Rivers (The Crow Brothers #3) by S.L. Scott

SYNOPSIS

This Standalone Second Chance Rock Star Romance by New York Times Bestselling Author, S.L. Scott, will have you falling in love with Rivers Crow while introducing you to his Sexy as Sin brothers and band mates—Jet, Tulsa, and Ridge.

Rivers Crow has everything he could ever need—a rock star life, more money than the devil himself, and worldwide fame. Except he’s still missing the one thing he wants—the girl he left behind.

Stella Fellowes has a life she doesn’t want—an unfulfilling job, debt without a ceiling, and lonely nights she spends pretending not to miss the one thing she needs—the boy who broke her heart.

Five years later, the guitarist she once loved is back with a hit record, millions of fans, and that look in his eye that still makes her weak in the knees. Only she’s not the same girl he once knew.

When these two star-crossed lovers come together, time starts to heal old wounds. Although she’s compelled to look past his sins, will he be able to look past hers?

MY REVIEW

Rivers, by S.L. Scott considered a standalone, to me it is the best of her The Crow Brothers series to date.  Do yourself a favor - if you haven't already, read the other Crow brother books yet - there's no time like the present to get started with these Sexy as Sin novels.

THE CROW BROTHERS SERIES

Spark (Jets story) 
Amazon US/UK

Tulsa
Amazon US/UK

Although a wonderful rock star second chance romance, this story is so much more.  The angst, romance, & heart break are raw & overwhelming with emotion from the start.  "...desire and want, the need and...love."  But that wasn't all... the secrets & burdens these characters carry are almost to much. "...soul-destroying truth."
 
The undeniable love of a mother, gone too soon & disappointment in parents who will never be who their children need.  The bond between siblings & band mates.  Deep betrayal is at work to destroy two people with hearts of gold.  Don't get me started with the twists & turns, they are both surprising & unsettling.  Heart wrenchingly emotional & incredibly passionate, "So gentle, yet almost possessive." with suspense all wrapped in to one.  You'll be on the edge of your seat with anticipation one moment, biting your nails the next, only to end up teary eyed with the sheer impact of it all.  With flashbacks & backstory, for better or worse, all is revealed. "We get to determine our own destiny."

I'm a huge fan of S.L.'s work & this series.  She continues to raise the bar by making the world of The Crow Brothers completely tangible.  Rivers is not only his & Stella's story, but that of the legacy left behind by the amazing Lousia Rain Crow.  "She lived and She loved."

Another "Fireworks spectacular." addition to The Crow Brothers series.  I can't wait for Ridge's story coming in September. 
Ridge on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/RidgeGR

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

The Naked Truth by Vi Keeland

It was just a typical Monday.

Until the big boss asked me to make the pitch for a prospective new client.

After two years on shaky ground at work because of my screw up, an opportunity to impress the senior partners was just what I needed.

Or so I thought…

Until I walked into the conference room and collided with the man I was supposed to pitch.

My coffee spilled, my files tumbled to the ground, and I almost lost my balance.

And that was the good part of my day.

Because the gorgeous man crouched down and looking at me like he wanted to eat me alive, was none other than my ex, Gray Westbrook.

A man who I’d only just begun to move on from.

A man who my heart despised—yet my body obviously still had other ideas about.

A man who was as charismatic and confident as he was sexy.

Somehow, I managed to make it through my presentation ignoring his intense stare.

Although it was impossible to ignore all the dirty things he whispered into my ear right after I was done.

But there was no way I was giving him another chance, especially now that he was a client
…was there?

 MY REVEIW

 

 The Naked Truth by Vi Keeland is a sultry hot second chance romance with "...raw, sexual chemistry..."  making this page turner impossible to put down.  Layla & Gray meet under crazy circumstances & yet find a connection like nothing they've ever known.  So sexy, so much hunger & deep desire "...his possessiveness and jealousy were a turn-on...".  Layla's self-protection mechanism is in full affect - all to avoid more heart break, while Gray is looking to put lessons learned into practice - to live & love smarter than before.  "That being said, we're not over. We're just getting started."  Overcoming lies, broken trust & a broken heart; best interests & selfless acts; "...fear, grief, loss." ~ the struggle is real.  You'll be invested in these characters & their journey through to a surprise twist & all the way to the very end.  "Love changes everything."

 

I love the many different sides of Layla & Gray that Vi lets us see.  Giving so much more to this story than the standard hot contemporary romance.  Don't get me wrong, this story is squirm in your seat sexy - but also romantic & heart wrenchingly sweet. I really enjoyed the supporting characters & the backstories they all brought.  "Real, true, raw, painfully beautiful love."

 

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

 

Amazon US/UK

 

Envy (Eagle Elite #9.5; 1001 Dark Nights #83) by Rachel Van Dyken

Every family has rules, the mafia just has more....

Do not speak to the bosses unless spoken to.

Do not make eye contact unless you want to die.

And above all else, do not fall in love.

Renee Cassani's future is set.

Her betrothal is set.

Her life, after nannying for the five families for the summer, is set

Somebody should have told Vic Colezan that.

He's a man who doesn't take no for an answer.

And he only wants one thing.

Her.

Somebody should have told Renee that her bodyguard needed as much discipline as the kids she was nannying.

Good thing Vic has a firm hand.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Holy crap, who doesn’t love a “brute falls for the damsel” romance?  This one however is forbidden – the mafia “you made an oath” kind of forbidden - making it that much more angsty & enticing.  This Eagle Elite novella is a page turner you won’t want to put down.  Vic – the enforcer, who’s made an oath, to protect the family at all costs… “He wasn’t the happily ever after.” Renee would ever have imagined... “Though if any sin was worth committing—it would be him.”  Funny & intense… “His stupid handshake had been intense. Who has an intense handshake?”  Sexy “I think your taste is the only thing that could both save a sinner—and cause more sin.” & smart with action & secrets you won’t see coming revealed.  All in a push-pull to decide whether love & true loyalty will live or die.

An instant fan favorite - perfect follow up to the intensity of Eulogy & setting the stage for the next installment.  Not to mention a great first look for new readers to get addicted to the world of the Eagle Elite – one where, friends, family, enemies & lovers reign in a life of loyalty & betrayal, violence & romance “…family dinners, I know that it’s going to get ugly; too much wine is flowing, and everyone is armed. Plus, Italians. Enough said.”

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

1001 Dark Nights Discovery Bundle Seventeen by Alexandra Ivy& Laura Wright, Donna Grant, Lorelei James, Lauren Blakely and T. Gephart

About 1001 Dark Nights Bundle:
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Alexandra Ivy & Laura Wright, Donna Grant, Lorelei James, Lauren Blakely,

and introducing T. Gephart.

Five Dark Tales.

Five Sensual Stories.

Five Page Turners.

BLADE: A Bayou Heat Novella by Alexandra Ivy & Laura Wright Blade was held captive by Benson Enterprises and abused for decades. When he’s finally rescued, he can’t return to the Wildlands. Not without the female he was forced to watch being impregnated. Valli just wants to run away and never look back. But with the shocking news of her pregnancy fresh in her mind, she wonders if that’s even possible. Told by her captors that one of the caged animals assaulted her, she knows she must do everything in her power to keep her unborn child safe.

DRAGON BURN: A Dark Kings Novella by Donna Grant A promise made eons ago sends Sebastian to Italy on the hunt to find an enemy. His quarry proves difficult to locate, but there is someone who can point him in the right direction – a woman as frigid as the north. Using every seductive skill he’s acquired over his immortal life, his seduction begins. Until he discovers that the passion he stirs within her makes him burn for more… Gianna Santini has one love in her life – work. That is until a handsome Scot strolled into her life and literally swept her off her feet.

TRIPPED OUT: A Blacktop Cowboys® Novella by Lorelei James Stirling Gradsky abandoned the corporate rat race for a more laidback lifestyle. So it’s ironic she’s stuck working with a hard-bodied, know-it-all scientist who treats her like a stoner instead of a stone cold business woman capable of running a large scale cannabis operation. Dr. Liam Argent’s doctorate isn’t in chemistry, but from the moment he meets his sexy new coworker, there’s enough heat between them to short out all the lights in the grow house. Sparks fly as their attraction blazes. But can they weed out their differences without getting burned?

STUD FINDER: by Lauren Blakely Man seeking woman: Hot, rich, smart, witty, self-made multimillionaire Internet genius seeks classy, intelligent, sexy, fun-loving woman who’s interested in settling down and sharing all the good things. There. Best. Ad. Ever. I will absolutely find the woman of my dreams, someone who’ll love me for me. Let me just hit the upload button right now… * * * * No. Just no. As a woman and a professional matchmaker, I can’t let Dylan Parker run this ad. He’s the catch of all catches. What woman in her right mind wouldn’t fall in love with Dylan? I mean, besides me. It totally won’t be me.

#1 CRUSH: by T. Gephart Tia Monroe was smart, sassy and successful. Sure, she could get a little crazy at times, but that was part of her appeal. And while she didn’t see herself as ‘classically beautiful’, she had no shortage of options in the boyfriend department. She just hadn’t found one who held her interest. Until she laid eyes on Eric Larsson, and then it was lust at first sight. He packed the perfect mix of smoldering sexy and unapologetic cool into his blond-haired, blue-eyed, ridiculously hot six-foot-four frame. One smile from him was enough to twist her insides. But it wasn’t just his looks, he was smart and funny—charming in the most a-dork-able way. The only problem was…Tia had never actually met him.

Every Dark Nights tale is breathtakingly sexy and magically romantic.


My Review

 1001 Dark Nights Discovery Bundle:  Introducing Discovery Author T. Gephart, the Bundle contains 5 novellas, including novellas from New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Alexandra Ivy& Laura Wright, Donna Grant, Lorelei James, and Lauren Blakely!HOT novellas.

To be honest, I wanted to get my hands on this bundle to not only read authors I know & love, but it was also a great chance to try some new ones. And now I’m hooked on a new group of amazing authors!

BLADE: A Bayou Heat Novella by Alexandra Ivy & Laura Wright ~ I’m always down for a paranormal romance.  This one is hot & packed with predatory insta-love you won’t be able to resist. It was sexy & intriguing with a mix of loyalty & betrayal that will have you on the edge of your seat.

DRAGON BURN: A Dark Kings Novella by Donna Grant ~ Did I mention how much I love a good paranormal romance?  Well this one had me hooked from the start.  Angst & mystery & so incredibly sexy hot, you won’t be able to sit still.  Action that has me hooked & ready for more from the world of the Dragon Kings! 

TRIPPED OUT: A Blacktop Cowboys® Novella by Lorelei James ~ An enemies to friends to lovers tale.  Sexy & smart, I enjoyed the banter & instant chemistry between Stirling & Liam.  Trust is tested & loyalty is earned in this flaming high hot romance. 

STUD FINDER: by Lauren Blakely ~ An opposites attract romantic comedy, this Emma-esque tale of hot nerd looking for love, meets matchmaker is a quick read you won’t be able to put down.  As hot & sexy as it is funny.  Full clever banter & so much sweet angst.  Such a fun ride with these characters as they get to know each other in an unconventional way, leading to an unexpected connection, only to reveal they might not be so opposite after all.

#1 CRUSH: by T. Gephart ~ A very sexy, very funny, contemporary romance - this page turner will not disappoint.  Witty, sexy & hilarious, the chemistry is smoldering.  You’ll be entrenched in flirty sexual innuendo & angst as these characters put their hearts on the line.  Have I mentioned how sarcastic & funny this book is – couldn’t get enough!

Ultimately a great bundle of books & amazing authors.  Whether you read all five or just one, you won’t be disappointed.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review. 

 

Amazon | Amazon UK

   

The Real Deal by Lauren Blakely

BLURB
April Hamilton wants you to know she hasn’t been on GigsForHire since that time she sold her futon after college. She doesn’t even spend that much time online. And even if she did, she would not be looking up personal ads. But going home alone for her family's summer reunion is an invitation for every single relative to butt into her personal life. She simply can’t handle another blind date with the butcher, the baker or the candlestick maker from her hometown. So when she finds the GigsforHire ad for a boyfriend-for-hire, she’s ready to pay to play.

Heading Home and Need a Buffer? I’m the REAL DEAL.

Theo Banks has been running from the past for years. He’s this close to finally settling all his debts, and one more job as a boyfriend-for-hire will do the trick. He’s no gigolo. Please. He’s something of an actor, and he knows how to slip into any role, including pretending to be April’s new beau -- the bad boy with the heart of gold.

Even if it means sleeping in close quarters in that tiny little bed in her parents’ inn. Even if it means spinning tales of a romance that starts to feel all too true. What neither one of them counts on is that amid the egg toss, the arm wrestling, and a fierce game of Lawn Twister that has them tangled up together, they might be feeling the real deal.

She only wanted to show her family once and for all that she had no need to settle down.

He didn’t expect to have the time of his life at her parent’s home.

They didn’t plan on loving every single second of the game.

But can a masterful game of pretend result in true love?
 

 

The Real Deal by Lauren Blakely is a wonderfully steaming hot romantic comedy that I simply couldn't get enough of.  A fun mix of The Wedding Date & Meet the Fockers, with a twist all its own-the kind only LB can bring. 

So witty & funny.  The instant connection between these characters from different worlds is one we all crave.  I love the uniqueness of  April's career & the way her family meddles.  Theo & his dirty grin, with a brother he'll do anything to protect.  So incredibly sexy & desire filled, you'll be left squirming in your seat.  "Kiss like the world is on fire. Kiss like nothing else exists. Insist on it. Demand kisses that make the world disappear."  Secrets are revealed, lessons are learned - "Sometimes you need to go after what you want."  Great supporting characters in friends and family, emotional & heartfelt.  A new all time favorite!

"It was sensual. It was clever." 

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

The Fragile Ordinary by Samantha Young

 

 I am Comet Caldwell.
And I sort of, kind of, absolutely hate my name.
People expect extraordinary things from a girl named Comet. That she’ll be effortlessly cool and light up a room the way a comet blazes across the sky.
But from the shyness that makes her book-character friends more appealing than real people to the parents whose indifference hurts more than an open wound, Comet has never wanted to be the center of attention. She can’t wait to graduate from her high school in Edinburgh, Scotland, where the only place she ever feels truly herself is on her anonymous poetry blog. But surely that will change once she leaves to attend university somewhere far, far away.
When new student Tobias King blazes in from America and shakes up the school, Comet thinks she’s got the bad boy figured out. Until they’re thrown together for a class assignment and begin to form an unlikely connection. Everything shifts in Comet’s ordinary world. Tobias has a dark past and runs with a tough crowd—and none of them are happy about his interest in Comet. Targeted by bullies and thrown into the spotlight, Comet and Tobias can go their separate ways…or take a risk on something extraordinary.

The Fragile Ordinary, a new young adult novel by Samantha Young - is everything it promises to be.  Set in Edinburgh, Scotland, this is a one of a kind coming of age - young adult contemporary romance with heart-wrenching moments that will leave you teary one moment & full of joy the next.  A story about taking the leap to realizing your dreams & finding your place. "...and now I was awake. Really, truly, awake for the first time."  Spanning everything teenagers might face - around the globe.  From angst & uncertainty in young love, "...deeper connection...formed out of the already thriving friendship..." to growing into a deeper understanding of their parents & friends held most dear, bullying, the dangers of drug use & the impact of being intimate for the first time - or not.  All the way to dealing with grief & finding closure.  Learning the true impact & importance of relationships in this life - "...ordinary people had wounds that sometimes never healed."

This was a book that absolutely "...made me feel giddy with anticipation..."  I enjoyed the uniqueness of the characters & their intriguing family backgrounds, as well as the similarities within.  I loved that "...the boy made Shakespeare hot." & how Comet could seem so mysterious, but ultimately that these characters made up "The Fragile Ordinary" just like all of us.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK