January 31, 2020

Blog Tour and Review: Fashion Jungle

FJ - BT banner.jpg
Fashion Jungle by Kathy Ireland and Rachel Van Dyken
Release Date: January 28, 2020
Cover of FashionJungle_eBook_HighRes.jpg


Fashion Jungle, an all-new standalone contemporary romance by Iconic Supermodel, now Global Business Mogul, Kathy Ireland and #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Rachel Van Dyken.
Four women… Four very different paths. One incredibly cutthroat world.

Welcome to the Jungle.

As America’s sweetheart, Brittany is perceived as the "good girl." The sort to bring her Bible to a photoshoot... only to garner the attention of a most unlikely suitor. Until one mistake irrevocably changes both of their lives forever. Fortunately, both now and then, Brittany has wonderful support systems, including her tribe.

The leader of the tribe and a model who’s fought every battle and obstacle in the industry, Zoe, knows her worth. Until a sex tape scandal rocks her world. She sees no choice but to put her trust in the one man she shouldn’t, to make it all go away and help her succeed. Unfortunately, not only is he mired in New York’s underbelly, he wants repayment... with interest. Namely, her hand in marriage.

Despite her seemingly perfect life, Everlee has problems of her own. Not only has her world-renowned photographer husband been cheating, but it’s actually much worse than that. The things surrounding what he’s done are so dark and dangerous, Everlee’s life may actually be in jeopardy.

And then there's Danica, cold, dead in the ground Danica. Some secrets stay hidden while others are just waiting to be discovered- hers has the power to alter the industry forever.

In the world of the Fashion Jungle, it’s easily eat or be eaten… but, if you make it out alive, you just might have a story to tell - though it will likely be one of secrets, lies, deceit, and loss.

Strap on your stilettos, it's about to get wild.

Based on true stories.
FJ - AN.jpg
Download your copy today!
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2JTawWO
Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2YQ6J6d
Blog Tour Teaser.jpg

“I think I may come here every night.”

“Be my guest,” Dane said, looking away as if he were bored; when in reality, his heart was racing.

Frederick would crack. His shirt was open now, his eyes closed. The habit would continue as it always did. Wouldn’t it?

He would self-destruct.

All men eventually did when it came to Dane.

The ones who didn’t, well… they weren’t alive to say otherwise, now, were they?

“Have fun.” Dane stood, patted Frederick on the back, and shared a knowing look with the woman currently straddling the man’s lap. “Make it worth his while but remember our rules.”

Dane shoved the guilt aside as he walked off.

The guilt of what this would do to Everlee.

Then again, Everlee didn’t know what he did.

She didn’t know the secrets Frederick kept.

That he wasn’t who she thought he was.

Then again, nobody really did.

Only Dane.

Because he’d collected everything he could on Frederick for a year and was less than impressed by the sort of man he was.

“Interesting club,” Ronan said once Dane reached the bar. He was flanked by two bodyguards.

“They aren’t necessary,” Dane said in an unemotional voice, pointing to the security. “No weapons allowed, no fighting, only pleasure.”

“And yet, here you are, talking to me.” Ronan leveled him with a glare. “What do you want, Dane?”

“Is that how you speak to an old friend?”

Ronan let out a snort. “We’ve never been friends. We’ve only tolerated each other because of the girls.”

The girls.

It was how they all referred to Brittany, Everlee, Zoe and Danica. Pain sliced through Dane’s heart, he couldn’t even say her name in his head without feeling it everywhere, all the way down to the marrow.

Shake it off.

They were women now.

Women with secrets.

Insecurities.

Girls who’d grown up too fast.

Females who were still fighting their way through the jungle of New York, barefoot and bleeding with fake smiles and deadly secrets.

“I need you to keep him in jail,” Dane said under his breath. “They say he’s getting out on good behavior.”

Ronan muttered a curse. “Let me guess, you want me to go have a golf game with the DA?”

“If you think that would help.” Dane tilted his head and narrowed his eyes on the politician, the man he used to trust as much as everyone else before Dane’s world came crumbling down around him by way of his sister’s death. “Then, yes.”

“Fine. This makes us even.” Ronan tried to walk off, but Dane grabbed him by the elbow and held him there, whispering in a low voice, “I will never be done with you… tell the former first lady hello. I loved what she was wearing while shopping on Fifth Avenue yesterday, the white made her look so innocent.”

Ronan let out a filthy curse and walked off.

And Dane?

Dane stared out across the club as a feeling of calmness washed over him. Chess pieces had been moved.

Now.

Now, he would wait.


Love this author to pieces. I have read most all of her books. this one was just ok for me. It was not the writing style--that was spot on. I just could not get into the premise of the story. I didn't really like that we were seeing everyone's story with in this book. After reading the synopsis, I had hoped this was a series. And, finally, I apparently just don't really care about fashion. Didn't realize it until I started reading. Very vapish and superficial bunch.

Not my cup of tea but you may enjoy it.

*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.


About Kathy:
Kathy Ireland, Chair of kathy ireland® Worldwide (kiWW®), is a fashion and home industry icon, whose unprecedented, American entrepreneurial success, inspired the term, model-preneur. kiWW® is owned solely by Kathy’s family trusts. Kathy’s first novel, Fashion Jungle, is co-authored with #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Rachel Van Dyken. Kathy entered the “jungle” as a teenager, sheltered by loving parents, John and Barbara, of Santa Barbara, California. Covers of Vogue, Teen, and Cosmopolitan, led to a record 13 issues and all-time bestselling cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. Kathy is the supermodel turned supermogul, hailed by Harper’s Bazaar as the most successful “model in the world.” kiWW® launched a single pair of socks, during Kathy’s first pregnancy. While selling over one hundred million pairs, retail expanded. kiWW® develops for home, office, fashion, luxury jewels, vacation destinations, weddings, lighting, flooring, furniture, personal care, media and more. After billions of dollars in sales, kiWW®, a private company, was reported on by Forbes. Kathy’s story continues in global media, including three Forbes covers (two USA, one Asia), Inc., Wall Street Journal, Cheddar, Success Magazine, television, and online. Kathy’s speaking events occur in America, the Middle East, Asia and beyond. Residing in Santa Barbara, California, Kathy Ireland and Greg Olsen are parents to Lily, Chloe, Erik and his wife Bethany, their daughter-in-love. Kathy holds numerous Honorary Doctorates of Humane Letters including one from CSU Channel Islands. Kathy’s philanthropy includes: women and children’s health, HIV/AIDS, Education, human freedom, life, wars against religious persecution and violence. Kathy is a Board Member of the NFLPA, WNBPA Board of Advocates, an Ambassador and donor for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. Kathy’s survival in the jungle is because of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, His inerrant Word, and The Gospel, which is the Good News of Christ, crucified for all sins. Kathy believes everyone is loved by Jesus Christ, without any exceptions. Please experience Kathy’s journey of Faith, at kathyireland.com/fashionjungle/faith.
Connect with Kathy:

About Rachel:
Rachel Van Dyken is the #1 New York Times Bestselling, Wall Street Journal, And USA Today bestselling author of over 80 books ranging from contemporary romance to paranormal. With over three million copies sold, she's been featured in Forbes, US Weekly, and USA Today. Her books have been translated in more than 12 countries. The Matchmakers Playbook was also optioned by Passionflix and directed by Tosca Musk. She was one of the first romance authors to have a Kindle in Motion book through Amazon publishing and continues to strive to be on the cutting edge of the reader experience. She keeps her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, adorable son, naked cat, and two dogs.For more information about her books and upcoming events, visit www.RachelVanDykenauthor.com.
Connect with Rachel:

No comments:

January 29, 2020

Review: Heartland








An emotional friends to lovers romance full of risky secrets and late-night lessons in seduction.
Dylan is my best friend, and the only person in my life who understands me. He doesn’t mind my social awkwardness or my weird history. The only glitch? He doesn’t know that I’ve been hopelessly, desperately in love with him since the first day we picked apples together in his family’s orchard.
But I know better than to confess.
Now that we’re both in college together, I’m seeing a new side of him. College Dylan drinks and has a lot of sex. None of it with me.
Until the night I foolishly ask him to tutor me in more than algebra…and he actually says yes.
But the cool morning light shows me how badly I’ve endangered our friendship. And I don’t know if anything will be the same again.



Ahhhh Dylan....I knew he was going to have a great story to tell.  Add in the idea that he falls for the sweet but quirky girl next door.  So much to swoon about in this one. 

Chastity and Dylan have been friends since she moved in to the neighboring farm.  Her upbringing has left her skitish, but Dylan is able to calm her and has always shown her respect. These two are ride or die great friends.  Who knew that there was an underlying sizzle happening?  Not the two of them.  Until that one night...... 

Lots of sweetness in this one.  Emotions all over the place.  So much love from family, friends, culture.  Great message of acceptance for who we are despite where we came from.  Falling in love with your very best friend just tops off all the feels.   

Just a perfect addition to the series.  One of the top for me.  Looking forward to Dylan's sister getting herself sorted out.  Should be another epic tale from this author!

*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review. 

Hertland

    No comments:

    January 23, 2020

    Blog Tour & Review: Dream With Me

    DWM - BT banner.jpg
    Dream With Me by Kristen Proby
    Release Date: January 21, 2020
    Dream With Me FOR WEB.jpg

    Dream With Me, an all-new standalone contemporary romance in the beloved With Me In Seattle Series by New York Times Bestselling Author Kristen Proby.

    Kane O’Callaghan knows what it is to have his work shown all over the world. His pieces are on display in palaces and museums, including the O’Callaghan Museum of Glass just outside of his beloved hometown of Seattle. Kane is a bit of a recluse, spending time on his farm alone and committed to his art. His life is full.

    Until the day he meets her.

    Wandering through museums is Anastasia Montgomery’s favorite way to spend her time. Not only does art feed her soul, but it inspires her own art of designing wedding cakes. When her muse seems to be gone, she finds her again among the beauty in the museums of Seattle, and the O’Callaghan Museum of Glass is her favorite. She’s never met the artist, but he must be absolutely brilliant, if he can make such beautiful things out of glass.

    Bumping into a grumpy stranger at the museum wasn’t in Anastasia’s plan. And then discovering it was Kane himself was absolutely humiliating.

    But when she sees him again at a charity fundraiser, and ends up spending an incredible, unforgettable night with the mysterious glass smith, Anastasia finds herself thinking of Kane and little else, even her precious work. Will this relationship bloom into the romance of a lifetime, or will their dreams of success get in the way of true love?

    Dream WIth Me AN FB.jpg
    Download your copy today!
    Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/DreamWithMeKP
    Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2XgTjwH
    Copy of Dream With Me Teaser BT.jpg
    Excerpt:
    Okay, so the man has moves. It shouldn’t surprise me that someone who creates such amazing works of art can also lead a girl around the dance floor. With one palm firmly planted on my lower back, and the other clutching my hand, Kane keeps his eyes on mine.

    “You’re a good dancer,” I murmur.

    “You’re nervous,” he replies softly. “There’s no need to be. It’s just a dance.”

    I take a deep breath and offer him a smile. He’s right. It’s just a dance.

    The fact that he’s maybe the hottest man I’ve ever seen is a huge bonus.

    And if he can move like this, with all of our clothes on, I can only imagine what it could be like if we were naked.

    Mercy.

    “I never got your name,” he says and guides me closer to him so we can talk into each other’s ears. I glance around the room, seeing my sister and the other girls smiling at us, watching us dance.

    “Anastasia,” I say and turn my head, not quite planting my nose against his neck. The smell of this man is going to kill me.

    And not because it triggers my asthma.

    Because it’s too sexy.

    I watch the pulse in his neck and enjoy the feeling of his strong arms holding me.

    “That’s a lovely name.” The accent is thicker in his voice now. Irish? I’m not good with accents, but I’d bet he’s Irish.

    His last name might be an indicator.

    “Thank you.”

    The song ends and flows into another ballad. Adele sings about finding another lover, as Kane moves against me, with me.

    I wonder if it looks as sexy as it feels.

    “You said yesterday,” he whispers against my ear, “that you’d be using your sketch for something else. What will that something be?”

    “A cake.”

    He pulls back far enough to smile down at me in surprise. “A cake, is it?”

    I nod, more comfortable talking about what I do for a living than just dancing in silence.

    “I design and build wedding cakes for a living. I can do them for other occasions, as well, but wedding cakes are what I’m known for.”

    “Interesting.”

    “I have a client who came into my shop about a month ago to hire me. They didn’t give me any direction at all. No colors, no requests. It just has to feed about two hundred guests.” I shake my head in disgust. “Not that I want them to tell me to copy a photo. I won’t do that, but usually, they have colors they like or flowers in mind. Something. Not these two. When I need inspiration, I like to look at what others have created. Or have conversations with people I enjoy.”

    “That makes sense,” he says and leans in to kiss my forehead, which sends a shiver right down my spine to my lady parts—which had already sat up and taken notice of Kane.

    “What was that for?” I ask.

    “An apology,” he replies. “For being difficult yesterday.”

    “Apology accepted.”

    His lips quirk into that half-smile, his green eyes shining. The song is almost over, and I know I should thank him for the dance and find Lia and the others.

    “Thanks for the dance.”

    The last note plays, and I pull back, immediately wishing I was back in his arms.

    He’s a stranger, and it’s crazy, but it’s true.

    “Do you belong to a man, Anastasia?” Kane brushes his knuckles down the side of my cheek.

    I frown. “I’ll never belong to anyone.”

    “You know what I mean. Are you taken?”

    “I’m single if that’s what you’re asking.”

    “Good.” He kisses the back of my hand.

    This is another great addition to the With Me series.  Kristen Proby is in her groove when she can write about the Montgomery's.  This book is Anastasia's story.  She is cousin to the original clan. SHe is quirky and artistic and a bakery owner.  I loved her spirit through the whole story. 

    Then there is Kane.  Also artistic, eccentric and a bit romantic.  Super protective of his family and his private life.  Anastasia knocks him off his game from the start.  

    Great banter, great humor and awesome chemistry between these two.  Great to catch up with some of the rest of the Montgomery's as well.  But hold on, now....  I hope my nose is right and I smell a spin off coming.  The O'Callagan siblings are ripe for story telling.  Please let us take a peek at them finding their HEA.  

    Perfect story! Great read once again from this author. 

    *Complimentary copy provided for an honest review. 

    Kristen was born and raised in a small resort town in her beloved Montana. In her mid-twenties, she decided to stretch her wings and move to the Pacific Northwest, where she made her home for more than a dozen years.

    During that time, Kristen wrote many romance novels and joined organizations such as RWA and other small writing groups. She spent countless hours in workshops, and more mornings than she can count up before dawn so she could write before going to work. She submitted many manuscripts to agents and editors alike, but was always told no. In the summer of 2012, the self-publishing scene was new and thriving, and Kristen had one goal: to publish just one book. It was something she longed to cross off of her bucket list.

    Not only did she publish one book, she’s since published close to thirty titles, many of which have hit the USA Today, New York Times and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists. She continues to self publish, best known for her With Me In Seattle and Boudreaux series, and is also proud to work with William Morrow, a division of HarperCollins, with the Fusion Series.

    Kristen and her husband, John, make their home in her hometown of Whitefish, Montana with their two pugs and two cats.
    Connect with Kristen:
    No comments:

    January 16, 2020

    Release Blitz & Review: Building Bridges




    Title: Building Bridges
    Series: Bridges Brothers #1
    Author: Lia Fairchild
    Genre: Contemporary Romance
    Release Date: January 16, 2020



    Former soldier Logan Bridges never imagined he would go from serving his country to helping raise a house full of children after a devastating family loss.

    Dealing with his rowdy siblings and cousins proves to be almost as treacherous as the battlefields he left behind. And though he’s committed to making it work, he soon finds he’s in over his head.

    Until someone from Logan’s past, steps in to help.

    Mollie has always been independent, but finds herself growing attached to the family, including Logan, and discovering there’s more to life than working and solitude.

    Logan and Mollie quickly form a strong bond, and when attraction brings them closer, they agree getting involved wouldn’t be good for the children. But when they both struggle to keep the blurry line of friendship between them, Mollie won’t take that step unless Logan can open up and face his painful past.

    Series info:
    The Bridges Brothers series follows four brothers as they attempt to navigate life and love after a tragic family loss. Each book can be read as a standalone but is more enjoyable read in order.



    Purchase Links


    AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
    B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS
    GOOGLE PLAY



    Excerpt

    Before I can turn around, I feel him at my back and a chill creeps up my neck. His hands grip my arms and his hard chest pressing against my shoulders feels like the safest place on Earth. He leans his head down and puts his lips at my ear. “I wish you didn’t have to leave.”
    My heart skips a beat and then thrums wildly. There’s no way out of visiting my parents at this point. “Me too. But we still have a little time together. Thanksgiv—” I scoff when I realize my assumption.
    “Of course, I want to spend Thanksgiving with you.”
    I grin, though he can’t see it. “I have to admit…it will be tough being away.”
    He runs his hands down my arms before slipping one around my middle. “How long?”
    “I’ll probably be there a couple weeks, home a little after Christmas maybe.”
    I try not to flinch when his hand slides beneath the hem of my sweater and skates across my bare skin. “I can wait, Mollie. If that’s what you want.”
    I don’t want to wait, but I can’t get any words out.
    “You said we should go slow. Get to know each other. Be open.” He brushes my hair to the side, exposing my neck. “I may not know everything about you, Mollie. But I know you. I know your heart and your will and your determination…and your vulnerability.” He places soft kisses at the top of my shoulder, searing my skin. In between kisses, his voice is velvet. “I’m not sure how it happened, but I feel like I’ve known you my whole life.”
    I wrap my arm around his neck and let out a soft sigh. “I want you to know it all.” Turning my head to the side, I part my lips, calling his to mine.
    “To have it all.”
    He wastes no time joining our mouths and stealing my breath with his warmth. A warmth that quickly turns to fire as we taste each other with soft slow nudges and nips.
    Dizzy with need, I pull back to look in his eyes, breathing heavily. His hand cups my chin, keeping my face, my lips, close to his. “I might have some broken pieces that aren’t fully repaired…and I might have some blank spaces I can’t remember…but the rest is all yours.” He kisses me once, gently. “If you’ll have me.”



    This is a new to me author.  Building Bridges is the first book in the Bridges Brothers series.  Logan is the second oldest brother and has come home after serving in the Army to help his family heal and move forward.  Needless to say, things are a hot mess.  During the course of events, he meets Mollie.  She offers to come help out the family and Logan and Mollie agree to strike up a friendship and nothing more. 

    We know how that goes, right? What I liked about the book is that slow burn. Logan took time to get to know Mollie and went and her speed--actually slowing things down even more, when she wanted to jump ahead.  The big reveal toward the end of the story was not at all what I was thinking it was going to be. I am not certain it needed to be that complicated, but it allowed for some reflection time so I guess it served it's purpose. 

    I loved the family.  Lots of complex characters going on here.  It will be great getting to know each of the brothers better in turn.  I am guessing the series will jump forward in time, since the youngest are still in high school.  That's fine with me. Hopefully we will see Logan and Mollie again in future books.  

    Not a bad start for a new series.  It holds promise for stories to come. 

    *Complimentary copy provided for an honest review. 




    Lia Fairchild writes romance and women's fiction. Fans of her books praise her endearing, real characters that come to life in stories that will touch your heart.

    Fairchild is addicted to the warmth of Southern California and holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and a multiple subject teaching credential. She is a wife and mother of two.


    Author Links




    Giveaway

    No comments:

    Release Blitz & Review: Bergen Brothers





    Title: Bergen Brothers: The Complete Series
    Author: Krista Sandor
    Genre: Contemporary Romance with comedic elements
    Release Date: January 16, 2020



    Bergen Brothers: The Complete Series (Books 1-3) + An
    Exclusive BONUS Short Story only found here!

    Brennen, Jasper, and Camden Bergen aren’t your average
    brothers.

    Heirs to a billion-dollar mountain sports empire, these smoking-hot siblings are each about to meet their match when it comes to the game of love.

    In the BERGEN BROTHERS COMPLETE SERIES you get:
    ☆ Three Full-length Books + A BONUS Short Story—Only Available Here!
    ☆ Three Chances to Laugh, Sigh, and Swoon.
    ☆ Three Happily Ever Afters with Mountains, Money, and all the Romance.
    ☆ One Exclusive BONUS Short Story: Elle and Jasper's Adventure

    THE BOOKS:

    MAN FAST
    A Man Fast is the complete abstinence of all things male. 
    No dating. No boyfriend. 
    And no creep to break your heart. 
    Too bad the city’s biggest player sees it as a challenge.

    MAN FEAST
    A man feast is what happens when two workaholics agree to a no-strings fling. But this fire and ice couple who clash at every turn soon come to learn that there’s a fine line between love and hate.

    MAN FIND
    A man find is a great guy you found online. 
    The problem…you can’t find him in real life. 
    Or can you?

    ☆ Only Available Here: ELLE AND JASPER’S ADVENTURE

    A Bergen Brothers Bonus Short Story featuring all the characters you love—and a Bergen-licious adventure for two of your favorites!


    AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU


    Free in Kindle Unlimited



    I had read Book 1 in this series and then fell behind.  I am soooo happy that the whole series is boxed together now!  Loved this family and watching these wounded men finally get their HEA.  

    Man Fast: 
    4.5 Stars

    This is a new to me author but what a delight to read this enemies to lovers Rom Com! This book kicks off a series about the Bergen Brothers. Very wealthy but all with some baggage. This is the middle brother, Brennen's story.

    The banter and timing was just perfect throughout the book. Abby's students and her elementary teacher background play the perfect foil to messing up the town's biggest playboy. Meddling grandparents, grumpy family members and steaming hot chemistry make this a must read story.

    I loved that Brennen realized Abby's worth and what she meant to him. He was willing to wait as long as the Man Fast took or until Abby decided he was worthy of her affection. Great heroine trying to find herself for the first time in her life.

    Man Feast: 
    4 Stars

    Jasper is buttoned up pretty tight and takes his responsibilities at Bergen Enterprised very seriously.  Never one to let loose and have fun. When he meets Abby's cousin Elle, he is just itching for a fight with her. But you know what they say about those that protest too much......yep....he has the hots for her in a big way.  Actually in a way that he doesn't even want to entertain.  Ept that pesky heart gets involved.  Elle's attitude makes the story for me.  So happy to see she tamed the beast and helped him to live again.  

    Man Find: 

    4.5 Stars

    This one was my favorite of the set.  From the premise down to the daisy door knobs and then wrapped up in the innocence of a young boy--this story was just about perfect. 

    Great humor. Great meet cute.  Meddling family and over all that big squishy feeling of love.  Camden and Candace click from the start and things just blossom from there.  Loved the whole story! 


    Short story:

    So perfect!  Like one big epilogue!  Great seeing everyone again and watching Jasper and Elle take some time away. 

    Also Available


    AMAZON / AUDIBLE / APPLE BOOKS








    Amazon Bestselling Author and terrible cook, Krista Sandor writes steamy contemporary romance with toe-curlingly hot heroes and heroines you'll want as your best friends.


    Author Links

    No comments:
    Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)