The Rivals by Vi Keeland

Title: The Rivals

Author: Vi Keeland

Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance 

Release Date: July 12, 2020

Blurb

The feud between Weston Lockwood and me started at the altar.

Only neither of us attended the wedding, and the nuptials happened decades before either of us was born.

Our grandfathers had been best friends and business partners, at least up until my grandfather’s wedding day—when his bride-to-be blurted out she couldn’t marry him because she was also in love with Weston‘s grandfather.

The two men spent years fighting over Grace Copeland, who also happened to be their third business partner.  But in the end, neither man could steal half of her heart away from the other.

Eventually, they all went their separate ways.  Our grandfathers married other women, and the two men became one of the biggest business rivals in history.

Our fathers continued the family tradition of feuding.  And then Weston and I did, too.

For the most part, we kept as much distance as possible.

Until the day the woman who started the feud died—and unexpectedly left one of the most valuable hotels in the world to our grandfathers to share.

Now I’m stuck in a hotel with the man I was born to hate, trying to unravel the mess our families inherited.

As usual, it didn’t take long for us to be at each other’s throats.

Weston Lockwood was everything I hated: tall, smart, cocky, and too gorgeous for his own good.  We were fire and ice. 

But that shouldn’t be an issue. Our families were used to being at war. There was just one minor problem, though.   Every time Weston and I fought, we somehow wound up in bed.

MY REVIEW

The Rivals by Vi Keeland, another in a long line of sexy & witty enemies-to-lovers contemporary romances from Vi.  This page turner & its impulsively hot headed characters does not disappoint.  Fasten your seat belt for push and pull, feuding, explosive chemistry, heart-string pulling story of life struggles that may or may not define Sophie & Weston.

Told in first person from dual perspectives, this story literally takes off with palpable attraction & wit, bringing the personal touch of the hospitality service industry to a whole new level.  Sophie intelligent, willful & a real beauty, with trust issues to spare, she is working to prove her worth in a world dominated by her father & grandfather, while tasked with taking on the family rival.  She's had a glimpse of what she's up against (literally) with Weston, now she's getting a brand new view of the makings of a good partner in more ways than one.  Closed off & protective, carrying baggage full of self-doubt, Weston is a man who pays attention to detail in the boardroom & the bedroom (AMEN).  He isn't afraid to do what it takes to get the job done in any room.  Loyal to a fault, Weston is "...positively sinful."

I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK.  Sophia & Weston are such a amazing fit.  Equal in intellect & tenacity.  "...like a tornado and a volcano. It's rare the two meet. But when they do, it's explosive."  Such a tangible spark between Sophie & Weston, this whirlwind romance has a level of intimacy & caring, I couldn't get enough of.  Their love-hate relationship, with a twist of betrayal & fear of taking a risk; add in the wonderful feel good friendships that bring wisdom of imperfect perfection this life has to offer.   

"It's magical."

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

CAR CRASH (Collision Series, #2) by T. Gephart

Synopsis:

Kitty was not only beautiful but also incredibly intelligent—except when it came to relationships. It seemed if a guy was a loser, corrupt, deadbeat or unavailable, she was completely and utterly attracted to him. She definitely had a “type,” and all of them had been one bad decision after another.

Dallas had trouble of his own. Finding women wasn’t a problem—he could charm the pants off almost anyone—but most of those “pantless” women ended up being a few bananas short of a fruit basket. Not always the best candidates for his sex-without-strings philosophy. He was one date away from ending up a 60 Minutes special.

While both of them were at the top of their game professionally—she a high-powered executive assistant, and he one of the best tattooists in the city—their personal lives had become a dumpster fire.

No one in their right mind would have suggested they join forces to help each other wade through the crazy. Surely that was a recipe for disaster? But without reason, logic or even sanity on their side, they decided to do it anyway.

It was a hot mess primed for a head-on collision.

My Review

Car Crash, book two in T. Gephart's Collision Series is "...just the right amount of freaky and seductive."  Make sure to clear your schedule, once you pick this baby up, you won't be able to put it down.  An extra word to the wise, if you haven't read Train Wreck - book one, get that lapse in judgement remedied & quick.  

Like it's predecessor, Car Crash is told in first person, from dual perspectives & is as funny as it is squirm in your seat sexy... "A clit whisperer." need I say more?  In a world where these characters couldn't be more alike, yet totally different ~ this lovers-to-friends, to-lovers story is not what you might expect of a super hot romance.  It is full of hope, heart & life changing lightbulb moments that shine on the truth of self worth & perspective "I used to think it wasn't possible for me to have it all. And then I found out the only obstacle in my way was me."

Great banter & hilarious wit - sometimes lack thereof.  Kitty is beautiful & strong, down to earth & practical, just like Dallas.  Their connection & honesty about the conflicted emotions they share have made them characters I couldn't get enough of.  Real feelings.  Real friends.  Real heart.

  

Tina says it best herself "It was hot, and seductive, with the right amount of tease, toggling between deeply passionate and light and sexy."  BOOM.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

Once Upon a Wild Thing (Heartbreakers #3) by Lauren Blakely

BLURB

My brother's best friend has a proposition for me. Have I mentioned he's a sexy single dad? Tell me more...

There are a million reasons why Miles Hart isn't the man I should date but allow me to enumerate the top three. He's friends with my brother, he's a single dad, and he's a sexy, in-demand rock star. He might as well wear an off-limits, totally unavailable, and don't-even-attempt-to-ride-this-ride sign.
Then he asks me to be his plus-one when his band plays at his high school reunion, and the night unfolds in ways I never expect.
***
I have three good reasons to keep my hands off Roxy Sterling--her brother's my business manager and good buddy, my kid is the center of my world, and the last time I fell hard for a woman I was burned so badly that my interest in relationships has gone up in flames. But once I bring Roxy's body next to mine on the dance floor, I want all the not-safe-for-work things I can't have with her. So I make a proposition.

 

Then I learn exactly how risky we might be.

MY REVEIW

Once Upon a Wild Fling by Lauren Blakely can be read as a standalone, but personal opinion, as the final book three of her new Heartbreakers series - you are missing out if you don't read all three!

If you can relate to the struggles of dating, pregnancy & parenthood - and love a great friends to lovers story, you are going to simply adore this book.  Another angsty, sexy & funny, contemporary romance from Blakely.  She delivers a story that brings you characters that are down to earth, hopeful & eager to love.  Full of "...fantastic wit, big heart..." in the pursuit of epic heart bursting happiness.

 

Be ready from the start to have a sore cheeks from smiling big at this funny, witty & endearing read.  Roxy is no stranger to all that can go wrong while looking for mister right in this busy modern age - where you don't necessarily need a relationship with a man to get what you want out of life.  A girl after my own heart "At the end of the day, nothing beats pulling on yoga pants and a sweatshirt." "Truth," While Miles, ever the dedicated brother & bandmate is "...laser-focused on music, singing, and taking care of this awesome kid."  What's not to love with a guy who is "...funny, sharp, and so damn good to his son."  So much angst, these two have lists of reasons why they would never work together.  Then a favor of the plus-one kind gleans all sorts of possibilities.  A sweat & sexy story of timing, moving on & taking chances. "The heartbreak and the hurt and the joy."  Filled with friends & family "...warmth, chased by hope." ~ a romantic & sweet heart warming - real struggles page turner.  

 

"You should just be friends forever with her." No wiser words.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

✦ Amazon US/UK

Once Upon a Sure Thing (Heartbreakers #2) by Lauren Blakely

  

BLURB

It's so easy being best friends with a gorgeous, talented, charming guy.

Said no woman ever. Except me.

My friendship with Miller is a sure thing — he’s my plus one, my emergency contact, and my shoulder to lean on. He’s also been by my side helping me raise one helluva awesome kid who’s the center of my world.

Nothing will change our easy breezy friendship. Until I have the bright idea to convince him to start a new band with me.

Trouble is, our sizzling chemistry in the recording studio is getting harder to ignore, no matter how risky it might be.

***

Sing sexy songs with the woman you’ve been lusting after? Get up close and personal as you croon to the woman you’ve wanted for years?

Piece of cake.
NOT.

Performing with the sweet, sassy and insanely wonderful Ally is like one gigantic obstacle course of challenges for my libido. And my libido is one sexy love song away from kissing her senseless and taking her home.

But, I’m not a serious kind of guy, and she’s not a one-night-stand kind of woman. If we cross the horizontal line, we might risk our sure thing and end up out of tune forever...
MY REVIEW

Once Upon a Sure Thing by Lauren Blakely can be read as a standalone, but personal opinion, as book two of her new Heartbreakers series - why not read after Once Upon a Real Good Time.  You don't have to, but why not enjoy them both?

If you are a sucker for friends to lovers, like me, you're going to love this book.  Another sexy & funny, hot contemporary romance from Blakely.  She delivers a story that is "...perfectly sexy and sinful." while bringing you characters that are hopeful & daring to "Figure out what you want and go for it."  

Chemistry has been simmering for years between Ally & Miller.  To spite their best efforts to deny it, they are "...a glorious mix of dirty and sweet..." in this sultry & sensual, romantic, funny, witty banter filled & sweetly heart warming page turner.  A story of enjoying everything you've got & encouraging & loving on those you hold most dear.  About friendship, family & working the win-win-win for everyone.  You'll go from "...wriggle in the chair..." to watery eyed smiles before it's all said done.  

Thanks LB for the brand new appreciation for the snow.

"God bless snow.

God bless music.

God bless wild abandon."

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

✦ Amazon US/PB/UK

Once Upon a Real Good Time (Heartbreakers #1) by Lauren Blakely

   

BLURB
 

That smoking hot one-night stand with a former rock star?

 

Turns out he's my son's new music teacher. Oops.

But I didn't know that the night I met Campbell. All I knew was he played my body the same way he played a guitar — like he owned it.
 

My libido is still high-fiving me after being self-served for too many years, and we’re both ready for another night or two of fun, especially since we don’t just have chemistry in bed — we connect over everything.
 

That is, until I learn he’s the man who’ll be coming to my house twice a week to teach my son — the best music lessons money can buy.
 

Time to turn down the volume on our shenanigans. Only that’s easier said than done.

***

I can rock a guitar solo in front of thousands, I can write chart-topping tunes, and I can absolutely stop thinking about my student’s mother naked.
 

After all, I’m a single parent too, and I know what it’s like to put your kid first. That’s what I do every damn day.
 

Trouble is, now that I’ve had Mackenzie, it’s hard — and I do mean hard — to stop wanting her. Harder too when I get to know her, and learn she’s an awesome mom, a great friend, and, oh yeah, she happens to get along perfectly with my daughter.
 

All we have to do is set some rules. No dating, no nookie when the kids are around, and no one gets hurt.
 

It’s all working out beautifully. Until we start breaking the rules, one by one.
 

Making music with her in the bedroom is easy. But will we be more than just a real good time when the music stops?

MY REVIEW

Once Upon a Real Good Time by Lauren Blakely can be read as a standalone, but is also book one of her new Heartbreakers series.  A sexy & funny contemporary romance, Blakely delivers another fan favorite full of "Desire and happiness..." With a leading lady after my own heart "She's sexy and clever with a side of awkward." & a leading man with a big... heart, who believes in paying it forward. 

 

Sparks fly instantly in this super hot, romantic, funny, witty & sweetly heart warming page turner.  A story of overcoming tragedy, & putting those you love first.  About parenthood of the unconventionally beautiful kind, coming of age for kids & parents alike "...the big love I want to cherish always."  Finding bonds you never imagined & carving out a wonderful life from "unexpected moments turned into welcome opportunities."

 

I love the way Blakely continues to include New York City as a character all it's own.  The way she pushes her characters through struggles we can all relate to - the come out the other side & "Go for it."

 

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

 

✦ Kindle➜  https://amzn.to/2x4c3TI

✦ Paperback ➜https://amzn.to/2MeZFWv

✦ Audible ➜https://amzn.to/2O5bShU
 

Please Me (A Stark Ever After Novella) by J. Kenner

Each day with Damien is a miracle, each moment with our children a gift. And yet I cannot escape the growing sense that a storm is gathering, threatening to pull me away, to rip us apart. To drag me down, once again, into a darkness to which I swore never to return.

I have to fight it—I know that. And I am waging the battle with of all my heart. But it is Damien who is my strength, and we both know that the only way to push away the darkness is for him to fold me in his arms and claim me completely. And for me to surrender myself, once again, to the fire that burns between us.

Please Me, by J. Kenner, a 1001 Dark Nights novella from her Stark Ever After Series.  Short, sexy, mysterious & sweet.  The struggle of a working wife & mother wanting to spend quality time with her family is real.  The balancing act is in full affect, but something is off with the hubby who doubles as best friend in so many ways.  A getaway for the pair should get things back on track, as life goes on "...secrets or not, all is well in the world."...until it's not.  Hold on for a quick read that is as intense as it is erotic.  Secrets are uncovered as more drama is revealed, hooking fans new & old alike.

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

 

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

   

Mogul by Katy Evans

He's my most delicious secret.

The hot Suit I had a one-night stand with one evening.

I didn't know anything about him, not even his name.

Only that we shared a taxi, and he was staying at the hotel where I worked.

We met in room 301. Where he commanded not only my body but my soul.

The next day he was gone and I only had a memory of him.

I could still taste his kisses, feel his demanding touch.

I searched for him for months. Daydreaming about him. Wondering if I'd ever find him.

Until the day I find myself staring face to face with his jeweled black eyes again.

He says lets keep it casual, and my heart knows that falling for this workaholic in a three-thousand-dollar suit is off the table.

Because he has a secret. One that's a deal breaker for me.

My Suit has a name.

Ian Ford.

And this is our story. 

Told in first person from dual perspectives Mogul by Katy Evan includes characters from her book Tycoon.  This story hits the hot early with instant chemistry "...the most sexual being I have ever known." ~ "He has lit my fire and no one can quench it but him."   This Dirty Workaholic, aka hot Suit is ambitious, sexy, protective & possessive in all his perfectionist glory.  It only takes one night for him to turn Sara's life upside down, but she might be the only thing to make him consider a new beginning.  With raw, vulnerable romance & lessons on love learned "...love can be lost at any moment, but it can also be found. It can change and grow and shine and hurt..."   Trust is put to the ultimate test, "Communication, understanding, patience, loyalty-that's the stuff that makes it last." 

 

I enjoyed Sara, her free spirited brazenness mixed with a cautious nature, although maybe a little to cautious at times.  Ian - pure alpha character that would make any girl blush.  "...it was heart-stopping, toe-curling, panty-melting, and a little bit soul-wrenching--" 

Intrigued to see what Becka's story holds - coming next "Yes, please, and thank you,"

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

 

Amazon US/UK

 

Rebel Heart (Rush Series Duet, Book Two) by Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

 

BLURB
 

How to screw up a great summer in the Hamptons:

Sleep with your boss. Check.

Blow all your money on a rental you can’t afford. Check.

How to walk away from a man you fall in love with at the end of a summer:
 
…I’ll let you know when I figure it out.

 

 

Rebel Heart is the conclusion to the Rush Series Duet by Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland.  Told in first person, from dual perspectives, & picking up right where book one left off - this sexy contemporary romance book two will not disappoint.  Be prepared for a ridiculous amount of angst that will have you damn near coming out of your skin. "This shit was better than a Jerry Springer episode." A witty, sexy, & sweet second-chance romance that showcases uncertainty & resilience of the heart.

 

Rush & Gia have been through so much "...complex and amazing." in such a short time & "...so damn intense..." now they will face a truth that may very well break them.  The happiness they've had, sadly short-lived when a gut-wrenching twist of fate is revealed.  Journey with this couple as they work through life, death & shattered dreams to see what their hearts can hold & their future will be "The strength was within me all along. You brought it out in me." Still sexy in all the best ways, "...sweet, yet sensual and erotic." With continually loyal & protective friends & family.  A lesson in looking forward instead of back & letting love out weigh hate.

 

I loved this match from the start.  The way they both protect each other at the risk of everything they desire. "...the best and most bittersweet thing I'd ever witnessed."  The relationship & wisdom of Gia's dad "...kind and loving and the most dependable person on this planet." - simply love.

 

A beautifully complicated love story. 

 

"Life should be about living with uncertainty while we watch beautiful sunsets with the people we love."

 

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

 

Amazon US/UK