review

Review: Lap of Luxury by Brianna Hale

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The Cover: I think this cover is GORGEOUS. I love the silver and the cover model is smoking! A book I definitely want in paperback form ASAP. 

Basics: Lap of Luxury was released on October 22nd 2019 and is the second book the Love Don’t Cost A Thing series. Genre wise Lap of Luxury belongs to contemporary romance and dark romance.

Description: Captive. Pet. Lover. Pawn… Darkness lives inside Damir Ravnikar, and that darkness craves one thing: me. Rich, ruthless, and handsome as sin, Damir’s promised me the world to make up for my life’s myriad disappointments. But his promise comes with a price.

Damir intends to use me to hunt down his double-crossing brother. With every jewel, every kiss, I can feel myself losing my morals, my freedom and even my sanity. Because darkness lives inside me, too. He’s laying my deepest secrets bare, and there’s nothing I can do to stop him. My name is Bethany, and I’ve fallen into the lap of luxury.

***Author’s note: Contains explicit scenes, dubcon and dark romantic themes. This book is NOT a standalone. No cliffhanger.***
Lap of Luxury Teaser 2.jpgOverall thoughts: Bethany gets caught up in her boss’ mess and gets taken away by his brother, Damir. Although he is out of mind and on the run from the police, Bethany can’t help but be drawn to him and vice versa with Damir. He wants her by his side, no matter what the cost. I don’t want to get into detail without spoiling the book but this was a very dark book. I happen to like dark books but be warned, it is dark and frankly Brianna Hale is a great dark romance writer. 

Overall I really loved Lap of Luxury and I wish there were a dozen more books because this series really enthralls me and I know that I will be reading these duet for years to come! 

My Rating: 5/5 Shells
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Buy Lap of Luxury:
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/31M9HH9
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/35gYAIv
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2Mh0C2x
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/31SGYQY

In the Series:
Come to Daddy (Love Don’t Cost a Thing #1)
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2DXhWa2

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2Sr5FPe
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2Edh7ea
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2zKuvCG
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About the Author: There’s nothing Brianna Hale likes more than a large, stern alpha male with a super-protective and caring streak, and when she’s not writing about them she can usually be found with a book, a cocktail, planning her next trip to a beautiful location or attending the theatre. She believes that pink and empowerment aren’t mutually exclusive, and everyday adventures are possible. Brianna lives in London.

Follow Brianna:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briannahalebooks/

Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BriannasBesties/
Website: https://briannahale.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannahalebooks/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/_brianna_hale_
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2RDbF88
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/2gSqqTR

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Review: Getting Played by Emma Chase

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The Cover: I think the cover for Getting Played is very typical romance cover and it isn’t is my favorite but it is a nice cover. 

Basics: Getting Played was released on October 8th, 2019 and is 241 pages. Genre wise Getting Played belongs to contemporary romance. 

Description: Dean Walker is all about keeping life simple. He’s effortlessly talented and intelligent—spending his summers playing drums in the local band and the rest of the year teaching high school in the same Jersey town where he grew up. He likes his love-life simple too, enjoying the commitment-free hook-ups his good looks and sexy charm have always made oh-so easy. Then he meets Lainey Burrows. And his simple, easy life gets turned upside down.

One wild one-night stand was all it was ever supposed to be, so Lainey is shocked when she discovers that her sizzling summer fling is also her son’s new math teacher. But that’s nothing compared to the most unexpected twist of all—their hot hook-up left Lainey knocked-up, and now they’re about to become parents. Together. What ensues is an addictive, insatiable, sweet and tender romance that won’t be simple, but it will be more than worth the fight.  **A stand-alone, contemporary romance.**

Overall thoughts: It’s been a hot minute since I’ve read a book by Emma Chase, so I was ecstatic to be given the opportunity to read Getting Played. The whole romance, accidental pregnancy genre when it comes to romance books isn’t my favorite thing to read about, but I was pleasantly surprised with this book. 

When a one night stand turns into a bit of a Shakespearean drama, (the one night stand Lainey has with ends up being her son’s math teacher AND she finds out she’s pregnant with his child?!) Getting Played really picks up and doesn’t stop there. The twists are something I really enjoyed about this book, again with the whole one night stand turning into something even bigger…I really liked that aspect a lot. Again, the whole pregnancy romance trope isn’t my favorite, but Getting Played delivers where a romance book needs to. The trope wasn’t my cup of tea, but Emma Chase is a wonderful romance writer and any romance reader would enjoy this book! 

My Rating: 5/5 Shells
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Buy Getting Played:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2IqawOQ
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/GettingPlayedEC
Audible Audiobook: http://bit.ly/gettingplayed
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2uV5cv7

Nook: http://bit.ly/2VzvVZT
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2X1JdhM
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2IqcPkU
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2DiLjmn

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2InZUA5

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About the Author:
 New York Times bestselling author Emma Chase writes contemporary romance novels known for their clever banter, emotional, and sexy, swoonworthy moments. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages around the world. 

Emma lives in New Jersey with her amazing husband, two spirited children, and two adorable, but badly behaved, dogs. She has a long standing love/hate relationship with caffeine.

Follow Emma:
You can find Emma at https://authoremmachase.com
Facebook: http://bit.ly/AuthorEmmaChaseFB
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/AuthorEmmaChaseGR
Instagram: http://bit.ly/AuthorEmmaChaseIG
Twitter: http://bit.ly/AuthorEmmaChaseTw
Amazon: http://bit.ly/AuthorEmmaChaseAmz
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/AuthorEmmaChaseBB

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Review: Mr. Mayfair by Louise Bay

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The Cover: I LOVE this cover! I look how it has a comic vibe and the colors are vivid and eye catching! So pretty!

Basics: Mr. Mayfair was released on October 1st 2019 and is 296 pages long. Genre wise Mr. Mayfair belongs to contemporary romance. 

Description: It should be the most shocking news I’d ever gotten—My boyfriend is getting married. Okay, technically he’s my ex-boyfriend. Two months ago he decided he wanted a break. I still thought he was my happily ever after. On any other day, knowing he was gone for good would be the worst thing that could possibly happen. But not today. Because not only is my boyfriend getting married—his bride is my best friend. And they’ve sent me an invitation. There’s no way I’m going to attend.  I don’t care if it’s in beautiful Scotland.  Nothing and no one could convince me.

Not even when a deliciously handsome stranger tells me he needs to go as my plus one. Not even when he shoots me a wickedly, sexy smile. But then he offers me the opportunity of a lifetime—a dream come true. How can I say no? But I have one condition. He has to be my new boyfriend. I mean, my pretend new boyfriend. I’m about to find out that faking it can be a whole lot of fun.
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Overall thoughts: Mr. Mayfaire by Louise Bay was a such a fun read! It actually reminded me a lot of The Wedding Date movie which was probably the reason why I loved it so much! Stella just found out her boyfriend is marrying her best friend out of the blue. From taking a break from each other to getting married out of the blue. YIKES was my first thought when I found that situation, poor Stella! To make matters worse, she even gets invited to the wedding! Stella isn’t even considering going until Beck gets involved. Beck has his own reasons for wanting to get invited to this wedding, Stella is his ticket in. He didn’t plan on falling for her, but the attraction between them grows more and more each. Both Beck and Stella wanted to go to the wedding for their own reasons, Beck for his ambition and Stella to show face that she is okay without her horrible ex-boyfriend. It’s a fake wedding date, until it isn’t. 

Loved Mr. Mayfair! A great contemporary romance read with enough angst to make it even more spicer, great job Louise!

My Rating: 5/5 Shells
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Buy Mr. Mayfair:
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2mZGngY
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2mQGLi5
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2nOm46j
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2nRrcqw
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2koPxTc
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2kzA6rg
B&N: http://bit.ly/2k9mG56

Start listening today!
Audible US : https://adbl.co/2lIsrYgAudible
UK : https://adbl.co/2mkmml1

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About the Author: 
USA Today bestselling author, Louise Bay writes sexy, contemporary romance novels – the kind she likes to read. Her books include the novels Faithful (not currently on sale as undergoing maintenance!), HopefulThe Empire State Series, The Royals Series, The Nights Series (both series of standalone books each following different characters) and the standalone Gentleman series.

Ruined by romantic mini-series of the eighties, Louise loves all things romantic. There’s not enough of it in real life so she disappears into the fictional worlds in books and films. Louise loves the rain, The West Wing, London, days when she doesn’t have to wear make-up, being on her own, being with friends, elephants and champagne. She loves to hear from readers so get in touch!

Follow Louise:
Website: https://louisebay.com/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/authorlouisebay
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/louisesbay
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louiseSbay
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2VSsbDb
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8056592.Louise_Bay
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/louise-bay

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Review: Misadventures in Blue by Sierra Simone

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The Cover: Misadventures book covers are very simple and I think this cover is perfect for Misadventures in Blue. 

Basics: Misadventures in Blue was released on September 24th 2019, published by Waterhouse Press and is 216 pages longe. Genre wise Misadventures in Blue belongs to contemporary romance. 

Description: Senior Detective Cat Day has one hard and fast rule about dating: no cops. They live hard and die young—a truth she’s faced every day since her fiancé’s tragic death several years ago. But when rookie Jace Sutton shows up to work the same burglary investigation, she feels desire she hasn’t felt in years.

Jace knows what he wants the minute Detective Day strolls onto his crime scene in heels and a pencil skirt tailored by God himself. He wants to thaw the legendary Ice Queen, and it only takes one hot, dirty night for Jace to realize he wants more. Much, much more.

But more is the last thing Cat wants from any cop—especially a playboy rookie like Jace. As the burglary investigation heats up and he repeatedly puts himself in danger, Cat must ask herself if Jace will be as reckless with her heart as he is with his life.
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Overall thoughts: I am a HUGE fan of Sierra Simone, HUGE. But lately her recent releases have either confused or really disappointed me and sadly Misadventures in Blue was super disappointing. While the written aspects of this book and the chemistry of Jace and Cat is amazing, I honestly feel like it’s the same book she wrote with Laurelin Paige, Hot Cop. Some of the plot has been changed but again, to me it was like I re-reading Hot Cop. I loved that book and I was excited to read this one, but changing a few details in a story doesn’t completely change it when you re-use it for an old one.

She is a great romance writer and one of my favorite authors but I did not enjoy this book.

My Rating: 3/5 Shells
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Buy Misadventures in Blue:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2TWtWNT 

Print: https://amzn.to/2FGJq4B 
Nook: http://bit.ly/2SYEYlK 
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2Cr4MzZ 
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2svwV4j 
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2FG8YyX 

Sierra
About the Author:
Sierra is a voracious reader of all things including the smuttiest smut, young adult, piles of non-fiction for research, and everything Bill Bryson (especially on audio). She loves writing the dirtiest things that she can think of, King Arthur, sparkling water, Tarot, coffee, leggings, and learning new words daily.

Her previous jobs have included firing ceramics, teaching living history lessons in a one-room schoolhouse in full, 1908-approved school marm attire, and working as a librarian for several years—not in that order. She lives in the Kansas City area with her hot cop husband, two children, and two giant dogs. (And two cats, but they’re so naughty we don’t talk about them.)

Follow Sierra:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sierra-Simone-497450453680395/?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheSierraSimone
Amazon : http://amzn.to/1PDR4K4
Goodreads : http://bit.ly/1oo9WEh
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/thesierrasimone/
Website: http://authorsierrasimone.com/
Subscribe to Sierra’s newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/sinner-sneakpeek

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Review: Cocky Player by Stacey Lynn

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The Cover: I love the colors and the model for Cocky Player, I just we could see more of the model’s face? 

Basics: Cocky Player was released on September 24th 2019, book #4 in the Rough Riders series and is 282 pages long. Genre wise Cocky Player belongs to contemporary romance and sports romance. 

Description: Like most guys I have a type— she wasn’t mine. Not at all.

The angelic beauty on the dance floor has innocence written all over her. But I can’t
stay away. And when she runs from me, leaving me wanting more, I can’t get her out of my head.

Turns out finding her won’t be too hard. My mystery virgin is the new marketing
assistant for the Rough Riders Football team. And the owner’s daughter.
She wants to lose her virginity and she’s come to me for one thing, and one thing
only. I’ll gladly help her out, but we have to be careful no one discovers us.
The last thing I need is for my boss to find out I’ve been teaching his baby girl all my dirtiest plays.
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Overall thoughts: I was so EXCITED when Stacey Lynn announced she was writing another book for the Rough Rider series, yay! In real life I do not like football that much and I don’t enjoy it, however I am in love with sports romance books and the Rough Riders series by Stacey Lynn is one of my favorites!

Cocky Player focuses on Brenna and Connor: the daughter of the owner of the Rough Rider with a troubled past and Connor the running back for the Rough Riders. After finishing up college and coming back home, Brenna has decided to take matters into her own hands to lose her virginity and on her own terms. She didn’t think the man she would pick would be a star football player or her father’s employee. 

Although resistant at first, Connor can’t stand away from Brenna and she can’t stay from him. Connor agrees to help her and both of them agree to just stay like this, nothing more. A strictly physical relationship, Connor teaching Brenna the ropes. As they spend more and more time together, the Raleigh Rough Riders finds himself growing more and more attracted to Brenna. She feels the same, but her past and his popularity threaten to tear them apart really before they could even begin.

I loved Cocky Player! It was a wonderful sports romance read and I love how heartfelt Brenna and Connor’s love story was! My only complaint was that I wish there was more written of their relationship as it got more and more established but other than another favorite book to add to my shelf! 

My Rating: 5/5 Shells
5 shells

Buy Cocky Player: 
Amazon: http://mybook.to/cockyplayer
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2YMZhJW
Nook: http://bit.ly/30eGLqc
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2lXGmt7
Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/31LZSZ7

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About the Author:
When Stacey Lynn isn’t conquering mountains of laundry and fighting a war against dust bunnies and cracker crumbs, you can find her playing with her children, curled up on the couch with a good book, or behind closed doors, imagining the next adventures she’ll soon write.

She lives off her daily pot of coffee, can only write with a bowlful of Skittles nearby, and has been in love with romance novels since before she could drive herself to the library. Stacey Lynn lives with her husband and children in North Carolina.

Follow Stacey:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/staceylynnbooks
Twitter: @staceylynnbooks
Instagram: www.instagram.staceylynn.author
Website: http://www.staceylynnbooks.com
Stay up to date on Stacey’s latest news! Subscribe to her Newsletter today! http://www.staceylynnbooks.com/contact

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Review: Big Shot by Katy Evans

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The Cover: I think the cover of Big Shot is gorgeous and very aesthetically pleasing. I love how the red and gold colors mesh with the cover model and the city skyline background. 

Basics: Big Shot was released on August 6th 2019, published by Harlequin Desire and is 224 pages long. Genre wise Big Shot belongs to contemporary romance.

Description: He always gets his way…until he meets his match.
 “I need you back. Now.” —William Walker

I can’t believe I’m letting my ex-boss talk me into working for him again. He’s arrogant. Domineering. He gets under my skin in ways I don’t want to admit. When I quit, it felt great! But now, seeing the big, bad billionaire rendered helpless by a baby, I give in to his demand. And I’m worried it won’t be the last time… —India Crowley

Overall thoughts: Big Shot is Katy Evans first single dad romance book and I absolutely loved it! India and William sizzle off the pages as you read, oh my goodness! At first it seems like the two can’t stand each other (a great start to any romance book in my opinion, I mean..hello? Elizabeth and Darcy?!) but little by little they can’t stop their attraction for one another. I’m new in regards to office romance stories but the whole enemies to lovers trope is something I like reading about and I really did enjoy this book! 

My Rating: 5/5 Shells
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Buy Big Shot:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2md1tI0
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/2khFAXz
iBooks: https://apple.co/2lOAm64
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2matPTd

About the Author: Katy Evans is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her debut REAL shot to the top of the bestselling lists in 2013 and since then 9 of her titles have been New York Times bestsellers. Her books have been translated into nearly a dozen languages across the world. 

Follow Katy:
Email: katyevansauthor@gmail.com
Facebook: http://bit.ly/KatyEvansFB
Twitter:  http://bit.ly/KatyEvansTW
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/KatyEvansGR
Instagram: http://bit.ly/KatyEvansIG
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/KatyEvansBB
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2KpY9nR
Website: http://www.katyevans.net/
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/KatyEvansNews
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Review: Pan by Gina L. Maxwell

Pan
The Cover: I LOVE the cover of Pan! The cover model is exactly how I imagined to look like from how he was described in the book and it’s just so swoon worthy! Yes, you read that right: SWOON WORTHY. 

Basics: Pan was released on January 22nd 2019 and is 268 pages long. Genre wise Pan belongs to contemporary romance. 

Description: Once upon a time, in Neverland, North Carolina–I fell in love. I was twelve when Peter first climbed up to my balcony. Thirteen when I sneaked out to see him at the School for Lost Boys. Seventeen when his touch made me fly, and eighteen when his words made me cry. We were magnetic, drawn to each other from that very first night, and what I thought would be forever. But when it came time for me to leave, he wouldn’t come with, so I left town with a map for my future and a shattered heart.

Ten years later, I’ve returned to Neverland, hoping to find a man in place of the boy.

Peter was partially right, growing up is no fun. After quitting my fancy career that sucked the magic out of life, I’m now organizing the fundraiser of the year. In a move that could make or break the event and my new company, I’ve hired Peter, master mechanic and owner of LB Automotive, to help me pull this off–trusting him to rebuild a classic car for the auction that could help hundreds of foster kids in need.

I thought I was prepared, but the boy who refused to leave is now a man hell-bent on getting me to stay, and as sparks fly between us, that undeniable fire flares back to life, deeper and hotter than ever. But that ripped body doesn’t mean Peter’s matured enough to make us or this event work, and not everyone in Neverland is happy about my return.

Not every wound heals.
Not every heart can be fixed.
Not every boy grows up.
And after all this time, the love we found might be lost to us again…this time, forever.
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Overall thoughts: Pan was my first Gina L. Maxwell novel and I couldn’t be more delighted! If you’ve been reading and following my blog for awhile now you should know that I love fairytale/fantasy retellings stories. Put them in a contemporary setting and that makes it even better! Pan definitely exceeded my expectations especially since the Peter Pan story is very near and dear to my heart. 

Peter Pan and Wendy Darling were childhood sweethearts long ago, but due to difference circumstances between them they were separated. Years later Peter has never stopped loving Wendy; and when she comes back into town, back to Neverland with a request Peter jumps at the chance to help and get her back into this life again, permanently this time. If you really think about it Peter Pan is the perfect opportunity and story to turn into a contemporary novel, especially a romance one. The main issue that Peter and Wendy struggle with is their family/social structures. Wendy has a financially stable and loving family whereas Peter has no parents and his only family is a group of fellow and younger kids. Plus the person watching them is a complete and utter jerk. There a few changes and rightfully so, but they are very well done and with each new twist within Pan I became more and more excited. 

Peter and Wendy’s relationship is lovely and like the beautiful cover of this book is completely swoon worthy. I mean come on! Your childhood love doing everything he can to win you back? Swoon worthy. I really loved Pan and I wish I found Maxwell sooner because her writing is fantastic! Pan is a must contemporary romance read and I am over the moon excited for Hook’s book! 

My Rating: 5/5 Shells
5 shells

Buy Pan:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/2KaVT2x
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2MtWWMm
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2Kic7Wl

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About the Author:
Gina L. Maxwell is a full-time writer, wife, and mother living in the upper Midwest, despite her scathing hatred of snow and cold weather. An avid romance novel addict, she began writing as an alternate way of enjoying the romance stories she loves to read. Her debut novel, Seducing Cinderella, hit both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists in less than four weeks, and she’s been living her newfound dream ever since.

When she’s not reading or writing steamy romance novels, she spends her time losing at Scrabble (and every other game) to her high school sweetheart, doing her best to hang out with their teenagers before they fly the coop, and dreaming about her move to sunny Florida once they do.

You can find her and all her online homes at www.ginalmaxwell.com.

Follow Gina:
Website: http://ginalmaxwell.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginalmaxwell/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/gina_l_maxwell
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2pHgDC2

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blog tour · excerpt

Blog Tour & Excerpt: Lies by Kylie Scott

Lies, a steamy, fast paced standalone filled with the perfect blend of heat and humor from New York Times bestselling author Kylie Scott, is available now!
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Blurb: Betty Dawsey knows that breaking things off with Thom Lange is for the best. He’s nice, but boring, and their relationship has lost its spark. But steady and predictable Thom, suddenly doesn’t seem so steady and predictable when their condo explodes and she’s kidnapped by a couple of crazies claiming that Thom isn’t who he says he is.

Thom is having a hellish week. Not only is he hunting a double agent, but his fiancé dumped him, and thanks to his undercover life, she’s been kidnapped. Turns out Thom is Operative Thom and he’s got more than a few secrets to share with Betty if he’s going to keep her alive. With both their lives on the line, their lackluster connection is suddenly replaced by an intense one. But in his line of work, feelings aren’t wanted or desired. Because feelings can be a lethal distraction.

Download your copy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Mpws0a

AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2Z7eEIE
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/LiesKS
Nook: http://bit.ly/2WdNaPZ
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2Z3ME8X
Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/2XzZz1O

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/31cAz3h
Lies Kylie Scott.jpgExcerpt: “You’re going to break his heart.”

“No, I’m not,” I say. “That’s sort of the whole point. If I really thought leaving him would break his heart, then I probably wouldn’t be leaving him in the first place.”

My best friend, Jen, does not look convinced.

Boxes fill a good half of the room. What a mess. Who knew you could accumulate so much junk in only twelve months? At least we weren’t together so long that I can’t remember who owns what. One year is about the sweet spot for this issue in relationships, apparently.

“The fact of the matter is, we’re not in love. We have no business being engaged, let alone getting married.” I sigh. “Have you seen the packing tape?”

“No. He’s just such a nice guy.”

“I’m not debating that.” I climb to my feet, then head up the stairs to the second bedroom. Thom’s unofficial workout room/home office. Not a room I normally go into. But it only takes a bit of rummaging to find what I’m looking for. Whatever else might be said about them, insurance assessors are organized. The bottom drawer of Thom’s desk has a neat stash of stationery. I grab a couple rolls of thick tape. 

“And leaving him this way…” Jen continues as I head back down.

“How many times have I told him we need to talk? He’s always putting it off, saying it’s not a good time. And now he’s away again. I’ve been messaging him for the last week and he barely replies.”

“You know he has to drop everything once a job comes up. I realize he’s not the most exciting guy, Betty, but—”

“I know.” I smack down a line of tape with extra zest, sealing the lid of the last box. In this Operation Abandon Ship Posthaste, I know I’m definitely slightly the bad guy. But not totally. Say sixty/forty. Or maybe seventy/thirty. It’s hard to tell to what degree. “I do know all of that. But he’s always busy with work or away on some business trip. What am I supposed to do?”

A sigh from Jen.

“When you realize you’ve made such a monumental mistake, it’s hard to sit and wait to fix things. Nor is it fair on either of us to keep up the pretense.”

“Guess so.”

“And the fact that he’s yet again made no effort to prioritize our relationship and make a little time for me in his busy schedule is just further proof that I’ve made the right choice in ending this now before it gets any more complicated. End of rant.”

Nothing from her.

“Anyway, you’re supposed to be on my side. Stop questioning me.”

“You wanted to get married and have children so badly.”

“Yeah.” I sit back on my heels. “I blame it all on playing with Ken and Barbie’s dreamhouse when I was little. But it turns out that being in a relationship with the wrong person can be even lonelier than being alone.”

Jen and I have been friends since sharing a room in college. We’ve witnessed the bulk of each other’s dating ups and downs. For some reason, I’m the type of girl who guys will go out with, but don’t tend to stick with. Apparently, I’m fuckable—just not girlfriend material. Maybe it’s my smart mouth. Maybe it’s the whole not fitting current societal expectations of beauty i.e. I’m fat. Maybe I was born under an unlucky star. I don’t know; it’s their loss. Like anyone, I have my faults, but all in all, I’m awesome. And I have a lot to give. Too often in the past few months, I’ve had to keep reminding myself of this fact.

“There are just so many jerks out there,” Jen says. “I was happy that you’d found a good one.”

“I think I’d prefer a jerk who was genuinely into me than a nice guy phoning it in.

Honestly, I’d rather go adopt a dozen cats and settle into old age and isolation than be with someone who treats me as if I’m an afterthought.”

She looks at me for a long moment, then nods slowly. “I’m sorry it didn’t work out.”

“Me too.”

“Time to start filling up the cars. Boy, do you owe me.”

I smile. “That I do.”

Jen stands and stretches before picking up one of the boxes labeled kitchen. “I just didn’t want you to do something you’d regret, you know?”

“I know. Thank you.”

Alone in the two-bedroom condo, everything is silent. My parting letter sits waiting on the coffee table with his name written on the front. A slight bulge in the envelope betrays the shape of my engagement ring. It’s a sweet, simple ring. One small diamond perched on a band of yellow gold. My hand feels wrong without it. Naked. They say there are different love languages and you have to take the time to learn your partner’s needs. It’s like he and I never quite got there. Or maybe I’m just crappy at relationships.

The bridal magazines I’d collected are in the trash. Perhaps I should have taken them into the florist shop where I work so someone could get some use out of them. But this feels more symbolic, more definite. My family are a couple of states away, and I have only a few of what I’d classify as good friends. Being an introvert makes it hard to meet people. A boyfriend, a husband, would mean I’m no longer alone. Someone cares about me and puts me first. At least part of the time. Only Thom doesn’t any of the time, so here we are.

I tighten my ponytail of long dark hair. Then, in a rare display of dexterity that my yoga instructor would be proud of, I stack three boxes in my arms and head outside into the hot afternoon sun. Jen’s Honda Civic is parked at the curb, the trunk standing open as she moves things about inside. My old Subaru sits in the driveway waiting to be filled. Birds are singing and insects chirping. It’s your typical mild autumn day in California. 

That’s when the condo blows up behind me.

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About the Author:
 
Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013, 2014 & 2018, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet. 

Connect with Kylie Scott
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2XujcZh
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Website: https://kyliescott.com/

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release blitz · review

Review: Million Dollar Marriage by Katy Evans

From New York Times bestselling author Katy Evans comes a hot romance about two strangers and their race to fall in love. Million Dollar Marriage, an all-new standalone contemporary romance by Katy Evans is LIVE!

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The Cover: I ADORE the cover for Million Dollar Marriage! The color schedule, the gray background with the smoldering model staring at the reader…I love it all! Very dreamy and romantic, I can’t wait to grab it in paperback and put it on my bookshelf! 

Basics: Million Dollar Marriage was released on July 23rd 2019, published Montlake Romance and is 272 pages long. Million Dollar Marriage genre wise belongs to contemporary romance. 

Description: If someone had bet Nell a million dollars that she would be saying “I do” to a complete stranger on national television, she’d have called them crazy, but with her crushing student loan payments sending her deep into the red, she’s out of options. This should be nothing more than a business transaction—until she sets eyes on her groom, and everything changes.

The game is on the instant Luke spots Penelope “Nell” Carpenter. He’s out for the money, yes, but getting a little dirty with Nell doesn’t sound too bad either. Everyone knows he’s not the marrying kind, so it’s a good thing it’s just for show. God knows he’s the worst guy his pretty wife should pick for real.

They have nothing in common, but if they want the grand prize, they’ll have to beat out eight other couples. Proving that total opposites attract should be easy enough…as long as they don’t fall in love in the process.
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Overall thoughts: Million Dollar Marriage is about Luke and Nell, two people who desperately need cash because of their bad financial situations. When you need something bad enough, people do crazy things….such as joining a reality show which is exactly what Nell and Luke do. They are complete opposites: Nell is the quiet, hardworking, no nonsense student while Luke is outgoing, loud, social extrovert. They join the show for money not to like one another or most of all, fall in love. Opposites attract as they say and that is exactly what happens between the two love birds. Apparently reality television isn’t all fake! 

Million Dollar Marriage was funny, with added touches of romcom and contemporary romance to wrap it up into one great book! As an avid romance reader I really enjoyed the reality show plot and I always enjoy it when two characters who don’t like each other end up falling for each other. All in all, another great Katy Evans book to add to my growing collection and Million Dollar Marriage is a must read for any contemporary romance lover! 

My Rating: 5/5 Shells
5 shells

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Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2GSkbNv

Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/MillionDollarMarriage
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About the Author: Katy Evans is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her debut REAL shot to the top of the bestselling lists in 2013 and since then 9 of her titles have been New York Times bestsellers. Her books have been translated into nearly a dozen languages across the world. 

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Release Blitz: Call of Night by Emily Goodwin

Call of Night, Book #3 in the paranormal romance Thorne Hill series by Emily Goodwin is LIVE!
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Blurb: True love never dies. Not even when those around me are trying to kill it. With vampire bounty hunters still out for me, having the Grand Coven accuse me of treason against witches is the last thing I need. No one should tell me who I can and cannot love.

Determined not to let anyone or anything get in our way, Lucas and I decide to lay low for a while and let everything blow over with my coven while Lucas hunts for the vampires who tried to kidnap me. But things, of course, don’t go according to plan, and when I stumble upon an ancient evil force hiding out in the underground of Chicago, we realize our forbidden romance is the least of our worries.

As we search for a way to defeat unbeatable odds, I start to discover that things aren’t what they seem…including my very existence.
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Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Y3eIbp

Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/CallofNight
Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2SoI56Z

About the Author: Emily Goodwin is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of over a dozen of romantic titles. Emily writes the kind of books she likes to read, and is a sucker for a swoon-worthy bad boy and happily ever afters. 

She lives in the midwest with her husband and two daughters. When she’s not writing, you can find her riding her horses, hiking, reading, or drinking wine with friends. Emily is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency. 

Connect with Emily:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/emilygoodwinbooksInstagram: www.instagram.com/authoremilygoodwin
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2EPLbu3
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Amazon: http://amzn.to/2pEHdf8

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