Co-Ed by Rachel Van Dyken

BLURB

Four guys.

Constant moaning.

And a revolving door across the college suite I somehow ended up in because my first name is Shawn.

They don't discriminate. Girls. Guys. Grandmas. Plants (okay maybe not plants) all walks of life stroll in stressed to the brim, and leave so satisfied I'm wondering what sort of talents lie behind that door.

My roommate calls them the pleasure ponies.

But the rest of the college campus?

They just call them the new face of Wingmen Inc. A paid for relationship service that makes big promises.

Breakup? They'll glue you back together again.

Depressed? They have the magic pill.

Lonely? Just spend a few minutes while they rub you down and you'll forget all about it.

And broken hearts? Well, that's their specialty. They'll fix you

For a price…

I swore I wouldn't get involved.

But apparently they like a challenge, and a girl who doesn't put up with their BS is basically like waving a red flag in front of a bull.

They. All. Charged.

But one holds my attention above the rest.

Knox Turner looks like a Viking — and getting pillaged is starting to look more appealing by the day. Though he's hiding something — all of them are. And the closer I get. The more I realize that some things are left better in the past.

You've read reverse harem books before — but you've never read one like this. It's not what you think, or is it? Dive in and find out…

Knox, Leo, Finn, and Slater are waiting, and they aren't patient men.

Welcome to the new face of Wingmen Inc — You're welcome.

 
MY REVIEW

 Sexy, funny, angsty, with a twist that will give you goose bumps, Co-Ed by Rachel Van Dyken is another hit you won't see coming.  I mean, you will now, because I'm telling you - but you know what I'm saying.  I was a little skeptical going in, with the whole reverse harem angle, but have to say it worked & I loved it!  Who wouldn't be interested in a group of guys referred to as Pleaser Ponies?  Hello. "Our shit was legendary."

  Told in first person, from dual perspectives, enter Shawn - a girl with a guys name.  Wow, I wonder what that's like... oh wait!  Definite attention grabber for me personally.  This is a book you won't want to put down.  A fast read "...dripping with so much sexual innuendo..." these characters are witty, sexy & fun, making it hard not to fall for all of them.  Taking a serious & important turn, working through heartbreak & loss "...tender and aggressive, dangerous and deep."  A story about fresh starts & "...making a choice to forgive, rather than condemn."  Of hope, love, loyalty & friendship of epic proportions "...people who cared about me for whatever crazy reasons they had, ones who would drop anything to make sure I was okay, safe."  
 
Such a wonderful read - the kind with a message that resonates. 
 "It was hope."

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
 
Amazon US/UK

Rome's Chance (Reapers MC #6.6) by Joanna Wylde

 

About ROME’S CHANCE:

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Joanna Wylde comes a new story in her Reapers MC series…

Rome McGuire knew he was in trouble the first time he saw her.

She was sweet and pretty and just about perfect in every way. She was also too young and innocent for the Reapers Motorcycle Club. He did the right thing, and walked away.

The second time, he couldn’t resist tasting her.

Gorgeous and smart, fun and full of wonder, she jumped on his bike and would’ve followed him anywhere. Still, she deserved a shot at happiness somewhere bigger and better than a town like Hallies Falls. Walking away wasn’t so easy that time, but her family needed her and he had a job to do.

When she came around a third time, he’d had enough. Randi Whittaker had been given two chances to escape, and now it was time for Rome to take his.

This time, the only way Randi would be leaving Hallies Falls was on the back of Rome’s bike.

 

MY REVIEW

 

ROME’S CHANCE, a wonderful new novella in Joanna Wylde's Reapers MC series.  Told in first person from dual perspectives, this second chance romance novella starts & doesn't stop.  Sarcastic humor I couldn't get enough of "I tossed a double pack of Trojans into the cart. Cheaper than a baby shower." Angst & passion & action, with a heartbreaking twist that will take your breath away.  Sexy in "...the crooked smile that'd spontaneously combusted my panties." kind of way.  With chemistry that has been sparking between these characters from the start.  "Devastating and intense, but very gentle. Sweet."  Where reality meant growing up to soon & taking chances is foreign territory.  "It felt like freedom-the chance to experience something new and undiscovered."  Building friendships when least expected & coming together to make a strong family stronger.  Working through heartache toward another sunrise. 

 

"That was the thing about fire...It might be terrifying, but it also cleared the path for new growth." 

 

I love Rome & his tender, yet possessively stubborn nature, sexy & strong "He was evil, I decided. Pure, delicious evil."  Randi, sacrificing her own happiness to ensure safety & security for the ones she holds most dear, even though at her age, "Adulting was bullsh*t."  It was nice to get cameo's from Reapers MC characters we've grown to love.  Enjoyed this story so much, over far to fast!

 

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
 

Amazon US/UK

Chaser (Dive Bar #3) by Kylie Scott

BLURB

Given his well-earned bad boy reputation, Eric is having a tough time scoring.. When single Jean moves to town, she seems heaven sent by the sex gods. Only problem is, she not only wants nothing to do with him, but it turns out that she’s pregnant.

Starting over in a small town, Jean is determined to turn her wild lifestyle around and be the kind of mother she always wished she’d had. Since local bar owner and all round hottie, Eric Collins, is now determined to steer clear of her pregnant self, it should be easy. When she goes into labour during a snow storm and her car slides on some ice, it’s Eric who comes to the rescue.

There seems to be a bond between them now, but is it enough? And can Eric give up his manwhore ways to be the man Jean needs?

MY REVIEW

Chaser, book 3 in Kylie Scott's Dive Bar series, one of my favorite reads this year.  Told in first person, from dual perspectives – I’ve got to admit I haven’t always been a fan of Eric’s.  You feel the same?  Well it’s time “…to give Eric a break.” & dive into somewhat of a coming of age story – working through grief, regrets, self-awareness & mending fences.  So funny “It turns out that bar keeping skills actually do come in handy in real-life situations.” sassy banter, sexy & sweet…”Sweet turned to sin in no time.”  Chemistry that is instant, with angst, as Eric & Jean fight against what feels right, in favor of what friends & their over thinking minds are telling them.  Friends who are family & of course a chance to check in on the rest of the Dive Bar gang we’ve come to know & love.  

“And that’s what everything was about, really. Family.”

I love that Eric strives to be the best version of himself & puts his heart on the line while doing it.  I enjoyed so much that these characters really saw & accepted each other.  And Jean – was it cool that I share a home town with her… Jacksonville, Florida – you bet!  Was it even better that she’s a new mom going it alone & acknowledges “I totally get why they use sleep deprivation as a form of torture now.” Absolutely!  All of that with the supportive family & this is a winner.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

Justify Me (Lexi Blake Crossover Collection Book 3) by J. Kenner

BLURB

McKay-Taggart operative Riley Blade has no intention of returning to Los Angeles after his brief stint as a consultant on mega-star Lyle Tarpin’s latest action flick. Not even for Natasha Black, Tarpin’s sexy personal assistant who’d gotten under his skin. Why would he, when Tasha made it absolutely clear that—attraction or not—she wasn’t interested in a fling, much less a relationship. But when Riley learns that someone is stalking her, he races to her side. Determined to not only protect her, but to convince her that—no matter what has hurt her in the past—he’s not only going to fight for her, he’s going to win her heart. Forever.

MY REVIEW

Justify Me by J. Kenner, book 4.5 of her Stark series & part of the new Crossover Collection from Lexi Blake.  Finally the novella I'd been expecting from this crossover.  With only a few crossover characters, this story was easy to get into & fast paced enough to give a nice balance for fans of Julie & Lexi alike. 

Protective, possessive, loyal & sexy.  I enjoyed the way the characters pasts & the strong friendships intertwined.  Oh so sexy, filled with "...heated passion and sweaty, naked nights..."  Secrets & interesting twists are revealed, as a mystery is solved.  Another fan favorite from J. Kenner "...she does write incredibly sexy books..."

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

Her Guardian Angel (Lexi Blake Crossover Collection Book 2) by Larissa Ione

BLURB

After a difficult childhood and a turbulent stint in the military, Declan Burke finally got his act together. Now he’s a battle-hardened professional bodyguard who takes his job at McKay-Taggart seriously and his playtime – and his playmates – just as seriously. One thing he never does, however, is mix business with pleasure. But when the mysterious, gorgeous Suzanne D’Angelo needs his protection from a stalker, his desire for her burns out of control, tempting him to break all the rules…even as he’s drawn into a dark, dangerous world he didn’t know existed.

Suzanne is an earthbound angel on her critical first mission: protecting Declan from an emerging supernatural threat at all costs. To keep him close, she hires him as her bodyguard. It doesn’t take long for her to realize that she’s in over her head, defenseless against this devastatingly sexy human who makes her crave his forbidden touch.

Together they’ll have to draw on every ounce of their collective training to resist each other as the enemy closes in, but soon it becomes apparent that nothing could have prepared them for the menace to their lives…or their hearts.

MY REVIEW

Her Guardian Angel by Larissa Ione, book 6 of her Demonica Underworld series & part of the new Crossover Collection from Lexi Blake.  A lot of connecting of  crossover characters, needed to get the story moving. A little overwhelming for a first time reader of the Demonica Underworld series to catch up on.  Definitely at a disadvantage having not read books from either series.  That said, would recommend for fans who have read the series.

Hit the ground running with steamy chemistry & sexy banter.  Enjoyed the paranormal concepts, & incredibly sexy, connection between this possessive man & a strong woman.  Would have liked a little more angst, but overall, a fan favorite for sure.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

Close Cover: A Masters and Mercenaries Novel (Lexi Blake Crossover Collection Book 1) by Lexi Blake

    

BLURB

Remy Guidry doesn’t do relationships. He tried the marriage thing once, back in Louisiana, and learned the hard way that all he really needs in life is a cold beer, some good friends, and the occasional hookup. His job as a bodyguard with McKay-Taggart gives him purpose and lovely perks, like access to Sanctum. The last thing he needs in his life is a woman with stars in her eyes and babies in her future. Lisa Daley’s life is finally going in the right direction. She has finally graduated from college after years of putting herself through school. She’s got a new job at an accounting firm and she’s finished her Sanctum training. Finally on her own and having fun, her life seems pretty perfect. Except she’s lonely and the one man she wants won’t give her a second look. There is one other little glitch. Apparently, her new firm is really a front for the mob and now they want her dead. Assassins can really ruin a fun girls’ night out. Suddenly strapped to the very same six-foot-five-inch hunk of a bodyguard who makes her heart pound, Lisa can’t decide if this situation is a blessing or a curse. As the mob closes in, Remy takes his tempting new charge back to the safest place he knows—his home in the bayou. Surrounded by his past, he can’t help wondering if Lisa is his future. To answer that question, he just has to keep her alive.

Close Cover by Lexi Blake, from her new Crossover Collection is part 16 of the Masters & Mercenaries series. Told in third person, from dual perspectives, this story is slow at the start.  There is a lot of backstory to connect crossover characters, getting the story moving.  A little overwhelming for a first time reader to catch up on.  

Invested quickly in the camaraderie between characters & loyalty above all.  Enjoyed the wonderfully emotional & incredibly sexy, connection between Remy & Lisa – mixed with that stubbornness of a possessive DOM & a strong woman. 

Fan favorite for sure.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

Come As You Are by Lauren Blakely

   

BLURB
I couldn’t have scripted a more perfect night.

For one fantastic evening, at a masquerade party in the heart of Manhattan, I’m not the millionaire everyone wants a piece of. Fine—multimillionaire. But who’s counting all those commas? Not me, and not the most intriguing woman I've ever met, who happens to like dancing, witty banter, and hot, passionate up-against-the-wall sex as much as I do.

There's no need for names or business cards. And that’s why I’m eager to get to know her more, since my mystery woman seems to like me for me, rather than for my huge…bank account.

Everything’s coming up aces. Until the next day when things get a little complicated. (Newsflash — a lot complicated.)

***

He's charming, brilliant, an incredible lover, and right now I want to stab fate in the eyeballs.

I've had one goal I've been working toward, and lo and behold, my mystery man is the very person who stands between me and my dream job. A job I desperately need since my hard-knock life has nothing in common with his star-kissed one.

But it’s time to put that fairytale night behind me, and focus on learning what makes him tick. Too bad it turns out his quirks are my quirks, and his love affair with New York matches mine.

And as we spend our days together, I discover something else that feels like a cruel twist of fate — I’m falling for this naughty prince charming, and that’s not an ending I can write to our story.

Come As You Are by Lauren Blakely is a wonderful addition to her many amazing Contemporary Romances.  Told in first person from dual perspectives, “It’s sexy and smart…”, just like the characters within.  You can expect witty banter & angsty will they – won’t they push pull, along with “…ups, downs, conflict, and hope.”.  This funny opposites attract (or do they repel?) romance has instant attraction between Flynn- high-tech CEO, with a heart of gold “It’s building something new and taking care of the people who make it possible.”.  Who meets Sabrina, a woman after my own heart with her “…grammar nerd..” ways.  Lucky for Flynn, she is as much of a nerd lover as he is “You’re a nerd.” The words come out as if she just said I was a rock star or a pro quarterback. She says it with affection and, honestly, a whole lot of desire.”  Sexy & sweet “His kisses should be labeled “known to induce swooning.”” Vulnerable & lust filled, this romance has it all.  The struggle between putting others before themselves & wanting a happily ever after they can’t have, in spite of the heartache.  With wonderful friendships & strong family bonds; reminding Flynn & Sabrina to “Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.”  And that sometimes you have to take a risk to reap the rewards…to follow your heart, “…see a whole new path.”

As usual, I read this book in no time.  I fell in love with these characters & enjoyed the cross over appearances.  Love the way Lauren makes smart so very sexy!  A perfect mix “…that stimulates my mind and my heart.”  Adore the wordplay “…sounds both loving and filthy.” & instant investment that Flynn & Sabrina have in each other’s lives.  Another GREAT READ!

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

Rebel Heir (Rush Series Duet, Book One) by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward

BLURB
How to kick off a great summer in the Hamptons:

Snag a gorgeous rental on the beach. Check.

Get a job at a trendy summer haunt. Check.

How to screw up a great summer in the Hamptons:

Fall for the one guy with a dark leather jacket, scruff on his face, and intense eyes that doesn’t fit in with the rest of the tony looking crowd. A guy you can’t have when you’ll be leaving at the end of the season.

Check. Check. Check.

I should add—especially when the guy is your sexy, tattooed God of a boss.

Especially when he not only owns your place of employment but inherited half of the town.

Especially when he’s mean to you.

Or so I thought.

Until one night when he demanded I get in his car so he could drive me home because he didn’t want me walking in the dark.

That was sort of how it all started with Rush.

And then little by little, some of the walls of this hardass man started to come down.

I never expected that the two of us, seemingly opposites from the outside, would grow so close.

I wasn't supposed to fall for the rebel heir, especially when he made it clear he didn’t want to cross the line with me.

As the temperature turned cooler, the nights became hotter. My summer became a lot more interesting—and complicated.

All good things must come to an end, right?

Except our ending was one I didn’t see coming.

Rebel Heir is the first book in the Rush Series Duet by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward.  Told in first person, from dual perspectives, this extremely sexy contemporary romance started a little slow for me - but once it got going - I couldn't put it down.  A funny, witty, angsty & super sexy, romance with a twist you would think couldn't be topped, until the cliffhanger that will leave you ready for Book Two, Rebel Heart, releasing in May.

"It's a romance set in a summer house." Gia, a daddy's girl with attitude, after my own heart "I vomit the truth sometimes." She has an opportunity of a life time that's gotten a little off track.  Rush ~ "...a rebellious heir to a vast fortune..." is a guy full of "...dry sarcasm and hard wit." living only by rules he sets for himself- no commitment, no fear of consequences.  Drawn to each other in an instant physical attraction, that quickly grows possessive, emotional & complicated.  Sexy in all the best ways "It's like I want to protect you and corrupt you at the same time." With loyal & protective friends & family, mixed with unexpected ups & downs.  A story that takes a startling turn toward emotional, that was moving & sweet.

I loved Gia & her no-holds-barred attitude, together with Rush who's protectiveness & carnal nature I couldn't get enough of.  Not to mention his mamma's boy side "...my mother's the sh#t."  What really took me by surprise was the twist & then the cliffhanger.  Knowing this is a duet I assumed the twist was the cliffhanger - when it wasn't, wow, I was blown away.  Simply can't wait for the conclusion to the Rush Series Duet ~ Rebel Heart coming next month (thank goodness!)  

"It's all written in the stars."

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK