Only Ever You by CD Reiss

 

BLURB

Rachel knew exactly what turning thirty would be like. She had a plan, after all. First college, then a climb up the professional ladder. Love, marriage, children. All of it was on the schedule.

The cheap Hollywood apartment wasn’t on the list. Neither was the string of heartbreaks. Or the effect her mother’s cancer had on her career.

It’s hard to stay practical and on point when everything takes a left turn.

Enter Sebastian, the nerd across the street. The boy she defended when he couldn’t defend himself. The best friend she promised she’d marry if life didn’t go according to plan.

Not only is he successful, confident, and gorgeous, but he also still has their handwritten marriage contract.

No one goes through with childhood wedding pacts.

That’s crazy.

But their families might just be crazy enough to rent a hall and set a date. All Rachel and Sebastian have to do is fall in love.

MY REVIEW

Only Ever You by CD Reiss, a wonderful coming of age, friends to lovers tale of what happens when life doesn't go as planned.  A love defining story you won't be able to put down.  Prepare to be a simultaneously laughing, gasping, fist pumping & teary eyed - hot mess.

Told in first person, from dual perspectives, an emotional & funny "You know what happens to nerds. They get gorgeous and rich." love story with honesty & grit.  You will love Sebastian, vulnerable dweeb turned voice of reason & Rachel, brave heart turned uncertain mess.  Holy. Hot. Wow. Sexy "...gone weak kneed with anticipation." angst that is as tough to take for the reader as the characters.  Heartstring pulling & soul bearing as Sebastian & Rachel get to know each other again. "...old and new at the same time."  They'll work their way back & come to terms with who they are to themselves & each other.  "...the question of who we were and how we fit."  Striving to ensure the happiness of those they love so very much, all the while wrestling with emotions & fears that come with seeking love, success & overcoming illness.  Family & friends that will have you laughing out loud & whispering 'oh no's'.

The deep rooted friendship between Sebastian & Rachel combined with the courage to do what is right & live without apology makes this one of epic love story.  I haven't read a romance like this, that had me so invested in all of the characters so quickly.  Couldn't get enough of the witty banter that comes from knowing someone forever.  Like coming home.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

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

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

Trailer Park Heart by Rachel Higginson

Blurb:

Trailer park born and raised. It’s my legacy. That’s how my mama lived. And that’s how her mama lived. It’s the life I was born into and it’s the life I swore I would leave the second I was old enough to make it out.

Only legacies have a funny way of sneaking up on you. An innocent decision the night of high school graduation led to a series of complications in my plans to escape.

Seven years later, I’ve resigned myself to this small town and the roots I’m tied to. Nothing could make me leave. And nothing could make me spill the secrets that keep me here.

Until he walks back into town with a chip on his shoulder and a stupid hunch nobody else in town has been smart enough to follow.

Levi Cole is my opposite. Born on the right side of the tracks with family money to spare, he’s the kind of black sheep that can afford to be rebellious—because his family will always pay for his mistakes. He’s also the only living heir to Cole Family Farms, after his brother Logan was killed in duty seven years ago.

He sees something in my life that he thinks he has a right to. But he’s wrong. And obnoxious. And he needs to take his stubborn good looks and that intense way he looks at me and go back to wherever it was he came from.

I know better than to trust men like him. I was born and raised in a trailer park, I know nothing good happens to girls like me—girls with trailer park lives and trailer park hearts. Especially from gorgeous, kind, pigheaded men like him.

My Review

Trailer Park Heart by Rachel Higginson is a beautiful coming of age, second chance romance that will have you so hooked by the prologue, you won't be able to put down.  Angsty, funny & sweet, this sexy, emotion filled & heart wrenching tale will make your heart feel full.

You will be instantly drawn in by the "...lifetime of tug-of-war familiarity..."  between these characters "This man was my nemesis and yet he'd managed to light up my entire body with the tiniest touch and the smell of clean laundry."    Secrets & surprise twists you won't see coming are what are in store.  A "...life-altering, soul-shattering, world-rocking kiss." an irresistible pull, passion & the ability to be seen like no other ever had.  Friendships old & new, of the tried & true kind - Lessons in "...passion and promise, anger and truth." Learning to let go of the burdens of "...regret and humiliation and fear." & let others in. 

Written with so much heart, the genuine tenderness can't help but shine through.  I struggled with this review because I don't want to give away to much & spoil the pure beauty.  Couldn't get enough of Ruby's independence & fierce protectiveness of those she holds most dear - without apology.   Levi & the way he makes Ruby feel seen - knows her so well.  So much raw emotion, I absolutely loved this story. 

"...life is hard and heavy..." "...but its also beautiful and so full of joy and laughter and...purpose."

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

1001 Dark Nights Discovery Bundle Eighteen by Lara Adrian, Laurelin Paige, Kendall Ryan, Adriana Locke and Stacey Kennedy

 

About 1001 Dark Nights Bundle:
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Lara Adrian, Laurelin Paige, Kendall Ryan, and introducing Adriana Locke and Stacey Kennedy.

Five Dark Tales. Five Sensual Stories. Five Page Turners.

MIDNIGHT UNLEASHED: A Midnight Breed Novella by Lara Adrian Return to New York Times and #1 international bestselling author Lara Adrian’s “addictively readable” (Chicago Tribune) Midnight Breed vampire romance series with a pulse-pounding novella of paranormal seduction and dangerous thrills, where an icy immortal beauty and a lethal Gen One Hunter must confront a powerful enemy while struggling to deny the irresistible calling of their blood.

DIRTY FILTHY FIX: A Fixed Trilogy Novella by Laurelin Paige I like sex. Kinky sex. The kinkier the better. Every day, it’s all I think about as I serve coffee and hand out business agendas to men who have no idea I’m not the prim, proper girl they think I am. With a day job as the secretary to one of New York’s most powerful men, Hudson Pierce, I have to keep my double life quiet. As long as I do, it’s not a problem. Enter: Nathan Sinclair. Tall, dark and handsome doesn’t come close to describing how hot he is. And that’s with his clothes on.

THE BED MATE: A Room Mate Novella by Kendall Ryan I might be a typical guy, but these last few years, my love life’s been anything but. From crazy ex-girlfriends to one-night stands who are stage-five clingers, my relationships go bad faster than the milk in your fridge. The only constant has been my best friend Maggie.

Fresh off a bad breakup of her own, I invite Maggie to my guys’ skiing weekend knowing she needs an escape from reality. But then something funny starts to happen. I start noticing things about her that I never noticed before. But am I ready to screw up the best relationship I’ve ever had for a shot at something more?

LUCKY NUMBER ELEVEN: by Adriana Locke I’ve always been the person that does whatever someone tells me I can’t. Can’t graduate with a four-point-oh? Check. Can’t win a modeling contract without trying? Did it. Check. Can’t make it in the pro football league? Triple check with an MVP Award on top. When my best friend told me to stay away from his little sister, Layla, it didn’t sound like a challenge. Then again, I’d never seen her before. He obviously wasn’t thinking about who he was talking to if he believed I could ignore her. I obviously wasn’t thinking of him at all when I fell in love with her either.

HEARTBREAKER: Filthy Dirty Love Book 1 by Stacey Kennedy Veteran cop, Maddox Hunt, is all about the job. Sure, there are women—lots of women, truth be told—but there’s no one special. Until a one-night stand from his past, rookie Joss O’Neil is assigned to his division. Suddenly, all he can think about is her. Fresh out of field training, Joss has thrown herself into her job, determined to kick-start her career. And while police work has its thrills, her gorgeous new boss is what really gets her pulse pounding. Too bad he’s nothing but a distraction. Especially since he’s as devastatingly handsome as she remembers.

Every Dark Nights tale is breathtakingly sexy and magically romantic.

MY REVIEW

 

Excited to get my hands on this bundle & have the chance to check out some new to me, amazing authors!

MIDNIGHT UNLEASHED: A Midnight Breed Novella by Lara Adrian~ This one is a hot paranormal mystery thriller you won't be able to put down.  A fast paced read, it is sexy & intriguing with a mix of grief & regret, that will have you on the edge of your seat, in hopes that these characters can overcome their pasts with the hope for a happy ending in their future.  "Your blood. Your bond. Your love."

DIRTY FILTHY FIX: A Fixed Trilogy Novella by Laurelin Paige ~ Man, the blurb doesn't mislead - not only is this novella full of kink, it's got angst & romance that continues to draw you in.  So incredibly sexy hot, you won’t be able to sit still.  "...Cinderella-story kind of kink."  Where the not so traditional life plan might have met its match~ regardless of the rules.
 
THE BED MATE: A Room Mate Novella by Kendall Ryan ~ This perfectly paced novella, is a great standalone story. A sexy & oh so funny, friends to lovers – opposites attract story. The perfect amount of angst, with a sweet ending that won’t disappoint. I loved this little romance packed novella.

LUCKY NUMBER ELEVEN by Adriana Locke ~ A feel good sports  & forbidden romance combo that is sexy & sweet.  With instant chemistry, this romance is as hot & sexy as it is funny. Full of clever banter & so much sweet angst. Such a fun ride with these characters as they get to know each other.  Perfect angsty romance quick read.

HEARTBREAKER: Filthy Dirty Love Book 1 by Stacey Kennedy ~ A incredibly sexy, kinky erotic romance - this page turner will not disappoint.  "Sexy, unfinished business." The chemistry is smoldering from the start. You’ll be entrenched in angst & raw passion as these characters put their hearts on the line.  Emotional amongst all of the white hot kink.  Secrets are revealed, opening up a whole new world of possibilities for these lovers.

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

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.


Amazon US/UK

Tulsa (The Crow Brothers) by S.L. Scott

 

Blurb

From New York Times Bestselling Author, S.L. Scott, comes a hot new rock star romance that will sweep you off your feet and leave you with a smile.

The rumors are true. At least where I’m concerned.

Drummers hit it harder and do it better.

Women love me and I love them. But I like to think of myself as a sensitive soul trapped in a lady-killer’s body. Not so surprisingly, I’ve been called cocky a time or two. What can I say? We can’t all be boy scouts.

Nikki Faris has thrown off my rhythm. With her red lips, smart aleck mouth, short skirts, long legs, and blue-sky eyes, the beautiful lead singer has become a complete distraction on this tour.

She loves to give me a hard time when all I want to do is give her the pleasure of my hard—time right back.

Tulsa Crow can save his pick up lines, great eight-pack abs, and cute dimples to use on someone else. My band earned their spot on The Resistance’s tour just like The Crow Brothers. I’m not going to blow it getting sidetracked by a cocky rock star that wants to sleep his way through the states. I’ve been called a name or two, but easy isn’t one of them.

But the best intentions with him turn into a walk of shame for me. Only, I don’t feel shame. Instead, I’m doing the very thing I said I wouldn’t—falling for a playboy.

We make sinful music when we’re on the road, but what happens to our melody when the tour ends?

 

 

Tulsa, the second in S.L. Scott's The Crow Brothers series, just like the first book Spark, this one was not only worth the wait, but a awesome 5 star match.  Such a smooth start, with a ending that came far to soon.  Tulsa is the youngest & most free sibling & member of the Crow Brothers Band.  Nikki the little sister to her twin brother & voice to the Faris Wheel band.  Neither of them are looking for anything more than making solid careers of their music & loving their families to the fullest.  

 

Told in first person, from dual perspectives, this story will bring you angst & romance, a secret, a shock & a surprise or two, before circling back again.  Funny & sexy "I have no idea if he'd live up to that smirk, but I'm not opposed to finding out." With a chemistry that is more than physical from the start.  These characters are full of quick wit & snark, talented & dreamy "He winks. I swoon. We're a bad habit I don't want to break."  Family & friends who transcend love, devotion, support & understanding better than anyone else "Whether bandmate or brother, we stick together."  The kind of strong connections between characters that make sacrifices, take risks & overcome what life throws at them to heal heart & soul.  Characters that are "...real, raw, honest, and genuine."

 

"Scars don't matter. Trust. Respect. Love. Communication is key."

 I just love Tulsa - a real man, for a real woman.  Nikki - "I became the hero of my own story." just wow. The love of music & performing these characters have & the way S.L. puts us as the readers right there with them - awesome "This is church, the audience our disciples. As we preach, they pray."  Two words A-MEN  
"Live life to the fullest and always give 'em you good side."

Such a wonderful read.

 
Looking forward to Rivers story coming this summer.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

AMAZON US / UK

 

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