Book Release Blast for Playing Offsides by Cali Melle (REVIEW)…..

 A young man trying to balance school and hockey finds himself needing the help of a woman who wants nothing to do with him in a romance of enemies to lovers, a slow-burn romance that will captivate readers.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Playing Offsides by Cali Melle, along with getting my impressions of it, then be sure to add this third installment in the Wyncote Wolves series to your bookshelf!

Cameron

Having my entire future on the line was a position I never thought I’d find myself in.
My enrollment at Wyncote University and being able to play on the team is heavily dependent upon my grades.
Trying to balance hockey and school was a juggling act that I could no longer keep up with.
After finding out that my future is in jeopardy, I have one last chance to get my grades back up.
And Aspen Rossi is my ticket to keeping my scholarship.
The only problem? She doesn’t even want to be friends with me.
Aspen
The last thing that I want to be doing is tutoring Cameron Sawyer.
When he asked for my help, I tried to resist him until he gave me those puppy dog eyes.
He was desperate and tutoring another student would look good on my application for med school.
However, the more time that we spend together, the harder it is to ignore his charm.
Cam is starting to grow on me, but I know I can’t get involved with him.
We both want two different things out of life and we’re on two separate paths...
Our dreams can’t coexist and neither can our hearts...

BUY AT AMAZON here.

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

From the moment I started reading this book I found myself captivated by it, utterly delighted by this tale of opposites attracting and loving every minute these two focused individuals spend together getting distracted by one another.  Much about this story is familiar, the storyline a bit cookie cutter, but it still worked its way into my heart and with each turn of the page I was rooting for them more and more to embrace what was oh so obvious...they are utterly perfect for each other!

At the start of the story Cameron Sawyer seems to have it all...a top spot on the hockey team, lots of lady fans to entertain him, and a future that looks oh so bright. The truth though is slightly different and as readers get to know Cam they see someone struggling with school which leaves his hockey future hanging in the balance and has him reaching out to the only person he knows who can help him.  Little does he know the effect she'll have on his future...and his heart!  Cam lives and breathes hockey with his goal to play in the NHL.  It's a laser-focused goal that leaves him no time for messy distractions, distractions like feelings and love.  So the smart and nerdy Aspen seems like the perfect tutor...until the time they spend together takes an unforeseen turn towards romance in a sweet and sensual connection that warmed my heart and put a smile on my face.  Cam's a delicious hero with a good heart, one he doesn't let just anyone see.  He's a good son too, one who wants success for the parents who've always pushed him and my heart hurt from all the pressures weighing on him, both the pressures others put on him and the pressures he puts on himself.  He just wants to keep away from any entanglements until after reaching his goal which he's very open about from the start...but readers know exactly what's going to happen and it made for a satisfying journey as strangers became friends who became lovers.

Aspen Rossi's a delightful heroine, one who's much more than what she appears.  To the world she's smart and nerdy, a homebody who doesn't like the party scene.  But as the story progressed readers discover a heroine who's sassy and doesn't hesitate to speak her mind.  She knows what she wants and doesn't want any distractions either to reaching her goal of med school.  She too is fine with a friends with benefits relationship with Cam, but before long their slow burn connection sparks with feelings too intense to ignore.  And that's when things become really complicated for this endearing couple.

Though the romance between Cam and Aspen took a familiar path I still found this an enjoyable read courtesy of a wonderful main couple who are more similar than what they thought.  On paper they were thought to be opposites but in reality they were just what the other needed.  They were a strong support for each other and laid themselves bare to one another which strengthened their connection.  For the most part there was very little angst in this story, but there was a bit of a hiccup in the latter half that felt unnecessary.  Despite that, there's still lots to love about this book.  I'm especially left excited for the next installment in this series as Hayden will be taking center stage.  The interactions between him and Cam were intriguing and thoroughly entertaining, so I'm definitely looking forward to getting to see more fully into his heart and soul in a series that's a nice addition to the genre.

My rating for this is a B+

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

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 Cover Reveal for Playing Offsides by Cali Melle…..

 A young man trying to balance school and hockey finds himself needing the help of a woman who wants nothing to do with him in a romance of enemies to lovers, a slow-burn romance that will captivate readers.  Keep reading to get a tempting glimpse of Playing Offsides by Cali Melle, then start counting down the days until this third installment in the Wyncote Wolves series hits bookshelves on October 7th!

Cameron

Having my entire future on the line was a position I never thought I’d find myself in.
My enrollment at Wyncote University and being able to play on the team is heavily dependent upon my grades.
Trying to balance hockey and school was a juggling act that I could no longer keep up with.
After finding out that my future is in jeopardy, I have one last chance to get my grades back up.
And Aspen Rossi is my ticket to keeping my scholarship.
The only problem? She doesn’t even want to be friends with me.
Aspen
The last thing that I want to be doing is tutoring Cameron Sawyer.
When he asked for my help, I tried to resist him until he gave me those puppy dog eyes.
He was desperate and tutoring another student would look good on my application for med school.
However, the more time that we spend together, the harder it is to ignore his charm.
Cam is starting to grow on me, but I know I can’t get involved with him.
We both want two different things out of life and we’re on two separate paths...
Our dreams can’t coexist and neither can our hearts...

FIND AT GOODREADS here.

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 Release for Royally Not Ready by Meghan Quinn (REVIEW)…….

 It's the modern-day tale of an average girl discovering she's royalty with the release of this enemies-to-lovers romance that will put a smile on reader's faces while providing a few blushes along the way.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Royally Not Ready by Meghan Quinn, along with my impressions of it, then add this sexy rom-com to your bookshelf today.

So there I was selling bikinis out of my truck in South Beach Miami, getting ready to kick off a wet t-shirt contest when the world’s biggest grouch approached me - Keller Fitzwilliam.

The man had the sultriest British accent I've ever heard. And he looked like he just walked off a Viking boat and into a suit tailored specifically for his impressively muscular frame. Only problem is, he had the warmth of an ice pick and he kept telling me he was here to take me back to his home country.
Of course, I didn't follow him. I might be up for a good time, but I'm also educated enough to know leaving with a stranger isn't smart. Well, that's until he mentioned my mom's name. My mom who passed away several years ago.
So after some serious fact-checking, my bikini-clad bum went with him to a sub-arctic country I had never heard of just north of the British Isles, where I found out my grandpa was the king of said freezing country, and I was the one and only heir.
Desperate to learn more about my mom, I decided to give this princess thing a chance.
Good idea, right? Wrong.
Because Mr. Ice Pick was put to the task of training me and he’s not just cold as ice, he’s pompous, aggravating, and possessive. And did I mention we have to share a bathroom in a tiny castle?
We are oil and water every single day and even though he’s training me to be queen, I have this simmering desire to kneel before him.

BUY here.

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

The author describes this book as a cross between The Princess Diaries meets My Fair Lady meets 50 Shades of Grey and that's a perfect summary to a book that was a decadent delight from start to finish! With a big personality heroine who's very easy to like, and a grumpy (but oh so sexy) hero focused on doing his job, readers will find themselves wholeheartedly entertained by this romance of opposites attracting and sad to reach the end of this unforgettable rollercoaster ride of emotions.

Lilly Campbell is a larger than life heroine when readers first see her, a woman full of sass and fire who tells it like it is.  She lives life to the fullest, knowing how easily it can all end.  Beneath that brash and confident exterior though is a lonely young woman, someone without a family who gets the shock of her life when she discovers she's the long lost relative of royalty.  She's suddenly whisked away to a foreign land to get tutored on being royalty...and needless to say it's a rocky road from rags to riches.  It's a journey that she deals with head-on, employing snark to hide her vulnerability over fear of failure.  Through it all though she remains a tough and authentic young woman, someone who puts her heart on the line while sharing her feelings when a surprising romance flourishes between her and her uptight tutor.  Keller Fitzwilliam appears to be the polar opposite to Lilly when he first introduces himself to her, a stoic and determined man whose life revolves around the royal family.  Though he and Lilly butt heads early on it doesn't take long before sexual tension and erotically-charged banter take over in a forbidden romance that brought out a very different side to Keller...a very naughty side indeed.  Lilly may be destined to rule one day, but Keller is definitely the ruler in bed! He's a master at dirty talk and it added extra heat to the already sizzling interludes between the two of them, interludes also full of surprisingly heartfelt emotions.  Just when you think they're destined for HEA though Keller disappoints by putting his job before his heart's desire, putting duty over love, and it had me wanting to punch him. While it's true that his whole life has revolved around the royal family (the only family he's ever really had) I truly bought into the romance built between him and Lilly and didn't think he'd leave her to the wolves.  He does grovel beautifully though, and Ms. Quinn did make him work hard to redeem himself, so I wasn't surprised when I felt a smile emerge on my face by the end of the story.

This was a decadently delightful read, one full of fun and flirtiness, a romance between two people from very different worlds who fit together beautifully.  The attraction between them was instant, though Keller tried to fight it early on, resulting in LOTS of sizzling banter that felt like foreplay along with unrelenting sexual tension.  Once these two gave into their obvious attraction things turned even hotter with numerous blush-worthy scenes that will have you reaching for a fan.  Along with all the scorching interludes were moments of angst and heartbreak as well as heartwarming words and deeds to fully round out this story.  I do wish though that more time would've been spent on Lilly and her newfound grandfather, especially with her wanting a family for so long.  That's the only complaint I have in an otherwise fully entertaining tale.  By the turn of the final page I'm happy to report that Ms. Quinn has crafted another winner courtesy of its likable characters, its delightful romance full of heart and soul, and a conclusion truly worthy of being called a "happily ever after"!

My rating for this is an A-

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

**Emma Wilder and John Hartley are narrating this steamy, royal romance in duet, and they are fabulous as Keller and Lilly! Their performances are pure perfection!  So grab your earbuds and dive into the aural sensation of ROYALLY NOT READY 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.

FACEBOOK  |  WEBSITE  |  INSTAGRAM  |  TWITTER

Book Cover Reveal for Royally Not Ready by Meghan Quinn…….

 It's a modern-day spin on an average girl discovering she's royalty with the upcoming release of this enemies-to-lovers tale that will put a smile on reader's faces while providing a few blushes along the way.  Keep reading to get a tempting glimpse of Royally Not Ready by Meghan Quinn, then learn even more about this book while counting down the days until this sexy rom-com hits bookshelves on August 9th!

So there I was selling bikinis out of my truck in South Beach Miami, getting ready to kick off a wet t-shirt contest when the world’s biggest grouch approached me - Keller Fitzwilliam.

The man had the sultriest British accent I've ever heard. And he looked like he just walked off a Viking boat and into a suit tailored specifically for his impressively muscular frame. Only problem is, he had the warmth of an ice pick and he kept telling me he was here to take me back to his home country.
Of course, I didn't follow him. I might be up for a good time, but I'm also educated enough to know leaving with a stranger isn't smart. Well, that's until he mentioned my mom's name. My mom who passed away several years ago.
So after some serious fact-checking, my bikini-clad bum went with him to a sub-arctic country I had never heard of just north of the British Isles, where I found out my grandpa was the king of said freezing country, and I was the one and only heir.
Desperate to learn more about my mom, I decided to give this princess thing a chance.
Good idea, right? Wrong.
Because Mr. Ice Pick was put to the task of training me and he’s not just cold as ice, he’s pompous, aggravating, and possessive. And did I mention we have to share a bathroom in a tiny castle?
We are oil and water every single day and even though he’s training me to be queen, I have this simmering desire to kneel before him.

PRE-ORDER here.

Mark your calendars for August 9th and text "READ" to (719) 223-3077 to be alerted when it is LIVE!

**Emma Wilder and John Hartley are narrating this steamy, royal romance in duet, and they are fabulous as Keller and Lilly! ROYALLY NOT READY will be released on August 9th in a live release on Audible!**

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.

FACEBOOK  |  WEBSITE  |  INSTAGRAM  |  TWITTER

Book Tour for Chasing Charli by Kat Mizera (REVIEW)

A shy and quiet school teacher finds herself drawn to a sexy hockey player in need of a tutor in this endearing and sensual hockey-fueled romance.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Chasing Charli by Kat Mizera, along with my impressions of it, then add this sixth installment in the Alaska Blizzard series to your bookshelf!

Resisting her may be his toughest test of all...

Finnish hockey star Miikka Laasonen may seem to live a charmed life, but the reality is that he's lonely. His struggle with learning the English language makes it hard for him to fit in and to make matters worse, his Finnish girlfriend tires of their long-distance relationship and dumps him.

Kindergarten teacher Charlotte “Charli” Bartosiewicz made a life-changing decision in her teens, and she’s battled guilt and regret ever since. She punishes herself by refusing to date and staying to herself because she doesn't feel worthy of love.

When introduced by a mutual friend, Miikka recognizes another lonely soul in Charli, but there’s more to it than that, something he’s never felt before. He convinces her to take a chance on him by tutoring him in English, but he really wants her to take a chance on love.

Miikka is determined to convince Charli that she's worthy of him. But even if he does, will their love be strong enough to go the distance?

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON (US)  |  AMAZON (INT)  |  iBOOKS  |  BN  |  KOBO

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

Though there was a sense of familiarity about this story I still found myself falling for these characters while their words and deeds pulled at my heartstrings.  From the first page to the last Ms. Mizera took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as a woman with a past full of betrayals puts her heart on the line one last time while teaching a sweet and sexy Finnish hockey player English...which soon turns to the language of love instead.

Miikka Laasonen is a delicious hero, a talented hockey player with a kind heart.  He's a true gentleman too who was recently dumped by his long distance girlfriend and is still feeling a bit lost because of it.  He's the kind of player who's focused on the game, has partaken in puck bunnies from time to time in the past, but is happy to stay in the background for the most part while doing his job on the ice.  He clearly struggles with English throughout the story and Ms. Mizera's depiction of his difficulties was realistic and utterly endearing, winning me over from the very start.  His difficulties bind him to kindergarten teacher Charlotte “Charli” Bartosiewicz early on and from there they evolve from friends to lovers as Miikka's confidence grows.  Behind his gentlemanly demeanor is a master at dirty talk, a man quite comfortable with sensuality and it made his scenes with Charli combustible.  While scorching up the pages they also had to deal with her insecurities and fears, her deep-seated pain from feeling abandoned when she needed support most.  Miikka's there for her through it all though, sexy and supportive, and quickly showed himself to be the quintessential book boyfriend in a relationship full of realistic highs and lows.

Charli Bartosiewicz desperately wants to move forward in life, but a painful past keeps holding her back from embracing happiness.  She's clearly stuck in a rut when readers first meet her, keeping to herself while closing off chances to make friends (and more) out of fear of being left alone.  Her intro to Miikka is unexpected but very fortuitous as he's just what she needs to finally move beyond her past.  Their sweet and subtle friendship put a smile on my face from the very start, allowing them to grow closer in a connection that warmed my heart before the fireworks flew in a relationship that turned super steamy.  Every step of the way saw Charli at war with herself, waffling between feeling empowered one moment and feeling unworthy the next.  My heart ached for her during those times while I cheered each time she put herself out there.  With each turn of the page Miikka was the perfect companion for her as they made each other better in a romance that shined with both tender and scorching moments.

Though this is the sixth installment in the Alaska Blizzard series it definitely stands strongly on its own with an uplifting romance full of heart and soul.  With its near-perfect hero, and a realistic heroine dealing with her own emotional baggage, readers will be glued to their journey to HEA and rooting for them every step of the way.  There's a beautiful balance of romance too, both as friends and as lovers, in this story set amidst the backdrop of hockey to keep fans of both themes happy.  Along with this entertaining main couple was an equally strong cast of secondary characters whose connections were reminders of previous stories as well as promises of what's to come in future pairings.  I enjoyed getting glimpses of Ryder and Donovan, new additions to the time, who appear to enjoy the ladies while dealing with their own uncertainties and I'm left counting down the days until their HEAs land at their feet.

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 and award-winning author Kat Mizera is a South Florida native. Born in Miami Beach with a healthy dose of wanderlust, she's called Los Angeles, Long Island, upstate New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Atlanta home. She's never been able to pick which locale is her favorite, but if pressed, she'd probably choose the west coast.

A typical PTA mom with a wonderful and supportive husband (Kevin) and two amazing boys (Nick and Max), Kat can usually be found scrapbooking or indulging in her second love (after writing) - traveling. Greece is one of her favorite places in the world. She loves that Athens is a big city with a small-town feel. The food, beaches and culture keep her going back as often as possible.

Kat's been a working freelance writer for nearly 30 years. She sold her first article--a review of a rock concert--for $10 in 1985. Since then she's been an entertainment journalist, waitress, bartender, legal assistant, food critic, magazine editor, substitute teacher, and sports writer. She also spent some time working at A & M Records in Los Angeles.

As you can guess from her Las Vegas Sidewinders series, Kat loves hockey and occasionally writes articles about her favorite team, the Florida Panthers. The rest of the time, she writes novels: sexy, romantic fiction that she hopes makes you as happy as it makes her. There's something enticing about hockey players and romance...

FACEBOOK  |  AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE  |  TWITTER  |  BOOKBUB  |  WEBSITE

Book Tour for A First Time for Everything by Isabel Morin (Review & GIVEAWAY)

A young woman who’s always been focused on her studies and her future decides it’s time to live a little and invites a sexy young man to tutor her in the art of making love with their hearts unexpectedly becoming involved in this sweet and sexy contemporary tale.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of A First Time for Everything by Isabel Morin, along with my impressions of it, then add it to your bookshelf.  In honor of this New Adult romance make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $15 Amazon GC too!

Hannah Bloom arrives on campus for her senior year of college a new woman. No more mortifying acne—though she still bears the scars—and no more trying to be invisible. She has two goals: get into med school and have sex before graduation. But getting into med school may prove easier than having sex, because Hannah has a secret—she’s never even been kissed.

What she needs is a tutor who’ll give her lessons in all the things she’s missed out on, and Casey Grant is the perfect candidate. Her dorm’s resident player, he’s not only the hottest guy she’s ever seen, he already knows her secret.

The only trouble is, nothing goes according to plan. Their lessons don’t feel like lessons, they feel like the real thing. She tries to date other guys, but nothing can compare with what she has with Casey. If she’s not careful she’ll fall for him just like every other girl on campus—and have her heart broken like them, too.

EXCERPT:

Somehow, I end up with my back to the door. Like I’ve been cornered, only I asked for this. I want this, but it’s become real, and the reality of Casey is more than I know what to do with. Standing this close to me he’s so tall I’d have to look up to meet his eye, which I don’t even try to do. I look at his mouth instead, the full lower lip and softly bowed upper one. This man was made for kissing.

I wanted to be shown what I should have learned in high school, but Casey’s no high school boy. “I can see your pulse beating right here,” he says, his voice low and rough as his thumb skims my throat.

I stop breathing, my whole body humming as every cell wakes up. My pulse pounds where he touches me, and in my wrists, between my legs.

He puts his hands on my hips and leans closer, his voice a warm flutter at my ear. “Nervous?”“

He’s so close I could cup his cheek, thread my fingers through his hair. I shut my eyes and nod, trying not to think of Eric, of how I might hate this or ruin it.

“It’s supposed to make you nervous. That’s when it’s really good,” he murmurs, his voice low and rough and so sexy my toes curl into the floor and my body sags against the door.

“What are you waiting for?” I ask, my voice high and breathy. He’s barely touched me, and I’m already beside myself.

“There’s more to kissing than kissing.”

His hands come up on either side of me, caging me in, so close but still not touching me. Then his lips are on mine, soft and undemanding as they graze over me. When he breaks contact, I open my eyes to find him watching me, and the heat in his eyes draws me toward him.

I guess that’s all he needed, because when he kisses me again it’s sure and knowing and I’m already falling under his spell. There’s no demand, just the building of sensations. So easy and natural and necessary. Gradually it changes and his tongue licks into me, a playful, teasing taste before he retreats. He changes the angle and takes more, teaching me how to respond. I follow his lead, taking and withdrawing.

“That’s it, babe, open up for me,” he says, his voice rough and breathless.

The kiss turns slow and deep, like he’s savoring how I taste. I should have known Casey’s kisses would be as potent as any drug. Already I’m an addict. Everything—his hands on me, the texture of his skin, the rasp of his breath — combines to form a universe of our own. He’s all I feel or remember, warm skin and taut muscle, my breasts crushed to his chest as we struggle to get closer.

I drag my hands down his strong back and press myself against him, aching for more. He pulls away. “You okay?”

“Yes, why? Did I do something wrong?” I ask, my heart sinking.

“God, no. You feel amazing. It’s just that you made a sound.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize.”

“Don’t be sorry. I just wanted to make sure. I’m having a hard time thinking straight right now.”

“Me, too. You’re an amazing kisser.” I can hear how naïve that sounds, how girlish, but I can’t think how else to say it.

And then, because this is a lesson and I need to know — “Am I doing it right?”

“You’re just about killing me. I don’t think it could be any better.” “Can we do it some more?” I ask him, desire making me bold. “Hell, yeah.”

“This time I want to kiss you.”

Casey goes completely still, like he’s gone on high alert, and he gives a shaky laugh. “Okay, but go easy on me. I’m not made of stone.”

“You could have fooled me,” I tease, because I can feel how hard he is for me.
 “You got that right,” he says, his voice rougher now.

I put my hands on his shoulders and press my lips to his, grazing them like he did to me. Only I already know I need more than this. Excitement kicks my heart into a gallop as I kiss him the way he taught me, open mouthed, slow and savoring.

FIND AT GOODREADS here.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON (US)  |  AMAZON (UK)  |  AMAZON (CA)  |  AMAZON (AU)  |  iBOOKS  | BN  |  KOBO

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

From the moment I read this blurb I was hooked!  From its charming and crackling premise to its immensely appealing characters, both main and secondary, this was a story that sucked me in and held me captive until the last turn of the page.  In a story with a bit of humor, a bit of angst, and a lot of heart and soul, readers will find this a gem in the New Adult genre and will be clamoring for Ms. Morin to revisit this world and its easy to relate to characters.

Until her senior year of college Hannah Bloom had always tried to stay hidden, tried to hide her severe acne and battered self-esteem behind a reserved personality.  Smart and studious she’s on course to go to med school where she truly wants to help people, but in her final year of college she wants something else too...a life.  Having never yet been kissed, and with her v-card still intact, Hannah’s starting to feel angry and frustrated and desperate to feel like the strong-willed woman she’s becoming through taking more chances.  After a disastrous first kiss though she turns to the dorm’s playboy, Casey, to tutor her in matters of sex and it’s not long before their hearts become involved.  Hannah’s a wonderful heroine with a kind heart and insecurities that were easy to relate to, years of hurt feelings that had me aching for her while rooting for her to overcome her past.  She pushed through the insecurities though to start experiencing life and started to realize that putting herself out there was worth a few bruises along the way, not only in her interactions with Casey but with her circle of friends too.  She was down-to-earth and didn’t mince words either, a truthful woman that I respected and admired and who I could easily call my friend.  The romance between her and Casey was a slow-burn that had them starting out as friends before becoming oh so much more and their journey was one that warmed my heart and put a smile on my face.

With this story being told from Hannah’s POV, much time is spent digging into her emotions but that doesn’t mean that Casey Grant’s put on the back burner.  He’s far too sexy with a larger than life personality to ignore and with each turn of the page I fell for him even further.  To many on campus he’s a playboy flitting from one conquest to the next, leaving a trail of broken hearts behind, with a smoldering smile and a life that seems carefree.  Behind that facade though is someone far more complex, with doubts about his future, that are slowly revealed through his interactions with Hannah.  Their early scenes were sweet with moments of flirtiness that put Hannah at ease and made her comfortable enough to ask him to be her tutor.  From there their time together turned sizzling with moments that also allowed for heartfelt talks that helped readers become even more invested in them.  Not only did Hannah grow during this story, but so too did Casey.  Things had always come easily to him courtesy of a powerful family name and good looks, but with Hannah he found something that he had to work hard to claim.  He had to earn her love after finally discovering that he did want love and commitment instead of the casual relationships he used to engage in.  There’s a big heart hiding under Casey’s playboy act and it made him a delectable hero that I wish we could’ve spent a bit more time with as he’s a delicious morsel that I’m still dreaming about at night.

This was an entertaining read from start to finish with crackling banter and a scorching romance.  The characters were appealing, both the main ones as well as the secondary ones, and were easy to relate to as they all reminded me of my own college years.  The journey to HEA had a few tiny bumps along the way, as insecurities are hard to overcome, but it just had me rooting for them all the more while hoping that the secondary characters will soon take center stage.  Among this couple’s circle of friends the one who left the biggest impression was Audrey, a strong-willed and straight talking heroine whose demeanor is very similar to Casey.  She enjoys her casual flings, makes no excuses, and is very protective of those she calls friend.  She too has family issues and I’m hoping that Ms. Morin knows was a treasure she has with this heroine and is already plotting out her story.  Readers looking for a sweet and sexy tale where the teacher learns wwwwaaaayyyy more from the student will definitely want to grab this romance the moment you’re done reading this review!

My rating for this is an A-

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

AUTHOR INFO:

Isabel began reading romances when she was thirteen years old. That’s the year her grandmother came to visit, bringing with her a summer’s worth of romance novels. Isabel was immediately and forever hooked.

Now she writes sensual, emotionally intelligent stories about likable people who discover themselves as they navigate their way to great sex and true love. What could be better than experiencing all that new love and lust just by picking up a book?

She lives in Connecticut with her conveniently tall, dark, and handsome husband.

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Book Spotlight on The Friend Zone by Sariah Wilson (GIVEAWAY)

Readers will find themselves captivated by this sexy tale of second chances set in the football world as a forbidden romance flares back to life.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of The Friend Zone by Sariah Wilson, along with hearing from the author who talks about why football players make delicious heroes too.  In honor of this first installment in the End of the Line series make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $25 Amazon GC along with a digital copy of this book too!

Why Football Players Make the Best Book Boyfriends.....I got inspired to write the “End of the Line” series after seeing the Netflix documentary Last Chance U. I loved the idea of a junior college that gave Division 1 football players a second chance at the NFL or to play for a Division 1 school again after they’d screwed up their scholarships. I chose football because while my family is not a typical sports family (my husband doesn’t watch at all), my oldest son played football all four years of high school and I’ve always enjoyed watching the game. Plus, isn’t there something just inherently appealing about football players?

It’s part of what makes them such great heroes—they’re strong, athletic, talented, protective. They’re committed to playing their sport and playing it well, which can also translate off the field and make them the types to seriously commit to a relationship because they’ve shown they’re willing to do the work to get what they want. I think that level of dedication speaks a lot to the kind of boyfriends they turn out to be.

My current project is THE FRIEND ZONE, and it’s a story about Logan Hunt, a disgraced football player being given a second chance to play and graduate from college, which he is determined to do. His new coach has a lot of rules he expects his players to follow, including no dating. Jess is Logan’s math tutor and off limits, especially since she’s the coach’s daughter. They decide to stay just friends and try to fight off their growing attraction to one another. He’s the perfect guy to start off this series because he’s someone who has overcome a lot and exemplifies what EOL means for the players—the chance to start over.

Disgraced college quarterback Logan Hunt was on his way to NFL stardom when he messed up big-time. Now the Texas star player with a bad temper has a new option: Seattle’s EOL College—as in End of the Line, to his fellow misfit recruits. It’s Logan’s last chance. If he can follow the rules. No parties, no fighting, no swearing, and oh, no dating the coach’s daughter, Jess. Simple. Yeah, right. For Logan, there has never been a rule he’s more tempted to break.

The deal is “just friends.” The pretty, confident, and fiercely smart math whiz is fine with pizza, tutoring, and keeping Logan in line. But the closer Jess gets, the more receptive she is to his warm heart and spirit—not to mention his irresistible off-field passes. With defenses down, they’re both heading into the danger zone.

It’s more than thrilling. It’s love. It’s also a game changer that could sideline Logan’s NFL goals—and more important, a future with Jess. But dreams are worth fighting for, right?

EXCERPT:

“Welcome. To those of you that I haven’t met personally, my name is Stan Oakley, and I’m the head coach of EOL’s Owls.”

A couple of the players made hooting noises in response.

“I thank you all for being here, for taking time out of your lives to hear what I have to say. Either one of the members of my staff has spoken to you or I have, and we have mentioned that this team has some serious rules. I’d like to talk to you about that now and what exactly those rules are.”

Here it was. I straightened in my seat and wondered what he could possibly throw at us that would be bad enough that Jess thought she’d be taking me right back to the bus station.

Coach nodded at Ford, who walked over to the white board and picked up a marker.

“First, punctuality. You will be on time. To class, to practice, to tutoring, to everything in your life that you need to show up for, you will respect the time of everyone around you and be there when you’re supposed to be.”

Ford wrote “#1 Be on time” on the board.

“There will be no drinking at all, ever. No drugs of any kind. You will be randomly drug tested on a regular basis. First time you fail, you’re out. There will be no second or third chances here.”

I felt Bash sinking down in his seat next to me as several of the guys murmured. “How are we supposed to let off steam?” someone asked behind me.

Coach kept talking. “There will be no swearing or cussing.”

“That’s not even realistic!” a guy in the front row protested.

“It is realistic. And you will do it because you represent me and you represent this team and you can do it without swearing. Next, in accordance with NCAA standard, you will maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA. I may give more playing time to guys with a higher GPA. The more playing time you get, the more likely you’ll be seen by a scout or a recruiter. Especially in the playoffs and the national championship game. Take your academics seriously. Keilani Kahananui will be talking to you about your options later and how we can help.”

There was more dissent among the ranks, more guys murmuring and complaining about the rules. None of them seemed that bad to me.

But I had the feeling the worst was yet to come.

“Next rule—no fighting. On or off the field.”

Now it was my turn to slouch down in my seat. As if that one had been directed specifically at me.

The marker squeaked against the whiteboard as Ford continued writing down Coach’s rules.

“In addition to being punctual, you will treat authority figures with respect. You respect your teachers by showing up to class. By not talking back. By turning in your assignments. You respect your coaches by showing up to practice ready to give a hundred percent every time. By listening and doing as you’re told.”

Off to my left somebody shouted out, “Yo, Coach! Respect has to be earned.”

“It absolutely does not,” Coach Oakley quickly countered. “Respect will be given without reservation. If you think that it must be earned, there’s the door. Because there’s no way you’re going to be playing on my team.”

The coach fell silent, waiting to see if anybody would leave.

No one did.

“I won’t get to coach most of you for four years. My goal is not to build a program that keeps you all here. My job is to get you to the next stage of your life. To turn you into men.” There were some more sounds of discontent, and the coach held up his hand. “I know a lot of you think you’re already men. But you’re not. Not yet. I expect you to all to start behaving like real men. Like gentlemen. For your entire lives, because you had some talent to play football, nobody cared how you behaved off the field. I care. I’m holding you to a higher standard. Better today than you were yesterday. Especially when it comes to women.”

My spidey sense started tingling. Whatever he was going to say next, I knew I wouldn’t like it.

“And our final rule for the evening: no women. No girlfriends, no dating, no one-night stands.”

That led to a loud and physical reaction in the room. Which I got, because I felt like I’d been sucker punched. It was one thing to be asked to give up most of the things you did to entertain yourself and relax.

But women? How were we supposed to go an entire season without girls? I didn’t know if I could do it.

“How will you know?” somebody asked. It was a legitimate question. Short of installing hidden cameras in our dorms, which at that moment I wasn’t putting past him, there was no way for Coach to know if we were messing around.

“I’m expecting you to behave like gentlemen, with honor and integrity. I’d like to be able to take you at your word.”

“No way! That’s it! I’m out!” one guy declared.

“That’s fine,” Coach said, shrugging one shoulder in the same way Jess had earlier. “Some of you may think that because once upon a time you were recruited by a Division 1 school, you’re better than this place. You’re not. I don’t have to play any of you. I don’t have to keep any of you on scholarship. And for anyone who thinks this team will fall apart without you, you couldn’t be more wrong. This team will be just fine.”

That one word, “scholarship,” made my decision easy. I didn’t necessarily need women in my life. It would probably help to have one less distraction as I went about dedicating all of my time to school and football.

“You really expect us to live like monks? Will we at least get to hang out with girls in the off-season?” another man asked.

Coach Oakley was silent, again giving off that commanding vibe that made people sit back down and be quiet. “You all know why you’re here and what’s at stake. For most of you, this is the end of the line. There is no somewhere else. But if you feel like you can’t live with my rules, again, there’s the door. You all have round-trip tickets to take you back home.” He turned and faced the dude who had asked the last question. “There is no off-season at EOL. You are my players until I say you’re not. I am holding you to a higher standard. But I know every person in this room is capable of rising up to do what I ask of you. Of being better. Prove me right.”

BUY AT AMAZON here.

AUTHOR INFO:

Bestselling author Sariah Wilson has never jumped out of an airplane or climbed Mount Everest, and she is not a former CIA operative. She has, however, been madly, passionately in love with her soul mate and is a fervent believer in happily ever afters—which is why she writes romance series like The Royals of Monterra and #Lovestruck. After growing up in Southern California as the oldest of nine (yes, nine) children, she graduated from Brigham Young University with a semi-useless degree in history. She currently lives with the aforementioned soul mate and their four children in Utah, along with three tiger barb fish, a cat named Tiger, and a recently departed hamster who is buried in the backyard (and has nothing at all to do with tigers).

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