My Summer Girl Books

Shot to the heart and you're to blame - Undaunted by Ronnie Douglas blog tour

2015-09-27T17:12:00.003-04:00

Being fearless never looked so good. . .

Aubrey Evans needs to get her life back on track after her father is indicted for embezzlement. All she has to do to hightail it out of small-town Tennessee is save up money for college tuition and steer clear of hard-muscled boys on motorcycles. Yet there's no ignoring someone like Zion. A knight in black leather, Zion looks like every bad idea she's been told to avoid, but she can't resist him. Whenever she's in trouble, he's there. Appealing as his rough exterior may be, it's the protective, principled man beneath who tempts her like crazy.

Zion knows Aubrey doesn't intend to stick around. She claims to want only friendship, but he senses there's a naughty girl hiding on the inside—one whose intense desires match his own. For now, he'll be patient and play by her rules. But he knows it's just a matter of time before he weakens her resolve.

As they join forces to figure out who's behind a local crime spree, it's clear that the danger goes deeper than Aubrey guessed. And when she needs someone tall, dark, and undaunted to keep her safe, Zion intends to be there—now and always.

Recently, I've become obsessed with biker books. For some reason the bad boy aesthetic is really appealing to me right now. Unfortunately, none of the few biker books I've tried reading* have clicked with me yet. As much as I wanted Undaunted to break the cycle, it just didn't come together enough to provide what I was looking for. That's a bit strange considering Ronnie Douglas is the alter ego of an author whose books I've enjoyed in the past.

The biggest issue I had with Undaunted was the plot and drama seemed to override any character development. For instance, Zion/ Killer, has decided he feels proprietary over Aubrey/Red the first night he meets her after rescuing her from a bad decision. I can go along with that.

But, as Killer and Aubrey get closer it becomes clear what Killer "does for the club," even though nothing explicit is shown and barely even gets talked about. Aubrey has a huge problem with his "job," in spite of knowing from the beginning this is what he does. Killer as a nickname isn't exactly subtle. There's this crazy hot and cold drama from Aubrey. She wants him, but she doesn't want him to give up his life, but she hates his life? And Killer totally feeds into it.

By the end Killer is talking about enlisting in the Marines, leaving his only family in the motorcycle club, and doing a whole 180 with his life. Which I wouldn't have minded in the least, if I felt like his character had actually developed into wanting something more for himself instead of playing into Aubrey's knee-jerk fears about the biker lifestyle.

Keep in mind this need for change from Killer after he's been shot in the climax of the book. He's still more focused on pleasing Aubrey than worrying about the fact he had to take a bullet for her. And the shooting wasn't even part of all the bad biker stuff Aubrey was worried about. It made her fears of the life seem unnecessary, which invalidated a lot of the power in her arguments against her and Killer's relationship.

Aubrey's constant tug-of-war over how she felt about Killer just ruined the story for me. I can understand her being uncertain about him, but the amount of times she overthought something or went completely hot and cold made her a weaker character than I'd like. Her indecision itself didn't bother me, but how often it was brought up and how huge it loomed in the book did.

Honestly, by the end I was more interested in Aubrey's grandmother and Zion's Dad's past story. I would have rather read a book about a fierce single mom gettin' some from a hot biker many years her junior and the struggles associated with that than Zion and Aubrey's book.

In spite of what this review may make you think, I didn't dislike the book. The structure and plot were solid. The drama was juicy. I loved the hot make-outs. But the glaring lack of character development was too big a problem to ignore. After a while I couldn't relate to Aubrey and I never understood what was going on in Killer's head.

If you're a die hard Melissa Marr fan or a reader who likes harder-edged romance and doesn't mind a few gaps in character development, I'd tell you to read the book. Otherwise, I'd borrow the book from a friend or the library before committing to purchasing it.

*Biker books I've picked up:

- Ride the Wind by Kristin Ashley - Liked the characters, but the huge time gaps made me feel like I was missing a lot and was reading a disjointed story. Haven't finished yet, but might.

- There You Stand by Christina Lee - Liked the story, but wasn't a fan of all the drama and mystery surrounding everything. It was drug out to the point I was more focused on when it was all going to get resolved than what was actually happening.

Keep reading for an awesome excerpt of Undaunted and a giveaway for a copy of the book.

Where to purchase Undaunted

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / HarperCollins

UNDAUNTED EXCERPT

“You’re safe, Red,” he said in a softer voice. “I’ll take you to grandmother’s house.”

He watched me, obviously waiting for something.

The best my drunken brain could offer was, “The Big Bad wolf eats Red.”

He paused, grinned, and patted the seat. “You’re too drunk for that too.”

I blinked at him. Then his words sunk in, and I gasped. I hadn’t meant that, but now that he planted the idea in my mind, I couldn’t speak.

“You’re safe with me,” he promised, and then he patted the tiny seat behind him.

I wanted to tell him that I didn’t want to be safe, not after he’d planted such forbidden images in my mind. I yanked my mind out of the gutter and climbed onto the motorcycle, wrapped my arms around his waist, and tried not to shiver. I shouldn’t like the way he talked, but I did. I liked the whole package: the rescue, the insinuations, the motorcycle.

Maybe alcohol and fumbled petting with Quincy just skewed my judgment so severely that Zion seemed more tempting than he actually was. I wasn’t sure. I also didn’t think it mattered. By tomorrow, I would be too sober to think about kisses or any of the other things he might be good at doing.

He pulled my arms tighter around him, holding my hands together on his very taut stomach. It was a little embarrassing that being on the back of his Harley was doing far more for my libido than all of Quincy’s—and every other man’s before him—effort.

“Hold on, Red.”

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About the Author

Ronnie Douglas is the writing name for a multiple New York Times bestselling author. Drawing on a lifetime love of romance novels and a few years running a biker bar, she decided to write what she knew—dangerous men with Harleys and tattoos. Her debut “Ronnie book” was indie-published as part of a series she created and wrote with friends in 2014.

HUGE, HUGE thanks to the wonderful ladies at Bookslapped, Jessica and Rachel, who invited me onto the tour!

Love Me Like You Mean It - Dirty Talk by Megan Erickson blog tour!

2015-09-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

Brent Payton has a reputation for wanting to have fun, all the time. It’s well-earned after years of ribbing his brothers and flirting with every girl he meets, but he’s more than just a good time, even though nobody takes the time to see it. When a new girl walks into his family’s garage with big thoughtful eyes and legs for days, this mechanic wants something serious for the first time.

Ivy Dawn is done with men, all of them. She and her sister uprooted their lives for them too many times and she’s not willing to do it again. Avoiding the opposite sex at all costs seems easy enough, until the sexy mechanic with the dirty mouth bursts into her life.

Brent can’t resist the one woman who sees past his devil-may-care facade and Ivy finds it harder and harder to deny how happy he makes her. But Ivy has secrets she hasn’t shared and when the truth comes out, she must decide if she’s willing to take one more chance on love or let him go forever.

As you've seen over the past few months, I've become a huge devotee of Megan Erickson. Her In Focus series is my favorite, followed by the Gamers series, then Mechanics of Love. Trust me when I say just because Mechanics of Love is in last place, it doesn't mean I don't love it. All Megan's books are fabulous and you won't regret picking up a single one.

*Sigh* Brent. Is there honestly a Brent in romance books who isn't absolutely wonderful? First Tessa Bailey's Brent and now Megan Erickson's. They're both so rough and romantic. This Brent however, I will love forever for teaching a six-year-old to check a dipstick and carrying a tiara in his pocket. (Not to mention that super hot and super sweet moment at the river!) I liked that Brent was so good with Ivy's daughter. He didn't try to be her dad, or be the perfect role model, but he didn't treat her as a baby either. I fell in love with this gorgeous goofball that never seemed to take anything seriously, unless it mattered. This guy! I swear, Megan Erickson's heroes are ruining me for real guys!

I admired Ivy's strength and her devotion to her family. She wasn't as overwhelming a presence as the other characters, but she still won me over with her sweetness. I have the feeling I'd really enjoy another girl's night with Ivy letting loose even more. Reserved she may be, but Ivy and Brent's chemistry wasn't lacking! They nearly melted my kindle screen.

I love, love, love that Brent understood where Ivy was coming from in the main conflict. He never thought he was more important than her family. And it wasn't because he was insecure. Brent got it because he would have done the exact same thing for his brothers. That, more than anything solidified their relationship for me.

Without going too much into the end of the book . . . I'm very excited to see where the story goes with Alex and how her problems play out. Of course the Payton family put on an awesome show and I was so happy to see them again. I'm already eagerly awaiting Dirty Deeds to see even more!

Stay tuned to see where you can buy Dirty Talk, read the first chapter, and be entered to win a $25 gift card to an e-book retailer of your choice.

You can buy Dirty Talk from:

HarperCollins / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

iTunes / Google Play

CHAPTER ONE:

Brent Payton wanted some decent music while he was working.

Not this pop-rock crap the radio had been playing but real rock ’n’ roll. Hell, he’d take George Thurgood right about now. Some “Bad to the Bone”? Hells to the yeah. That was better than a cup of coffee, which he could really use this Monday morning.

He’d volunteered to spring for an iPod and a docking station so he could play his own music, but his technology-inept father had acted like Brent wanted to buy a spaceship.

So that was out.

“Brent,” Cal’s voice called from the other bay of their garage at Payton Automotive.

“Yeah?”

“What’s this shit on the radio?” his older brother asked. “Turn it down before my ears bleed.”

Brent snorted. Cal was grumpy on a normal basis. But now that he’d quit smoking and wore a nicotine patch, he was even more insufferable. So Brent didn’t argue and turned down the music.

A truck rumbled into the parking lot, and Brent turned around, squinting to see who it was.

Alex Dawn, the new employee they’d hired a week ago, strolled into the garage, a bandana wrapped around her head, wearing baggy jeans and a tight T-shirt. She held a banana in one hand.

Brent grinned and walked over to where she stood outside the door to the office, looking over the schedule for the day. She peeled her banana and took a bite. He leaned in and inhaled deeply. “I love the smell of estrogen in the morning.”

Her lips twitched only slightly before she turned around and socked him in the bicep, hard. The woman could hit.

He howled dramatically and clutched his arm, swinging it limply from the elbow. “I’m injured! I can’t work!”

While Alex gazed at him, one eyebrow raised in amusement, he forgot about his injury, grabbed her banana, and bit off half of it.

“You asshole! That’s my breakfast!” Alex smacked him in the stomach, and he started laughing, nearly choking on the banana. “I’m so stealing the Snickers you keep hidden in the office.”

He straightened in shock. “You wouldn’t.”

She was smug, the witch. “I would.”

“That’s war, woman.”

She took the rest of the banana out of the peel and then tossed it so it landed on his shoulder. “Then don’t mess with my banana.”

“That’s some grade-D dirty talk,” he said, picking the peel off of his shoulder and throwing it in the trash can.

“Will you two quit it and get to work?” his dad, Jack, hollered, sticking his head out of the office door. “It’s like you’re related.”

Brent shrugged and walked over to the minivan to continue rotating its tires. Alex smirked at him from her bay. Brent winked back.

Working with Alex had been rocky at first. She had a chip on her shoulder—which she refused talk about—and Brent really enjoyed trying to knock it off, which only led to their sniping at each other. But when some asshole customer gave her a hard time because she was a woman, and she told him to shove it—Payton and Sons Automotive didn’t really have that customer-is-always-right policy—Brent developed a newfound respect for her. When Brent backed her up in front of said asshole, she began giving him some respect in return. And so they’d fallen into this brother-sister type relationship that was actually kinda fun. Brent didn’t really have friendships with women and especially not women he’d never fucked.

And the thing about Alex was . . . he didn’t want to fuck her. It wasn’t because she wasn’t hot, because she was. But the chemistry between them was . . . lacking. Which surprised Brent. Because he was like hydrogen; he reacted with everyone.

Brent worked quietly for the rest of the morning, singing to himself when decent music came on, taking care of the minivan before moving on to the next job.

He was draining oil from an old Toyota when he heard voices from the front of the garage. He spotted Dick Carmichael talking to Alex. She pointed toward the back room, where Cal had disappeared. The Carmichaels had been coming to the shop since before Brent had started working there. Dick was a retired accountant, and his wife still cut hair in an add-on at their house.

“Can I help you, Dick?” Brent asked as he walked closer.

The man turned to him. “Hey, Brent. Uh, no, that’s fine. I’ll just wait for Cal.”

“Oh, well if you need—”

Dick waved him on. “It’s fine. You can get back to work. I’m sure you want to break for lunch soon.” He patted him on the shoulder, like he was a kid, and chuckled. “Your dad always says that’s your favorite part of the day.”

Brent tamped down the irritation. First, whatever Cal could help him with, Brent could too. Second, yeah, Brent liked eating a hell of a lot, but that didn’t mean he didn’t do his job.

So he nodded and walked back to the Toyota. He didn’t look up when he heard Cal return, when Dick spoke with Cal about some work he wanted to do to his car—work that Brent would probably be assigned to, but he wasn’t Cal, the responsible one.

Nor was he Max, their younger brother, the first of them all to become a college graduate.
Brent was the middle brother, the joker, the comic relief. The irresponsible one.

Never mind that he’d been working at this shop since he was sixteen. Never mind that he could do every job, inside and out, and fast as fuck.

Never mind that he could be counted on, even though no one treated him like that.

A pain registered in his wrist, and he glanced down at the veins and tendons straining against the skin in his arm, where he had a death grip on a wrench.

He loosened his fist and dropped the tool on the bench.

This wallowing shit had to stop.

This was his life. He was happy (mostly) and free (no ball and chain, no way), and so what if everyone thought he was a joke? He was good at that role, so the typecasting fit.

“Why so glum, sugar plum?” Alex said from beside him as she peered up into his face.

He twisted his lips into a smirk and propped a hip on the counter, crossing his arms over his chest. “I knew you had a crush on me, sweet cheeks.”

She narrowed her eyes, lips pursed to hide a smile. “Not even in your dreams.”

He sighed dramatically. “You’re just like all the ladies. Wanna piece of Brent. There’s enough to go around, Alex; no need to butter me up with sweet nicknames—”

A throat cleared. And Brent looked over to see a woman standing beside them, one hand on her hip, the other dangling at her side, holding a paper bag. Her dark eyebrows were raised, full red lips pursed.

And Brent blinked, hoping this wasn’t a mirage.

Tory, Maryland, wasn’t big, and he’d made it his mission to know every available female in the town limits and about a ten-mile radius outside of that.

This woman? He’d never seen her. He’d surely remember if he had.

Gorgeous. Long hair so dark brown it was almost black. Perfect face. It was September and still warm, so she wore a tight striped sundress that ended mid-thigh. She was tiny, probably over a foot smaller than he was. Fuck, the things that little body made him dream about. He wondered if she did yoga. Tiny and limber was his kryptonite.

Narrow waist, round hips, big tits.

No ring.

Bingo.

He smiled. Sure, she was probably a customer, but this wouldn’t be the first time he’d managed to use the garage to his advantage. Usually, he just had to toss around a tire or two, rev an engine, whatever, and they were more than eager to hand over a phone number and address. No one thought he was a consummate professional anyway, so why bother trying to be one?

He leaned his ass against the counter, crossing his arms over his chest. “Can I help you?”

She blinked, long lashes fluttering over her big blue eyes. “Can you help me?”

“Yeah, we’re full service here.” He resisted winking. That was kinda sleazy.

Her eyes widened for a fraction of a second before they shifted to Alex at his side and then back to him. Her eyes darkened for a minute, her tongue peeked out between those red lips, and then she straightened. “No, you can’t help me.”

He leaned forward. “Really? You sure?”

“Positive.”

“Like, how positive?"

“I’m one hundred percent positive that I do not need help from you, Brent Payton.”

That made him pause. She knew his name. He knew he’d never met her, so that could only mean she’d heard about him somehow, and by the look on her face, it was nothing good.

Well, shit.

He opened his mouth, not sure what to say but hoping it would come to him, when Alex began cracking up next to him, slapping her thighs and snorting.

Brent glared at her. “And what’s your problem?”

Alex stepped forward, threw her arm around the shoulder of the woman in front of them, and smiled ear to ear. “Brent, meet my sister, Ivy. Ivy, thanks for making me proud.”

They were both smiling now, that same full-lipped, white-teethed smile. He surveyed Alex’s face and then Ivy’s, and holy fuck—how did he not notice this right away? They almost looked like twins.
And the sisters were looking at him now, wearing matching smug grins—and wasn’t that a total cock-block? He pointed at Alex. “What did you tell her about me?”

“That the day I interviewed, you asked me to re-create a Whitesnake music video on the hood of a car.”

He threw up his hands. “Can you let that go? You weren’t even my first choice. I wanted Cal’s girlfriend to do it.”

“Because that’s more appropriate,” Alex said drily.

“Excuse me for trying to liven it up around here.”

Ivy turned to her sister, so he got a better glimpse of those thighs he might sell his soul to touch. She held up the paper bag. “I brought lunch; hope that’s okay.”

“Of course it is,” Alex said. “Thanks a lot, since someone stole my breakfast.” She narrowed her eyes at Brent. Ivy turned to him slowly in disbelief, like she couldn’t believe he was that evil.

Brent had made a lot of bad first impressions in his life. A dad of one of his high school girlfriend’s had seen Brent’s bare ass, while Brent was lying on top of his daughter, before the dad ever saw Brent’s face. That had not gone over well. And yet this impression might be even worse.

Because he didn’t care about what that girl’s dad thought of him. Not really.

And he didn’t want to care about what Ivy thought of him, but, dammit, he did. It bothered the hell out of him that she’d written him off before even meeting him. Did Alex tell her any of his good qualities? Like . . . Brent wracked his brain for good qualities.

By the time he thought of one, the girls had already disappeared to the back room for lunch.

“Do you think we hurt his feelings?” Ivy picked at a stray piece of lettuce hanging out of her sandwich.

She didn’t meet her sister’s eyes, not even when Alex started making choking sounds across from her at the small table in the back of Payton and Sons Automotive.

“E-excuse me?” Alex stuttered.

Ivy bit her lip and lifted her gaze to her sister’s. Alex had talked a lot about Brent, and while there was an underlying platonic affection to her words, most of her talk was complaining about how much of a pain in her ass he was. Maybe Alex hadn’t been looking at Brent close enough during their conversation out in the garage, but Ivy had been. She’d noticed the flash of frustration over his face when they’d shut him down.

What made her pause was that it seemed like frustration directed at himself, not at her.
Crap. Ivy dipped her gaze back to her sandwich. This would not do. She and Alex had basically stamped a big red X over all dicks—literal and figurative—for a good long time. They’d already moved twice to get away from men who had ruined their lives. Tory was supposed to be where they settled in, got their lives straight, and raised Violet.

Ivy’s defense mechanism was to immediately be cold to Brent. She could have gotten bees with honey, but she didn’t want bees. Or honey. Or whatever. So she was all stinger.

She and Alex didn’t need men. The two of them and Violet would be just fine.

And yet at this moment, Ivy couldn’t stop thinking about Brent. Alex hadn’t warned her that he looked . . . like that. Like six-feet, two-inches of hotness straight out of a Mechanics of Your Dreams calendar. Jesus. That dark hair, those full lips that smirked, those slate eyes that did nothing to hide the fact that this man was trouble with a capital T.

“Iv-eeeeee.” Alex drew out her name in that way only big sisters could do when they planned to interrogate.

Ivy poked the wheat bread of her sandwich. “What?”

“Why are you concerned about Brent’s feelings?”

She didn’t know. Honestly and truly, she didn’t know, but she couldn’t forget that momentary flash of emotion that passed over his face before he covered it with a smirk. “I don’t know; he’s your coworker and—”

“I know he’s basically sex on legs, Ivy, but he knows it. And I’d be hard-pressed to find a woman who hasn’t taken a ride in this town.”

Ivy pressed her lips together, chastising herself for letting her soft heart show. She needed to focus on finding a job and raising her daughter. Those were her priorities. Not going toe-to-toe with some cocky hot guy. “You’re right; forget I said anything.” Ivy held up her index fingers and crossed them in an X. “No men.”

“Ick,” Alex spat.

“Gross,” Ivy said.

Alex grinned at her, and Ivy returned it, sipping from her iced tea. “So, work going okay?”
“Yeah, I like it here. Cal’s fair. Brent’s fun to work with. Jack’s still a hard-ass but I think he’s warming to me.”

Alex had told Ivy that Brent and Cal’s dad was a brick wall of gruff and stubborn. “Good.”
“Violet off to school okay?” Alex asked.

Ivy’s daughter was in first grade at White Pine Elementary School in the Tory school district. They’d moved in time for her start at the beginning of the school year. “Her teacher called me again, saying Vi cried on and off this morning.” Ivy knew moving was hard on her, but they hadn’t had much of a choice. “I hate this.”

Alex squeezed Ivy’s hand where it rested on the table. “It’s school. You’re not torturing her. She’ll get used to it.”

Ivy’s stomach rolled, thinking about it. “I hope.”

“She’s a good kid. She just needs time.”

Ivy sighed. “I guess.”

“Alex,” a deep voice said from the doorway. Ivy craned her head to see a man who looked a lot like Brent but . . . wasn’t Brent.

“Yeah?” Alex answered.

The man nodded at Ivy. “I’m Cal.” He turned to Alex. “Sorry. I know you’re eating lunch, but got that customer of yours out front from last week. I tried talking to her, but she likes you better.”
Alex laughed. “Greta Sherman?”

“That’s the one.”

She balled up her empty sandwich wrapper. “I’ll be back in a couple of minutes,” she said to Ivy.
Ivy looked down at her half-eaten lunch. “I can leave—”

“Nah, I’ll be right back. You finish eating.”

Alex tossed her trash into the can on the way out.

Ivy took a sip of her tea and picked at her sandwich. She’d spent all morning on the computer, applying for jobs in and around Tory. It wasn’t necessarily a mecca of job opportunities, but Alex had found a place she fit in, and the pay wasn’t bad. Ivy had some savings, but it wasn’t going to last forever, and she wanted to pull her weight in the little family they’d created.

Her résumé was a bit slim. She had a high school diploma but no college degree, having spent her early twenties raising Violet. Her job options in Tory were working as a secretary for a lawyer, selling furniture at a department store, or being a nanny.

None was appealing.

But at least they all paid.

The chair across from her squeaked, and she lifted her gaze, opening her mouth to tell Alex about her job options.

Except Alex wasn’t sitting across from her.

Brent was.

He leaned back in his chair, feet up on the table and crossed at the ankle. He held a packet of peanuts and tipped it so a couple fell into his mouth. He chewed, steel eyes on her.

She clenched her jaw shut.

He swallowed. “You looked like you were going to say something.”

“Sure I was. To Alex. But you’re not Alex.”

“No, I’m not. But I’m a great listener.”

“I’m sure,” she said drily.

His lips quirked. “Want to hear about what other things I’m good at?”

“Not particularly.”

“Because I can do this thing with my tongue—”

Good God. “I don’t do this.”

“Don’t do what?”

She waved a hand between them. “This. Flirting.”

He raised his eyebrows. “Babe, I haven’t even begun to flirt.”

She took a deep breath to calm her rising blood pressure. “Don’t do that either.”

“Jesus! Now what?” His exasperation might have been cute if she still had a heart.

“Nicknames.”

“Babe?”

“My name is Ivy. I-V-Y. Three letters. Two syllables.” Even she wanted to cringe at how much of a bitch she was being.

He was studying her now, his face a little less amused and more . . . thoughtful. She didn’t like thoughtful Brent. Amused, flirting Brent? Harmless. Thoughtful Brent, who tried to look deeper? Dangerous as hell.

He ran two fingers over his lips and then dropped his hand to the table, cocking his head. “You’re just thorns everywhere I touch, aren’t you?”

She froze at his words, like a deer in headlights because yes—yes, she was a whole lot of thorns because she’d learned long ago they were necessary to protect all her soft parts.

Brent wasn’t done, though; his voice was softer when he spoke again. “You born that way, or something make you that way, Ivy?”

She swallowed. Yep, Brent Payton was dangerous in a sexy-as-hell package. His words were seeping past those thorns, hitting all the spots where she was weak. So she gathered herself and clenched her fists at her sides. “You’re just acting like this because I’m the first woman who hasn’t fallen at your feet.”

He laughed at that. “Fallen at my feet? Nah, there are plenty of women who’ve told me to go to hell. My percentage is good, though. Maybe eighty-twenty.” He grinned that shit-eating grin. “But you got me curious now. I wanna keeping prodding until I find a place that isn’t a thorn. How long do you think that’ll take me?”

Shit, no; that’s exactly what she didn’t want. With those eyes that were smart and trouble at the same time.

She swallowed and straightened her spine. “You’ll never get close enough.”

He cocked his head. “No?”

“No.”

He hummed a little and leaned back in his chair again. He threw a peanut in the air and caught it in his mouth. Then he chewed, with those steel eyes daring her to look away. “Guess I gotta plan my attack better next time, huh? You better work on those defenses.”

She heard Alex’s voice as her sister made her way back to the lunchroom. Ivy smiled and lifted her chin. “Who says I’ll be the one who needs defense?”

He laughed sharply, like he was surprised. “Oh, babe, bring it.”

She gritted her teeth. “Ivy.”

“Babe. I call it as I see it, and you’re definitely babe.”

Ivy growled.

He smiled, and then he was up out of his chair and walking out the door as Alex made her way in. Her eyes trailed Brent as he retreated to the garage.

Alex turned to Ivy, eyes concerned. “Was he bothering you?”

Bothering didn’t even touch it. “No, he’s fine. Nothing I can’t handle.”

Alex shrugged. “I can talk to him—”

“Alex, I swear, it was nothing, and even if it was, I could handle it.”

Her sister eyed her and then stole a bite of her sandwich. “Fine; now eat. You’re getting skinny.”

“Quit mothering me.”

Alex pointed to the sandwich with raised eyebrows, and Ivy glared at her as she took a bite.

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Praise for MEGAN ERICKSON

“A super sweet, extra sexy second chance romance that will have you laughing out loud and needing a minute to cool off. Dirty Thoughts is right!”

— Jay Crownover, New York Times bestselling author

“Megan Erickson ratchets up the romance and sizzle in her sexy new series. The Mechanics of Love will rev readers’ hearts.”

— Jennifer Ryan, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

“Megan Erickson writes hot, hot, HOT stories packed with emotion and humor. You’re going to want to read everything she’s ever written!”

— Sophie Jordan, USA Today bestselling author

About MEGAN ERICKSON

Megan Erickson grew up in a family that averages 5’5” on a good day and started writing to create characters who could reach the top kitchen shelf.

She’s got a couple of tattoos, has a thing for gladiators and has been called a crazy cat lady. After working as a journalist for years, she decided she liked creating her own endings better and switched back to fiction.

She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids and two cats. And no, she still can’t reach the stupid top shelf.

Fleur De Nuit by Cat Montmorency Release Day Launch

2015-09-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

It’s release day for Cat Montmorency’s Fleur de Nuit! I’m thrilled to share it with you! Cat is having a fabulous giveaway for this release, and sharing an excerpt for the release day fun! Check it all out and order your copy today!

Blogs Taking Part in the Release Day Launch

Teatime and Books

Echoing Books

Connected by Books

Agents of Romance

Indy Book Fairy

Textteaser

Romance Obsessed Book Blog

Mama Likes To Read

Nicole's Book Musings

A Sky Full of Stars Blog

Lady Amber's Reviews

Lovely Reads

Reviews from the Heart

Hawt Reads & Dirty Talk

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My Summer Girl Books

The difference between wanting and taking is the barest catch of breath…

Decadent food, smoky music, dark delights—who could live in the French Quarter and not be tempted to partake? Moira D’Arcangelis, that’s who.

Ever since her college boyfriend tried to add her to his list of murder victims, she’s lived a quiet life, which is code for no life at all. When her best friend Kara convinces—okay, drags—her to meet Adrian LaCroix, master of the local underground kink scene, his commanding presence and sexy Cajun accent bring her latent desires back to life.

His offer to train her as a Domme is the key to regaining control of her life. Yet becoming Adrian’s protégé comes with complications. As he opens her body, mind, and soul, she begins to see Kara in a new light—right about the time a legendary Domme returns, intent on stealing Kara away.

Moira has a fight on her hands. For Kara, and against a past that comes roaring back with a vengeance. She’ll need every trick Adrian can teach her to win the right to both life—and love.

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Exclusive Excerpt:

She nodded, eyes flickering between him and the crop he waved in circles in front of her.

“She knew exactly what would happen if she brought you here. It was her idea. Now do you really think she’d do that if she didn’t think you not only could, but would enjoy it?”

The thought stunned her for a moment. Kara, who knew every secret she’d ever had. Knew her strengths and weaknesses, and things she didn’t even know about herself. Who somehow knew all the words she didn’t say. Broken. Worthless. Unworthy of love, of happiness.

“Take the crop, ma chère.”

Moira shook her head, but her hand was already reaching out. She felt a surge of something unknown as her hand closed on the handle, but whether that was from the act of taking it, or the flash of Adrian’s green eyes, she wasn’t sure.

He deftly unbuttoned his vest and laid it with his jacket before moving on to his shirt. “I told you the key to control is trust. You have to trust yourself first, Moira, if you want to find any kinda control in your life.” The last button of his shirt slid through its hole, and the fabric slid off to reveal a chiseled swimmer’s body. He stepped toward her, and she forced herself to stand her ground. He stopped two steps from her and waited.

“What am I supposed to do?”

His eyes flashed. “Anything you wish. Hit me. Hurt me. Or not, as you choose.”

She swallowed nervously and looked at the crop. “I don’t know how to do this.”

“Oui, you do.”

He stood frozen, hands clasped in front of his waist, eyes boring into her. It unnerved her. “Stop looking at me,” she whispered.

“Excusez-moi?”

“I said, stop looking at me.”

She wasn’t sure where the commanding tone had come from, a spark of anger still alive under the mountains and years of resignation, but his eyes immediately dropped to the floor. His mouth twitched, almost smiling.

“Yes, Mistress.”

The surge of power that accompanied those two simple words almost knocked her over. She was glad he’d said them in English, instead of the half French half something the local Cajuns tended to use. And she knew in that moment he might be right. Not only was it possible that she could do this, she might even enjoy it. Moira gave a hesitant grin and trailed the tip of the crop down the centerline of his chest. He was beautiful, really. Such tone in his muscles. And it had been so long since any man had looked at her that way.

And he was standing there, waiting for her to tell him what to do.

I can do this. I can.

“Kneel.”

He knelt. God, the way that felt.

About Cat Montmorency:

Cat Montmorency grew up reading every book she could get her hands on, and pining after the ones she couldn’t. She’s been everything from lifeguard to riding instructor to high school math teacher, but discovered that being a ninja gamer-girl and out-of-the-closet die-hard romantic who writes things was much more fun. If pressed, she’ll describe herself as a Southern Belle with a geek complex and a fetish for well-crafted words.

Links

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Enter Cat’s awesome giveaway!

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Would You Still Love Me the Same? Playing for Her Heart by Megan Erickson Blog Tour

2015-08-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

Grant Osprey just had the hottest sex of his life. Sure, they were both in costume, and yes, it was anonymous, but he never expected her to bolt in the middle of the night without so much as a good bye, let alone exchanging numbers. Or names. All he’s left with are her panties and some seriously X-rated memories...until he meets his business partner's little sister.

Only Chloe Talley isn't the bold, sexy vixen he remembers. And she wants nothing to do with him.

Cosplay is Chloe’s only chance to leave her boring, socially awkward world behind. To forget that she’s failing at life and can’t be with anyone, let alone a single-father like Grant. But the raw hunger between them is undeniable. With him, she can be a misbehaving maid. A sexy call girl for hire. Each scene pushes Chloe beyond her strict boundaries, until Grant demands the one character she can't play.

Herself.

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way influenced my opinions or comments on the book.*

I raved about Megan Erickson in my review for her last book, Focus on Me. I'm a big fan of her In Focus, Mechanics of Love, and Gamers series. I was thrilled for the chance to review Playing for Her Heart (Gamers #2).

Austin and Marley may have been the ones to hook me on the Gamers series, but Chloe and Grant stole my heart in a flurry of geeky cosplay and baked goods. I adored their story so much! I cannot wait until the next Gamers book.

Grant is the typical playboy rascal, with a little extra heart thrown in. I could predict nearly everything he was going to do. But, it didn't stop me from adoring him, or finding his encounters with Chloe super hot.

Narcissistic as it may be, Chloe is totally me in two years. I loved her wit, protectiveness, and badass cooking and coding skills. Her self confidence issues tugged at my heart, but I was thrilled when she decided to focus on moving past them. She was such a fierce and lovely lady, when she let herself be.

Ethan and Sydney were adorable side characters I needed to see more of! Ethan was such a grumpy, wounded bear. I wanted to hug him and let him know he was worth all good things. And sweet baby Sydney. I'd go to her house to bake and watch movies any time!

Like in Erickson's Focus on Me, I was very happy with the emphasis on seeking counseling for mental health issues. Chloe's trauma had happened years ago, but she still needed closure and to talk through her problems. Repeat after me: time doesn't erase all mental problems and emotional wounds. It was great to see that idea again, as a normal part of Erickson's books instead of something reserved for plots specifically focused on mental health.

My favorite aspect of Erickson's books is that I can relate to them so well. Her books speak to my heart. I was sobbing by the end of Playing for Her Heart when Chloe chooses to trust Grant with all of her. It is scary as hell to bare yourself to someone entirely. Especially when you've told yourself your entire life you aren't good enough to be loved. That scene got me so hard it hurt. In that moment, Chloe was me, and every single person who has ever been terrified of being loved for who they are. Not because they're scared of being hurt. But because they think something inside of them will always be less, or undeserving of love. I can't explain how much that meant. It's something I've struggled with my entire life. To see it shown so boldly in Chloe killed me.

I think I've babbled enough in this rave review! Suffice it to say, if you love any type of geekiness, love stories, or struggle with self acceptance, this is a book you NEED to buy. I promise you'll love it and be begging for more.

Stay tuned for an awesome excerpt and giveaway, and where to buy Playing for Her Heart!

Purchase Playing for Her Heart

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / iTunes

Kobo / Google Play

Add Playing for Her Heart to your Goodreads shelf.

Or add the entire Gamers series line up to your Goodreads Shelf.

He peered through the peephole. Chloe was standing on the front porch, large sunglasses over her eyes—even though it was nighttime—and wearing a belted trench coat.

When he opened the door, he gazed down to her bare legs and sky-high black heels.

“Mr. Osprey?” she asked, her lips a bright cherry red.

He leaned on the door and raised an eyebrow. “Yes.”

Her pink tongue slipped out, wetting her bottom lip.

“My handler said you have hired my services for the night. I only accept cash.”

He nearly swallowed his tongue. So she wanted to play some Pretty Woman role, huh? He went from kinda hard to full mast.

“We agreed on two grand and I get you until two in the morning.” He deliberately leered. “All of you. Every inch of you. However I want you. Suit you, Princess?”

The lapels of her trench coat quivered. “Suits me.”

“Great.” He stepped back and gestured inside. “Come in, please.”

She brushed past him and he smelled strawberries. He shut and locked the door, then turned around to face Chloe.

She’d taken her sunglasses off and her hands were on her untied belt. In one practiced move, she flung open the edges of the coat and rolled her shoulders so the khaki material fluttered to the ground at her feet.

Grant had to shoot out a hand to brace himself on the wall because he suddenly had vertigo.The physical parts of Chloe he loved the most were encased in lavender lace—a bra that didn’t cover much, because he could see her hardened nipples poking through.

Her thong didn’t cover much except for a small triangle scrap, hiding her pussy—which he knew she shaved bare—from his view.

Jesus, all that skin, that delicious lace, all for him.

She watched him with those green eyes, a sexy smirk to her mouth. She slowly twisted, so that her ankles were crossed, and showed him her back, she looked at him through her lashes over her shoulder. Only a string ran along the top of her ass and between her crease.

He was hard in his jeans, ridiculously so, and he hadn’t even touched her yet. Hadn’t yet taken that mouth or plunged his fingers in that tight heat. He was going to do all of that and then some.

He stepped toward her. “Hands on the wall. Ass out.”

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Megan worked as a journalist covering real-life dramas before she decided she liked writing her own endings better and switched to fiction.

She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids and two cats. When she's not tapping away on her laptop, she's probably listening to the characters in her head who won't stop talking.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Thank you to the lovely people at Tasty Book Tours for arranging this tour and letting me be a part of it. You guys rock!

Happy Reading,

Biggest Goof on Planet Realizes Precious Cinnamon Roll is the One MAKE ME Blog Tour and Giveaway!

2015-08-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

Publisher: Avon Impulse
Age: Adult
Series: Broke and Beautiful #3
Source: E-Galley for Review

In the final Broke and Beautiful novel from bestselling author Tessa Bailey, a blue collar construction worker and a quiet uptown girl are about to discover that the friendzone can sometimes be excellent foreplay.

Construction worker Russell Hart has been head-over-work boots for Abby Sullivan since the moment he laid eyes on her. But he knows a classy, uptown virgin like her could never be truly happy with a rough, blue-collar guy like him. If only she’d stop treating him like her personal hero—a role he craves more than oxygen—maybe he could accept it.

With the future of her family’s hedge fund on her shoulders, Abby barely has time to sleep, let alone find love. And her best friend Russell acting like a sexy, overprotective hulk any time their Super Group goes out in public definitely isn’t helping her single status. But after a near-tragedy lands Russell in her bed for the night, Abby’s suddenly fantasizing about what he looks like shirtless. Chest hair and tattoos—who knew?

As Russell struggles to keep Abby at a safe distance, she begins to see through his tough-talking exterior—and acknowledge her own feelings. Now she’s ready to turn the friend-zone into foreplay…and make him lose control.

I received a review copy of Make Me in exchange for an honest review, that and my freakish love of Tessa Bailey has in no way influenced my opinions reflected in this review.

One night, nearly a year ago, I settled in with my first Tessa Bailey book, Protecting What's His (Line of Duty #1). I was a goner the second Ginger dubbed Derek "Officer Asshole." I nearly cried laughing. Sixteen books later and there hasn't been one release of hers I disliked or regretted reading.

Many, many fictional men have made me weak in the knees over the years. They've said poetic lines. They've kissed leading ladies within an inch of their senses. They've (for the most part) been hung like horses. And Russell very nearly blew every single one of them out of the water.

After reading the first two books in the Broke and Beautiful series, I knew Russell was going to be my guy. An interesting mix of a few of my favorite Bailey Men (Brent, Matt, and Beck in my opinion), he had the toughness, the silliness, the responsibility, and the sexuality all wrapped into a perfect package. *Snort.*

Russell isn't perfect, though the above description might make you think so. He screws up. He screws up so bad. Then he makes it worse. And it's really just a hell of a clusterf**k for a while there. But no matter what, there's no question he's doing everything he can for Abby and trying to insure her lifelong happiness.

Abby. My sweet baby who looks like a cinnamon roll and is actually a cinnamon roll, but thinks she could kill you. I love this girl so hard. She is sweet, but strong as hell. It was so fun and so gratifying to watch her realize it for herself.

I was proud, so damn proud of her when she took charge of her life and flat-out refused to accept less than what she deserved, or to let others believe they were worth less than her in anything. That scene in the shower. (If you've read it, you know.) I was heart broken and cheering for her at the same time because damn it, yes. Russell needed to know where she stood and what she wanted. He needed to know they BOTH were worth more than what he was trying to set up.

I cried when the book ended. It was perfection. More than. I couldn't think of a better way to let the characters go off into the sunset. There's a teensy nitpick about wanting that last scene in Honey and Roxy's point of views too. But, knowing Tessa she'll probably post it as a deleted scene one day. (Hear me Tessa? I'm holding out for it!)

At this point I'd probably read a fan assembly manual written by Tessa and still want it dipped in gold and preserved for all time. But for those who don't share my enthusiasm yet, I will say the book is for fans of hard-headed construction workers that basically don't need helmets, fiery ladies looking for their voice, who also curse like hell in Italian, and of course TRUE LOVE. And oh hey look how convenient! There's an excerpt at the bottom of this review. Buy Make Me. Read it. Become a Bailey Babe. You will not regret it. (Or I will come after you with internet kink so foul, you'll need an immediate p**n cleanse.)

Also, scroll to the end for a delightful Rafflecopter giveaway for a $25 e-gift card to a book retailer of the winner's choice.

Where to buy Make Me

Harper Collins / Amazon / Barnes and Noble

iTunes / Google Play

EXCERPT:

Day one hundred and forty-two of being friend-zoned. Send rations.

Russell Hart stifled a groan when Abby twisted on his lap to call out a drink order to the passing waiter, adding a smile that would no doubt earn her a martini on the house. Every time their six person “super group” hung out, which was starting to become a nightly affair, Russell advanced into a newer, more vicious circle of hell. Tonight, however, he was pretty sure he’d meet the devil himself.

They were at the Longshoreman, celebrating the Fourth of July, which presented more than one precious little clusterfuck. One, the holiday meant the bar was packed full of tipsy Manhattanites, creating a shortage of chairs, hence Abby parking herself right on top of his dick. Two, it put the usually conservative Abby in ass-hugging shorts and one of those tops that tied at the back of her neck. Six months ago, he would have called it a shirt, but his two best friends had fallen down the relationship rabbit hole, putting him in the vicinity of excessive chick talk. So, now it was a halter-top. What he wouldn’t give to erase that knowledge.

During their first round of drinks, he’d become a believer in breathing exercises. Until he’d noticed these tiny, blond curls at Abby’s nape, curls he’d never seen before. And some-fucking-how, those sun-kissed curls were what had nudged him from semi-erect to full-scale Washington monument status. The hair on the rest of her head was like a…a warm milk chocolate color, so where did those little curls come from? Those detrimental musings had lead to Russell questioning what else he didn’t know about Abby. What color was everything else? Did she have freckles? Where?

Russell would not be finding out – ever – and not just because he was sitting in the friend zone with his dick wedged against his stomach – not an easy maneuver – so she wouldn’t feel it. No, there was more to it. His friends, Ben and Louis, were well aware of those reasons, which accounted for the half-sympathetic, half-needling looks they were sending him from across the table, respective girlfriends perched on their laps. The jerks.

Abby was off-limits. Not because she was taken – thank Christ – or because someone had verbally forbidden him from pursuing her. That wasn’t it. Russell had taken a long time trying to find a suitable explanation for why he didn’t just get the girl alone one night and make his move. Explain to her that men like him weren’t suitable friends for wide-eyes debutantes and give her a demonstration of the alternative.

It went like this. Abby was like an expensive package that had been delivered to him by mistake. Someone at the post office had screwed the pooch and dropped off the shiniest, most beautiful creation on his Queens doorstep and driven away, laughing manically. Russell wasn’t falling for the trick, though. Someone would claim the package, eventually. They would chuckle over the obvious mistake and take Abby away from him, because really, he had no business being the one who’s lap she chose to sit on. No business, whatsoever.

But while he was in possession of the package – as much as he’d allow himself to be in possession, anyway – he would guard her with his life. He would make sure that when someone realized the cosmic error that had occurred – the one that had made him Abby’s friend and confidant – she would be sweet and undamaged, just as she’d been on arrival.

Unfortunately, the package didn’t seem content to let him stand guard from a distance. She innocently beckoned him back every time he managed to put an inch of space between them. Russell had lost count of the times Abby had fallen asleep on him while the super group watched a movie, drank margaritas on the girls’ building rooftop, driven home in cabs. She was entirely too comfortable around him, considering he saluted against his fly every time they were in the same room.

“Why so quiet, Russell?” Louis asked, his grin turning to a wince as his actress girlfriend, Roxy, elbowed him in the ribs. Yeah. Everyone at the damn table knew he had a major thing for the beautiful, unassuming number whiz on his lap. Everyone but Abby. And that’s how he planned to keep it.

“I know why,” Ben said, causing Russell’s stomach to catapult itself across the bar. Before he could change the subject, Ben pulled his student-turned-main squeeze closer and continued. “He doesn’t need to give us advice on girls anymore. His powers have been diminished.”

“We’ve slain the beast.”

Ben and Louis toasted their plastic beer cups without a single glance at one other. Why was he friends with these two again? Oh right. The power of beer had brought them together. Praise be to Heineken. Smug as they were, though, Russell knew humor was their way of showing support. If it wasn’t humor, it would be sympathy, aka dude kryptonite.

“What kind of advice did he give you about us?” Roxy wanted to know, shooting Louis and Ben stern glances.

“Uh-uh.” Russell shook his head. “I’m calling bro confidentiality on you both. That includes pillow talk and supersedes any and all forms of sexual coercion.”

Ben adjusted his glasses. “That reasoning, however, should lend some insight into what you ladies missed.”

Honey leaned across the table and patted Russell’s arm. “It all worked out in the end, big guy. Who knows? You might have had something to do with it after all.”

Russell opened his mouth to respond, but whatever he planned to say withered in its inception because Abby spun in his lap again, sending the world around him into slow motion. A left jab of her scent – which after careful consideration he’d termed white grape sunlight – caught him in the chin and he barely restrained the urge to shout oh, come on, at the top of his lungs. Her big hazel eyes were indignant on his behalf, mouth pursed in a way that shouldn’t have been sexy, but damn-well was. She’d snapped her spine straight, hip bumping his erection in the process.

Please, almighty God, just kill me now.

“Russell gives great advice,” Abby protested and Russell would have smiled if he wasn’t busy earning his master’s degree in boner-soothing meditation. She really had no idea her outrage only made her sweeter because it looked so unnatural on her. “Remember the man on the first floor of our building? The one who used to clear his throat loudly every time we walked by?” She waited for Honey and Roxy to nod. “Russell told me the next time it happened, I should just shout TROUBLE at his door. I did. And it hasn’t happened since.”

When Louis and Ben started laughing into their beers, Russell flipped them off behind Abby’s back. What his friends knew that Abby didn’t? As soon as she’d told him the problem, he’d paid a visit to their downstairs neighbor and explained that trouble would find him if he so much as breathed in Abby – or any of her roommates’ – direction again. Hence, the single word being so effective. Russell was trouble.

But as Abby turned a bright, encouraging smile on him, swelling his heart like an inflating balloon, he recognized that his brand of trouble had nothing on Abby’s. She didn’t even know how dangerous she was to his health. Because while Abby was the package that had been delivered by mistake, he’d gone and fallen for her, despite his attempts to simply be her friend.

And maybe it was his imagination, but the loss of her seemed to loom a little closer each day. Like any minute now, she would peer a little closer and realize he was in imposter. Loss was something with which Russell was familiar. Loss had cut him off at the knees at a young age, made him hyper aware of how fast it could happen. Whoosh. Chopped off at the knees. So he was already in damage control mode, hoping to limit the fallout when she inevitably headed for a younger version of Gordon Gekko. For now, it was all about keeping a comfortable gap between him and Abby.

She scooted back on his lap to make room for the waitress who had returned with a round of drinks, and Russell gritted his teeth.

Okay. Comfortable definitely wasn’t the right word.

***
I have friends. I have friends now and it’s glorious.

Six months ago, when Abby Sullivan had placed the ad on Craigslist, seeking two roommates to share her Chelsea apartment, her highest hope had been for noise. Maybe it sounded silly, but apart from the Ninth Avenue traffic trundling past and the occasional shouting match on the street, her life had been so quiet before Honey and Roxy showed up. She’d been hoping for hair dryers in the morning, dishes being tossed in the sink, singing in the shower. Anything but the void of sound she’d been living with, alone in the massive space.

Then, oh then, she’d gone and done something even more impulsive than placing an advertisement for massively discounted rent in cyberspace. She’d blurted upon meeting them for the first time that she didn’t need help paying the rent; she merely wanted friends. Unbelievably, it hadn’t felt like a mistake to reveal such a pitiful secret to a couple of strangers. There had been a feeling when all three of them first stood in the same room that it would work out, like a complicated math equation that would prove itself worth the work.

Now? She couldn’t imagine a day passing without them. The guys had been an unexpected bonus she hadn’t counted on. Especially Russell.

As they walked crosstown toward the Hudson River where they planned to watch the Fourth of July fireworks, Abby smiled up at Russell where he towered over her. She received a suspicious look in response. Suspicious! Ha! It made her want to laugh like a lunatic. All the way back to her furthest memory, she’d been reliable, gullible, sugar-filled Abby to everyone and their mother. Even Honey and Roxy, to a degree, handled her carefully around subjects that might offend her or hurt her feelings. She was too grateful for their presence to call them on it, though. Sometimes she opened her mouth, the words I’m not made of spun glass hovering right on the tip of her tongue, but she always swallowed them. They meant well. She knew that with her whole heart. Maybe someday, when she was positive they wouldn’t vanish at a rare show of temper—the way people always did when she bared a flaw—she’d tell them. Until she worked up the courage however, she would stay quiet, and appreciate her new best friends for the colorful positivity they’d brought into her life.

But Russell? She appreciated him even more for getting mad at her.

Such occurrences were her favorite part of the week. Russell stomping into the apartment, grumbling about her not checking the peep hole. Refusing to go out on a Saturday night until she changed into more comfortable shoes. Giving her that daunting frown when she revealed they’d had a leak in the bathroom for three weeks and hadn’t yet called the super to repair it. He’d had it fixed within the hour, but he hadn’t spoken to her the entire time.

It was awesome.

Because he kept coming back. Every time. No matter what—no matter what she said or did—he never washed his hands of her. Never got so fed up with her admittedly flighty behavior that he skipped a hang out. Or didn’t respond to a text. He was the steadfast presence in her life she’d never had.

No one spoke to Abby at her job. She’d been hired after graduating at the top of her Yale class and placed in a silent power position at a hedge fund. Her father’s hedge fund. So she could understand her co-workers’ reticence to invite her for happy hour. Or even give her a polite nod in the hallway. At first, she’d been prepared to try anyway. Force them to acknowledge her in some small way, even if it was just passing the stapler in the conference room. Then she remembered. When she forced her opinion on people, or had an outburst, they went away, and didn’t come back for a long time.
Her coworkers assumed she sat in her air-conditioned office all day playing Minecraft or buying dresses online. And why wouldn’t they? She’d done nothing to sway that notion. In reality, however, she worked hard. Showed up before the lights came on and stayed later than everyone else. Brought work home with her and often, didn’t get to sleep. She had no choice.

Stress tightened like a shoelace around Abby’s stomach, but she breathed through it. Tonight was for fun with her friends. Tomorrow morning would be soon enough to face her responsibilities.

“It’s the shoes, isn’t it?” Russell demanded, encompassing Abby, Roxy and Honey with a dark look. “This always happens in the eleventh hour. You girls started limping around and we just have to watch it.”

Ben sighed. “Here we go again.”

“No, really. I think I’ve finally figured it out.” Russell swiped impatient fingers over his shaved head. “You ever heard of sympathy pains? When my sister-in-law gave birth, my brother swore someone was firing a nail gun into his stomach. To this day, the guy has never been the same.” He pointed at Abby’s electric blue pumps. “Women wear these evil creations around to confuse us. Sure, they make a girl’s legs look good, but that’s the black magic, my friends. They want us to feel their pain and not understand why.”

Louis turned, walking backwards on the sidewalk so he could face them. “I have to admit, I’m with Russell on this one.” He smiled at Roxy’s outrage. “You could go barefoot and it wouldn’t make a difference to me.”

“I’ll round it out with a third agreement,” Ben chimed in. “I like Honey in her Chucks.”
That statement earned Ben a kiss from Honey and a groan from Russell. “I’m thrilled you assholes have found a way to use my amazing logic to earn points.”

Abby loved the familiar argument simply because it was familiar—a routine she had in common with others—but she had to admit her feet were throbbing. After a night of dancing, the crosstown walk was giving her blisters. She wore heels all day at the office, but they were sensible and low-heeled. Nothing like the stilettos she’d borrowed from Roxy. In fact, now that she’d acknowledged her tired feet, every part of her seemed to sag with exhaustion, as if she’d finally given her bones permission. “I can end this argument right here,” Abby interrupted with a weary, but determined smile. The group stopped to watch as she slipped off her shoes and placed her bare feet back onto the cool sidewalk with a hearty sigh. For some reason, everyone’s gazes swung to Russell who – God love him – was frowning at her like she’d just crashed his beloved truck.

“A new tactic, gentlemen. Take note.” Their four friends laughed at Russell’s ominous tone, but Abby stayed pinned under his scowl. Although now, his scowl had a hint of uncertainty behind it. “Put them back on, Abby. You’re going to step on something. Broken glass, or—”

Abby breezed past Russell. Honestly, he worried constantly for no reason. They were only a few blocks away from the river and the streets were well lit. What was the worst that could—
Her feet left the ground, her gasp cutting off as she was cradled against Russell’s big chest. His expression was hidden, thanks to the streetlights shining blindingly above his head, but Abby knew from experience, he would be annoyed. She couldn’t prevent the smile from spreading like wildfire across her face, feeling as if it reached as far as her chest. It seemed impossible, but somehow she’d earned a place among these people who cared about her. Friends. Good friends. The kind you can’t live without.

Especially Russell. Her favorite.

“You were put on this earth to make me crazy, Abby. You know that?”

“I’m not sorry about it,” she whispered. “Does that make me a bad person?”

“No. It makes you a woman.”

She muffled her laugh with the use of Russell’s shoulder. “Men make women crazy, too. It’s not a one-sided affair.”

He frowned down at her. “What would you know about it?”

That question coming from anyone else might have embarrassed Abby, but for all Russell’s bluster, he never judged her. Not for her lack of a love life, anyway. Shoes were another matter altogether. “I know things.”

“Things, huh? Maybe Louis and Ben should spend more time at their own apartments.” His arms flexed as he hefted her higher, with minimal effort. “Do you actually like watching the fireworks or is this just a patriotic custom we’re upholding?”

“No, I love fireworks.” She tilted her head back and looked at the sky. “Everyone forgets over the course of the year how incredible fireworks are. You know? They forget until they’re standing beneath them again. You don’t like them?”

He stared ahead as he answered. “I like that you like them.”

Abby smiled, knowing Russell would have to be extra gruff for the remainder of the night to make up for that slip. And needing to torture him a little over it. “That’s how I feel when you make me watch the Yankees.” She laid a hand against his cheek. “It’s worth it just to see your adorable man eyes light up.”

His sigh was sharp, but she caught the corner of his mouth kicking up. “All this time, I thought you were enjoying it.”

“The blooper reel is my favorite.” Drowsiness settled more firmly over her and she stifled a yawn against his shoulder. “Also, I love when kids in the audience catch foul balls.”

“Crowd. It’s called a crowd.”

She hummed in her throat, eyelids beginning to weigh down. “I knew that. Just seeing if you were paying attention,” she murmured.

Russell chewed his bottom lip a moment, worry marring his features. “You’re so tired lately, Abby. Everything okay?”

“Totally fine,” she lied. “Just going to rest my eyes a minute.”

Positive he would wake her up when they reached the Hudson, she wound her arms around his neck and dozed off. It was the first time she’d slept in three days.

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About TESSA BAILEY

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Tessa Bailey lives on Long Island with her husband and young daughter. When she isn’t writing or reading romance, Tessa enjoys a good argument and thirty-minute recipes.

Shout out to the awesome ladies at Avon for always letting me on the most amazing tours! Love you ladies!

Happy Reading,

Top Ten Tuesday

2015-08-04T06:53:00.000-04:00

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week we will post a new Top Ten list that one of our bloggers here at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers. (Meme description from The Broke and the Bookish.)

East by Edith Pattou - East of the Sun and West of the Moon has been one of my favorite fairytales since I was little. My sister and I have this unbelievably gorgeous copy of East of the Sun and West of the Moon by Mercer Mayer my mom read us hundreds of times when we were younger. East was a great adaptation of the story! I loved the adventure, magic, and girl-fierceness. I would recommend this book to anyone unfamiliar with the tale, or who loves the original story just as much as I do!

Princess of Thorns by Stacey Jay - Because Princess of Thorns is technically a story about the daughter of Sleeping Beauty it's not really a fairytale retelling. But I love the book so much I can't leave it off this list! The magic and world building are amazing! The story of redemption was sudden, but so beautiful. It took so much strength to forgive instead of kill. And the banter! Shipped that couple faster than Fedex. I will be eternally pissed off this book doesn't have a sequel. I would be one of the first in line to buy that baby!

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas - I'm also not sure if this counts because ACoTR is a combination of Tam Lin, East of the Sun and West of the Moon, and Beauty and the Beast. Again, I loved the story so much I wasn't able to leave it off. Compared to the end of the story, the beginning starts off a little slow. But it's so decadent and gorgeous, with this fantastic magic structure and world. Plus, all the men are achingly hot, which is always a bonus.

The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh - SHAZI AND DESI FOR LIFE. Those girls are my heart. Shazi is perfection! She is flawed, for sure, just like her husband Khalid. Each of them can be angry, cold, vengeful, weak, and a million other negative descriptors. But they can also be loving, happy, generous, and another million other things. No matter the circumstance, they are desperate to do the best they can for those they love. I have to admire that urge, even if I disapprove of the actions taken because of it. (We do not talk about Tariq, AKA The Flop II.) This is a spectacular, very emotional retelling of Shahrzad's story from A Thousand and One Nights.

Black Pearls: A Faerie Strand by Louise Hawes and illustrated by Rebecca Guay - Ugggggggh. This book has it all. Seriously, amazing illustrations, twisted fairytales told from the other side, and the loveliest language all conspired to make me adore this book. I read this three years ago and still have an unreasonable love for Black Pearls. If you're curious, read my review here. Promise you will love this book too. My favorite story is the first one, "Dame Nigran's Tower," it's Rapunzel from the witch's side. So, so, so beautiful and sad.

Sweetly by Jackson Pearce - This was an awesome retelling of Hansel and Gretel with great twists on the fairytale. Pearce really took the story and made it her own, but I could plainly see where the original tale's influence was. Warning: This book will make you ravenously hungry for sweets. No, really, I got up and made brownies drizzled in caramel while reading the book just so I could have some peace from my sweet tooth!

Ever After High: The Storybook of Legends by Shannon Hale - I have an unhealthy obsession with the Ever After High web-series. I own five of the dolls. So, I was really happy to know they made a book series too! EAH covers the stories of the children of fairytale icons, who are attending the school to follow in their parents footsteps. Only some of them don't want their fairytale fates after all. The writing is good, but a little hokey with the world's special phrases, like Hex-cellent. If any younger kids/ tweens are into fairytales or fantasy I'd definitely get this for them.

Bluebeard - There's been a few fairytale retellings of Bluebeard, like Strands of Bronze and Gold. I haven't read that particular retelling yet, but I'm hopeful for others in the future. There's so much potential for magic and murder, and maybe a bloodthirsty wife instead of fainting damsel? *fingers crossed*

Fairytale summary: Maiden marries strange, recluse weirdo with a blue beard. He's gone a lot on business. He hands her a key to the house that will open any room. But he tells her She can't go into this one room in the house. Eventually the suspense gets to be too much and she uses the key to open it. She finds the bodies of all his former wives in the room. In most stories he comes home and kills her for making the discovery.

Tanabata (Orihime and Hikoboshi) - I first heard about this tale in a manga, Sailor Moon I think? It's like a Japanese version of a divine romeo and Juliet. I'm not sure what could be done with the story, as I sadly don't know much Japanese Mythology. But, I'm sure someone could make an uplifting/ heartbreaking tale about these two lovers.

Fairytale summary: Tanabata, or the star festival, is celebrated every year in Japan in honor of the lovers. A princess constellation and a farm boy constellation fell in love and dallied together all the time. But the father disapproved, so he put the milky way between them. His daughter cried such bitter tears the father had to relent a little bit. So, he allows them to see each other once a year, crossing the milky way. (Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, it's been years since I heard the story.)

DIVERSITY - I'm honestly just a fan of fairytales and fantasy so, I would welcome and love any and all fairytale retellings from around the world. I'm woefully undereducated when it comes to the world's mythologies and I'd love to learn more. So, any fairytales not involving a Grimm brother or Hans Christian Anderson, bring them to me!

Happy Reading,

Wed, Bed or Kill? A Regency Lady's Dilemma / All the Ways to Ruin a Rogue by Sophie Jordan Tour!

2015-07-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

Publisher: Avon
Age: Adult
Series: The Debutante Files #2
Source: Netgalley

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Sophie Jordan continues her new series, The Debutante Files, featuring debutantes on the hunt for Mr. Right.

First friends, then enemies...

Lady Aurelia hasn’t always hated Max, Viscount Camden, her brother’s best friend. In fact, as a besotted girl, she thrived under his kind attention—sure that he was the most noble and handsome man in the land. Until her young heart discovered what manner of rogue he really was. Now, though she enjoys nothing more than getting on his last nerve, she can’t deny Max drives her to distraction—even if she tries to pretend otherwise.

Now something more...

Max cannot recall a time when Aurelia did not vex him. If she was not his friend’s sister, he would stay far away from the infuriating vixen. Unfortunately, they are always thrown together. At parties and family gatherings…she is always there. Mocking him, tossing punch in his face, driving him mad ... until one night, she goes too far and he retaliates in the only way he can: with a kiss that changes everything. (Summary from Avon.)

*I received a review copy of All the Ways to Ruin a Rogue from the publisher for an honest review. This has in no way swayed my opinions.*

Last year when I read A Good Debutant's Guide to Ruin (Debutante Files #1) I fell in love with Aurelia. This sassy, ballsy chick drags the main character to a club filled with debauchery and plays cards with some of the biggest names there. I also really enjoyed her argumentative dynamic with Camden, one of her older brother's best friends. When I heard about Aurelia's book, All the Ways to Ruin a Rogue, I was totally set for another Gabriel-and-Callie type relationship, a couple from my favorite historical romance, Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean.

I was disappointed when I didn't get it. Although I liked All the Ways to Ruin a Rogue, and think that it's a good addition to the series, I couldn't let go of what the book might have been with a few tweaks. Take Aurelia, in book one she's a meddling and daring girl looking to shake up her life of possible spinsterhood. By the second book it's revealed most of this is bravado. That's okay with me, no well-done character is without weaknesses or insecurities. But as I dove into the layers of her doubts, bitterness, and senselessly stubborn behavior I figured out the girl I fell in love with didn't really match up with the one on the page. As I said, it did turn out okay. I still very much liked the Aurelia I experienced. She hadn't been what I was expecting and it took a bit of effort to be okay with that by the end of the book.

For the most part, I'm a fan of slow-burn romance, contentious enemies turned lovers, and witty banter. All the Ways to Ruin a Rogue has all of this. But still, not exactly the way I hoped. The witty banter more often than not turned to meaningless bickering. Even I was shouting "shut up and kiss!" while reading. The romance burned hot, but their development of loving feelings as opposed to their normal sexual tension/animosity happened so slow I was having a hard time believing Camden's "sudden realization" he was a dick and needed to go get his lady. I never knew whether Aurelia was going to marry, f**k, or kill Camden. At any given point I was rooting for one or the other, or when Camden was especially thick-headed, for all three.

There's a certain plot I normally dislike in all romance books. It also usually counts as a spoiler, so I'm never allowed to talk about it in reviews. If you're a regular reader of the blog you might have figured it out from me mentioning it a couple of times for other books. While I still wasn't a fan of that development, I have to admit it was handled really well. The drama was appropriate and not too over-exaggerated. However there was one issue I had which will be addressed in the spoiler zone.

***SPOILER ZONE: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK I know contraception methods weren't that great back in the era of Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice, but come on. Camden's method was laughable. I tried to suspend my disbelief, because again, regency era. But with how "virile" Camden and Aurelia's relationship was, I have to wonder how many illegitimate heirs he has and why none of them have come forward. Seriously, man-whoring across Regency-era England produces two things 1) heirs and 2) venereal diseases. But since it's a romance book, I guess they get to skip the second part. END SPOILER ZONE***

The bright spot of the review is, I once again enjoyed another major side character, Cecily, who was Aurelia's maid. I'm hoping the next debutant files book is about her, but I'm not holding my breath, as Cecily seemed very happy in her position. Basically, I need to go into these books with no expectation and just read to enjoy them.

Expectation was my main issue with All the Ways to Ruin a Rogue, I wanted it to be like another book I read. When that didn't happen, it was a bit harder for me to accept the story for what it was instead of what I wanted it to be. Still, I would recommend the book for any fans of Sophie Jordan or regency romance in general. It's a fun book with some swoony romance moments, if you can listen to Camden and Aurelia bicker for a bit!

Scroll below for buy links to All the Ways to Ruin a Rouge, an excerpt from the book,

and a special tour giveaway!

Buy All the Ways to Ruin a Rogue from these retailers:

HarperCollins / Amazon / Barnes and Noble

iBooks / Google Play

EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK:

Max knew it was Aurelia the instant she sat down at the table. Or rather, the moment she plopped into the chair across from him. The black gown she wore was so indecently tight she wasn’t capable of sinking into her seat with any standard of grace. Her ridiculous disguise could not hide her from him.

He stilled, his entire body going rigid. The dress. Her. At this table. None of it was right or proper. Familiar ice chugged through his veins at the unexpected sight of her here of all places. The most illicit of clubs. Young ladies of privilege weren’t supposed to know places like this even existed, much less step across the threshold. He shouldn’t be surprised. Aurelia had never fit Society’s vaunted criteria for young womanhood.

The laughter and buzz of conversation faded to a dull growl around him as his gaze tunneled through copious cigar smoke to peer at Aurelia. He tracked her every curve, missing nothing. Not the absurd wig of golden hair piled atop her head. Not the olive-hued skin. Nor the whiskey-warm eyes.

His body reacted instantly. How could it not? He was a man in possession of healthy appetites, and however much he did not care for the chit, she was thoroughly beddable in that scandalous dress. He’d known she was voluptuous, but he had no idea she had been hiding a courtesan’s body beneath her clothes these many years. And that was what every man in this room thought as they devoured the sight of her. That she was a whore for the taking. A quick glance around confirmed that.

The backside he had glimpsed before she sat down was well-rounded with generous cheeks that would fill a man’s hands. He eyed the narrow waist that pooled into flaring hips. His mouth dried. Her body was made for sex. No quick and gentle mating that ladies with delicate sensibilities
engaged in under the cover of darkness. She would take everything a man could give and revel in it. All he could give. Rough and fast. Base and primal. She wasn’t a fragile piece of crystal that would break beneath a hard shag.

He leaned back in his seat as though needing to insert additional space between them. His hand slid beneath the table to adjust his cock were it had grown achingly hard. He huffed out a breath, furious that she should make him feel this way. He did not like her. He’d sooner take a viper into his bed than this chit that had caused him such grief.

No one called him Cockless Camden anymore. At least not to his face, but it took years to put an end to that. Even now he knew the slur was still whispered behind his back. People thought it. The repercussions of that caricature followed him still. Every time he got naked with a woman, he read the surprise in her eyes. The relief.

“Gentlemen,” she greeted, her gaze fixing on him. The taunting light in the brown depths made his skin tighten with familiar battle-readiness. “Room for one more?”

“Always room for so beautiful a lady,” the man to Max’s left replied as he shuffled cards.

What the bloody hell was she doing here? He stared hard at her, letting his gaze convey his outrage.

She smiled prettily, her plump lips curving beneath her scarlet domino. The domino was a joke. As was the wig. Anyone who was more than a passing acquaintance with Aurelia would recognize her. Which only made her ten kinds of a fool for even stepping foot in Sodom. Even right now her cousin, Declan, was upstairs.

“Thank you.” She treated each man at the table to her smile. “What is the wager, gentlemen?”

Everything in him clenched hard. He wanted to wrench her up from the table, drag her from the club and stuff her into a carriage for home. Only that would call more attention than necessary. Not that she didn’t deserve a little public shaming, God knew, he had suffered enough of that over the years. Thanks to her. Pummeling anyone who dared call him Cockless Camden to his face and shagging half the women in the country had gone a long way in proving his virility and dismissing the moniker.

But if Aurelia’s presence here went public it would ruin her. He couldn’t do that to Will or Declan. Instead, he traced the rim of his glass as he stared at her, hoping she grasped the full extent of his fury. Hoping she was afraid.

“We play for high stakes.” He raked her with his eyes. “Too high for you, I am certain.”
He knew the dig would wound. He knew because he knew of her brother’s dwindling funds. Her pin money could not be very prodigious.

She sniffed and pulled back her shoulders. An action that only pushed out those magnificent breasts. Everything in him twisted tight as the edge of an areola, dusky-dark where it met her olive-hued skin, came into view. Reaching for his glass he downed it and signaled for another one.

And he wasn’t the only one getting an eyeful. Every man at the table was looking, salivating at the sight of her flesh. Scowling, he took in each of their hungry stares before returning his gaze to her.

“High stakes don’t frighten me,” she announced.

“They should,” he growled and then added beneath his breath. “Daft girl.”

She heard him. Or read his lips. The hands that rest on the top of the table curled into fists. “What’s amiss? Afraid you will lose?”

“One night upstairs,” the man to his left blurted, boldly tossing down the gauntlet. “Winner claims one night with you in an upstairs chamber,” he clarified as though his meaning wasn’t evident. The bastard then winked at Aurelia.

Max arched an eyebrow, waiting for her to flee. Now she would surely see. Now she would understand that she had gotten in over her head. He watched, waiting for her to come to her senses and excuse herself.

Her brown eyes locked on his as she asked, “And if I win?”

He slid his hands beneath the table and gripped his thighs, his fingers digging deep as he leaned forward. Mad chit. She was not doing this. He shook his head once at her. Hard.

“Whatever you want. Name your prize,” one of the other men offered, leering at her chest as he did.

Her gaze roamed over each man at the table, assessing. Four in all, counting him. She thought she could best all of them? She was playing with fire and she knew it.

“I’ll have…” Aurelia paused, her gaze resting on him again, considering. “Your clothes.”

The man beside him choked. “Our clothes?”

She nodded, smiling pertly.

“You’ll have each of us strip down to our bare arse right here?” another demanded.

“You cannot think to win. You will lose,” Max hissed, letting that sink in her fool head. She would lose and be at the mercy of one of them. In that moment, he did not think she would prefer to be subject to him. Not as furious as he was.

She shrugged one shoulder. It looked as smooth as marble, and he imagined touching it, stroking the flesh and discovering if it was as soft as it appeared. One of the men at this table could very well win that privilege if he let her do this. Daft female. He should just walk away. Let one of them have her. It would serve her right, playing with fire.

And yet she was Will’s sister. He couldn’t leave her to these wolves.

“I’m in,” he announced, hating to utter the words even as he had no choice. He would take the wager and he would win and save her from this mess.

He admitted there would be some satisfaction in beating her. She thought she could win. For no other reason would she have agreed to these terms. He would relish besting her.

The other men quickly chimed in their own accord.

“Let us begin then, gentlemen.” Still wearing that insufferable smile, she nodded for the game to commence with a magnanimous wave of her hand.

The cards were dealt quickly and efficiently. He watched everyone’s faces closely as they played, reading for the slightest reaction.

He trained his features into a mask of impassivity. No expression. Even when the first two men tossed down their cards in defeat. Rising, they stripped off their clothes with grumbles.

A crowd gathered, jeering at their pale, naked bodies on display. Aurelia dipped her gaze to her cards, but not before he read the amusement glimmering there. She was enjoying herself. Bloody fool. She hadn’t an inkling of the predicament she was in.

“Having a good time?” he bit out.

“Adequate,” she retorted, treating him to a chilly smile.

Shaking his head, he tightened his focus on the cards he held, placing one on the table and drawing a new one with nary a change in expression. There were just three of them left now, Aurelia, himself, and the man to his left.

The stranger knew what he was about. Not so surprising, since the wager had been his idea. He was confident and hard to read. Max’s gut churned uneasily, suspecting that he and Aurelia had perhaps been lulled into a swindle by a sharp. He glanced down at his hand, hoping for her sake that it was enough.

He watched the stranger draw fresh cards and then lift his gaze to Aurelia. “Well, my love? What have you?”

She toyed with the edges of her cards, bending them slightly as she was not supposed to do. Not that any man at this table would correct her. No, she was by far too mesmerizing in her shocking gown, her breasts on full display.

Max’s fingers clenched around his cards, the knuckles whitening. “Be quick about it. We haven’t all night.”

Her gaze shot to him. “I’m sorry. Am I keeping you from more diverting sport?”

“You’ll be free to go about your diversions soon enough,” the stranger smoothly inserted, locking gazes with Max. “Once the lady and I adjourn to one of Mrs. Bancroft’s chambers upstairs.”

“Awfully confident, aren’t you?” he asked, the silky edge to his voice deceptively calm.

The stranger smiled widely, revealing yellowed, furry teeth. “Our friend here is impatient, Madame. Shall we put him out of his misery and let him face his defeat?”

“After you,” Aurelia insisted.

“Why not?” Furry Teeth shrugged. “Let us be done with it then. And on to more pleasant pursuits.”

Apprehension finally flickered within her eyes. The emotion was visible for just a moment through the eyeholes of her scarlet domino. Now she feared she might have overstepped, did she? When it might be too late. Fool. Did she expect him to save her? Blast her, he should leave her to hang herself. Let the brute take her upstairs.

Furry Teeth fanned his cards out before him with flourish. Applause erupted around them. Max stifled a curse and flung his cards down on the table. He’d lost.

Furry Teeth chuckled and wagged a finger at Max. “You, my friend, best undress yourself whilst I take this little morsel upstairs and collect my winnings.” Rising, he extended a hand toward Aurelia. “Come, sweetings. A wager is a wager, after all.”

Aurelia lifted her bowed head just as Max started to rise. Not to undress himself but to stop that filth from touching her. Wretched girl or not, he would not let this vermin take her. He could not. His friendship with her kin demanded he protect her. Even if that meant reneging on a bet.

“Do you not wish to see my cards?” She queried softly.

All eyes turned to the table as she spread her cards in an arc. Surprised gasps rippled all around them.

She’d won.

Furry Teeth let out an oath.

She leaned back in her chair in the manner of a victorious queen and leveled her gaze on him. “A wager is a wager,” she echoed. “I believe I’ll collect my winnings now.”

Furry Teeth began stripping off his clothes in angry movements, revealing his pale skinny limbs. Entirely naked, he quickly sank back down in his chair and sat there sulking much like the other two men who had already shed their clothes.

Aurelia lifted an eyebrow at him. “Well, my lord? Do you not honor your bets?”

“Honor?” He chuckled low and deep, the sound raw and prickly in his throat. “That is not a word I expect you to understand.”

Her smile turned brittle. “Are you delaying on purpose? The hour grows late, my lord.”

He shoved to his feet, sending his chair skidding backward. He yanked off his jacket and vest, his eyes never leaving her face. Reaching behind his neck, he pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it aside on one smooth move.

A woman nearby made a hissing sound of approval.

The corner of his mouth kicked up in acknowledgement. He knew he was well-formed. He spent a goodly amount of time riding, fencing, swimming, fighting. He was not ashamed. That said, he did not appreciate being forced to undress so that he could be ogled and made a spectacle of. Again. The first time had been at her hand, too.

Anger, hot as molten rock, poured through him. It was in his every movement. The crowd fell silent around him as he removed one boot, then the next. His hands went to the front of his trousers and hesitated.

She watched him, her throat working as she swallowed.

“Is this what you want?” he demanded.

The color rode high in her face, crowding the edges of her domino. She was getting more than she bargained for. She realized that now.

He leaned across the table, flattening his palms on the baize surface and bringing his face inches from her. “This is what you’ve been so curious about? Is it not?”

Her breath escaped in a sharp hitch. “You flatter yourself.”

“You set the stake, not I. Shall I satisfy your curiosity at last?” His voice dropped to a whisper. “Now you can infuse some reality to your artwork. That will be a refreshing bit of change.”

Her nostrils flared. Her words escaped in a low hiss for his ears alone, “There is truth in my drawings.”

Her words struck him like steel striking flint. He laughed once, hard and unforgiving. “You’re about to witness the truth. Pay close heed. So next time, I expect you to get it right.”

“I’ve drawn you once. No need to repeat the task.”

He tsked. “Come now. I fascinate you as a subject. You know it. I know it.”

“Rubbish,” she spat, her gaze sparking fire through the eyeholes of her domino.

“Shall I prove it?” Shoving back off the table, he dropped his hands to the front of his trousers. Tearing loose the buttons, he shoved them down and stood naked before the room. Unlike the other men, he did not sink into his chair. He let the room have a look. He let her drink her fill.

Her mouth popped wide in a little o. Those eyes of hers traveled over him, missing nothing. She looked everywhere. Especially there.

Those big brown eyes of grew larger yet. She looked for so long and so intently that he stirred. He knew he should have felt a stab of embarrassment as he grew before her eyes. Or perhaps not. This was Sodom where all manner of illicit activity happened before all manner of audience, after all. Nothing was too shameful. Nothing private.

His response to her irked him. The stroke of her gaze shouldn’t make him randy as a green lad. Any other female, fine. Only not her.

“Gor,” a woman clucked from the crowd. “I wouldn’t mind a ride on that.”

Fire lit Aurelia’s cheeks.

She had failed. She might have won the wager, but he was the victor. She had planned to embarrass him and failed. Satisfied, he sank down in his chair.

The crowd dissipated around them. The men hastily redressed and retreated, but he remained where he was, naked in the chair, holding her gaze for long moment.

“Not so cockless. Am I?” he queried lightly.

“You’ve proven that well enough,” she replied evenly, the color in her face becoming less red and more pink.

“Do well to remember it in your spinster bed,” he flung out. “Or perhaps someday you will wed and have but a puny rod to take between your thighs. You’ll think of me often then, will you not?”

“You’re vile.” She surged to her feet and started past him, but he grabbed her wrist, squeezing the delicate bones in his grip. She looked down at him, her brown eyes luminescent within her mask.

He rolled his thumb against the inside of her wrist, feeling her pulse flutter there as wild as a moth’s wings. “Don’t ever come here again.”

“You do not command me.”

“But that is what you need. A strict hand to lead you.” His gaze raked her. “Look at you. Look where you are.” He waved a hand about them.

“I command myself.”

“Do you? Very well then,” he sneered, flinging her from him as though he could not stand the feel of her a moment longer. “Next time I’ll let any manner of man take you upstairs and claim your virtue. If, in fact, you’re still in possession of it—“

His words hit the mark. A stricken look crossed her face before disappearing and giving way to a cheery smile. “You forget yourself, Camden. You did not rescue me. It is you who lost the wager to me.”

Still wearing that bright smile, she turned away, her hips moving in a way he had never noticed before, swaying as she took small, tight steps in her black gown. A gown that he suddenly envisioned wadded up in a ball at the foot of his bed. That would be one way to command her, he thought, watching hungrily as she disappeared through the crowd of Mrs. Bancroft’s sitting room. Indeed, he could command her in his bed. Beneath him. If he didn’t find her so detestable, that would be the perfect place for her.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sophie Jordan grew up in the Texas hill country where she wove fantasies of dragons, warriors, and princesses. A former high school English teacher, she’s the New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author of more than twenty novels. She now lives in Houston with her family. When she’s not writing, she spends her time overloading on caffeine (lattes preferred), talking plotlines with anyone who will listen (including her kids), and cramming her DVR with anything that has a happily ever after. You can visit her online at www.sophiejordan.net.

Shout out to the awesome publicist Jessie Edwards for being so good to me and inviting me on this tour! You rock lady!

Happy Reading,

I'm Better Under Your Reflection

2015-07-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

Publisher: InterMix
Age: Adult
Series: In Focus #2
Source: Review Copy/ Netgalley

Colin Hartman can now add college to his list of failures. On the coast-to-coast trek home from California, Colin stops at a gas station in the Nevada desert, and can’t help noticing the guy in tight jeans looking like he just stepped off a catwalk. When he realizes Catwalk is stranded, Colin offers a ride.

Riley only intended to take a short ride in Colin’s Jeep to the Grand Canyon. But one detour leads to another until they finally find themselves tumbling into bed together. However there are shadows in Riley’s eyes that hide a troubled past. And when those shadows threaten to bury the man whom Colin has fallen in love with, he vows to get Riley the help he needs. For once in his life, quitting isn’t an option… (Summary from Goodreads.com)

*I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This has in no way influenced my opinions on or statements about the book.*

I'm not sure I'm able to put into words how much Focus on Me meant to me. I literally finished the book less than five minutes ago and I'm on my computer. I had to get my thoughts down.

This book, it's everything.

Focus on Me starts off like a romantic comedy. Two boys are on the road together because of happenstance and a split second decision. They're sharing jokes, hotel rooms, and eventually kisses. Had the book followed traditional romance guidelines it could have ended directly in the middle. No, lie, happily ever after at 50%. And that would have been a hell of a mistake.

Gradually, Colin and Riley's relationship changes as Riley's mental illness becomes more apparent. At first Riley gets harmless mood swings. Then he starts physically and emotionally clinging to Colin. His doubt and paranoia creep in to the point he's convincing himself Colin wants him to watch him have sex with another guy. Focus on Me's climax comes on like a slow car crash. The impact and explosion are inevitable, but you still hope it will go better than what you're imagining.

Reading Focus on Me hit me hard, because I've been through all of this before. From both sides. First with my sister. Next with myself and my depression. I could see where Riley was coming from so clearly because I have been at that exact place before and if I didn't have friends and family, just like Riley did, it would have been over. No question.

That's why this book is so important. Yes, I adored Riley and Colin. Their love story was heartwarming and the real-life kind of perfect. I want to know more about Quinn and Jessica and pretty much everyone in Focus on Me and Megan Erickon's many other book series. I will never be able to go through life again without shopping for souvenir pigs or naming dogs Dallas.

But this book will forever mean everything because of one message. Love is not enough to cure mental illness. Lord knows I wish it was. But it isn't. Mental illness a struggle every single day and sometimes it gets so difficult you sink right back into that hole where you wanted to give up everything. Your interests. your friends. your family, your life. It is essential to seek professional help and to want to get better for yourself.

I am so, so, so glad and thankful that Erickson chose to write Focus on Me. For herself, for people like me, and for everyone out there who knows what it's like to be on one side or the other of the mental illness equation. It matters. I cannot say that enough. There are so few books I've read that accurately reflect and articulate how I act, even how I feel when I go through a depressive episode. This is the first one that hit it so perfectly and I will never forget that.

Please, please, please buy this book. It's a hot, swoony, and fun romance that I loved. And a truthful look into mental illness, which I desperately needed. Trust me when I say you'll love it and want to read all the rest of Erickson's books. She's phenomenal. (I suggest starting with Trust the Focus, starring Justin and Landry, two precious guys who play a big role in Focus on Me and have an adorable love story.)

Teaser Line: "In another life Col, I-I think it could be you. I swear." (...)
"I guess our timing is off, then, because I think it could be you, too. In this life."

Happy Reading (and Getting Healthy),

June 2015 Recap: I Met Tessa Bailey!

2015-07-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

1. I met Tessa Bailey! It was wonderful and perfect. She was super nice and a little bit raunchy. She hugged me when she saw me! I also got to chat with Jennifer L. Armentrout, who is such an awesome and funny person. Shayla Black and Laura Kaye were great to meet as well!

2. I applied for Jobs. My summer internship is ending soon and I'm freaking out a bit! I have nothing lined up beyond July. For a planner like me, this is terrifying! I'm trying to relax and keep putting out resumes. Cross your fingers I'll hear something soon.

3. I planned obsessively. To make up for my uncertainty about what my employment status will be at the end of summer, I went crazy making plans. Of course I had too much anxiety to actually follow through on all the writing, work-out, and self-improvemnt plans I created. But I feel the effort cancels out my inaction. Right? Might want to do another round of finger-crossing for my motivation.

4. I hibernated? Once the stress of uncertainty, internship work, family issues, and other things got to be too much I pulled a full stop. I slept a lot. I ate a lot. I only did the things I absolutely had to, like work, or the things I absolutely wanted to do, like coloring. As necessary as that break was for me, I kind of regret how boring it has made my 5 things about my life.

5. I worked. I created media contact lists. I edited, wrote, and sent out press releases and media alerts. I created social media posts. And I didn't have to make anyone coffee.

It's actually a top seven books of the month. I read so many fantastic stories it was impossible to pick only three!

Daughter of Deep Silence by Carrie Ryan / The Wrath & the Dawn by Renee Ahdeih

Yours All Along By Roni Loren / Uprooted by Naomi Novik / Up in Smoke by Tessa Bailey *

Forever with You by Jennifer L. Armentrout */ Dirty Thoughts by Megan Erickson

*Oops! I read 2 of the books in my June recap in July!

"And it was so shocking to me because that's not who Libby was.

Libby was vibrant and full of life -- she was everything I wasn't.

Everything I wanted to be.

Except in this one thing.

Libby wasn't a fighter.

But Frances was.

And I still am."

Daughter of Deep Silence by Carrie Ryan

“Some things exist in our lives for but a brief moment.

And we must let them go on to light another sky.”

The Wrath & the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh

“You intolerable lunatic," he snarled at me,

and then he caught my face between his hands and kissed me.”

Uprooted by Naomi Novik

"Erin stooped down and picked up a short fallen tree branch and lit it on fire with her lighter produced from her pocket, holding it up like an Olympic torch and jogging in a circle. Without flinching, Polly reached over and doused the flame with coffee."

Up in Smoke by Tessa Bailey

Kingsman - I LOVED this movie. So much hilariously irreverent violence, awesome spy tricks, and Colin Firth. All of these things are Dulcy-bait. I have such a huge crush on Taron Egerton now. SO DAMN CUTE. That wink kills me.

Sense8 - I can see why people call it slow. There's a lot of different plots because of the eight main character's arcs. The first episode sets up a storyline that's almost entirely ignored by the third episode. I get it. The narrative is more over the river and through the woods than normal TV shows. All of that being said. I still love it! All of the characters are interesting in their flaws and skills. I adore watching them bond and explore the Sense8 connection. All of the eight are dear to me and I just want them to be this sweet and supportive family with Papa Will and Momma Bear Nomi at the helm.

Welcome to Night Vale - Yes. I am like a year late to this party. I'm not a huge fan of podcasts. I used to listen to Serial, but it got too complicated to keep all the facts together. I ended up quitting it. But, I had to do a few mindless tasks at work so I tuned into the only other podcast I remember want to hear. Ta da! And my Night Vale obsession began. Good thing there's so many episodes for me to catch up on.

This American Life - I've only listened to one episode, it was the one about the secret lives of building superintendents. I loved how each story was set up and how well the editing was done. I'm a bit sad I have to pay to listen to the back episodes and that there's a week between the new ones, but overall super please with this new obsession.

Enchanted Forest Coloring Book by Johanna Basford- I'd seen Johanna Basford's Secret Garden coloring book, which was insanely awesome. But I could never find the coloring book in stock at Michaels. I was browsing Amazon for some cool coloring books and found the Enchanted Forest one. I loved it even more than the Secret Garden edition and bought it on the spot. I cannot wait to begin coloring in it. I just need to find the right pens or markers first.

1. My friend's birthday. Ashley, one of my nearest and dearest friends, turns 23 in July and I am super excited to celebrate her. She's such a fantastic friend with a good heart and unstoppable enthusiasm. I'm looking forward to giving her presents and demonstrating how much she means to me.

2. Call on Me by Roni Loren coming out. Pike! I was curious about him after reading Nothing Between Us. I became flat out obsessed when I met him in Not Until You. My fate was sealed after reading a sneak of his book after Yours All Along. I'm super excited to finally read Pike and Oakley's story!

3. Finishing my internship. Oy. My internship has been a great opportunity. But, I'm definitely ready to move on to paid employment. I have a week of fun and relaxation set up after my internship. I'll be happy to put away the business clothes and break out the swimsuits by then.

This month I had to deal with a lot of my anxiety over not knowing where I stood with my job, my family, other major decisions. So, I want to ask all of you what's something that makes you anxious and how do you deal with that feeling?

Happy Reading,

Top Ten Tuesday

2015-07-07T17:33:00.003-04:00

Top Ten Hyped Books I've Never Read

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart - Everyone and their mother was raving about this book last summer. I was tempted to read it, especially since it was so short. For some reason it just never happened. It waits patiently on my Kindle for the day I can read it and lie about the ending.

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen - Should I put this on here because it's such a new release? Either way, I'm excited and terrified to dive into this one. Sarah creates such beautiful, raw, and real characters. With everyone claiming this is her "darkest" book yet, the emotional devastation Saint Anything is bound to inflict has me a bit gun-shy.

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen - I'm a little impressed I haven't read this iconic Sarah title yet. I've wanted to for years simply because it's so popular and tons of people have called this "the best" or "their favorite" one of Sarah's books. I'm hoping I'll be able to make time for it soon!

The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan - Oh my lord. This book is total Dulcy-bait. There's a prince, a college setting, and a wonderful female lead. Everyone I follow on Twitter has raved about this book. It's coming up soon on my TBR-pile though, maybe even as my next read!

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir - I'm convinced this book got a sequel based on how many people threatened to spill blood if there wasn't one. (Admittedly, that is how books get sequels these days in the cutthroat publishing business. But I digress.) Based on the collective fan freak out over this book, I feel like I need to read it or the fans will come and throw me into a gladiatorial-style fight to the death.

Open Road Summer by Emery Lord - More Dulcy-bait! With road trips, musicians, and best girl friendships I'm certain I'll read it at some point. But, I'm a bit nervous about reading it because the blurb makes me think there's a love triangle. As those are my least favorite of romantic entanglements, I've stood back for the moment while the fans go crazy over Lord's books.

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey - I think this book got a whole lot of buzz when it first came out? It's becoming a movie right now, with Chloe Grace Moretz starring. I'm interested in reading the book because it sounds good, but I'm not sure. Maybe I'll wait for the movie on this one. Quel surprise!

A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab - So, so, so many people adore this book, especially fantasy lovers. Schwab writes such awesome dark and wonderful books. I'm totally here for this. I just haven't been able to read it yet.

Anything by Rainbow Rowell - Rowell has four-ish books out and all but maybe one have been raved about in all the book blogging and tumblr circles I hang out in. I'm just not sure where to begin with her books. Eleanor & Park put her on the map, but Fangirl appeals the most to me. Landline and Attachments also call to me, so I'm just not sure. Anyone want to give me a hand and tell me which one to start with?

A series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket - I can't believe I never got into this series when I was younger. Maybe it had too much of a "boy" or "Victorian" feel. Either way, it just never pinged my radar, even after the movie came out. Now I'm torn. I don't think I'll enjoy it as much now as I would have when I was younger, but I'm curious enough to finally read the series. So, what do you think? Am I too old or will I still enjoy this one?

Happy Reading,

Top Ten Tuesday

2015-06-30T12:41:00.002-04:00

Each week we will post a new Top Ten list that one of our bloggers here at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers. (Meme description from The Broke and the Bookish.)

Uprooted by Naomi Novik / Daughter of Deep Silence by Carrie Ryan

Up in Smoke by Tessa Bailey* / Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren

Nothing Between Us by Roni Loren

Fat Girl Walking by Brittany Gibbons / Wild by Sophie Jordan**

Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch / Dirty Thoughts by Megan Erickson

Yours All Along by Roni Loren***

* - Crossing the Line #2

** - Ivy Chronicles #3

*** - Loving on the Edge #7.5

Happy Reading,

So I Started Reading . . . Uprooted by Naomi Novik

2015-06-23T10:34:00.000-04:00

Agnieszka dealing with Dragon.

This book. THIS BOOK. It's beautiful and stunning from its gorgeous illustrated dust jacket, to its gold foiled spine, to the words inside. Uprooted is reminding me of all the reasons I read fantasy when I was younger. It's all about magic, friendship, a girl finding her strength little by little, and terrifying malevolent force that forces me to sleep with the lights on.*

Agnieszka, my sweet and irreverent precious. She has no regard for rules and decorum and I LOVE IT. She will get down and dirty to achieve her goals. Nothing is off limits when it comes to Agnieszka's loved ones, nothing. Dragon, of course is her prim and proper foil. His temper tantrums are hilarious in their absurdity. He's like this hundreds-year-old sulky child. Agnieszka needling Dragon over his precise nature is the best part of the book so far. I cannot wait to see what comes next!

*There's been two times in my life when I had to sleep with the lights on after reading a fantasy book. The first was The Two Princesses of Bamarre, because the specters terrified me when I was in elementary school. (The idea of them still scares me, tbh.) The other was last night after reading a few chapters of Uprooted. That Wood. It is the stuff of nightmares.

Tell me, what books have you begun or read this week?

Dirty Thoughts by Megan Erickson Blog Tour! Excerpts, Reviews, and Giveaways Galore!

2015-06-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

Some things are sexier the second time around.

Cal Payton has gruff and grumbly down to an art...all the better for keeping people away. And it usually works. Until Jenna Macmillan—his biggest mistake—walks into Payton and Sons mechanic shop all grown up, looking like sunshine, and inspiring more than a few dirty thoughts.

Jenna was sure she was long over the boy she'd once loved with reckless abandon, but one look at the steel-eyed Cal Payton has her falling apart all over again. Ten years may have passed, but the pull is stronger than ever...and this Cal is all man.

Cal may have no intention of letting Jenna in, but she's always been his light, and it's getting harder to stay all alone in the dark. When a surprise from the past changes everything, Cal and Jenna must decide if their connection should be left alone, or if it's exactly what they need for the future of

their dreams. (summary from Goodreads.com)

Megan Erickson is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. In the past few months I've read her books Changing the Game (Gamers #1 [Adored it!]) and Trust the Focus (In Focus #1 [So Cute!]). I might start on her Bowler University series next! Dirty Thoughts (Mechanics of Love #1) is a fabulous edition to Erickson's repertoire and I am absolutely giddy for the second book Dirty Talk, to come out in September.

Oh, sweet, stubborn, dumbass Cal. I adored him, but also really wanted to shake some sense into him. Jenna was a fabulous girl. I'd love to have her as one of my friends. She was just so good with Cal. And he was excellent with her, when he pulled his head out of his ass. I very much enjoyed reading those two kids figuring each other out.

I will say I wish the ending had been a tiny bit different. Cal messed up so many dang times, and Jenna was so patient with him. I wanted Jenna to give him a bit of grief over all the heartache he caused. At the very least, I wanted her to resist a little or be ticked off at him. Maybe that says more about my maturity level than hers, but their final reconciliation felt too simple. Even though, when it was good between Cal and Jenna, it was easy.

I loved, loved, LOVED, all of Cal's family. I wanted to hug and hang out with every single one. Brent was my adorable idiot. Max was such a sweetheart, I want this adorable little puppy's story. (Ah! I just checked, it's Make it Last, Bowler University #2. DEFINITELY reading that series now!) I swear, if Asher and Julian grow up to be an in In Focus story I will perish happily riding a double rainbow.

Dirty Thought's plot really surprised me. I was expecting the status quo. They broke up over a pregnancy scare or she wanted bigger dreams than he could handle, the standard. Instead, the story took a deep turn into family relationships, and sibling bonds. I was so surprised and happy! Sibling relationships aren't often highlighted in books and I was thrilled to see Dirty Thoughts bring it to the forefront.

Dirty Thoughts was a fabulous read of love, family, and relationships of all kinds. I adored this book and recommend it to anyone who is a fan of romance, first loves, or wicked cool motorcycles. Dirty Talk seriously cannot come out fast enough!

In lieu of my normal teaser lines, I have the complete first chapter from Dirty Thoughts below. Read and enjoy my friends! Scroll to the end for a chance to win a $25 giftcard to any e-book retailer of your choice.

****Buy Links for Dirty Thoughts: ****

HarperCollins / Amazon / Barnes and Noble / ITunes / Google Play

EXCERPT:

CHAPTER ONE

Cal Payton sighed and braced himself as the opening guitar riff of “Welcome to the Jungle” reverberated off the walls of the garage. Sure enough, several bars later, his brother, Brent, began his off-key rendition, which didn’t sound much different from his drunken karaoke version.

Which, yes, Cal had heard. More times than he wanted to.

He growled under his breath. Brent kept screeching Axl Rose, and if Cal wasn’t stuck on his back under this damn Subaru, he’d be flinging a wrench at Brent’s head. “Hey!” Cal yelled.

There was a blissful moment of silence. “What?” Brent’s voice came from somewhere behind him, probably in the bay next to him at the garage.

“Who sings this song?”

“Are you kidding me?” Brent’s voice was closer now. “It’s Guns N’ Roses. The legendary Axl Rose.”

“Yeah? Then how ’bout you let him sing it?”

There was a pause. “Fuck you.” His brother’s footsteps stomped away. Then the radio was turned up, and Brent started singing even louder.

Cal blew out a breath and tapped the socket wrench on his forehead, doing his best to tune out Brent’s increasingly loud voice. Cal vowed to buy earbuds and an iPod before he murdered his brother with a tire iron.

He turned his attention back to the exhaust shield he was fixing. The customer had complained of a loud rattle when his car idled. Sure enough, one of the heat shields covering the exhaust system under the car was loose. It was an easy fix. Cal used a gear clamp to wrap around the pipe of the exhaust system to prevent the shield from making noise.

It didn’t necessarily have to be done, but the Graingers were long-time customers at Payton and Sons Automotive. And they always sent those flavored popcorn buckets at Christmas. He and Brent fought over the caramel while their dad got the butter all to himself.

He finished tightening the hose clamp onto the pipe and then banged around the exhaust system with the side of his fist. No rattle.

He slid out from under the Subaru and patted it on the side. He squinted at the clock, seeing it was almost quitting time. Their dad, who owned half of the shop—Cal and Brent split ownership of the other 50 percent—had already gone home for the day.

Cal put away the tools he’d used, purposefully ignoring Brent as he launched into a Pearl Jam song. Cal rubbed his temple, wiping away the bead of sweat he could feel rolling down his face. The back room had a small table and a refrigerator, so Cal made his way there to get a water.

In the summer, they kept the large doors of the garage open, but the air was thick and humid today. The American flag outside hung like a limp rag in the still air.

Cal wore coveralls at work and usually kept them on to protect his skin from hot exhaust pipes and any number of sharp tools lying around. But as he walked back to the lunchroom, he stripped his upper body out of the coveralls so the torso and arms of the clothing hung loose around his legs. Underneath, he wore a tight white T-shirt that still managed to be marked with grease and black smudges from the work day.

In the back room, he grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator and leaned back against the wall. After unscrewing the cap, he tilted it back at his lips and chugged half the bottle.

After the Graingers came to pick up their Subaru, he was free to head home to his house. Alone. That was a new luxury. He used to live with Brent in an apartment, and it was fine until he realized he was almost thirty years old and still living with his younger brother. He was tight with his money, which Brent teased him about, but it’d been a good thing when he had enough to make the deposit on his small home. It had a garage, so he could store his bike and work on it when he had free time. Which wasn’t a lot, but he’d take what he could get. If his father would quit dicking him around and let him work on motorcycles for customers here, that’d be even better. But Jack Payton didn’t “want no bikers” around, ignoring the fact that his son rode a Harley-Davidson Softail.

Cal’s phone vibrated in the leg pocket of his coveralls. He pulled it out and glanced at the caller ID. It was Max, their youngest brother. Cal sighed and answered the call. “Yeah?”

“Cal!” Max shouted.

“You called me.”

“What’s going on?”

“Workin’.”

“You’re always working.” Max huffed.

Cal took another sip of water. “That’s what people do.”

“Hey, I work.”

“You play dodgeball with a bunch of teenagers.” Cal knew Max did a hell of a lot more than that at his physical education teaching job at a high school in eastern Pennsylvania, but it was fun as hell to get him worked up. Cal smiled. One of the first times that day.

“Hey, I had to hand out deodorant and condoms to those teenagers this year, so don’t give me that shit,” Max said.

“Condoms?”

“Yeah, they’re kinda liberal here,” Max muttered.

“Huh,” Cal said, scratching his head. They sure never handed out condoms in school when he was a teenager.

“Anyway,” Max said.

“Yeah, anyway, what’dya need?”

“How do you know I need something?”

“Why else do you call?”

“I want to hear your pleasant voice?”

Cal grunted.

“I just wanted to know if you had any plans for your birth—ouch!” There was rustling on the other line, some mutters, and a higher-pitched voice in the background. Then Max spoke again. “Okay, so Lea punched me because she said I’m doing this wrong.”

Cal smiled. Lea was Max’s fiancée, and she was a firecracker.

“We wanted to come visit you and take you out for your birthday. All of us.” Max cleared his throat. “And you can bring a date too. If you want.”

A date. When was the last time he’d introduced a woman to his family? Hell, when was the last time he’d had a date? “The five of us should be fine.”

“So that’s okay? To celebrate? I mean, you’re turning thirty, old man.”

Cal let the old man comment roll off his back. “Yeah, sounds good.” He paused. “Thanks.”

Max seemed pleased, chattering on about his neighborhood and how he was enjoying being off work for the summer. Cal drank his water and listened to his brother ramble. Max hadn’t always been a happy kid. Cal had tried his best after their mom left the family shortly after Max was born. Their dad was pissed and bitter and immersed himself in working at the garage. So as the oldest brother, Cal scrambled to hold the reins of his wild brothers.

He hadn’t done such a great job, he didn’t think. His brothers survived in spite of him, not because of him, he was sure. Brent was still a little crazy, and it had taken Lea to straighten Max out in college. Cal tried not to dwell on his failure and instead appreciated that at least they were all alive and healthy.

It was why he valued his own space so much now. His alone time. Because he’d been a surrogate father at age six, and he was fucking over it.

Although, by the time he hung up the phone with Max and slipped his phone back into his pocket, he had a warm feeling in his gut that hadn’t been there before his brother had called.

He was flipping the cap of the water in his fingers and finishing the last of the bottle when Brent poked his head in the back room. “Hey.”

Cal raised his eyebrows.

“Someone’s asking for you.”

Cal tossed the empty bottle in the trash. “The Graingers?”

“Nope, they just came and got the Subaru and left. This is a new customer.”

Cal threw the empty bottle in the recycling bin, turned off the light to the back room, and followed his brother out to the garage. “We’re closing soon. Is it an emergency? Are they regulars?” He pulled a rag out of his pocket and began to wipe his dirty hands. He thought about washing them first in case this customer wanted to shake hands.

Brent didn’t answer him, didn’t even look at him over his shoulder.

And that was when a small sliver of apprehension trickled down his spine. “Brent—”

His brother whirled around and held his arm out as they walked past a Bronco their dad had been working on. “I think it’s better if you take this one.”

Cal squinted into the sun and when his eyes adjusted to the light, her legs were the first thing he saw. And he knew—he fucking knew—because how many times had he sat in class in high school staring at those legs in a little skirt, dreaming about when he could get back between them? It’d been a lot.

His eyes traveled up those bare legs to a tiny pair of denim shorts, up a tight tank top that showed a copious amount of cleavage, and then to that face that he’d never, ever forget as long as he lived.

He never thought he’d see Jenna MacMillan again. And now, there she was, standing in front of his garage next to a Dodge Charger, her brunette hair in a wavy mass around her shoulders.

Fuck.

Okay, so admittedly Jenna had known this was a stupid idea. She’d tried to talk herself out of it the whole way, muttering to herself as she sat at a stop light. The elderly man in the car in the lane beside her had been staring at her like she was nuts.

And she was. Totally nuts.

It’d been almost a decade since she’d seen Cal Payton, and yet one look at those silvery blue eyes and she was shoved right back to the head-over-heels in love eighteen-year-old girl she’d been.

Cal had been hot in high school, but damn, had time been good to him. He’d always been a solid guy, never really hitting that awkward skinny stage some teenage boys went through after a growth spurt.

And now . . . well . . . Cal looked downright sinful standing there in the garage. He’d rolled down the top of his coveralls, revealing a white T-shirt that looked painted on, for God’s sake. She could see the ridges of his abs, the outline of his pecs. A large smudge on the sleeve drew her attention to his bulging biceps and muscular, veined forearms. Did he lift these damn cars all day? Thank God it was hot as Hades outside already so she could get by with flushed cheeks.

And he was staring at her with those eyes that hadn’t changed one bit. Cal never cared much for social mores. He looked people in the eye, and he held it long past comfort. Cal had always needed that, to be able to measure up who he was dealing with before he ever uttered a word.

She wondered how she measured up. It’d been a long time since he’d laid eyes on her, and the last time he had, he’d been furious.

Well, she was the one who’d come here. She was the one who needed something. She might as well speak up, even though what she needed right now was a drink. A stiff one. “Hi, Cal.” She went with a smile that surely looked a little strained.

He stood with his booted feet shoulder width apart, and at the sound of her voice, he started a bit. He finally stopped doing that staring thing as his gaze shifted to the car by her side and then back to her. “Jenna.”

His voice. Well, crap, how could she have forgotten about his voice? It was low and silky with a spicy edge, like Mexican chocolate. It warmed her belly and raised goose bumps on her skin.

She cleared her throat as he began walking toward her, his gaze teetering between her and the car. Brent was off to the side, watching them, with his arms crossed over his chest. He winked at her. She hid her grin with pursed lips and rolled her eyes. He was a good-looking bastard but irritating as hell. Nice to see some things never changed. “Hey, Brent.”

“Hey there, Jenna. Looking good.”

Cal whipped his head toward his brother. “Get back to work.”

Brent gave him a sloppy salute and then shot her another knowing smirk before turning around and retreating into the garage bay.

When she faced Cal again, she jolted, because he was close now, almost in her personal space. His eyes bored into her. “What’re ya doing here, Jenna?”

His question wasn’t accusatory. It was conversational, but the intent was in his tone, lying latent until she gave him reason to really put the screws to her. She didn’t know if he meant, what was she doing here at his garage, or what was she doing in town? But she went for the easy question first.

She gestured to the car. “I, uh, I think the bearings need to be replaced. I know that I could take it anywhere, but . . .” She didn’t want to tell him it was Dylan’s car, and he was the one who had let it go so long that she swore the front tires were going to fall off. As much as her brother loved his car, he was an idiot. An idiot who despised Cal, and she was pretty sure the feeling was mutual. “I wanted to make sure the job was done right, and everyone knows you do the best job here.” That part was true. The Paytons had a great reputation in Tory.

But Cal never let anything go. He narrowed his eyes and propped his hands on his hips, drawing attention to the muscles in his arms. “How do you know we still do the best job here if you haven’t been back in ten years?”

Well, then. Couldn’t he just nod and take her keys? She held them in her hand, gripping them so tightly that the edge was digging into her palm. She loosened her grip. “Because when I did live here, your father was the best, and I know you don’t do anything unless you do it the best.” Her voice faded. Even though the last time she’d seen Cal, his eyes had been snapping in anger, at least they’d showed some sort of emotion. This steady blank gaze was killing her. Not when she knew how his eyes looked when he smiled, as the skin at the corners crinkled and the silver of his irises flashed.

She thought now that this had been a mistake. She’d offered to get the car fixed for her brother while he was out of town. And while she knew Cal worked with his dad now, she’d still expected to run into Jack. And even though Jack was a total jerk-face, she would have rather dealt with him than endure this uncomfortable situation with Cal right now. “You know, it’s fine. Don’t worry about it. I’ll just—”

He snatched the keys out of her hand. Right. Out. Of. Her. Hand.

“Hey!” She propped a hand on her hip, but he wasn’t even looking at her, instead fingering the key ring. “Do you always steal keys from your customers?”

He cocked his head and raised an eyebrow at her. There was the smallest hint of a smile, just a tug at the corner of his lips. “I don’t make that a habit, no.”

“So I’m special, then?” She was flirting. Was this flirting? Oh God, it was. She was flirting with her high school boyfriend, the guy who’d taken her virginity, and the guy whose heart she’d broken when she had to make one of the most difficult decisions of her life.

She’d broken her own heart in the process.

His gaze dropped, just for a second, and then snapped back to her face. “Yeah, you’re special.”

He turned around, checking out the car, while she stood gaping at his back. He’d . . . he’d flirted back, right? Cal wasn’t really a flirting kind of guy. He said what he wanted and followed through. But flirting, Cal?

She shook her head. It’d been over ten years. Surely he’d lived a lot of life during that time she’d been away, going to college, then grad school, then working in New York. She didn’t want to think about what that flirting might mean, now that she was back in Tory for good. Except he didn’t know that.

“So, you think the bearings need to be replaced?” Cal ran his hand over the hood. From this angle, all she saw was hard muscle covering broad shoulders, shifting beneath his T-shirt.

She shook herself and spoke up. “Yeah, it’s making that noise—you know, that growl.”

He nodded.

The only reason she knew was because she’d spent a lot of weekends and lazy summer afternoons as a teenager, lying in the grass, getting a tan in her bikini while Cal worked on his car, an old black Camaro, in his driveway. She’d learned a lot about cars and hadn’t forgotten all of it. She wondered if he still had that Camaro.

“Want me to inspect it too?” Cal was at the passenger’s side door now, easing it open.

“What?”

He pointed to the sticker on the windshield. “I can do it now, if you’d like. You have to get it done by end of next month.”

She opened her mouth to tell him sure, but then she’d have to give him the registration and insurance card, and then he’d know it was Dylan’s car. “No, no, that’s all right.”

He frowned. “Why not?”

“I just . . .”

He opened up the passenger’s side door and bent inside.

“What are you doing?” She walked around the car, just as he pulled some papers out of the glove box. She stopped and fidgeted with her fingers, because he’d know in three . . . two . . .

He bent and tossed the papers back in the glove box. “I’ll have it for you by end of the day tomorrow.” He started walking toward the office of the garage.

He had to have seen the name, right? He had to have seen it. She walked behind him. “Cal, I—”

He stopped and turned. “Do you need a ride?”

“What?”

“Do you need a ride . . . home, or wherever you’re going?”

She shook her head. “I’m going to walk across the street to Delilah’s store. She’ll take me home.”

His gaze flitted to the shop across the street and then back to Jenna. He nodded. “All right, then.”

She tried again. “Cal—”

“You picking it up or your brother?”

The muscle shift in his jaw was the only indication that he was bothered by this. “I’m sorry, I should have told you . . .”

He shook his head. “You don’t owe it to me to tell me anything. You asked me to fix a car—”

“Yeah, but you and Dylan don’t like each other—”

That muscle in his jaw ticked again. “Sure, we don’t like each other, but what? You think I’m going to lose my temper and bash his car in?”

Uh-oh. “No, I—”

He shook his head, and when he spoke again, his voice was softer. “You didn’t have to keep it a secret it was his car. I’m not eighteen anymore. I got more control than I used to.”

She felt like a heel. And a jerk. She wasn’t the same person she was at eighteen, so she shouldn’t have treated Cal like he was the hothead he’d been then. “Cal, I’m so sorry. I—”

He waved a hand. “Don’t worry about it, Sunshine.”

That name—it sent a spark right through her like a live wire. She hadn’t heard that nickname in so long, she’d almost forgotten about it, but her body sure hadn’t. It hadn’t forgotten the way Cal could use that one word to turn her into putty.

He seemed as surprised as she did. His eyes widened a fraction before he shut down. “Anyway”—his voice was lower now—“we close tomorrow at six. Appreciate it if you’d pick it up before that.” He jingled the keys and shot her one more measuring look, and then he disappeared into the garage office, leaving her standing outside the door, her mind broiling in confusion.

She should have known Cal Payton could still knock her off her feet.

a Rafflecopter giveaway/div>

Praise for MEGAN ERICKSON

“A super sweet, extra sexy second chance romance that will have you laughing out loud and needing a minute to cool off. Dirty Thoughts is right!”

— Jay Crownover, New York Times bestselling author

“Megan Erickson ratchets up the romance and sizzle in her sexy new series. The Mechanics of Love will rev readers’ hearts.”

— Jennifer Ryan, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

“Megan Erickson writes hot, hot, HOT stories packed with emotion and humor. You’re going to want to read everything she’s ever written!”

— Sophie Jordan, USA Today bestselling author

About the Author

Megan Erickson grew up in a family that averages 5’5” on a good day and started writing to create characters who could reach the top kitchen shelf.

She’s got a couple of tattoos, has a thing for gladiators and has been called a crazy cat lady. After working as a journalist for years, she decided she liked creating her own endings better and switched back to fiction.

She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids and two cats. And no, she still can’t reach the stupid top shelf.

Thanks again to the fantastic team at Avon Impulse, specifically Jessie Edwards, for inviting me to be on this spectacular tour! I love all you awesome people!

Happy Reading,

The Island with the Power, the Power of Voodoo

2015-06-13T18:24:00.000-04:00

Publisher: Invitation to Eden

Age: Adult

Series: Invitation to Eden #14

Source: Review Copy

Interest: Author Favorite, Ghosts, New Orleans

A year has passed since Gretchen lost her fiancé, but she still can’t sleep. Or paint. And her new home in New Orleans is either haunted or she’s finally going crazy.

Her bet is on the latter.

So when her best friend, Burke, offers to sweep her away to a private luxury island for a break, she can’t say no. Maybe if she can be someone else for a few days, the ghosts of the past will quiet. At least for a little while.

Burke knows what she’s going through. She lost her fiancé, but he lost family. He gets her in a way no else can. But lately she’s noticing things she shouldn’t about her former fiancé’s younger brother—his sexy smirk, that spicy Cajun accent, and the way he looks at her when he thinks she’s not paying attention. A week alone with him? Dangerous. If she blurs the lines between them, she could ruin the only friendship that means anything to her. She could ruin it all.

But the island of Eden has its own agenda. The island knows what you need. That’s what the invitation says. She just never imagines it will grant her the one wish that could destroy them both.

Part of the Invitation to Eden multi-author series but can be read as a standalone. (summary from Goodreads.com)

***Kindle Deal: Blurring the Lines is only 0.99 on Amazon***

I received a copy of this Ebook from the author for review. This has in no way altered my opinions.

This was my first foray into the Invitation to Eden books. Series tagline: An Island Where Anything . . . and Everything Can Happen. I was very excited to read Roni Loren's installment because I adore her Loving on the Edge books. But I'm not quite sure if Blurring the Lines was what I expected.

Loren's characters were on point, as always. Burke was an adorably caring, hot, and amazing guy. I liked him from the second he appeared on the page. Gretchen took a little bit more to warm up to because it was difficult to see her beyond her grief. But, Burke and Gretchen worked perfectly together. I loved their little fights and challenges as well as their sweet cuddling.

I like my magic to have rules. I'm a stickler that way. So, I was a little antsy to take a journey to an island where anything can happen. A strange thing does happen. (Think the movie Overboard.) But I was willing to go along with it because I loved the fun and flirty Gretchen it produced. When a ghost looking for some action and a chance at life again came around, I was searching for those rules. Magic does not operate for free. A balance must be kept. Except, the rules were never explained. I had to make up my own conclusions based on what I knew about said ghost.

Slight issues with Eden aside, I almost wanted the novella to become a series. New Orleans is my weakness. I'm a huge fan of voodoo, hoodoo. (do what? Remind me of the babe!)* But I was too happy with the way Gretchen and Burke's story ended to go back and introduce more problems.

While Blurring the Lines was a bit stranger than I was expecting, I still fully enjoyed myself while reading it. If you're a fan of romance, New Orleans, a little bit of magic, some silliness, or just Roni Loren herself, then this book is for you. Gretchen and Burke will make you want to explore everything that goes bump in the night. Just try not to get Blurred Lines stuck in your head after reading the title.

*You have no idea how long I spent on finding a way to work Magic Dance into this review.

Teaser Lines: "It needs to be a whole Gretchen coming to me. One who wants to be with me despite the history and the tragedies and the ugly stuff. One who chooses me even when it hurts."

Happy Reading,

Searching for Beautiful Blog Tour Excerpt and Giveaway!

2015-06-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone! Today I'm excited to reveal an excerpt from Searching for Beautiful by Jennifer Probst, the third book in the Searching For series. Last year I read Searching for Someday and really fell in love with two side characters, Genevieve and Wolfe, the stars of Searching for Beautiful. I'm excited to read this excerpt and get my hands on this book. I hope you are too!

Read to the end of the post to enter an awesome giveaway for a Searching for Beautiful necklace and a signed book from Jennifer Probst's backlist (winner's choice.)

Genevieve MacKenzie has her life completely under control. About to wed the charming Chief doctor at the local hospital, she’s an up-and-coming surgeon with everything she could ever want. Until an escape through the church window on the day of her wedding sends her life into a tailspin…and flings her right into her best friend’s arms.

When Wolfe catches his best friend falling out a window on her wedding day, he doesn’t ask questions. He whisks her away, determined to watch over her and discover the truth behind her desperate escape. But when his feelings turn more than platonic, he realizes he may risk his most important relationship in order to protect his damaged heart, and the woman he loves.

Can Genevieve and Wolfe’s friendship turn into something deeper—or is it already too late for

true love?

Add Searching for Beautiful to your To-Read Shelf on Goodreads.

Buy Searching for Beautiful from: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Itunes

TEASER:

EXCERPT:

“Too bad. I was hoping for some awesome sex secret. Like telling me you really are into dominatrix stuff.”

“Sex again, huh?”

“Must be the alcohol.” She finished up the fifth or sixth beer, and enjoyed the heat coursing through her veins. The fake happiness would soon turn to depression, but she didn’t care for now. It had been so long she let go of control and did something reckless.

“David said I sucked at sex.” This time, he rolled over. Those stinging blue eyes pierced into hers and his jaw tightened. “David was an asshole and that’s why you left. You don’t suck at sex.”

The giggles overtook her. “How do you know? We never had sex. I probably do. I’m too in my head, always waiting to see if I’m good enough until faking orgasms became my art.”

Fury laced his words. “Let me repeat. He was an asshole, and lousy in bed if he had you faking orgasms. He messed with your head, babe. Don’t let him get in.”

She waved a hand in the air and tried not to giggle again. Oh yeah, she was drunk. It wasn’t so funny

before, but now it seemed kind of lame not to be able to rock the bedroom with your fiancé. “S’okay. I’m not the sexy type, you know? I’m vanilla. Boring. He even said my kissing was like missionary sex every night. But I know he didn’t mean to hurt my feelings. He was just saying it to make me better, so I got some books, but it still didn’t really work.” His teeth clenched. She was fascinated by the naked rage flickering over his face, the way he held his body tight like he was about to explode like some badass superhero.

“I’m going to kill him.” She almost laughed, but then he looked a bit too serious. Gen frowned and reached out. She got lucky and hit vision number one, which was real and not the duplicate dancing in front of her. Her fingers stroked his stubbled jaw in an effort to soothe his temper. Damn, she used to be able to knock back five beers in a night. Maybe because she had nothing in her stomach and it had been a hell of a day. Why did he look so mad again? Oh yeah, because she sucked at kissing and he was gonna kill David.

“Not his fault. He never wanted to hurt me, told me that all the time. I kinda made him do it by not listening.”

“You really believe this shit, Gen?”

“It’ll be okay. I’ll get a vibrator or something, or maybe take lessons. Kate’s mom is a sex therapist, you know. Maybe she can help.” He grabbed her hand and squeezed tight.

“I’m gonna rip him apart piece by piece. You are good at sex. You are good at kissing. Are you listening?” She nodded hard. Ooooh, cool. Three faces now. He was so nice to look at, she could stare at him all day. So much better than evil Kermits.

“Uh-huh. You’re a good friend. My fault though. You don’t know how bad I am at it.”

“Fuck.” The vicious curse emitted from his sexy mouth. His warm breath hit her cheek. She hated

when he got pissy. “You better remember this tomorrow.”

“Huh?”

Suddenly, he loomed over her, pressing her back into the ground, his hips cradling hers. Oh wow. His

body heat scorched through wet clothes and her bare legs automatically opened in a primeval urge to surrender. He planted both hands on either side of her head and lowered his mouth. What was he doing? His delicious scent rose to her nostrils, and her hands found their way to grip his hips, his damp skin sleek and muscled beneath her touch.

Another curse escaped. He seemed grumpy and torn as he stared at her, inches away from her mouth,

and Gen blinked a few times because his head kind of floated around, and her body screamed for more contact, please, just a bit more, and then he muttered, “I’m gonna prove you’re good at this kissing thing, okay?” and his mouth took hers.

She whimpered, literally whimpered, at the amazing feel of those ultrasoft, smooth lips coasting over

hers with an expert grace and blistering heat that made her toes curl. Oh, alcoholic visions were so

yummy! Wolfe, her best friend and and confidant, was kissing her, and it was too good to be real, so it had to be some sort of psychedelic mirage from too much Sam Adams.

Her mind spun, tried to make sense of it, and gave up.

Her body roared forward and seized control. Hips arched, nails digging into his lower back, she

surrendered to the sensations rocketing in her core and spreading like fire through her veins. He kissed her for a while, until she was a soft, gooey mess beneath him, and then his tongue parted her lips and surged in.

She opened her mouth and met him halfway, crazed for the full taste and essence of him. His

tongue pushed, stroked, and explored, taking her deep. She moaned and reached for more. God she

wanted more, the taste of citrusy lemon and male hunger pulling her under. He grew hard between her thighs and she nipped at his bottom lip, sucking gently, and he muttered something foul, deflowering her mouth like she was a virgin asking to be ravished and taken and fucked.

Time stood still. It was too short, it was endless, it was everything. Her head spun, her breasts grew achy and tight, and she was so wet he could’ve slipped between her thighs and slid home without a protest. She made a sound deep in her throat when he slowly pulled away, the wet slide of his tongue over hers bestowing one final taste.

She blinked. Blistering heat and fury and lust mingled in those blue eyes. She felt eaten alive, scoured

raw, and Gen shook as the solid foundation underneath her shifted and broke open. “Are you listening, Gen?”

She couldn’t speak, so she managed a nod.

“You’re an amazing kisser. I could’ve fucked you right here and now and been the happiest guy in the world. A guy has to be dead not to want you. David is a piece of shit. Understood?” She swallowed. Nodded again.

“Good.” He slid off her and she almost cried out at the loss of his heat and pressure. The sky opened

and swallowed her up as utter exhaustion suddenly hit her. Turned on, spent, emotions ripped and bleeding, she grabbed for his hand not to lose physical contact, and he interwove his fingers with hers and lay back on the dock. Slowly, she relaxed, his presence a bone-deep comfort and something else, something she refused to examine.

Gen gave up and let the blackness take her. But first she said the words. “I love you, Wolfe.”

She slid toward sleep. His response drifted in the sultry air among the chirp of crickets. “I love you too, babe.”

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Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master’s in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again.

She makes her home in Upstate New York with the whole crew. Her sons keep her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean.

She is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, was ranked #6 on Amazon's Best Books for 2012. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases and her street team at www.jenniferprobst.com.

Website: www.jenniferprobst.com

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferprobst.authorpage

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jenniferprobst

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2965489.Jennifer_Probst

As always, special shout out to all the awesome people at Inkslinger PR and Gallery Books who've been nothing but wonderful to me. I love you all!

Happy Reading,

So, I Started Reading . . . The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh

2015-06-09T11:36:00.000-04:00

My reaction to Shazi and Desi

I picked up this book yesterday to read during my lunch break and I fell absolutely in love with it. Shazi could be the love of my life. Followed very closely by Desi and Jalal. I'm on page 122, so please don't spoil anything for me!

Shazi is so strong and brash. I love her attitude. She's an amazing character. I haven't had much interaction with Desi but I adore her as well. Shazi and Desi's banter is the stuff my heart is made out of. I adore their friendship/rivalry. Frivalry? Khalib is . . . slowly but surely growing on me. Like Shazi, I thought I'd hate him, but seeing him through her eyes, maybe not so much anymore?

I'm very interested in how things are going to go down with Shazi's Baba. Seems like he has a one-way ticket to crazy town via desperation train. Tariq is sweet, and I like his personality. But this die hard plan of his is going to backfire SO BADLY and I can plainly see it. Therefore his blindness to it is annoying me.

One thing I'm slightly disappointed with is the current transparency of the plot. Based on a prediction in the book, I know exactly what is going to happen later, possibly even how it will unfold. So, that's a bit hard to watch, but otherwise the book has been just gorgeous and wonderful. I'm hoping it will end up surprising me (in a good way.)

Let me know in the comments what books you've started reading. I'm always looking for more recommendations!

Happy Reading,

Gettin' Down and Dirty O'Kane Style

2015-06-06T22:35:00.000-04:00

Publisher: Moira Rogers
Age: Adult
Series: Beyond #1
Source: Bought
Interest: Friend Recommendation

All Noelle Cunningham has ever wanted is a life beyond–beyond the walls of Eden, where only the righteous are allowed to remain, and beyond her stiflingly restrictive existence as a councilman’s daughter. But only ruins lie outside the City, remnants of a society destroyed by solar storms decades earlier.

The sectors surrounding Eden house the corrupt, the criminal–men like Jasper McCray, bootlegger and cage fighter. Jas clawed his way up from nothing to stand at the right hand of Sector Four’s ruthless leader, and he’ll defend the O’Kane gang with his life. But no fight ever prepared him for the exiled City girl who falls at his feet.

Her innocence is undeniable, but so is their intense sexual attraction, and soon they’re crossing every boundary Noelle barely knew she had. But if she wants to belong to Jas, first she’ll have to open herself to the gang, to a dangerous world of sex, lust and violence. A world where passion is power, and freedom is found in submission. (Summary from Goodreads.com)

***Reminder: Beyond Shame (Beyond #1) is FREE as an Amazon Kindle ebook.***

When I first heard about Beyond Shame by Kit Rocha, I wondered how many ways the book could possibly suck; self-published, post-apocalyptic, erotica, with a wide-eyed innocent ingenue being introduced to the big, bag, tattooed gang. There was not a lot in Beyond Shame's favor from my perspective. Many reviews said the book, and the entire series, was great. Still, I could not click the little buy button no matter how many times I saw it.

Thankfully, last week a friend mentioned she was listening to the Beyond series on audiobook. My first question was "is it actually good?" She assured me, with many series spoilers thrown in, that it was an excellent series that focused on more than sex. Willing to read it, but still nervous, I bought the first book for free on amazon.

HOLY WOAH GUYS. I've never been so excited and happy to be wrong about a series in my whole life. Beyond Shame was exactly as awesome as everyone told me it was. I really should have listened sooner.

There are fantastic ladies that I wish were my best friends, even Noelle, the aforementioned wide-eyed ingenue. Lex is my heart. I adore Rachel. Noelle is my sweet baby. And people are going to have to fight me to be president of Six's fan club. The women were varied, interesting, flawed, and powerful, just like the male characters. There's a series-long joke that the men run things, but the women are in charge. Heck yes!

Beyond Shame's men were all mouth-wateringly sexy, powerful, and willing to defend their homeland. That was cute . . . and hot. But the ladies completely stole the show. Dallas, the mighty O'Kane himself, was the man who caught my eye the most. Though I admit that was mainly because his and Lex's battles were hilarious and very sexy.

The world-building was great. Not much of the landscape is explored in the first book, basically only Eden and O'Kane territory. But, I know just enough from my friend what to expect in later books. I'm excited to learn more about the different districts.

My only sticking point in this book was the plot. It was there, and done well enough to keep the story interesting. However, it kind of felt like plot took a back seat to relationship drama and character growth? This is not a bad thing. I prefer exploring characters much more than going through endless plot. Still, it felt like the main antagonist and their issues was sort of swept under the rug by the end. Like One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost? The main character feels she needs to go on the run for the rest of her life to out-run the enemies she made. But by the second book surprise! the love interest has killed them all and they can live happily without worries. Too much dues ex machina is what I'm saying here.

Noelle and Jasper's story was the perfect beginning to the series. They were sweet, like the perfect homecoming king and queen. Don't get me wrong, there was some relationship drama going on with needing consent (from someone who doesn't know how to say no) and tell me what you want, what you really, really want. But it never seemed like the two wouldn't end up together. I am VERY interested in seeing how the real king claims his clever queen in book two, Beyond Control.

Bottom line: If you're a fan of erotica, kick-ass women, and the men who love them, this is the book series for you.

Teaser line: "I can survive without you, but it's only that. Surviving. I want to live."

Happy Reading,

May 2015 Recap: I Graduated!

2015-06-04T19:51:00.001-04:00

Hello my lovely and ever faithful readers! I thought I'd try something new with a recap of my month. Hannah at So Obsessed With and Jamie from Perpetual Page-Turner started the monthly recap trend and it always looked like a lot of fun to me. At times I can feel really disconnected from my blog and especially my readers, which is a tragedy! So, I'm hoping this new spotlight on my life will get us all a little more connected to each other.

The following recap is a mish-mash of Jamie and Hannah's recap styles, leaning more to the Jamie side. Be sure to check out their recaps to see what they've been up to as well!

1. I graduated! Yep, I'm now an official college graduate with a B.A. in Advertising and Public Relations. (Just in case anyone out there is hiring!) Honestly, the whole thing still feels surreal. Maybe it will kick in when I finally get my diploma.

2. We had a whole week of celebrations leading up to my graduation, including a beach trip. Because my mom is, and has always been, the best person ever. She took of for the week and gave me a budget, then said to go wild and that's what we did. I treasure the time I got to spend with my mom, dad and sister that week. (The above photo was the view from our hotel.)

3. I celebrated a friend's birthday. We went to a hotel, got in some pool time, watched a terribly scary movie, and had a blast at Islands of Adventure. Happy 23rd Sam!

4. I created a new blog. You'd think one would be enough, but I decided to launch another for more personal things. MSGB is so book-focused it feels weird to put up chatty posts. Even doing this one is strange for me.

5. I started a new project. It's related to writing. But I'm a bit nervous about sharing it just yet. It will feature a lot into my other blog. Hopefully I'll have it up and running soon and can give you all the links.

'Fight Song' - Rachel Platten

'Honey, I'm Good' - Andy Grammer

'Geranimo' - Sheppard

'Que Viva La Vida' - Wisin

'When You Say' - Jamestown Story feat. Michelle Rene

'Fire N Gold' by Bea Miller

Beyond Shame by Kit Rocha
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Fat Girl Walking by Brittany Gibbons

"You are going to fail at a lot of things, so when you do,

do it on such a grand scale that half the room gives you a standing ovation,

and the other half gives you the middle finger."

Fat Girl Walking by Brittany Gibbons

"I love you," she whispered against his mouth. "No matter what

changes, that will always be true. Spoken from the heart of a coru woman."

"I love you," he answered. "And that will not change though the

rest of the world is made over. Word of a hunti man."

Troubled Waters by Sharon Shinn

Rhysand stared at me for long enough that I faced him.
"Be glad of your humam heart, Freyre.
Pity those who don't feel anything at all.”
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

1. Just Keep Writing - A blog post from Victoria Schwab about why you must keep writing.

2. Roasted Red Pepper Parmesan Fettuccine - OMG. I need to try making this and eat it. Except I will need to take all the seeds out before blending. My mouth cannot handle such FIRE.

3. How to Fit Writing a Book into Your Life - I have a serious thing for organization and schedules so I love this post on how to incorporate writing into your daily life. Some of it is probably common sense, but it totally helped me get my act together.

Hart of Dixie Season 1 - I'm up to episode 15. Please don't spoil it for me. Zoey is adorable and her dynamic with Wade can be cute, but Lemon Breeland is the love of my life. There's hardly anyone I dislike on the show, they're so adorable. (Except George's back-stabbing witch of a mother who dare use Lemon's ultimate weakness against her and then make fun of her for it. *knife emoji*) Some of the Southern stereotypes are painfully inaccurate, but I love the show so much I don't really mind.

The Babadook - THIS MOVIE. Okay, all of us on the birthday trip totally expected this horror movie to be terrible, except it freaked me the freak out. I had to sleep with the lights on, no lie. I will never watch this thing again. And so help me if anyone ever screeches Ba-ba-dook-dook-doooooooook at me. You will end up in the hospital my friend.

Cinderella (2015) - Exactly as gorgeous as everyone said it would be. I loved it. But I also wished they'd tweaked more of the story.

Avengers: Age of Ultron - Loved it! I did have a few issues with plot and characterization. Overall though, I enjoyed it much, much more than I disliked certain parts.

1. Essie's Matte About You nail polish - I just put this on my nail today and it looks so good! The coating is thick and makes my nails look like . . . pink and green M&Ms without the gloss. Either way, it's awesome and I can't wait to try it on my other polishes.

2. Peach Valley Cafe - OH MY LORD. My friend Ashley took me to Peach Valley for the first time for Brunch and I nearly died. Everything they make is sooooo delicious. Their Cafe Mocha is amazing, their Eggs Benedict are wonderful, and their French Toast is to die for. I went back twice in a month I loved it so much!

3. Magnet Bookmarks - I don't know how it happened. I got a cupcake set, then another cupcake set, then I needed the foxes, and the mini animals were too cute to pass up. Now I have 4 stacks of magnet bookmarks, which I completely adore. I NEED the little monster bookmark 6 pack. The only downside is these are super hard to find online. And I've bought all the ones in stores near me.

1. Meeting Tessa Bailey! - There will be other authors I'm excited to see, like Jennifer Armentrout, Shayla Black, Laura Kaye, and Kristen Proby. But Tessa is bae and I cannot wait to meet this wonderful lady who brought Willa and Shane into my life.

2. Museum trip maybe? - My friend has to do an art critique, so we're going to a local museum to see some art. I love hanging out with her, and art is one of my favorite things to look at. It's an all-around win.

3. The beach or some other body of water - It is summer! Which is sort of terrible in Florida because it feels like the humidity is boiling you alive. And the only way to soothe that feeling is submerging yourself in some body of water while outside. So, I am going to make it my mission to either get myself to the beach or a pool soon. No lakes. We have gators, venemous snakes, and brain-eating bacteria in our lakes. No thank you.

This month, I had the pants scared off of me by a movie I thought was going to be funny.

So, my question for you is . . .

When was the last time you were mistaken about a movie you wanted to watch? What movie was it? What were you expecting compared to what happened?

The Life and Times of a Plus-size Advocate and a Giveaway

2015-05-15T05:23:00.003-04:00

Told through a series of larger-than-life snapshots, a hilarious memoir in essays about love, sex, marriage, motherhood, bikinis, and loving your body, no matter what size you are from the acclaimed blogger and body image advocate.

Brittany Gibbons has been a plus size her whole life. But instead of hiding herself in the shadows of thinner women, Brittany became a wildly popular blogger and national spokesmodel--known for stripping on stage at TedX and standing in Times Square in a bikini on national television, and making skinny people everywhere uncomfortable.

Talking honestly about size and body image on her popular blog, brittanyherself.com, she has ignited a national conversation. Now in her first book, she shares hilarious and painfully true stories about her life as a weird overweight girl growing up in rural Ohio, struggling with dating and relationships, giving the middle finger to dieting, finding love with a man smaller than her, accidentally having three kids, and figuring out the secret to loving her curves and becoming a nationally recognized body image advocate. And there's sex, lots of it!

Fat Girl Walking isn't a diet book. It isn't one of those former fat people memoirs about how someone battled, and won, in the fight against fat. Brittany doesn't lose all the weight and reveal the happy, skinny girl that's been hiding inside her. Instead, she reminds us that being chubby doesn't mean you'll end up alone, unhappy, or the subject of a cable medical show. What's important is learning to love your shape. With her infectious humor and soul-baring honesty, Fat Girl Walking reveals a life full of the same heartbreak, joy, oddity, awkwardness, and wonder as anyone else's. Just with better snacks. (Summary from Goodreads.com)

I was provided a finished copy by the publisher for review. This has in no way swayed my opinions of the book.

Reading Fat Girl Walking was an intensely personal experience. It was the first time I could directly parallel my life to the situations someone was writing about. Called names based on your weight? Yep! Felt like a nothing more than a cockblock to boys looking to hook up with your friend? Check! Struggled your entire life with self-perception when everyone from your friends, to your family, to strangers, to the media is subtly and not so subtly implying your body is unacceptable? It's the story of my life!

Brittany Gibbons might be the person I've needed all my life. Not in a creepy we're soulmates kind of way, because she is super happily married with three kids. But as a person who says "I get it. Those perceptions of you because of your weight, suck. But those perceptions aren't you. And there isn't one single thing wrong with who you are and especially how you look. Now let's make sure other people know that too." My mom has been saying this all my life. But there's a difference between hearing it from your mom, who is wonderful and thinks you're fine as is, and someone who was down in the trenches getting called jellyroll along with you.

Gibbons' Fat Girl Walking explores much more than her struggle with the scales. The book goes into her childhood with a brain-damaged father, exploring relationships as a teen, finding love, having a complete mental breakdown in college, a brief foray into lesbianism, getting married, motherhood, and developing into an advocate for plus-size women and body positivity by stripping down to her bathing suit on national television. She unapologetically tackles each subject with humor and the self-assured grace of someone who no longer gives a f*** what people say. While some moments are enough to make you cringe (poor, poor Kimberly), overall this hilarious book departs a few great messages about life, love, and accepting yourself as is.

My favorite quote from the book comes from Gibbons' grandmother. "You are going to fail at a lot of things, so when you do, do it on such a grand scale that half the room gives you a standing ovation, and the other half gives you the middle finger."

That is an awesome message! Obviously I'm not saying to go fail at something for the hell of it. This quote means failures do not matter, only that you went after something, whatever it is, so completely that no one can accuse you of not giving your all. Which frankly, I need more of that level of tenacity in my life.

If you are a plus-size woman, or any type of person who struggles with self-perception, I highly recommend picking up Fat Girl Walking. Gibbons' great writing, humor, and downright irreverence for TMI will have you laughing all night long. And hopefully, starting down your own road of self-acceptance and body positivity.

Please enjoy the excerpt below from Chapter 13 of Fat Girl Walking and scroll down for a giveaway!

NOW WHAT?

My fitness and body aspirations at thirty are different from my aspirations at twenty. At twenty, I just assumed I’d work out until I was so tiny, people became concerned for my health and I’d roll my eyes at them from my Victoria’s Secret bras and Abercrombie jeans. Now I just want to maintain my current weight so I don’t need to buy new clothes. When you look at weight loss, it’s often clothing driven. Weddings, vacations, and high school reunions, all things you are supposed to be thin for. But what if you have a gorgeous wedding dress in your current size, loads of flattering bathing suits, and a killer pair of jeans? Starving myself has suddenly become a moot point. I have options; I’m no longer a fashion pariah. So where does that leave my weight? Well, unless I’m sitting atop you, what I weigh is really none of your business.

I like to put good food in my mouth, and while I am aware of the calories I ingest, instead of cutting them I make them count. I have a full-on love affair with food, appreciating the different cultures and processes within it. In fact, I take entire vacations around eating. It’s how I remember where I’ve been; I’ve either eaten, thrown up, or started my period without the proper supplies there.

Beignets with my best friend in New Orleans. Too much rum on the beaches of Playa del Carmen on our second honeymoon. Orlando, Florida, the city of emergency men’s tube sock maxi-pads.

You see, these flabby parts aren’t problem areas; they’re parts of a scrapbook.

If you'd like to buy Fat Girl Walking, you can do so at:

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and HarperCollins.

Or, you can enter this contest for a free copy of the book. There will be five winners selected. You could be one of them!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BRITTANY GIBBONS is a humorist, internet personality, model and nationally recognized positive body image advocate. She began her blog www.BrittanyHerself.com in 2007, and later founded the magazine, CurvyGirlGuide.com, and she hosts “Last Call Brittany,” a weekly Google talk show. She lives in Toledo, Ohio with her husband and three small children.

Shout out to fabulous HarperCollins publicist Dianna Garcia for reaching out to me to review this book and join the tour!

Happy Reading!

Sophomore Year is Greek to Me by Meredith Zeitlin

2015-04-21T18:26:00.001-04:00

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Age: Young Adult
Series: N/A
Source: ARC from Publicist
Interest: Sequel/Greece/Love the author

High school sophomore Zona Lowell has lived in New York City her whole life, and plans to follow in the footsteps of her renowned-journalist father. But when he announces they’re moving to Athens for six months so he can work on an important new story, she's devastated— he must have an ulterior motive. See, when Zona's mother married an American, her huge Greek family cut off contact. But Zona never knew her mom, and now she’s supposed to uproot her entire life and meet possibly hostile relatives on their turf? Thanks... but no thanks.

In the vein of Anna and the French Kiss, Zona navigates a series of hilarious escapades, eye-opening revelations, and unexpected reunions in a foreign country—all while documenting the trip through one-of-a-kind commentary. (summary from goodreads.com)

I received an ARC for review from a publicist, but this in no way has swayed my opinions or review.

Back in 2012, I read this adorable little story of a teenage nobody who just wanted something, anything to happen in her freshman year. That story was Freshman Year & Other Unnatural Disasters. It reminded me of all the best parts of Meg Cabot's books. I loved the book and vowed to be on the look out for the author's next release.

Fast forward to 2015, and Meredith Zeitlin's second book, Sophomore Year is Greek to Me, which I officially loved even more than Freshman. Zeitlin's writing sparkles with the same wit, hilarity, and genuine emotion as with her first release. I fell in love with her characters all over again and enjoyed every moment!

Zona was me in high school. Minus the drive for a career in journalism, I'm more of a creative fiction girl. Zona was such a smart, funny, and dramatic character that I latched onto her immediately. She was this force of nature. I was so happy to see her evolve from a somewhat close minded skeptic, to a girl bursting with exciting and hilarious new experiences.

Aside from Zona herself, I loved the plot of this book. As mentioned in my rave review for Freshman, Zeitlin allows her characters to be real teens. She doesn't propagate (Zona would be so proud of that SAT word!) the idea that teens need to have everything falling apart in their lives all the time, or be obsessed with finding their one-true-love in high school. (*ahem* CW Teen Shows *ahem*) Zona, although boy crazy at times, knew her priorities. She understood sometimes relationships aren't built for forever, just a few fun months. She helped a friend in a dire health situation. And she supported her friends, but always tried to look out for them too. She was normal!

The major focus of this book is on family, the kind you have with friends, and the kind related by blood. It was heart-warming to see Zona's interactions with the "new" side of her family. She really tried, after some revelations, to understand their side of the story. She wasn't always perfect around them, and neither were they with her. It was deeply rewarding to see how their relationship turned out.

There's so much to talk about and love about this book I'm not sure I can fit it all. Sophomore made me want to travel to Greece even more than I already do! The descriptions were so lush and beautiful, even the ones of Pro-yia-yia's . . . rustic home.

As with Freshman, Zeitlin again tackled in Sophomore important teen issues such as underage clubbing, being offered drinks and rides from strangers, eating disorders, political upheaval, and picking a non-standard career choice. She doesn't preach about these aspects, but doesn't shy away from them either. It's nice to see alternative ways of doing things, or handling them presented without judgement.

On a personal note, I really enjoyed Matty's storyline. He was Zona's out and gay best friend who really wanted to be around other gay men, specifically a boyfriend. Having a friend who is also gay, who also isn't often interested in the men around here, I can get Zona's worry about Matty. You feel like your friend really wants that extra interaction, but really aren't sure how to help him get that or what to do about it. So, it was very nice to see teens grappling with the same issues I know some of my friends face even today, at 22!

I also very much enjoyed Zeitlin's sneaky little peak back into Kelsey's, Ben and Lexi's lives. I'd missed those teens so much!

Last thing, I promise, in this rambling and love-filled review. If you enjoy exotic destinations, amazing sounding food, scrappy reporters, mean geese, fantastic writing, and stories about the strength of family Sophomore Year is Greek to me is definitely for you! Go grab a copy today!

P.S. They totally compared this book to Anna and the French Kiss, one of my favorites of all time, so you HAVE to read it now.

P.P.S. Thank you and a shout out to Meredith Zeitlin's team for sending me this awesome book for review! And to Zeitlin herself for writing such an awesome book.

Teaser Lines: It's amazing how, when you hear "Family means taking care of each other" enough times, you start to accept it as true -- even though you believed the exact opposite for your whole life.

Happy Reading,

Top Ten Tuesday

2015-04-07T13:53:00.000-04:00

1. Grace and Sam from The Wolves of Mercy Falls series by Maggie Stiefvater - I haven't read Sinner, so I can't say there wasn't an update on these two. But I need to know, with every fiber of my being, that there is a red coffee pot, white summer dresses, thousands more songs, and millions more paper cranes. I know Maggie said she won't write more about them unless there's a story. And I respect that. I just miss Grace and Sam and want to see their happily ever after.

2. Colby, Georgia, and Adam from Nothing Between Us by Roni Loren - I have my fingers and toes crossed for an update novella on these three. They had such an awesome dynamic. I loved Adam's sweetness, Colby's protectiveness, and Georgia's openness. I'd love to see where their story went, or just hang out with them one more time.

3. Sloane, Emily, Frank, Matt, and Dawn from Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson- See? Not ALL of my check-ins are for couples. I want to know more about Sloane and Emily's new relationship. How are they handling being friends from a distance? Did Dawn and Emily ever repair their friendship? Did Frank and Matt fix theirs? Did Matt ever warm up to Emily? I want to know!

4. Cam and Avery from the Wait For You series by J. Lynn - Seriously, I need every major life event from this couple. Marriage, pregnancy, babies, or just hanging out in awesome coupledom, sans children. I want it all. There are few couples I become so attached to that I feel the need to see every major life event from their eyes. Cam and Avery are one of them. The next ones on my list are another.

5. Anna, Lola, Cricket, and Etienne from Anna and the French Kiss and Lola and The Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins - More than ANYTHING I need to see Anna and Etienne's wedding. And their babies. But I'd be okay with just a wedding for now. They just stole my heart from almost the first page. I also need Lola and Cricket, preferably moving in together or their court house ceremony. I think them moving in together would be more fun. With Cricket's inventions and Lola's designs, they'd probably qualify for an episode of hoarders. Think I could bribe Perkins into a new adult spin-off? Just kidding! Mostly . . .

6. Heartland series by Lauren Brooke - LEAVING TY WAS A MISTAKE.* I mean, um. I very rationally want to see if Ty and Amy perhaps get together later. And block out that home-wrecker Will. *Logically leaving Ty was the right decision for Amy because she needed to pursue her dreams and Ty wasn't totally on board with that. But you just don't break up my childhood OTP that's been together for 12 friggin' books, OKAY? Also I'd love an update on Lou's little family, Amy's stepdad, and Heartland in general.

7. Mao and Jinya from Ai to Himegoto by Mitsuki Kako - Ah! One of my favorite little manga couples. Mao and Jinya are probably in my top 5 favorite manga couples. I know the series left off with their sweet little life. But I'd love an update on their day to day routine. And how frisky Jinya gets with his busy wife ignoring him for the children.

8. Cat and Bones from the Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost - MY BABIES. I'm in total denial that their series ended. I refuse to read the last book and admit it's over. I know they cameo in Vlad's series . . . and probably will in Ian's. Still, they were my first adult series couple I latched on to. (Aside from Mercy and Adam, but they were dealing with Sam drama for a while.) I need a little more, just a couple more fixes of my sassy couple. Pleaaaaase Mrs. Frost?

9. Ansel and Mia from Sweet Filthy Boy by Christina Lauren- Why is it always the frenchmen that get to be the most adorable? I adore Ansel and Mia's relationship. They're too cute to be real. I need their engagement, their wedding, and Mia getting to be enceinte. Can you imagine Ansel learning Mia is pregnant? The world was not built to contain that much joy.

10. The Reavers from Mistaken by Fate, Betting on Fate and Protecting Fate by Katee Robert- I've enjoyed seeing Garrett and Ridley, Will and Penelope, and Sara and Z in the Serve series. But the siblings seem much too detached by the end. I want a big family get together! Preferably one where couples keep sneaking off for alone time. Also! I need Nolan's story. Need it! Poor boy has been gypped out of 2 relationships so far!

Bonus: Any Tessa Bailey Characters Ever - Tessa is my absolute favorite because she is unbelievably generous with her writing time. She posts little updates on requested characters every so often. It makes me feel like she's just as invested in her characters and where their lives go as I am. She could be using that time to draft more novels, making more money. But she chooses to give back to her fans instead and I think that's amazing of her to do!

Happy Reading,

Top Ten Tuesday

2015-03-17T04:17:00.000-04:00

1. Shadow Scale by Rachel Hartman - I'm reading Seraphina at the moment and adoring it. I can't wait to see what direction the story will take in Shadow Scale!

2. Hold Me Like a Breath by Tiffany Schmidt - I love the title, I love the cover, I love the premise, and I absolutely adore Netgalley for giving me the chance to review this baby.

3. The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson - Fantasy, mistaken identities, princesses, and assassins. How have I even waited this long to read Kiss of Deception?

4. Need Me by Tessa Bailey - Honey was my absolute favorite of Roxy's roommates in Chase Me. And Ben was my favorite of Louis' friends. I can't wait to see how this Southern deb. and her peculiar tweed-wearing professor get along.

5. Fall With Me by J. Lynn (Jennifer L. Armentrout) - Yes! Finally more of the Wait for You series (Cam and Avery for life). I'm excited to see more of Roxy, Reece and their sparks-fly relationship. Also I think there will be a certain wedding . . . that will make me scream and cry at a level only dogs will understand.

6. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas - I've been looking forward to this book ever since I saw the Pinterest board on Sarah's account. Mix in elements from East of the Sun, West of the Moon, Tam Lin, Beauty and the Beast, and faeries with Sarah's amazing writing. I'm wondering how I haven't knocked down someone's door for an ARC of The Precioussssss.

7. All Played Out by Cora Carmack - I've fallen for this book based solely on Cora's teasers of Mateo, Nell, and a Bad Decision. Not to mention All Broke Down had some seriously hot scenes. I'm dying to know if Mateo and Nell have the same kind of chemistry and proclivities for making out in a bathroom.

8. No Good Duke Goes Unpunished by Sarah MacLean - I miss my daring heroines and their tendencies to get hot and bothered over wildly inappropriate gambling hell-owners. I need to finish this series and Love by Numbers in time for Sarah's next hot historical, The Rogue Not Taken. She has the most excellent book titles, does she not?

9. Melt Into You by Ronnie Loren - I read Crash Into You and was impressed with a certain aspect of the book, but not super into the series. When Erica at The Book Cellar talked about how much she loved Nothing Between Us, I had to give it a try. It became one of my favorite erotica books to date, so I'm giving the rest of the series a chance.

10. Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta - So many people adore this fantasy series. I'm beginning to think it's sacrilege to have gone this long without reading it. No time like the present right?

Happy Reading!

The Witch of Painted Sorrows by M.J. Rose Review, Excerpt and Giveaway!

2015-03-17T04:06:00.002-04:00

Possession. Power. Passion. New York Times bestselling novelist M. J. Rose creates her most provocative and magical spellbinder yet in this gothic novel set against the lavish spectacle of 1890s Belle Époque Paris.

Sandrine Salome flees New York for her grandmother’s Paris mansion to escape her dangerous husband, but what she finds there is even more menacing. The house, famous for its lavish art collection and elegant salons, is mysteriously closed up. Although her grandmother insists it’s dangerous for Sandrine to visit, she defies her and meets Julien Duplessi, a mesmerizing young architect. Together they explore the hidden night world of Paris, the forbidden occult underground and Sandrine’s deepest desires.

Among the bohemians and the demi-monde, Sandrine discovers her erotic nature as a lover and painter. Then darker influences threaten—her cold and cruel husband is tracking her down and something sinister is taking hold, changing Sandrine, altering her. She’s become possessed by La Lune: A witch, a legend, and a sixteenth-century courtesan, who opens up her life to a darkness that may become a gift or a curse.

This is Sandrine’s “wild night of the soul,” her odyssey in the magnificent city of Paris, of art, love, and witchery.

Review

Bonjour mes anges!

I have a special treat pour vous aujourd'hui, a review, excerpt and giveaway for of M. J. Rose's new gothic romantic suspense, The Witch of Painted Sorrows. The novel is set exquisitely in 19th century Paris, so excusez-moi for all the menial French I'm about to inflict on you. High school and college French classes FINALLY come in handy, can you blame me for being over zealous?

Joking of my terrible grasp of the French language aside, The Witch of Painted Sorrows cannot be described as anything but sumptuous. The descriptions of Paris were breathtaking, the care and detail put into developing Sandrine's rich and bejeweled world, the myth of La Lune, all of it was spectacularly done. Rose's writing absolutely sings in this piece.

I wasn't certain this book would be the right fit for me. It has many elements I enjoy (myth, Paris, supernatural, interesting women). But a big stumbling block was Sandrine's former marriage. I didn't want to read through all the drama typical of a soon to be divorcée leaving her husband. In a pleasant turn, Sandrine's character and her circumstances rebelled against those cliches nicely.

My favorite part of the book, aside from the gorgeous writing, was how much passion for love and life played a factor in the main plot. Although such emotion was warned to be a downfall, I thoroughly enjoyed watching Sandrine come alive under La Lune. She was sensual, confident, and creating a life she loved to live instead of existing in. Sandrine's passion and joie de vivre spoke to me on a very personal level.

Perhaps because I was so infatuated with Sandrine's newfound zest, I didn't understand why it was bad that La Lune possess her. I mean obviously, the thought of having free will revoked like that scares the ever loving everything out of me. But Sandrine seemed so happy, and alive. And for a "malevolent spirit" La Lune wasn't that bad. She did reprehensible things. But it was all in the name of getting to be in love and paint. Very simple desires. If certain people hadn't gotten in the way, Sandrine and La Lune could have worked out very well together. I'm not defending her, I'm just saying painting and loving are pretty tame desires for a vengeful ghost.

Rose's writing does bring on an atmosphere of intrigue, danger and evil when going into the darker parts of the story. You can still tell the stakes, I just didn't think there was much sense to them I guess? In other words, the writing makes up for sometimes ambiguous plotting and motivations. The only other issue I had with the novel was the pacing. The beginning is slow. And with the decadent words, it can feel like an uphill battle reading sometimes. But, I felt it was worth it in the end.

For any fans of M.J. Rose, or those looking to explore a bit of gothic romance with absolutely gorgeous prose, pick up a copy of The Witch of Painted Sorrows. Paris, curses, delicious food, enviable jewels, and a creeping supernatural threat will have you reading long into the night.

You can buy The Witch of Painted Sorrows at Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iBooks ** IndieBound

Bonjour mes anges- Hello my angels
pour vous aujourd'hui - for you today
excusez-moi - excuse me
La Lune- The Moon

The Witch of Painted Sorrows Excerpt

Four months ago I snuck into Paris on a wet, chilly January night like a criminal, hiding my face in my shawl, taking extra care to be sure I wasn’t followed.

I stood on the stoop of my grandmother’s house and lifted the hand-shaped bronze door knocker and let it drop. The sound of the metal echoed inside. Her home was on a lane blocked off from rue des Saints-Pères by wide wooden double doors. Maison de la Lune, as it was called, was one of a half dozen four-story mid-eighteenth- century stone houses that shared a courtyard that backed up onto rue du Dragon.

I let the door knocker fall again. Light from a street lamp glinted off the golden metal. It was a strange object. Usually on these things the bronze hand’s palm faced the door. But this one was palm out, almost warning the visitor to reconsider requesting entrance.

The knocker had obsessed me ten years before when I’d visited as a fifteen-year-old. The engravings on the finely modeled female palm included etched stars, phases of the moon, planets, and other archaic symbols. When I’d asked about it once, my grandmother had said it was older than the house, but she didn’t know how old exactly or what the ciphers meant. Where was the maid? Grand-mère, one of Paris’s celebrated courtesans, hosted lavish salons on Tuesday, Thursday, and many Saturday evenings, and at this time of day was usually upstairs, preparing her toilette: dusting poudre de riz on her face and décolletage, screwing in her opale de feu earrings, and wrapping her signature rope of the same blazing orange stones around her neck. The strand of opal beads was famous. It had belonged to a Russian empress and was known as Les Incendies. The stones were the same color as my grandmother’s hair and the high- lights in her topaz eyes. She was known by that name—L’Incendie, they called her, The Fire.

We had the same color eyes, but mine almost never flashed like hers. When I was growing up, I kept checking in the mirror, hoping the opal sparks that I only saw occasionally would intensify. I wanted to be just like her, but my father said it was just as well my eyes weren’t on fire because it wasn’t only her coloring that had inspired her name but also her temper, and that wasn’t a thing to covet.

It wasn’t until I was fifteen years old and witnessed it myself that I understood what he’d meant.

I let the hand of fate fall again. Even if Grand-mère was upstairs and couldn’t hear the knocking, the maid would be downstairs, organizing the refreshments for the evening. I’d seen her so many nights, polishing away last smudges on the silver, holding the Baccarat glasses over a pot of steaming water and then wiping them clean to make sure they gleamed.

Dusk had descended. The air had grown cold, and now it was beginning to rain. Fat, heavy drops dripped onto my hat and into my eyes. And I had no umbrella. That’s when I did what I should have done from the start—I stepped back and looked up at the house.

The darkened windows set into the limestone facade indicated there were no fires burning and no lamps lit inside. My grandmother was not in residence. And neither, it appeared, was her staff. I almost wished the concierge had needed to open the porte cochère for me; he might have been able to tell me where my grandmother was.

For days now I had managed to keep my sanity only by thinking of this moment. All I had to do, I kept telling myself, was find my way here, and then together, my grandmother and I could mourn my father and her son, and she would help me figure out what I should do now that I had run away from New York City.

If she wasn’t here, where was I to go? I had other family in Paris, but I had no idea where they lived. I’d only met them here, at my grandmother’s house, when I’d visited ten years previously. I had no friends in the city.

The rain was soaking through my clothes. I needed to find shelter.

But where? A restaurant or café? Was there one nearby? Or should I try and find a hotel? Which way should I go to get a carriage? Was it even safe to walk alone here at night?

What choice did I have?

Picking up my suitcase, I turned, but before I could even step into the courtyard, I saw an advancing figure. A bedraggled-looking man, wearing torn and filthy brown pants and an overcoat that had huge, bulging pockets, staggered toward me. Every step he took rang out on the stones.

He’s just a beggar who intends no harm, I told myself. He’s just look- ing for scraps of food, for a treasure in the garbage he’d be able to sell.

But what if I was wrong? Alone with him in the darkening court- yard, where could I go? In my skirt and heeled boots, could I even outrun him?

Giveaway

Click here to enter to win the custom Daughter of La Lune pendant pictured above, designed by Cadsawan Jewelry. Cadsawan has designed many gorgeous jewelry pieces for book series like True Blood, Black Dagger Brotherhood, Throne of Glass, and Outlander. Contest ends midnight (EST) April 15, 2015.

"Haunting tale of possession." —Publishers Weekly

"Rose's new series offers her specialty, a unique and captivating supernatural angle, set in an intriguing belle epoque Paris — lush descriptions, intricate plot and mesmerizing storytelling. Sensual, evocative, mysterious and haunting." —Kirkus

"Mixes reality and illusion, darkness and light, mystery and romance into an adult fairy tale. [Rose] stirs her readers curiosities and imaginations, opening their eyes to the cultural, intellectual and artistic excitement that marked the Belle Epoque period. Unforgettable, full-bodied characters and richly detailed narrative result in an entrancing read that will be long savored."—Library Journal (Starred Review)

New York Times Bestseller, M.J. Rose grew up in New York City mostly in the labyrinthine galleries of the Metropolitan Museum, the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park and reading her mother's favorite books before she was allowed. She believes mystery and magic are all around us but we are too often too busy to notice... books that exaggerate mystery and magic draw attention to it and remind us to look for it and revel in it.

Rose's work has appeared in many magazines including Oprah Magazine and she has been featured in the New York Times, Newsweek, WSJ, Time, USA Today and on the Today Show, and NPR radio. Rose graduated from Syracuse University, spent the '80s in advertising, has a commercial in the Museum of Modern Art in NYC and since 2005 has run the first marketing company for authors - Authorbuzz.com

The television series PAST LIFE, was based on Rose's novels in the Reincarnationist series. She is one of the founding board members of International Thriller Writers and currently serves, with Lee Child, as the organization's co-president.

Rose lives in CT with her husband the musician and composer, Doug Scofield, and their very spoiled and often photographed dog, Winka.

As always, thank you to Inkslinger PR and to Atria for the chance to participate in this tour.

Happy Reading!

Cover Reveal: Heart's Desire by T.J. Kline

2015-03-12T13:57:00.001-04:00

In the first book, Heart’s Desire, Jessie is faced with running the family dude ranch alone after her parent’s unexpected death. Unbeknownst to her siblings, she and her father were transitioning the ranch to an abused horse rescue facility but she’s floundering to keep it afloat and bankruptcy is looming. Her brother, Justin, decides it’s time to call his college buddy, Nathan Kerrington, for help – the same man who shattered her heart eight years earlier.

Nathan Kerrington knows he hurt Jessie but he had a good reason for it. Now he just has to prove that to her and regain her trust. But, as old hurts rise to the surface, they must resolve their past before they can attempt to save her future and some hurts aren’t easily forgiven.

Click here to pre-order a copy of Hear's Desire by T.J. Kline today!

I thought I'd get to the good part first this time since I spent so much of the last cover reveal teasing you all. As always, thank you Avon (and Dianna Garcia) for allowing me to participate in such a cool cover reveal!

For more information on the new series, the making of the cover, and an excerpt of Heart's Desire, scroll down.

About the Healing Hart Series:

The Healing Harts series came to me one night as I was just falling asleep. It jerked me awake, making me sit up in bed. It was one of those ideas that came completely formulated, an entire series, like a lightning bolt to the brain, and I haven’t been able to shake loose of it until it was written down. A family, rocked by loss, each member with a desire to help others in their own way.

On Choosing a Cover for Heart's Desire:

When we started looking for covers for Jessie and Nathan’s story, I had a very clear picture in my mind. I knew exactly what my characters look like and the feel I wanted for the series as a whole. We had also decided very early to go with only the main characters on these books. I also knew that while all three books should tie together, I wanted Jet, one of Jessie’s horses, on the cover somewhere. He plays an important part in discovering herself at different points in the story.

But Jessie is such a strong, independent character, she fought me at every step, whether it was in the first draft or the final cover. We went through several pictures and many would have worked with the mood of the book but there was always something that didn’t suit Jessie’s personality. Again, Jessie was determined to have her own way.

In the end, she chose her own photo. As soon as I saw it, I knew this was Jessie and there was no need to look further for a cover photo. This cover portrays Jessie’s character better than words – pensive, wistful and ambitious. The fact that Jet was able to be part of this cover was the icing on the cake for me.

Heart's Desire Excerpt

"I came to apologize, Jess. I shouldn't have said those things."

She ignored the way her nickname slid easily from his lips or the way it made her heart trip over her ribs and start fluttering like a baby bird learning to take flight. She'd quit buying into romantic notions a long time ago thanks to him. Now, if only she could convince her body to let them go. She set the rake against the wall and walked into the aisle way.

"It's Jessie. Jessie. We are not friends, remember?"

His green eyes flashed, the golden flecks lighting them from within, and she saw frustration in the set of his jaw. "No?"

"No. Let's keep our roles in perspective. You're the financial genius here to do a favor for my brother, and I'm just his idiot little sister who bought your load of crap years ago and can't manage to keep this ranch afloat now."

His long strides ate the distance between them in seconds but she stood her ground, staring up at him, daring him to argue. His lips were tight, set in a grim line and a deep crease lined his perfect brow. She wanted to back away, but years of working with her father wouldn't allow her to show any signs of intimidation. Cowgirl up, she recited the mantra in her head, although not nearly as confidently as she usually did.

"Don't do that," he ordered, staring down into her eyes, his voice quiet but insistent.

She could feel the heat emanating from him as sparks of desires burst in her chest, sending shivers over her skin. She tried to control it, to stop herself from trembling at his nearness but she couldn't stop her breath from catching in her throat. "Don't do what?" Her voice was a hoarse whisper.

"Don't belittle yourself. You are far more than that. You've always been more than that to me." His hands grasped her upper arms and he dipped his head toward her, his eyes never leaving hers. "You're a talented, kind, giving, passionate woman."

It wasn't what Jessie expected. His words were a balm to her chapped and aching heart, exactly what she needed to hear, but she knew she couldn't let him break past her walls. Who knew what damage he could cause her heart when he left again. She'd barely managed to piece together the shards last time. She pressed her hands against his chest, intending to push him away from her, but he gently circled her wrists with his fingers. Their eyes locked and she refused to be the first to look away.

"Nathan." She meant for it to be a warning but it came out sounding more like a plea.

"What, Jess?"

He placed his palms over the back of her hands and twined his fingers between hers. His touch made her weak and she felt a wave of need break over her, threatening to drown her. She'd been so in love with him, and it had left a gaping hole in her, one she’d never managed to fill, not even with her work.

Nathan walked her backward until she felt the stall behind her. With the hard wall of his body pressing against the front of her, pinning their hands between them, there was nowhere for her to escape the explosion of yearning that began in the middle of her chest, spreading outward, heating her and leaving her breathless. Every inhalation filled her with the scent of his expensive cologne, reminding her again how out of place he was. He didn't belong here. But seeing the desire in his eyes, feeling it in every inch of him pressing up against her, made Jessie want to wrap her legs around his waist and let him take her right here in the barn.

She couldn't possibly feel this way about him again. She couldn’t imagine feeling any other way about him. She needed this man. Not just wanted him, needed him, and that scared the crap out of her.

He was going to kiss her, and she was going to melt under his touch. There was no doubt in her mind. If that happened, she was a goner. Because, for her, this wasn't about sex, this was about how Nathan made her feel, how he'd always made her feel - understood and validated and worthy. The only other time Jessie felt that way was when she worked with her horses.

How had this man recognized the weakness in her, buried deeply, and unearthed it so easily? Panic set in. She had to protect herself. She couldn't let Nathan in, couldn't let him get close again. She shoved against his hands, using her body to knock him off balance, backward against the handles of the wheelbarrow and into the bucket.

"You can finish the stalls."

She ran out of the barn, refusing to look back at the man trying to piece together a full sentence from where he landed, inside a wheelbarrow full of fresh horse manure.

About the Author:

T. J. KLINE was bitten by the horse bug early and began training horses at fourteen as well as competing in rodeos and winning several rodeo queen competitions but has always known writing was her first love. She also writes under the name Tina Klinesmith. In her spare time, she can be found spending as much time as possible, laughing hysterically, with her husband, teens and their menagerie of pets in Northern California.

Happy Reading,

Putting a Stop to the Crazy Train (and Review Requests)

2015-03-06T00:35:00.000-05:00

Since opening up My Summer Girl Books I've been lucky to recieve many requests to review books. Recently, these requests, for a number of reasons, have become too much for me to handle. And I've decided to take an extreme measure to deal with it.

As of Friday, March 6, 2015, I am no longer taking book review requests. However, if there is a book I'm interested in reviewing I will contact those involved with publicity for the book.

Announcing this feels like jumping off a bridge without a safety net. Despite my nerves, I know this is the right decision for me.

1. Just looking at my inbox or thinking of organizing a to-read list was causing me major stress. With reading and blogging being two necessary ways for me to relieve stress and have fun, this was a major no-no.

2. The books I was accepting for review, I wasn't reading. I ALWAYS felt guilty opening any book that wasn't part of my to-read list. That guilt made me avoid reading anything that I had been asked to read. Then nothing would get done and I'd feel even worse. Again, a hobby that is used for fun, should not be causing massive amounts of guilt.

3. I'm not blogging or reading like I used to. Let's face it, I have a lot less time to read or write posts. It's frustrating, because I still love both activities. But I have other obligations and tasks I have to or want to complete. If only cloning or time travel were possible.

4. The work outweighed the worth. I'm going to get really honest with you all for a moment. After four years of going through requests, I can pretty confidently say there's been one book of those hundreds if not thousands of requests, that I loved. One. There's been a handful of books I liked. All the rest I either didn't read or had to turn down. I'm a big believer that self-published and independently published books can be AWESOME. These types of books are what I'm asked to review 99% of the time. But, I feel I can seek out those books on my own, without help. (Note: I'm not bashing independents or self-pubs here. From a percentage standpoint, traditionally published books have had more hits than misses with me.)

This does not mean I'll stop writing book reviews or coveting galleys or quit blogging. It just means I'm taking a step back from a more stressful part of book blogging. I hope you all will support my decision and stick around for the awesome content to come!

Happy Reading,