InkSlinger PR Spotlight + Review: Love Machine by Kendall Ryan

LOVE MACHINE

By Kendall Ryan 

July 16, 2018

A best-friends-to-lovers standalone romance from New York Times bestselling author Kendall Ryan.

She says she needs some help ... in the bedroom.

Come again? No, really come again.

Sweet, nerdy, lovable Keaton.

She's my best friend and has been for years. Sure she likes numbers and math, and thinks doing other people's taxes is fun. And I like ... none of that stuff. She's obsessed with her cat and reads novels I'll never understand, and yet we just click. There's no one I'd rather share breakfast burritos with or binge watch hours Netflix. She's my person. And so when she takes off her glasses and asks me to help her improve her skills in the bedroom, I barely have to think about it.

Of course I'll help her. There's no one better for the job.

I've been there for her through everything, why should this be any different?

But what happens when she's ready to take her new-found confidence and move on?

My Thoughts:

Freed by Carly Phillips (Review)

I was kind of excited for the chance to meet Juliette in Freed, and her sisters get a chance to meet her. It wasn't a bad read, but I felt that the story could have been longer. I have said that about all of them, but with Freed I felt that it was too short. However, I did like the story. We have Juliette who wants to get to know her other siblings that she didn't know about. Basically, we watch her break free from her father's control. This could have delved in a little deeper. Oh well. Of course she meets Braden who is working for her father, by keeping an eye on her.

You can see how this is going to play out here. However, there's a few things going on in Braden's life that makes him believe he's no good for her. However, she's willing to give Braden a chance, because he's the first real man that she's had a thing for.

Anyway, Freed is a fast read, but with a little slow beginning. Once we get to Rosewood the story starts to progress pretty fast and she starts to break free from her father's control. You would think she's some kind of rich, spoil girl, bur she has a good heart. It's a good read, but a little short. I can't wait for the next book.

Copy provided by author via RockStar PR

Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway: I Think I Love You by Lauren Layne

I Think I Love You
Oxford Book 5
By: Lauren Layne
Releasing July 10, 2018
Loveswept

Blurb

A game of seduction between two best friends goes deliciously wrong in an irresistible Oxford Novel that brims with wit and sexual tension. Library Journal hails Layne’s work as “exemplary contemporary romance.”

Brit Robbins knows that dating in New York City is hard—she just hoped to have it mastered by age thirty. But after yet another promising suitor says they have no sparks, Brit decides it’s time to torch her dating game and try a new plan. And who better to coach Brit through the art of seduction than the guy who first gave her the “let’s be friends” card?

Hunter Cross has always figured there’s nothing his best friend Brit can do to surprise him. But Brit’s request is a surprise he doesn’t see coming—and one he’s definitely not prepared for. Hunter and Brit have always been careful to keep things perfectly platonic, but the fake dates and faux flirting are starting to feel like the real deal. And soon Hunter realizes he has taught Brit too well. Not only has she become an expert at seduction, the man becoming thoroughly seduced is him.

My Thoughts:

Wolf's Mate by Katie Reus (Review)

Wolf's Mate is a quick read. If you are in the mood for something quick with little drama and a quick romance, Wolf's Mate is a good pick for you. We have Erica and Hudson, they have a quick thing. They seem good together, but the lack actual communication causes them issues. They are together, but Erica doesn't know where she stands with Hudson. A lot of their problems could be solved with communication.

Wolf's Mate is perfect for that moment you don't know what you should read next, but not sure if you want to dive into a novel yet. It's the perfect little pick me up read, that can be read in a day. If are in need of something that isn't too heavy and drama filled, this is your read. Don't worry if you haven't the previous stories, you will be fine. This story focuses on Erica and Hudson.

Copy provided by author.

Rating:
4 Stars

Rainy Day Friends by Jill Shalvis (Review)

I started  Rainy Day Friends expecting to be a sobbing mess. There were a few moments where it was touch and go. However, I didn't become a blubbering mess, and I enjoyed the story. Lets beginning with Lanie Jacobs. She's a mess. Emotionally she lost her confidence, and that's all on her husband. He did a number on her and she didn't know until he passed away. Which makes her want to close off from people. What he did was probably worse than a lot of things. Anyway, emotional reck and developed an anxiety issues. Then we have Mark Capriotti who is dealing with his own issues. He has a nosey family, and is raising twin girls. One of the girls doesn't speak a word, but understand whats going on around her.

So, we have two characters who both have a lot on their plates. We have Lanie who has basically sworn off men, while we have Mark who has burn by an ex and doesn't really want to form lasting relationship. Plus, he uses his daughters as a human shield. He uses the excuse that his daughters need to come first. Which is fine, and they should, but you shouldn't use them as an excuse not to get burned again. As we read the story, we see that they worm under each others skin.

Then we have River. Now River basically has hunted down Lanie, because they are linked together. However, Lanie doesn't know this, but develops a friendship with River. This makes Rivers task harder than expected. This budding friendship does go through a lot through the story, and it almost ruins Lanie and Mark's relationship. Not in the way you are thinking.

Anyway, Rainy Day Friends is mainly about two women trying to find a fresh start, but they need get pass their past. They have to work together figure out how they can merge forward. Also, there's a little romance. A romance that helps Mark and Lanie that helps them put faith in love again. Rainy Day Friends is a great story for a book club selections, because of all the themes that are going on in this story. So, if you are in need of a book club selection, you might give Rainy Day Friends a try.

Copy provided by Harper Collins.

Rating:
4 Stars

One and Only by Jenny Holiday (Review)

During the week of July 18-22, I did the One and Only read-alone. It was neat to see what others thought of the story as I read. Now, my thoughts for reading One and Only by Jenny Holiday. Overall, it was an all right read. I had a little trouble with the story, it wasn't the main characters fault, it was a the bride's fault. Oh my goodness, I wanted to beat the crap out of her, because she was so extreme. Bridezilla would be an understatement for her. Now if the story was solely on Cameron and Jane I would probably loved the story. When they were out doing stuff together and getting to know one another, it was a pretty good story. The times we had the bride pop in, "I was like, NOOOOOO!"

When the focus was solely on Cameron and Jane, I had a lot of fun. I mean Cameron was reckless, but you learn the reason why he was reckless. Everyone expected him to be a screw up, but Jane started to see through his facade. Jane got stuck with Cameron, playing the babysitter. As the story started to progress, Jane enjoyed her time with Cameron.

Like I said One and Only was a pretty enjoyable read, except when I wanted to throat punch the bride. I did love the time between Jane and Cameron. I'm curious on what's going to happen to the other bridesmaids. Anyway, for the most part it was a cute read.

Copy provided by Forever Romance via NetGalley

Rating:
3 Stars

Spotlight + Excerpt: Rainy Day Friends by Jill Shalvis

Rainy Day Friends 
Wi1dstone, 2
Jill Shalvis
June 19, 2018

Following the USA Today bestseller, Lost and Found Sisters, comes Rainy Day Friends, Jill Shalvis’ moving story of heart, loss, betrayal, and friendship.

Six months after Lanie Jacobs’ husband’s death, it’s hard to imagine anything could deepen her sense of pain and loss. But then Lanie discovers she isn’t the only one grieving his sudden passing. A serial adulterer, he left behind several other women who, like Lanie, each believe she was his legally wedded wife. Rocked by the infidelity, Lanie is left to grapple with searing questions. How could she be so wrong about a man she thought she knew better than anyone? Will she ever be able to trust another person? Can she even trust herself?

Desperate to make a fresh start, Lanie impulsively takes a job at the family-run Capriotti Winery. At first, she feels like an outsider among the boisterous Capriottis. With no real family of her own, she’s bewildered by how quickly they all take her under their wing and make her feel like she belongs. Especially Mark Capriotti, a gruffly handsome Air Force veteran turned deputy sheriff who manages to wind his way into Lanie’s cold, broken heart—along with the rest of the clan. Everything is finally going well for her, but the arrival of River Green changes all that. The fresh-faced twenty-one-year old seems as sweet as they come…until her dark secrets come to light—secrets that could destroy the new life Lanie’s only just begun to build.

Excerpt:

Author's Pal Spotlight + Excerpt + Giveaway: Tempted by the Viscount by Sofie Darling

Tempted by the Viscount

Shadows and Silk, 2

Sofie Darling

June 27, 2018

London, April 1825

Lord Jakob Radclyffe left his past behind in the Far East. Or so he thinks until a ruthless thief surfaces in London, threatening to ruin his daughter’s reputation. With the clock ticking, Jake needs the scandalous Lady Olivia Montfort’s connections in the art world to protect his daughter’s future.

Olivia, too, has a past she’d like to escape. By purchasing her very own Mayfair townhouse, she’ll be able to start a new life independent from all men. There’s one problem: she needs a powerful man’s name to do so. The Viscount St. Alban is the perfect name.

A bargain is struck.

What Olivia doesn’t anticipate is the temptation of the viscount. The undeniable spark of awareness that races between them undermines her vow to leave love behind. Soon, she has no choice but to rid her system of Jake by surrendering to her craving for a single scorching encounter.

But is once enough? Sometimes once only stokes the flame of desire higher and hotter. And sometimes once is all the heart needs to risk all and follow a mad passion wherever it may lead.

Excerpt:

Rumor Has It by Jessica Lemmon (Review)

Talk about a fun read. Oh my goodness, I totally had fun reading Rumor Has It. So, we have two people who are probably the least likely to be together trying to fake a relationship. First off, we have Catarina Everhart. She's career driving and wants to be the best journalist she can be, and here she gets stuck with Barrett Fox who she sees as a joke. Basically, they have to fake a relationship, and it's to help Barrett get back to what he loved. Barrett says such outlandish things to Catarina that completely fluster her.

We have fun loving Barrett who got himself in a bit of a pickle, and he's finally picking himself back up. He has to work with the super serious Catarina. This makes great news. As they get to know one another they are to realize that maybe they would make a pretty good couple.

The banter between these to is absolutely fun, and totally make it worth a read. I love how this story was written. It starts off with Barrett going to his ex-girlfriend to tell her how he screwed and how he can fix the situation with Catarina. The main story is Catarina and Barrett came together and fell apart. It was a story I couldn't put down. Yes, there were a little surprises here and there. Yes, it's part of a series, and it can be read as a stand-alone. So, if you are need a little fun, and craziness, Rumor Has It would be a good pick.

Copy provided by LoveSwept via NetGalley

Rating:
5 Stars

Stripped by Tara Wyatt (Review)

So, I had a chance to finished Stripped by Tara Wyatt. It had a Magic Mike kind of vibe, but with a better plot line. We aren't even going to my thoughts on Magic Mike, but I did liked Stripped. Plus, I'm looking forward to other books in the series.

In The Blue Heat series we basically have these top notch detectives that go undercover to get the bad guys. Makes me think of Law and Order: SVU or Criminal Intent, anyway. However, one of there guys died and the team is dealing with the aftermath. However, they are going to get the bad guy. Which leads us to Sawyer Matthews who wants to get out of his headspace for a night and ends up hooking up with Brooke Simmons who has bad luck with men. Only later to find out that Sawyer is her new partner. To say they had a rough working relationship at first would be an understatement. Yet, they eventually find there groove at work and off the clock.

Like I said we have Sawyer and Brooke, and they are super hot when they finally get together. Seriously, some of the that sexual tension is pretty intense. That alone would make you need a cold shower. At the beginning of the story Sawyer is pretty intense and a dick. Some of the things he does in the story makes you want to slap him. Fortunately, he does get his head out of his ass. Brooke is pretty much kickass kind of girl. She works hard to get where she is today. I admire her for most of the story. It wasn't until the end I wanted to smack the girl, for being a girl. I get why she was so pissed, but I still wanted to smack her.

Basically, Stripped was a much better read than watching Magic Mike. Seriously, the plot is SOOOO much better. If you liked watching Magic Mike then you might enjoyed Stripped, because it had a better plot. Plus, who doesn't love a good cop romance with one of the detectives who goes into an assignment as a stripper. Plus, it's a hot read, if you are looking for a little steam. The beginning is a little slow, but story does progress. Like I said I'm looking forward to more in the series. The next one goes undercover at a school. Fun times there.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating:
4 Stars

I Flipping Love You by Helena Hunting (Review)

I Flipping Love You was definitely a fun read. We have Pierce Whitfield who basically stops in Rian Sutter in the middle of a grocery story isle mistaking her for her twin sister Marley. Rian is thinking what the heck. So, begins an interesting courtship.

We have Pierce trying to get a chance to go out with Rian and will practically do anything to get that chance. While Rian is pretty leery about Pierce. He's wealthy, good-looking guy, and also she has a secret past. Those secret past. Anyway, these two have more things in common than just attraction, they have a thing for flipping homes.

Helena Hunting is such a fun author read. She tends to bring to life fun characters, with fun drama. Some of the things her characters say are hilarious. So, if you are looking for something fun and light to read, you might want to trying I Flipping Love You. This book is tied to a series, but you can start with any book and will be okay. In this series they focus on the couple in the story.

Copy provided by St. Martin via NetGalley

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Too Wilde to Wed by Eloisa James (Review)

I had a lot of fun reading Too Wilde to Wed. Seriously, a lot of fun. So, we have Lord Roland Northbridge Wilde, better known as North as his friends. Who was after his perfect future duchess, and thought he found her in Miss Diana Belgrave. However, she disappears from his life one night. He goes on a hunt for her, but later finds she has a child. He left to pursue a military career without even asking any question just assuming the worst.

Diana is the most beautiful and sought after debutant, but she makes an error in judgement, and doesn't tell North what she was doing. Actually she didn't think he would understand, so she thought it would be better for her to let him think the worst of her.

Two wrongs don't make a right, and communication is the key. So, everyone assumes the worst of North when he comes back to England. However, his family knows the actual true. Now that he has come back he finds Diana absolutely delightful even if she makes a terrible governess. Diana is even willing to sacrifice her happiness in order for North to find true happiness. What would make North truly happy is having Diana as his future Duchess.

Again, I had a lot a fun with North and Diana. Diana tries so hard to keep North at arms-length, after all it's not proper for him to go after a governess. North sees that Diana is the perfect girl for him. I couldn't put this story down, and I can't wait to see wait next in these Wilde books.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss

Rating:
5 Stars

Innocent Target by Katie Reus (Review)

First off, Innocent Target can be read as a standalone, kind of. There are a lot of characters from the previous books that are in play here. However, the story does focus on Hadley & Axel. In previous story, Hadley does move to Redemption Harbor to get know her brother and father, so you might want to read the previous books.

Anyway, since she's reconnecting with her family she  thought that didn't want her, she has become a target. After all, she connect to two powerful men. Basically, someone wants to harm her, but Axel is trying to prevent the situation from happening. At first, Axel was there to make sure nothing happens to Hadley, but once he gets to know her he doesn't know he wants her out of his life once he has completed his mission. His life is pretty shady, and Hadley seems so pure and clean that she might not want Axel once everything is out in the open.

Anyways, I liked Innocent Target. I had a little hard time getting into the story, because you have something happen, and then you would have to wait. A lot of waiting game going on in this story. However, my patience did paid off, and the story does pick up towards the middle when stuff starts to really take off. The key is being patient with this story. Overall, Katie does a pretty good job with this story.

Copy provided by author

Rating:
4 Stars

Audiobook Review: Where the Wild Things Bite by Molly Harper

When we last saw Finn, he was chasing after Libby Stratton in The Single Undead Moms Club. Seriously, Libby wasn't a good fit for Finn, and I was so glad she picked Wade. Now Finn gets his own story in Where the Wild Things Bite. By the way, Anna Winthrop is a better fit for Finn.

Where do I go with my thoughts on Where the Wild Things Bite? Seriously, I don't where I should go. I mean a lot happens. Finn is trying to get something from Anna, yet he admires and respects her. Anna doesn't put up with Finn's cramp. She basically looks at him wondering if he's for real. However, they need one another otherwise it's not going to end well for either one of them. Boy do they have an adventure, and they both have to lean on one another. I actually like Finn and Anna together. Character wise they both grow in the story. Anna develops more self-confidence while Finn's learns not to be so self-absorbed. Trust me for Finn that is a huge accomplishments.

Anyway, Where the Wild Things Bites was way more entertaining. When you have two people who are definitely not the outdoors kind of people, it definitely gets entertaining. Plus, this adventure is something you don't want to miss. You could probably get away with not reading or listening to the previous books, but you would definitely miss some stuff. Plus, why would you want to do that. Anyway, very fun to listen to, and Amanda Ronconi does an amazing job.

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Hot Asset by Lauren Layne (Review)

I have come to realize I totally enjoy Lauren Layne's book. Seriously, they are fun and entertaining. Yes, Hot Asset has a extremely rich hot guy, who has more money than he needs, but I actually loved Ian Bradley. He does start off as a man about town. He can get any woman he wants. He's a hot asset on Wall Street, but there's a complication when he comes under fire by the SEC for insider trader. His world comes crashing down by a cute SEC investigator, Lara McKenzie.

Lara is trying to work her way into the FBI, after all her parents are agents and she wants to be an agent too. She's waiting for her big break, Ian Bradley might be the key. However, there was a complication she didn't see coming, she's attracted to the "Wall Street dickhead". He's totally wrong person for her, he's just too much for her.

Hot Asset is definitely entertaining when it comes to Lara and Ian. In some aspects they aren't good for one another, I mean Lara is trying to find out if Ian is guilty. Ian is trying to keep himself out trouble, but it's hard when he's attract to the SEC girl. Here is our conflict through most of the book. She's a good SEC investigator, but it's hard to investigate someone who's clean.

Truth be told, I felt bad for Ian, because he was under such scrutiny for no reason. Overall, he's a decent guy. Lara starts to question why her boss wants to get Ian so bad. Hot Asset is a pretty good read, and Lauren does a pretty good job with this story.

Copy provided by Montlake Romance via NetGalley

Rating:
4 1/2 Stars

Breathe by Carly Phillips (Review)

I really liked Breathe, and I wasn't sure if I was going to like Phoebe Ward. She just seemed a little high strung in the first book, but she has a lot on her plate. However, I really liked her. She's a single mother, and had her child at 16. I honestly didn't see this book as a secret pregnancy/child story, partly because she wanted to find the father. She didn't find him until years later. Yes, Jake Nichols was surprised to find he had a child, but he took on father like champ. Then again he already had a child.

Overall, I really liked Breathe. I thought more as a second chance kind of love story. Jake and Phoebe's second chance is a fairly fast read, and something special. However, it does have complication of an ex-wife. The story could have been a little longer, and Carly could have made the ex a little more scary. She did have some crazy tendency. It was a pretty good read.

Copy provided by author via RockStar PR

Spotlight + Review + Giveaway: The Good Luck Sister by Jill Shalvis

The Good Luck Sister
Wildstone, 1.5
Jill Shalvis
William Morrow Impulse
May 1, 2018

After a difficult few years, Tilly Adams is ready for life to start going right. Though she has a case of first-day nerves teaching art at the local community college, she knows it isn’t anything a few snuggles from her rescue puppy won’t cure. Until she sees Dylan Scott again, her one-time BFF and first love sitting in the front row.

Dylan knows he should’ve left well enough alone, but when he sees Tilly living her dream, he can’t help but make contact. Ten years ago, he left Wildstone and everything in it behind, including Tilly. He had his reasons, but now he wants her back in his life, anyway he can get her. 

When Tilly agrees to design the logo for Dylan’s new helicopter touring company, it’s business only... until she finds herself falling into his arms once again. Can she possibly open her heart back up to the only man who’s ever broken it? But soon they’re both realizing the truth—love always deserves a second chance.

My Thoughts: 

Spotlight + Review + Giveaway: My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan

My Oxford Year
Julia Whelan
William Morrow
May 2018

American Ella Durran has had the same plan for her life since she was thirteen: Study at Oxford. At 24, she’s finally made it to England on a Rhodes Scholarship when she’s offered an unbelievable position in a rising political star’s presidential campaign. With the promise that she’ll work remotely and return to DC at the end of her Oxford year, she’s free to enjoy her Once in a Lifetime Experience. That is, until a smart-mouthed local who is too quick with his tongue and his car ruins her shirt and her first day.

When Ella discovers that her English literature course will be taught by none other than that same local, Jamie Davenport, she thinks for the first time that Oxford might not be all she’s envisioned. But a late-night drink reveals a connection she wasn’t anticipating finding and what begins as a casual fling soon develops into something much more when Ella learns Jamie has a life-changing secret. 

Immediately, Ella is faced with a seemingly impossible decision: turn her back on the man she’s falling in love with to follow her political dreams or be there for him during a trial neither are truly prepared for. As the end of her year in Oxford rapidly approaches, Ella must decide if the dreams she’s always wanted are the same ones she’s now yearning for.


My Thoughts:

A Duke Like No Other by Valerie Bowman (Review)

First off, the cover art of A Duke Like No Other is absolutely gorgeous. So, with this gorgeous covers comes an incredible read of a second chance love story. Yes, I'm about to gush on how much I loved A Duke Like No Other.

So, we have General Mark Grimaldi who is up for a major promotion, but there's one catch he needs to prove the he can be a family man and find a wife. However, he already has a wife, but has been estranged for 10 years. Now he needs to convince his wife to come back to England to play the doting wife. Sounds easy.

We have Nicole Huntington Grimaldi who has been living in France these past 10 years minding her own business when her husband walks back to her asking for this huge favor. Well, she has a favor to ask in return.

In A Duke Like No Other we have these two people who are still in love with one another, but are too stubborn to forgive one another. Actually, I blame Mark for most of the problems in this story. Trust me he's stubborn as all one can get. You see the flashbacks on their relationship. Each of them provides a glimpse of what they had, and what led to the fracture in their marriage. So, we get a chance to watch them weave back their lives together and fix the problem, but it seriously takes time them the whole book to fix their stubbornness.

Overall, I loved A Duke Like No Other. It's beautifully written. This book happens to be my favorite in the series. The other one that was my favorite was the first one. I love how the characters are masterfully written to be flawed and stubborn. Each knows how to out stubborn one another. Yet, it's still a beautiful second chance love story.

Copy provided by author.

Rating:
5 Stars

InkSlinger PR Spotlight + Review: Bro Code by Kendall Ryan

Bro Code 

Kendall Ryan

May 1, 2018

From New York Times bestselling author Kendall Ryan comes a flirty new standalone about falling for your older brother's best friend.

There’s pretty much only one rule when you’re a guy.

Don’t be a douche.

Turns out, the fastest way to break that rule is to fall for your best friend’s sister.

Ava’s brilliant, sharp-tongued, gorgeous, and five years younger than me.

She’s the sexual equivalent of running with scissors. In a word, she’s dangerous. And completely off-limits.

Falling for her could ruin everything.

Yet I can’t seem to stop, even when her company is threatened by a lawsuit, and my promotion hinges on representing the opposing client—and winning.

I can’t see a way out of this mess that doesn’t end in a broken friendship, a broken heart, or a ruined career.

I may have broken the bro code when I fell for Ava. But do I have the balls to handle what comes next?

My Thoughts: