Tuesday 21 November 2017

Release Day Review ~ Love (Keatyn Chronicles #12) by Jillian Dodd

LOVE by Jillian Dodd is LIVE!!!!
The final conclusion to The Keatyn Chronicles


Book Description:

From USA Today bestselling author Jillian Dodd comes the last book in the addictive Keatyn Chronicles series. Discover a breathless fairy-tale romance with swoon-worthy characters set in a glittering celebrity world. Fans of reality TV will devour this pulse-pounding, sexy Hollywood drama.

Follow the lives and loves of those who work at Captive Films:

Riley Johnson -- Captive Films' CEO and millionaire playboy is hot, privileged, and seriously single. He's got it all--a brand new jet, exotic cars, a luxury penthouse, and a different aspiring actress (or two) in his bed every night. His life is perfect until the only girl he ever loved walks back into it, causing him to wonder if he truly has it all.

Keatyn Douglas -- Hollywood's sweetheart and owner of Captive Films leads a chaotic, glamorous life. But running a successful film studio, writing scripts, and her own acting career leave little time for the things she dreams of, like marrying the man she loves and having babies. When drama starts at work, she may decide to give it all up for life out of the fast lane.

Dawson Johnson -- The dark and dreamy marketing consultant joins Captive to escape his past. For the last two years, his sole focus has been on caring for his adorable daughters after tragedy struck their lives. He comes to Captive looking for a fresh start and, if all goes well, he might find a lot more than that in Hollywood.

Knox Daniels -- Considered the sexiest man alive by a certain magazine, the sentiment is echoed by the actor's adoring fans. While romance abounds in the roles he plays, he's convinced he'll never find his own happily ever after--until he meets a woman who just might change that. 

Shelby Benson -- The beautiful cocktail waitress and wanna-be actress struggles to make ends meet. A chance encounter with Riley Johnson is her lucky break and the golden ticket to everything she's ever dreamed of--fame, power, money, sex, and love.

Written soap-opera style with multiple points of view, you can expect lots of drama, sex, and tabloid-worthy events.


Buy Links:




Our Review:

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


“Even Keats speaks of chaos.
There is nothing stable in the world; uproar’s your only music.”


This review is incredibly bittersweet. I have been an avid fan of this series for over five years, I began my journey with these characters back in 2012 and have seen them morph from teens trying the find their place in the world to adults embracing love and starting families. I feel like their mum as I have watched them grow and am now gutted that my time with them has come to an end. Love, is the final book in the Keatyn Chronicles series and Jillian Dodd gives them a worthy send off. The Keatyn Chronicles has been one heck of a drama filled ride, written like a soap opera, Jillian Dodd ties everything up neatly, but please excuse me while I go and grieve.


“…love is the ultimate luxury, and I want to wrap myself in our love and wear it forever.”


This book continues to follow Keatyn, Aiden, Riley, Dawson, Dallas, Knox, Vanessa, Ariela et al on the final leg of their journey. Keatyn and Aiden were well on the way to their happy ever after, but for the others, there were still a few balls to juggle. Riley has been the source of my biggest grievance throughout the last few books, it seems he just didn’t want to grow up and while in this book some of the decision making was taken away from him, he had already battled through his own thoughts and feelings to finally man up and take the reins, he was somewhat redeemed.


“Having sex is like playing cards. If you don’t have a good partner, you damn well better have a good hand.”


This book though was all about family and Jillian Dodd really brought her characters their happy ever after while surrounded by the love that matters the most, family and of course friends. Even though these characters have been friends since school, they have morphed into their own family and everyone had each other’s backs. Decisions are made with everyone else in mind and whether that is true in the real world, didn’t matter, because this was Keatyn’s world and only the best made it through.


“…when you surround yourself with the people you love, great things can happen.”


This was the perfect fairy-tale ending and while in all probability someone should have failed, I was glad they all got what they wanted, what they deserved and what mattered to them the most. Albeit I was a bit peeved that one character seemingly did a complete one-eighty even though I thought she was completely irredeemable. But alas, I hope karma bites her on the ass in the future that I have lined up for her in my head.


“…it’s not where you’ve been that matters; it’s where you end up that does.”


Alas, I had tears by the end as my time with them came to a close. It has been one heck of a ride, I have become a fictional grandma multiple times, I have been at multiple weddings, award ceremonies and even a funeral. But what I will take away the most is the life that I have lived vicariously through these characters, where money is no object, fashion is rife and failure is never an option. #ifly

Blog Tour, Review & Excerpt ~ Spider by Ilsa Madden-Mills

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From Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills comes a new standalone romance about a flawed hero and the woman he can’t forget.

SPIDER-FINAL-FULL

Spider, a sexy and forbidden new standalone, is available NOW!

Title: Spider Author: Ilsa Madden-Mills 
Publication Date: November 13th, 2017

Book Description:

"She crossed my path and changed my whole direction."

He calls himself Spider. 

I just knew him as the sinfully gorgeous guy with eyes of fire that fate sat next to me on the airplane. 

I didn’t know who he really was…British rock star…my stepbrother. 

He kissed me because he thought we’d never see each other again. We would. 

Everyone warned me about him. 

They told me he was ruthless and cold and screwed up.

They said he’d leave me with a hole in my heart.

Maybe I should have listened. 

Maybe I should have built up a fortress to keep him out. 

But I crumbled instead.

They say an unbreakable thread connects those who are destined to meet. If that’s true, then the moment he sat next to me, we were bound together forever.

He just had to figure it out before it’s too late…

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Buy Links:

Read Today!
(Free in Kindle Unlimited)


Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2zcQDni

Our Review:

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


“I left you to let you breathe.”


I love Ilsa Madden-Mills's writing an I always know I’m going to get an addictive and heart-warming read and Spider was no different. This book was all about fate, a second chance romance with a little stepbrother thrown in that will have you experiencing the warm and fuzzies but not before you get put through the wringer first. First appearances can be deceptive, you can hide behind invisible walls that you erect, but underneath, the heart will always shine through and this book was full of it.


“Is this what love songs are written about? I want to scream at the top of my lungs. I want to beat my hands on the ground. I want to throw up. I realize that people always leave, even the ones you love the most. They weasel into your life and then slink away as if nothing happened. They leave in you in the wake of their destruction and gamble your heart to pursue their own ambitions. I know what I have to do. I’ll never let him near my heart again.”


Rose hadn’t had the best start in life. Aged eleven she ran away from her trailer and her poor excuse of a mother in fear of her life. In just a nightie she battled the elements, until a teenaged boy came to her rescue and gave her money for food, even though he seemed to be far from trust-worthy. Fast forward to the present and Rose is about to visit her adopted mum and her new husband. Boarding a plane, it seems fate is playing with her again as the tattooed, teenaged boy that once saved her, is sitting right next to her and their worlds collide once again…and he is all man.

Spider is a musician, who gave up the life his father wanted him to have to live the life he dreamed of. He was incredibly rebellious and wasn’t the son his father wanted. His father was embarrassed by his antics, but underneath that bad boy persona was a man with a heart of gold. Sitting next to the intriguing young woman on the plane he has no idea their paths had once crossed. He comes to her aide in her time of need as he makes her forget her fear of flying. These two talk, they laugh, they joke, easy conversation and they share a kiss and then they go their separate ways, but are they destined to meet again?


“You scared of me, Rose?”
Never
“I’m scared you’ll rip my heart out.”
… “I probably will.”


This book was all about love, a love that was frowned upon by others but meant the world to the two-people enveloped in its fierceness. It was all about sacrifice, showing people that you can change given the right incentive and also that the heart wants who the heart wants, no matter the obstacles. This was one of those books that has you frantically turning the pages in hope that the characters get the happy ever after they deserve, it doesn’t come easy. The curveballs keep coming, but I was always hoping that love won in the end. Great story from Ilsa Madden-Mills.

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Excerpt:

How can one human man be so hot?

Spider sits on my toilet, shirtless, while I dab at his swollen eye. I’m doing my best to keep my eyes averted from the ink on his body, the way his tattoos swirl underneath his jeans, the way his chest is carved from stone.

Of course, I’m the stupid person who suggested he remove his shirt so I could see if he has any bruising on his chest. A cracked or broken rib can cause a lot of pain, and I want to be thorough, that’s all—I swear to baby Jesus.

He grinned at my request and whipped it off—which is the reason I’m now a mess.

There’s hardly any room to breathe with him in my small bathroom. I wipe at the spot of blood on his cheek as he watches me stoically, never taking his eyes off me, tracking my every movement. 

“This will look worse tomorrow,” I murmur, just to ease the tension. I stand between his spread legs, acutely aware of his fresh scent, his pure magnetism. My hands shake and I have to focus to push an image of me straddling him, both of us naked, out of my head. I want to run my tongue over the tattoo on his neck. I want to bite him like an animal while he—

Good grief, Rose, stop the fantasy!

“You’d make a good nurse,” he says softly, his long black lashes fluttering softly against his chiseled cheekbones.

“Doctor of Psychology,” I correct him. 

“Your dream?”

“Yes.” Although right now I’m dreaming of him… “I know that feeling. That’s how music is to me.” His golden-brown eyes watch me as I reach over to the medicine cabinet for more antiseptic and antibacterial cream, my chest perilously close to his face. I swear my nipples are reaching for him.

“Why psychology?”

I nod, pretending like I’m not all discombobulated. “My granny mainly. She loved to read people—literally. She ran a little palm-reading business out of her home before she died. All the old ladies of the neighborhood would come to see her. She’d make them coffee and they’d just…talk. She’d tell them what they needed to hear while I sat on the floor next to her and listened. There wasn’t any magic involved of course.” I laugh. “But…she was incredibly intuitive. She just got people. If someone twitched or looked left or right while they were talking, she’d have a reason for it and she’d tell me all about it after they left.”

“I think I would have loved your granny.” He curls an arm around me, tugging me close until my chest is a hair’s breadth away from his face. I recall our epic kiss on the plane. I feel the pressure of his taut thighs and my breath quickens as desire unfurls inside me. 

A hum warms my blood. I want him—desperately. 

And it’s entirely foolish.

He’s my stepbrother.

He doesn’t call girls back.

“Why does it seem like I’ve known you forever?” I ask, feeling myself gravitating closer. 

He thinks about it, pushing a piece of hair out of my eyes. Cupping my nape, he pulls me in tighter until our noses meet. The back of his hand caresses my cheek and the heat from his touch burns, yet there’s a tautness in the roped muscles of his arms, as if he’s holding himself in check. 

“Because I am you,” he says softly. “We’re so much alike, it’s staggering.” He pauses and stares deep into my eyes.

I nod. I can’t think. He’s so close to me, his eyes burning into mine. He closes his eyes and exhales. “I want you, Rose. You’re intoxicating.”

I suck in a sharp breath, our lips inches apart.

Is he going to kiss me? I want him to.

His eyes open after the silence has gone on too long, a smirk forming around his mouth. “You scared of me, Rose?”

Never.

“I’m scared you’ll rip my heart out.”

He stares at the LOST tattoo on his hand. “I probably will.”

About the Author: 


New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills writes about strong heroines and sexy alpha males that sometimes you just want to slap. She's addicted to dystopian books and all things fantasy, including unicorns and sword-wielding females. Other fascinations include frothy coffee beverages, dark chocolate, Instagram, Ian Somerhalder (seriously hot), astronomy (she's a Gemini), and tattoos. She has a degree in English and a Master's in Education. When she's not pecking away on her computer, she shops for cool magnets and paints old furniture.

Connect with Ilsa

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2k6L96J 

Monday 20 November 2017

Release Day Review ~ Trading Yesterday by Kahlen Aymes


Book Description:

From USA Today bestselling author, Kahlen Aymes comes and angsty, sexy, stande-alone that will renew your faith in unconditional love.

Chase, I need you. Please come. 
-Teagan

Something inside me snapped as her text screamed from the screen of my phone. My heart started pounding as I was sucked into a vortex of emotions, pulled unwillingly into a past I wanted to forget. 

Teagan Tessler was the love of my life. At least, I thought so. My professional soccer career was part of the we future planned together, but an offer one year ahead of schedule sent me to London. Just months after I left, she betrayed me with my best friend without explanation and I was completely and utterly destroyed.

After six years, I could breathe again and my professional and personal life was in a good place. I’d have to be insane to consider ripping open those wounds, but whatever it was, this had to be huge.

The truth of my feelings resonated; my head told me to shut off the phone and forget her forever, but my traitorous heart told me to get on a plane, no questions asked. 

From USA Today bestselling author, Kahlen Aymes; Trading Yesterday is a roller coaster of emotion; ultimate loss, longing, betrayal, and forgiveness that will restore your faith in unconditional love and leave you gasping for more

Book Description:


Our Review:

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


“That’s what unconditional love is. You don’t get to choose.”


My favourite Kahlen Aymes book and I never knew I could EVER be disloyal to the Remembrance Trilogy. Emotional, with fantastic characters and heart tugging dialogue, this book will have you crying and smiling throughout. Such a stunning story. The ultimate second chance romance, every heart string will be tugged, every emotion felt and one love that truly lasts a lifetime.


“Do you think the life I dreamed of, didn’t have her in it?”


First love and true love, a love so powerful, a soul mate connection, love that when it works its euphoric and when it doesn’t…soul destroying. The only love that transcends it, is the love you have for your child and Kahlen Aymes regales the reader with an emotional story about both. Ultimate sacrifices made, friendships tested, love, forgiveness, reconnection and one gorgeous little family.

Kahlen Aymes will have you running the gamut of emotions as her story navigates the trials and tribulations of a young family battling childhood leukaemia. Every mother’s worst nightmare and when nothing works, desperation kicks in, even if it means re-hashing a past that left you broken hearted.

While I did not agree with some of Teagan’s actions, they were made from the heart with the sincerest of intentions. Young, naïve and hopelessly in love, left to make the toughest decisions, it was inevitable some may not be the right ones.


“You made your choices, now we’re all paying the bill. You didn’t believe in me at all.”


Chase, the hero of the hour in more ways than one. A man that would do anything for the love of his life even after six years apart.  A man that would cross the world based on a heart-felt text message, even though the woman requesting his help left him on the brink of destruction, his heart in tatters. His propensity to forgive is truly tested and it doesn’t come easy.

Kahlen Aymes truly delivers on the emotion with this story. My heart broke for everyone involved, I cried a river, my heart was battered and bruised, not only for the little girl undertaking the toughest battle of her life but for the three main characters whose connection and friendship will be truly tested. Some of the most heart-felt scenes were between Chase and his best friend Jensen. These two men totally owned my heart and the dialogue between them was full of emotion, truly powerful and two particular scenes that had my rapt attention and played out in vivid technicolour as if I was watching it on the big screen. Stunning writing.


“My choices were ignorant and careless of the possible consequences. Despite my noble intentions, despite all the other shit that happened that made it impossible to take it back or change it…”


This was a story of love and hope, friendships and forgiveness, honesty and integrity. Yes, it was angsty, yes, it is a meaty read, but the story speaks for itself. This is a relatively long book, but it didn’t read that way. From first to last page my attention was held throughout. The character connection was on point, the dialogue was perfect, but the moral of the story is what made this book a winner.

Kahlen Aymes always write a good book, but her first trilogy has always been my favourite, until now. As much as I love Ryan and Julia, Chase and Teagan stole the mantle that they have held for over five years. I simply adored this book.

Thursday 16 November 2017

Release Day Review ~ One Shot by BJ Harvey


Book Description:

Boy meets girl, boy wins girl, boy nails girl - boy’s gone by morning.

I think for sure it must've been a dream because there’s no way a guy could look like that, touch me like that and be so in tune with me on every known level, and disappear, leaving me with nothing but a good story to tell my friends.

When he walks into my bar three months later, everything I thought I knew and what we’d had disappears in the blink of an eye and the blinding light of the three-carat diamond on his fiancee's hand.

It seems what I thought was a dream is now my most complicated reality, and I've got absolutely no idea how to fix it - or if I even want to.

Buy Links:


Our Review:

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


“Awkward, meet Mortifying. Also, here are Shame, Embarrassment, Anger, Disgust, and over in the corner there is Complete and Utter Confusion and her friend I’m Going to Have to Move States and Join a Women-Only Commune with Cats and Unlimited Batteries.”


BJ Harvey is one of those authors that never fails to deliver for me. No matter what she decides to write I end up devouring it, normally in hysterical laughter, normally with a few tears, but more importantly with what I crave, emotion and character connection and One Shot was no different. With One Shot, BJ Harvey does angst, and she does it amazingly well. Damn, this book had me swearing, had me wanting to kill someone, all the while enveloping me with a huge amount of hope. Hope that love conquers all and bitches get their just desserts.


“Guys like that are assholes. They bump and grind, then leave behind.”


Kenzie Sharp threw all her rules out the window when she met Millen Ross. The chemistry was palpable, their connection one that you find only once in a life time and yet it seems that still wasn’t enough. These two just clicked, like peanut butter and jello, like a sad movie and a tub of Ben & Jerry’s, it just has to be done. But life never makes it easy and these two have one heck of a journey ahead of them.


“I’m talking about the flirting, the chemistry – the way he played me in the best possible way and got my body reacting to everything he did with barely a touch.”


Kenzie was a woman you couldn’t help but love, she had the patience of a saint, was as honest as the day was long and had one motto in life, no lies, ever. Kenzie lived and died by her motto. She had seen first-hand the damage that lies can do and this was one rule she would never break…until she met Millen.


“This is wrong. This is crazy. This is – ”
“This is something bigger than the both of us.


Millen Ross was completely and utterly adorable. He was endearing, he was loyal to a fault, self-sacrificing and an heir to the Ross empire, an empire that his father had worked tirelessly to see succeed. Millen oozed sex appeal and as ever with BJ Harvey, she writes formidable men. I found myself reading between the lines with this book, deep down you know the man and I found myself wondering who was pulling his strings.


“Love isn’t perfect…It’s how you work through it all that’s important. The hard stuff, the obstacles, the highs, the lows, the triumphs, and the tragedies. It’s a beautiful pain that’s always worth it if you’re both willing to work to make things right.” ~ Kenzie’s Dad


When Kenzie and Millen are together the pages were combustible, the banter was cute and funny and really brought these two characters to life. I adored their first meet, I instantly felt their connection and these two were a couple I couldn’t help but champion along.


“When we’re apart I’m broken. When we’re together I’m whole.”


BJ Harvey pulls out the big guns in this book, yes there is drama, but what do you expect with an angsty romance. I ran the gamut of emotions, the air was blue a time or two, and as I said above, death threats may have been made, but I loved the fact that BJ Harvey managed to elicit these emotions in the first place, because it meant that she had done her job and done it well. I adored this book and the epilogue goes a long way to make up for the journey that BJ Harvey took me on. Sometimes the heart just knows.

Release Day Blitz ~ The Roommate "dis"Agreement by Leddy Harper


The Roommate "dis"Agreement is LIVE!!!


Grab your copy Today!
Free in Kindle Unlimited


Book Description:

Item One: Divorced man seeks female roommate for companionship.

Cash Nicholson isn’t looking for a girlfriend, but he wants to come home to someone after a bad day at work.

Item Two: Single mother needs apartment.

Jade Robertson is desperate, and her best friend’s couch just isn’t going to cut it anymore.

Item Three: No surprises.

Romance.

Work.

Pasts.

Agreements aren’t promises…

Add to Goodreads – http://bit.ly/2hsNMz1


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.

Stalk Leddy Harper

Cover Reveal ~ Hunt Me Down by AL Jackson

 Hunt Me Down
  A stand-alone novella in A.L. Jackson's brand-new Fight for Me series...
Coming December 1st

 

Cover: RBA Designs
Photo: Focus and Blur

I'm so excited to reveal the HUNT ME DOWN cover! HUNT ME DOWN was originally a part of the GLAMOUR Anthology, and now is coming to you as its own novella! I had so much fun writing this little story - it's an uber-sexy introduction into the world of Gingham Lakes, Alabama. So be sure to get this on your TBR - Broderick Wolfe is coming for you December 1, 2017!

Book Description:

Never underestimate a man who knows what he wants . . .

Broderick Wolfe is a man accustomed to getting what he wants. He will hunt it, fight for it, and make it his own.

Lillith Redd is a straight-laced attorney who’s dedicated her life to serving the people of her hometown of Gingham Lakes.

When Wolfe Industries sets its sights on leveling the old part of town and building a high-rise hotel in its place, Lillith steps up to go toe-to-toe to with its owner.

Little do either of them know, they’ve just met their match.

Hunt Me Down is a modern-day reboot of Little Red Riding Hood set in the world of A.L. Jackson’s bestselling FIGHT FOR ME series, originally a part of the Glamour Anthology and previously titled Red Hot Pursuit. This novella is a fun, flirty, uber sexy contemporary romance. The only fantasy happening here is in the bedroom. So hold on—you’re getting ready to sink your teeth into something hot and sweet.

Disclaimer: This book was originally titled Red Hot Pursuit in the Glamour anthology. It has not been changed or added to in any way. This novella does not need to be read before Show Me the Way and does not give away any spoilers for other Fight for Me novels.



    

Giveaway:



About the Author:



A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.

Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, and BLEEDING STARS novels. Watch for A.L. Jackson’s upcoming novel, FOLLOW ME BACK, the second stand-alone novel in her brand-new FIGHT FOR ME SERIES.

If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.

Be sure not to miss new releases and sales from A.L. Jackson - Sign up to receive her newsletter http://smarturl.it/NewsFromALJackson or text “aljackson” to 24587 to receive short but sweet updates on all the important news.

Connect with A.L.

Twitter: @aljacksonauthor
Instagram: @aljacksonauthor
Snapchat: @aljacksonauthor

Wednesday 15 November 2017

Blog Tour, Review & Excerpt ~ Love on the Edge of Time by Julie Richman

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Love on the Edge of Time, an all-new stand-alone story about a love too great to be bound by time, from Julie A. Richman is available NOW!

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Love on the Edge of Time by Julie A. Richman
Publishing Date: November 13th, 2017

Book Description:

He likes whiskey and wild women

She likes Ben & Jerry’s

He’s about to get kicked out of his own band

She ate her way off the Miss America pageant circuit

What could these two possibly have in common?

A psychiatrist

A lot of unresolved issues

A whole bunch of shared lifetimes

And a love that is never-ending

As bad boy rocker, Jesse Winslow, and former pageant queen, Kylie Martin, each fight the demons screwing up their lives, the one person who holds the key to healing their ills and reuniting two souls that have searched for one another, lifetime after lifetime, is the only one who knows the whole truth.

And keeping that truth from them may just be in preeminent psychiatrist Dr. Claire Stoddard’s best interests.

Claire has committed the ultimate sin in the medical world. She’s fallen for the one man she’s forbidden to love.

Her patient, Jesse Winslow.

And she’s not about to lose him to Kylie Martin... Again.

LOTEOT-AN

Buy Links:

Read Today!

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2h4eQUD

Our Review:

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


“Was this possibly their karmic retribution, their day in the sun?”


Julie Richman delivers one unique story that will capture your heart implicitly. This was a trope I hadn’t read before and as the words unfolded my attention was captured from the very beginning. This was a book I went into totally blind, I didn’t even read the blurb and I am glad, because the unexpected was utterly breath taking. Julie Richman never fails to deliver exceptionally heart felt stories and Love on the Edge of Time was no different, the emotion and the character connection was all on point and it is these attributes that really suck you in, taking you along for one hell of a ride.


“Which part of the loss cut the deepest, was difficult to discern, but I had the distinct feeling that it was the death of a dream that would have the most lasting and devastating impact.”


Fate and destiny, something that we want to believe in and yet somehow you always remain a sceptic. But when the evidence is before you that it does exist, do you go with the flow or fight? This was an inspiring read and really leaves your brain running a mile a minute. I am being deliberately vague because I don’t want to give anything away, but this is definitely a book that you need to go into without any preconceived notions. Let the words transport you, envelope you, and take you on one emotional roller coaster.


“…Even if I didn’t know the truth about us, did you ever think I’d let you go?”


This is a longer book than most and while I appreciated everything I read I did feel the beginning was a little slow. However, once the essence of the book became clear I was all in and couldn’t put it down, so if you do pick this book up and struggle in the beginning, like I did, give it the benefit of the doubt. You won’t be disappointed.

With flashbacks to the past I was totally engrossed as Julie Richman showed her true talent. At times I did feel the flashbacks were a little too long and took me out of the present, but sometimes it was like reading a story within a story that brought a whole new dimension to this overall.


“You’re a gift, Kylie. Like an angel who came into my life. I’d be a fool not to see that. And I’m not sure I deserve you, but I’ll be damned if I let go.”


I really cannot say anymore without giving away this plot, so I am just going to say, this is no cookie cutter book, neither is this a typical Julie Richman read, however, it was stunning. Julie Richman’s trademark signature writing is prevalent throughout as she transports you into the lives her characters have led and will leave you gagging for more. The ending I never saw coming and I admire the author for delivering the story the characters demanded. Fantastic read.

Excerpt:

This time he didn’t text. He just called, waking her at two-fifteen a.m. “Bare-ly dressed again tonight?” Her laugh, filled with sleep was gruff. “Barely dressed every night.” “What exactly do you have on?” “A pink tank top and pink silk bikini.” “Take them off,” he ordered. “Excuse me,” there was an element of surprise in Kylie’s voice. “You heard me. Take them off. Now.” Just hearing rustling on the other end of the line, he could feel his cock stiffen and it felt damn good after all this time. Baby, I’m back, he thought. “We’re having phone sex? But, Jesse, we haven’t even kissed yet,” her protest was weak. And even she knew it. “Yes, we’re having phone sex, and when I get back to New York, we’re going to do a lot more than kiss. You’ve friend-zoned me, Toots, and I’m busting out.” Kylie was smiling on her end of the phone. Friend-zoned Jesse Fucking Winslow? Was he serious? “Nobody puts Jesse in a friend-zone,” she couldn’t help herself. “Are they off?” He totally ignored her joke. “Mmm-hmm.” “What was that?” he asked, his voice gruff and serious. “Yes, they’re off.” “Okay, spread your legs, and with your phone, take a picture of your pussy for me.” “Seriously?” She knew she was blushing in the dark. “Take the picture, Kylie.” “Okay, but if you sell this to the paparazzi, I will kill you.” There was a rustling sound, then, “Oh, my God, I can’t believe I’m doing this.” He laughed. “Okay, here it comes. I hope it’s photogenic. It would be really embarrassing to have a non-photogenic pussy.” Pulling the phone from his ear to look, Kylie could hear his moan, exciting her even more. “So photogenic, Toots, just like the rest of you. And I love the red landing strip. It’s so hot. Oh, man, I love this. Spread your legs wider and use one hand to spread your lips open for me and send me another.” Following his directions, she did as he requested.

About the Author: 


I must've been 5 or 6 when I started writing "stories". I would write them and hide them. Not wanting anyone to see my "secret" thoughts. I needed to write - even back then. Now I'm just not hiding them anymore. Is that a sign of maturity? Nah... Writer, photographer, insatiable wanderluster, edge-player, foodie, music addict, pop culture fanatic, animal lover, warrior for the rights of people and planet, and avid cusser (am a Native New Yorker, so very little offends me...and if I am offended, it must be pretty freaking bad..like bad grammar!) I am a big believer in signs and if we keep ourselves open, there are guideposts all along the way. Stay humble. Be true. Be you. Life is not a dress rehearsal...

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Sign up for Julie’s Newsletter: http://bit.ly/2xRFgB2

Release Day Blitz ~ Spider by Ilsa Madden-Mills

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From Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills comes a new standalone romance about a flawed hero and the woman he can’t forget.

Spider, a sexy and forbidden new standalone, is LIVE!

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Title: Spider Author: Ilsa Madden-Mills Publication Date: November 13th, 2017

Book Description:

He calls himself Spider.

I just know him as the sinfully gorgeous guy with eyes of fire that fate places next to me on the airplane.

I didn’t who he really was . . . future rock star . . . my stepbrother.

He kissed me because he thought he’d never see me again. He would.

Everyone warned me about him.

They told me he was careless and ruthless and screwed up.

They said he’d leave me with a hole in my heart.

Maybe I should have listened.

Maybe I should have built a fortress to keep him out.

But I crumbled instead.

They say an unbreakable thread connects those who are destined to meet. If that’s true, then the moment he sat next to me, we were bound together forever.

He just had to figure it out before it’s too late…

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Read Today for only 99¢ for a VERY limited time!

Buy Links:

(Free in Kindle Unlimited)

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2zcQDni

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About the Author:


New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills writes about strong heroines and sexy alpha males that sometimes you just want to slap. She's addicted to dystopian books and all things fantasy, including unicorns and sword-wielding females. Other fascinations include frothy coffee beverages, dark chocolate, Instagram, Ian Somerhalder (seriously hot), astronomy (she's a Gemini), and tattoos. She has a degree in English and a Master's in Education. When she's not pecking away on her computer, she shops for cool magnets and paints old furniture.

Connect with Ilsa

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2k6L96J 

Tuesday 7 November 2017

Release Day Review ~ Misadventures on the Night Shift by Lauren Rowe


Book Description:

Hotel clerk Abby Medford has always enjoyed the quiet solitude of the night shift. The long, boring hours allow her time to study her law books. But when bad-boy-rocker Lucas Ford checks into the penthouse suite one night and demands Abby personally deliver his room service request, her formerly quiet nights are quickly filled with Lucas’s erotic games.

But as Abby soon learns, if she thinks she can indulge her innermost desires with Lucas without giving him her heart, she’s dead wrong.

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Misadventures is a romantic series of spicy standalone novels, each written or co-written by some of the best names in romance. The stories are scandalous, refreshing, and, of course, incredibly sexy. They’re the perfect bedside read, a ‘quick blush’ for the reader who loves a page-turning romance.


Buy Links:


Our Review:

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


“One day you’ll figure out how to be you out there in the real world and not just with me. And that’s when you’ll conquer the world.”


I absolutely adore Lauren Rowe, she is one of those authors that has the knack of delivering incredibly hot, heart-felt romances all the while having you in stitches with her trademark wit. This authors sense of humour is fantastic and never fails to give me a smile from ear to ear. Misadventures on the Night Shift is a book I went into blind, I didn’t know what to expect, but loved what I got. Rockstar romance with a little hate/love thrown in for good measure.


“So this is what unrequited love feels like, huh? No wonder there are so many songs written about it. It’s torture.”


Abby is a law student by day and a hotel receptionist by night. Her job suits her fine as she manages to go to classes and with the night shift being dead, she can study at night too. Win, win situation as it pays the bills. Abby comes across in the first instance as conservative and quiet, but that is the “new” Abby. Abby had a past that she was keen to forget and never wanted to repeat, however, one late night check-in is her biggest test to date.

Lucas Ford is the lead singer of one of the biggest boy bands. A band that Abby has followed for years and a lead singer that has been the main focus of her dreams and fantasies ever since. Lucas has had a mini breakdown; the record companies are stifling his creativity and have basically held him to ransom until he produces the music they want. They have holed him up in the hotel for a week so that he can write. But how can you write something you don’t want to?

Abby and Lucas do not hit it off and the initial tension and the barbs that fly between these two had my head going back and forth, like watching a tennis match. With illusions shattered Abby tries to avoid Lucas like the plague, but since his sparring matches with her, it seems he becomes inspired and Lucas is not letting his muse escape.


“Happy people write happy songs, I guess… And miserable people make art.”


I loved that both these characters had a past and both were fighting their own demons. Their commonality and their love of music brought these two together and I did feel that their pairing was inspired. I felt sorry for Abby insofar as she felt the need to suppress her true self, however, was grateful that Lucas made the real Abby stand up.

As I said, this book was extremely hot in places, adorable characters and a selfless hero that despite the persona he portrays was nothing like the man inside. Lucas was a stunning hero that captivated me from the very start. Another great read from Lauren Rowe.

Friday 3 November 2017

Friday Frights ~ PNR Review ~ Wicked Deeds (Krewe of Hunters #23) by Heather Graham


Book Description:

Nevermore… 

Eager to start their life together, historian Vickie Preston and Special Agent Griffin Pryce take a detour en route to their new home in Virginia and stop for a visit in Baltimore. But their romantic weekend is interrupted when a popular author is found dead in the basement of an Edgar Allan Poe–themed restaurant. Because of the mysterious circumstances surrounding the corpse, the FBI's Krewe of Hunters paranormal team is invited to investigate. As more bizarre deaths occur, Vickie and Griffin are drawn into a case that has disturbing echoes of Poe's great works, bringing the horrors of his fiction to life. 

The restaurant is headquarters to scholars and fans, and any of them could be a merciless killer. Except there's also something reaching out from beyond the grave. The late, great Edgar Allan Poe himself is appearing to Vickie in dreams and visions with cryptic information about the murders. Unless they can uncover whose twisted mind is orchestrating the dramatic re-creations, Vickie and Griffin's future as a couple might never begin…

Buy Links:


Our Review:

Reviewed by Shirley ~ 4.5 stars


As always Ms Graham has written another intriguing book, blending the paranormal, mystery and romance. While also having the great man himself Edgar Allan Poe popping in and out of the story making it really great reading.

The book starts with historian, Vickie Preston and Special Agent Griffin Pryce travelling to their new home but have decided to take a short break in Baltimore for a romantic weekend. It was not to be. A body had been found in the basement of an Edgar Allen Poe themed restaurant. Being a mysterious death and bizarrely staged the FBI's Krewe of Hunters paranormal team has been invited by the local police to investigate and being on the spot, so to speak, Vickie and Griffin has been asked to start the proceedings.

With more bizarre deaths happening Vickie and Griffin are kept busy. Thankfully Vickie's gift is giving them an insight into what is happening. With the help of Edgar Allan Poe in his ghost state reaching out to Vickie to help, this book will keep you turning the pages to see what is going to happen next.

It is fast paced and spellbinding. Keeping you guessing to the end who the murderer is.

You have to feel for poor Vickie and Griffin. Their romantic weekend has been turned upside down but with the deep love they share they do get to share some alone times. 


“Frustration is a terrible thing,” she said.
“I know.” I was suffering from it.
She laughed; she was in his arms.
Life was magic.


With ghosts helping to untangle these deaths and all the characters being so diverse in this book. The story is both entertaining and clever and I loved it.
Great book Ms Graham. Another hit for me.

Thursday 2 November 2017

Review ~ The Hunt (A Hard Love Romance #3) by Monica James


Book Description:

From international bestselling author Monica James.

My name is Hunter O’Shea and I have a confession to make…I’ve met a girl who consumes me. I know that makes me sound completely whipped, but Mary “Lamb” Mitts has the power to bring me to my knees…it’s just too bad she hates my guts. But that’s okay, because I hate hers, too. The fiery redhead stirs something in me that I can’t explain. 

This temporary insanity could be due to the fact my best friend, who used to be a bigger player than me, is getting married. That must be it. I’m caught up in an Oprah moment. 

The only solution is to get back in the game and forget she exists. That theory is great—too bad I don’t want anyone else. 

I…just…want…her. 

I’m so screwed.

Buy Links:


Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 4.5 stars


“In the end, some of your greatest pain become your greatest strengths.”


I found Monica James years and years ago when she had just started writing and no matter what book she has written, her voice has always transported me on her carefully crafted journeys. After meeting Hunter in Dixon’s books, I always knew that this book was going to be a riot and Monica James did not disappoint. This enemies to lover’s romance will have you laughing out loud as well as swooning and smiling like an idiot. Hunter for all his crassness and having no filter makes for entertaining reading and despite his constant foot in mouth problem you cannot help but love him.

Hunter is the last man standing of the three friends, Finch is still pussy-whipped and being Dad of the Year and of course our Dixon is getting married, so Hunter feels the need to take over the mantle of manwhore and take one for the team. However, this life is getting old, especially when the woman he so desperately wants cannot stand the sight of him. However, there is a fine line between love and hate.


“I don’t kiss…”
“Why not?”
“’Cause I don’t want you falling in love with me.”


Since the moment that Mary and Hunter met, battle lines were drawn, and this fiery redhead could spar with the best of them. Mary’s forked tongue, quick wit and poisonous barbs are her armour for her heart, a heart that was battered by the one man she thought would be her forever. Now permanently scarred this woman is not letting any man in, especially a manwhore like Hunter.

Hunter and Mary’s interactions are hilarious and these two certainly know how to poke the fire underneath one and other. Monica James really brought Hunter to life and this larger than life character became one that played out in glorious technicolour before me. I was like the voyeur looking in, witnessing the battles, feeling that scorching chemistry and just waiting for both of them to realise that together they could seriously make music. Hunter has never been in love, never had a girlfriend so this is virgin territory for him, but for a man with no experience he certainly makes up for it in other departments.


“…And you, Hunter… are something else. You take my breath away, and I’m afraid I’ll forget how to breathe on my own.”


The push and pull was highly entertaining, the dialogue was hilarious, and the character connection was on point. Not too heavy on the angst, this was all about the couple and breaking down those barriers, restoring confidences and knowing that no matter your past, when you find “the one” there is nothing you can do about it, the heart wants who the heart wants. With some hot and heavy scenes, Monica James really cements these two as a couple and with work shenanigans bringing an interesting side story there is something for everyone. One of the most entertaining enemies to lovers I have read.


“A simple look can convey a million words they say, but this only suggests one—fight…for the one you…love.”