Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Book Release Blast for Just a Little Hookup by Carly Phillips & Erika Wilde (REVIEW)…..

 Fans of the theme of friends to lovers will find much to enjoy about this tale of two people who've known each other for years but who form a deeper connection after a charity auction gives them a weekend of intimate opportunities.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Just a Little Hookup by Carly Phillips & Erika Wilde, along with getting my impressions of it, then add this first installment in the Dare Crossover series to your bookshelf!

Being a bachelor has its perks. It also has its downside. Just ask Derek Bettencourt.
Standing on stage and being auctioned off in the name of charity is awkward AF...until his business partner’s younger sister wins him for the weekend. He’s all hers to do with as she pleases and he can’t say he’s unhappy with the prospect. Especially since she saved him from an ex-fiancĂ©e determined to get her claws into him again.
Jessica Cavanaugh never intended to bid on the man she’s had a lifetime crush on. But her spur-of-the-moment decision gives her a chance to exact a bit of playful payback, for old time’s sake. And Derek is all too happy to indulge Jessica's whims.
What starts as a fun, flirty, game, with Derek acting as her personal handyman, quickly turns into a steamy and forbidden weekend. Lines are crossed that they never intended and emotions unravel their playful facades.
Afterward, he can’t get the gorgeous, full-figured woman out of his head and he’s determined to make her his.
But how can they concentrate on a future when someone is threatened by their relationship and will do anything to come between them?

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON (Kindle)  |  AMAZON (Print)  |  iBOOKS  |  KOBO  |  BN (Nook)  |  GOOGLE PLAY


MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

From the moment I started reading this book there was a definite sense of familiarity with a storyline that's been done before.  But in the hands of these two talented authors it was also a storyline that was cleverly crafted, featuring a likable main couple with witty banter and a sizzling connection.  Issues regarding body image were also depicted in a way that was both positive and empowering...and for that I applaud this writing duo.

Jessica Cavanaugh has always had a crush on her brother's best friend (and current business partner), Derek, but for many reasons the two never moved out of the friend-zone.  Jessica's not the kind of heroine who needs a man to be complete though and at the start of the story she's a newbie designer catering to plus-sized women and starting to make a name for herself.  She has no intention of bidding on a man at the charity auction she's attending, but discovering that Derek's nasty ex is going to bid on him has Jessica rescuing him from her nefarious plan.  His weekend of servitude might start off with him doing house repairs but it soon takes a more intimate turn as they grow closer together through shared truths.  Jessica's a likable and strong-willed woman, one who's confident in who she is after years of feeling insecure.  When it comes to Derek she knows what she wants and is no longer willing to hold back.  She's a good friend to others too, supportive and talented in making women look and feel their best and she's someone you could easily see yourself being friends with.

Derek Bettencourt is a delicious hero, one who's proven himself to be caring and protective in a previous story featuring his younger sister.  Six months ago he dumped his unpleasant ex but she's not done with him yet which fuels this story and has me rooting for her to get her comeuppance by the final page.  Derek and Jessica are delightful together with a sweet and sizzling connection and knowing each other for so many years adds a level of comfort to their interactions.  He respects Jessica, admires her talent and her defense of his sister, all while watching her make her own decisions while standing beside her in support.  With her business facing sabotage, and her reputation on the line though, he'll have to support her more than ever in a romantic tale nicely balanced with moments of suspense.

On a whole this is a feel-good story, a sweet and sexy connection that slowly becomes something more.  With a romance that crackles and a connection that pulls at your heartstrings Jessica and Derek are a delight to watch.  I cheered their unwavering support for each other while feeling every emotional up and down they experienced throughout the book.  This is a quick read overall and one I was ready to start over the moment I reached The End!

My rating for this is a B+

*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.


AUTHOR'S INFO:

NY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips gives her readers Alphalicious heroes to swoon for and romance to set your heart on fire. She married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her three crazy dogs: two wheaten terriers and a mutant Havanese, who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram. The author of 50 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters who put up with having a mom as a full time writer. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as a romance club pick and was the first romance on a nationally televised bookclub. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter and receive TWO FREE books at www.carlyphillips.com.

Erika Wilde (aka Janelle Denison) is the USA Today bestselling author of over 50 contemporary romances for multiple print publishers.
So, why the new pen name?
As Janelle Denison I’ve always written sexy books, but lately my writing has taken on more erotic elements that I wanted to keep separate for readers because not everyone likes their reading material on the spicier, kinkier side of romance. However, please be assured that even as Erika Wilde, you will still get an emotionally layered story with characters you’ll care about and fall in love with. That is always my goal, whether I’m writing straight contemporary romances, or more erotically charged stories.
Currently, I’m working on The Marriage Diaries and making sure that Dean and Jillian enjoy exploring the more erotic side to their marriage. The series will be on-going, with no foreseeable ending as of right now, for as long as readers want to be voyeurs to Dean and Jillian’s sizzling new relationship.
I’m also planning a spin-off series in the future, featuring the hot military men that work security for Dean at Noble and Associates. Sign up to receive my newsletter for updates and news!
Want to interact with me personally? You can do so at my Erika Wilde Author Fan Page on Facebook.

Book Teaser for Shoulda by Pepper North…..

 The theme of friends to lovers is a favorite of mine and fuels this upcoming story of a school reunion that sets two friends on an unexpected path to HEA.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Shoulda by Pepper North, then start counting down the days until this second installment in the A Second Chance at Mr Right series hits bookshelves on April 4th!

Fake relationships happen all the time at reunions, right?

Harper has adored Colt since the first day of third grade. The talented athlete shoulda avoided his chubby, academically-challenged classmate, but somehow they've always been the best of friends. As they grew up together, Harper hid her deeper feelings for her best friend, knowing there was no way the handsome hunk felt the same way.

Colt's friends have always meant everything to him. In high school, he wanted to be more than friends with Harper, but she kept him at arm's length. Pouring his heart and soul into his music, Colt headed for Nashville after Harper's rejection, but when she calls to ask him to pose as her boyfriend at their upcoming reunion, wild horses couldn't keep him away.

For some, there is a second chance at having Mr. Right. Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda explores a world of connections that can't exist... until they do. Forbidden love abounds when these Daddy Doms refuse to live with regret and claim the women who own their hearts.


PRE-ORDER here.


AUTHOR INFO:

Ever just gone for it? That's what USA Today Bestselling Author Pepper North did in 2017 when she posted a book for sale on Amazon without telling anyone. Thanks to her amazing fans, the support of the writing community, Mr. North, and a killer schedule, she has now written more than 70 books!
Enjoy contemporary, paranormal, dark, and erotic romances that are both sweet and steamy? Pepper will convert you into one of her loyal readers. What's coming in the future? A Daddypalooza!
Stay up on the latest news and get insider updates and previews of Pepper's stories HERE.

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Book Release Blast for Snared by Stephanie Kay (REVIEW)……

 A female drummer in the usually male-dominated role is a dream come true for Charlie who just wants to be admired for her playing.  But when her heart becomes involved things turn complicated for her and her new band's manager with their fake marriage quickly becoming all too real.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Snared by Stephanie Kay, along with getting my impressions of it, then add this third installment in the Steelwolf series to your bookshelf!

He's been the bane of my existence since the day we met, so how did I wind up wearing his ring?
Charlie Jones is living her dream as the drummer for Steelwolf, one of the top rock bands in the country. But as the newest member of the band, and a woman, the scrutiny is endless. Steelwolf has had more than enough drama over the years and she's not planning to add to it, so she focuses solely on her career, pouring her heart into every beat.
Josh Harrison has everything he's ever wanted. He's been Steelwolf's manager since the beginning and they've been through it all. But he epically screwed up a few months ago. To get back in the band's good graces, he's agreed to do whatever they want, including being their lackey for the rest of the tour. Which means he'll be on a bus with the woman who's gotten under his skin since she walked into the studio two years ago.
She thinks he sees her as a gimmick to sell albums. His cockiness grates on her nerves. He thinks she's amazing. He craves her. But he has one rule: no hooking up with musicians, especially not a client. Now--- somehow --- she's in his bed, in Vegas, with a ring on her finger. And she's agreeing to stay married to him until the end of the tour.
When their fake marriage starts to look --- and feel --- all too real, Charlie must decide. Will she listen to her head and run? Or has the man who drives her crazy finally snared her heart?


BUY here.


MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

As a fan of rockstar romances I jumped on this one the moment I read the synopsis. With its strong-willed female drummer, a manager trying to make amends, and its colorful and outspoken bandmates, Ms. Kay has crafted an entertaining tale of forbidden romance set in the world of rock music.  A bit of angst, a lot of witty banter and steamy interludes, makes this a satisfying yet unexpected romance between two people trying hard to not give in to the attraction eating at them.  When a morning after in Vegas leads to an out of the blue marriage, what started out as fake soon becomes all too real!

Charlie Jones is that rare female in the male-dominated world of drummers, a role she's honored to have.  Past experiences as a bandmate have left her burned and desperate to be seen for her talent instead of her sex.  Joining Steelwolf gives her just such an opportunity as her new bandmates treat her like one of the guys, engaging in playful banter and anointing her with a nickname.  With the guys she gives as good as she gets, treating them like brothers in a connection that took on a familial feel.  When it comes to band manager Josh, though...well, she definitely doesn’t feel brotherly around him.  The moment these two meet there's sparks!  There's a definite attraction that both try to ignore, but a stop in Vegas changes their lives irrevocably as what happens in Vegas won't stay in Vegas.  Once the media learns about their "marriage" Charlie will need to decide whether to listen to her head or her heart as what was once fake soon becomes all too real.  Charlie's a likable heroine, down to earth with tons of talent.  She's a good fit with the other members of Steelwolf, easily engaging in playful banter that made her seem like one of the guys.  She wants to be taken seriously as a drummer, have the focus be on her talent instead of her looks, and I rooted for her to achieve that desire as she truly earned it.  She and Josh are a sizzling pair and I enjoyed seeing their connection grow with each turn of the page.

Josh Harrison, the smart and controlled manager to top rock band Steelwolf, messed up big time by letting a recent secret get out to the media.  To make amends to the band he agrees to go on tour with them and do whatever they ask of him.  It's a rocky journey for the arrogant manager, being given menial tasks, but it's even rockier being so close to the sizzling new drummer.  Though there's a no-fraternization policy, Josh can't help being attracted to the sexy and talented Charlie.  Up until now he's been able to keep his hands to himself...but being in close quarters with her makes it harder to ignore his desires.  When the two of them blow up the internet with a wedding ring and a morning after in Vegas, Josh will have to prove what his heart has known all along...that he and Charlie are meant to be together.

Not having read the first two books in this series wasn't a detriment to enjoying this one. It was easy to see and feel the brotherly bond between the bandmates, seen in their witty banter and playful nicknames for each other.  The rockstar world was realistically depicted, the highs and lows of fame, along with the pressure of reaching the top of the charts.  The overall storyline of this installment was familiar though, has been done before, and I was left hoping for something more/something different from these two assertive characters.  The connection between these two though was satisfying.  Their connection crackled from the very start and I applaud Ms. Kay for making Josh work for his HEA in a journey that had a few bumps along the way but had a nice balance of steam and heart and soul!  Along with the appealing main couple were the other bandmates of Steelwolf, sexy and larger than life men who playfully poked at one another.  Among them, it was Jax who kept me smiling the most with his nicknames and outspoken nature.  He's everything you hope to see in a rockstar and I look forward to seeing him take center stage in matters of the heart!

My rating for this is a B+

*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.


AUTHOR INFO:

USA Today Bestselling Author, Stephanie Kay has always loved a good romance, and she got hooked on the dirty ones at the tender age of 14, when she told her mother that if the cover wasn’t a bodice ripper, then there was no sex in the book. As an avid mystery reader, her mother never checked to see if Stephanie was lying. Twenty plus years later, Stephanie’s most prized possession is her Kindle, and she may have a Hallmark movie obsession.
​She has called California and Maryland her home, but now lives in New England with her husband where she asks him incessant questions until he escapes to go hiking in the mountains. That’s the only time she can get him out of the house so she can get her writing in. Married couples shouldn’t both work from home!
​Sports were never her thing, but after beta reading for another hockey author and buying NHL Game Center within one month of watching her first hockey game a few years ago, she dove into learning everything she could about the sport and the hot men that play it. Now she spends her spare time visiting hockey arenas in the name of research and loving every second of it.
Follow Stephanie on Instagram and Facebook for updates and puppy pics. And join her reader group, Stephanie Kay's Sassy Strikers to talk about books, hockey, hockey butts, and dessert!
You can also email her HERE.

Friday, March 10, 2023

New Series From Lani Lynn Vale On the Way…….

 As a fan of Ms. Vale's books I celebrate each new release, being given a gift of her steamy reads full of heart and soul...as well as unforgettable characters.  Readers have much to look forward to with a new series from her on the horizon!


WELCOME TO THE CIRCUS...revolves around a family-owned circus and will be hitting shelves on August 15th with the release of Fun House!


FUN HOUSE PRE-ORDER LINKS:  AMAZON  |  iBOOKS  |  BN  |  KOBO


FREAK SHOW (Book #2) — September 19, 2023


SHOW OFF (Book #3) — October 24, 2023


CLOWN MOTEL (Book #4) — November 21, 2023


SOLD TO THE CIRCUS (Book #5) — January 23, 2024


KILLING BOOTH (Book #6) — February 27, 2024


THE FOOL (Book #7) — April 1, 2024