Review: One Snowy Night by Jill Shalvis

October 30, 2017October 30, 2017 rosiereads6132 Comments

One Snowy Night (Heartbreaker Bay #2.5)
by Jill Shalvis
Publication Date: November 8, 2016
Source: Library E-Book

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis returns to Heartbreaker Bay with a fun and festive holiday novella!

It’s Christmas Eve and Rory Andrews is desperate to get home to the family she hasn’t seen in years. Problem is, her only ride to Lake Tahoe comes in the form of the annoyingly handsome Max Stranton, and his big, goofy, lovable dog Carl.

Hours stuck in a truck with the dead sexy Max sounds like a fate worse than death (not), but Rory’s out of options. She’s had a crush on Max since high school and she knows he’s attracted to her, too. But they have history… and Max is the only one who knows why it went south.

They’ve done a good job of ignoring their chemistry so far, but a long road trip in a massive blizzard might be just what they need to face their past… and one steamy, snowy night is all it takes to bring Max and Rory together at last.

(A standalone Heartbreaker Bay novella)

We are back in the world of The Heartbreaker Bay series, taking a look at another lovable pair who find their happily-ever-after. Plus, it takes place on Christmas Eve so this story is even more romantic; at least in my eyes since Christmas time is my favorite time of the year.

Rory Andrews is the snarky, strong-minded employee of Willa, whose story takes place in The Problem with Mistletoe and who owns the South Bark Mutt Shop located in the courtyard of the Pacific Pier Building. Rory has not had the easiest life and after a horrible high school experience, she decides to drop out, leave town after her junior year, and go to San Francisco to start her life over. Now, at 23, Rory has her GED and has been working for Willa, who took her under her wing, for the last three years at her pet shop. Rory has made something of her life but she still feels regrets towards how she has left things with her family back in Lake Tahoe. Rory wants to make amends with them since she left home and never looked back at 17, so she promises that this time she will be home for Christmas. Rory just has a few problems; one, she does not have a ride up to Lake Tahoe and two, she is not particularly in the holiday spirit.

Rory’s attitude towards this whole trip home takes another plunge when she finds out who has offered to drive her up to Lake Tahoe (with a little encouragement from Willa, of course). Enter Max Stranton, who is part of Archer Hunt’s investigation team and who also has a history with Rory. Max and Rory actually went to high school together. Add to that, Rory had a crush on Max but that time of her life wasn’t the greatest so you can only imagine how things unfolded. Fast forward to now, and the two have been essentially dancing around each other with Rory trying very hard to ignore the attraction that is quite obviously between them. Add in a long car ride on the night of Christmas Eve with an impending snowstorm and you know this is going to be very interesting.

“Fate or Karma or whatever was in charge of such things was a cruel master, having her first crush of all people, the one guy on the entire planet who made her feel like that young, neglected, bullied, unwanted teen all over again, be the only smart ride home tonight.”

I have read this entire series completely out of order, which is totally fine, so I actually read The Trouble with Mistletoe before this. Now that might make no sense since this novella comes after that book which would mean that I am in fact reading it in order but my introduction to this series was the third book, Accidentally on Purpose, so I have been out of order in some aspect. Anyway, I got a glimpse of Rory and Max in The Trouble with Mistletoe and I was intrigued by their very first interaction with another that I couldn’t wait to get my hands on their story.

I was not disappointed in the least. With Rory trying to keep her distance, throwing her snark at Max whenever she got the chance and Max giving it right back while trying to figure out why Rory has such a problem with him, I was highly entertained. Add in the palpable attraction between the two of them and this novella just flew by. While the bickering was so much fun to read and definitely kept the novella light and fun, there were also some more emotional moments. You learn more about Rory and Max’s history when they were in high school along with the struggles Rory faced when she first got to San Francisco that lead her to Willa and the life she has now. The balance of these two elements is what allowed me to really get invested into Max and Rory’s story even though this is only a novella.

One Snowy Day has only made my love for this series that much stronger. It was a perfect addition to the series and gave me all the feels especially with it taking place on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day. I honestly can’t get enough!

Go read this series!!

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Review: Accidentally on Purpose by Jill Shalvis

October 30, 2017October 30, 2017 rosiereads6132 Comments

Accidentally on Purpose (Heartbreaker Bay #3)
Author: Jill Shalvis
Publication Date: January 24th, 2017
Source: Mass Market Paperback

There’s no such thing as a little in love…

Elle Wheaten’s priorities: friends, career, and kick-ass shoes. Then there’s the muscular wall of stubbornness that’s security expert Archer Hunt—who comes before everything else. No point in telling Mr. “Feels-Free Zone” that, though. Elle will just see other men until she gets over Archer . . . which should only take a lifetime . . .

There’s no such thing as a little in lust…

Archer’s wanted the best for Elle ever since he sacrificed his law-enforcement career to save her. But now that she’s earned happiness and success, Archer just wants Elle 24/7. Their chemistry could start the next San Francisco Earthquake, and Archer doesn’t want to be responsible for the damage. The alternative? Watch her go out with guys who aren’t him . . .

There is such a thing as…

As far as Archer’s concerned, nobody is good enough for Elle. But when he sets out to prove it by sabotaging her dates, she gets mad—and things get hot as hell. Now Archer has a new mission: prove to Elle that her perfect man has been here all along…

PSA: The Heartbreaker Bay series is one of my favorite series of the year and Jill Shalvis is a new favorite author of mine so don’t be surprised if you see more reviews on this blog in the very near future.

You know those books, the ones you finish reading that are SO good that you just want to automatically turn back to the beginning and read it all over again? Yeah, this is one of those books for me. I will go as far to say that this book has made it onto my all-time favorite books list. FYI: My ability to articulate how much I love this book might be a bit difficult but just know that I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK.

Elle Wheaton is a badass, plain and simple. She is the building manager of the Pacific Pier Building which is the perfect job for her because one, she loves to be in control of everything and two, she loves to be able to boss others around. The only person she is not able to boss around is Archer Hunt, the owner of Hunt Investigations on the second floor of the building which acts as the building’s security. To say that these two have a history is an understatement. Also, the synopsis is not lying when it says that their chemistry could start the next San Francisco Earthquake because that is 100% true.

Elle and Archer’s history begins way before they both began working in the Pacific Pier Building. Their first meeting and the events surrounding it is very significant and holds a lot of weight towards how their relationship is like in the present. The fact that they have this history before we see Elle as the put-together, kickass manager is one of my favorite aspects of this book because it just magnifies the feelings they have for one another so much more.

His hand caught her, long fingers wrapping around her elbow and causing all sorts of unwelcome sensations as he pulled her back around.
“What?” she asked.
“Waiting for my apology.”
“Sure,” she said agreeably. “When hell freezes over.” She lifted her chin, grateful for her four-inch heels so that she could almost, kind of, not quite look him in the eyes.
“I’m in charge of this building, Archer, which means I’m in charge of everything that happens in it. I’m also in charge of everyone who works for this building.”
He cocked his head, looking amused again.
“You want to be the boss of me, Elle?” he asked softly.
“I am the boss of you.”

Pushing each other’s buttons is an art and those around Elle and Archer would have to be blind not to see the serious sparks that come about when they come up against one another. I’m not surprised that Elle butts head with Archer though because he is a true alpha; commands attention, intimidating, always in control, and gorgeous as f***. The build-up to when these two finally kissed was so intense, I seriously thought my book was going to burst into flames when it happened.

In addition to Elle and Archer’s story, I was also introduced to the adorable cast of characters that I have deemed the Heartbreaker Bay gang. Elle and Archer are surrounded by the best batch of friends they could ever ask for and as a reader, you fall in love with them almost instantly. This gang of secondary characters is such an essential part of these novels. They all have their unique personalities and add such a wonderful element to the book that without them, Accidentally on Purpose would be an entirely different book.

This book has so much more to it in addition to the explosive, hotter-than-hell romance and band of wonderful friends. There are laughs, some action, and a ton of heart-squeezing, all-the-feels moments. Honestly, I could not recommend this book more.

You MUST read it!!

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Blog Tour + Review: Chasing Christmas Eve by Jill Shalvis

September 29, 2017September 29, 2017 rosiereads613Leave a comment

CHASING CHRISTMAS EVE
Heartbreaker Bay #4
Jill Shalvis

Meet cute…

Run for the hills—temporarily. That’s Colbie Albright’s plan when she flees New York for San Francisco. Wrangling her crazy family by day and writing a bestselling YA fantasy series by night has taken its toll. In short, Colbie’s so over it that she’s under it. She’s also under the waters of a historic San Francisco fountain within an hour of arrival. Fortunately, the guy who fishes Colbie out has her looking forward to Christmas among strangers. But she’s pretty sure Spencer Baldwin won’t be a stranger for long.

Make merry…

Spence’s commitment to hiding from the Ghosts of Relationships Past means he doesn’t have to worry about the powerful—okay, crazy hot—chemistry he’s got with Colbie. Just because she can laugh at anything, especially herself… just because she’s gorgeous and a great listener…just because she “gets” Spence immediately doesn’t mean he won’t be able to let Colbie go. Does it?

…and hope for a miracle.

Now the clock’s ticking for Colbie and Spence: Two weeks to cut loose. Two weeks to fall hard. Two weeks to figure out how to make this Christmas last a lifetime.

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ABOUT JILL SHALVIS

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website,www.jillshalvis.com, for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

Connect with Jill
Website: http://jillshalvis.com/
Facebook: @JillShalvis
Twitter: @JillShalvis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillshalvis/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jillshalvis/
Tumblr: http://jillshalvis.tumblr.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22370.Jill_Shalvis?from_search=true

Excerpt

At the unexpected sight of Spence, Colbie startled hard. How was it that he was the one who needed glasses and yet she’d not seen him standing against the window? “No, I don’t kill a lot of people,” she said cautiously because she was wearing only a towel in front of a strange man. “But I’m happy to make an exception.”

He laughed, a rough rumble that was more than a little contagious but she controlled herself because, hello, she was once again dripping wet before the man who seemed to make her knees forget to hold her up.

“I didn’t mean to scare you,” he said and pushed off the wall to come close.

She froze, but he held up his hands like, I come in peace, and crouched at her feet to scoop up the clothes she hadn’t realized she’d dropped.

Leggings, a long forgiving tee, and the peach silk bra-and-panty set that hadn’t gotten so much as a blink from the TSA guy.

But it got one out of Spence. He also swallowed hard as she snatched them back from him.

“Hold on,” he said and caught her arm, pulling it toward him to look at her bleeding elbow.

“Sit,” he said and gently pushed her down to a weight bench. He vanished into the bathroom and came back out with a first aid kit.

It took him less than two minutes to clean and bandage the scrape. Then, easily balanced at her side on the balls of his feet, he did the same for both her knees, which she hadn’t noticed were also scraped up.

“You must’ve hit the brick coping as you fell in the fountain,” he said and let his thumb slide over the skin just above one bandaged knee.

She shivered, and not from the cold either. “Not going to kiss it better?” she heard herself ask before biting her tongue for running away with her good sense.

She’d raised her younger twin brothers. Scrappy, roughhouse wild animals, the both of them, so there’d been plenty of injuries she’d kissed over the years.

But no one had ever kissed hers. Not surprising, since most of her injuries tended to be on the inside, where they didn’t show. Still, she was horrified she’d said anything at all. “I didn’t mean—”

She broke off, frozen like a deer in the headlights as Spence slowly lowered his head, brushing his lips over the Band-Aid on her elbow, then her knees. When he lifted his head, he pushed his glasses higher on his nose, those whiskey eyes warm and amused behind his lenses. “Better?”

Shockingly better. Since she didn’t quite trust her voice at the moment, she gave a jerky nod and took her clothes back into the bathroom. She shut the door and then leaned against it, letting out a slow, deliberate breath. Holy cow, she was out of her league. He was somehow both cute and hot, and those glasses . . .

After reading this, I can safely say that hot, geeky, glasses-wearing heroes are my jam and will forever be my jam. I don’t know what it is about the geeky cute guy or, in Spencer Baldwin’s case the sexy nerdy guy, but they just make me both squeal and swoon. If you haven’t guessed it yet, I very much enjoyed Chasing Christmas Eve and it is mainly to do with the fact that Spencer Baldwin is my new favorite hero.

Colbie Albright’s first time in San Francisco after running away for a well-deserved vacation from her life did not start off like she thought it would. I don’t think getting knocked into a fountain by a dog was on her list of things to do while visiting but it did have its benefits seeing as the man who helped her out of the fountain is Spencer Baldwin, the resident sexy tech geek. Her three-week vacation starts looking up as she and Spencer go from just strangers to oh so much more.

I have already made it abundantly clear how much I loved Spencer in this book, but overall, I thought this book was ADORABLE. It was so great to step back into the world of Heartbreaker Bay after falling head over heels for it in Elle and Asher’s book, Accidentally on Purpose. While I did swoon over Spencer, I also enjoyed Colbie, especially with the fact that she was a best-selling YA fantasy author because it is not a profession I have come across for a heroine to have and I was beyond excited about it. Even though I wasn’t able to connect with Colbie as a character as much as I thought I would, I loved when she held her ground against Jackson and spoke her mind about what she needed to her family. Oh, and her alternative swear words were just so freaking cute. It was a quirky element to the book that I enjoyed and also brought an air of realness to Spencer and Colbie’s relationship.

Chasing Christmas Eve is adorably cute but also has its sexy moments hence the reason why I love Spencer Baldwin so much. The only part that didn’t vibe with me was the epilogue but only because it felt rushed. Ending aside, this book was a wonderful addition to the series and I can’t wait to read more!

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Release Week Blitz + Review: Too Beautiful to Break by Tessa Bailey

September 27, 2017September 27, 2017 rosiereads613Leave a comment

TOO BEAUTIFUL TO BREAK
Romancing The Clarksons, #4
Tessa Bailey
On Sale: September 26, 2017
Publisher: Forever

A love of a lifetime . . .

Leaving Belmont Clarkson is the hardest thing Sage Alexander has ever done. From the moment they met, she knew Belmont was the one, and getting up close and personal with him on his family’s epic road trip has taken her desire to a new, even hotter level. But there’s no way she can go there—not without revealing secrets that could devastate them both.

Losing Sage is not an option. Belmont’s heart is hers, has always been hers. He knows she’s hiding something from him, but nothing will stand in his way of telling her just how much she means to him. Finding her is easy—saving her from her past could cost him everything.

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THE ROMANCING THE CLARKSONS SERIES
Series Page on Goodreads

TOO HOT TO HANDLE, #1
TOO WILD TO TAME, #2
TOO HARD TO FORGET, #3
TOO CLOSE TO CALL, #3.5
TOO BEAUTIFUL TO BREAK, #4

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tessa Bailey is originally from Carlsbad, California. The day after high school graduation, she packed her yearbook, ripped jeans, and laptop, and drove cross-country to New York City in under four days. Her most valuable life experiences were learned thereafter while waitressing at K-Dees, a Manhattan pub owned by her uncle. Inside those four walls, she met her husband, best friend, and discovered the magic of classic rock, managing to put herself through Kingsborough Community College and the English program at Pace University at the same time. Several stunted attempts to enter the work force as a journalist followed, but romance writing continued to demand her attention.

She now lives in Long Island, New York with her husband and daughter. Although she is severely sleep-deprived, she is incredibly happy to be living her dream of writing about people falling in love.

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Strap yourself in because this book is one emotional rollercoaster. I am not exaggerating when I say that because I actually started this book a few weeks ago and had to put it down after reading just the first 10% of it because of how much emotion and heaviness was being foreshadowed. This is just a friendly warning that this book will make your heartache or even goes as far as ripping it straight out of your chest, so have tissues ready.

Belmont Clarkson is the oldest of the Clarkson siblings and after meeting him in Too Hard to Forget, I could just sense that this man has been through A LOT in his life. He is elusive yet has such a remarkable presence. At the same time though, I could feel the sadness and darkness surrounding him as he tries to maintain control of his life which has been a little difficult given the cross country road trip he has been on with his siblings. But, there has been one person who has brought some light and stability to this trip and that is Sage Alexander, Peggy’s best friend. Sage and Belmont have this connection that is so palpable, I sensed it even from their small moments together in the previous book. That palpability skyrocketed within the first three chapters of this book as Sage leaves Belmont, to make the journey to New York on his own, while she faces her past back home in Sibley, Louisiana.

“His heart had made the decision, mind and body had approved, and her happiness had become a necessity. There was nothing simple about what Sage made him feel. But the importance of her took no effect to describe. And it never wavered. She was the most important.”

That is what Belmont felt for Sage after they met for the first time. It is the perfect example for me to give in order to show that Belmont is nothing like any hero I have ever read before. The feelings and thoughts that this man has are enthralling and also completely unexpected. His mind, though weathered by what he has gone through in the past, still has the capacity to feel so profoundly especially after Sage came into his world. It is his connection and unquestionable love for Sage that drives him to follow her to Sibley and finish what began many moments ago.

I have purposely not talked about the plot that much because it is the emotions felt by Belmont and Sage, both individually and towards each other, that drive this book. This is not an easy read, I repeat, THIS IS NOT AN EASY READ. It is intense and heavy and may drain you emotionally until you are a crying mess curled up in your bed but it is also so very beautiful and well worth the pain it might put you through (Remember, I did warn you in the beginning). This is by far the most emotional book I have read in a while but I would like to thank Tessa Bailey for giving us Belmont and Sage’s story even if I am still recovering.

book blog · book review · books · reading · romance

Review: Rock Me by Carly Phillips

September 20, 2017September 29, 2017 rosiereads6131 Comment

Carly Phillips
Rock Me
Bad Boy Bodyguards Book 1
Release Date Sept. 19, 2017

ROCK ME, an all-new sexy STANDALONE, is coming this fall from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Carly Phillips!

Bodyguard Bad Boys… Sexy, Hot, and oh so protective!

A pop star in danger.

Her reluctant bodyguard.

A past they can’t deny.

Summer Michelle is on the verge of ultimate fame.

Ben Hollander has sworn off mixing business with pleasure.

But keeping his hands off of the sexy songstress is easier said than done and once the threat is neutralized, will she choose fame over love?

She was a client.

Off-limits and out of his reach.

But some rules are meant to be broken…

Buy links:
Amazon Kindle | B&N Nook | Kobo | iBooks | Google Play

About the Author:

After a successful fifteen-year career with various New York publishing houses, and over 40 sexy contemporary romance novels published, N.Y. Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Carly Phillips is now an Indie author who writes to her own expectations and that of her readers. She continues the tradition of hot men and strong women and plans to publish many more sizzling stories. Carly lives in Purchase, NY with her family, two nearly adult daughters and two crazy dogs who star on her Facebook Fan Page and website. She’s a writer, a knitter of sorts, a wife, and a mom. In addition, she’s a Twitter and Internet junkie and is always around to interact with her readers. You can find out more about Carly at http://www.carlyphillips.com.

I am a faithful reader of anything that Carly Phillips writes. I mean, not to get all sappy and nostalgic, but it was her book, Sealed With A Kiss, that sealed (yes, pun intended) my fate in loving romance novels for the rest of my life. Everything I have picked up of hers I have enjoyed greatly but sadly, the day has come where I did not like one of her books as much I thought I would.

In her newest series, Carly Phillips is introducing us to the Bodyguard Bad Boys, which sounds ridiculously hot as I assume it is intended to be. The first to make our acquaintance is Ben Hollander, who has such a sexy name I warmed up to him from the very beginning ;). Ben has been a bodyguard for quite some time and has always performed his job with the utmost professionalism, until he crossed paths with Summer Michelle. Unfortunately, their time together did not end on a good note but that’s ok because fate dealt them a second chance. That, and Summer, an upcoming popstar looking to make her big break, is being threatened. You can probably guess who is assigned to be her bodyguard

It was so great getting a look into the world of this series and also see what is to come, but I think the reason why I didn’t like this book as much as I thought I would is because I just couldn’t connect to the main couple. Don’t get me wrong there was definite chemistry between the two despite their rather strained reunion. But, the further I got into the story, the more interested I was in the secondary characters than Summer and Ben. As crazy as this may sound and it does coming from me, the physical aspect of Summer and Ben’s reconnection became too much for me. And, I get that since this is their second chance there really isn’t much get to know each other moments but I liked the Summer and Ben’s moments together when they weren’t ripping each other’s clothes off. Add in the fact that the book was shorter than I was expecting and it seemed that a good amount of the book was about how Summer and Ben were “reconnecting” with one another. Overall, I would have liked the pace and storyline to be stretched out a little more because it all wrapped up way too quickly for me.

Despite my feelings towards Rock Me, it in no way dissuades me from continuing with this series because like I said before, this girl is a faithful reader to all things Carly Phillips. This book wasn’t my cup of tea but I still enjoyed it enough to be eagerly waiting for the next book in the series.

Now, if you are in the mood for bodyguards and love yourself a second chance romance with a good helping of bedroom action, then I recommend you pick up Rock Me.

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Blog Tour + Review: Betting the Bad Boy by Stefanie London

May 16, 2017May 16, 2017 rosiereads6131 Comment

Betting the Bad Boy
Behind the Bar #3
By: Stefanie London
Releasing May 8, 2017
Entangled Lovestruck

Self-confessed perfectionist Paige Thomas isn’t used to failing. But when a critical error in romantic judgment sends all her big city career dreams crashing down, she scrambles to find a job—any job—to make ends meet.

Noah Reid may as well have “trust issues” tattooed on his forehead. Being raised in the foster system didn’t give him a positive outlook on relationships, but now he’s looking after his best friend’s bar for one month, and he can’t do it alone.

Things get steamy when Noah hires Paige, but she’s determined not to repeat her mistakes and she bets Noah that she can keep her hands to herself while they’re working together. Too bad for her, Noah is an expert at breaking the rules…

Link to Follow Tour:
http://tastybooktours.com/tours-master/2017/4/3/betting-bad-boy-stefanie-london

Goodreads Link:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34738007-betting-the-bad-boy

Goodreads Series Link:
https://www.goodreads.com/series/160771-behind-the-bar

Buy Links:
AMAZON | B & N | ITUNES | KOBO

Author Info

Stefanie London is the USA Today bestselling author of over ten contemporary romances with humour, heat and heart. Growing up, Stefanie came from a family of women who loved to read. Thus, it was no surprise Stefanie was the sort of student who would read her English books before the semester started. After sneaking several literature subjects into her ‘very practical’ Business degree, she got a job in Communications. When writing emails and newsletters didn’t fulfil her creative urges, she turned to fiction and was finally able to write the stories that kept her mind busy at night.

Originally from Australia, she now lives in Toronto with her very own hero and is currently in the process of doing her best to travel the world. She frequently indulges in her passions for good coffee, lipstick, romance novels and zombie movies.

Author Links:
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Rafflecopter Giveaway (Winners choice of a Stephanie London Backlist)
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She held the blindfold while trying to ignore the flutter of excitement in her stomach. Her fingers toyed with the elasticated band meant to hold the mask in place.

“Both partners are going to get a turn at being blindfolded,” Libby said from the front of the room. “Between yourselves, pick who’s going to go first.”

Noah looked down at her, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. He ran a hand along his jaw, catching the reddish-gold bristles of his burgeoning beard. For a moment, Paige was totally captured with the idea of how the bristles might feel on her skin. Would they be smooth or rough? Would she shriek if he brushed them along her inner thigh?

“What do you say, new girl?” He cocked his head. “Would you rather do the blindfolding or be blindfolded?”

At that point she would have been happy to go all in— blindfolded, tied up, and held down.

Holy crap, would you listen to yourself? This is a work function, not a goddamn re-creation of Fifty Shades.

“Blindfolded,” she squeaked, thrusting the mask into his hands and spinning so quickly that she almost lost her footing.

“You know, I’ve never done this before.” His hand steadied her, the reassuring warmth of his touch seeping into her skin. Her bones felt like jelly.

“Blindfolded someone?” she asked, cringing at how shaky her voice sounded.

“Ah, no. I meant the taste test.” He chuckled as he slipped the mask over her eyes.

Heat rushed up to Paige’s cheeks. Of course he meant the taste test. What an idiot she was. Just because her brain was earning an R-rating tonight didn’t mean his was, too. She fought back a tremor as he brushed some loose hairs from her neck so he could adjust the strap on the mask.

Everything went dark, and Paige gripped the edge of the table for support.

Warm breath whispered over her ear, and she could tell he’d leaned in a little closer. The scent of coffee and faded cologne tempted her to turn her head toward the source.

“I’ve definitely blindfolded someone before, but it wasn’t for a taste test.”
Her breath hitched, and she was grateful that she’d had the presence of mind to hold on to something.

Self-professed perfectionist meets bad boy, who wouldn’t want to read that love story. When the bad boy is described as the fourth Hemsworth brother and the story takes place in Melbourne, Australia. Well then I was sold. This is the first romance that I have ever read that has taken place down under and it honestly made the story so much better.

Paige Thomas’s life is not going the way she planned. In her mind, she would have the perfect accounting job at this point in her life not unemployed and living off her best friend’s couch having daily matches with her cat Damon. And she did have this perfect accounting job until her decision to go on a date with a co-worker resulted in her termination. Now she had less than a month to find a job or it was back to her small country town, solidifying the fact that she, in her mind, had failed. Who knew that one visit to First, a bar-slash-restaurant for a simply cup of coffee to clear her head and get her refocused after another unsuccessful job interview would change her life forever.

Noah Reid was just trying to hire a new barista at First, which he was temporarily managing while his friend Des was away, but so far the applicants were less than stellar. That is until Paige breezes into First. Paige is more distracted by how freakin’ gorgeous Noah is that it takes her a minute to realize that Noah has mistaken her as his next applicant. What does Paige do? Well she hijacks someone else’s interview of course. The thing is, working in a place like First is not so far fetched seeing as Paige’s family owns a cafe back home which she worked in for many years. When Noah finds out that Paige is not who she say she is well things go a little south from there. Except Noah does not know Paige’s determination because she bets him that if she can make him the best coffee he has ever tasted then he has to hire her.

Paige and Noah’s first meeting was so fun much and absolutely hilarious. It was what drew me into the book in the first place. Their banter was so cute and natural during the interview but you could clearly tell that there was some underlying sexual tension happening. I think the best part was when Paige was trying to win the bet. You could clearly see the romantic comedy elements of the book coming out. Paige seemed so comfortable around Noah even though they had just met but she was still kind of shy and a little bit embarrassed especially after the incident that happened during her interview. Let’s just say Paige exposed a little bit more of her self than she wanted to Noah while dazzling him with her coffee making skills.

While I really enjoyed the beginning of Paige and Noah’s relationship and the bets they made to one another, I think my expectations in terms of where the story was going and the overall pacing did not match up with the story. I finished the book wanting more. More of Noah’s relationship with his family. More intimate moments between Paige and Noah. Just MORE. I will say though that the ending really tied things together for me even if the middle was in the end a bit underwhelming.

If you are looking for a cute romantic comedy that takes place down under, then definitely check out Betting the Bad Boy!

blog tour · book blog · book review · books · promo · reading · romance

Blog Tour + Review: Good Lies by Charlotte West

May 16, 2017May 17, 2017 rosiereads613Leave a comment

Good Lies
Charlotte West
A Wild Minds Novel
May 08, 2017

If Warren Price was gasoline, I’d be a lit match.

Addison Wanks, rock ’n’ roll’s favorite daughter, is good at keeping secrets.

Secret One

She’s responsible for the long-standing feud between her father’s band, Wanks and Janks, and younger band Wild Minds. She may or may not have let Wild Minds’ sexy bad-boy lead singer
Warren defile her backstage at a concert. Okay, she totally did.
Secret Two

She’s supposed to be attending college but instead skips town to follow Wild Minds on their European tour. Addy adores Warren Price.

Secret Three

Europe doesn’t go so well. Her sexy lead singer turned out to be king of a**holes. He’s arrogant, demanding and controlling. Addy loathes Warren Price. Oh, well.

Secret Four

Fast forward a few years and Addy is planning to attend her father’s farewell tour when she hears the news—Wild Minds is back in the good graces of Wanks and Janks. The two bands will be headlining together. This is going to make avoiding Warren difficult. Especially since it seems Warren doesn’t want to be ignored. He also doesn’t want a divorce. That’s right, Addy is married to the Wild Minds front man. Shh. Don’t tell.

What will happen when all Addy’s secrets are revealed?

Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34527117-good-lies?from_search=true

About the Author:

Charlotte West writes romance about strong heroines and the sexy alpha males who love them. She lives in Washington state with her husband and very large dog (think miniature pony size). She spends way too much money on books, and way too much time reading. When she’s not reading, she’s feeding her reality television addiction, eating chocolate, or traveling. She’s been known to consume her weight in Girl Scout cookies.

She has a degree in Science and a Master’s in Education, neither of which she is currently using but is still paying for. Occasionally, she moonlights as a YA author.

Author Links:
Website: https://www.charlottewestbooks.com/
Newsletter: https://www.charlottewestbooks.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16551940.Charlotte_West
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Charlotte-West-1297992550266292/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CWestBooks

The minute I read the blurb for this book I wanted to read it. I mean how can you not read through all of Addison’s secrets especially the last one and not want to starting reading Good Lies immediately. And the cover, which um hi is absolutely GORGEOUS, only made me want to get my hands on this book even more. I should also preface this review by saying this is the first rockstar romance that I have ever read but if there are others that are just as amazing as this one I’m pretty sure rockstar romances will become my new favorite kind of romance to read.

I loved how this book started because it was not how I was expecting it too. In the prologue, you are introduced to Addison when she is a child after she is found by the police because her mother, who left her alone for four days, unfortunately died of an overdose. Addison admits in the prologue that her father, at least she was told, is Billy Wanks, a world famous rockstar. While one of the officers is very skeptical, another officer, Officer Pete, who will become an important person in Addison’s life is more open to the possibility. Within the next few chapters, it is confirmed that Addison is Billy’s kid. Even though he has no idea how to raise a child at the age of 22, Billy takes Addison home and raises her in his rockstar lifestyle until she is about sixteen. That is when Addison first meets Warren Price, her future husband, and things get a little crazy from there.

Switching to present day we find Addison in college, trying to make it on her own in NYC without her father’s money and the attention that comes with it. Everything is going well until her father calls and asks if she could come on the last leg of his tour. Addison is very reluctant to go because her husband and his band are the opening act. Addison and Warren’s relationship is a bit strained, considering Addison left him in Europe with no explanation and then has sent divorce papers for him to sign over the last few years each time getting them back blank. But Addison’s love for her father wins out overall and she decides that this is the perfect way to get Warren to sign the divorce papers once and for all. As if it was going to be that easy lol.

This book was so much more than just a rockstar romance with its quintessential arrogant, I-think-I’m-a-rock-god rockstar. Don’t get me wrong Warren Price fits that bill perfectly, but there was also a lot of angst and emotion. Addison has not lived the most normal life with being abandoned and then swept up into this world of fame and traveling on the road with Billy. Add in Warren and their love story, with Billy disapproving of Warren from day one, and the huge secret of their marriage and you really feel for her throughout the book. Secrets and lies pile up and you know things are going to hit the fan at some point but you also hold out hope for Addison and Warren because through everything they still love each other.

There is a lot going on in this book and because I was hooked from the first page, I think I read this just a tad too fast because I don’t think I was able to connect with what was happening at some points in the book and that through off my paced feeling for the book towards the end. All I know is that I plan on reading this again very soon and that I CAN’T WAIT for Ash and Lily’s story (Warren’s brother and Addison’s best friend).

All I can say is that if you are a fan of rockstar romances, you have to pick this up soon. And if you aren’t that much of a fan, still pick it up because there is some much more to it that just the rockstar aspect.

blog tour · book blog · book review · books · promo · reading · romance

Blog Tour + Review: Going in Deep by Carly Phillips

May 11, 2017 rosiereads613Leave a comment

Carly Phillips
Going in Deep
Billionaire Bad Boys, Book 4
May 9, 2017

He isn’t Mr. Nice Guy…

Julian Dane thought he’d hit rock bottom — until he met a woman (isn’t that what they all say?). He used her and broke her heart. Now he wants to turn things around but the damage he dealt stands in his way.

Kendall Parker’s unique issues have made it hard to live a normal life. Very few people understand her and she trusts even less … but she believed in Julian once, and he only betrayed her.

Now Julian is back — a new man — and determined to win Kendall’s heart. But this reformed bad boy just might find that Going in Deep is harder than it looks.

Billionaire Bad Boys: Rich, Powerful and Sexy as hell.
All Billionaire Bad Boys Novels stand alone!

Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34216074-going-in-deep

About the Author:

Author Links:
Website: http://www.carlyphillips.com/
Newsletter: http://www.carlyphillips.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10000.Carly_Phillips
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Carly-Phillips/e/B001I9W0MS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarlyPhillipsFanPage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlyphillips

Previous books in the Billionaire Bad Boys Series

Going Down Easy
Billionaire Bad Boys
Book 1

Billionaire Bad Boys: Rich, Powerful and sexy as hell.

Billionaire Kaden Barnes has a reputation for being difficult and always getting his way.

Enigmatic and exacting, he’s unable to keep an assistant for long. Enter his newest hire, Lexie Parker. She’s no-nonsense, efficient and all business… She’s also hot as sin and soon starring in Kaden’s dirtiest fantasies.

As their passion for each other reaches a boiling point, neither can control the explosive outcome when they finally give in to their desires. He may think he’s calling the shots, but for this bad boy, going down easy has never felt so good.

Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30064124-going-down-easy

Buy links:
Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/29CXgH0
B&N Nook: http://bit.ly/29qYYaS
Kobo: http://bit.ly/29wlJL1
iBooks: http://apple.co/29lk0G4
Google Play: http://bit.ly/29qcKMj

Going Down Fast
Billionaire Bad Boys
Book 2

Billionaire Bad Boys: Rich, Powerful and sexy as hell.

Lucas Monroe dropped out of college only to become a multi-billionaire and tech world God. He can have any woman he desires in his bed, but the only woman he’s ever wanted is off limits and always has been. When Maxie Sullivan finds herself in dire straits, the only man she can turn to is the one she’s always secretly loved: her childhood best friend. Can they trust their hearts and make a future, or will their complicated pasts stand in the way?

This bad boy is going down fast …

And going down fast has never felt so right.

Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30297093-going-down-fast

Buy links:
Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/2acSVXh
B&N Nook: http://bit.ly/2acUdSf
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2aiVlWT
iBooks: http://apple.co/2awzmvS
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2asyBmA

Going Down Hard
Billionaire Bad Boys
Book 3

Billionaire Bad Boys: Rich, Powerful and sexy as hell.

Derek West rose from poverty to take the tech world by storm. He’s sexy, confident and gets any woman he wants. And who he wants is Cassie Storm, the rich girl he’s never been good enough for.

She’s desperate to save her family company and there’s only one man who can help. But Derek isn’t interested in helping. He wants to possess both the company and the woman he’s never been able to forget.

His plan? To screw her out of his head. Except once he’s had a taste of Cassie, he doesn’t want to let her go. Her family remembers where he came from, and they won’t allow it. When the truth about their pasts comes to light, though, it may be Cassie who’s going down hard.

Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30289585-going-down-hard

Buy links:
Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/2eHavVe
B&N Nook: http://bit.ly/2e8Rq1T
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2f1RvU9
iBooks: http://apple.co/2elBggW
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2hgRZIE

After reading the other three books in this series and really getting invested in these characters and the world of the Billionaire Bad Boys, I will be honest I was a bit apprehensive to read this fourth and final book. My apprehensiveness swirled around the fact that this couple, Julian and Kendall, and the issues they each have and are working on overcoming were probably going to make this book an emotional rollercoaster. And I was not wrong, this book was an emotional rollercoaster.

Let me start out by saying that this book is by far my favorite in the series. I enjoyed the other three books quite a bit but Going in Deep was different from them. I think it was because, if you have read the other books in this series, you are introduced to Julian and Kendall in the first book. You see their beginning and then unfortunately you see the betrayal when Kendall finds out that Julian used her the entire time to get back at Kade since Kendall is the twin sister of Lexie who falls in love with Kade in Going Down Easy. What Julian didn’t know is that Kendall is bipolar and at the time was not entirely in control of her disorder. But, it is the realization that he hurt someone who was not mentally stable that caused Julian to re-examine his life and become a better man.

My opinion of Julian in the first book was less than stellar especially after my suspicions were confirmed that he was using Kendall to get what he wanted: to get back at Kade. But this book completely threw those opinions out the freakin’ window because not only do you see just how much Julian has done in his life to change and become a better person but you also learn about his background and why he turned to drugs. The character development of both Julian and Kendall are amazing but it was Julian’s actions and his want to make things work with Kendall a second time around that made me not only root for him but also fall in love with him a little bit.

I feel like I haven’t rooted for a couple to get together this much in a while. Both Julian and Kendall have had their issues to work on but it is those experiences of working on getting better that makes them perfect for one another. Even if they have obstacles such as the approval of Lexie and Kade. It frustrated me to no end that Lexie and Kade were so resistant even after Kendall explained that Julian had changed. I understand their hesitations but it got to the point where I wanted to shake them. It made me love Kendall even more when she finally stood up for her feelings towards Julian because it was about damn time.

I could honestly gush about this book for a few more paragraphs but this review is already long enough. If you like second chance romances that will pull at your heartstrings and have you furiously rooting for the couple, then PICK. UP. THIS. BOOK. You will not be disappointed. (While you don’t have to read the other books in the series, I do recommend it because you will get a better sense of this couple’s journey.)

VERDICT: Carly Phillips hits yet another romance out of the park.

blog tour · book blog · book review · books · excerpt · reading · romance

Blog Tour + Review/Excerpt: Payback by Christina Phillips

May 8, 2017 rosiereads613Leave a comment

Payback
Viking Bastards MC #2
By: Christina Phillips
Releasing May 1, 2017
Entangled Scorched

Gage…

I don’t fuck girls who work for me, but as soon as Amelia turns those big green eyes on me I know she’s trouble. I can’t keep my hands off her, and the almost-but-not-quite-sex we share in the kitchen is the hottest thing I’ve ever had. Except she calls it quits, before we’ve even started.

Instead of moving on, she’s all I can think about and that’s bad news. I’m breaking all my rules for her, and don’t even care.

Until I find out who she is and what she really wants. She’s after payback, but there’s no way she’s going to get it. No way in hell…

Link to Follow Tour:
http://tastybooktours.com/tours-master/2017/3/29/payback-christina-phillips

Goodreads Link:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34741829-payback

Goodreads Series Link
https://www.goodreads.com/series/197376-viking-bastards-mc

Buy Links:
AMAZON | B&N | iTUNES | KOBO

Author Info

Christina Phillips is addicted to good coffee, expensive chocolate and bad boy heroes. She writes on the sizzling side of naughty, and loves bringing her tough biker heroes to their knees (her heroines enjoy this, too ☺)

She is also owned by three gorgeous cats who are convinced the universe revolves around their needs. They are not wrong.

Author Links:
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Rafflecopter Giveaway ($20.00 Amazon Gift Card)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

I trace the outline of her ear and those three irresistible hoops. She gives a little shiver but still doesn’t grab hold of me. Guess it’s time to ease her mind on things.

I move in closer, and she steps back until she’s flat against the larder door.

“What happens between us tonight doesn’t affect your job. You understand?”

“You mean if I knee your nuts, you won’t fire me?”

Instinctively, I cradle my junk. “That wasn’t my first thought.”

Her smile damn near takes my breath away. “I bet it wasn’t. I know exactly what you’re thinking.”

“Is that right?” I’m sure my package is safe so I twist a length of her hair around my finger. It’s as soft and silky as I imagined. “What’s that, then?”

“I think you’re trying to get inside my thong.”

The image of Amelia in nothing but a sexy thong fills my head. “You got a problem with that?”

“Yeah. It’s not happening.”

My gaze drops to her mouth. “Wanna bet?”

“I don’t need to bet. I’m telling you. All you get tonight is a kiss.”

Chicks don’t lay down the law to me. But then again, I’ve never been with a girl who confuses me as much as Amelia. If she wants to leave, she could easily walk away. I won’t stop her. But she stands there, like she’s daring me to take me up on her offer.

A kiss.

I give her a mocking smile. “You’ll want more than a kiss from me.”

She doesn’t answer right away, and I hide my smirk of victory as I lean in to claim her mouth. Her head tilts to the side, evading me, which is both frustrating and oddly fascinating.

“It doesn’t matter what I want. A kiss is my best offer. Take it or leave it.”

Despite the throb between my legs, I have the crazy urge to laugh. “That’s your best offer? You sure you don’t want me to go down on you?”

For a second I swear she’s about say yes, but then she hitches in a ragged breath. “Totally sure. Keep your head right where it is.”

No chick has ever refused that offer before, and the way she’s so desperately trying to hide how turned on she is makes me grin. “Okay. But I’ll only kiss you on one condition.”

“Huh?” She sounds drunk, and blinks at me like everything’s out of focus. “You have a condition?”

“It’s only fair.”

She stares at me as though I’ve lost my mind. I think I fucking have. Not that I care, since crazy as this all is, I’ve never had as much fun hooking up before.

Finally, she speaks. “What is it?”

“I can use my hands on you.” I wave my fingers in her face and she glances at them as though she has no idea what I’m talking about.

“Okay.” There’s a cautious note in her voice as though she thinks it’s some kind of trick. “But that’s all. Just your hands.”

That’s all I need.

Revenge is the name of the game in the second book of the Viking Bastards MC series but I’m pretty sure anyone could come to that conclusion based on the title lol. Much like the first book, it starts out at Odin’s, the bar frequented by the MC but this time the Viking Bastard that is getting the spotlight is its owner, Gage Reynolds. And who has their sights on Gage, in a I-want-to-make-you-pay kind of way, well that would be Amelia Crane, or for undercover purposes Amelia Davis, who has gotten a job at Odin’s as a bartender. Her plan was to get close to Gage so that she could get information on how to bring his MC down. The only problem with this plan… well it might have something to do with the fact that she thinks he is freakin’ hot and that her body seems to react whenever he is around her. Getting close to Gage won’t be hard, it is the whole trying not to put her hands on him or have his hands on her that might be a little more difficult. Of course, if Amelia just remembers that it was Gage’s father who killed her father, who was part of the Silver Wolves MC, then it might make the whole no touching thing a lot easier.

The chemistry between Gage and Amelia is what really drew me into this book. They both had their own reservations as to why it couldn’t happen but in the end that didn’t stop them whatsoever. Gage is very much an alpha who goes after what he wants and uses whatever means necessary to get it. You can clearly see that in the excerpt above where he manipulates the situation in his favor by agreeing to only kiss Amelia but he is allowed to use his hands as well. The result is pretty explosive especially since Amelia may have grown up in the MC lifestyle when she was younger but the guys she has date before are NOTHING like Gage. Gage opens up Amelia’s world as she gets a taste of someone who is a bit more dominant but that does not mean she fully allows it. Amelia is headstrong and has come here for a purpose, to exact revenge for her father’s death, and even though things start to shift as her feelings for Gage get stronger she still holds her own when with Gage. Amelia may be swayed by Gage in some instances but in others she stand by her beliefs and does not let Gage push them aside. It was those qualities that allowed me to love Amelia just as much as Gage.

While the beginning half of this book was hot and the sexual tension radiated off the pages between Gage and Amelia, the second half fell flat for me. Overall, I thought it moved way too fast. As a reader, I was so caught up in Gage and Amelia’s relationship, until the conflict that was building in the background just popped up and was dealt with way too quickly. I wish the second half was fleshed out a little bit more so it didn’t feel so rushed. Another thing that bothered me was how little what Amelia did as a career was talked about in the story. I understand that this is a MC romance so that is going to be the main thread running through the story but this happened in the first book as well where we get only a glimpse of what both the heroines do and nothing more. Both Amelia and Grace from the first book, Hooked, had such wonderful passions but they were only showcased for what felt like a moment. With the amount of angst that occurs in this book after secrets are revealed, if the second half was just fleshed out more I would have enjoyed this book a lot more as a whole.

Overall, though, this book did continue to fuel my love for MC romances. The sexual tension and sparks between Gage and Amelia were addicting. Gage is such a sexy delight, going after what he wanted and showing Amelia that she was just as affected as he was. The connection they had was hot as hell and so strong that you are left a little heartbroken when certain secrets are revealed and feelings get hurt. I can’t wait to continue on to the next book in this series! (Crossing my fingers that it is Kat’s story, Gage and Zach’s sister)

blog tour · book blog · book review · books · reading · Uncategorized

Review: Truly, Madly, Whiskey by Melissa Foster

April 14, 2017April 14, 2017 rosiereads6131 Comment

Truly, Madly, Whiskey
By: Melissa Foster
Releasing April 10, 2017
World Literary Press

A new sexy standalone romance by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster.

Eight months is a long damn time to have the hots for a woman who keeps a guy at arm’s length. But Crystal Moon is no ordinary woman. She’s a sinfully sexy, sass-mouthed badass, and the subject of Bear Whiskey’s midnight fantasies. She’s also one of his closest friends.

Just when Crystal thinks she has her life under control, scorching-hot, possessive, aggressive, and fiercely loyal Bear pushes all her sexual buttons, relentless in his pursuit to make her his.

The more Bear pushes, the hotter their passion burns, unearthing memories for Crystal that are best kept buried. But there’s no stopping the collision of her past and present, catapulting the two lovers down an emotional and sexually charged road that has them questioning all they thought they knew about themselves.

Link to Follow Blast:
http://tastybooktours.com/tours-master/2017/1/20/bearing-her-secrets-by-melissa-foster-1

Goodreads Link:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32075375-truly-madly-whiskey

Book Trailer:
Vimeo Link: https://vimeo.com/209272565
YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/cwsBu1Mef9Y

Buy Links:
AMAZON | B & N | GOOGLE | ITUNES | KOBO

Author Info

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented–perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines.

Author Links:
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Rafflecopter Giveaway (Three (3) e-copies of TRU BLUE)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

After reading this book, I kind of beat myself up a bit for not reading the previous book because I missed some of the amazing moments between Bear and Crystal in the first eight months of their “relationship”. To read this book and see the immediate chemistry these two characters have and to have not read their previous encounters such as when they first met felt wrong. Regardless of these feelings, this was yet another AMAZING book by Melissa Foster, further cementing her into my auto-buy author category.

Crystal Moon has Bear Whiskey listed as “Him” in her cell phone because for the last eight months this motorcycle riding, arrogant yet gorgeous man has injected himself into her life to the point that she needs to put distance between her and him anyway she can. The only problem with this method of hers is that her attraction and feelings towards Bear are starting to make it extremely difficult to keep resisting his advances. And boy has Bear made advances. Relentless should be Bear’s middle name because he does not waste any opportunity to let Crystal know that he is interested.

But Crystal has some reasons to distance herself from Bear, especially from an intimacy standpoint, because she has gone through a lot in her past and is still working on overcoming what she has unfortunately experienced. Even though she may be physically trying to keep away from Bear does not mean she is completely silent to his attempts to go out with him. It is usually during these moments when Crystal’s snark comes out and hilarious and playful banter ensues between the two of them. I’m a sucker for banter between characters so I was hooked very early on. You could clearly see the chemistry between Crystal and Bear it was practically rising off the pages, or the screen in my case.

Though the banter was definitely entertaining, Bear stole the show for me. It has been a while since I have been smitten with a male lead but Bear Whiskey filled that void. I mean his name alone makes you curious as to who he is. The fact that Bear is part of a motorcycle club with his family and rides a motorcycle only made me fall for him harder. But while he may be one gorgeous, sexy, bad ass alpha male, it was his heart and his love for Crystal that really did me in. There is one moment involving flowers that literally took my breath away and made my heart ache because it was such an insanely beautiful moment and showed just how much Bear cared for Crystal. Bear may be relentless in his pursuit of Crystal but he also has a ton of patience and understanding. He is book boyfriend material for me that’s for sure.

If you are looking for a romance where the chemistry between the two characters is off the freaking charts but also has a lot of heart to it, then go read Truly, Madly, Whiskey. Bear Whiskey is waiting for you ;).

The Hopeless Romantic Bookworm

"The world was hers for the reading" -Betty Smith

Tag: #bookreview

Review: One Snowy Night by Jill Shalvis

Review: Accidentally on Purpose by Jill Shalvis

PSA: The Heartbreaker Bay series is one of my favorite series of the year and Jill Shalvis is a new favorite author of mine so don’t be surprised if you see more reviews on this blog in the very near future.

Review: Rock Me by Carly Phillips

Blog Tour + Review/Excerpt: Payback by Christina Phillips

I trace the outline of her ear and those three irresistible hoops. She gives a little shiver but still doesn’t grab hold of me. Guess it’s time to ease her mind on things.

I move in closer, and she steps back until she’s flat against the larder door.

“What happens between us tonight doesn’t affect your job. You understand?”

“You mean if I knee your nuts, you won’t fire me?”

Instinctively, I cradle my junk. “That wasn’t my first thought.”

Her smile damn near takes my breath away. “I bet it wasn’t. I know exactly what you’re thinking.”

“Is that right?” I’m sure my package is safe so I twist a length of her hair around my finger. It’s as soft and silky as I imagined. “What’s that, then?”

“I think you’re trying to get inside my thong.”

The image of Amelia in nothing but a sexy thong fills my head. “You got a problem with that?”

“Yeah. It’s not happening.”

My gaze drops to her mouth. “Wanna bet?”

“I don’t need to bet. I’m telling you. All you get tonight is a kiss.”

Chicks don’t lay down the law to me. But then again, I’ve never been with a girl who confuses me as much as Amelia. If she wants to leave, she could easily walk away. I won’t stop her. But she stands there, like she’s daring me to take me up on her offer.

A kiss.

I give her a mocking smile. “You’ll want more than a kiss from me.”

She doesn’t answer right away, and I hide my smirk of victory as I lean in to claim her mouth. Her head tilts to the side, evading me, which is both frustrating and oddly fascinating.

“It doesn’t matter what I want. A kiss is my best offer. Take it or leave it.”

Despite the throb between my legs, I have the crazy urge to laugh. “That’s your best offer? You sure you don’t want me to go down on you?”

For a second I swear she’s about say yes, but then she hitches in a ragged breath. “Totally sure. Keep your head right where it is.”

No chick has ever refused that offer before, and the way she’s so desperately trying to hide how turned on she is makes me grin. “Okay. But I’ll only kiss you on one condition.”

“Huh?” She sounds drunk, and blinks at me like everything’s out of focus. “You have a condition?”

“It’s only fair.”

She stares at me as though I’ve lost my mind. I think I fucking have. Not that I care, since crazy as this all is, I’ve never had as much fun hooking up before.

Finally, she speaks. “What is it?”

“I can use my hands on you.” I wave my fingers in her face and she glances at them as though she has no idea what I’m talking about.

“Okay.” There’s a cautious note in her voice as though she thinks it’s some kind of trick. “But that’s all. Just your hands.”

That’s all I need.

Review: Truly, Madly, Whiskey by Melissa Foster

PSA: The Heartbreaker Bay series is one of my favorite series of the year and Jill Shalvis is a new favorite author of mine so don’t be surprised if you see more reviews on this blog in the very near future.

Excerpt

I trace the outline of her ear and those three irresistible hoops. She gives a little shiver but still doesn’t grab hold of me. Guess it’s time to ease her mind on things. I move in closer, and she steps back until she’s flat against the larder door.

“What happens between us tonight doesn’t affect your job. You understand?”

“You mean if I knee your nuts, you won’t fire me?”

Instinctively, I cradle my junk. “That wasn’t my first thought.”

Her smile damn near takes my breath away. “I bet it wasn’t. I know exactly what you’re thinking.”

“Is that right?” I’m sure my package is safe so I twist a length of her hair around my finger. It’s as soft and silky as I imagined. “What’s that, then?”

“I think you’re trying to get inside my thong.”

The image of Amelia in nothing but a sexy thong fills my head. “You got a problem with that?”

“Yeah. It’s not happening.”

My gaze drops to her mouth. “Wanna bet?”

“I don’t need to bet. I’m telling you. All you get tonight is a kiss.”

Chicks don’t lay down the law to me. But then again, I’ve never been with a girl who confuses me as much as Amelia. If she wants to leave, she could easily walk away. I won’t stop her. But she stands there, like she’s daring me to take me up on her offer.

A kiss.

I give her a mocking smile. “You’ll want more than a kiss from me.”

She doesn’t answer right away, and I hide my smirk of victory as I lean in to claim her mouth. Her head tilts to the side, evading me, which is both frustrating and oddly fascinating.

“It doesn’t matter what I want. A kiss is my best offer. Take it or leave it.”

Despite the throb between my legs, I have the crazy urge to laugh. “That’s your best offer? You sure you don’t want me to go down on you?”

For a second I swear she’s about say yes, but then she hitches in a ragged breath. “Totally sure. Keep your head right where it is.”

No chick has ever refused that offer before, and the way she’s so desperately trying to hide how turned on she is makes me grin. “Okay. But I’ll only kiss you on one condition.”

“Huh?” She sounds drunk, and blinks at me like everything’s out of focus. “You have a condition?”

“It’s only fair.”

She stares at me as though I’ve lost my mind. I think I fucking have. Not that I care, since crazy as this all is, I’ve never had as much fun hooking up before.

Finally, she speaks. “What is it?”

“I can use my hands on you.” I wave my fingers in her face and she glances at them as though she has no idea what I’m talking about.

“Okay.” There’s a cautious note in her voice as though she thinks it’s some kind of trick. “But that’s all. Just your hands.”

That’s all I need.

I trace the outline of her ear and those three irresistible hoops. She gives a little shiver but still doesn’t grab hold of me. Guess it’s time to ease her mind on things.

I move in closer, and she steps back until she’s flat against the larder door.