December 28, 2015

Release Blitz and Review: Hooked by Love

Hooked By Love is finally here!

But to understand the end - you must first start from the beginning...

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BOARDED BY LOVE

(Bellevue Bullies #1)

17448422Jude Sinclair here, hockey player for the Bellevue Bullies and lover of all ladies. Hockey’s in my blood, and not to sound full of myself, but I’m good at it…really good. The draft is within my reach—it’s mine to take—but that’s not the only reason people know my name. They know me because of my way with women. They know the score, and I aim to please. I just tend to stay away from repeat performances. In other words, I don’t do relationships beyond my family and friends. I’m happy with life. However, I should warn you that my story and how I see it playing out is about to change due to a certain redhead on campus.

She’s beautiful. Stunning. Breathtaking.
She’s my game changer.

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He’s trouble from the moment I see him. I don’t know what I’m thinking, but from the moment I meet his gaze, I’m his. It’s a scary feeling.

I’ve never trusted anyone outside my aunt and uncle—and even that took months. I didn’t have it easy growing up. My mom was usually strung out, and she didn’t give me a second thought. Drugs and the men who paid her were more important to her. It was horrible, but I’m stronger today. Because of my past, security is what I need most. Money assures me that I can take care of myself today, tomorrow, and next month. I don’t want to ever be hungry or go without again, so I work hard for every penny.

Oh, by the way, I’m Claire Anderson. I’m a hard-studying sophomore at the University of Bellevue, dancer for the school dance team, and a burlesque dancer at a club, but that’s my secret.

You may think you know how our story ends, but you have no clue. It’s not easy falling in love… or living happily ever after. At first it may seem so, but when is anything worth having ever won without a fight?

Especially when you’re boarded by love.

DOWNLOAD BOARDED BY LOVE

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CLIPPED BY LOVE

(Bellevue Bullies #2)


23172090Things are heating up for the Sinclair boys! With one already in the NHL, Jayden Sinclair is hoping to be next!

This has been the toughest year of my life. I watched my brother go into the draft without me, my mom got divorced, and the weight of my family’s issues is heavy on my shoulders. I feel like it’s my job to fix everything while working my butt off in school and trying to make my game better. I have to go into the draft. It will give my family the support they need, and it will prove that I’m good enough. But to get there, I have to show I can be the best captain for the Bellevue Bullies. The spot is mine—no one can take it. First though, Jude is making me go on a brother’s weekend. Innocent enough, I guess…until I see her. She’s the biggest competitor I’ve ever faced. Not only for my spot but also my heart. It’s hard to ignore someone like Baylor Moore.

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I don’t lose. I can’t. My dad has bred me to be the best in anything I do. I am driven, I am smart, and I am going to be the first woman in the National Hockey League. No two ways about it. I’ve worked too hard. I’ve been through too much not to have what I want. I know I can do it. I will make my dad proud, and no one will stand in the way of that. That is, until I let him in. He scares me. He makes me feel. And he could very well be the one person who can make me want more than just to win.

We both have the same goal. Victory. But how do you compete against the person you want to win? It’s not easy. Love isn’t something you can control. It isn’t like a puck that can be handled by a stick.

No, it has a mind of its own and does what it wants.

Neither of us saw it coming, and we really don’t know if there is a way to score, especially when you’re being Clipped by Love.

DOWNLOAD CLIPPED BY LOVE


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And now... I am proud to FINALLY introduce you all to:

HOOKED BY LOVE

(Bellevue Bullies #3)

Hooked by Love-high

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY || SARA EIREW
COVER DESIGN || REGINA WAMBA


Things are out of control for the Sinclair boys! With two already in the NHL, Jace Sinclair is ready to follow in his brothers’ HUGE skates in the last Bellevue Bullies novel…

Jace Sinclair here, and I’m amazing. There is no other way to describe me. I am the leading scorer for the Bellevue Bullies, I’m the captain, and people love me: my family, my teammates, my coach, and the NHL. This is my last year in college–I already have one foot in the draft. Hockey keeps me warm even when it’s freezing. It’s always there when nothing else is. And it pushes me to be the best I can be. It’s my one and only love.

That is, until I see her against a tree with a guitar.

Avery.

The last thing I wanted was to meet anyone. My heart is on the bench because of what happened with my parents, and I don’t want that for myself. I don’t want to be hurt by anyone. I can’t give them that power.

But my heart is begging for ice time, and I can’t control it around her.
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I’ve always been in the background. No one has ever had time for me and that’s fine; I’ve learned to cope. Coming from a family where hockey is life, the last thing I want is some big, burly hockey player charging at me. I don’t have time for it, but Jace Sinclair isn’t one to be deked around.

I didn’t want to meet anyone. I didn’t want to end up freezing the puck with him. It’s not what I want.

I have demons.

I have issues.

Living in the shadows, no one even knew until it was too late. But Jace wants to know.

He wants me.

And that scares me the living hell out of me.

We were so worried about what would happen if we fell, but we never thought what could happen in the process of falling. We never saw it coming. But it’s here, and the repercussions are not pretty.

We should have known that there is no way out of the zone when you are being Hooked by Love.


DOWNLOAD HOOKED BY LOVE



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Toni Aleo can write some super hot hockey players! This book is no exception. Hooked by Love is the third book in the Bellvue Bullies series, a spin-off of her Assassins series. This follows the baby of the family, Jace Sinclair, as he prepares to tear up the ice during his last year of college. He also plans on playing with as many women as he can. He only wants to have to think about hockey—not relationships like his brothers. Oh how quickly the mighty fall. One look at a green-eyed song bird and he is done for. Tongue-tied, fall down stupid, done for. 

I thoroughly enjoy the writing of this author. Overtime was one of my top reads in 2015. This book may be one of the most emotional she has written to date. The book is filled with humor and cheesy pick-up lines via Jace. It has a strong heroine in Avery. I mean, she has endured and fought against difficult odds and still is doing her best to keep her head on straight. I would have been happy with the cat and mouse chase game between these two along with some steamy loving. But, no. Ms. Aleo had to bring out some big guns and give us so many feels! I was ready to put the book down and finish reading when I was done with work. Well, this one made me call in sick to work! Seriously! It got to about 2/3 into the story and I. Could. Not. Put. It down!!! 

The book has us questioning what it means to be in love. The heart does not wait for the most opportune time in our lives to fall in love. Does love surpass everything else? Can we do things we love and still uphold the person we love above all things? Can broken hearts be repaired? 

Thank you once again for bringing to life realistic, believable characters with all of their flaws. Loved seeing Jace’s family rally around him. Loved how much his brothers show their love and support. Totally loved how Jace wanted to bring all that love to Avery to make her feel special, too. 

You could read this as a stand-alone, but don’t. Read the whole series. You won’t be disappointed! 

*ARC received for an honest review. 

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Toni Aleo is the author of the Nashville Assassins series: Taking ShotsTrying to ScoreEmpty Net, Falling for the Backup, Blue Lines, and Overtime.


When not rooting for her beloved Nashville Predators, she’s probably going to her husband’s and son’s hockey games and her daughter’s dance competitions, taking pictures, scrapbooking, or reading the latest romance novel.

 She lives in the Nashville area with her husband, two children, and a bulldog. Read more about Toni here.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads 

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December 18, 2015

Blog Tour and Review: Love Uncivilized


Love: Uncivilized
by Sawyer Bennett
Genre: Contemporary Romance



How did things ever get to be so difficult?

Nearly eight years of marriage. 
Two kids. 
Hectic careers and major life choices. 

Throw in sexual frustration, doubts, insecurities and one wild man not completely tamed by society, and you have a Christmas that’s bound to get out of control. Zacharias Easton will show you just how uncivilized love can be.

** Love: Uncivilized is a follow up novella to the book, Uncivilized. While it can be read as a stand alone, it is best appreciated after having read Uncivilized first. 



Love: Uncivilized Blog Tour – Interview with Zacharias Easton

What do you love most about Moira?

I love everything about Moira - her fiery hair, her beautiful eyes that see into my soul, her gorgeous body that fits perfectly against mine. But what I love the most about Moira, above all of her both physical and characteristic attributes, is her love for me. That might sound selfish, but it's true. The way she loves me and had the strength to fight for me, and for us. The way she loves me enough to have pledged her whole life to me, and stands beside me through all things in life. The way she loves me by giving me her body and bearing me two beautiful children. The way she loves me by giving me her whole mind and every inch of her loving soul. There just aren't enough words to fully describe her and the way she loves me. It's humbling.

How did you feel the first time Moira told you she was pregnant?

You already know I'm an uncivilized man, and Moira telling me she was pregnant brought that out in me. Just knowing that I had planted the seed of life within her, that together we had created something everlasting and beautiful, my god. Of course I had to have her, right then and there. Which just happened to be against the front door, since she was so excited she sprung it on me the minute I walked in. 

Have you ever second guessed your decision to come back to civilization?

Never. Once I made the decision to give myself to Moira fully and completely, I never once regretted that decision. She is my life, my heart, my soul, and everything in between. I do miss Paraila, but Father Gaul provides updates as often as he can. I know I am where I am meant to be.

Do you still enjoy a good Google session?

*laughs* I use Google for different things these days, like trying to determine how to cure diaper rash and how to assemble kids toys that come with a million tiny parts. I will never tire of learning new things, and Google has never let me down. Moira wholeheartedly agrees that Google is an excellent source of information. *winks*

Where do you see you and Moira 30 years down the road?

I see us surrounded by our kids and grandkids. I'd love to have a couple more kids, though I'm not sure Moira would be on board with that just yet. But even if we stop with two, my heart is happy and full. Our kids are amazing, and I can't wait to watch them grow up and become extraordinary adults. I look forward to being a grandfather, and watching Moira get more beautiful with age. Because she does. I thought she was the most beautiful creature the first time I laid eyes on her, even if I hated what she stood for. But, my god. She gets more beautiful every single day I open my eyes and see her. That's where I see us - surrounded by family and filled with love, because isn't that what it's all about?








This sweet novella takes place 8 years after the events in Uncivilized.  As the holidays are approaching, we catch up with Moira and Zach.  They are parents of two little ones and trying to make time for each other in their busy lives. 

What Sawyer Bennett brings to this story is the feeling that all young parents get.  That feeling of never having enough time, enough sleep, or enough hands to get everything done.  The very person who helped bring that precious child into being gets put on the back burner as you just try to get through your day.  Compound those feelings with a man who was raised in the jungle and still has difficulty with social cues---things get messy. 

I was happy to see that deep down, Zach was still the uncivilized man that Moira fell in love with.  And he is so in love with her.  When they finally take the time to care about each other, the reaffirm their bond and commit to adjust and change going forward.  If you think the loving would be pale and uninspired, think again.  This is Zacharias Easton after all.  Loved this giant epilogue /novella.  Thank you Sawyer for letting us see where this couple ended up.   


*ARC received for an honest review


New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Sawyer Bennett is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company which lets him fly all over the world while she stays at home with their daughter and two big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn't have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

Sawyer is the author of several contemporary romances including the popular Off Series, the Legal Affairs Series, the Last Call Series and the Wicked Horse Series. She also writes the Cold Fury Series for Random House.

Connect with Sawyer:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bennettbooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BennettBooks
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sawyerbennett123/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/Sawyer_Bennett
Google +: https://plus.google.com/+SawyerBennett/

Sign up for Sawyer’s newsletter:
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Cover Reveal: Tied Bond










Holly Woods is going to hell in a handbasket—but this time, Satanists aren’t to blame. Halloween is.  Nonna doesn’t understand why there are skeletons and demons everywhere. Mom is threatening to stitch a devil into Nonna’s pillowcase if she doesn’t shut up. Bek is bumbling over a date with Jason, the handsome FBI agent who conveniently got himself relocated to Austin, and I… Well. I’m considering running away to a town without the crazies.

Nothing new here.

Everything is going smoothly—too smoothly—and I can’t shake the feeling that something is about to happen. Drake insists I’m being paranoid… But when a body turns up at the Holly Woods Halloween party, we have a whole lot more than a murderer to worry about.

Because the prime suspect is his mom.

And it’s my job to prove she’s innocent.

 (Tied Bond is the fourth full-length book in the Holly Woods Files series and does not stand alone.)

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TWISTED BOND

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TANGLED BOND

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TETHERED BOND





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By day, New York Times and USA Today bestselling New Adult author Emma Hart dons a cape and calls herself Super Mum to two beautiful little monsters. By night, she drops the cape, pours a glass of whatever she fancies - usually wine - and writes books.
Emma is working on Top Secret projects she will share with her followers and fans at every available opportunity. Naturally, all Top Secret projects involve a dashingly hot guy who likes to forget to wear a shirt, a sprinkling (or several) of hold-onto-your-panties hot scenes, and a whole lotta love.


She likes to be busy - unless busy involves doing the dishes, but that seems to be when all the ideas come to life.
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December 17, 2015

Top 17 Reads 2015


I have been thinking about a Top 10 list for a couple of weeks now.  I narrowed down my picks to books published in 2015 that I reviewed and gave 5 or more hearts to.  I also considered those books that I have recommended to friends as well as those books that have left me with all the feels and book hangovers.  That still left me with more than 10 books!  I decided, given the number of books I have read--335-- in the year, picking just 10 favorites doesn't seem quite fair.  So, in no particular order, here are my top 17 reads of 2015. 



Calm and Storm by Susan Fanetti
I have devoured everything this woman has written.  Each book unique and unexpected.  This book was the finale to the Night Horde SoCal series.  It completely wrecked me but was a wonderful goodbye.  

Review: Goodreads






The Lost by Cole McCade
I am a self professed weinee when it comes to "dark" material.  Anything too taboo or too scary just gives me the shakes.  The Lost is described by the author as "dark, haunting, erotica."  It is all of those things but sooooo much more.  It left me thinking for days afterward.  From my review:  I devoured the book. I lost track of time. I shed some tears. It wrung me out. I completely fell in love. I highlighted so many quotes.  It's the first in the Crow City series by this author and I will most definitely read more! 

Review:  Goodreads  




Threefold by Scott Hildreth
This is another author that I readily one-click.  He had so many books published in 2015, 9 at last count, it was hard to pick a favorite.  Threefold is one of those books that makes you realize how blessed your life is.  It makes you think about what love is and that it is ok to accept love as it comes to you even if it may seem unconventional to others.  This book will give you all kinds of feels!  

Review: Goodreads





Wicked Ride by Rebecca Zanetti
Being a big fan of Zanetti's Dark Protector series, I was sure that this new spin off would not live up to my expectations.  What happened was hot biker witches, demons with a grudge, a bossy vampire king and an undercover enhanced female cop.  The vampires may rule the Realm but the witches are out for blood.  Lots of action in this one.  Great paranormal read!  Looking forward to the rest of the series.  

Review: Goodreads







Morrison by MJ Fields and Chelsea Cameron
What this has going for it right off the bat for me---single parent trying to make ends meet and make her child safe, player who is tired of playing the game but doesn’t yet realize it, intrigue.  What the story brings that puts the cherry on top---- All the feels: love of family, sexy alpha male who respects women, humor, brotherhood, strong independent women.  This is the second brother in the series but he passed up the first book and his older brother by miles!  Loved it! 

Review: Goodreads




Priest by Sierra Simone
So, I know I said taboo gets me squeemie but here is the second book on my top reads list with a taboo moniker.  I may need to switch my stand on this aversion of mine.  Simone takes us to the core of our religious beliefs.  The book description: My name is Tyler Anselm Bell. I'm twenty-nine years old. Six months ago, I broke my vow of celibacy on the altar of my own church, and God help me, I would do it again.  I am a priest and this is my confession.  That about sums it up.  Hang on and bring ice water!  This one will take you on a ride! 

Review: Goodreads



Overtime by Toni Aleo
This book has ALL. THE. FEELS!  Seriously! It has some potential triggers in the story line but oh my, the good, the bad, the ugly cry...all of it wrapped up in this one.  Really helps that it has a super hot cover and Jordie is just prime for a HEA.  Well deserved for him.  Great book as part of the Assassin's Series.  

Review: Goodreads







Stepping out of the box a bit for the next few.  These are series published in 2015 that I think should be read in their entirety. 

Hard Ink Series by Laura Kaye
A novella and the final book, HARD TO LET GO were released in 2015.  The series as a whole is a top pick.  The books individually have been nominated for and awarded top praises including RT Reviewer's Choice Award.  The series follows former military Special Forces men as they try and sort through the mystery of the death of their commander and their untimely discharge from the Army.  There is mystery, danger and romance along with some steamy moments along the way.  Well worth the read of the whole series.




King Series by TM Frazier
Books 1-3: KING, TYRANT, LAWLESS
These are hangover worthy books.  I mean DAYS trying to shake the story out of my head! The author has some serious mind fuck skills! If you like some darkness to your romance, you will like these.  There is a fair bit of violence and endless twists and turns you don't see coming.  Some great humor and secondary characters.  Oh, and the lead heroes are super hot bad boys!  There is one more book coming in early 2016.  If you are not a patient reader, I recommend waiting and reading the whole series as one.  

Reviews: King    Tyrant   Lawless





 Jack and Jill Series by Jewel E. Ann
END OF DAY, MIDDLE OF KNIGHT
This was a new to me author in 2015.  I also really liked her other release this year, Only Trick.  I am amazed with the writing style and the creative voices that are pushing this story out of the author's head and on to the paper.  After two books, I still am not sure I know exactly what is going on.  Prepare yourself for a journey of mystery, heartbreak, violence, humor and love. Something bizarre is happening in the world of the Day siblings. Enough so that they change their names to Jack and Jillian Knight. Both are quirky. Both are extremely well trained fighters. And both have a wicked sense of humor!  The third and final book is coming in February.  I expect it to be on my top list for 2016. 

Review: End of Day    Middle of Knight




Caged Series by Shay Savage
TAKEDOWN TEAGUE, TRAPPED, RELEASED
The creativity of this author is beyond amazing.  I knew when I picked up this book that I would not even be able to begin to guess how the story would go.  It took three books to get everything said and to the HEA.  But, oh m goodness!  What a ride we take to get there.  The whole series is in Liam's POV.  Lots of humor.  Some very painful baggage hanging on both Liam and Tria but so a unique story.  Grab all 3 books at once so you can read this straight through. 

Review: Takedown Teague   Trapped    Released



More single title releases that I loved: 




An Alpha's Choice by Carrie Ann Ryan
I have been following this author's wolf shifters for awhile now.  This book is the second in a spin off of her Redwood Pack series.  This book spoke to me not only because of the budding romance but because of the struggle both lead characters had to endure in their lives to get to the point they were at.  Lots of feels around love and strength of family.  You may need kleenix to get through this one. 

Review: Goodreads




Grayson's Vow by Mia Sheridan
This is part of Mia's Sign of Love series.  All of the books are stand alone.  Kira and Grayson seem an unlikely pair yet they come together in hopes of sharing a burden and improving their situation.  They don't expect to fall for each other.  The story is about balance. It’s about pairing opposites in order to have a fulfilling life. It makes you think about what is fair and just in society, in families and in relationships. Nice humor written throughout the story.  Very enjoyable read! 

Review: Goodreads


Him by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy
2015 brought with it a new genre of reading for me.  Him was not my first m/m romance for the year but the other books I read had been out for quite awhile.  This one makes my top read list.  The combination of these two authors and an almost perfect love story, make this a great read any time.  The disclaimer on the book says it all: Warning: contains sexual situations, skinny dipping, shenanigans in an SUV and proof that coming out to your family on social media is a dicey proposition.  Super steamy and full of love.  Happy to re-read this one. 

Review: Goodreads


Sacrifice by Adriana Locke
Another new to me author this year.  I totally blame Temi and Sheila for sucking me in.  Just read it they said.  Hee..Hee...  Come on, you'll like it they said.  I finished as was sure to tell them they both suck!  What on earth?  So many feels in this story.  There may have been sobbing more than once.  Then the ending just about guts you.  Just one of those books you have to read to experience.  Definitely a fan of this author now.  And still friends with my blogging girls. :) Grab your hankie and read this one straight through. 

Review: Goodreads


Sustained by Emma Chase
I picked up this book randomly for a review copy.  I hadn't read the other books in the series, which usually puts me off.  I like this author's writing style so much.  The right mix of humor and tension and loving.  This whole book was such a delight to read.  I realize I have a soft spot for single parent books.  Regardless, this one could be made into a movie and I would see it.  LOVED! 

Review: Goodreads




Bleeding Love by Harper Sloan
I am a big epilogue whore so this whole series by Harper Sloan is one big happy moment for me.  The Hope Town series follows the children born during her Corps Security series.  This is book 2 but can be a stand alone.  You don't want to read this in isolation, though.  Start with the Corps series and move on to this one.  Happy dancing over Liam and Megan and sweet Molly.  I guarantee Liam will become one of your top 5 BBF! 

Review: Goodreads