Happy Halloween!

Book Blast for Almost Strangers & Strangers In Love by Claudia Y. Burgoa (REVIEW)……

 Young love blooms in this angsty tale of a connection that ends just as quickly as it starts...to be ignited once again in a second romance set in the rockstar world.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Almost Strangers & Strangers In Love by Claudia Y. Burgoa, the two books that make up the Somehow Everlasting Duet, then get my impressions of these two emotionally engaging romances that will have you wanting to add them to your bookshelf!

Almost Strangers (Book #1) by Claudia Y. Burgoa...

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Claudia Burgoa pens an emotional, heartbreaking romance duet where soulmates can’t be together and everything around them tears them apart.
I found it (him) at the bookstore.
Love.
He was six foot four, lanky, blue-eyed.
Jacob Decker was goofy, handsome, and cheesy.
There’s no better way to describe him.
But what can I expect of an eighteen-year-old boy who’s lived under a rock all his life?
I’ll let you into a little secret.
I had no idea what to expect.
We were each other’s first everything.
But the fantasy lasted only a semester.
Soon I had to move away.
A few years later, he was a rockstar, and I was…
Grasping for a lifeline.
The problem with first loves is that they never leave you.
But they never come back, do they?

BUY here.

Strangers In Love (Book #2) by Claudia Y. Burgoa...

Karma is a…she’s not nice.
It’s been ten long years since Jacob and I parted ways.
I moved on…well, at least I thought I did.
That was until I’m asked to clean the image of Jacob Decker.
Rockstar, playboy, womanizer JC Decker.
He’s spoiled, rude, and inappropriate.
I shouldn’t take the job, but I need the money.
I swallow my pride and work for him.
Closely.
Too close.
That’s when I uncover the wounds he hides.
The scars underneath his dismissive attitude.
And his shattered heart.
Can I just walk away when I’m about to find the man I once loved?

BUY here.

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS DUET:

Having read books by Ms. Burgoa before I thought I knew what to expect...and in some ways I got exactly what I thought, but in other ways this duet did something different.  From the first page to the last readers quickly become invested in this bumpy journey of second chances, a journey that starts off with much hope and joy before a separation rips reader's hearts out.  Seeing the romance grow between Jacob and Pria pulled at my heartstrings, fueled my connection to them, and had me rooting for them through every up and down that befell them.  After becoming fully invested in the pairing of this immensely likable couple, it was therefore particularly heartbreaking to be left with a cliffhanger....but boy did it have me geared up to read the remainder of this pair's story (which I thankfully didn't have to wait for).

Jacob Decker was quite the dichotomy!  Seeing him as a young man you'd never expect him to become a rockstar, but fate had other ideas as the sheltered charmer became a sizzling rock god wanted by millions of women.  When he first meets Pria it's an instant attraction for him and he does everything he can to win her over.  He was determined to claim her, even for the short time allowed them, and with each moment of wooing I fell harder and harder for him.  Pria Walker was equally sheltered due to her sister's illness and her mother's mental health.  Though she fought her attraction to Jacob it was clear they were meant to be, in a connection that was palpable and in scenes that were nostalgic and full of young lover's firsts.  Every moment between them was precious, every emotion intense, and they took my heart on quite a rollercoaster ride!

The second half of JC and Pria's story picks up ten years after the events in the first book.  Be sure to have tissues nearby because things start getting real between these two as past events were talked about and feelings were addressed in a realistic way that put my heart through the wringer.  Upon turning the final page of this book I was left utterly exhausted, heart hurt for all the ups and downs this pair went through.  The journey JC and Pria go through isn't a straightforward one, but it’s instead an angst-fueled road they travel down separately but always within reach of the other.  From the moment they met they were destined to be together, destined to hurt each other while building each other up even stronger.  Theirs is an epic romance that is still in my head days after reading it and I applaud Ms. Burgoa for the powerful tale of young love she’s gifted us with!  Readers wanting an unforgettable romance of second chances will get all that and more in a book I can't recommend nearly enough and definitely encourage others to read!

My rating for this duet is an A.

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

AUTHOR INFO:

Claudia is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author.

She writes alluring, thrilling stories about complicated women and the men who take their breaths away. Her books are the perfect blend of steamy and heartfelt, filled with emotional characters and explosive chemistry. Her writing takes readers to new heights, providing a variety of tears, laughs, and shocking moments that leave fans on the edge of their seats.

She lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband, her youngest two children, and three fluffy dogs.

When Claudia is not writing, you can find her reading, knitting, or just hanging out with her family. At nights, she likes to binge watch shows or movies with her equally geeky husband.

WEBSITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  INSTAGRAM  |  NEWSLETTER  |  FACEBOOK READER'S GROUP  |  TWITTER  |  AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE  |  GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGE  |  BOOKBUB AUTHOR PAGE

Book Release Blast for Playboy’s Reward by Gina Azzi (REVIEW)…….

 A fake relationship slowly becomes something more as two people try to navigate self-doubts and family obligations in this contemporary romance set in the world of sports.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Playboy's Reward by Gina Azzi, along with getting my impressions of it, then add this fourth installment in the Tennessee Thunderbolts series to your bookshelf!

It was supposed to be one fake date...

When sexy-as-sin Harper Henderson launches profanities into the night sky from the balcony below mine, I’m forced to intervene. I may be a professional hockey player with a playboy reputation, but I’m also a good guy.
Charming and affable with unrivaled cheekbones and a lack of serious commitments (save for hockey), I make an impressive plus-one.
Volunteering to be Harper’s date to her dreaded ten-year high school reunion is easy. Pretending not to fall for her when our innocent kisses turn passionate is a little more challenging.
But when Harper returns the fake date favor and accompanies me to my parents’ anniversary party, everything changes. She garners my dad’s respect and effortlessly mingles with my childhood friends. She eases the familial pressure I drown under and makes me crave the things I used to laugh off.
Tangling up with Harper was supposed to be a fun way to pass the summer. So, why does it feel like she’s the real prize? The elusive, fleeting kind of real I’ve avoided for years?
And how can I prove that this playboy wants a different kind of reward? One that sounds a lot like commitment...

BUY here.

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

Readers find themselves welcomed back into the sports world with open arms in this (at times) charming and (sometimes) frustrating tale of two neighbors whose fake romance slowly becomes something more.  When these two neighbors decide to help each other out by being the plus-one to each other's social events, they end up feeling much more for each other but must work past self-doubts and familial expectations if they have any chance for a HEA.  From the first page to the last readers will find themselves fully invested in this couple's journey, rooting for them to stop letting outside voices hurt their burgeoning romance, while delighting in their sweet and sexy interactions.

Damien Barnes has shown himself to be the playboy of the team, both on the ice as a hockey player and off the ice as a real hottie with a quick smile and an easygoing nature.  His family life though is something that greatly affects him and has held him back from fully committing to another person.  Meeting Harper, and spending time with her, has him wanting to put his heart on the line and into her hands for safe keeping though.  With him starting to let his guard down with her things soon turn serious...and emotional speed bumps soon arise.  Damien's family caused a lot of frustrations for me and dimmed my enjoyment of this story whenever their toxic selves showed up.  They fueled doubts in him, had him questioning his feelings for Harper, and caused unnecessary angst and melodrama late in the story before he finally groveled his way to HEA.

Harper recently returned to her hometown, the place where her best friend (now, former) hooked up with her boyfriend (now, her ex).  She works for the Coyotes, the local football team (and another series from this author), and lives next door to a super sexy hockey player whose friendship soon turns more romantic.  Harper's a strong-willed heroine, someone focused on her future/her career, and is all in with Damien once things turn romantic.  I admired her making a new life for herself after so many betrayals and was rooting for her through all the good moments between her and Damian as well as their low point late in the story.

On a whole this was a satisfying tale with a likable main couple who were endearing as friends and sizzling as lovers.  I enjoyed seeing their friendship build but was frustrated by the speed bump they experienced late in the story that jarred me from my happy place.  Despite that I still found much to enjoy about the burgeoning connection between Damien and Harper, just as I enjoyed the friendships they cultivated between other hockey players as well as Damien's football teammates.  The banter amongst these individuals was surprisingly heartfelt and playful and added a unique layer to both of these sports series.  Fans of the themes of fake relationships and friends to lovers, along with lovers of sports romances, will find this a delightful addition to the Tennessee Thunderbolts series and it will give them something to reread while waiting for the next book by Ms. Azzi to be released.

My rating for this is a B+

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

AUTHOR INFO:

I’m Gina Azzi, a book-obsessed, coffee-drinking, globetrotting, mama of soon-to-be three! I write sweet with a dash of spicy New Adult and Contemporary Romance full of good men putting in work to win the hearts of even better women.

A total Jersey girl at heart, I struggle with insatiable wanderlust and currently reside in Ontario, Canada with my family.

When I’m not dreaming up storylines or writing all the words, you can find me hanging with my littles, attempting to bake, or planning my next adventure.

Connect with me on social media or at ginaazziauthor@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Happy Reading! Xo,

Gina

Book Release Blast for The C Agreement by R.L. Kenderson (REVIEW)…….

 An average gal looking for knowledge in the bedroom calls on her brother's best friend, a man who's not interested in commitment, to help her but finds unexpected romance instead in this steamy rom-com.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of The C Agreement by R.L. Kenderson, along with getting my impressions of this second installment in the Rendezvous series, then add this contemporary romance to your bookshelf!

I was the girl next door...with a few extra pounds. My job was demanding and kept me on my toes, but when I was deep in a case, it left me little time for relationships. And because of that, I had some complaints in the bedroom.What I wanted was for someone to teach me to be a better lover. I needed someone I trusted with my body without the fear of falling in love and someone who wasn’t looking for anything more than sex. And I needed a man who knew how to use his body.

That was where Cade Nichols came in. He was my older brother’s best friend and anti-commitment. And my brother just challenged him to sleep with only one woman for two months. So, I offered to help Cade win that bet. As long as he helped me learn my way around a cock.
What I didn’t bet on was life not going as planned.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON (US)  |  AMAZON (WORLDWIDE)  |  BN |  iBOOKS  |  KOBO  |  GOOGLE PLAY

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

After how much enjoyment I got from reading the previous book in this series I couldn't wait to pick up this one...and it DID NOT DISAPPOINT.  Combining two apparent opposites, a bet, and a sensual connection full of heart and soul, readers will find themselves drawn to this main couple and rooting for them to find their HEA.  Low angst lets the endearing connection between this tale's two leads shine through, allows readers to just enjoy the witty banter, and lets readers fall in love with them just as they're falling for each other.  It's a delightful read, another heartwarming journey in a satisfying series that has me looking forward to the next installment.

Rayne Thompson is the kind of heroine all of us can relate to.  In her job as a lawyer she's confident and self-assured, but beneath that are layers of self-doubts and insecurities.  She's a plus-size woman who's always felt invisible and taken for granted, a piece of furniture that's a nice addition but not a necessity.  At almost 30 she's never had a long-term relationship, and with her recent ex blaming it on her being unsatisfactory in bed, she's now determined to change things.  To set herself on a different path she enlists the help of her brother's best friend in a steamy friends with benefits who become more pairing that not only made me blush but also warmed my heart.  In a world of heroines, Rayne has left an indelible mark on me and made this journey an unforgettable one!

Cade Nichols is the life of the party, a sexy bite of catnip to the ladies...and there have been a lot of ladies.  He's happy playing the field, but when Beau (Rayne's brother) offers to partner with him to start a restaurant in exchange for a month with the same woman, Cade decides to give monogamy a try.  His choice for the month is Rayne and what starts out as a fake relationship soon becomes oh so much more.  Cade shows himself to be a carefree hero, one with real reasons for why he's happy without commitment, but spending time with Rayne brings out a possessive side to him.  Before long he can't get enough of her and in every way shows how much he wants and needs her in a decadently delightful and dominant way through encounters teeming with dirty talk.  Not only is Cade a talented dirty talker, but also shows a caring side whenever Rayne starts doubting herself and her body.  He says all the right things and each time I fell more in love with him in his and Rayne's sweet and sizzling romance.

This was an immensely satisfying romance from the first page to the last, a heartwarming tale full of witty banter and scorching encounters.  Rayne's issues with her body were realistically touched on too and in doing so it makes Cade an even more perfect hero for his wholehearted love and acceptance of her.  This pair was great as longtime friends, sizzled as friends with benefits, and were utterly delightful once they both accepted their real feelings for each other.  On a whole this author duo has crafted another winner that has now left me breathlessly waiting for the next installment...and another couple to cheer on to HEA in a wonderful rom-com full of heart and soul!

My rating for this is an A.

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

AUTHOR INFO:

R.L. Kenderson is two best friends writing under one name. Renae has always loved reading and in third grade wrote her first poem where she learned she might have a knack for this writing thing. Lara remembers sneaking her grandmother’s Harlequin novels when she was probably too young to be reading them, and since then she knew she wanted to write her own.

When they met in college, they bonded over their love of reading and the TV show Charmed. What really spiced up their friendship was when Lara introduced Renae to romance novels. When they discovered their first vampire romance, they knew there would always be a special place in their hearts for paranormal romance. After being unable to find certain storylines and characteristics they wanted to read about in the hundreds of books they consumed, they decided to write their own.

One lives in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and the other in the Kansas City area where they both work in the medical field during the day and they’re a sexy author by night. They communicate through phone, email, and a whole lot of messaging.

WEBSITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  INSTAGRAM  |  GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGE  |  AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Book Cover Reveal for The Nine: Zane by Elle Arroyo (GIVEAWAY)…….

An immortal meant to roam the earth while protecting its people finds himself attracted to the man he met five years ago, instead of the female chosen for him, in this m/m paranormal romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat.  Keep reading to get a tempting glimpse of The Nine: Zane by Elle Arroyo, then start counting down the days until this angsty tale hits bookshelves on January 25th.  In honor of this series starter make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $15 Amazon GC too!

Zane is Anunnaki, one of the nine immortals subjugated to walk the earth for eternity while tasked with protecting humankind from the malice. He must bind himself to an heir before the demons secured within his vessel burst free. Except that Zane is not interested in the female chosen for him. Instead, his desire lies in the man he met five years ago and shared an innocent, heartfelt night with. Eric Diaz had left Zane wanting.

Before they force Zane to bind himself with the female, he seeks Eric and shares one night of passion, hoping to satisfy his hunger for the man. But it doesn’t work, and Zane does everything in his power to keep Eric by his side, even risking the human realm and unleashing hell on earth.

FIND AT GOODREADS here.

AUTHOR INFO:

Elle is the author of Dark Fantasy MM Romance. She writes about alpha males fighting their demons, saving the world, and falling in love. And not necessarily in that order.

TWITTER  |  NEWSLETTER  |  INSTAGRAM  |  WEBSITE

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Book Blast for Kaine by Megan Slayer (GIVEAWAY)…..

The fates, a bit of magic, and a woman determined to stay single despite being attracted to the bad boy who comes to her rescue in this paranormal romance.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Kaine by Megan Slayer, then learn even more about this book by visiting the other sites hosting this tour.  In honor of this fourth installment in the Summon a Bad Boy series, fill out the form below for the chance to win a necklace handcrafted by Ms. Slayer too!

I call on the fates to bring my love to me. As I will it, so mote it be...Nikki Sinclair isn’t interested in love. She’s happy as a model and doing her own thing. Besides, keeping people at bay means she won’t get hurt again. Then she runs into Kaine. He’s nothing like she expects and exactly what she never realized she needed. But he’s got a past. It’s up to her to decide if she’s willing to summon this bad-boy mechanic or keep going on as a solo act.

Love can be a tricky thing. What if fate has its own idea for Nikki? She’s not willing to argue, especially if it means having her bad boy. Time to do some summoning.

EXCERPT:

“He gives you hell often, doesn’t he?”
“He does.”
“You turned him down.”
“I did.” She disengaged from her pretend suitor. “Thank you.”

“My pleasure. I’m game to help a lady in distress.”
“I appreciate it.” She held out her hand. “I’m Nikki.”

“Kaine.” He kissed her knuckles.
“It’s nice to meet you, Kaine. Thank you. I should mingle, but you’ve saved me from a huge headache.” If she didn’t start circulating again, she risked losing her job.
“Okay, but if Eunice gives you a problem, you direct her to me. Just tell her Kaine McDermott wants to discuss it, and she’ll know.”
“You don’t have to cover for me.”
“Who says I’m covering? It’s an archaic rule. If you’d met me outside of tonight, we could be together, no problem. Inside, it’s off-limits? Silly.” He nodded. “I don’t want you to get into trouble.”
“Thanks.” She smiled, not wanting to leave him. He was a nice guy. Not grabby. Cute and seemingly sweet.
If only that no-dating rule hadn’t applied tonight. “See you.” She resumed circulating until the end of the event, then joined the other girls to change into little black dresses for the after-party.
She wasn’t a fan of mingling and schmoozing, but if she could actually flirt with Kaine again, then it might not be so bad.

AUTHOR INFO:

Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and white hot themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been nominated at the LRC for Best Author, Best Contemporary, Best Ménage, Best BDSM and Best Anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com.
When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice. She’s an active member of the Friends of the Keystone-LaGrange Public library. Find out more about Megan and Wendi HERE.

WEBSITE  |  NEWSLETTER  |  BLOG  |  FACEBOOK  |  AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE  |  BOOKBUB AUTHOR PAGE  |  TWITTER |  INSTAGRAM  |  GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGE

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Book Cover Reveal for The Faceoff by Cali Melle……….

 A young woman burned by her relationship with a hockey player in the past has her desperately trying to ignore her growing feelings for the sexy new hockey star, Hayden, in this New Adult romance that steams up things on the ice and off.  Keep reading to get a tempting glimpse of The Faceoff by Cali Melle then start counting down this fourth installment in the Wyncote Wolves series hits bookshelves on November 11th too!

Eden

After experiencing a nasty break-up during my freshman year, there is one type of guy that I refuse to get involved with.
Anyone from the university’s hockey team.
Hayden King is arrogant, cocky, has a reputation for being a playboy and there isn’t a single thing about him that I like.
One drunken summer night turns into a bad decision with Hayden. One that I swear that I’ll never make again.
But once senior year starts, I can’t seem to get away from him. He’s everywhere I go, everywhere I turn. He’s under my skin and I find myself making mistake after mistake with him.
We better learn from our mistakes before our hearts get involved...
Hayden
Eden Finley is as cold as the ice that she skates on.
She’s the best figure skater at Wyncote University and I don’t know how I missed her when I first came here.
After one night with her over the summer, I can’t get her out of my head. She has a chip on her shoulder, a nasty attitude and she hates my guts. Which all only makes her more appealing.
I live for the chase, for the challenge.
And Eden Finley has no idea what she’s gotten herself into....

PRE-ORDER here.

AUTHOR INFO:

Cali Melle is a contemporary romance author who loves writing stories that will pull at your heartstrings. You can always expect her stories to come fully equipped with heartthrobs and a happy ending, along with some steamy scenes and some sports action. In her free time, Cali can usually be found spending time with her family or with her nose in a book.

As a hockey mom herself, Cali Melle will be bringing readers a brand new hockey series this fall that will definitely have you in your feels!

Book Blitz for Christmas in Santa Rosa by Melissa Chambers (GIVEAWAY)……

A second chance at romance fuels this tale that takes place at a beachside community of eclectic people where a memorable encounter has one men wanting to reclaim the one who got awhile while she's trying to guard her heart from his sensual onslaught.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Christmas in Santa Rosa by Melissa Chambers, then add this holiday-themed rom-com to your bookshelf!  In honor of this seventh installment in the Love Along Hwy 30A series make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $25 Amazon GC too!

Will one incredible night be enough?

Felicity Haley has been trying to extract Scott Stover from her mind for a year now. Both coming off of rejection, they found comfort in one another. But they were on vacation, each headed back to their separate lives afterward. Felicity is no one’s second choice, and she couldn’t be sure he treasured their night together as much as she did, so she ghosted him.
Now, she finds herself in the same beach town with him once again. But she can’t surrender to her desires. She must protect her heart from inevitably crumbling after the post-Christmas vacation bliss dies down and they go back to their daily lives. Felicity must protect her heart no matter how much the Christmas spirit tells her to collect this gift.
Scott hasn’t been able to shake the memory of the amazing night he had with Felicity. When his entire family rents a house in Santa Rosa for the month of December and he finds out Felicity is there as well, it feels like a Christmas miracle. His life is in Nashville while hers is permanently in Santa Rosa now. But even so, he’s got a second chance to win her heart, and he won’t let her slip out of his arms again.
Christmas in Santa Rosa is book seven in the Love Along Highway 30A series, which features beautiful beach communities, a circle of unique and amazing friends, and romances that will have you cheering on the couples and fanning yourself from the heat. All books are standalone and can be enjoyed in or out of order.

EXCERPT:

“When’s the last time a guy caught you, tied you down?”
She wiggled her shoulders. “Now we’re getting to the fun talk.”
“In a relationship.”
“Oh,” she said, letting her shoulders sag. “That’s no fun.”
“You do relationships, don’t you?”
She shrugged.
He narrowed his gaze, turning his head to the side. “Seriously? You don’t do relationships?”
“I have done them. They’re just no fun.”
“Maybe you haven’t found the right guy to be in one with.”
“That’s for damn sure or I wouldn’t be sitting here single.”
“I have a feeling there have been many guys who’ve tried to tie you down and failed.”
“A few have succeeded. I’ve got the video to prove it.”
He shook his head, furrowing his brow. “I don’t know that I’ve learned when to take you seriously or not.”
“Good. Because it’ll be boring once you figure me out.”
He widened his smile. “I can’t imagine any day with you would be boring.”
She leaned in. “Then let’s make sure we keep it interesting.”
He met her in the middle. “Invite me home with you tonight and I’ll show you just how interesting I can make you feel.”
Heat rocketed through her core, waking up her senses in a way they hadn’t been awakened since the last time she was with him. She slid off the bench. “You’re getting warmer.” She gave him a wink, and then walked off toward the ladies’ room, sensing his stare on her backside and soaring higher than she had in a long time.

FIND AT GOODREADS here.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  BN  |  iBOOKS  |  KOBO

AUTHOR INFO:

Melissa Chambers writes contemporary novels for young, new, and actual adults. A Nashville native, she spends her days working in the music industry and her nights tapping away at her keyboard. While she’s slightly obsessed with alt rock, she leaves the guitar playing to her husband and kid. She never misses a chance to play a tennis match, listen to an audiobook, or eat a bowl of ice cream. (Rocky road, please!) She has served as president for the Music City Romance Writers and is the author of the Love Along Hwy 30A series, the Before Forever series (YA), and Courting Carlyn (YA).

WEBSITE  |  FACEBOOK READER GROUP  |  TWITTER  |  INSTAGRAM  |  FACEBOOK AUTHOR PAGE  |  BOOKBUB  |  AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE  |  GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGE

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Book Release Blast for Sideline Infraction by Emily Silver (REVIEW)…….

 Complications arise for a star quarterback trying to keep hidden in the closet once he meets a man who tempts him on every level in this angsty m/m romance set in the world of football with all its personal and professional stressors.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Sideline Infraction by Emily Silver, along with getting my impressions of this third installment in the Denver Mountain Lions series, then add it to your bookshelf too!

What happens when I find the right guy at exactly the wrong time?I’m Alex Young. Star quarterback for the Denver Mountain Lions. Captain of the team. Son. Brother. Teammate.

And I’m gay.
No one can know. My secret could destroy everything. I lock myself up in the closet and throw away the key. It’s better this way. I can focus on football and being the best quarterback I can be.
Until him.
With that first look, I’m a goner. I’ve never met anyone like him. With each passing day, he’s breaking down my walls that I’ve worked so hard to build.
But what if someone finds out? What if I’m outed to the world and cut from the team I love?

I can’t risk it.
But when Carter kisses me like that?
I can’t resist.
I am in so much trouble.

FIND AT GOODREADS here.

BUY here.

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

From the moment I started reading this book I knew it was going to be a touchdown! From its charming yet complicated m/m romance, to the internal and external pressures weighing on this pair, theirs was a journey that kept me glued to the pages.  From romance to friendship this couple captivated me, kept me thoroughly entertained and rooting for the two of them to get on the same page.

Alex Young is the young hotshot quarterback for the Denver Mountain Lions, determined to bring home the championship this year...if he can just keep his eyes on the prize. And as this story starts it's high school math teacher Carter Brooks who's the prize in this tale of insta-love.  From the moment Alex and Carter meet things turn combustible! These two are a match Made in Heaven...if Alex can just get out of his own way.  It's clear that he has strong feelings for Carter early on, but worries about how others will view him and feels as if he has much to live up to.  Despite the sweet times embedded within their relationship, along with some sensual encounters, theirs is an angsty journey when Alex must make a big decision regarding his future.  The reasoning behind it was reasonable and it hurt my heart just as much as it hurt Alex's heart.  The road to HEA for these two often put a smile on my face, gave me all sorts of warm fuzzies early on, before breaking my heart later on.

On a whole this was a romance full of heart and soul, a romance between a math nerd and a star quarterback, that utterly captivated me.  Carter's a strong-willed man, comfortable in his skin, who embraces his life completely.  Alex isn't quite there yet when the story starts though, instead hiding from the truth and keeping what he and Carter have a secret, in a connection that kept me rooting for them both.  The interactions between Alex and his teammates, along with Alex and his coach, warmed my heart in the strength, love, and support expressed between the characters.  From the first page to the last this was a story that played with my emotions, building them up before leaving me with a few tears.  It's an intensely emotional tale that fully immerses me in a love that was meant to be...and another entertaining installment in a very well-crafted series!

My rating for this is an A.

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

AUTHOR INFO:

Hello! After winning a Young Author’s Award in second grade, Emily Silver was destined to be a writer. She loves writing strong heroines and the swoony men who fall for them.

A lover of all things romance, Emily started writing books set in her favorite places around the world. As an avid traveler, she’s been to all seven continents and sailed around the globe. Some of her favorite places are Antarctica (Emily's first book is a love letter to Antarctica!), New Zealand, London and South Africa!

When she’s not writing, Emily can be found sipping cocktails on her porch, reading all the romance she can get her hands on and planning her next big adventure!

Book Release Blast for Aiden by Samantha Lind (REVIEW)…..

 A determined hockey player finds the only woman in town unimpressed by his playing hockey in this sports-fueled tale where he'll do anything to win her over...even become her friend.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Aiden by Samantha Lind, along with getting my impressions of it, which will have you wanting to add this second installment in the San Francisco Shockwaves series to your bookshelf!

It took just one look and I knew she was meant to be mine.

Her body language told me she was onboard, but my job had her slamming on the brakes. She was convinced professional athletes had a puck bunny in every city, but that was far from the truth.

I agreed to be her friend for now......but how do I make her see we'd be better as lovers than just friends?

BUY here.

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

After reading the first book in this hockey-fueled series I was eager to see what Ms. Lind had planned next for us...and what she planned for us was a charming tale of opposites attracting with friends becoming lovers.  Told against the backdrop of hockey, and the heroine's career, readers will find this an entertaining journey with conflict coming from within and easily investing us in the future of the main couple.  It’s a story that’s been done before, but it was done well here and it kept me satisfied from the first page to the last.

Aiden Fox is a star of the San Francisco Shockwaves hockey team and from the minute he meets Tori he's smitten with her in a connection that crackled.  Aiden's a drool-worthy hero, a commanding and confident man, a man used to getting what he wants.  Tori leads him on a merry chase from their very first meeting though as she's a woman full of self-doubts.  She's comfortable with the two of them being friends however and from their first date they engaged in a journey teeming with sexual tension.  It's a journey low on angst yet high on steaminess, a journey with witty banter and scorching talk...especially courtesy of Aiden.  It's an entertaining journey that has me invested in their future as a couple, weighing his hockey career with her new job offer on the road, all while navigating their burgeoning romance.

On a whole this was a satisfying story courtesy of its likable couple and their endearing burgeoning romance.  The connection between Aiden and Tori is instant and becomes a slow-burn as Tori's been burned before and is hesitant to open her heart again.  Their exchanges as friends are funny and heartwarming with the transition to something more becoming combustible.  Alongside the romantic journey of this main couple are the interactions amongst the teammates.  It was enjoyable to see the brotherly and playful banter between Aiden and Ryker (from the previous book) as well as Aiden and other teammates like Tristan, Damian, and Jason (players who have me excited for future books in this series.  The balance between hockey and romance was ultimately spot-on and added to the overall enjoyment of this book!

My rating for this is a B+

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

AUTHOR INFO:

SAMANTHA LIND is a contemporary romance author. Having spent the first 27 years of her life in Alaska, she now calls Iowa home where she lives with her husband and two sons. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, watching hockey (Go Knights Go!), and listening to country music.  You can reach Ms. Lind via EMAIL and FACEBOOK.