Book Review Tour for Any Fin For Love by Petie McCarty (REVIEW & GIVEAWAY)……..

A woman coping with the loss of her father enters a fishing tournament, only to find herself paired with  the man who's been competing against her at every turn, with fireworks the result.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Any Fin For Love by Petie McCarty, along with my impressions of it, then learn even more about this book by visiting the other sites hosting this tour!  In honor of this charming small town romance, with a bit of suspense thrown in, make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $10 bookstore GC too!

She could almost hear the fish laughing at her...

Cody Ryan’s father never missed fishing the annual Loon Lake tournament until his unexpected passing. So this year, Cody packs up her how-to fishing videos and her dad’s old johnboat and gives him one final entry.
Gage Connor needs some R&R away from his coast guard deployment catching drug smugglers along the Louisiana coast, so he borrows a bass boat from his buddy and heads to Loon, Alabama to do some fishing.
When Gage and Cody meet at Loon Lake, their attraction is immediate and intense—until the two discover there is only one boat slip left on the lake and they both need it, and there’s only one vacant hotel room left in Loon and they both want it. Thus, their competition begins. Both vow to keep their distance from the other to fight the temptation, but fate has other plans. The tournament pairing party picks the two-man teams and chooses Gage as Cody’s partner.
For two days. Alone on a boat. Working as a team.
Good things come to those who bait...

EXCERPT:

Double damn!
Gage looked over Lila’s head and saw Cody stomping toward the dock, a big Igloo cooler in her arms, fire in her eyes, and steam escaping from her ears. Okay, no steam, but she looked mad enough for some. He swallowed hard and tried to pry Lila’s arms free, but she was having none of that.
“Now you just hold still, cutie patootie,” she drawled, “and let little ole Lila give you my special good-luck hug.” She crushed her barely-covered breasts against his abdomen, causing the neckline on her tank top to droop almost to her navel.
Cody had reached the dock and stomped so hard he could feel the vibration in the boards. Her glare could singe the fins off an alligator gar, and Gage had Lila stuck to him like a tick. He was a sitting duck.
Cody looked even madder now than when she left to get the rest of her gear, which could only mean...
Wait a minute! She’s jealous.
Of Lila.
Cody’s glare deepened upon final approach. And Gage grinned for real.
Zeke Tumson, my ass. She likes me.
He stopped trying to struggle free of Lila and waited for Cody to get to the boat and the fireworks to begin. Lila felt his struggle cease and snuggled in closer, rubbing every inch of her breasts against his gut, then laying her cheek on his chest. A week ago, Lila’s antics might have elicited a very pronounced and noticeable reaction. Today—he glanced down to check—nothing. His gaze shot to Cody steaming down the dock. Had she done this to him?
“Mmmm,” Lila cooed and squiggled her body again, “good luuuuck.”
Cody marched mere steps away. When Lila purred, Cody hesitated for a heartbeat, made a sharp left, stepped down into the johnboat, and proceeded to hook up her livewell.
Gage waited a five-count, but Cody kept her head down and fooled with the tubing attached to the cooler. He knew he had to move. If he didn’t, Lila would be in his shorts any second.
Maybe he should let...Nope, bad idea.
Cody would push him overboard later, then drive off and leave him. Heck, she may already be planning that.
He cleared his throat to be sure Cody heard. “Thanks for seeing us off, Lila,” he said politely. No reaction from Cody.

“I didn’t come to see her off,” Lila sniped. “Just yooouu,” she cooed and rubbed her breasts against his gut again.
Cody missed it. She never looked up.
“All right, you get on back to your registration table, and let me get to my fishing.” Gage took Lila’s shoulders and physically set her back.
Still ignoring him, Cody finished with the livewell and picked up a fishing rod.
Lila batted her eyelashes. “I’ll be waiting when you get back, sugar. What say we have dinner tonight?”
No way would he answer that question. He just smiled and stuck a foot out to step down in the johnboat at the same instant Lila hooked her finger in his belt loop to tug him back.
Too late, Gage saw the butt end of Cody’s rod push off on the dock cleat, and the johnboat shot back the full three feet of loose bow and stern line.
His sneaker stepped into thin air, and he dropped like a rock.
Gage hit the water at an angle, and Lila followed him in, her finger still hooked in his belt loop.

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

When I first read the synopsis of this book I was expecting a lighthearted read full of humor and heart.  What I got was so much more as this book dealt with loss, empowerment, and exhilarating suspense...all wrapped up in a charming small town bow.  It was ultimately a satisfying story that pushed every one of my emotional buttons, a well-rounded tale that put a permanent smile on my face courtesy of a likable main couple and their crackling connection.

When readers first meet Cody Ryan they see a woman full of determination, dealing with the death of her father in the best way possible...by taking part in the annual Loon Lake fishing tournament, a tournament he never missed as it revolved around his favorite sport.  The only trouble is that she's woefully unprepared for the rigors of the tournament.  Though she fished with her father often she didn't really pay attention.  That doesn't stop her though as she forges ahead in participating in the tournament.  She's a strong-willed heroine who doesn't let anything stop her, being the first woman in the tournament had me rooting for her and made her even more determined to do well.  Being paired with the sexy man who's been challenging her at every turn adds an intriguing element to her being in the tournament, making her even more stubborn in her fishing plans.  He's a distraction she doesn't need but she can't help herself whenever she's around him in scenes full of sexual tension and a verbal tug of war that makes me smile.

Gage Connor is a Captain with the Coast Guard and is in town for a much-needed vacation at the behest of his best friend.  The moment he arrives in town he has a run-in with Cody, the first of many with each one becoming more crackling than the last.  It seems that when it comes to Cody, Gage knows just what buttons to push to get her attention focused on him.  Gage is an appealing hero but it takes a bit of time to truly get to know him.  He's nursing some wounds of his own and it's left him with trust issues which causes many roadblocks in his attraction to Cody as well as having him close himself off to the love that's right in front of him.  His appearance in town also brings with it danger, from drug dealers wanting what's (unbeknownst to him) hidden in his boat.  Their appearance leads to exhilarating scenes of suspense, surprising twists and turns, and a reason for Cody and Gage to truly work together.  These scenes brought the two of them closer together, had them working as one, to keep one step ahead of the bad guys.

Cody and Gage are a good match with both of them trying to work through pain from the past.  For Cody, honoring her father by entering the tournament was an empowering moment for her, one that made me really like her.  She knew she wasn't fully ready for the tournament but threw herself into it wholeheartedly.  She was determined to beat the men and their outdated notions.  In contrast, Gage acted out because of his pain, goading Cody every chance he got which frustrated me at times.  Once danger crept close though they worked together beautifully, pulling me in completely to their character growth.  Alongside this appealing main couple were a large cast of secondary characters, both good guys and bad, that were larger than life and left an indelible mark in the storyline.  First and foremost was Gage's friend Dougah Fortier, a charming and caring friend whose calls to Gage were laced with many words of wisdom.  He was a supportive and protective friend which comes into play later in the story especially.  The many denizens of this small town added not only color and charm, but twists and turns too.  Velma and Delma were the town's matchmakers and I found their actions endearing...as well as having them put a smile on my face.  Doc Taylor was the backbone of this town, with a story that wove through the facets of many people's lives.  His connection to Cody's father is a cleverly crafted part of the story and helps build a solid conclusion to this story.  Even the bad guys left an impression on me.  Zeke and Alvin were one of those unlikable pairings, not very nice to Cody, but the unexpected twist that befell them at the end of the story left its mark on me.  In a story of starting over, of working past the pain of the past, Ms. McCarty has crafted an entertaining tale...a battle of the sexes in a small town where unexpected danger rears its ugly head.  Readers will ultimately find much to like about this book while hoping for a return visit to this town and its colorful characters!

My rating for this is an A-

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

AUTHOR INFO:

Petie spent a large part of her career working at Walt Disney World—"The Most Magical Place on Earth"—where she enjoyed working in the land of fairy tales by day and creating her own romantic fairy tales by night, including her new series, The Cinderella Romances. She eventually said good-bye to her "day" job to write her stories full-time. These days Petie spends her time writing sequels to her regency time-travel series, Lords in Time, and her cozy-mystery- with-romantic-suspense series, the Mystery Angel Romances.
Petie shares her home on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee with her horticulturist husband and an opinionated Nanday conure named Sassy who made a cameo appearance in No Angels for Christmas.
Visit Petie's WEBSITE or her FACEBOOK PAGE online.

TWITTER  |  GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGE  |  BOOKBUB AUTHOR PAGE  |  AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

**********GIVEAWAY**********

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Book Release Blast for Personal Foul by Maggie Rawdon (REVIEW)……

 Readers who love sizzling banter and a fiery couple will be drawn to this tale that kept me glued to the pages.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Personal Foul by Maggie Rawdon, along with my impressions of this book, then add it to your bookshelf!

“I’m her dirty little secret, the one she loves to hate.”

She knows just what to say to cut deep, and I know how to press every single button she has.
We hate each other, until one night—after I lose the biggest football game of the year.
When she offers the kind of mercy I need.
It changes everything...until the next morning.
Now I’m her dirty little secret, and she’s avoiding me like the plague.
Which makes it difficult when we get partnered on a project and we’re stuck on a couple’s trip with our friends.
The tension between us is sky high.
So I propose a way to lower it: enemies with benefits.
One hotel room. A few days. A chance to let our little “hateship” run its course.
Except when it’s unexpectedly cut short, I’m not ready to give her up.
And I think I might be a bad habit she can’t quit, despite how smart she is.
But we have bigger problems, and both of our post-college careers are on the line.
I’m about to find out if I can win this game or fumble the two most important plays of my life.

BUY here.

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

They say that there's a fine line between love and hate and this third installment in Ms. Rawdon's New Adult sports series definitely proves that as two apparent opposites find a surprising connection once they work through the antagonistic feelings that have clung to them for years.  At first they keep the connection a secret, but before long he decides he wants more in a delightful romance teeming with sexual tension and sizzling banter!

Easton Westfield is the Big Man on Campus, admired by the boys and wanted by the girls.  He's the rich boy who seems to have it all, living a life of ease.  Throughout the previous books in this series Easton's enjoyed his playboy persona, but fears over his future and a game loss have left him bruised.  Into this moment of self-doubts comes the hard-working Wren...and an unexpected one night stand full of dirty talk and intimate moments that will make you blush.

These two might want to ignore what happened that night but fate continually puts them together in close quarters...first for a school project and then when sharing a room while on vacation.  Their time together soon turns up the heat and has each learning more about them than what they show the world.  While Wren wants to keep their sizzling connection secret it's clear that Easton wants to shout it from the rooftops.  With each turn of the page Easton shows himself to be more than what others think, less of a playboy and more of a swoon-worthy boyfriend.  Through subtle acts and big words and deeds Easton shows a lovable and endearing side that made him a delicious book boyfriend.

Wren was an independent young woman, strong-willed, and caring.  She's got a lot on her plate with helping run her grandfather's bar, caring for him, and going to school.  Their one night together was a moment of weakness in her mind which is why she continues to give him the cold shoulder.  When keeping their secret no longer works for him she'll have to decide if she'll continue to believe his reputation or trust in the way he's proven himself to her.  Wren frustrated me a time or two with the unpleasant way she treated Easton, because over and over his actions were those of a man in love...a man quick to come to her rescue.  Their friend group frustrated me too with their condemnation of his past, pushing Wren to always assume the worst.

Despite those small quibbles I still found this a delightful tale with sizzling, witty banter, actions that felt like verbal foreplay, and an erotic dance of frenemies to lovers.  Easton's a flawless hero, a young man who's more than what others see and think.  He has a tough exterior early on but soon shows a soft underbelly that charmed me and had me falling in love with him.  Wren's a tough heroine who can give as good as she gets, she can easily go toe to toe with Easton too to add even more heat to their scenes. It took her awhile to accept the truth about Easton but it gave me more time to fall in love with him as he set out to prove himself.  This is another wonderful book in Ms. Rawdon's series and I highly recommend it to others!

My rating for this is an A-

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

AUTHOR INFO:

Maggie Rawdon loves books, travel and wandering through museums. She lives in the Midwest where you can find her writing on her laptop with her two pups at her side, in between binge watching epic historical and fantasy dramas and cheering for her favorite American (and European) football teams on the weekends. She loves writing dirty athletes and smart women and has a soft spot for writing characters who banter instead of flirt.

Book Tour for Every Time My Heart Breaks by Linda Kage (REVIEW)……

Fans of intensely emotional romances full of heart and soul will be drawn to the connection between two people that started in high school to reach a much different level years later when the heroine is traumatized by her ex and he seeks to help her recover.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Every Time My Heart Breaks by Linda Kage, along with my impressions of it, then add this powerful tale to your bookshelf!

How do you make yourself fall in love with someone?

After his family friend, Chloe Ryan, is traumatized by a disturbed ex-boyfriend, Luke Hamilton is “encouraged” to step up and be the kind of partner she needs.

Problem is, he’s never been in love before.

He’s not one to give up, though. His stubborn, competitive nature, mixed with the dutiful loyalty he inherited from his parents, makes it impossible for him to say no. And romancing Chloe becomes priority number one.

But his feisty contender gives him the challenge of a lifetime when she’d rather argue with him than accept a simple compliment. Chloe demands honest, genuine feelings from someone before she’ll even think about opening her heart again, and since Luke refuses to back down from his determined quest, he decides to grow some feelings.

Except, uh, yeah…That’s easier said than done since he has no idea how to even begin the process of falling.

***

Chloe is a simple woman with simple wants. All she’d like is to work her job, find a partner to share her life with, and then grow a family with him.

But apparently, that’s just too much to ask for.

After her ex kidnaps and terrorizes her, Chloe is suddenly put on six weeks of leave from her job to recover, she can’t handle it when anyone touches her, and her big dream of the simple life seems more impossible to reach than ever.

Until Luke bulldozes his way into the picture, determined to help her through her rough patch and promising her everything she’s ever wanted.

The problem is Chloe loved Luke way back when she was young, and no one’s ever broken her heart the way he did when he didn’t even notice her in return. No way is she going to risk more heartbreak at his hands now. Chloe becomes just as determined to push him away as he is to stick by her side.

Let the battle of wills begin.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  KOBO  |  iBOOKS

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

From the moment Luke Hamilton comes to Chloe Ryan's rescue in high school, defending her against bullies, she fell head over heels for him even knowing nothing would ever come from it as he was one of the cool kids and she was a chubby nobody.  She never saw him as anything other than her white knight and when she's traumatized by an ex boyfriend years later it's Luke who once again comes to her rescue...helping her work through her trauma, as well as his own feelings of helplessness in not being there for her sooner.  As the healing process starts for them both, Luke finally comes to the realization that his feelings for Chloe have always been about more than friendship and now's the chance for him to admit the truth of what's been obvious to others for a very long time.

This book starts out with a flashback, a scene from high school of Chloe being bullied for her weight.  Luke's definitely the cool kid with the cool car, a senior to the freshman Chloe, and it was a heartwarming start to a story that quickly turned heavy.  As teens, Luke didn't hesitate in defending Chloe and I can completely understand why she fell for him in that moment and why he became a lifelong savior to her as he's seen her at her worst and never turned away.  From the start readers see Luke as sweet and caring, a bit clueless at times, but once he decides on a course of action he's all in...becoming a man on a mission.  The romance between him and Chloe might've started out a bit awkwardly (being told he HAS to fall in love with her) but it becomes obvious that this is just a push to do something he ultimately wants to do.  It's a bit of a bumpy journey though as Chloe wants something real, something meaningful with Luke, and with a show of strength and determination she demands all he has to give.

Chloe's an immensely likable heroine, someone who's been through a lot in her life. From teenage bullies to a crazed ex she's been put through the wringer and still survived.  Her most recent trauma though, dished out by an ex, has left her very bruised both inside and out, left her full of fear and a desire to not be touched.  After this dark event, Luke's the only one she lets into her life as she still sees him as her rescuer, and together they both start working through their feelings...which will require a lot of tissues for readers.

This is an intense romance at times, particularly after Chloe's attack.  Ms. Kage dealt with this heavy issue in a realistic and respectful way though, showing the effects not only on the victim but on those around the victim too.  From this moment on the connection between the main couple turned sweet and sensual, becoming even more protective and loving, while giving Chloe the support she needs to move on from her fears to become strong-willed and to stand her ground.  There's so much to like about this book and so much that will resonate with readers.  Readers will find themselves captivated, hurting and loving right alongside the characters as Ms. Kage expertly plays with their emotions.  Amongst all these good things are a few less than perfect things. First, is the silly reason given for why Luke must fall in love with Chloe.  It created an awkward start and leant a bit of superficiality to their early feelings.  There's also a slew of characters who show up throughout the story, friends and family from previous books, which makes for a rather crowded narrative with names quickly forgotten.  Despite these small quibbles, this is still a powerful read, one full of heart and soul that breaks your heart before building it back up and leaving you happily sated.

My rating for this is a B+

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

AUTHOR INFO:

Linda writes romance fiction from YA to adult, contemporary to fantasy. Most Kage stories lean more toward the lighter, sillier side with a couple of meaningful moments thrown in. Focuses more on entertainment value and emotional impact. She likes the drama and crazy, over-the-top plots that make you cry, then laugh, get mad then sigh happily. Most stories are explicit but a few are sex-free. No dark or taboo topics, but many are not safe stories either.

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Book Release Blast for So Not Meant to Be by Meghan Quinn (REVIEW)…..

 Frenemies become roommates (before unexpectedly becoming more) in this fun and flirty rom-com that hits bookshelves today.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of So Not Meant to Be by Meghan Quinn, along with getting my impressions of this romance, then be sure to pick up a copy!

Are you ready for J.P. Cane?!

A perfect gentleman isn’t going to make you scream the way I can...

From USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author Meghan Quinn, comes a fresh take on a romantic comedy classic, When Harry Met Sally. This steamy, laugh-out-loud, enemies to lovers romance is about an annoyingly handsome coworker and the woman who refuses to be charmed by him.
Am I friends with JP Cane?
Ha! That's laughable.
Besides the fact that he’s adopted some far-fetched notion from the movie When Harry Met Sally that says men and women can't be friends and work together, it’s safe to say we're not friends. He's annoyingly loud, obnoxiously handsome, and has made an art out of poking all my hot buttons...multiple times a day.
So you can imagine how disgruntled I am when I not only have to fly to San Francisco with him for work, but stay in the same penthouse. Yup, we're sharing the same air, twenty-four-seven. We're talking full-fledged working roommates.
The man doesn't know what it means to wear a shirt, thrives off protein bars, and you guessed it, moans loud enough for people to believe he's Meg Ryan in a restaurant.
Spoiler Alert: I WON'T be having what he's having.
Tack on his continuous flirting and his polished good looks, and I'm caught staring down the barrel of a seductive temptation that makes it hard for me to sleep at night.
But guess who can control herself? This girl.
Because if there is one thing I know for certain, it's that JP Cane and I are so not meant to be.

BUY LINK here.

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

Being diagnosed with COVID this week was a definite low point for me, but having the opportunity to read this charming rom-com ended up being just what the doctor ordered.  From its witty and flirty banter, to the appealing main couple, to a storyline that flowed beautifully, I ended up with a permanent smile on my face by the turn of the final page.  From start to finish Ms. Quinn has crafted another winner, another tale with many of my favorite themes, and it just made me feel good.  It was a joy to read, a story that I look forward to reading again whenever I need a pick-me-up!

JP Cane is another delicious hero in a long line of swoon-worthy heroes created by Ms. Quinn, but readers have to work through some layers before discovering the real JP. First seen in the book Not So Meet Cute, JP is a bit of a grump, a playboy who's attracted to Kelsey the moment he sees her but who he sees as off-limits because of their being in-laws.  There's a carefree vibe to him at the start, one that belies his strong sense of family and loving heart, and early on all Kelsey sees are his negative qualities. A difficult childhood has JP leery of showing his true self, but to win the heart of the woman who's come to mean everything to him he'll have to be vulnerable and show his true self.  And what a charming and delicious sight to see!  I absolutely adored JP and fell for him wholeheartedly, through his actions and deeds he made a place in my heart for himself, along with a place on my book boyfriend list.

Kelsey's the kind of heroine who I liked but who frustrated me a time or two as well. She too had a childhood that left her teeming with insecurities, emotional bruises that affect her still today.  She doubts that love is out there, but she's definitely holding out for it...and doesn't think JP is the answer to her dreams despite how hard he's working to win her over.  It will take A LOT of back and forth, A LOT of verbal foreplay, before they get on the same sensual page.  But when they finally do…it made for a delightful connection.  Despite my frustrations with Kelsey, I still admired her knowing what she wanted and going for it.  It made for a combustible pairing teeming with sexual tension and crackling banter.  Theirs is a formidable connection that pushed every one of my happy buttons and it made for an immensely satisfying HEA.

From the first page to the last this was a book that utterly captivated me.  With fun and flirty banter, steamy encounters, and interactions that practically jumped off the pages, readers will find much to love about this rom-com.  Sizzling frenemies-to-lovers led to a romance full of heart and soul in an unforgettable journey to HEA.  Along the way readers got to see past characters, previous couples, as well as future characters in a seamless and clever inclusion that made me smile while warming my heart.  On a whole this is yet another well-crafted rom-com from the Queen of Witty Banter....Meghan Quinn!

My rating for this is an A-

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

***Stella Hunter and Aaron Shedlock are narrating this sizzling hot, hilarious romance in duet, and they are stunning as JP and Kelsey! SO NOT MEANT TO BE is now available on Audible!  Dive into this aural sensation today!***

***The illustrated collection continues with SO NOT MEANT TO BE and is now available! Experience Meghan Quinn’s Rom-Coms like you never have before! With over thirty illustrated scenes, this laugh-out-loud, steamy standalone romance comes to life with vivid imagery. Full of heart, humor and heat, this will be your new favorite way to read romance. Get your ILLUSTRATED COLLECTION hard back today!***

AUTHOR INFO:

USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.

Never miss another NEW RELEASE, text READ to 474747.

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Book Tour for Knocked Up by the Rockstar by Christina Hovland (REVIEW)…..

 A morning that ends in a sizzling encounter leads to a life-altering change for these frenemies slowly becoming something more in this romance set in the rockstar world.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Knocked Up by the Rockstar by Christina Hovland, along with getting my impressions of it, then add this second installment in the Mile High Rocked series to your bookshelf!

Things just got serious...
The only thing music publicist Courtney Lincoln dislikes more than knock-off sugary breakfast cereal is the hunky lead singer of her brother’s ridiculously popular band. A band on the rocks, again. Seems like this time it’ll take a miracle to save Dimefront. So when she discovers she’s pregnant following one teeny, tiny, mind- blowing morning with Brennan “Bax” Baxter, the timing is not great. Being a mom wasn’t part of her plan, but her plans just changed.
Following the implosion of his engagement, Bax realizes he doesn’t want to lose Dimefront, too. But he’s finally let his guard down with Courtney in a steamy slip-up that ties them together as unlikely co-parents. The big problem? He broke the cardinal rule of music—don’t knock up the bass player’s little sister. Especially a little sister who sees straight through the façade he’s painstakingly curated. But he’s always wanted a family, and he’s being offered that chance. Plus, Courtney might just be exactly who he needs to keep him grounded.
Even if the band can mend fences, there’s a baby on the way, and Courtney’s questioning everything she once thought. Bax is suddenly a dreamy boyfriend, but she isn’t convinced it’s authentic given all she knows about his rocker past. As the group heads out on what they hope is a reunion tour, Bax and Courtney have to figure out what’s real, what’s not, and if they can learn to finally trust each other...

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  iBOOKS  |  BN  |  KOBO

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

Growing up Bax and Courtney were the best of friends, along with her brother Linx who eventually became Bax's bandmate, but something happened to tear them apart.  Years later, in her role as publicist for Dimefront, she's forced into seeing Bax every day and comes to his aid when he's at his most emotionally vulnerable.  When an unexpected morning encounter leads to a life-altering change for the both of them, readers will find themselves on a rollercoaster ride of emotions that will keep them glued to the pages of this tale of frenemies to lovers.

After reading the previous book in this series I was more than ready to pick up this one and while it's not perfect, it's pretty darn entertaining.  In many ways Bax is your typical rockstar with all his arrogance and sexiness.  Beneath the glitz and glamor though is a man teeming with vulnerabilities that a recent break-up exacerbated.  Being cheated on had my heart aching for him while his playful antics put a smile on my face.  There were times though too where he frustrated me, had me wanting to shake some sense into him to figure out what he really wants out of life.  On a whole I enjoyed the dichotomy of what made Bax the man we saw and wish we'd seen more of him as a youth, been given a more in-depth reason as to his and Courtney's falling out.  When it comes to a sizzling connection, Courtney and Bax have it in spades.  They may be waging a silent war as adults, but it's clear that they still have a connection with their one night together making that more than obvious.  Courtney's an appealing heroine, one with a good head on her shoulders who's quick to help others.  The changes that befall her through her for a loop, didn't always bring out her best side, but she muddled through as best she could. There's a lot of push/pull between her and Bax, a lot of sizzle as well as humor, all of which made for an entertaining journey to HEA.  Courtesy of outside forces there's a bit of angst from time to time too, all of which kept me glued to the pages and has me excited for where Ms. Hovland will take us next!

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 Christina Hovland lives her own version of a fairy tale—an artisan chocolatier by day and romance writer by night. Born in Colorado, Christina received a degree in journalism from Colorado State University. Before opening her chocolate company, Christina’s career spanned from the television newsroom to managing an award- winning public relations firm. She’s a recovering overachiever and perfectionist with a love of cupcakes and dinner she doesn’t have to cook herself. A 2017 Golden Heart® finalist, she lives in Colorado with her first-boyfriend-turned-husband, four children, and the sweetest dogs around.

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Book Release Blitz for Sing For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson (Review & GIVEAWAY)…….

Opposites attract in this romance set in the rockstar world as a man used to getting every woman he wants finds himself attracted to the one woman to make him work to claim her, body and soul.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Sing For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson, along with my impressions of this steamy story, then discover even more about it by visiting the other sites hosting this tour.  In honor of this second installment in the Balefire series make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $25 Amazon GC along with a shot glass inspired by the rock band featured in this series too!

Blu

My entire life is my music—and all the trappings that come with it. Sex, booze, and rock ’n’ roll is all I ever wanted. Touring the world as the lead singer of Balefire, I have it all. Until on hiatus, I meet the girl next door.
Ashleigh Baker is nothing like the groupies and celebrities who usually have all my attention. In her cute floppy hat with her knees stained with dirt, she spends her days creating a flowering show piece from her rented yard. She’s the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever met, and she acts like she doesn’t want a damn thing to do with me. But from the moment I laid eyes on her, she’s all I can think about.
Ashleigh
Growing up the only child of an Air Force Colonel, all I wanted was to stay in one place for more than a minute. When I score a pretty little house with a long-term lease, I just want to grow my flowers and my freelancing gig as a music reviewer. Then a loud Harley wakes me from a sound sleep and I discover my neighbor is Blu Connolly. Yeah, that Blu Connolly, lead singer for my favorite band Balefire. With his killer good looks and panty-melting voice, he’s a walking temptation to sin. Though I do my best to avoid him, it seems Blu has other ideas. He’s on a mission to wear me down, let him in, but what happens when he stops wanting to sing for me?

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MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

As a fan of rockstar romances I jumped on this one the moment I saw its premise of opposites attracting!  From that moment on I found many things to like about this book, but also a few frustrations.  On a whole though readers will find this an entertaining and sizzling romance that's a nice addition to the rockstar genre.

Blu Connolly is lead singer to a world famous band, a man who seems to have it all, a man who's surrounded by groupies and all the other trappings of fame.  The public sees him as a player, as does the music reviewer living next door to his mom, but as this story progresses we see a different side to him.  It's a charming and determined side that goes after the girl next door in a romance that sees frenemies becoming something more.  Blu's an appealing hero, one who endeared himself to me early on because of his love for his mom and their utterly cute interactions.  He's obsessed with Ashleigh the minute he sees her, drawn to her complete disregard of who he is, and sets out to win her over in a journey that becomes a tug of war, a push/pull of emotions and crackling banter.  Add in sizzling encounters and I was glued to the pages through all the angst, jealousy, and a truly frustrating and melodramatic "breakup" late in the story.

Ashleigh Baker's the stereotypical girl next door, the one who enjoys peace and quiet and gardening.  Her recent move to a rental house has her making friends with the woman next door, a woman who happens to have a famous rockstar as her son who changes Ashleigh's life completely.  Ashleigh pushes Blu away from the very start, turned off by his playboy reputation and unwilling to see him any differently.  He's not one to give up easily though and what follows is a slow burn push/pull that saw jealousy and self-doubts weighing on their relationship, but Blu never giving up.  For the most part I found Ashleigh a worthy heroine, someone who's determined and with a backbone. She's far too harsh though in her prejudices of Blu at times, too easily believing the worst of him and putting up unnecessary roadblocks which brought out the protective sides of Blu's bandmates....for better or worse.

By the turn of the final page I was left satisfied and mostly content as Blu and Ashleigh finally made their way back to each other.  In a journey full of playful banter and teeming with sexual tension, I found myself entertained by the back and forth of their connection as it brought out a delightful side to Blu and had his mom as an equally wonderful wingman of sorts.  The interactions between his mom and Ashleigh were also charming and boded well for the couple's future.  Sizzling encounters were nicely balanced with sweet and tender moments full of heart and soul which pulled me into their journey even more fully.  Alongside this likable main couple were the other members of Balefire, other periphery characters who inhabit this world, and I enjoyed the glimpses we got of them as they addressed their feelings regarding Ashleigh.  For one character, their feelings about Ashleigh made for unnecessary melodrama, an act that they never had to pay a price for in a hastily wrapped up conclusion.  This still frustrates me in all honesty and I hope the next installment deals more fully with the fallout.  The storyline of this book is nothing new, but the author did a nice job with the conflict and the romance.  The hero was swoon-worthy while the heroine was a tough cookie, together they had me rooting for them.  The other members of Balefire seem stereotypical as well but I have hope that future installments will see them breaking the mold in a series that's starting out very well!

My rating for this is a B.

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

AUTHOR INFO:

Tam DeRudder Jackson is the author of the paranormal romance Talisman Series and the contemporary romance Balefire Series. Her favorite “room” in her house is her back patio where she dreams up stories of romance and risk. When she’s not writing her latest paranormal or contemporary romance, you can usually find her driving around with the top down in her convertible or carving turns on the slopes of the local ski hill. The mom of two grown sons, Tam likes to travel, attend rock concerts, watch football and soccer, and visit old car shows with her husband. She lives in the mountains of northwest Wyoming where she spends most of her free time trying to read all the books. Her TBR piles are threatening to take over her office, and she’s fine with that.

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**********GIVEAWAY**********

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Release Blast for Campus Heartthrob by Jennifer Sucevic (REVIEW)…….

 A young woman detests the popular and sexy football god at her college but soon finds her feelings in chaos when she's forced into close quarters with the arrogant young man.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Campus Heartthrob by Jennifer Sucevic, along with getting my impressions of it, then add this standalone New Adult romance to your bookshelf!

From USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Sucevic comes a sexy, new standalone novel. Brayden Kendricks might be God’s gift to the female species at Western University, but I want nothing to do with the dark-haired football player. The guy is an attention seeking you-know- what who soaks up fan adoration like it’s his due in life for being hot and talented.

Damn. Did I just say that?
All right, fine...I’ll grudgingly admit that Brayden is decent looking. I suppose if you’re into guys who resemble Greek gods with abs of steel and chiseled pecs, then sure, one could consider him attractive.
Am I guilty of having a tiny, practically non-existent crush on him freshman year?
I’d prefer not to answer that question.
Thankfully, I quickly came to my senses and have made a concerted effort to steer clear of Brayden ever since. It hasn’t been easy, considering that my bestie is now dating his roommate and we’ve been thrown together for an accounting project. You’d think after years of baring my teeth at him like a rabid dog, the guy would have gotten the memo that I’m not interested. Apparently not, since he’s spreading word around campus that we’re going out.
I mean, can you even imagine?
Me?
Dating Brayden Kendricks?
I have four words for him...
No.

Way.

In.

Hell.

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MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

Not having read Ms. Sucevic's Campus Player had me concerned that I'd be feeling as if I was missing out on something with this story, but thankfully this book stood strongly on its own as a romance of frenemies-to-lovers who begin a fake relationship at the sexy hero's suggestion.  With each turn of the page readers will become further invested in Brayden Kendricks and Sydney Daniels and their slow-burn relationship full of push and pull moments and surprising emotional depth that made this an enjoyable read.

Brayden's the proverbial Big Man on Campus, admired by the boys and desired by the girls in his senior year of college and a star football player.  One girl in particular wants him and doesn't want to take no for an answer no matter how many times he says it. His answer to this problem has him reaching out to the one woman who wants nothing to do with him, his longtime frenemy Sydney, as he promises to help her with her art class needs in exchange for playing his girlfriend.  It's an arrangement that not only helps deal with his stalker but also lets him finally be with the young woman he's been attracted to for the last four years.  As they spend time together they find surprising connections, an intertwined past that led to some conflicts and heartbreak just as their feelings started to become more and more obvious.  Mutual losses in their pasts gave them a connection early on and as they spent time together heartfelt talks brought them closer together, gave readers greater insight into each of them as individuals.  Theirs is a slow-burn romance full of angst with moments of heartbreak that had me fearing their future while rooting them on every step of the way.  Through all the ups and downs, through all the push and pull moments this was a couple who I liked a whole lot.  Sydney's an athlete (which gave her a bit of tough girl to her personality), a sweet and kindhearted young woman with a strong love of family that warmed my heart.  Brayden showed himself to be anything but stereotypical.  While he enjoyed playing the field when it came to women, once he and Sydney connected he was definitely all in with her.  He was a lovable and kindhearted hero, one with a tender side that I loved seeing him display.  He too had a close connection to his family especially as seen through interactions with his younger sister, Elle, that utterly warmed my heart.  He was also supportive of Sydney as she went after her dreams, while being protective of her feelings as they continued on their journey to HEA.  Through it all they were a match made in Heaven!

This was an entertaining read from start to finish, a bit predictable at some points though too.  When it came to Brayden and Sydney, I found them a delightful and realistic pairing with a slow-burn relationship that I couldn't wait to see flare up in scorching interludes.  While watching them grow closer emotionally I loved seeing the layers of their personalities revealed as well.  These reveals weren't always easy and, with some painful truths and a jaw-dropping reveal towards the end, made their journey to HEA a rocky one indeed.  It's also a richly rewarding one that warmed my heart at times, keeping me on edge while I fanned myself from their scorching encounters. Alongside this wonderful main couple was an equally entertaining cast of secondary characters, some from the previous book and some I look forward to seeing more of in future books, friends and family members that played their parts in bringing this couple together.  Fans of New Adult fake relationship romances will find surprising emotional depth and heartbreaking twists and turns in this charming and endearing tale of two people who tried to avoid love but fell into it when they least expected it!  Add in a flawlessly romantic, and equally realistic depiction of their lives after finding love, and you'll find yourself clapping this perfectly crafted conclusion.

My rating for this is an B+

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

AUTHOR INFO:

Jennifer is a USA Today bestselling author who has published seventeen New Adult and Mature Young Adult novels. Her novels have been translated into both German and Dutch. Audiobooks are also in the works. She has a bachelor’s degree in History and a master’s degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She spent five years working as a high school counselor before relocating with her family. Jennifer lives in the Midwest with her husband and four children.

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