Friday, 30 June 2017

Review ~ Crosshairs (Predator & Prey #2) by Kate Stewart


Book Description:

Safe.

It’s a liar’s word. No one is ever truly safe.

Daniello still haunted me—in my bed, in my dreams, in a ridiculous notion of a future we would never have.

I was drawn to darkness, and he was the abyss.

My love for him made me flesh and bone—vulnerable.

I was finally a woman with something to lose and would do anything to keep it.
But when my past caught up with my present, it became clear that safe would forever remain an illusion. 

Laz was coming for us, his looming darkness a threat to the life I carefully designed. 

Armed with hope, and ready for battle, I never imagined the casualties of the war that came to me. 

And then I lost all control.

****This is the conclusion to the Predator and Prey Duet.

Duet reading order
Camouflage
Crosshairs

***If you are not a fan of cursing, erotic and extremely explicit sex, immoral behavior, violence, dysfunction or sexual scenarios that may make you feel uncomfortable this is not the book for you. FILTHY. EROTIC. SUSPENSE.

Buy Links:


Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4.5 stars
***ARC received for an honest review***


“It’s not the monster you love. It’s the memory.”


Ooooo Kate Stewart more than delivered with Crosshairs, this author bought her emotional ‘A’ game. I cried a river reading this book, Kate Stewart always manages to evoke those tears whether she means to or not. I ran the gamut of emotions such was the character connection, the heat packed into this book was seriously sizzling, mix this all with some serious intrigue and this was one riveting read. There were twists and turns aplenty, some I saw coming and some I didn’t, this book was intense, seriously intense, totally unputdownable, unpredictable and an amazing finale to this duet.


“Kissing is for lovesick fools. You get my fortune and my cock. That has to be enough. My heart is no good.”


Crosshairs picks up from where Camouflage left off and while the beginning was a little on the slower side I was grateful for the break of pace, because knowing how this author delivers, she wasn’t going to take it easy on the reader for long and it wasn’t long before the first sucker punches were delivered.


“He was the predator and I his prey.”


I have been anxious as to how Taylor and Daniello’s story was going to pan out. These two were total opposites and yet their connection was palpable, every scene between these two was electric whether they were simply talking or making moves with their bodies. The current that runs between these two was ever present on the pages and you could almost feel the sizzle with every page turn. It is not often you feel that between a couple, but when these two were together the pages seriously lit up. That sexual chemistry was palpable and I felt it. As I said above, the character connection was on point and I lived and breathed this story, when they hurt I hurt, like seriously hurt, but this is what I treasure about this authors words, she always brings it.


“He would tear my castle apart and ruin my kingdom if I’d let him. Because I loved him. Someone had to love the fucking villain.”


I am going to be seriously vague in this review because you need to read it as the author intended, you need to experience those highs and lows first hand to truly appreciate the story telling that this author perfectly penned. The flashbacks to Taylor’s past go a long ways into making the reader understand Taylor as a person and how she has become the woman she is today. These past chapters made this book for me. From the first one I was intrigued and was totally invested in her past just as much as I was her present. There is so much I could say about her past, but I can’t, but the person that gave her the means to be the strong, independent, powerful woman she is today…holds a huge piece of my heart too.


“You will be my greatest investment, my legacy…and my downfall.”


Daniello has always been a mystery, an enigma, but I couldn’t give a fuck because he was seriously hot as sin. Alpha, protective, a man’s man, he was alluring, charming, innocently funny and yet just his mere presence haunted the pages. Daniello was like a male siren and boy did he call. Finally, we get to know the man, his past, his family and his calling. While there is still that intrigue surrounding him, Kate Stewart gave us everything we needed to draw our own conclusions and he firmly planted himself on my BBF shelf.


“And Taylor appealed to every part of me. Even the man who would burn down a village to prove a point. I was that man, and I wanted this woman. But I had years of scattered ashes in my wake. And though she’d risen from hers, I washed myself daily in mine.”


This was by no means your run of the mill romance. This was Kate Stewart’s dirty side and every powerplay, battle for dominance and erotic yet sensual sex scenes are what seriously ramped up the heat factor in this book. But, Kate’s angel side, that emotional side was prevalent throughout and really balanced these two as a couple and made the reader believe in them as a couple. Their path is far from simple, the mountains are high and the valleys are low, but if any couple have the strength to make it work, it is these two. From the edge of my seat for most of the ride my fingernails bitten to the quick, Kate Stewart showed just how powerful and consuming her stories really are. Another winner, a great ending to this duet and I will part with one word…CEDRIC. Kate Stewart…CEDRIC, CEDRIC, CEDRIC, CEDRIC.


“Sleeping dogs can’t lie, they’re asleep.”

Other Books in Series:

Camouflage (Book One)




Thursday, 29 June 2017

Release Day Blitz & Review ~ The Catch (The Player #2) by K Bromberg


The Catch is LIVE!!! This is the final part of The Player duet!!

         

Book Description:

After an unexpected twist of fate, All-Star catcher Easton Wylder is left questioning the loyalty of everyone around him. 

 Even the woman who shares his bed, Scout Dalton. 

 But if Easton thought being uprooted to the last place he expected was the only challenge life had to throw at him, he was dead wrong. 

 With an ailing shoulder and his career in limbo, his decision to make an unexpected change leads him to question everything – Scout’s love, family loyalties, and whether he can conquer the one obstacle he’s never been able to overcome. The secret he’s never shared with anyone. 

 He may be a man pushed to his limits, but he’s hell-bent on proving his worth no matter the cost.  

 


Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4.5 stars
***ARC received for an honest review***


“It was a perfect storm of coincidence…”


So, Easton and Scout’s story continues in The Catch and we pick up with them right where we left off. K Bromberg left us in limbo and this is a book that I have been anxiously anticipating since I finished The Player. The Catch is chock full of K Bromberg’s trademark angst and emotion, the course of true love never runs smooth and these two still have a lot to work through. Honesty is always the best policy and with twists and turns aplenty there is never a dull moment. Faster paced and utterly engaging, this was a book that I couldn’t put down.


“Just when I felt like everything was falling apart, I’m beginning to wonder if maybe they were finally falling into place.”


Beginning with the repercussions of Scout’s last-minute decision in The Player, Easton’s trade was inevitable. Easton is automatically angry and despondent that the team that he had dedicated his life and career too are all too quick to dispense with his services. Loyalty counts for nothing in this game, it is all about the bottom line, underhand deals and management with no scruples.


“I need to step back and think about what will make me happy for once. Me! The only one who will be left.”


Scout was put into an untenable position, damned if she did and damned if she didn’t. The wrath of Easton was expected but his lack of giving her the benefit of the doubt hurts. It is at this juncture that these two really develop as a couple. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and all that.


“There will come a day, son, when someone will love the parts of you that no one else knows how to love. That’s when you know they’re the one for you.”


Who can you really trust? It seems no-one is in this book and everyone has skeletons in their closets, hidden agendas and are only out for what they can get for themselves. K Bromberg took this book to places I didn’t expect and while those skeletons come tumbling out, a plethora of emotions came tumbling too. From anger, to empathy, to love, my emotions were all over the place and as per usual K Bromberg had those tear ducts working overtime. The character connection and dialogue was on point, the plot full of the expected and the unexpected and it is this that keeps those pages frantically turning.


“Clear mind. Full heart, Scouty-girl. Never forget that.”


This book though was all about Easton and Scout’s personal journey and growth both as individuals and as a couple. The baseball setting also brought its own problems and I loved the insight into the mechanics behind the scenes. The ruthlessness is forever apparent and causes many of the curveballs that this couple face along the way.


“…It’s your heart I love. It’s your ability to open up to me even when you don’t want to. The man you are makes me want to be a better woman, too. So, I’ll give you time to think and be alone when I really don’t want to as long as you understand I want you. All of you. Your flaws. Your mistakes. Your achievements. Your shortcomings. Your love.”


As I said in my review of The Player this duet has been a huge reminder of why I fell in love with this authors writing in the first instance. Chemistry, emotion, wordy words, sentences filled with love, longing and romance. While this premise has been done before K Bromberg made it her own with her signature writing, intense character connection and emotion by the bucket load, I loved it.


“Everyone deserves some pretty in their life regardless of the scars they bear.”

Other Books in Series:

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Book Description:

Baseball has never been sexier in an all-new novel by New York Times Bestselling Author, K. Bromberg. 

Easton Wylder is baseball royalty. The game is his life. His passion. His everything

So, when an injury threatens to end Easton’s season early, the team calls in renowned physical therapist, Doc Dalton, to oversee his recovery. Except it’s not Doc who greets Easton for his first session, but rather, his daughter, Scout. She may be feisty, athletic, defiant, and gorgeous, but Easton is left questioning whether she has what it takes to help him. 

Scout Dalton’s out to prove a female can handle the pressure of running the physical therapy regimen of an MLB club. And that proof comes in the form of getting phenom Easton Wylder back on the field. But getting him healthy means being hands-on. 

And with a man as irresistible as Easton, being hands-on can only lead to one thing, trouble. Because the more she touches him, the more she wants him, and she can’t want him. Not when it’s her job to maintain the club’s best interest, in regards to whether he’s ready to play. 

But when sparks fly and fine lines are crossed, can they withstand the heat, or is one of them bound to get burned? 


     

About the Author:

     HeadShot Color

New York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy, and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines, and damaged heroes who we love to hate and hate to love. 

 A mom of three, she plots her novels in between school runs and soccer practices, more often than not with her laptop in tow. 

 Since publishing her first book in 2013, K. has sold over one million copies of her books and has landed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists over twenty-five times. 

 In April, she’ll release The Player, the first in a two-book sports romance series (The Catch, book 2, will be released late June), with many more already outlined and ready to be written. 

 She loves to hear from her readers so make sure you check her out on social media or sign up for her newsletter to stay up to date on all her latest releases and sales HERE 

Cover Reveal ~ I Do(n't) by Leddy Harper


LOVE this cover from Leddy Harper!!



Cover Designer - Wicked by Design

Book Description:

I fell in love with Holden York when I was six years old.

Most of my youth came with spiral notebooks filled with doodles, wedding plans, and “Janelle York” looped in bubbly handwriting.

However, one night in Vegas changed everything.

I woke up to more than just a fantasy of my brother’s best friend.

Five years later, I'm standing on his doorstep confronting him about the secret he kept from me. 

If you think this is the story of how we rode off into the sunset together…

You’re so wrong.

But if you think this is the story of how Holden blackmailed me into living with him...

You couldn't be more right.


RELEASING AUGUST 10, 2017

Add to your TBR - http://bit.ly/2tkyzIa


About the Author:


Leddy Harper had to use her imagination often as a child. She grew up the only girl in a house full of boys. At the age of fourteen, she decided to use that imagination and wrote her first book, and never stopped. 

She often calls writing her therapy, using it as a way to deal with issues through the eyes of her characters.

She is now a mother of three girls, leaving her husband as the only man in a house full of females. 

The decision to publish her first book was made as a way of showing her children to go after whatever it is they want to. Love what you do and do it well. Most importantly Leddy wanted to teach them what it means to overcome their fears.

Follow Leddy Harper




Wednesday, 28 June 2017

Review Roundup


The past two weeks I have read some incredible books, after a 5 star drought, 5 came along at once. This is quite the eclectic mix, from angsty weepies, romantic comedies, mafia romances, contemporary romances, YA and one of THE BEST psychological thrillers I have ever read. Did you miss a review? Which ones tickle your reading tastebuds?



4 stars Unraveled (Guzzi Duet #1) by Bethany-Kris ~ Mafia Romance

4.5 starsShadows & Silence (A Wild Bunch Novel by London Miller ~ Mercenary/Mafia Romance

4.5 starsBad Penny by Staci Hart ~ Contemporary Romance

4 starsHot Cop by Laurelin Paige & Sierra Simone ~ Romantic Comedy

3.5 starsAll I Am: Drew's Story (This Man #3.5) by Jodi Ellen Malpas ~ Contemporary Romance (Novella)

5 starsRedemption by Stephie Walls ~ Romantic Suspense

5 stars Wrecked by Jeannine Colette ~ Contemporary Romance

4.5 starsThursday Afternoon by Beth Rinyu ~ Contemporary Romance 

5 starsThe Knocked Up Plan by Lauren Blakely ~ Romantic Comedy


4 starsThe King (Masterpiece Duet #1) by Skye Warren ~ Romantic Suspense

4 starsGirl off the Grid by Jillian Dodd & Kenzie Harp ~ YA Travel Romance

5 starsThe Fourth Monkey (A 4MK Thriller) by JD Barker ~ Psychological Crime Thriller

Review ~ Darkness Matters by Jay McLean


Book Description:

It’s the same old story, really. 
Good versus evil. 
Heroes versus villains. 
Light versus dark. 
For two years, college freshman Noah Morgan lived his life somewhere in the middle, fighting darkness and light, always searching for answers to a single question:
Why, Noah, why?
The same three words keep him up at night, struggling for air while gripping a plastic cylinder containing white pills to match the white label with his name printed in ink as deep and dark as his memories—memories that turned him into a recluse. 
A shut-in. 
An introvert.
Luckily for him, that’s not how the girl next door sees him.

Buy Links:


Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4 stars


“I’m a girl with an infinite amount of regrets. A girl who used to believe in chance and in fate but doesn’t anymore.”


So, the sneaky Jay McLean totally side swiped me with this release, not only the fact it went live without warning, but also the content. Jay McLean is infamous for making me cry, delivering angsty romances all while interspersed with her trademark wit. Darkness Matters was different, still that angst, still emotional, but for Jay, this was darker than her norm. No wit, just emotion, more emotion a little intrigue and I loved it.


“I should have done a lot of things I didn’t. And a lot of things I shouldn’t have.”


This book does contain some sensitive topics but they were all dealt with honesty and realism, nothing over the top, nothing there for the shock factor, just a story about two people that have painful back stories that may have the potential to find love and solace with one and other. This was one twisty read, Jay McLean has you teetering on the precipice, desperately wanting to know the low down on Andromeda and once you think you know, you know absolutely nothing at all.


“I’m a girl who sees the world in black and white and different shades of grays, but barely ever in color.”


Andromeda was on route to Harvard despite the crap hand that she had been dealt, she was super intelligent, focused, hard-working and honest…until she met the wrong person. Love makes you blind, blind to reality, blind to the truth, blind to the big red warning lights that are constantly flashing and yet seem unimportant when seen through rose tinted glasses. Andromeda made her mistakes and now she was living with the consequences.


“I step into the shower, lose myself in the warmth of the water raining down on me, and I silently cry three and a half years’ worth of tears over two years’ worth of mistakes.”


Noah was a man who was a prisoner of his own making. One tragic event had turned him from a jock to hermit, a loner, nervous, shy and intimidated by those around him. Self-imposed exile for years has left lasting effects and now, at college, he was slowly learning to come out of his shell, like a tortoise waking up from hibernation…but that light is always a little too bright. Noah still had a way to go and yet he seemed to feel comfortable around the girl next door.


“A recluse. A shut-in. An introvert. All those words run through my mind, but I don’t think I’m any of them. The truth? I’m just extremely fucking shy.”


Andie and Noah were very well suited, both intelligent, both shy albeit for different reasons. Two people that wouldn’t say boo to a goose yet seem to have all the words in each other’s company. Even without words their companionable silence was all they needed to settle one and other.


“Noah Morgan is a gift-giving, soul-sharing, heart-stealing boy next door…And he only had eyes for me.”


For me personally, I felt this one needed a little more. It was a quick read, fairly short for a Jay McLean book and the trademark depth of her characters was missing. However, the message within the lines was all consuming, powerful, beautiful and important and that is what I have taken away from this book. I also felt that the ending was a little abrupt and I was desperately waiting for the next page, therefore, for me, this one needed an epilogue. When you are so invested in a couple sometimes you just need that little bit extra to make sure all is light in the world. We all have a little darkness, it does matter, but the light is what matters the most.


“…Your darkness matters…”

Cover Reveal ~ The Darkest Sunrise Duet by Aly Martinez


Today we are sharing the incredible covers for The Darkest Sunrise Duet by Aly Martinez. Check them out below, along with the blurbs for each title. The first book in this contemporary romance duet will be released on July 13th! Be sure to follow Aly's newsletter to be notified when the books are up for pre-order.

     

Book Description:

Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me. Whoever coined that phrase is a bald-faced liar. Words are often the sharpest weapon of all, triggering some of the most powerful emotions a human can experience. “You’re pregnant.” “It’s a boy.” “Your son needs a heart transplant.” Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me. Lies. Syllables and letters may not be tangible, but they can still destroy your entire life faster than a bullet from a gun. Two words—that was all it took to extinguish the sun from my sky. “He’s gone.” For ten years, the darkness consumed me. In the end, it was four deep, gravelly words that gave me hope of another sunrise. “Hi. I’m Porter Reese.” 


   

----------------------------


The Brightest Sunset (The Darkest Sunrise Duet, #2) 
Coming July 27th 

Book Description:


Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me. Bullshit. Words destroyed me. “I’m sorry. She didn’t make it.” “Daddy, he can’t breathe!” “There’s nothing more we can do for your son.” Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me. Lies. Those syllables and letters became my executioner. I told myself that, if I didn’t acknowledge the pain and the fear, they would have no power over me. But, as the years passed, the hate and the anger left behind began to control me. Two words—that was all it took to plunge my life into darkness. “He’s gone.” In the end, it was four soft, silky words that gave me hope of another sunrise. “Hi. I’m Charlotte Mills.” 


Tuesday, 27 June 2017

Review ~ The Fourth Monkey (A 4MK Thriller) by JD Barker


Book Description:

Se7en meets The Silence of the Lambs in this dark and twisting novel from the author Jeffery Deaver called, “A talented writer with a delightfully devious mind.”

For over five years, the Four Monkey Killer has terrorized the residents of Chicago. When his body is found, the police quickly realize he was on his way to deliver one final message, one which proves he has taken another victim who may still be alive. 

As the lead investigator on the 4MK task force, Detective Sam Porter knows even in death, the killer is far from finished. When he discovers a personal diary in the jacket pocket of the body, Porter finds himself caught up in the mind of a psychopath, unraveling a twisted history in hopes of finding one last girl, all while struggling with personal demons of his own.

With only a handful of clues, the elusive killer’s identity remains a mystery. Time is running out and the Four Monkey Killer taunts from beyond the grave in this masterfully written fast-paced thriller.

Buy Links:

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2sWwjUz



Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 5 stars
***ARC received for an honest review***


“Sorry it took me so long to visit, I’ve been a very busy boy.”


This book had me at “Se7en meets Silence of the Lambs,” two of my favourite films EVER!! I love my crime thrillers, sometimes when I need a break from the world of romance my other love comes into play. I love CSI, I love Criminal Minds and this book was the perfect mix of the two, along with a gripping, thrilling investigation. JD Barker is a new to me author and if this book is any indication of his talents then I have quite a few books to look forward to. This was a book that I would love to see on the big screen, the scene setting, this authors play on words, an all-consuming plot all led to an unputdownable read, one that held my attention from the very first word until the very last.

JD Barker turns the world of criminal thrillers on its head with The Fourth Monkey in so far as it starts with the death of The Fourth Monkey killer, a serial killer that has evaded capture in Chicago for over five years. A serial killer that never leaves any evidence, a serial killer so smart the police have nothing to go on, a serial killer that taunts them, teases them and makes them look like amateurs, time and time again. The clues are all there on the body, now it just needs someone with just as sick a mind to interpret them, to understand them and to find The Fourth Monkey Killers last victim. It is a race against time.


“Pawns must be sacrificed for the king to fall.”


We all know the story of the three wise monkeys, hear no evil, see no evil and speak no evil. According to lore there was a fourth monkey…do no evil. So why would a serial killer be labelled The Fourth Monkey? Quite a contradiction considering the field this man excels in. The Fourth Monkey got his name from the three white boxes that he sends to his victim’s family, first the ears, then the eyes and then the tongue. While I felt the killing was a necessity for this serial killer, the thrill of the chase was what got this man off. The Fourth Monkey Killer was a master manipulator, he trails bread crumbs, he leads the investigating officers on a merry dance, a dance that had my rapt attention throughout.

Detective Sam Porter is the lead on this case and the gift of The Fourth Monkey Killers diary is where it all begins and ends. The diary entries are what gives us an understanding of the man The Fourth Monkey Killer was, a diary that goes some ways into describing the events that moulded the man. From childhood to present all pertinent facts and events are described in all their gut churning glory. A vigilante of sorts who kills the innocent to punish the guilty. The morality of his reasoning will make you think and while you know it is wrong that streak of empathy will keep rearing its ugly head.

JD Barker sugar coats nothing. This is a book that will turn your stomach, not only with actions but also with thoughts. I had goose bumps and the fear was real. This author really gets into your head and plays with your mind and that is the sign of an amazing psychological thriller. The twists and turns you will never see coming, the prose utterly engaging and positively chilling, but this is a story that you will never forget and will sickly want more of.


“Luckily, it was downhill. Mr. Carter had been a large man.”


This book is incredibly graphic at times and is definitely not for the faint of heart, many a time my hands were over my eyes as if I could somehow shield myself from what I was reading. This is where JD Barker exceeded with the visceral scene setting…letting your imagination run riot and mine is extremely vivid. Engaging, absorbing, compelling, intriguing, suspenseful, sick and twisted but as I said above, one unforgettable read. If you love psychological thrillers then this is the cream of the crop. Totally loved every single sick second of it.

Release Day Blitz, Review & Excerpt ~ Girl off the Grid by Jillian Dodd and Kenzie Harp

Girl off the Grid is LIVE!!!


Book Description:

From USA Today bestselling author, Jillian Dodd, and her daughter, Kenzie Harp, comes a travel romance that will take you on the adventure of a lifetime.

NYC fashion blogger, Camille Caldwell, gets offered a dream job by her favorite magazine. They’re going to send her on an all-expenses paid eco-trip to Costa Rica. She doesn’t know what that means, but she assumes she’ll wear fabulous clothes, sip Piña Coladas on the beach, and have her photo taken “out in nature.” Really, the hardest part of the assignment will be giving up social media while she’s gone.

Going off social media is no big deal for London-based wildlife photographer, Adam Lloyd. The only reason he even has an account is to share his photos with the world. He’s thrilled when an international publication wants to hire him, until he finds out it’s a fashion magazine. He decides to take the job anyway—after all, it will be great for his portfolio. But the minute he sees Camille, he knows it was a mistake. She has too much luggage, is too high maintenance, and way too pretty.

When they meet, their feelings are mutual—they hate each other. Can these two stop fighting long enough to complete their assignment? Will Camille give up and go home when she discovers there’s nowhere to plug in her hair straightener?

Or will they both realize that sometimes you have to go off the grid to find yourself?

Making a difference:

Part of our goal in writing this book is to make a difference. 10% of our profits (20% during release week) from this book will be donated to the Sea Turtle Conservatory. It is the oldest sea turtle research and conservation group. It was founded in 1959 by Dr. Archie Carr. Their headquarters are in Florida, but they have programs worldwide that work to conserve sea turtle populations through education, research, advocacy, and protection of natural habitats. They also have a research station in Tortuguero, Costa Rica, which was one of the places visited in the book. For more information on the Sea Turtle Conservatory, click here.


Buy Links:



Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4 stars
***ARC received for an honest review***


“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” ~ Neale Donald Walsch


Jillian Dodd and Kenzie Harp transport the reader to the tropical paradise of Costa Rica with visceral scene setting, wildlife and their habitats all while delivering an informative lesson on eco-tourism and…who can forget one enticing slow burn romance in this stunning YA novel. I want to go there and see it for myself! While this is YA and obviously absent is the hot and steamy the crux of this book is pushing your boundaries, be adventurous and out of your comfort zone but most importantly of finding yourself.


“Life is made up of moments. Moments that define you, change you, and test you. You choose these moments. And I am choosing this moment to let go. Not to overcome my fear, but at least face it head on.”


Camille Caldwell is an eighteen year old fashion blogger from New York, she has built up a huge following on YouTube and once she has finished her studies wants to work in the industry. When she is approached by one of her favourite fashion magazines to do an editorial in Costa Rica she jumps at the chance. Camille is immediately thinking high end fashion and hotels but what the deal actually entails is an eco-tourism trip and she has to stay “off the grid.” At one with nature is not at the top of her priority list but with her own photographer and only a once a day video upload to the magazine allowed Camille embarks on the trip of a lifetime.

Adam Lloyd is a London based wildlife photographer, following in his father’s footsteps. Adam is just embarking on his career and this is an incredible opportunity to get himself established, however a prissy, high maintenance fashion blogger is not the baggage that he intended to take but unfortunately, they come hand in hand. Adam is an outdoors man, he has the experience and his parents have brought him up around wildlife all his life, this is second nature to him, unlike Camille.


“I’ve gotten to experience a lot of things in my life so far, but I think that moment is one I will always cherish.”


Being chalk and cheese Adam and Camille do not hit it off in the first instance, so there is definitely that love/hate aspect at the very beginning. However, as Camille’s wildlife adventure continues, Adam starts to see a different side to Camille and it just goes to show that first impressions and prejudices can be extremely misleading. From hate to friendship to more it was great to see these two blossom, however, their story is a delicious sub plot, this is all about the journey.


“I read a lot of romance novels, and I love happy endings. I wish I could write myself one, but I can’t. Because I don’t have any idea how this is going to end. I just hope that I get to see him again. That the distance between us won’t matter. That we’ll figure things out. Because I think I fell in love in the jungle too.”


Even though this a co-written book, it flowed seamlessly and effortlessly and as I said above I was transported to Costa Rica along with Adam and Camille. The environmental issues addressed were interesting and I found this book incredibly informative and it never once felt like a lecture. This is a holiday I would never have dreamt of taking, however, seeing it from these authors eyes makes me want to do just that.

As I said above, this is not heavy on the romance at all, shy of some horsing around and some cute and tender make out sessions, however, having become so invested in them as a couple I was desperate for an epilogue. When I turned that final page and that was it…I was like NO! I need more!! That is always a good thing though. While I appreciate that the crux on this story was to bring awareness of the environmental issues, I do think an epilogue would have given us readers closure on the Adam and Camille aspect too. Anyhow, I loved it!!


Excerpt:

CAMILLE

The sound of a door closing wakes me up. I watch Adam come out of his cabana, walk down the steps, and into the sand. He’s shirtless, wearing just a pair of shorts with a towel thrown over one shoulder. I consider saying something, but don’t. I’m too tired to hold a conversation. 

As I lie my head back on the hammock, I notice out of the corner of my eye that Adam has walked down to the water. 

I wonder what he’s doing when all of a sudden he starts stripping off his shorts. 

Oh, my gosh! 

Before I can look away, his shorts hit the sand, revealing his naked backside. I need to get out of here. If he sees me he’ll think I was spying on him, or worse—checking him out. But somehow I get tangled up in the stupid hammock and flip myself right into the sand, landing with a thud.

He turns toward the noise, but thankfully it is dark, and I don’t think he can see me. 

Actually, I know he can’t see me, because if he did, he’d totally come up here and give me crap. 

I flatten myself into the sand and don’t move. Adam finally turns back toward the ocean and dives out into the water. While he’s swimming, I army crawl as quickly and quietly as possible back to my cabana. When I get to the stairs, I stand up which causes them to creak. Crap! I drop to the ground again, squatting low and hiding behind the porch rail. Then I stand fully, dart inside, and move to the window. I slide the little curtain out of the way and peek through. 

I can barely make out Adam’s form floating lazily in the dark water. And I can’t help but think about how he’s out there naked.

I throw myself dramatically on the bed, realizing too late that I’m covered in sand. I go into the bathroom, take off my clothes, shake them out, and then put on my pajamas. 

I brush the sand off my sheets and try to go to sleep, but I can’t. So I grab my video camera and do my video blog for today. 

“It’s day two in Costa Rica. Today was truly amazing, and I wish all my Effortless Girls were here experiencing it alongside me. Actually, that’s a lie. Honestly, I’m really homesick.” A tear escapes my eye. “And I don’t mean to sound crazy, but I have no one here to talk to and all I can think about is calling home. I know, pretty pathetic, right? It’s just hard when you feel out of place. I wish Adam, my photographer, who is pretty nice when he’s not annoying, wasn’t such a pain. He thinks he knows everything about everything. Well, he sort of does. I mean, I spent a lot of time doing research for this trip but nothing compares to the real thing. And Adam, yes, that’s his name, like from the bible. And it kind of fits, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Get it? Adam and Eve, the apple?” I let out a maniacal laugh. “It’s quite possible I am a little delirious from lack of sleep. What I mean is that Adam’s dad is a world-renowned photographer, and Adam is following in his footsteps. He’s actually lived a pretty interesting life. Much different than me growing up on the Upper West Side of New York. His mom is an anthropologist and Adam has lived with indigenous people before, so he was actually a good fit for this trip.

“And speaking of the do-gooder, this morning when I jumped into the shower I was shocked to discover there was no hot water. Of course, Adam ran into my room when I screamed. Thank goodness I was able to mostly cover myself up with a towel that was barely bigger than a hand towel. And guess what he’s out doing right now? He’s swimming naked in the ocean! And that’s really why I can’t sleep. Who could sleep with that going on?” I hear the sound of Adam softly whistling a tune from outside. “Crap. I have to go! He’s back and I don’t want him to know I know he was out there! Bye!”

About the Authors: 

Jillian Dodd is a USA TODAY bestselling author who lives in a small Florida beach town, is married to her college sweetheart, has two grown children and two Labrador Retrievers. She is not quite as adventurous as her daughter, but loves to travel, shop, and paint.

Kenzie Harp recently graduated from the University of South Florida—St. Petersburg with a degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences: History and International Studies. She loves to travel and read, lives in Florida, and is currently planning her next travel adventure. 

Connect Jillian's Website: http://jilliandodd.net

Kenzie's Website: http://kenzieharp.com

Release Day Blitz & Review ~ The King (Masterpiece Duet #1) by Skye Warren

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The King by Skye Warren is NOW AVAILABLE long live the king...

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Book Description:

The highest stakes...

My father gambles every night, falling deeper and deeper into debt. When he hits the bottom, he places a new bet: his daughter. I'm his entry bet to the biggest underground poker game.

Every kind of danger circles the velvet-covered table, but only one man makes me tremble.

A trailer park princess.

The son of a criminal king.

We don't belong together, but I'm caught in a twisted game.

His eyes meet mine with dark promise. And when he puts down his cards, I know I'm going to lose more than my body. I'm going to lose everything.

* * * * *

THE KING is the first book in the new Masterpiece duet about risking your heart and finding yourself. It's a spin-off from the USA Today bestselling trilogy but can be read separately.

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Buy Links:

 ♚ Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2sj90Gr
 ♚ Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2rm36F4
 ♚ iBooks: http://apple.co/2oR5Bxe

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JOIN the Facebook Release Event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/412691165763404

Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4 stars
***ARC received for an honest review***


“Because Damon Scott traded himself for me. He’s the only reason I’m safe. And I’m the reason he’s not.”


The Endgame series has been one intriguing, suspenseful, angst filled ride and in this spin off Skye Warren regales you with the back story behind two characters introduced in The Castle. Damon and Penny were intriguing then and my interest was automatically piqued as to what brought these two characters together and although I had my theories, nothing could have prepared me for the truth.


“My pride is about controlling my own fate. And that’s what I’m doing here – setting the terms. This is what dignity looks like for me. Owning my own body. Deciding how it’s used.”


This book is dark and disturbing but extremely honest in its delivery. There is very little to smile about, very little to laugh about and no ray of light to lighten the emotional burden, but the stage has been set for that to happen in the next one. Although their story is a sad one, it is this in depth reveal of their back story that cements these characters into your heart and soul and leaves you on the precipice of desperation for them to get their happily ever after. With two such broken characters though, is this even a remote possibility?

In the first instance in The Prince (which is at the start of The King if you did not download the freebie) we are taken back to when Damon and Penny first meet when they are children and this is way before The End Game series. Penny is a child genius living in poverty with a gambling addict for a father. A father that would rather line the pockets of poker players than put food on the table for his only child. While her father makes all the right noises, his addiction has completely overtaken him and Penny is left to her own devices. Penny’s total recall memory though is a weapon that could be used by many and while people try to use this little girl for their own end game it is Damon that saves her from the wolves.


“Because who am I to bet my father’s life? Then again, who was he to bet mine? If I do this, I’ll become just as bad as him. Maybe that’s the point.”


Damon is the son of Jonathan Scott, one of the most feared, ruthless and psychopathic criminals that has everyone in his pocket. Jonathan is unstoppable and no-one, not even his own son, is beyond his wrath. Prying himself away from his father’s grip he goes against him in competition but with scruples. While Damon is feared in his own right as soon as this story jumps to the present the stark differences between father and son are extremely evident.


“It’s a form of justice, a balance to the equation. But it will turn Damon into the same monster he’s hunting. It will break this man as surely his father broke me.”


This is an age gap book, for the majority of this book Penny is fifteen and turns sixteen towards the end, Damon is ten years older. There is no sex in this book at all, Damon is extremely resistant and there are lines he simply will not cross. While the age gap is huge, considering Penny’s young years, for some reason it worked. These two connected when they were young and desperate, and while that first meeting was fleeting in time, it left its mark. Another thing to bear in mind is that Penny does not come across as a fifteen/sixteen-year-old. Because of the life she has lived she has had to grow up young and because of her extreme intelligence she acts and converses like a young adult.


“I dreamed of you and I watched you and I wanted you. Even though I knew it was wrong, I couldn’t stop. It isn’t about how old you are – it’s you. It’s only ever been you.”


The stage has definitely been set for their story and I cannot wait for their conclusion. Will Damon still refrain and push Penny away or will the connection that these two share eventually wear him down? With their back story told in all its warts and all glory, if any two deserve a happy ever after, it is them.

Pre-order THE QUEEN

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About the Author:

Skye Warren is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance such as the Chicago Underground series. Her books have been featured in Jezebel, Buzzfeed, USA Today Happily Ever After, Glamour, and Elle Magazine. She makes her home in Texas with her loving family, two sweet dogs, and one evil cat. 

Contact Skye: 

Cover Reveal ~ On A Tuesday by Whitney G

Title: On A Tuesday
Author: Whitney G.
Release Date: On A Tuesday (Summer 2017) 
Type of Book: Standalone novel. 
Genre: Second Chance Romance. (Contemporary)


Cover Design: Najla Qamber Designs
Model Credit: Andrea Denver

Book Description:

We met on a Tuesday. 
Became best friends, then lovers, on a Tuesday. 
And everything fell apart on a Tuesday... 

Charlotte Taylor has three automatic strikes in my book: 1) She hates me. She also claims that I'm a "domineering jerk with a huge, overbearing ego." (I do have something huge. It's not my ego, though.) 2) She takes our mandatory tutoring sessions way too seriously. 3) She's sexy as hell...And a virgin. 

At least, those were her strikes before our study sessions started lasting longer than they were supposed to. Until one innocent kiss became a hundred dirty ones, and until she became the first woman I ever fell hard for. 

Our future together after graduation was supposed to be set: 
Professional football for me. Law school for her. 

But she left me at the end of the semester with no explanation, and then she completely disappeared from my life. 

Until tonight.

We met on a Tuesday. 
Became everything, then nothing, on a Tuesday. 
And now it's seven years later, on a Tuesday... 

*This is a full length second chance romance, inspired by Adele's "When We Were Young"

Add it to Goodreads: 



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Other Up Coming Releases:



July 13th: Cocky Client release day 
July 27th: Naughty, Dirty Cocky releases

Cocky Client:


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Naughty Dirty Cocky:


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