Looking for the perfect mix of smart, sexy, and sassy? Mai Tai’d Up continues New York Times bestselling author Alice Clayton’s Cocktail series, which began with Wallbanger and continued with Rusty Nailed and Screwdrivered.
When Lucas Campbell isn’t at the family veterinary clinic, he’s paddle boarding in Monterey Bay. Recently single, he’s definitely not in the market for a new relationship, but he still can’t resist taking a second, third, and fourth look at the recent arrival of Miss Golden State.
Neither Lucas nor Chloe has any interest in being tied down. Being tied up, however—now there’s a thought. But are a few Mai Tais, a moonlit night, and the music of Frank Sinatra enough to allow them both to forget their past? Let’s hope Ol’ Blue Eyes knows what he’s doing.
Mix one part tiki, one part kinky, and a splash of old black magic matchmaking, and it’s time to be . . . Mai Tai’d Up.
My Thoughts
Another fun installment to the Cocktail series by Alice Clayton! Sweet, sexy and fun. Perfect romantic fix!
Chloe Patterson, a former beauty queen, is about to embark on an exciting new chapter of life as she prepares to marry her perfect match. But when doubts set in and she walks out on her wedding, she heads for a seaside town in Monterrey to figure out what she really wants out of life.
As she begins to redefine herself and with the help of the local veterinarian, Lucas Campbell, she realizes running an animal rescue shelter and making her own decisions suits her much better. As Chloe and Lucas spend time together, it’s no doubt there’s definitely chemistry between the two. However, can Chloe share her secret with Lucas who happened to be ditched at the altar by someone he loved?
I really enjoyed this romantic comedy by Clayton. She definitely has a way of getting you to fall for her characters and Chloe Patterson was no exception. Her prim and proper ways was fun to read about and I enjoyed seeing this beauty queen do something meaningful with her life. I have a soft spot for animals, so her pit bull rescue shelter was a nice layer to the story.
Mai Tai’d up is a quick, fun and quirky read that is a sure hit for Clayton fans. I enjoyed it very much!
Alexa Loved T.R. Cupak (Alexa #2) Publication date: October 6th 2015 Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
After her parents died during her senior year of high school, Alexa Morgan is completely alone in the world—except for her best-friend-turned-boyfriend Devin, identical twins Becca and Jessa, and Sebastian, a mysterious associate of her father’s.
Upon graduation, Alexa wants nothing more than to move on with her life, go to college, and forget all the hard and hurtful things from her tragic past. But when her first love, Ethan, shows up at her graduation—it kicks off a whirlwind of events that threatens the good and stable things she’s worked so hard to achieve.
Ethan and Alexa shared one night of passion before he disappeared, leaving her bewildered and confused. But now he’s back, declaring that he loves her and that the only reason he left was to protect her from his malicious stepmother, Olivia.
In her heart, Alexa knows she loves Devin, but her attraction to Ethan is so strong she can’t help but be drawn in by their shared chemistry. Meanwhile, the threat of Olivia lurks around the edges, casting a menacing shadow over everything and everyone Alexa loves.
Although it feels like time has completely stopped it most definitely has not. I am completely oblivious to how long Ethan and I have been standing outside my hotel room when we are startled apart by the sound of a very pissed off, deep, familiar voice.
“What the fuck is going on, Lexi?” Devin’s heated voice booms through the open hallway making me cringe and my body turn to stone at the sound. I’m still partially wrapped up in Ethan’s arms but when I finally detangle myself completely out of his hold, I step to the side of him so I can see Devin. I get a pretty good view of him too since he’s standing only a few feet behind Ethan with hate evident in his normally kind eyes. I know shock is all over my face as I stare at Devin as if he’s just a figment of my imagination. Ethan hasn’t moved a muscle. His back is to his enemy yet he chooses to stay facing me. It takes another few seconds before I finally take notice to what Devin is wearing. He has on running shorts and running shoes. His body is glistening with sweat and his face is red as if he was actually outside running in the Miami heat.
What the hell? My emotions are all over the place. Confused, scared, hurt, happy. I swear on my parent’s urns that Devin was just in bed with the twins. How is he standing here like he was actually out for a run and why can’t I find my damned voice to ask that very question? Suddenly I hear the twins’ door to their room open. I turn my attention behind me just as a random guy, who looks like he could be Devin’s fraternal twin brother or doppelganger, exits the twins’ room. My mind automatically fishes for the memory of my conversation with Jesse. Once I replay what he had said privately plus all of the banter with his buddies, I can see how a drunken person could mistake Mr. Random for Devin. The twins’ guest is wearing gray boardshorts and flips flops and steps out carrying his black T-shirt in his hand. He stops when he sees the three of us standing here. I’m sure we’re quite the sight to see. Me, with red watery eyes and airplane stale clothes, Ethan who has not moved but his irritation is quite evident, and Devin who looks as if he is ready to kill Ethan. The stranger who appears to be very much hung over but oozes sexual satisfaction gives us a half smile, says “Hey” to Devin, and inches past the soon-to-be war zone towards the elevator. It’s usually females you see doing the walk of shame but this morning it’s this wonderful guy, this wonderful guy who isn’t Devin. Shit. Devin.
“Answer me, Alexa.” Devin’s voice is seething and it makes me snap my head back around to face him. I glance briefly at Ethan and I see his eyes are screwed shut, jaw tense, the vein in his neck is pulsing, and his fists are clenched at his sides. Well shit. I can’t explain this because I don’t fully understand it all myself. I look back to Devin who is staring at me with so much anger and hurt that it takes my breath away.
Devin takes two steps closer and Ethan’s eyes snap open. Before either one can do anything I step between both of them. I’ve been in this position once before and just like the last time I have no idea what I could or would do if these two decided to throw down. I take another step towards Devin. He just stares down at me waiting for his answer.
My voice is quiet when I finally speak to him. “Devin, I can explain part of this but I can’t explain Ethan being here because I don’t have that answer-yet.”
“Do you think I’m fucking stupid, Lexi?” There is so much pain evident in his voice that my tears start to spill again.
“No, Devin. I don’t think you’re stupid. Can we please go into our room and talk privately?” I know I sound pathetic but that’s probably because I am. I just want to be alone with Devin and figure out this craziness.
Just when I think Devin is going to concede and go into our room with me I feel one of Ethan’s hands settle on my hip and that one tiny gesture sends Devin flying over the proverbial edge. Everything happens so fast that all I feel is my body being shoved out of the way like I’m a ragdoll. I trip over my bags and my head slams against a solid surface and everything goes black.
Author Bio:
T. R. Cupak was born and raised in the California Bay Area. She now lives in a quiet town south of where she grew up with her husband and their shih tzu Harley. She is obsessed with cars, especially fast ones, and enjoys her music louder than anyone should. When she's not at work or busy writing, you can find her curled up, reading and enjoying a fabulous glass of wine or a Dirty Shirley.
Despite her lifelong love of literature, Cupak lost touch with her creative side in her early twenties. Her passion for reading was rekindled six years ago, however, and in 2013 she started journaling. This practice helped Cupak hone her creative aspirations, and soon she saw her characters come to life. She has rediscovered her passion for storytelling and wants to share her words with everyone who wants to read them.
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When it comes to love, anything can happen on Dare Island—especially in this latest novel from New York Times bestselling author Virginia Kantra.
After
escaping a disastrous marriage, bakery owner Jane Clark has convinced
herself that she has everything she needs—her precious son, a thriving
business, and a roof over her head. But the arrival of a handsome
stranger on the island shows her exactly what she’s been missing...
The
only home Gabe Murphy ever had was the Marine Corps. He's working hard
to rebuild his life. It will take a special place, and a special woman,
to make him want to stay.
Now Gabe is determined to prove that
he's worthy of Jane’s trust—and her love. But when her past reappears,
that trust will be tested, and Jane and Gabe will have to fight hard to
hold onto their love and make their dreams a reality...
My
Thoughts:
Carolina Dreaming
takes us back to the idyllic vacation town of Dare Island, where there’s a
small population of locals. Everyone
knows everyone and they look out for their own.
So when a handsome, dangerous looking stranger comes to town, the
residents take notice. But Gabe isn’t quite a stranger. After life’s dealt him a few knocks, he’s
returning to the only place that ever felt like home. Luke Fletcher and his family welcomed Gabe in
the past with open arms and treated him like one of their own. Still, he didn’t
come for handouts and wants to make his own way.
Jane is known as the police chief’s daughter who married
wrong. Youth and inexperience led her to
believe her high school sweetheart was the one for her, but the marriage was
far from story book. Now as a single
mother, Jane’s come a long way. She’s
runs a successful business: Jane’s Sweet Tea House, and is looking to expand,
but her main concern is to provide a happy, secure environment for her seven
year-old son, Aiden. When Gabe saunters
into her shop, she’s immediately attracted, but old insecurities creep in and
make her doubt her judgment in men. Jane’s
father doesn’t make things any easier when he warns her off of Gabe, implying
she doesn’t have the smarts to pick a solid and steady man.
Jane was a sweet and nurturing woman and it was easy to see
why a loser like Travis (the ex-husband) was able to get in and take
advantage. Fortunately, Jane wised up,
but not to the point of becoming hard and cynical. She still has a soft spot for people, always
feeding and caring for the people of the island. When she first meets Gabe, down on his luck,
there’s no way she can ignore him or the feelings he brings up.
Gabe is a sweetheart as well, even with all that life has
thrown at him. He’s just the right
amount of alpha protective male mixed in with patience and kindness. I loved the bond he formed with sweet little Aiden.
Jane’s dad was a little annoying at first, but I can’t be
too judgmental because I’d probably feel the same way if Jane were my daughter. I enjoyed his little side romance.
Virginia Kantra’s writing is smooth and beguiling, and the
steamy scenes were hot and sensual! Her
characters feel real, and it was easy to put myself in their shoes while
reading. I’d definitely recommend Carolina Dreaming or any of the books
in the series to anyone who enjoys an easy going romance.
4 Suns
The lovely people of Berkley have generously provided a Paperback Copy of Carolina Dreaming to one lucky Waves of Fiction follower. Simply fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win. The giveaway is restricted to US residents.
Chelsey Young's dad was a rock star. Glamorous, right? But late nights, frequent travelling, and watching endless women rub their bodies against Lukas Young's in a bid for his attention wasn't exactly how Chelsey planned to spend her senior year of high school.
So when Kye Burke, of the ultra-sexy band Dirty B, sets his sights on Chelsey, she figures the best way to get him off her back is by taking his sexy butt to bed.
But after one night together, Kye has no intention of staying away from Chelsey, especially when she's kissing him one minute then pushing him away the next. From watching her father, Chelsey knows the rock star lifestyle that Kye leads—being away for long stretches of time, girls throwing themselves at him on the regular, shirtless photos showing up in his inbox ten times a day. She wants no part of it.
Kye is determined for Chelsey to get to know him, the real him behind the rock star persona. But that isn't so easy when Kye's schedule will take him away for days, weeks, even a month or two at a time, which is a dealbreaker for Chelsey. Long distance means temptation to stray, and infidelity was the reason her own parents split. She knows it's not fair to project her own insecurities onto Kye, but some things are unavoidable.
But Kye Burke isn't Lukas Young.
And, distance or not, he's going to damn well prove it.
With a wide smile spreading across my face, I shove my hands in my pockets like a teenage boy and look at her. “A Christmas tree.”
“Are those . . . penises?”
“Technically, dildos.”
“Like real ones?” She jerks her alarmed gaze to me.
“No. Just plastic.”
She flicks her tongue across her lips. “Uh-huh. Why do you have penises across your Christmas tree?”
“Because he’s an immature little bastard,” Leila answers for me.
“You didn’t stop me,” I shoot back.
“Hell no I didn’t. I cannot wait to see Mom’s face when she sees this!”
“When she sees what?” Mom’s voice creeps through the house ominously, and the close of the door after her sounds like the signal that I should run away.
“Uh . . . I’m just gonna go . . .to the store. . . .” I shuffle toward the door that connects the front room with the kitchen.
Chelsey lifts her eyebrows in amusement, and Dad grabs the back of my shirt so I can’t escape.
You wouldn’t think I was twenty-four. For numerous reasons, obviously.
“Kye Burke, why are there tiny penises on my Christmas tree?”
Her voice is calm. Really calm. I’m even more convinced that I should run. “Merry Cock-mas?”
Mom’s expression is somewhere between insane amusement and extreme frustration.
“I’m just gonna come back later . . .” Chelsey whispers, edging toward the living room door. “When there are less . . . cocks.”
“Good idea! I’ll come with you.” I wrestle out of Dad’s grip and dart behind him, through the kitchen, and into the hall.
Chelsey laughs and grabs my arm, dragging me back into the room. “I said I was going. I didn’t say you were escaping this cock-up.”
“Great choice of words,” Dad chuckles.
Mom pinches the bridge of her nose. “I should have known that when three boys left, one boy would have to make the impression of three,” she says, mostly to herself. “I should have known that the one who never left his little peep alone at two would one day decorate my tree in cocks.”
“Mom! What the hell?” I sputter.
“I should have known that his ball-hoarding obsession at six was a sign of things to come,” she sighs heavily and drops her hand. “After all, there’s one in every boyband. I thought I was ready for this.” Then, she turns to me. “Kye, son, we love you anyway, but I have to ask. Are you gay?”
Chelsey lets go of me, and laughter rips from her. Leila laughs, too, her book falling to the floor. Dad covers his face with his hands, and Mom just stands there in the middle of the room, her eyes wide. Her hands are now clasped in front of her sympathetically, and the tiny upturn of the right side of her mouth explains it all.
“Well played, Mother,” I say reluctantly, walking back toward the front door. “Well. Played.”
By day, New York Times and USA Today bestselling New Adult author Emma Hart dons a cape and calls herself Super Mum to two beautiful little monsters. By night, she drops the cape, pours a glass of whatever she fancies - usually wine - and writes books.
Emma is working on Top Secret projects she will share with her followers and fans at every available opportunity. Naturally, all Top Secret projects involve a dashingly hot guy who likes to forget to wear a shirt, a sprinkling (or several) of hold-onto-your-panties hot scenes, and a whole lotta love.
She likes to be busy - unless busy involves doing the dishes, but that seems to be when all the ideas come to life.
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Number-one New York Times
best-selling author Robyn Carr examines the lives of three sisters as
they step beyond the roles of wife, mother, and daughter, and discover
the importance of being a woman first.
Clare Wilson is starting
over. She's had it with her marriage to a charming serial cheater. Even
her own son thinks she's given his father too many chances. With the
support of her sisters, Maggie and Sarah, she's ready to move on. Facing
her 40th birthday, Clare is finally feeling the rush of unadulterated
freedom.
But when a near-fatal car accident lands Clare in the
hospital, her life takes another detour. While recovering, Clare
realizes she has the power to choose her life's path. The wonderful
younger police officer who witnessed her crash is over the moon for her.
A man from her past stirs up long-buried feelings. Even her ex is
pining for her. With enthusiasm and a little envy, her sisters watch her
bloom.
Together, the sisters encourage each other to seek what
they need to be happy. Along the way, they all learn that it's never too
late to begin again.
My
Thoughts:
Never Too Late
focused on the lives and loves of three sisters, Clare, Sarah and Maggie, but
mainly centered on Clare, a wife and mother recently separated for the FOURTH
time from her cheating husband of sixteen years!! Even her fifteen year old son
doesn’t want his mom to get back together with the idiot! When an accident
shakes up her life, Clare knows it’s time to move on and embrace change.
At first I could sympathize with Clare’s family and their
frustration over not kicking Roger (the cheating douche bag) to the curb
sooner, but as Clare’s history is revealed I could understand why she didn’t. I appreciated that I didn’t have to “see” the
back and forth, because the story tuned in after she firmed her resolve. Clare was a wonderful person and mother, and instead
of dwelling on the negative, she tried to focus on the positive things she shared
with Roger, the good times. Clare didn’t
bash her husband to her son; she let him form his own opinions about his dad,
and tried to support their continued relationship. Something I thought was
highly commendable and mature. I thought
Clare’s romance would take one path when the story started, but it diverted,
and I was happy with the direction it went!
Maggie, the oldest of the three seems so put together, with
a charmed life. But after years together
her marriage isn’t as passionate as it once was, and for some reason her
husband, Bob, doesn’t seem to mind all that much. Maggie’s teenage daughters
are going through some growing pains, as well.
Sarah has never found “the one”, not that she’s been really
looking. Clare’s changes inspire her to
make some of her own. Well that, and a
new, gorgeous man! I don’t want to get
into her story too much so as not to spoil things.
Never Too Late
was my first Robyn Carr book and I was impressed! I loved this story! She wrote realistic, but
oh-so-hot romances with no ridiculous drama or angst, but the story was so much
more. Witnessing these sisters navigate the ups and downs of their lives, and
come out on top was a pleasure. I felt
that Robyn Carr perfectly captured the struggles of a long term marriage,
family life, and romances. I was caught
up and enchanted by each story, fully invested in the HEA of each sister!
As for the audiobook version, Therese Plummer did a fabulous
job narrating Never Too Late, both
female and male voices.
Harley Michelle Jo Quinn Published by: Limitless Publishing Publication date: January 19th 2016 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
All of her life, Cadence “Cade” Williams has been lied to…
With her ailing father on his deathbed, a whispered secret sends Cadence’s life into a tailspin. Determined to either confirm or debunk her father’s claim, she sets out on a mission to grow close to the only man with evidence to set things straight. To do that, Cadence earns a position in an elite security firm owned by her father’s old army buddy, Noah “Mac” Mackinley. Mac is the only man who could hold the evidence to support her father’s claims…
But first, she must prove herself worthy of Mac’s trust and get close enough to find the truth. Her first mission is to watch over an eight-year old girl, Harley Clark. Harley is not an ordinary girl. She’s the daughter of a rock star…
Despite her fragile appearance, Harley has tenacity and brilliance like nothing Cade has ever seen. To everyone’s surprise—including her own—Cade forms an unlikely friendship with the beautiful wallflower. Her first assignment just became more interesting…
When Harley’s rock star father, Jax Clark, enters the scene, Cade can’t deny the instant attraction for the self-proclaimed bad boy. Tattoos, piercing eyes, and a raspy voice that sends thousands of fans into a screaming frenzy, he’s more than just a heartthrob. Worse, Jax starts to pay her more attention than she expects.
She’s faced with a choice—get lured in by the celebrity world and lose any chance of finding out the truth, or stick to the plan and avoid Jax at all costs to earn Mac’s trust.
Author Bio:
Michelle ‘s love for writing blossomed when her father gave her a diary. However, instead of recounting her daily life, she wrote stories of fictional people. Like most of her characters, she believes in Happily Ever After. Naturally, she finds harmony in writing romance.
An unabashed, self-proclaimed foodie, Michelle loves to try new food whenever she travels. She once had triple crème Brie and duck rillette for lunch on top of Grouse Mountain. She enjoys watching foreign films and reading a good book by the fireside.
Michelle is an active member of RWA and several of its chapters. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and two kids.
Is it possible to have too many cowboys?
Preorder your copy of Carolyn
Brown's March release, One
Texas Cowboy Too Many, and find out!
Click HERE for more information on how to receive a signed book plate and to be
entered to win a gourmet chocolate bundle from premiere chocolatier Le Chocolat
as well as a complete set of the Burnt Boot, Texas series.
The winner will be
selected on Tuesday, March 1st.
*Please
note: You may enter the giveaway
without a purchase by printing your name, mailing address, e-mail address, date
of birth and the phrase “One Texas Cowboy” on a standard-size postcard
("Mail-in Entry") and send to: Publicity, c/o Sourcebooks, Inc., 1935
Brookdale Rd, #139, Naperville, IL 60563
About the book:
For good girl Leah
Brennan, the only thing worse than falling for the dark-eyed, tattooed
Rhett O'Donnell would be falling for a member of the off-limits
Gallagher clan—or maybe both.
All Leah wants is to please her
grandmother and bring some peace to the feuding town of Burnt Boot. With
Tanner Gallagher—her forbidden, childhood crush—flirting with her and
sexy Rhett showing up wherever she goes, Leah soon realizes that this
may not be as easy as it seems… Will love be enough to conquer her
family's hundred-year-old feud with the Gallaghers?
Next to Me Allie Everhart Publication date: January 2nd 2016 Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
After losing her parents and brother in a car crash, Callie dropped out of college and went to live in the small town where her family used to spend the summers. A year later, and struggling to move on, she keeps to herself and wants to be left alone. So she’s not too happy when her new neighbor keeps knocking on her door.
Nash Wheeler, a 25-year-old construction worker from Chicago, inherited the house next to Callie’s and is living there while he renovates it. Outgoing, confident, and never one to back down from a challenge, Nash sets out to get to know his new neighbor, inviting her over for dinner and offering to fix things around her house.
As much as his persistence annoys her, Callie finds herself attracted to the tall, muscular guy next door. And the more time she spends with him, the more she realizes how much they have in common. Like Callie, Nash has experienced loss, but when he opens up to her about it, she’s not willing to do the same. It’s too personal.
Nash is just her neighbor. Just some guy living there for the summer. But is that really all he is? Or is he the one person who can finally help her move on?
Nash
“You’re holding my hand,” she says, her lips creeping up.
“I am,” I say, matter-of-factly.
Her eyes return to mine. “Why are you holding my hand?”
“You have nice hands.” I rub the top of it with my thumb.
“That’s why you’re holding it? Because I have nice hands?”
“You got a problem with that?”
“I guess it’s okay. Although your hands aren’t the greatest.” She tries to hide her smile.
“You’re making fun of my hands?” I hold up the other one that’s not connected with hers. “I do construction for a living. I work with my hands. I’m surprised they look as good as they do.”
She takes the hand I was holding up and inspects my nails. “You need a manicure.” She tries to be serious, but then laughs.
“I’m not getting a freaking manicure. I’m not one of those metrosexual guys or whatever the hell they call them. The guys who walk around with purses? You see them downtown Chicago.”
“There’s nothing wrong with those guys.” She sits back but keeps her hand in mine. “And by the way, it’s not a purse. It’s called a man bag. Or a murse. And a lot of guys get manicures. They’re not just for women. It even has the word ‘man’ in it. And cure.” She pauses, then smiles. “It’s a cure for manly hands. Get it?” She laughs at her own joke.
I scoot my chair over and lean in close to her face. Her smile drops, her breath quickens, and her eyes fix on mine. She thinks I’m going to kiss her, but I’m not.
Instead I say, “I don’t want a man bag. Or a murse. Or a manicure.” I look directly in her eyes. “I’m a man’s man. I like red meat. Football. A cold beer. Hard liquor. Pounding nails into walls. And women who challenge me.”
She’s looking at me with lust in her eyes, and God, I feel it too. The intense need to rip off her clothes and do her right here on this table. How the hell did this happen? How did we go from having a conversation to wanting to have sex? I’m not even trying to date this girl, and I definitely wasn’t planning to have sex with her.
I’m here to do a job. Fix the house. That’s it. Plain and simple. But suddenly it feels more complicated than that.
Author Bio:
Allie Everhart is a hopeless romantic who writes books about love. Allie has authored fourteen novels, including The Jade Series, a college romance that follows the story of Jade and Garret as they deal with numerous obstacles trying to tear them apart. Her other series, The Kensingtons, is a romantic suspense series. After writing two series, she’s now working on several standalone books, including her latest book, Next to Me, a new adult romance.
Beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover returns with an unforgettable love story between a writer and his unexpected muse.
Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.
My Thoughts
You’ll never be able to find yourself if you’re lost in someone else.
Definitely a CoHo book that’s signature of her style… Good dialog, somewhat creative twist on an ordinary storyline, and overall a pleasant reading experience. However, either I know Hoover’s writing style too well, or November 9 was just simply predictable. That doesn’t mean I didn’t fall for Ben and Fallon’s story because I really did. But, I saw the twist coming a mile away, which was a bit of a disappointment.
In November 9, we get the pleasure of meeting Fallon the Transient and Ben the Writer on an ordinary day when Fallon is meeting her father for lunch. As the encounter with her dad goes south, Fallon is rescued by this stranger Ben, who she develops a deep connection with despite the burn scars that have caused her to keep her distance from everyone.
Ben and Fallon develop a quick connection after one short day of hanging out together, but Fallon follows through with her plans to move from California to New York and leave Ben behind. However, they make a pact to meet every November 9th for the next five years to see where this relationship takes them.
Through the years, we see Fallon and Ben grow and find themselves in more ways than one… Fallon gains back the confidence she lost in the fire, and Ben struggles with a secret that might shatter their friendship.
Overall, I really liked Ben and Fallon. I did have a few minor annoyances with the story including the predictability of the outcome. The writing, however, kept me glued to my eCopy and the story was flooded with tons of nice passages. The only reason I’m keeping my rating below four stars is because I was hoping for a great story. I was counting on CoHo to deliver something beautiful, different, and impactful, which is really wasn’t. I struggled with one of Ben’s relationships that transpired in the story. I struggled with the predictability. And finally I struggled with my disappointment that it wasn’t more…
However, I’m sure November 9 will be a hit with Hoover’s rabid fan base and just a pleasant experience for the more sensible reader audience that doesn’t feel compelled to adore everything this author pens. Good, but not great…
Perfect for fans of Keri Arthur and Bella Forrest, this short novel kicks off a sizzling new series in the award-winning Weird Girls saga as Celia’s sister Taran fights to have it all: independence, hot romance, and enough firepower to torch an army of blood-thirsty supernaturals. Cursed by a spell meant to destroy them, Taran Wird and her sisters instead developed unique magical talents. With the power of fire and lightning literally at her fingertips, Taran doesn’t fear much. Demons, vamps, whatever—bring ’em on! Only one thing terrifies her: commitment. Taran is crazy about her boyfriend, Gemini, a sexy were with the incredible ability to split into two separate wolves. But after watching her sister go through heartbreak with the pack’s Alpha, Taran knows not to count on happily ever after—despite Gemini’s desire to claim her as his mate. Reluctantly, she agrees to meet his very traditional and conservative parents. Taran’s a badass with a mouth to match, and Gemini loves her for it. She’s just not positive these attributes will please Mom and Dad. Unsurprisingly, every attempt by Taran to bond with Gemini’s folks proves disastrous. But in the end, Taran finds that winning them over means unleashing her powers . . . and proving that this foul-mouthed fire-starter is a force to be reckoned with.
CECY ROBSON is the New Adult and Contemporary author of the Shattered Past series, the O’Brien Family novels, and the award winning author of the Weird Girls Urban Fantasy Romance series. A self-proclaimed professional napper, Cecy counts among her talents a jaw-dropping knowledge of useless trivia, the ability to make her hair big, and a knack for breaking into song, despi4e her family’s vehement protests. A full-time writer, registered nurse, wife, and mother living in the South, Cecy enjoys spending time with her family and silencing the yappy characters in her head by telling their stories.
Sourcebooks is releasing a sexy new Search & Rescue romantic suspense series this spring by debut author Katie Ruggle! To give you a taste, they have just released a free prequel novella titledOn His Watch. It's available today on all e-tailers:
The first book in the series, Hold Your Breath, comes out on April 5th. If you pre-order it (Kindle currently has a special pre-order price) they will send you a Search & Rescue book light and you will be entered in to win a Winter Reading Gourmet Gift Basket from Le Chocolat! Click here for details on how to enter, or see rafflecopter below.
"With an endearingly awkward female protagonist, a swoon-worthy male love interest, and Siskind's superb storytelling, this is one of the best New Adult contemporary romances I've read to date." -- USA Today bestselling author K.A. Tucker
Dear Mom & Dad, I dropped out of school. I'm going backpacking. Sorry. Love you both.At nineteen, Nina has endured two lifetimes' worth of humiliation. Tired of waiting for it to get better, she decides to get going-across the globe to New Zealand. There she soon faces what she most fears: a super sexy guy ready to be Nina's next mistake.
Once Sam's life was all about having fun. That was before the accident. Now his friends have bailed and his world is broken. But when a gorgeous girl on his flight looks at him with passion instead of pity, Sam feels his old self coming back to life.
Now traveling together, Nina and Sam know this isn't just a fling. They're falling fast, hard, and deep. More than anything, Sam wants Nina to forget her fears. But to help her do that he must reveal his own painful secret-and risk Nina never seeing him the same way again.
Another big, sweaty guy squeezes from the door and returns to his seat at the rear of the cabin. With my eyes on the prize, I pick up the pace. My steps get longer. Quicker.
I don’t break eye contact with that door. I don’t look down. If I had looked down, I might have seen the large black boot sticking out in the aisle. If I had looked down, I might have stepped over it. But I didn’t.
In one glorious move, my sandaled toe smacks into the black boot…and I tumble.
Hard. Fast. Face first. The corner of the book in my hand slams into my full bladder, and my vision from earlier comes to life. Every. Horrifying. Detail. Like a pathetic five year-old child, I wet myself. I manage to stop the Niagara Falls portion of the flow, but I pee myself nonetheless. Frickin’ perfect.
Lying with my face smashed against the rough airplane carpet, I squeeze my eyes, willing this to be a horrible nightmare, when two hands grip my shoulders. They pick me up effortlessly and place me on my feet. Mortified is not a strong enough word to describe my current state of being. My underwear is sodden, the front of my skirt is damp, and there’s a pretzel bit stuck to my eyebrow. Still, that doesn’t hold a candle to the level of horror I experience when I turn to find Hot Guy in front of my face.
His eyebrows pull together. “You okay?”
An animal sound explodes through my lips, something between a caw and a yelp, as I spin away and dash for the still- green vacant sign. I slam the door and fight with the stupid bar thingy to get it locked, then I whirl around looking for those god-awful paper toilet covers. The bathroom reeks of some sort of foul I can’t describe. The guy before unleashed a whole lot of awful in here. I dance from foot to foot, knees knocking, as I get the cover down. Underwear off, skirt up, and the stream flows before my butt hits the seat.
It keeps flowing. And flowing. And flowing.
I stretch the neck of my fitted white T-shirt and stick my nose inside while the marathon continues. I pick the pretzel bit off my eyebrow and fling it on the floor. There must be something seriously wrong with me. Here I am, trying to start fresh. New me, new life. And I can’t make it a minute without creating havoc. Maybe it’s all the pot my folks smoke. No matter how many times they’ve denied it, I bet Mom smoked boatloads while pregnant with me. Boat. Loads.
When the trickle ends, I stand and stamp my foot on the flush button then step back to avoid being sucked into the atmosphere. Although, nose-diving to earth might be preferable to facing Hot Guy Who Saw Me Pee when I leave the bathroom. I could lock myself in this tin can until we land. Unfortunately, it smells like a Taco Bell meal gone wrong.
With no other option, I prepare to exit the lavatory. I remove my underwear and cram it into the trash. Barely. I dampen some paper towels and blot the front of my skirt. Luckily, the blue and purple floral pattern is busy enough to hide the wet splotch stretched across the fabric. I shove two wads of paper under my armpits to soak up my stress sweat. After shaking out my red hair and retying it into a ponytail, I wash my hands a third time. Finally, I shove the latch to vacant and push the door.
I almost yank it shut.
Hot Guy Who Saw Me Pee is leaning against the side of a seat with his arms crossed. His are eyes locked on the bathroom door…and me. Double shoot.
He straightens and shoves his hands into his pockets. I try to hurry past him, but he steps in my way. Taller than me by a head, he dips down toward my ear. “You should watch where you’re going when you’re running inside an airplane, Ginger.”
What the…? Ginger? Is Hot Guy making fun of my hair? To my face?
With my nails biting into my palm, my whisper-yell explodes before I can stop it. “I should watch where I’m going? Maybe you shouldn’t sprawl across the entire aisle, Mister…Man.”
Wow. I just said that. I called Hot Guy Mister Man. I can’t even get angry right.
Mister Man, Hot Guy…whatever, he looks more amused, a suggestive smile on his lips. He leans closer, his brown curls flopping on his forehead. “I was joking, all right? I’m sorry about the tripping thing. Seriously. You sure you’re okay?”
Before I can answer, a girl pokes her head around his shoulder. “Excuse me. Mind if I get by?” She nods toward the bathroom.
Hot Guy slides his arm around my waist and draws me against his chest to let the girl pass. I suck a sharp breath. Hot Guy definitely works out. The hard contours of his pecs are unmistakable through his cotton shirt, the sharp ridges of his muscles firmly against my body. His palm flattens on my lower back, and he pulls me tighter. Oh God.
My fingers itch to touch him. Every chiseled inch. If he didn’t see me wet myself, this would be way better than picturing warm suds dripping down his body. In a shower. My hands trailing between his legs.
Then I flash to the last time I was this close to a guy. Hypnosis couldn’t repress that memory deep enough. Better for me and everyone involved if I stick with fantasies. Placing my hand on his chest, I push back from Hot Guy, a little disappointed to lose the contact.
Two long fingers find my chin and lift my gaze. “Look, Ginger, I’ll let you by when you tell me you’re okay. So are you hurt, or are you cool to make it back to your seat?”
There’s a scar on his chin, long and jagged. I blink to stop staring. “First, don’t call me Ginger. And second, yes. I’m fine. No thanks to your boot. Can I go back to my seat now?” I fiddle with my skirt, sure everyone nearby knows I’m flying commando.
Hot Guy studies me a beat, then raises his hands. “Watch your step on the way back.” But he barely moves, so I’m forced to rub against him (pantyless) to get by.
Holy heck, that chest.
Two steps away, I see my book still on the floor from my fall.
The rest happens in slow motion, an instant replay of pure awful.
I bend down to grab my book, and the airplane jiggles as though it’s bouncing from cloud to cloud. The floor tilts back. I reach to grab the nearest armrest, but a man’s arm is planted there ‘resting.’ Next best option: launch myself forward to grab the back of the man’s chair. This super- smooth move occurs as the plane rights itself. The laws of gravity kick in, and I pitch forward. I don’t do this elegantly. No points for good form. I land on my elbows, and my skirt flies up to my hips.
Yes. My skirt. The skirt that covered my pantyless behind is hitched around my waist. OhGodOhGodOhGod. I flip on my back and tug the flimsy cotton down to my knees. I do it just in time to see Hot Guy close his mouth. His eyes darken ten shades before he slips into the bathroom I recently exited, where he’ll for sure assume it was I who dropped the atomic stink bomb.
Reminder to self: always pee before boarding an airplane.
And keep an eye out for Kelly’s Over The Top series, coming in Spring 2016! Fans of Alice Clayton and Emma Chase will love this fun, contemporary romance series set in Vancouver, Canada.
About the author:
A small-town girl at heart, Kelly moved from the city to open a cheese shop with her husband in Northern Ontario. When she's not neck deep in cheese or out hiking, you can find her, notepad in hand, scribbling down one of the many plot bunnies bouncing around in her head. She laughs at her own jokes and has been known to eat her feelings-Gummy Bears heal all. She's also an incurable romantic, devouring romance novels into the wee hours of the morning.
