Forever Romance Spotlight + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Here Comes the Bride by Hope Ramsay

Here Comes the Bride

Chapel of Love, 3

Hope Ramsay

Forever

August 29, 2017

There goes the groom . . .

For Professor Laurie Wilson, planning her wedding to longtime boyfriend Brandon Kopp has been a whirlwind. But somehow, between all the cake tastings and dress fittings, she never imagined being left at the altar. In the aftermath, she does what any sensible woman would—she swigs champagne and considers keying his car. Until someone knocks on her door with a much better idea for revenge.

Best man Andrew Lyndon thinks Laurie's better off without Brandon. But Laurie's father—and Andrew's boss—isn't going to accept anything less than a reconciliation. And he's made it Andrew's problem to solve. So Andrew decides to make Brandon jealous by setting Laurie up on a string of "dates." After a couple of weeks, Brandon will be begging Laurie to take him back. But Andrew's plan works a little too well because suddenly he's the one falling for Laurie—and planning a proposal of his own.

My Thoughts:

Forever Romance Spotlight + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: The Playboy Bachelor by Rachel Van Dyken

The Playboy Bachelor

The Bachelors of Arizona, 2

Rachel Van Dyken

Forever

August 29, 2017

She's no Sleeping Beauty. And he's definitely no prince . . .

Margot McCleery could have lived her whole life without seeing Bentley Wellington again-her ex-best friend and the poster boy for Hot, Rich Man-Whores everywhere. But Margot's whiskey-augmented grandmother "buys" Bentley at a charity bachelor auction, and now suddenly he's at her door. Impossibly charming. Impossibly sexy. And still a complete and utter jackass.

Bentley's just been coerced by his grandfather to spend the next thirty days charming and romancing the reclusive red-haired beauty who hates him. The woman he abandoned when she needed him the most. Bentley knows just as much about romance as he knows about love-nothing. But the more time he spends with Margot, the more he realizes that "just friends" will never be enough. Now all he has to do is convince her to trust him with her heart . . .

My Thoughts:

Forever Romance Spotlight + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: When The Scoundrel Sins by Anna Harrington

When the Scoundrel Sins

Capturing the Carlisles, 2

Anna Harrington

Forever

August 29, 2017

Six years ago, a childish prank perpetrated by the reckless Quinton Carlisle ruined Annabelle Greene's reputation and any chance she had at securing a successful marriage.  Incensed, she moved to her beloved estate on the Scottish border and has reveled in the solitude...until now when the contents of a family will are revealed.  Suddenly, Belle's single status may cost her the only home she's ever known.  Now, with her only marital prospect a horribly greedy and completely undesirable man, Belle knows just the person to rescue her-the one person who owes her for his bad behavior...

There's nothing Quinn Carlisle wants more than to get out from his older brother's shadow and make a name for himself abroad. So when a mysterious letter arrives, promising adventure, he rushes to the Scottish border...only to find that Belle laid a trap for him.  The awkward, shy bluestocking whom he so enjoyed tormenting is gone, replaced by a graceful, elegant woman who ignites a desire in him he can't resist.  Can Quinn help her save her home-and win her heart in the process?   

My Thoughts:

Compromised In Paradise by Samanthe Beck (Review)

Okay, I finished Compromised In Paradise by Samanthe Beck. Let me say I was super excited to read Samanthe's latest book. Seriously, I love her books they tend to be fun and steamy. However, I felt Compromised In Paradise was lacking something. I couldn't put my finger on what I was missing. They are both great characters and I thought it was because they hid their identities from each other. Nope that wasn't it. It wasn't the steamy parts, because those were nice and steamy. Yes, cold shower worthy. It wasn't until I got to the end that I realize what the story was lacking from all of Samanthe's previous books; it was the light fun banter. The quick funny remarks. I didn't realize I was missing that until the end when they showed up. I guess it would be hard to get those in when both characters are pretending to be someone else for the week.

I know I'm in the minority with saying that Compromised In Paradise was an all right read. I wanted to love this story, but I couldn't fall in love with the story. I like Nick as a pretty decent. I mean he was willing to play along with Arden's idea keeping their identities to themselves. Arden was dealing with a lot stress and Nick was the perfect person to help her unwind. Overall, Compromised In Paradise was an all right read. Yes, there are going to be a lot who will love this story. This one was an okay read for me. I'm still excited for Samanthe's next book, because she's an amazing writer when it comes to steam.

Copy provided by Entangled via NetGalley

Rating:
3 Stars

The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare (Review)

It's been a while since I last read a Tessa Dare book. The funny thing is I have a lot of her books too. A lot has to do with I'm a sucker for a mighty fine cover. Tessa seriously has the best covers. The Duchess Deal is no exception. Yes, I did read this book cause of the cover and the title. Another clickbait for me is Dukes. Yep, I'm a sucker for a good Duke story. Come on I did a whole blog post on my love for Dukes, but that's beside the point.

Now The Duchess Deal is a fantastic story. I'm saying this, because Tessa Dare is popular with the readers. Oh no, this story had me laughing, crying (but not the ugly cry), and so much more. I can't come up with words to describe my feeling for this book. This story should be on an auto-buy list. I don't say that too often, but this was definitely has me wanting in my collection, and hankering for the next book.

Now you are wondering why I LOVED The Duchess Deal. First off, it's a Beauty and the Beast kind of theme. We have disfigured Duke of Ashbury. He feels who could ever love someone who is so disfigured and ghastly. He's a bit beastly towards Emma. All he can think of is she's marrying for his money. In sum aspects she is, but she's not a gold-digger. Her motives for marrying Ashbury are kind of altruistic, but she grows to love him. Of course she sees the kind and gentle side. He seriously plays up the beast part by being sort of vigilante. So, we have that going on with the story, but the banter between these two is fabulous. I started this story in the gym, and let me say it was big mistake. Trying to keep steady and read was a challenge. Seriously, these two slay me with their conversation.

The Duchess Deal is definitely a page turner. If you haven't tried a Tessa Dare I would highly recommend trying The Duchess Deal. It's witty, smart, and funny, but it's also has good emotional kick to it too. Overall, a good read for all.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating:
5 Stars

InkSlinger PR Release Blast + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: The Beauty of Us by Kristen Proby

  

  From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes a sexy, new standalone contemporary romance in her Fusion Series, THE BEAUTY OF US, out now! Grab your copy today and get to know Trevor and Riley!

   

About THE BEAUTY OF US:

New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby delivers another sizzling novel in her delectable and sexy Fusion series.

Riley Gibson is over the moon at the prospect of having her restaurant, Seduction, on the Best Bites TV network. This could be the big break she’s been waiting for. But the idea of having an in-house show on a regular basis is a whole other matter. Their lives would be turned upside down, and convincing Mia, her best friend and head chef of Seduction, that having cameras in her kitchen every day is a good idea is daunting. Still, Riley knows it’s an opportunity she can’t afford to pass on. And when she meets Trevor Cooper, the show’s executive producer, she’s stunned by their intense chemistry.

Trevor’s sole intention is to persuade Riley to allow Best Bites TV to do a show on her restaurant. But when he walks into Riley’s office, he stops dead in his tracks. The professional, aloof woman on the phone is incredibly beautiful and funny. But can he convince her that he’s interested in Riley for himself? Or is he using the undeniable pull between them to persuade her to agree to his offer?

My Thoughts:

TLC Spotlight + Review + Giveaway: Call To Engage by Tawny Weber

Call to Engage

Team Poseidon, 2

Tawny Weber

June 27, 2017

The Poseidon team are hard-bodied, fiercely competitive Navy SEALs. But when a sensitive mission goes disastrously wrong, three of the team's finest will have to trust their hearts and instincts to uncover the truth…

Lieutenant Elijah Prescott should be spending his precious leave somewhere with sun, surf and scantily clad women. Instead, he's heading home with two goals in mind. Figure out exactly how his last assignment went to hell and almost killed him—and reconnect with the woman who might offer salvation.

Ava Monroe has streamlined her life, eliminating every source of pain—including a marriage touched by tragedy. One glimpse of her ex and those good intentions turn to bad-girl desires. Her strategy: get over Elijah by getting under him again, sating herself until she can finally let go. But as betrayal within the rank of the SEALs turns deadly, there's no denying that her heart and her life are on the line. Elijah is the only man who can protect both…

My Thoughts:

Protected By Love by Jennifer Ryan (Review)

Protected By Love is Jennifer Ryan's introduction to her new series Montana Heat. So far we are introduced to Caden Cooke and his brother Beck Cooke, and I'm sure we will get more guys along the way. Anyway, they work for the DEA. In Jennifer previous serious, we saw some drug problems arise, and the Cooke brothers have been slowly introduce to the Montana area. Now they are get their own stories. First up to get his own story is Caden.

Basically his aunt is trying to fix him up with this girl, Mia Martin. However, work gets in the way. His aunt is like dude get your act together or your going to lose the girl that you never had. Sparks fly, and it goes all down hill from there.

Protected By Love is an insta-love. They are thrown together in a very high stress situation, where they are unsure if they are going to get out. I think the story is more of a jumping point to the series. Caden and Mia get a romance, but we are going to bring in that there is more trouble afoot. We see that something is brewing in Montana and it isn't good. Hey Caden and Mia get a happy ever after. It's a pretty good lead in to the series, and I think that's the best way to look at it. The series does seem promising. I'm curious about Beck's story, because in Protected By Love he's not in a good place. Hopefully he gets his head in the game. Overall, a good intro to the Montana Heat series.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss.

Rating:
3 1/2 Stars

Don't Call Me Sweetheart by Codi Gary (Review)

Where to beginning with Don't Call Me Sweetheart? Basically, we have a cast of characters that pretty important to the story:

Marley Stevenson- She works for Something Borrow, which is if you have a bridesmaid or maid of honor back out at the last minute, then she would be your go to girl to make the wedding party work. The ultimate bridesmaid.

Luke Jessup- He's the best man. Has the hots for Marley, but isn't sure about her since she's Sonora Star maid of honor. However, there is this attraction to her, but Marley runs hot and cold around him.

Brent Harwood- The groom. In a bind, and marrying Sonora would solve a lot of problems. Is it worth being wrapped up with a gold digger.

Sonora Star- A washed up pop singer who needs to get married. She's bagged a rich one with Brent. She's psychotic to say the least. She makes other bridezillas look like little lizards. She's a bitch to say the least. Extremely vindictive. If she was a real person, you would want to put a hit on her. She's that bad.

Kendall- Sonora's sister. Super sweet girl and is hated by her sister. Not sure why, because Sonora gets everything she wants.

So, those are the key players in the story. Sonora is a real beast throughout the story. We basically see Marley and Luke trying to keep things on the down low. Actually, Marley is trying to keep things professional, while Luke is trying to go out with her. Seriously, the dude is pretty awesome with all the crap Marley puts him through. I have to give Marley credit for handle all the crap Sonora puts her through.

I did like reading Don't Call Me Sweetheart. I'm glad Brent ended up getting what he really wanted in the long run, but it was a long couple of months to get there. I love Luke, because was a super decent guy. I liked Marley, but when she broke Luke's heart I wasn't a huge fan, but I'm glad she came to her senses. I can't wait to see what else happens in this serious. It definitely holds promise. I can't wait to see what the next book holds.

Copy provided by Lyrical Press via NetGalley

Rating:
4 Stars

Just Another Viscount in Love by Vivienne Lorret (Review)

In the series, Sam has been having a hard time finding a bride. Every time he seems to find the perfect candidate her heart lies with another. Poor Sam, so he's home recuperating and decides to hold a house party.

Now Gemma Desmond has been blacklisted from pretty much everything, because of the crimes of her father. I guess the ton sees her as the apple that hasn't fall far from the tree. Truly heartbreaking, because she's a sweet girl. She doesn't hold much hope, and she's always prepared for the worst case scenario. I adore Gemma, then again I sometimes feel that it's best to prepare for the worst kind of attitude.

Anyway, Just Another Viscount in Love is a sweet story, between Gemma and Sam. Both have an outlook hoping for the best, but expecting the worst. Sam is able to look past of the sins of her father, because he truly believes that Gemma wouldn't be like her father. However, it would have been a pretty boring, short read if they lived happily ever after. Instead we have a few bumps along the way. I mean we have vindictive harpies, father's sin hanging over the shoulders, and that's pretty much it. Overall, it was a pretty good read, and it was nice to see Sam finally find a girl that sticks. If you are in the mood for a guy who has a little bad luck when it comes to ladies, and hoping for a miracle, you might find it in Just Another Viscount in Love.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating:
4 Stars

The Playboy Prince and the Nanny by Donna Alward (Review)

Yes, I totally wanted to read this story for the title. I mean who doesn't want to read about playboy prince who falls for a nanny. I mean it's a fairytale in the making. So, we have Diego Navarro who is the a prince to an island I believe. Anyway, he's the spare, which he gets to live his life the way he wants. However, he needed home after tragedy hits, and he decides take responsibility. Basically, he hires a young lady to become the new nanny after his sister-in-law and the children's nanny tragically die. Rosalie Walters (Rose) is hired and she falls in love with the children and also Diego. But she needs to remember her place, she's the hire help. However, Diego makes her forget that from time to time.

Okay, The Playboy Prince and the Nanny is a very sweet story about you guess it a nanny and a prince. It's a fairly easy story to get into. We have both Diego and Rose trying to do their duties when lines get a little muddy. Yes, Diego is trying to reform his playboy image, because he wants to prove to his brother he's more than a spare. Rose is trying to upstanding nanny that she is. Of course their is something fishy going on in the background, but you don't notice until Diego does something to save the families reputation. Overall, a very sweet read with close door romance scenes. So, if you are looking for a sweet romance that will warm your heart, The Playboy Prince and the Nanny is call your name.

Copy provided by St. Martin via NetGalley

Rating:
4 Stars

InkSlinger PR CoverReveal + Giveaway: My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie

From the New York Times bestselling authors of America’s First Daughter comes the epic story of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton—a revolutionary woman who, like her new nation, struggled to define herself in the wake of war, betrayal, and tragedy. Haunting, moving, and beautifully written, Dray and Kamoie used thousands of letters and original sources to tell Eliza’s story as it’s never been told before—not just as the wronged wife at the center of a political sex scandal—but also as a founding mother who shaped an American legacy in her own right.

We’re celebrating Eliza Schuyler Hamilton’s Birthday today and you get the gift! Don’t miss the beautiful cover below and a special giveaway, and don’t forget to pre-order your copy today!

About My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton 
(Coming 4.3.2018)

Forever Romance Spotlight + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: The Forbidden by Jodi Ellen Malpas

The Forbidden

Jodi Ellen Malpas

Forever

August 8, 2017

A new story of dangerous temptations from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the This Man trilogy.

Annie has never experienced the 'spark' with a guy - the kind of instant chemistry that steals your breath and blindsides you completely. Until a night out with friends brings her face to face with the wickedly sexy and mysterious Jack. It's not just a spark that ignites between them. It's an explosion. Jack promises to consume Annie, and he fully delivers on that promise.

Overwhelmed by the intensity of their one night together, Annie slips out of their hotel room. She is certain that a man who's had such a powerful impact on her and who could bend her to his will so easily, must be dangerous. But she's already in too deep. And Jack isn't only dangerous. He is forbidden.

“Every kiss, every sexy scene, every word between this pair owned a piece of my soul. I could read this book a hundred times and still react as if it was the first time. The Protector is a top 2016 fave for me.” –Audrey Carlan, #1 bestselling author of The Calendar Girl series

My Thoughts:

A Dance with Seduction by Alyssa Alexander (Review)

When I saw the cover, it was love at first sight. I love the coloring of the dress, and title sounded intriguing. So, it was a must read. However, when I started to read the start to read, I was a little disappointed. It didn't grab my attention as the cover did. Then I was frustrated with the heroine, because Vivienne was a spy who couldn't read. It never made any sense to me. Plus, her character pissed me off a lot through the book. Even after I arrived at the end I wasn't truly a fan of hers. I actually didn't like how she treated Maximilian. I felt that she used him, and didn't appreciate him. Yet I adore Max. I thought he was fabulous. He truly was a great guy who truly cared for her. Yes, I did like the ending. Yes, it does get a happy ever after.

Had I written my review for A Dance With Seduction when I finished reading it would have focused on what I didn't like a lot more than what I have written so far. After thinking about Vivienne character, I came to realize I felt sorry for her. You probably wondering how I came to this realization. Trust me it wasn't an easy one. Vivienne was trapped, and never really understood until towards the end when her handler's boss says something along the lines, that being a spy is a choice. She basically told him it wasn't a choice, it was either die at the gallows or become a spy, and basically a whore. I didn't think about this until about week later. Vivienne was trapped. She was truly stuck in a life she didn't want to be, but she had to keep her family safe, yet she couldn't. She couldn't trust anyone, even though Max was trying to show that she could trust him. She never felt safe, because of how her handler handle her (yeah, a mouthful there). Honestly, her handler's abuse show up until the end, and that's when it should have clicked that he made her into someone couldn't trust anyone. Kind of heart breaking, yet Max was willing to love her for who she was. Max couldn't truly accept Vivienne until he realized he loved her.

Did I like A Dance With Seduction? I'm still on the fence. Do I appreciate Vivienne's character? Yeah, again it wasn't easy to appreciate her character. Yes, I absolutely adore Max and I couldn't quite understand why he would be with Vivienne. Was A Dance With Seduction a good story? It was written well, and I didn't understand all the things that was happening when I read through, I was focusing on myself. A Dance with Seduction is not going to be for everyone, but it's an interesting read once you get pass all the things that are in this particular story.

Copy provided by Entangled via NetGalley

Rating:
3 1/2 Stars

An Earl By Any Other Name by Lauren Smith (Review)

A few days ago I read, An Earl By Any Other Name by Lauren Smith. I absolutely loved the story. I'm only gripe will be the cover. The cover reminds me of most regency stories, so when I came to find out it was set in 1911 I was a little shock. That's pretty much my only issue with the story. However, it's a wonderful story set in a time where there a lot of change going on. We have women who want the right to vote, would like a voice in the world. They want to be more than object that should be place on a mantle.

Ivy Leighton would love to see change. She loved to be loved for herself and not her money. We still see at this time some of the Lord's trying to keep to the old ways, but the world is changing. Ivy definitely would like to be an equal in the world.

We have Leo, who is one of those lords who is trying to on to the old ways. Of course he has his road all mapped out, but when he gets to know Ivy he's not sure if the road he's on is the right course.

I love how Lauren brings to life these characters in An Earl By Any Other Name. You want to cheer on Ivy for being a progressive young woman, and at times you want to smack Leo for being an idiot. Yes, it's a quick read, but capturing. Yes, it could have been a little longer, but it was enough as a novella. Sometimes you get novellas and go that's it, but this isn't one of them. I love the dynamics these two bring to the story. I can't wait for more to come in this series.

Copy provided by Forever Romance via NetGalley

Rating:
5 Stars

InkSlinger PR Cover Reveal: Theirs To Take by Laura Kaye

   

Decadent… Sensual… Forbidden…

12 Masters. 12 Desires. 12 Fantasies Come to Life. Meet the Masters of Blasphemy…

 

Cover design by Kim Killion from The Killion Group

About THEIRS TO TAKE (Blasphemy #4, 9/26/17):

12 Masters. Infinite fantasies. Welcome to Blasphemy…

She’s the fantasy they’ve always wanted to share…

InkSlinger PR Cover Reveal + Excerpt: Mine for the Week by Erika Kelly

 From the award-winning author of MINE FOR NOW comes the next sizzling standalone story in her Wild Love Series, about a chance meeting that changes the course of two people’s lives! MINE FOR THE WEEK is releasing October 3, 2017! Don’t miss the beautiful cover below, and pre-order your copy today!

   
About MINE FOR THE WEEK (Wild Love Series #2):

As the top collegiate shortstop in the country, Ryan O’Donnell’s life is about discipline and training. But a growing restlessness causes him to bail on his baseball team over spring break to join his buddies at an exclusive singles resort. He just needs a few days to escape his life, and then he’ll get right back on track. But not twenty minutes after he arrives he meets HER, and the world as he knows it changes irrevocably. It should only be a hookup—that’s what spring break’s all about—but one taste of this sexy, vibrant woman isn’t enough. He has to have her. Even if it’s only for a week.

Sophie Valentine—yes, that Valentine—just found out her siblings want to sell off Crazy Hearts—the Peeps of the Valentine’s Day world. Being the youngest by eight years, she’s used to feeling left out, but selling off her family’s legacy without talking to her first? Not gonna happen. Upset, she takes off with her friends on their spring break vacation. She only wanted an escape—she never imagined meeting HIM. He’s smoking hot and intensely protective of her—and she loves it. But he’s about to start a major league baseball career, and she’s launching a battle to keep the family company. They have no future. It’s just…she’s never felt this way for anyone before.

Are they really going to walk away from this kind of connection…this passion? Or can a week turn into a lifetime?
   
Excerpt:

Author's Pal Spotlight + Review + Excerpt + Giveaway: Casual Affair by Melanie Muntons

Casual Affair 

Slow Seduction, 1

Melanie Muntons

Entangled Brazen

July 24, 2017

Bea Paxton is a free spirit. She loves her fledgling interior design business, having fun, and she loves men. But only temporarily. Rule #1 is no relationships, no love, no commitment. She likes being in charge. It’s the only way to protect herself from getting hurt again.

Zane Price is the perfect candidate for a steamy time—beautiful, built, and British. Plus, he’ll soon be moving back to England. Really perfect.

Well...except for the fact that he’s her biggest client. And he doesn’t play by her rules. Hell, no. He wants more. Much more. Which is definitely not on the agenda.

Unfortunately, his kisses are nothing short of toe-curlingly awesome. And he is distracting her—a lot—from doing her job.

She needs to stay away from him. Her livelihood depends on it.

But Zane always gets what he wants. And he wants Bea. But for right now? Or forever...?

My Thoughts:

Forever Romance Spotlight + Excerpt + Giveaway: An Earl By Any Other Name by Lauren Smith

An Earl By Any Other Name

Sins and Scandals, 1

Lauren Smith

Forever Romance

August 1, 2017

An earl in the streets, a rogue in the sheets . . .

Leopold Graham, Lord Hampton, was never a man to let propriety stand in the way of his pursuit of pleasure. Hedonism is his only desire in life---until his father's death saddles him with debts that threaten to bankrupt the entire family. Now the only thing that stands between him and utter ruin is marriage to a proper, and preferably wealthy, young lady.

Ivy Leighton is no sweet English rose. Perhaps it's her gypsy roots, but she would rather make a spectacle of her independent spirit than sit quietly on the sidelines. If that means that the only place she'll ever have in society is firmly on the shelf, then so be it. But when Ivy runs into the handsome, rakish Leo who's looking for a respectable, well-bred wife, she can't stop thinking about the troubles they can get into. Now she just has to convince him that a life with her is really what he needs.

Excerpt:

Author's Pal Spotlight + Excerpt + Giveaway: A Dance of Seduction by Alyssa Alexander

A Dance of Seduction 

A Spy in the Ton, 3

Alyssa Alexander

Entangled Scandalous

July 24, 2017

She was the only code he couldn't break...

Vivienne Le Fleur is one of London’s most sought after opera dancer and one of England’s best weapons: the spy known as the Flower. When a French agent pressures her to change allegiance by abducting her sister, Vivienne is forced to seek the help of the only man in London who doesn’t want her.

Maximilian Westwood, retired code breaker, doesn't like surprises or mysteries and The Flower is both. When she sneaks into his study in the middle of the night with a coded message, he’s ready to push her out whatever window she arrived through. Except Maximilian is unable to turn away a woman in trouble. Determined to rescue Vivienne’s sister, they engage in a game of cat and mouse with French spies that requires all of Vivienne’s training and Maximilian’s abilities. Bound together by secrecy, they discover there is more between them than politics and hidden codes, but love has no place among the secrets of espionage...

Excerpt: