Words of Wisdom....from The Scarf Princess: 2024

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Book Release Blitz for No Cap by Lani Lynn Vale (REVIEW)……

Ms. Vale is back with another family that readers will be clamoring for after glimpses given throughout the author's previous series. Keep reading to get a tempting taste of No Cap by Lani Lynn Vale, along with my impressions of it, then add this first installment in the Carter Brothers series to your bookshelf!

You know when you see that big red flag, and you think to yourself, I should probably not go anywhere near there?

Yeah, Quincy Carter ignored that big red flag. He walked right up to that red flag, waving blatantly in the wind, and kissed the holy hell out of her.
Sure, he probably should’ve arrested her for breaking a restraining order.
He probably also should’ve stopped her from continuing to break that restraining order.
Yet...he can’t.
By the time he realizes he’s in deep, Quincy has no other options but to ride the wave of continuous disaster that is Hollis Aue.
***
Hollis Aue is on the road to revenge.
After a famous comedian rips her best friend in the middle of his biggest show ever and elevated her disabilities to the butt of his joke, her best friend spirals.
After finding out from a kindhearted detective that her best friend took her own life, Hollis makes it her new mission to make that comedian’s life a living hell.
The only problem with that is Detective Quincy Carter with the Dallas Police Department insinuates himself into her life, making it impossible for her to achieve her goals.
Try as she might, she can’t shake him, and soon, the lines between hate and love start to blur.

FIND AT GOODREADS here.

FIND AT BOOKBUB here.

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

At the conclusion of Ms. Vale's previous series it was clear that readers weren't done with the new family introduced towards the end. The Carter brothers take center stage here with a likable tale of opposites attracting as the good guy cop finds himself drawn to the wild child heroine with a painful past. With a heartbreaking start readers will quickly get swept up in a romance with the perfect balance of fun and flirty banter along with steamy encounters. Add in bits of suspense and mystery and you end up with a solid series starter!

Quincy Carter is a drool-worthy hero, a dedicated and hardworking detective with a heart of gold. He knows that he and Hollis shouldn't work, but he just doesn't care and wants her despite her criminal behavior. He's a good support to Hollis and gets her when no one else does in a romance that made me smile and blush a time or two. Hollis Aue has had a lifetime of pain, been on her own with virtually no one in her corner...until one person became her unlikely friend. When the cruelty of another leads to a gut-wrenching choice though, Hollis is left reeling and out for revenge. Through every vengeful encounter, Hollis finds herself staring Quincy down...and more than ready to do more with him in a sizzling connection that weathered all the ups and downs. Hollis is a blunt person who tells it like it is, a tough girl exterior with a hidden soft side that Quincy brings out. I very much liked her and could easily understand why she wanted revenge. She's a loyal person with few people who care about her, so I could relate to and appreciate that fierce loyalty. These two may seem like opposites but they fit beautifully together.

On a whole this was an entertaining series starter with a strong main couple who brought out the best in each other. Their romance was both sizzling with moments of sweetness sprinkled in along with banter that amplified the sexual tension. The only speed bump in my journey of enjoyment was the rather rushed ending. It was a bit jarring, but until that moment there's much to like about this book and I'm looking forward to meeting the rest of the family!

My rating for this is a B+

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

AUTHOR INFO:

Lani Lynn Vale is an American author of humorous romantic suspense novels. Born in the Great State of Texas, she has lived the majority of her adult life in East Texas where most of her novels are based. She’s married to her high school sweetheart whom her readers refer to as “LLV’s Bearded Half.” She published her first novel, Boomtown, in the summer of 2013 after the birth of her third child. She’s gone on to publish over 100 novels, with most of them going on to become USA Today Bestsellers.

Monday, May 6, 2024

Book Release Blitz for The Truth About Us by Claudia Burgoa (REVIEW)……

A young man unlucky in love finds himself right in the middle of it in this emotional and bittersweet tale of second (and third and forth) chances that's told in two parts. Book one was already published last month with the concluding book in the duet releasing today. Keep reading to get my impressions of The Truth About Us by Claudia Burgoa, the second installment in the Impossibly Possible Duet, then be sure to add it to your bookshelf!

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Claudia Burgoa brings the conclusion of the Impossible Possible duet with The Truth About Us.

Every night, I find myself caught between dreams and wakefulness. Yearning for a past that slips through my fingers.
Each night, whisper prayers into the darkness.
Longing for just one kiss, one more touch...
Longing for her.
Maybe forever is a lie.
The truth is that tragedy will always break your heart.
But maybe, this time, I can build something greater out of tragedy.
Maybe...just maybe love isn’t as lost as I once thought.
And maybe forever might still happen to me.
***The final book in the Impossible Possible duet examines grief, loss, and ultimate love put to the test.

BUY LINKS: AMAZON | iBOOKS | KOBO | BN | GOOGLE PLAY

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

Ten years (in the Decker Family world) have passed since Ms. Burgoa broke reader's hearts with a cliffhanger that left us battered and bruised. This book drops readers right back in the middle of their drama by bringing Gabe and Ame together to help care for her young niece and nephew. While they unite to be a family for two youngsters dealing with their recently disabled (and addicted) mother, they also start working through the pain of their own pasts in order to finally reach their long-destined HEA.

It's a raw and gritty journey for Gabe and Ame as he reveals all that happened leading into the cliffhanger and all the other events that befell him and drove him from her. The reason for their reunion is believable and seamlessly fuels everything that follows. From hard truths being revealed, to second chances being given, there were plenty of scenes that made my heart bleed. There were also blissful moments of delight as seen through the text streams between this couple, streams that warmed my heart while making me blush. Throughout their second chance Gabe worked hard to prove himself to Ame, went above and beyond to care for those she loves, while slowly releasing the chains around his heart to fully embrace the HEA within his reach. As for Ame, she's accomplished much since their separation, but along with that her heart's become more and more jaded with a wall surrounding it that's gotten higher and higher. It added even more heartache to the journey to forgiveness Gabe was undertaking along with frustrating me as she had him twisting in knots in a dance of push and pull.

Along with a memorable main couple there was an equally appealing cast of secondary characters. From the various members of the Decker Family with their humorous banter and supportive actions, to the rebuilding of a love meant to be, this was a tale full of emotions that kept me glued to the pages. Ms. Burgoa had me cursing her name at the end of the previous book and I knew it would take a lot of work to lead readers to a satisfying conclusion. But lead us there she did, in a journey of ups and downs with Ms. Burgoa playing our emotions like a maestro! Each turn of the page had me rooting for this pair more and more, investing me fully in their hard-fought journey to HEA, and I recommend it wholeheartedly to those wanting a tale 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.

***BUY LINKS FOR BOOK ONE, THE LIES ABOUT FOREVER: AMAZON | iBOOKS | KOBO | BN | GOOGLE PLAY***

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 | NEWSLETTER | CONTACT

Saturday, May 4, 2024

Book Teaser Reveal for The Trouble With Bad Boys Anthology……

Readers have reason to rejoice as there's some drool-worthy bad boys coming to bookshelves soon! Keep reading to get a tempting taste of this collection of deliciously bad boys from some of today's favorite authors, then start counting down the days until The Trouble With Bad Boys releases on June 4th!

The trouble with bad boys...They're not the forever type, but the chemistry is too intense to ignore. Their touch sets you on fire. Their kiss makes you crave more. They'll draw you in with their sophisticated charm, break the rules...and your heart. Everything about them is wrong, yet you can’t stay away.

Because sometimes…bad is better.

Don't miss these rugged rebels and the strong women who tame their wild hearts.

***100% of proceeds from this set will benefit Our Rescue to support victims of human trafficking.***

PRE-ORDER here.

Monday, April 29, 2024

Book Release Blitz for The Lies About Forever by Claudia Burgoa (REVIEW)……

A young man unlucky in love finds himself repeatedly in the middle of it in this emotional and bittersweet tale of second (and third and forth) chances that's told in two parts. Book one in the series is releasing today with the second book in the duet releasing on May 6th. Keep reading to get a tempting taste of The Lies About Forever by Claudia Burgoa, along with my impressions of it, then add this first installment in the Impossibly Possible Duet to your bookshelf!

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Claudia Burgoa once again hits readers with an inspiring and gut-wrenching love story duet.

Lightning can strike the same place more than once.
The first time, it robbed me of my high school sweetheart.
Shattering our forever.
I was just sixteen.
Too young to understand the medical jargon that meant she was gone.
Too naïve to see that forever was nothing but a fairytale.
Now, years later, I meet Ameline.
I tried not to fall in love, but it was impossible.
She gathered all my broken pieces and put me back together.
I knew the only way to keep myself intact was never to love again. But I fell for the illusion of forever once more.
At least until I lost her.
Now I'm left questioning everything.
What does forever mean when it's built on a foundation of pain and loss?
How do you move on when lightning keeps targeting your heart?
Why bother believing in forever when tomorrow isn’t guaranteed?

BUY LINKS: AMAZON | iBOOKS | KOBO | BN | GOOGLE PLAY

PRE-ORDER LINKS FOR BOOK 2, THE TRUTH ABOUT US: AMAZON | iBOOKS | KOBO | BN | GOOGLE PLAY

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

When it comes to emotional rollercoaster rides, Ms. Burgoa has carved a definitive niche when it comes to romance reads requiring tissues. Her latest release, the first half of a duet, laid the emotional foundation to a second chance romance that builds slowly over time alongside roadblocks getting in the way. Knowing this book ends on a cliffhanger added an extra layer of foreboding that kept me constantly on edge and left me shaking with anticipation for the concluding book releasing very soon.

Ameline Lewis is the kind of heroine you're drawn to, the kind you want to protect as her younger years were emotionally messy due to her father's many remarriages...oftentimes to toxic women her own age. It led to lots of loneliness and self-doubts, as well as forming a basis of unconditional support from her brother's roommate. Over time, one sweet and tender moment at a time, these two emotionally bruised individuals start evolving from friends to lovers. It's a journey just gaining traction here before reaching the gut-punch cliffhanger ending this installment.

Gabe Decker is someone readers have gotten glimpses of when visiting the Decker family throughout previous books. I never felt a deep connection to him previously, but I found him incredibly endearing in this book. His early loss was heartbreaking and it wasn't an easy recovery for him to be willing to put his heart on the line again. His interactions with Ameline were sweet and supportive, moments both big and small acts, early on and were just what she needed to reach for her own dreams. I also enjoyed their texting moments with banter that put a smile on my face and pulled me in even more to their powerful connection.

From start to finish this book pulled at my heartstrings and had me keeping tissues close by as I waited for the painful cliffhanger. Leading up to that gut-punch, I adored the friends to something more connection between two immensely appealing characters. The Decker Family was a delightful support for one another with witty banter and heartfelt emotions. Ms. Burgoa once again wove an emotionally engaging tale of love, loss, and recovery. It's a raw journey readers are on though as seen by the painful cliffhanger now occupying thoughts until the conclusion releases next month.

My rating for this 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 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 | NEWSLETTER | CONTACT

Friday, April 19, 2024

Book Teaser Reveal for The Trouble With Bad Boys Anthology……

Readers have reason to rejoice as there's some drool-worthy bad boys on their way! Keep reading to get a tempting taste of this collection of deliciously bad boys from some of today's favorite authors, then start counting down the days until this anthology hits shelves on June 4th!

Because sometimes…bad is better.

Don't miss these rugged rebels and the strong women who tame their wild hearts.

***100% of proceeds from this set will benefit Our Rescue to support victims of human trafficking.***

PRE-ORDER here.

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Book Release Blast for Raven by D.M. Earl (REVIEW)….

Emotions run high in this fast-paced, suspenseful, and steamy tale of second chances set in Ms. Earl's gritty MC world. Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Raven by D.M. Earl, along with getting my impressions of it, then be sure to add this sixth installment in the Devil's Handmaidens MC: Timber Ghost, Montana Chapter series to your bookshelf!

A second chance may hurt worse the next time around...Funny and vibrant Brenna "Raven" O'Brien has experienced her fair share of pain and loneliness. She's always used humor to hide her true feelings of rejection and loss. Always the jokester, Brenna brings joy to those around her. Being needed in IT for the Devil's Handmaidens gives her purpose and a sense of belonging. After being betrayed by the only man she's ever loved, Raven guards her heart from pain at all cost.

But when she comes face to face with the man who destroyed her, everything changes...
Ash Sterling has loved Raven his entire life. He'd do anything to repair the broken shards of her heart. But Raven's pain runs deep, and her pride won't be crushed again. However, when her sister comes back into her life, and the Handmaiden's realize more danger and darkness loom, Raven knows that Ash is the one man who can help her seek the justice her family needs. When boundaries blur and passion ignites, will the pain of the past subside for both of them to find a future together?

EXCERPT:

“Brenna, my life’s been shit since we broke up. The only thing I have is the ranch and even that is a pain in my ass most days. I did build a house, one I thought you’d like. Besides that, I live, breathe, and almost die for that ranch. I’ve not been a saint since we broke up, I’ll be honest, but I’ve never had another girlfriend or fiancée. Best I could call it was hookups when I needed, you know, some relief.”
I can feel my face getting hot and she’s looking at me, trying not to laugh at my discomfort.
“Go ahead and laugh. Not only was it far and few between, I’d drive into the city so it wasn’t someone from around here. Mom has been on me to try and find a bride to help me, but there’s only one woman I want as my bride. No, I won’t put any pressure on you, Brenna. I’m just trying to be honest and upfront. Now, I know you’ve had a really long day, I’ll get outta your hair. Maybe we can grab a bite to eat sometime. Your call. I’ll leave the ball in your court.”

BUY AT AMAZON here.

BUY THE FIRST BOOK IN THIS SERIES, TINK, here.

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

When it comes to the MC world, D.M. Earl has proven herself to be a master in the genre. The Devil's Handmaidens MC series continues to exhilarate readers, presenting tough as nails heroines not afraid to show their softer sides to those men worthy of them. With this latest release, readers are pulled into the suspense and danger of a villainous gang trying to take over a town while continuing to destroy the club standing in their way. Amidst this pulse pounding backdrop is a second chance romance between a woman who for years has been hiding the pain caused by a man hoping for redemption. He's a man teeming with family secrets, who left her behind on the verge of them startling a life together, who's hoping to prove herself worthy of the woman he let get away. With a town and a family caught in the crossfire, readers will find themselves on the edge of their seats while holding on for dear life.

Brenna ‘Raven’ O’Brien came to the Devil's Handmaidens at the lowest point in her life, heartbroken and alone, and found a new family. For years she's hidden that pain away behind humor and laughter, supporting her MC sisters while they find love, as they strive to save other women from physical and emotional pain. As the war with the vile Thunder Cloud Knuckle Brotherhood continues, as the battle lands in their backyard, she finds herself colliding with her past as he tries to prove himself worthy of her this time around. Years ago Ash Sterling had found his reason for living, until on the eve of his HEA, family secrets forced him to leave her behind. He's ready to reclaim her though, if only he can navigate the dangers from his father's legacy and the threats made by the Brotherhood.

This is a raw and gritty tale, one that touches on some uncomfortable topics. The danger from the Brotherhood feels very real, with serious consequences that left lives hanging in the balance. Along with heart pounding action was an equally emotional and tender romance between a couple trying to find happiness the second time around. Their scenes are at times intimate while being balanced with moments of them showing fortitude in the eye of danger. Along with this formidable couple, a pair deserving of their HEA, were the colorful and eclectic couples who've inhabited the series thus far. The costs became much higher with this installment and those who showed up proved their worth in another immensely satisfying story!

My rating for this is an A.

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

AUTHOR INFO:

USA Today Bestselling author, D. M. Earl creates authentic and genuine characters while spinning stories that feel so real and relatable that the readers plunge deep within the plot, begging for more. Complete with drama, angst, romance, and passion, the stories jump off the page.

When Earl, an avid reader since childhood, isn't at her keyboard pouring her heart into her work, you'll find her in Northwest Indiana snuggling up to her husband, the love of her life, with her seven fur babies nearby. Her other passions include gardening and shockingly cruising around town on the back of her 2004 Harley. She's a woman of many talents and interests.

Earl appreciates each and every reader who has ever given her a chance--and hopes to connect on social media with all of her readers.

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Book Release Blitz for Hott Take by Serena Bell (GIVEAWAY)…..

A fake wedding meant to help out two people becomes complicated when feelings enter the picture in this small town contemporary romance. Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Hott Take by Serena Bell, then add this charming and sizzling romance to your bookshelf. In honor of this second installment in the Hott Springs Eternal series make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $25 Amazon GC too!

The hard part isn’t acting like we’re falling for each other. It’s pretending we’re not.

Shane: My grandfather’s will has me between a rock and a Hott place. If I don’t score a celebrity wedding, my sister will lose her wedding planning business—and our family’s land. As a playboy movie star, I know Hollywood’s ins and outs. But finding two celebrities in love is tougher than it looks.

Enter Ivy Scofield—the beautiful star of one of TV’s most beloved failures. She’s hiding from her past in Rush Creek, running a community theater for troubled kids. She needs my family’s wedding barn to save her program. So we make a deal: I give her the barn—she gives me her hand in fake marriage. Lights, camera, action—and cut—right?

Not so fast. Planning our fake wedding is way more personal than I was expecting. I’m learning Ivy’s quirks, preferences, and pet peeves—and that’s before I walk in on her enjoying my most infamous on-camera scene. Plus she’s slowly peeling back my layers—the ones I’ve built up to protect myself. If someone doesn’t do something soon, we might discover that the only thing fake about this wedding is the way we keep pushing each other away.

EXCERPT:

You know how sometimes you torture yourself even though you know it’s a terrible idea?
The house is empty. The security guard who Tuck found for me is gone now that the initial buzz about the wedding has died down a bit and Shane’s assistant and publicist have taken control of the messaging. My security detail will rejoin me closer to the wedding and be at my side through all the pre-wedding festivities, but for now, it’s just me.
I saunter into the living room like it’s nothing. Like I’m not about to do what I’m about to do. This makes zero sense because there’s nobody to pretend for, but...
Well, all the world’s a stage, and I’m my own best audience.
I turn on my TV setup. I flip through my choices—I could rewatch Crash Landing on You (one of my comfort binges) or I could start Queen Charlotte...
Still pretending I’m not doing this.
Or I could watch the second Crown of Spires movie. Dark Skies. The one with the infamous spire sex scene. It’s a terrible idea. What good could possibly come of it?
I hover my finger over the remote button.
You know how this ends.
I cue it up.
And wow.
All things being equal, I probably wouldn’t be the biggest fan of the Crown of Spires series. I don’t usually love fantasy. But this is a terrific story. The redemption arc for Lord Extyllior is killer...and Shane is playing it to the hilt. Wounded hero with a brutal past, trying his best to be a good person for the woman he loves. And it’s obvious he loves her with every cell of his very, very hard body (and generous soul).
Lord Extyllior’s one of those men who holds himself back, denies himself what he wants...and then falls really fucking hard.
And like a lot of women, I’m a sucker for that kind of man.
By the time their enemies track them down, by the time Lord Extyllior, exhausted near to death from his flight with the woman he won’t admit he loves, is forced to stop and find a safe spot to spend the night, I’m all in. Like, holding my breath, biting my lip, wringing my hands, sweating bullets all in.
He flies the two of them to the top of the world, to the highest spire in the kingdom. Because that’s the only place he knows they’re safe, and he will stop at nothing to protect her—even though he won’t tell her how he feels about her. (To protect her! Sigh!)
His plan is to lash them both to the spire, back to back, so they can get some sleep, regroup, marshal his forces, and fight.
But seeing her like that—bound to the spire, the leather straps he’s torn off his own clothes biting into the softness of her skin—snaps the last thread of his self-control. So when she says “Mav—”
It’s the first time she’s used his first name, Mavryx.
There’s pleading in her voice.
He can’t resist her, even though he knows he should. She’s so good, and he’s so bad for her.
It’s because he’s such a bad man that he kisses her.
And then—
It’s all over. All the self-denial, all the waiting, all the pushing her away. He’s kissing her and kissing her, and I have to
admit, it’s one of the hottest on-screen kisses I’ve ever seen. Like, on fire hot—or maybe that’s me, peeling back the blanket I threw over myself and fanning my face as his hands roam her body, wrapping over the leather strap at her wrists.
I’m expecting a fade to black, but I should have known better. This is the famous spire sex scene after all, not the famous spire kiss scene.
Think Bridgerton but hundreds, thousands of feet in the air. Skirts shoved out of the way. Breeches unlaced. Mavryx’s back is aglow with effort, bunching and releasing, and that’s before the camera gives us his gloriously naked ass, demonstrating to the tepid thrusters of this world how it’s done. Every last muscle in his body is taut with effort, his hands gripping the spire over their heads, his wings spread, shoulder muscles carved from stone.
Holy. Shit.
And at the same time...
I hate the camera right now.
Because as much as I love all the tanned, ripped man on-screen, I’m not seeing what I most want to see. I want the camera
on Shane’s face. I want to see his eyelids heavy with pleasure, his pupils blown, his lips swollen, mouth open—
“Oh, Christ, I’m sorry—”
Mavryx is on-screen and also in my living room, hands up in the universal symbol of I’m not going to hurt you. Not Mavryx. Shane. Shane is in my living room, and it’s like coming down from a thousand feet up. Rushing back into my body from a hundred yards away. It’s like a collision with the Mack Truck of reality.
He takes a step back, looking like he, too, has been hit with a truck. “Ive, I am so sorry— I could hear that you were watching something, and I rang and knocked and texted you, but you didn’t hear it—”
He’s backing away.
Because I’m sprawled back on the couch, hand tucked between my squeezed-together thighs.
My face flames. I rip my hand away from the soft, hot place between my legs and grab for the remote. But I’m too late. “Is that...?” Shane has caught sight of the TV. His eyebrows go way up at the sight of himself in his full-on, reverse-side
glory.

FIND AT GOODREADS here.

BUY LINKS: AMAZON | BN | iBOOKS | KOBO

AUTHOR INFO:

USA Today bestselling author Serena Bell writes contemporary romance with heat, heart, and humor. A former journalist, Serena has always believed that everyone has an amazing story to tell if you listen carefully, and you can often find her scribbling in her tiny garret office, mainlining chocolate and bringing to life the tales in her head.
Serena’s books have earned many honors, including an RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, Apple Books Best Book of the Month, and Amazon Best Book of the Year for Romance.
When not writing, Serena loves to spend time with her college-sweetheart husband and two hilarious kiddos—all of whom are incredibly tolerant not just of Serena’s imaginary friends but also of how often she changes her hobbies and how passionately she embraces the new ones. These days, it’s stand-up paddle boarding, board-gaming, meditation, and long walks with good friends.

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