Unzipped by Lauren Blakely

Everything he knows about women is about to get turned upside down…

Wanted: Dating coach to help hot nerd win back the woman of his dreams…

Picture this - I’m ready to win back the love of my life, and I’m going big this time. We’re talking boom box, sing her name in the rain, let the whole damn neighborhood know I'm good and ready this time around. After all, if you're going to grand gesture the ever-loving hell out of a second chance, you need to pull out all the stops. 

There’s only one little problem.

My college girlfriend isn't the one who shows up when I play my "I'll do anything to win you back" tune.

The woman who flings open the second-floor window tells me my ex doesn’t live here anymore. But she'll help me win her back. Anything for romance, anything for a guy so willing to go big for love. And that's what I want at first. Until I get to know my new “romance coach” and discover she’s funny, clever, and keeps me on my toes. And boy, do I ever need that. 

Now I don't want to win anyone else’s heart. I want the woman who's been helping me all along. 

Trouble is - she thinks I'm in love with someone else, and when we take off on a road trip, everything I think I know about women is about to be unzipped and turned inside out.

***

He's the last person I ever expected to pop into my life, but he might be exactly what I need to save the thing that matters most to me. All I have to do is not fall for him. 

 

Unzipped by Lauren Blakely, can officially be added to my LB favs list.  So. Much. Angst. This funny, slow burn, friends to lovers, second chances, to hot to handle contemporary romantic comedy will have you at "hello."  ~Fans of the best quotes movie romance have to offer will adore!

"...finding humor in the confusion between men and women about what the other says and what the other truly means."

This story takes hot nerd/muse & practical romantic/writer on a road trip to finding a connection that is more than physical "...flirting? Yes. Romantic tension? For sure."  A lesson in uncertainty & of being careless with ones heart.  Learning to embrace change & take a risk.  "A little dirty, a lot sexy." The humor & love of family shine through "...the power of nachos, a good cry, and a great father to lean on."

Wise advice - learn to listen, don't give up

"Sometimes we think something is one way, and it's entirely another. And that stops us in our tracks."

Can't wait for Gabe & Arden's love story... Best Laid Plans...

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

My Bad (Bear Bottom Guardians MC Book 4) by Lani Lynn Vale

BLURB

Hoax knows two things very well. 

One, he’s not relationship material. Two, the nurse that treats him for erectile dysfunction is the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen, and practically has ‘the marrying type’ stamped on her forehead.

Does that stop him from wanting her? No. 

Unfortunately, he learned a long time ago that Army Delta Force and long-lasting relationships don’t go hand in hand. But beautiful hazel eyes, curly blonde hair, and the prettiest lips he’s ever seen play havoc with his resolve, making him forget his earlier convictions. 

All it takes is one teeny, tiny kiss for every shred of control he has to disappear, along with the problem in his pants. Soon he finds himself doing things that he knows that he shouldn’t. He doesn’t know that he’s found the woman that’s meant to be his. Nor does he realize that her father is the man he’s idolized from the moment he joined the army at the age of eighteen. Because, maybe if he had, he would’ve tried a little harder to ignore the pull he felt between them instead of making her his the night before he deployed for six months. 

He also might’ve tried a little harder not to knock her up.

REVIEW 

My Bad by Lani Lynn Vale, the fourth in her new Motor Cycle Club contemporary romance series, The Bear Bottom Guardians MC.  Set in small town Bear Bottom, Texas, USA, this is another white hot sexy contemporary romance that is full of funny banter, possessive & protective love, with a full range of emotion, sexy & sweet - with a side of suspensefulness.  Be prepared to go from laugh out loud, to heart wrenching before it's all said & done - another book that will keep you coming back for more of the Bear Bottom Guardians MC series.

"Hook, line and sinker. Head over heels. Shamelessly and irrevocably."

Told in first person, from dual perspectives, this romance is full of witty sarcastic banter & romance of the undeniably sexy kind "...from chaste to erotic in about two seconds flat." while also heart wrenching.  Between Hoax with his ability to protect & care from a far & Pru with her free spirit & strong will.  Together with the support of friends who are family & family who love strong,  these characters will be tested by time, distance, friends & foes.  

Looking forward One Chance, Fancy - book 5 coming in January!

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

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Muffin Top (The Hartigans #2) by Avery Flynn

The only thing about me that’s a size zero is the filter on my mouth. I’ve got a big personality, a big rack, and a big number on the scale. And I’m perfectly fine with that.

But when some random guy suggests I might not be eating alone if I’d ordered a salad instead of a hamburger I’m shocked silent, which is a feat, trust me.

That brings us to one sexy fireman named Frankie Hartigan. He’s hot. He’s funny… And he’s just apologized for being late for our “date” then glared at the fat-shaming jerk. Next thing I know, he’s sitting down and ordering himself dinner.

I have no problem telling him I don’t need a pity date . . . unless of course it’s to my high school reunion next week. Oops where did that last bit come from? And what do I do now that he’s said yes?!

Because this is no make-over story, and I think Frankie is using me for something. I just have to figure out what…

Muffin Top by Avery Flynn - book two of her The Hartigan's series, A story of defining love in your own eyes ~ don't miss reading the dedication- completely sets the tone for this fast paced funny, sexy & sweet read. 

Second in the series, this hot contemporary romance, like the book before, is the perfect mix of hilarious wit, heartfelt romance & sultry hot sexiness "This wasn't foreplay. This was a religious experience."  I love Lucy (not the show) & not only her fierce confidence, but the way she can give "...a look that managed to say "oh shit" and "keep your mouth shut" at the same time. Now that was skill."  Franky is a fire fighting workaholic who loves the ladies as much as they love him "His eyes did that thing again that made her ovaries volunteer as tribute."  While he's taking time off from one, he's decided to put himself in a time-out from the other.  These characters face insecurities, self-doubt & self imposed survival mechanisms together, to find a new perspective on life & to learn to "Stop being so cautions and live a little"  Supporting family & friends you'll love.  With a twist or two that will give insight to how these characters became who they are.   

I just love all of the mental sarcasm & snarky humor -  Adore the natural instinct to protect those you love & enjoyed the intrigue & angst to see what would be revealed of the past & the future. 

Can't wait for Tomboy coming January 2019!

 ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

 

Saint (Mercy #2) by JB Salsbury

BLURB

Milo sold his soul to the devil to save an angel.
Now he’s after revenge.

There are worse prisons than the lush estate of a notorious drug smuggler in Mexico. Mercy lives out her days alone and hidden from the world, but her sleep is riddled with nightmares of the muti and all the boys and girls just like her who weren’t lucky enough to get away.

If the people who kept her as a child are in Mexico, is it possible she could find them?

What starts as vigilante justice unravels a web of human trafficking deeper and darker than Milo and Mercy could’ve imagined. When she comes face-to-face with the people she once considered family, she proves she is far from the Angel they raised her to be.

MY REVIEW

 

Saint by JB Salsbury, book 2 of her Mercy duet, this is the sexy contemporary romance & mystery thriller conclusion to Mercy & Milo's story.  Picking up right where the Ghostgirl epic cliffhanger left off, Saint with Milo "...doing what was best for those I love. You know what they say. Hindsight is a bitch."  A romance entwined with drug cartels & international human trafficking...

The connection between these characters continues to extend past the physical, toward soul deep, heart wrenching emotion.  While Milo risks all for revenge, Mercy struggles to hold on to the man she loves  "Forever. You and me. Not a single thing on earth will ever come between us." all the while fighting to be free once more from a all new kind of imprisonment.  Secrets, vengeance & lies "For your protection, it's better that you don't know."  A wild ride as a new mystery unfolds, one evil put behind them only to fight another.  "There is so much evil in the world. No matter what I do, I can't seem to get away from it."  A story of a savior, of healing of body & soul ~ finding faith in humanity & seeking destined purpose in this world.  

I love seeing these characters grow into themselves "I realize I'm not an angel, that I have no supernatural powers, but that doesn't mean I can't make a difference in a person's life."  So much love & affection.  An ending that won't disappoint.

"Everything is a journey, a wild ride with constant surprises."

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

Listen, Pitch (There's No Crying in Baseball #3) by Lani Lynn Vale

ABOUT THE BOOK

Rhys Rivera is the star short-stop for the Longview Lumberjacks. Many know him, even more love him. He has a pretty face, a quick smile, and an air of danger about him that everyone seems to adore.

He’s not known as the bad boy of baseball for nothing.

It all started with his father, who decided to be a criminal mob boss, then die.

Fortunately for his uncle, Rhys wants absolutely nothing to do with the family business and runs before anyone can figure out which way is up.

By the time his uncle, the successor to his father’s criminal empire, thinks to look for him, Rhys has made too big of a name for himself to be taken out quietly, and he wants to keep it that way.

Fast forward eight years, and Rhys is living life one breath at a time, just waiting for the other shoe to drop. That shoe coming in the form of a nosy neighbor who has no idea just how hot she is in her mail carrier uniform.

Her sweet little body and positive outlook on life make him want to laugh at how naïve she is when it comes to the way of the world.

The harder he tries to stay away, the weaker he seems to get, until one day he decides to put his morals on hold long enough to satisfy his cravings.

One time is all he needs—or so he tells himself.

But then two pink lines change everything, and all of a sudden, he doesn’t have just himself to worry about anymore.    

Listen, Pitch by Lani Lynn Vale is book 3 in her There's No Crying in Baseball series, but can totally be read as a standalone.  I say this with certainty, because it is exactly what I did.

 

Told in first person, from dual perspectives this is a bad boy, sports, mob, angsty contemporary romance that will have you chasing the next page turning twist.  Sarcastic, sexy banter & heartwarming suspense all in one.  Henley & Rhys are perfectly matched - "I don't want Netflix and Chill. I want Amazon Prime and Commitment. -Henley's secret thoughts"  "Rivera? He was hella attractive, he had a great personality, he was hard working... and he cared."  These characters had me on the edge of my seat - life, death & everything in between before it's all said & done.

Enjoy the ride as these two team up to make sure the underdog lands on top.

 

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

 

Amazon US/UK

 

Player by Staci Hart

MY REVIEW
He’s a player.

He plays the bass with expert fingers. He plays women with intoxicating charm. And he’ll play me with the ease of a virtuoso.

Who better to teach me to play than the master himself?

I’m his model student, front row, pencil sharp. Pick up lines? I’ve got them. Free drinks? By the dozen. Kissing? Let me grab my chapstick.

But the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that there’s so much I don’t know. Like why his touch sets off a chain reaction straight to my nethers. Or how I’m certain each kiss is the best I’ll ever have, until the moment his lips take mine again.

There’s so much I don’t know.

Like the fact that I’m only a bet.

But we are what we are. He’s a player, through and through.

And I’m the fool who fell in love with him.

MY REVIEW

Player by Staci Hart is a hot contemporary romantic comedy that reminded me of that Freddie Prinz Jr. movie "She's All That" Set around a New York City Broadway musical orchestra & musicians looking for sex & love.  Awareness of self & what this life has to offer the heart if you take the risk.

 

Told in first person, from dual perspectives this page turner will have you laughing out loud from the start "I had a vibrator and internet access.  What more could a girl want?"  Val & her "Four glorious wallflowers." roommates & best friends are so much fun.  Supportive & caring, with quirks all their own.  Sam, a man with a heart of gold & all he could want out of life.  Drawn to Val, to protect her from guys like he thinks himself to be.  Protection that brings these two together for lessons in how to snag a guy - quickly turn dangerously - into lessons in trust & of heart break.  In the end "It's about figuring out what you want and going after it." 

 

This story is sexy & sweet, full of taking chances & embracing beauty, inside & out.  Loving your true self & letting others do the same.  "...unexpected harmony."

 

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

 

Amazon US/UK

#1 Muse (#1 Series, Book 5) by T. Gephart

Synopsis:

Landing a writing gig in Hollywood was just as difficult as becoming an actor, and something Claire Becker had learned the hard way.

Sure, she didn’t have to conform to ridiculous beauty standards and give up her love for raw cookie dough, but the sting of rejection burned all the same. The only things that kept her sane were her two amazing roommates and her guilty pleasure—writing fan-fiction.

Getting lost in her own world, she’d forget that she had yet to land her dream job, and instead spent time with her dream man—Nick Larsson. Well, at least in the literary sense. Too bad he wasn’t aware or an active participant—her fictional love life, outstanding.

Tall, good-looking and sexy beyond comprehension, Nick Larsson not only had a famous last name—and four equally smoldering brothers—but was talented beyond belief. A star on the rise with a critically acclaimed series, his body and face were what fantasy scripts—and dreams—were made of. Made for some pretty steamy writing opportunities too.

And yes, it was probably “wrong” for Claire to objectify him, but it wasn’t like anyone knew about it. Just her, and her two amazing, supportive roommates.

Or at least they were amazing and supportive, and bound to be missed after Claire killed them.

In a moment of unexplained insanity, one of them —or both, each as bad as the other—sent her latest installments to the man himself.

Cue panic of epic proportions.

All Claire needed to do was sneak into his apartment and retrieve the misappropriated story before Nick, or anyone else, read it and mistook her for a creepy stalker. Although, breaking and entering probably wouldn’t convince anyone to the contrary either.

Claire was going to get the best material of her life, or end up with a restraining order. Either way, the story was getting a hell of lot more interesting.

MY REVIEW

#1 Muse by T. Gephart, book 5 in her #1 series, this contemporary romance can be read as a standalone - which is exactly what I did.  Funny "Sure, I could diet, work out six hours a day, and become a size zero, but I valued joy, happiness and cookie dough over a skinny ass." sexy & sweet this angsty romance will not disappoint. 

 

Set in the mecca of Hollywood & all the demands of the entertainment industry.  Making her way to the forefront of screenwriters, Claire can use all the help she can get "Nick inspired me, excited me, and lit a fire in me I hadn't experience in a while. He was...My. Muse."  Just like Nick, this story is "...definitely flirty. And charming. And sexy. And playful. Super hot as well."  full of all the things, love & friendship should be.  There are bumps before it's all said & done - "Lust, love, anger, hurt, confusion and passion..." working through trust & doubt, testing whether dreams can come true.

 

I loved the flirty banter.  The supporting character friendships that are loyal, endearing & heartwarmingly sweet.  Funny & entertaining, a great read!

 

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

 

Amazon US/UK

Talkin' Trash (The Bear Bottom Guardians MC Book 2) by Lani Lynn Vale

BLURB

Linc has two very important things on his mind—professional football and his motorcycle club.

What he does not have on his mind is the woman that drives him crazy and makes him want to do stupid things, like throw caution to the wind.

Nope, not Linc.

At least, that’s the lie he tells everyone.

In reality, every time Conleigh’s name is mentioned, he squirms.

She’s everything that he wants, wrapped up in a cute little package that is stamped ‘hands freakin’ off.’

She’s four years younger than him, in school to be a doctor, and thinks football is stupid.

Even more, Linc and Conleigh get along like oil and water.

There’s not a single second that they’re in each other’s presence that they’re not at each other’s throats.

But all it takes is hearing that she’s in trouble for Linc to drop every single thing—football and MC duties alike—and head to her side.

A side that he’ll remain at until they either kill each other, or finally give into the heat between them.

Either way you look at it, he’s well and truly screwed.    

MY REVIEW

 

Talkin' Trash by Lani Lynn Vale, the second in her new Motor Cycle Club contemporary romance series, The Bear Bottom Guardians MC.  Set in small town Bear Bottom, Texas, USA, this is a white hot sexy contemporary romance that is so super funny, romantic, angsty & sweet.  Be prepared to laugh out loud during this fast pace read - another book to get you hooked on the Bear Bottom Guardians MC series.

Told in first person, from dual perspectives, this "will they", "won't they" second chancesromance is full of witty sarcastic banter & wonderful chemistry "...our attraction to each other had never been one of our problems." while also angsty & heart wrenchingly romantic.  Between Linc with his "I'm-sexy-as-fuck beard." & Conleigh "...not a girly girl." the struggle of pride is real.  On the one hand, overprotectiveness for a shot at something better, while on the other fighting the inevitable in an effort to avoid a broken heart.  "...trying to protect yourself, while he's trying to protect you."  Trust is tested & belief in each other will bring out the best of friends, family & love.

 

Looking forward How About No - book 3 coming in November!

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

 

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

 

Fragments of Ash (A Modern Fairytale) by Katy Regnery

My name is Ashley Ellis…

I was thirteen years old when my mother – retired supermodel, Tig – married Mosier Răumann, who was twice her age and the head of the Răumann crime family.

When I turned eighteen, my mother mysteriously died. Only then did I discover the dark plans my stepfather had in store for me all along; the debauched “work” he expected me to do.

With the help of my godfather, Gus, I have escaped from Mosier’s clutches, but his twin sons and henchmen have been tasked with hunting me down. And they will stop at nothing to return my virgin body to their father

…dead or alive.

From New York Times bestselling author Katy Regnery comes a dark and twisted retelling of the beloved fairytale, Cinderella!
 

** Contemporary Romance. Due to profanity and very strong sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.** 

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

Fragments of Ash is part of the ~a modern fairytale~ collection: contemporary, standalone romances inspired by beloved fairy tales.

From New York Times bestselling author Katy Regnery comes a dark and twisted retelling of the beloved fairytale, Cinderella!

 

Fragments of Ash by Katy Regnery is a dark tale of a young woman born to a single mother led astray by the temptations of life, only to be abandoned in a time of dire need.  Ashley, isolated & unknowingly a practical mirror reflection of the life her mother wanted to protect her from.  "Dreaming of something, but scared it won't come true." 

 

This Cinderella-esk tale with a twist is complete with a chillingly evil stepfather.  The contempt of the family & lack of love or even caring is heart breaking.  "...of being alone, of being unwanted, of being frightened..."  Cruel & crude - shocking abuse, emotional & physical.  Making the idea of kindness, difficult to believe.  Escape in search of finding the ever eluding safety.  Falling into a haven under the protection of a man with his own secrets, closed off to trusting anyone.  The chemistry is palpable, lust that beyond intense.  You'll be on the edge of your seat as the story unfolds - secrets revealed, compassion, kindness, romance & desire shine through.  "...learning that sometimes love isn't in the words we say, but in how we give and what we sacrifice..." 

 

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

 

Amazon US/UK

 

Strong (Stage Dive #4.5 Novella) by Kylie Scott

 
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kylie Scott comes a new story in her Stage Dive series…

When the girl of your dreams is kind of a nightmare.

As head of security to Stage Dive, one of the biggest rock bands in the world, Sam Knowles has plenty of experience dealing with trouble. But spoilt brat Martha Nicholson just might be the worst thing he’s ever encountered. The beautiful troublemaker claims to have reformed, but Sam knows better than to think with what’s in his pants. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy to make his heart fall into line.

Martha’s had her sights on the seriously built bodyguard for years. Quiet and conservative, he’s not even remotely her type. So why the hell can’t she get him out of her mind? There’s more to her than the Louboutin wearing party-girl of previous years, however. Maybe it’s time to let him in on that fact and deal with this thing between them.

**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.**    


Strong by Kylie Scott is a Stage Dive novella & a sweet chance for new fans to get hooked, while letting tried & true fans see how all of our favorite characters from this wonderful series are faring.  This fast paced read has everything we love, chemistry - a long time waiting for action "...a decade's worth of hunger and longing." & witty banter that is laugh out loud Kylie funny "The woman's ability to tolerate no bullsh*t and yet still have fun was impressive."  Sexy as all get out - although angsty, there's no time for a slow burn & you'll be so glad!  "...like he already owned me and for some reason I didn't have it in me to disagree."  A story of timing love just right, of friends & family & finding the place to truly belong.

I always enjoy the inner monologue Kylie's characters bring - particularly her female characters "...I did not lie awake for hours frowning at the ceiling thinking about him. That would just be stupid."  The friendships built between characters who are "...both slightly evil and sarcastic..."  And of course the down to earth, real life of "Chasing after short, evil children on the run from their vegetables and bath time."

Fun & entertaining, sexy & sweet read!

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
 

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