Book Release Blast for Off The Deep End by Emily Silver (REVIEW)…….

 The Winter Olympics may be over for this year but fans of stories set in the sports world will get one more chance to experience the exhilaration and emotions courtesy of this contemporary romance of opposites finding a connection behind the facades we all wear.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Off The Deep End by Emily Silver, along with getting my impressions of this m/m romance, then be sure to add it to your bookshelf!

Sending the reporter that knows nothing about sports to cover the Olympic star? Disaster waiting to happen.My entire life, I’ve had one dream. To be the best reporter I can be and tell stories that matter. When the opportunity to shadow an Olympian lands in my lap, I’m determined to rise to the occasion. But nothing can prepare me for Wes Cooper in all his glory.

Wes is the cocky athlete who has no interest in having a green reporter standing in his way. Or asking too many questions. Which is fine. I’m here to do my job, not be his friend.
But when he extends an olive branch, I start to rethink things.
There’s clearly more to him than meets the eye. The more time I spend with him, the more I want to know. Professionally, of course.
Except when he looks at me like that, I feel all kinds of unprofessional things.
I’m a goner.

BUY AT AMAZON here.

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

As a fan of the Olympics, of witnessing the inspirational stories amidst the sacrifices made, I was drawn to this story the moment it came to life on my tablet.  I fell for its main couple, was captivated by its sweet and sensual romance, and appreciated the realistic emotional journey its injured athlete undertook to regain his standing in the diving world.  Not only do readers get an in-depth look at the physical and emotional toll being a top athlete causes, but there's the optimism of the young alongside the harsh realities of adulthood on display.  From the first page to the last it's a story that pulls you in and doesn't let go.

Finn Anderson's a recent graduate of journalism school and more than ready to set the world on fire with his words...but so far all he's been assigned to cover are local, puff pieces.  Being assigned to follow Olympic diver Wes's comeback is therefore both the opportunity of a lifetime for him and hugely intimidating.  Not knowing anything about diving or anything beyond what the press has said about Wes Cooper previously has Finn expecting the worst, but their initial meeting is sizzling with an instant attraction that's more than obvious and just grows from that moment on.  Finn's an immensely likable character with his infectious excitement in getting out in the world to experience all there is along with his strong support of Wes through his very difficult recovery.  While supporting Wes, Finn has his own issues to work through related to making a living as a reporter balanced with being part of the elite sports world Wes lives in as their romance grows.  Finn's feelings and reactions were spot-on and I found him to be lovable and exactly what Wes needed at this point in his life.

Wes Cooper has always been dedicated to the world of diving, always knew he was a winner as he entered the water.  But his injury has affected him more than just physically, it's left him doubting himself.  If he can't dive, who is he and what else could he do in life?  These fears weigh on him throughout the story and take on new meaning as many of today's athletes are of the same mindset.  Wes is an immensely appealing character whose insecurities endeared him to me and had me wanting to hug him.  Even though he's got his own issues to deal with he's clearly a strong support to Finn, reassuring him and loving him every step of the way.

On a whole this is a well-crafted m/m romance full of sweet words and deeds, sizzling encounters, and realistic issues making headlines today.  The characters were delightful, the romance full of heart and soul, and upon reaching the final page I wanted to start reading it all over again.  Ms. Silver is a new-to-me author but this is a story that I wholeheartedly recommend that you dive into today!

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!  Connect with Emily HERE.

Book Release Blast for King of the Court by R.S. Grey.....

 Just in time for this year's Olympics comes this standalone rom-com set in a small town that has two very different people showing an attraction to each other, but with a heroine fighting that attraction every step of the way.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of King of the Court by R.S. Grey, then add it to your bookshelf!

We don’t get a lot of NBA superstars coming through little ol’ Pine Hill, Texas. That’s why everyone is all in a tizzy over the fact that the USA men’s Olympic basketball team will be training here of all places before this year’s Summer Games. With little else to talk about, rumors about the players have been spreading like wildfire, and there’s one man in the middle of it all holding a match.Ben Castillo.

NBA champion.
Olympic gold medalist.
Widely hailed ‘King of the Court’.
The morning he walks into my dingy diner, I have enough sense to keep my head down and go right on wiping tables, pouring coffee, and serving up short stacks. A man who looks like that—superstar or not—has only ever meant trouble, and more trouble is the last thing I need, what with taking care of Nan and scraping by on tips from truckers.
If anything, he seems drawn to my indifference. His steely gaze pierces me behind the counter. My knees nearly buckle under the weight of his attention. But while Mr. Pretty Boy is probably used to snagging city girls with a smile, this gal is country strong.
I won’t be some clichéd convenience for him on his way through town.
So look over your choices carefully, Benny-boy. We serve up sides of hash browns here, not heartbreak.

BUY AT AMAZON here.

AUTHOR INFO:

R.S. Grey is the USA Today bestselling author of over twenty novels. She lives in Texas with her husband and daughter, and can be found reading, binge-watching reality TV, or practicing yoga!

WEBSITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  FACEBOOK READER GROUP  |  NEWSLETTER |  INSTAGRAM

Book Cover Reveal for King of the Court by R.S. Grey.....

 Just in time for this year's Olympics comes this standalone rom-com set in a small town that has two very different people showing an attraction to each other, but with a heroine fighting that attraction every step of the way.  Keep reading to get a tempting glimpse of King of the Court by R.S. Grey, then start counting down the days until this book hits bookshelves on August 12th!

We don’t get a lot of NBA superstars coming through little ol’ Pine Hill, Texas. That’s why everyone is all in a tizzy over the fact that the USA men’s Olympic basketball team will be training here of all places before this year’s Summer Games. With little else to talk about, rumors about the players have been spreading like wildfire, and there’s one man in the middle of it all holding a match.

Ben Castillo.
NBA champion.
Olympic gold medalist.
Widely hailed ‘King of the Court’.
The morning he walks into my dingy diner, I have enough sense to keep my head down and go right on wiping tables, pouring coffee, and serving up short stacks. A man who looks like that—superstar or not—has only ever meant trouble, and more trouble is the last thing I need, what with taking care of Nan and scraping by on tips from truckers.
If anything, he seems drawn to my indifference. His steely gaze pierces me behind the counter. My knees nearly buckle under the weight of his attention. But while Mr. Pretty Boy is probably used to snagging city girls with a smile, this gal is country strong.
I won’t be some clichéd convenience for him on his way through town.
So look over your choices carefully, Benny-boy. We serve up sides of hash browns here, not heartbreak.

AUTHOR INFO:

R.S. Grey is the USA Today bestselling author of over twenty novels. She lives in Texas with her husband and daughter, and can be found reading, binge-watching reality TV, or practicing yoga!

WEBSITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  FACEBOOK READER GROUP  |  NEWSLETTER  |  INSTAGRAM

Book Tour for The Ice in Our Hearts by BC Powell (Review & GIVEAWAY).....

The Winter Olympics take center stage in this tale of opposites attracting as two young people struggling with issues of their own discover a connection that will change their lives irrevocably as they compete to be the best.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of The Ice in Our Hearts by BC Powell, along with getting my impressions of it, then discover even more about this book by visiting the other sites hosting this tour.  In honor of this standalone YA romance make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $50 Amazon GC too!

Bryce is a snowboarding sensation, a cocky teenager from California with a giant chip on his shoulder called Type 1 diabetes. He competes because he has something to prove.

Daria is a rising star in figure skating, a withdrawn teen from Russia with a tragic past. She competes to provide her family with a better life.

Primed to overthrow archrivals who dominate their sports, they’re both headed to the Winter Olympics. But soon after arriving at the Games, a flurry of ill-timed setbacks threatens to shatter their dreams.

When two teens from halfway around the world meet, they discover an unlikely but undeniable connection. As they gear up for their final shots at medals, they help each other realize the greatest barrier to the top of the podium might be hiding inside their minds.

Take a breathtaking ride with Bryce and Daria as they find true understanding, try to overcome the bitterness of their pasts, and share a romance more meaningful than winning gold.

FIND AT GOODREADS here.

BUY AT AMAZON here.

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

The glitz, glamour, and surprises of the Winter Olympics were on vivid display in this YA romance that brings together two teens from opposite sides of the world as they strive to be the best in their field while dealing with their own personal issues.  The two find an unexpected connection that gives them support when they need it most while opening up their hearts to a future they never thought possible in a story that pulled at my heartstrings.

From the moment readers start this book they'll find themselves quickly immersed in the competitive sports worlds of snowboarding (courtesy of 17 year old Bryce) and ice skating (courtesy of 16 year old Daria) through vividly depicted scenes that were an encyclopedia of knowledge that put me in the middle of the action.  Incredible moves, poetic poses, and indisputable athleticism wrapped me up in all the thrills and chills of these sports and I applaud the author for making me feel like a part of the action.  While I appreciate learning all there is to know about these sports there were times where it did feel a bit overwhelming and it was a distraction from the sweet and supportive relationship brewing between these two teens.  While I'm not normally a fan of YA stories, I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed Bryce and Daria.  They were young in years, but in words and deeds they were wise beyond those years as much of their lives were spent practicing and competing which leaves little time for fun.  These two understand the sacrifices and the daily pain, both physically and mentally, that sports take on them and it's what binds them together early on.  Making circumstances for them even more difficult is their having to deal with medical issues, issues that have them feeling alone and a bit resentful too.  For California boy Bryce, who has Type 1 diabetes, it's a daily regimen of tests and eating healthy while coping with the stresses of practice in an ongoing loop that has him wishing he could be like other teen boys. Russian ice skater Daria is carrying the hopes of her family on her shoulders while dealing with the loss of a loved one.  She too has a medical condition she's dealing with, hyperhidrosis, that causes profuse sweating that's both embarrassing and causing open sores on her feet.  These are heavy issues these two teens are having to deal with and I was glad they could lean on each other.  Together they found unconditional support, a chance to open up without fear of letting others down, and it was a natural progression to see their hearts soon become involved.  It's a sweet romance behind the bright lights of sports, one full of promise that grabbed my heart and didn't let go.  Who knew that traveling halfway around the world would introduce you to the other half of your heart...but that's exactly what Bryce and Daria found.

On a whole this was a sweet and heartwarming romance set in the world of sports, one that vividly depicted the intricate moves of ice skating and snowboarding to immerse you in all the ins and outs.  Bryce and Daria were immensely likable, easy to relate to as they struggled with personal and professional issues that the author never sugarcoated. Their struggles had me aching for them as it caused them to grow up way too soon, but at least they had each other to help them get through the tough times.  With each turn of the page I became more and more invested in this couple and was cheering them on, both in hopes of winning a medal and in hopes that their romance will continue.  The conclusion though leaves things a bit up in the air, but seeing how strong their connection is has left me with high hopes that their romance continues into adulthood and I'm hoping the author will revisit this couple again soon!

My rating for this is a B+

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

AUTHOR INFO:

BC Powell is a fantasy author from Los Angeles, CA. Described as “a stunning fantasy adventure,” “incredibly original,” and “a wild ride,” his debut science fiction fantasy novel “Krymzyn” was published in October, 2014. “The Infinite Expanse”, the highly anticipated second book in “The Journals of Krymzyn” series, was released in March, 2015.

Powell has a diverse background, having held several creative positions in the entertainment industry, including an executive role at ABC-TV, but writing fiction has been his lifelong passion. “The Journals of Krymzyn” represents, in his words, “finally finding the amazing story I want to tell with characters who are able to bring the story to life."

He dual majored in journalism and philosophy at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. When he’s not writing, he can often be found hiking the hills of Southern California, daydreaming on the beach, or ocean kayaking. He credits his three sons, two currently in college and one in high school, as his inspiration for writing in the new adult genre.

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