn’t voice my promise quietly enough. I stop, turning to face him. ‘You know, I’m pretty sure I could make a complaint to HR about sexual harassment.’

He grins. ‘I am HR. What’s your complaint?’

I narrow my eyes. ‘You’re not funny.’

‘Then why are you fighting to hold back your grin?’

My lips purse. Damn him. ‘Are you going to continually try to get a rise out of me?’

‘A rise?’ He peeks down at his groin area, and then glances back up, his grin now mild. ‘Too late.’

My eyes naturally drop to his groin, and he chuckles as he turns and saunters away. My head cocks in admiration, his lovely backside my focus. It really is a sight to behold, his sexy swagger executed to a T. 

‘Stop looking at my arse,’ he shouts over his shoulder.

I cringe. Holy shit, I need to find some control. He’s my boss, for Christ’s sake. ‘I was doing no such thing.’ 

‘You know,’ he calls, ‘I’m pretty sure I could make a complaint to HR.’ 

‘What’s your complaint?’ I ask on a frown.

‘That you’re undressing me with your eyes.’ He doesn’t entertain me with another glimpse of his lovely face, just carries casually on his way, disappearing through the large doors into the Grand Hall.

 

4.25 ‘My Haven’ Stars

Ohhh, wowwww!!! Artful Lies is absolutely RIVETING!!!  Jodi Ellen Malpas’ first part of the Hunt Legacy Duology seduces and enthralls us into a mystique filled universe where Becker Hunt is king, and oh boy, what a ruler… Richly weaved, opulently set, emotionally raw and insanely sexy, with a jaw dropping twist and the perfect hint of mystery, Artful Lies enraptures us so intense and completely in its addictive Haven, that we’ll never, EVER want to get out!

Ms. Malpas promised us a Alpha to rival Jesse Ward, and I have to say, Becker Hunt is without a doubt one Alpha –  with a capital A – that very much like the first, we won’t forget. This man is so potently written that he’s in a league of his own. The OTT Alpha at  its finest, and in the most drool inducing of packages… He’s as aggravating  – yes, many time I wanted to strangle him even more than Eleanor did, lol – as he is enticing, and his mysteriousness and maverick ways coupled with his unapologetic sex appeal, well, very much like he’s described, and pointed out by Eleanor herself, he’s just a combo impossible to resist. And oh boy, resist she try! 

He must be a wizard, or something equally magical, because I feel like I’m under a spell.

For the love of all things gorgeous, he belongs in an art gallery.

Unconventional, daring, cocky but smart. Unapologetic for who he is. Passionate about his passion. A total maverick, just like his gramps said. Truly spirited. And he’s unearthed a spirit in me, too.

Eleanor has just moved to London to escape her past, as well as put her delayed professional dreams to fruition. From the very first moment though, Fate has seemed to have even bigger, and more ‘troublesome’, lol, plans for her, that start almost immediately in her new adventure when a God like stranger, with the most wicked of smirks and angel eyes, runs into her – and keeps on crashing into her, in more ways than one. 

So imagine her reaction when after a rocky start in her search of employment, thanks to the mystery man, no less, she not only has a once in a lifetime chance to have the most coveted job in the field, and without a clue when applying. What she never expect was that along with the dream job, came a aggravating and wicked boss, none other than her mystery ‘cab thief’, aka Becker Hunt.

One minute, it feels like he’s mentally undressing me, the next he’s looking at me like he wants to strangle me.

I’m having you, Eleanor. Every fucking bit of you. I’m not forcing my way in. You’ll let me in, because you want me just as badly.’

‘Every time I see you lost in what you love, my fucking dead heart kicks a little.’

The chemistry… OMG, THE CHEMISTRY!!!! From that very first encounter, we could practically feel the sparks in the air, industrial sized sparks, but sparks, nonetheless. Eleanor and Becker’s magnetism is so powerfully described, I dare you not to feel their insane connection which only increases with every encounter, never once faltering, much to both their dismay. So powerful and unwanted in fact that is no wonder that it turn it gave us the most captivating and delicious of banters, these two could not be in the same room without wanting to strangle each other or rip one another’s couples, and I was so here for it!!! Of course this push and pull, the wicked games and taunting moments, translated into the most scorching of foreplays, and cold shower required sexy scenes. Yep they were just THAT explosive together!

‘I took you because I have an annoying fucking urge to let you in.’

I want him. All of him – his secrets, his passion, his words.

He could ruin me. But he could also fix me. To a certain extent, he’s already repaired my broken spirit.

The fact that they could be so raw when it came to their cravings, just made me enjoy even more when their showed their conflicting emotions, specially their struggle with the feelings the other invoked in them, and though there were a couple of times I wanted to nut punch Becker right there at the beginning, and wished that Eleanor had done just that, lol – still hoping FERVENTLY that as I suspect, nothing is as it seems when it comes to a certain Tiger Bird, and the shows that Becker set for Eleanor’s benefit, because it was honestly the only moment I was a bit put off, so fingers crossed! – when they FINALLY gave in, and they started slowly unveiling their vulnerability, and just how tortured Becker’s heart was, it brought a whole new dimension to their emotional connection. The feelings through the whole book are so beautifully exposed, it was impossible not to live them right there with the couple.

Eleanor, whose POV we get all throughout this book, is such an amazing leading lady, strong, and sassy but still completely relatable in her fragility and doubts. Her internal struggles and doubts are so vivid, I think that is why at the start I wanted to strangle Becker so much, yes, her thought’s are so realistically exposed I was right there with her in her fury and hurt, lol. Another incredible aspect we get from seeing the story thought her eyes, is Jodi Ellen Malpas’ masterful world building, and stage setting, because by giving Eleanor her art and history background, when we see the world and specially The Haven and Becker’s treasure, I felt I was right there with her in her awe and curiosity. JEM’s exquisite attention to detail and richly built descriptions really transport us to a new universe, in this case, all things Hunt.

What a ride this was, I’ve laughed, I’ve raged, I swooned, and I cried! The way that Becker made Eleanor feel throughout the book, I’ve felt all her emotions, and the way she burned for him but still felt for his tormented heart, I was right there with her. Ms. Malpas really transposed his anguish to a T. And by the end of this part, I was feeling her devastation like it was my own, and that is the number irrefutable proof of the amazingness of Artful Lies.

‘Don’t fall in love with me, princess,’ he whispers. ‘Because I’d hate myself forever if I hurt you.’

Safe from heartbreak. Because his heart is locked away with his other treasures. This is his haven, but it’s also his fortress.

Oh my… Jodi Ellen Malpas gave the PERFECT description herself for Artful Lies, indeed This Man meets Thomas Crown Affair is a SPOT ON reference when it comes to this book/duology. The intrigue and the mystery that the author masterfully intertwined with Eleanor and Becker’s EPIC love story, only made the already complex and captivating characters that much passionate, and the incredible storyline richer and alluring. From the very first paragraph, it’s impossible not to get ourselves emerged into this world, and never want to leave, so when we get to the ending of this first part of the duology, we’re about ready to offer Ms. Malpas our first born for the pleasure of unveiling what happens next  to these two. I know I am, because JEM sure knows how to leave us in the very edge of our seats, where we don’t know if we should scream and beg for November to come sooner, or just worship her for the unforgettable characters that we have no doubt will branded forever in our minds. And  their legendary tale is not even over yet! That about says it. Oh yes, Wicked Truths can’t come fast enough!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 

 

‘You’re the fucking queen of the playing board, Eleanor. Superior to all. Got it?’

‘Every time I see you lost in what you love, my fucking dead heart kicks a little.’

 

Becker Hunt stole my heart. Ripped it from my chest. How is it possible that my heaven has transformed into the worst kind of hell?

 

ARC kindly provided by the author via Social Butterfly PR 

for an honest review

 

About the Author

 

Jodi-7_

Jodi Ellen Malpas was born and raised in the Midlands town of Northampton, England, where she lives with her husband, boys, and a beagle. She is a self-professed daydreamer, a Converse and mojito addict, and she has a terrible weak spot for alpha males. Writing powerful love stories and creating addictive characters has become her passion—a passion she now shares with her devoted readers.

Her novels have hit bestseller lists for the New York Times, USA Today, Sunday Times, and various other international publications and can be read in more than twenty-four languages around the world.

 

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RELEASE BLITZ + REVIEW: GET BUCKED (Valentine Boys #4) by Lani Lynn Vale

BUCK YEAH

Series: Valentine Boys #4

Author: Lani Lynn Vale

Genre: Contemporary/Cowboy Romance

Release Date: April 21st, 2020

Synopsis

Darby has always been ‘that’ guy.

The guy that no man, woman, or child wants around their loved one.

See, a long time ago he made some bad decisions. Those bad decisions have haunted him ever since. No matter what he does, people still see him as the town’s screw up. The boy that sold his soul to the Devil.

Years later, he’s turned himself around. Made amends and ultimately turned into a generally good guy. Only, it’s hard to act like a good guy when people still treat you like the old you, and not the new you.

Enter Waylynn Jennings.

Waylynn has watched Darby Valentine from afar for a very long time.

She’s witnessed the changes in him and knows the only reason he’s so mean is to protect the man that lies within. A battered, injured soul that deserves more than what he’s received. Even his own family takes him for granted.

She’s made it her new mission in life to prove to everyone that Darby isn’t the bad guy. That he’s a kind-hearted, sweet soul that’s just looking for a place to fit in.

Only, Darby is fairly sure that Waylynn is out to kill him, not help him. How else do you explain all the fights he’s having to break up on her behalf, or all the times he has to come to her rescue when she’s managed to put her cute little butt right in the middle of something where it shouldn’t be?

There’s obviously only one solution. He has to make her his. Then everyone will know not to mess with her. Darby Valentine protects what’s his. No matter what the cost.

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4.25 ‘ Not Bad Anymore’ Stars

 

Oh Boy, what a way to go… Get Bucked wrapped up in PERFECTION this extraordinary series! Darby and Waylynn were the perfect match in every way, and their love story was the most perfect of closures and HEA to these Valentine Boys!!!

I can’t believe we are saying goodbye already to this series, that has become one of my LLV favorites. There is just something about these broken cowboys that grips you hard and makes you never want to let go, and that is exactly what happened with Get Bucked, with the added emotion of being the youngest, and probably the most anticipated of the hot bunch, lol.

Trust me when I say, I’ve found it easier just to say what I want and mean what I say.”
And fuck everyone and anything that didn’t like me the way I was.

The book starts with a bang with one of the most KICKASS and just plain awesome scenes EVER, showing us just how badass Waylynn really is. I can honestly say that this woman is now one of my literary heroes – okay, maybe better to say, heroines – and my favorite of all Lani Lynn Vale heroines: she is SPECTACULAR!

That scene not only opened the book in the most gripping of ways – I was absolutely glued to the pages, and devouring as fast as possible, and that is saying a lot, because LLV always has me hooked from the get go – it was brilliant. And the way it ‘lassoed’ Darby to her, in a way he could never more let go, awwww… It was perfection!

I wanted to corrupt Waylynn Jennings. I wanted to do bad, bad things to her. I wanted to ruin her until no other man would get close.
But… that would make me bad.
I wasn’t bad anymore… right?

Darby, the youngest of the Valentine, doesn’t have it easy in any way, because even now, after many years of being in the right track, his family still doesn’t fully see the new him, and how much he gives of himself to may everyone happy. My black little heart hurt so bad for him, specially when it was clear that he was not giving in any way a fair chance, that they would always treat him, with the credit he deserved, and the past would forever be hanging over his head. I never expected to love him as much as I did, though we knew about his change from his snippets in the past books, but oh my… Did this cowboy steal my heart.

More even than the love story, I ADORED how Waylynn was right there for Darby from the very start of the book, immediately after her move to Kilgore. She believed in him unconditionally, and that is exactly what Darby needed the most at the time. In turn, Darby was just as much there for her, and even with both fighting their insane attraction, their companionship shone through, and it just made their romance richer, imo, that they had that before truly getting involved. The build up was spot on, and the wait, oh so delicious. And when they finally let go of the restraints… OH BOY…. Can anyone say SCORCHING?! LOL 

“You’re a good man, Darby Valentine,” she said softly. “I didn’t know the boy, but I know the man. And you’re everything that I’ve been looking for in a man, and even some things that I never knew that I wanted.”

Ms. Vale gave us such a gift in these Valentine men, the most PERFECT of endings for such anticipated and amazing group. After years of intrigue after first meeting these men, right there in LLV second series, I can honestly say all the wait was soooooo worth it! They are everything! Waylynn and Darby stole my heart in this one, with Lani Lynn Vale giving us once again her masterful balance of deeply emotional, hilarious, and uber sexy romance, in a relatable and fluid setting, where the characters and their complexity   was evident – so much so that at one point I wanted to nut punch his brothers so hard, lol – but it was the LOVE in all its forms that really left us swooning. The most perfect epilogues, tied not just Way and Darby beautiful love story, but all the Valentine gang, in the most perfect of bows, or should I say Lassoes?! The amazing, and baby filled, HEA that all the Valentine deserved! <3 <3 <3 <3

“I told myself not to love you,” she told me. “But you made it impossible.”
“I didn’t realize that you were something I needed,”

“Do you know,” he said softly. “That it feels like you’ve always been here. A part of me?”
When I pulled back, I saw that his hand was over his heart.
“No,” I admitted. “Not until you just told me.”

 

ARC kindly provided by the author via Wildfire Marketing Solutions

for an honest review

 

 

 

About the Author


LaniLynnVale

Lani Lynn Vale is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author of over thirty titles. She is married with three children, two dogs, two cats, a donkey, and a couple (a couple meaning over twenty) chickens. She hails from the Great State of Texas.

When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up in her favorite chair reading. 

 
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