Review: Isn't She Lovely by Lauren Layne

Isn't She Lovely by Lauren Layne
Published October 28th 2013 by Flirt
ARC provided by Netgalley
Buy Links: Amazon / B&N

About the book:
The rules are clear—until they're broken. Lauren Layne puts a New Adult spin on Pygmalion, also the inspiration for Pretty Woman, and gives the classic love story its edgiest twist yet.

"Who knew that pretending you're not falling for someone would be so much more difficult than pretending that you are?"
Stephanie Kendrick gave up her whole summer to ace her NYU film school screenwriting course, so she's pissed to be stuck with a preppy, spoiled frat boy as her writing partner. Then again, with her piercings, black-rimmed eyes, and Goth wardrobe, Stephanie isn't exactly Ethan Price's type, either. He's probably got his eye on some leggy blonde with a trust fund... or does he?

As the summer scene kicks off in the Hamptons, Ethan is desperate to make his snobbish mother forget the pedigreed girl who broke his heart. While Stephanie's a stretch as a decoy, the right makeover and a pastel cardigan just might do the trick. She may not love the idea of playing Ethan's brainless Barbie girlfriend, but the free rent and luxurious digs make a tempting offer. So does the promise of a ready-made screenplay idea inspired by their charade.

But when Stephanie steps into Ethan's privileged world, the "acting" begins to feel all too real. The kissing and touching that were intended to fool the Hamptons crowd wind up manipulating "them." And Stephanie faces a question she's too afraid to ask: Is Ethan falling for the real her or for the dolled-up princess he wants to see?

My Thoughts

I have a new favorite author to add to my list. I absolutely loved this book!

They say opposites attract and boy do they ever! Stephanie is attending a summer college class to avoid going back home and Ethan is attending the same class to avoid working for his dad's firm all summer. They couldn't be more opposites - her as a goth and him as a preppy jock. And as fate would have it - they get paired up as partners for the class project.

Full of witty banter so hilarious I was chuckling out loud and tons of sexual tension - this was a page turner I didn't want to put down! As Stephanie and Ethan start to get to know each other (grudgingly), Ethan proposes that she helps him out by pretending to be his girlfriend for a few weeks, just to get his parents off his back. What they didn't bargain for was the fact they may actually end up liking each other, let alone falling in love.

Stephanie is snarky and bitchy and I LOVED HER. I could relate to her and she was awesome. And Ethan was not the preppy frat boy she pegs him as in the beginning. He was so sweet and swoony and I absolutely adored him. There were a few sizzling hot moments between them that had me holding my breath with my heart racing! This book has everything I love in a story - humor, sex, romance, friendship. A must read!

Definitely going to read more of this author's work asap!

5 Suns

Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: Night Moves (G-Man #3) by Andrea Smith

I've enjoyed Andrea Smith's G-Man series so I'm excited to be part of the Blog Tour for the newest installment in the series: Night Moves (G-Man #3).  This tour is hosted by The Romance Cover and Reality Bites. Thanks for including us!  Be sure and scroll down to the bottom of this post to enter in the giveaway provided. 

Night Moves (G-Man #3) by Andrea Smith

Publication Date: November 21st 2013 by Meatball Taster Publishing

Purchase Links: US Amazon | UK Amazon | Canadian Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

About the book:

There's a new Alpha in town . . . and he's a Brit!

Darcy Nicole Sheridan, is 22 years-old, beautiful, single, spirited, sexy and - spoiled. She knows that about herself. Raised by wealthy (and doting) parents as an only child, Darcy pretty much coasts through life until her heart was inexplicably broken by her boyfriend, Darin.

To ease the pain, Darcy flies to Belize over the holidays fully intending to wallow in self-pity and distance herself from her ex. Her pity party is short-lived however, after observing a very handsome, very intriguing man on the beach. Darcy becomes the focus of the smokin' hot, wealthy and somewhat mysterious 'E.J.'

Soon she finds herself entangled with an alpha like no other… Her world is rocked by a series of events that will forever change the course of her life, showing her what love is all about; and forcing her to come to terms with hidden sexual pleasures only one man could fulfill…

This book is intended for mature audiences!

My Thoughts:

Night Moves was one hot and sexy read!

Twenty two year old Darcy Sheridan is not used to having her heart broken but all this changes when she walks in on her scumbag boyfriend, Darin, cheating.  She runs to Belize to get away from him and scour the memories from her heart.  This is where she runs across, E.J and he makes all thought of Darin evaporate.  He’s dangerously sexy, and arrogant like you can’t believe, and of course, just looking at him sets Darcy’s panties on fire!  She thinks she’s seen the last of him when she heads back to the States, but she’s in for more than one surprise on that front!

E.J. or Easton is used to getting whatever or whoever he wants and he has now set his sights on Darcy.  She reminds him of a past love and that’s what initially draws him to her, but he soon finds out Darcy is unlike anyone he’s known and he can’t stop thinking about her.  For someone who supposedly won’t commit to one girl he manages to infiltrate her life on more than a few levels. Can you say stalk much?

I have to say I had some big time issues with Easton for about the first 40% of this book!  I wanted to slap this man-whore or I at least wanted Darcy to do it! She does have some backbone, though, and didn’t let him completely walk over her.  I loved her thinking:

I didn’t understand; I don’t know maybe it was a guy thing, or an Easton thing, but I certainly didn’t get the memo about all these different degrees of caring. In my world, you either cared or you didn’t; people either mattered or they didn’t; you either had a future together or not.

I’m right there with you, Darcy!

Darcy does manage to rile Easton up a bit which was fun to read.  Anytime I read about an arrogant character it’s always satisfying when they get taken down a notch, and Darcy was just the girl to do it! Darcy’s reactions aren’t always what Easton counts on making him uncharacteristically obsessed with her.  Their push and pull made for some very heated scenes!  Easton is very much an Alpha male with some tendencies that would make Mr. C. Grey happy!

My feelings toward Easton did change after I had more insight into his reasoning.  I could see how he ended up the way he did.  He doesn’t stay that way for long because his weakness for Darcy won’t allow for it.

I thoroughly enjoyed Night Moves. There were some moments of serious frustration with Easton, but that only made his turn around all the more sweet.  Their chemistry and resulting spicy scenes were so very HOT!  But their deeper emotional connection touched my heart and had me rooting for a long term romance.  The epilogue grants me my wishes and oh-so-much more!  As with the other two books in the G-Man series, there is some danger at the end making me anxiously turn the pages just to make sure everything works out! Just enough excitement to make for a thrilling read!

Andrea Smith knows how to write a seriously addictive story and I ended up finishing this in one day! Her G-Man series is a hit with me and I’m now wondering if we’ll get another installment.  I certainly hope so!  

4 Suns

Andrea Smith is an Ohio native, currently residing in southern Ohio. Ms. Smith is the mother of two grown sons; grandmother of four. The 'Baby Series' trilogy is Ms. Smith's first self-published work. Having previously been employed as an executive for a global corporation, Ms. Smith decided to leave the corporate world and pursue her life-long dream of writing fiction.

Follow Andrea Smith:

Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Twitter

As part of this tour we have this AMAZING giveaway!  Simply fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win.  Good luck!

Blog Tour, Review, & Giveaway: Working It by Kendall Ryan

Waves of Fiction is excited to be participating in the blog tour for Working It by Kendall Ryan!

Working It by Kendall Ryan

Published November 11, 2013

Purchase: Amazon / B&N / iBooks

About the book:A story of heart-stopping, toe-curling passion by the beloved bestselling author of Hard to Love, Resisting Her, and The Impact of You.

Straight-laced and well-mannered southerner Emmy Clarke is out of her depth in New York City’s fashion world, but when she lands a job as an assistant at a modeling agency it seems like the perfect mix of business and pleasure. Working under the notoriously tyrannical Fiona Stone is a nightmare, but there’s one distinct perk: ogling the ridiculously hot male models who parade through the office—particularly rising star Ben Shaw.
Ben is everything Emmy’s not: exquisitely gorgeous, highly paid, and well-traveled. He’s also got more issues than Vogue. Emmy looks after Ben on photo shoots, but she refuses to become another one of his lusting groupies. Ben finds Emmy’s refreshingly real attitude to be surprisingly attractive.
Against a backdrop of the most fashionable cities in the world, casual flirting turns into an illicit affair, but when Ben’s twisted past is revealed, and the bitter Fiona catches wind of their relationship, their careers and hearts are threatened.

My Thoughts:

ARC courtesy of Atria Books, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Kendall Ryan is one of my favorite authors and I have loved everything I’ve read by her.  Imagine my excitement when I received an ARC for her newest book!  I couldn’t wait to read it and now that it’s over – I want more!

While reading this book and after it ended, I was reminded of the same feelings I had when I read Fifty Shades of Grey.  It was intense, it was smoking hot (one of the hottest books I’ve read in a while), and it was impossible to put down.  I loved everything about Emmy & Ben!  I was immersed into the world of modeling – something I was completely unfamiliar with.  It was refreshing to read a book with a totally different storyline than I’ve read in a while.  Sexy, romantic, and edgy – Kendall pushed my limits in this book.  **SPOILER** I am normally completely against any storyline that includes a ménage/threesome – but somehow Kendall did the impossible - taking me out of my comfort zone.  And it was hot. **END SPOILER**

Emerson (Emmy) is your perfect relatable heroine.  A sweet southern belle from Tennessee, she is living her dream of working for a modeling agency, despite her insecurities about fitting into the glamour of the business, and dealing with a horrible wench of a boss.

Then there’s Ben.  Intense, mysterious, beautiful, sexy – he’s every woman’s fantasy.  As the agency’s top model, Emmy ends up spending more time around him, while trying not to succumb to his charms.  But it’s impossible not to fall for him when they have an undeniable chemistry.  Emmy starts to realize there is so much more to Ben than meets the eye, and despite her brain telling her not to get too close, she’s mesmerized by this beautiful broken man.

This book takes you on a roller coaster of emotions as you watch Emmy and Ben’s relationship grow.  And there is just enough angst and suspense to keep you on edge.  I only wish the next two books were already out! Kendall Ryan has done it again – another must read!

5 Suns  

About the Author:

Kendall Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the contemporary romance novels HARD TO LOVE, UNRAVEL ME, MAKE ME YOURS, RESISTING HER and THE IMPACT OF YOU.  She's a sassy, yet polite Midwestern gal with a deep love of books, and a slight addiction to lipgloss. Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest books news.

Twitter / Website / Facebook / Pinterest / Instagram / Goodreads

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New Release & Giveaway: Her Sexiest Mistake by Jill Shalvis

Her Sexiest Mistake by Jill Shalvis

Buy Links: Amazon / B&N / iTunes

About the book:
Mia Appleby finally has the life she always wanted. She's escaped her trailer trash childhood and built a nice life for herself with a marketing job and a cute, little condo. But no matter how much baggage she's ditched from her past, she still hasn't managed to shake her greatest weakness-men. So when her new neighbor turns out to be single and oh-so-sexy, Mia's worried she's playing with fire . . .
Kevin McKnight can't get enough of his gorgeous neighbor, but after one amazing night, she's already showing him the door. Something tells him this is the way she handles most men. But Kevin is far from your average guy-and he's ready to prove it to Mia. When a blast from her past shakes up Mia's life in a major way, will she stick with her self-sufficient solo act . . . or take a chance leaning on Kevin's strong shoulders?

Excerpt:

The kiss started out sweet, soft, but cranked to intense quickly, a hot, deep, wet connection that reminded her that their bodies knew each other, craved each other like air, and that being this close was inviting the inexplicable maelstrom that occurred every time she let him put his hands on her. She stopped thinking then, just let herself feel, starting with the pure sensation of his solid, hard-muscled body against hers and ending with the heat of his mouth as he deepened the kiss.

He put his hands on her now, in her hair, holding her face, then with a groan glided them down her body, touching everything he could as he trapped her between the hard desk and his tough body. He stroked her breasts, then slid his hands beneath her clothes to warm her flesh with his hands, and the simmer burst into flames.

When he finally pulled back, she was grateful to have the desk behind her holding her up, because he’d just decimated her, burst right through her every single defense with one simple kiss.

Simple? Ha! She’d never been kissed, so thoroughly, so deliberately, so absolutely fully.

He staggered back a step himself, looking surprised and just as shaky. “There,” he said in a voice low and ragged and satisfyingly hoarse. “You’re finally speechless. I like you that way.”

She stared at him, let out a sound of disgust, and pushed past him to the door. “You’re an ass.”

She slammed the door behind her, a gaffe that surely announced in a scream how he affected her, but she couldn’t seem to help it. No more, she told herself. No more. She was Mia Appleby, ad exec, queen of her world, and no one made her crazy. She kept her cool at all times.

About the Author:

New York Times Bestselling author Jill Shalvis wrote RESCUE MY HEART and FOREVER AND A DAY, along with many other romance novels including her acclaimed Lucky Harbor series. The Rita winner and 3-time National Readers Choice winner makes her home near Lake Tahoe. Visit her website at http://www.jillshalvis.com for a complete book list and daily blog, and http://www.facebook.com/jillshalvis for other news.

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

To celebrate the digital release for HER SEXIEST MISTAKE, Jill Shalvis is giving away

25 copies to readers!

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Entangled Edge Release Day Blast & Giveaway

Edge, a digital-first single-title romance line from Entangled Publishing, takes its lead from our popular Select imprint but gives its novels an edge in the marketplace by bringing great stories to readers at reasonable prices in a quick-and-easy way. Whether sexy or sweet, traditional romance or love and lust with a women’s fiction bent, at the center of every Edge book is heart. From Urban Fantasy to Contemporary Romance to Science Fiction Romance, Edge has a book for all romance readers—and right at their fingertips! As they say, all’s fair in love and war. To find out more about our titles, chat with authors, participate in special events, and to find out what books are coming next, visit the Entangled website, follow us on Twitter, and like our Facebook page.

Today I'm happy to be featuring Edge's November releases!!

Some Like it Sinful by Robbie Terman
Perfect Recipe #2

Their attraction is sinfully delicious…

A struggling business and one act of vandalism may have brought them together, but bakery owner Chloe Nelson and professional hockey player Griffin Lange get along like chocolate and pickles. Chloe needs the famous (and famously unattached) Griffin to attract people to her pastries, and Griffin needs the curvaceous and fiery Chloe to keep him out of trouble. A fake relationship to keep the media interested seems like the perfect plan.

But when temptation throws them into bed together, a new plan arises. Why not make the fake real? Griffin’s winning every home game, and Chloe’s business has never been better. Both know it’s only physical—and only temporary. But can they drop their defenses for love, even if it means getting a little bit sinful?

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Goodreads

Wild Card by Jamie Wyman

It was bad enough that gods gambled with human souls, but Catherine Sharp’s soul just had to be won by the Greek goddess of Discord, Eris. As if working a dead-end tech support job didn’t suck the life out of her as it was. Now, Cat finds herself performing random tasks for the goddess in her free time.

But when Coyote, the Native American trickster himself, claims to have won her own soul in Mayhem's weekly poker game, Cat wants in on the action. With five sneaky gods upping the ante, Cat needs to find a way to collect the winning chips that could save her soul.

Marius, a handsome yet irritating satyr with his own debt to Eris, might finally come in handy for something. If they play their cards right and work together, Cat and Marius may just get their freedom back. If they don't kill each other or fall in love first.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Goodreads

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Novellas #2 Reviews & Giveaway: Castle Hill: A Joss & Braden Novella & Wanderlust

As I've stated before, I’m especially fond of novellas. They can provide a romance and wrap it up in just a small amount of pages providing you with the quick fix you crave if you’re short on time. Today I'm sharing a review of two that recently captured my heart: Castle Hill: A Joss and Braden Novella by Samantha Young and Wanderlust by Kitty French, and I'm giving away an e-Copy of both to one lucky reader!

Castle Hill: A Joss and Braden Novella (On Dublin Street #2.5) by Samantha Young

Publication Date: December 3rd 2013 by NAL Intermix

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the book:

Braden Carmichael never imagined he’d fall as hard and as fast as he did for Jocelyn Butler. He also could not have anticipated how difficult it would be to convince her to give in to love. But now that he has her, he’s never letting go. He’s got it all planned—the passionate proposal, the dream wedding, the sexy Hawaiian honeymoon—even the perfect family they’ll start.
After trying to flee from her painful past, Joss is finally allowing herself to embrace the future. But when things start moving faster than she anticipated, she finds herself panicking over something Braden can’t understand. After everything they’ve been through, Joss is sure that their love can survive even her worst fears. But, this time, she may push Braden too far—and risk losing everything all over again…

My Thoughts:

Castle Hill was a perfect catch up with one of my favorite couples, Braden and Joss.  Getting to witness their most important moments filled me with joy.

On Dublin Street we were fast forwarded to Braden and Joss’ wedding and didn’t get to see the beautiful proposal or what happened after the wedding.  Seeing all of that in this novella brought back every reason why I loved this couple so much in the first place.  Their sizzling chemistry, intense passion and their desperate love that they share is addictive, and a sheer pleasure to witness.  As usual they can’t get enough of each other, but as with any normal couple, not everything is smooth sailing.  When you love someone so intensely they have the power to make you immensely happy, but also, hurt you deeply. 

Joss having lost all of her family makes her deathly afraid to lose anything precious in the future.  She’s been working through that fear and has come a long way as evidenced by letting Braden and Ellie in so thoroughly, but that doesn’t mean she’s all the way cured.  The idea of having children is something that sends her into a panic and this hurts Braden.  One misunderstanding leaves their hearts battered and bruised, but we know they’ll find a way to work things out!

With a little bit of angst to make their HEA all the more sweet, this novella was perfectly lovely! *sigh*

Favorite Quote:

“I love you, you love me, our family loves us and they’re right here beside us. Nothing else matters. So no fears for the future, no fear that you’ll f*ck it up beyond repair. Life isn’t perfect, we aren’t perfect, but I’m telling you now, Jocelyn, we’re indestructible. Stop shaking, and just marry me.”

4 Suns

Wanderlust A Holiday Story by Kitty French

Publication Date: November 5th 2013 by St. Martin's Press

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the book:

Ruby has been in love with Ford since their university days, but she hasn't seen her former best friend in years--not since the one unforgettable kiss they shared right before he went off globe-trotting and she stayed behind. When he returns to town unexpectedly for their friends' New Year's Eve wedding, the sparks between them ignite, but can her wanderer ever settle down? Ford has never forgotten Ruby, or the kiss that changed everything between them, despite the many women he has tried to erase her with. His return to England for the wedding means a second chance with Ruby--but will one passion-filled evening with her be enough, or has he finally found his home?

My Thoughts:
Wanderlust was a short but oh-so-fulfilling romance!

Ruby is organizing and hosting her college friends wedding at the hotel/inn she manages. She doesn’t expect, Ford, her college best friend and unrequited love to come as he RSVP’d no. She’s surprised to find out that his plans changed, and he is indeed coming and staying at her inn! Ruby hasn’t seen Ford in eight years and now her heart is in a flutter! Before he left off to travel the globe, Ford planted a kiss to overshadow all other kisses on Ruby leaving her breathless, and then heartbroken when he left. Oh, Ruby! *sniff*

Ford meant to stay in touch with Ruby over the years but couldn’t bring himself to do it. He was secretly in love with Ruby all through college and the kiss he shared with her confirmed she was everything he dreamed of and more. But, Ford had wanted to travel and Ruby didn’t/couldn’t ask him to stay. Coming back to see her after all this time makes him eager and nervous at the same time. Has she moved on? Is she married to someone who loves her like she definitely deserves? He selfishly hopes not.

He might have travelled the world, but he’d been just as lonely as she had, because the one person who mattered wasn’t at his side.

This was short on pages but still a romance full of longing and hot chemistry! Unrequited love or second chance romances always give my heart a little jolt of pain at what’s been missed. Fear not, Ruby and Ford make up for the past in a short amount of time:

She was a woman consumed with molten lust for the man whose kiss had dissolved all of the good intentions she’d had of keeping things platonic. The fact that it had taken eight years to get over just one of Ford’s kisses didn’t matter once his mouth touched hers for a second time.

The history Ruby and Ford had made me root for them all the way, and Ms. French does not disappoint! The ending will leave you with your heart full of happiness! This is the way a novella should be done!

4 Suns

I’m giving away an e-Copy of each of these novellas to one reader through US Amazon or US Barnes & Noble only. I’ll end the giveaway the day of Castle Hill’s release: December 3^rd.  Simply fill out the rafflecopter below for a chance to win.  Thanks for visiting Waves of Fiction, and good luck! 

Wave of Sunday #53

Welcome to our weekly edition of Waves of Sunday where each Sunday we spotlight a book that has been making waves in the book scene or has simply caught our attention causing a riptide on our TBR.

Today we are spotlighting:

Ignite by Tessa Teevan

Publication Date: October 28th 2013

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

After nearly a year and a half of grieving the loss of her husband, twenty-seven year old Alexa Sullivan Tate is headed back to her hometown after a decade of being away. She has no idea her high school crush, Jace McAllister, the guy who stole her heart the same night that he broke it, is more than ready to pick up the pieces.

Jace has spent the last ten years in the Army defusing bomb after bomb, trying to forget the girl who ignited all his passions. Little does he know that the spark still exists.

Ten years ago they had smoldering chemistry, but the spark between them now might light a fuse that leads to an explosion even Jace can't stop. Not that he wants to. If only Alexa can get past her guilt and trust her heart again.

But how do you put it all on the line when you've already lost everything once before?

*Mature Audiences only, 18+. While this is a series, each book will be standalone.

Brandie's Thoughts:
This book sounds really good and I love a good friends to lovers/old love rekindled romance. I'm reading reviews that include 'lots of steam' and 'alpha male', so sign me up! Not to mention I found out this author is from Ohio, where I'm from, and I think that's pretty cool. This is another book I have to read asap!

 
Rachel's Thoughts: 
I'm a huge sucker for a second chance romance.  When you're high school crush finally pays attention to you, returns your feelings only to turn around and crush you right after, that leaves a mark! Oh, I can already feel the longing and angsty feelings this is bound to stir up!  I want to read this ASAP, too!

I fished out these quotes from Goodreads to tempt:

“I know Jace McAllister has ruined me for all others and admitting it scares me to death.”

“I know I’m dangerously close, and just like a bomb, one false move and she could go off. I need to approach carefully and with caution until I know she can handle the heat.”    

Review: Remember When 3 (Remember Trilogy) by T. Torrest

Remember When 3 (Remember Trilogy #3) by T. Torrest
Published November 21st 2013 

Purchase Link: Amazon

"I’d spent too long in limbo.
It was time to put The California Plan back into effect."
~Layla Warren

I’ve been in love with Trip Wiley since I was sixteen years old.
Yep. That Trip Wiley.
Academy award-winning actor, known philanthropist, People’s Sexiest Man Alive two years running…
Yeah.
It’s not like I’m some delusional stalker-fan. It just so happens that he was my high school sweetheart back in 1991.
In the years since, he’s simply been The One That Got Away.
We just can’t seem to get on the same page at the same time.
Our timing may have sucked, but the feelings had already been confirmed. Years ago.
At least his were.
He doesn’t know that I had chosen to love him back.
I need to fix that.
And I need to do it now.
Remember When 3 is the third and final book in the Remember Trilogy.
It’s a story about taking chances and following your heart…
and knowing that sometimes, you just have to learn when to let go.

My Thoughts

What a TRIPtastic ending!! Loved the Remember When series, and I’m sad my journey with Layla and Trip is over!! This adventure was full of smiles, giddy times, heartbreaking moments and an ending that will leave a lasting impression. Well done!!

In this final installment of the Remember When series, Layla and Trip collide once again after a tragic event brings them together. Having spent the last fifteen years living through regrets and lost opportunities, they decide to take a chance at exposing their true feelings for one another and seeing where it takes them. With Trip’s career being at the top of the Hollywood scene, they struggle with trying to fit into each other’s lives and finding stolen moments of privacy. In this final book, their love is put to the test as they battle the constant pressures of Hollywood life.

First off, I have to say how much I enjoyed the pacing of this book. I was clear that Torrest was on a focused and determined race to the finish. She wasted no time in getting the action started, and I loved how there wasn’t a moment of downtime in this final installment. To see Trip and Layla finally come together in their final chapters was rewarding and HOT as hell! Loved it!

My favorite scene in the book was clearly the Jake Ryan moment. Love.love.love. “Yeah you” will forever be branded in my brain as Trip’s shining moment. I loved how he played his part in this final installment. He felt true to character with the right blend of confident, broken yet hopeful. His character was worthy of applause.

As always, Layla was the perfect narrator for this book. She’s witty, real and off the charts funny. The way she handled Trip throughout the book was not only entertaining but heartwarming. They proved to be the perfect pair. Loved them together, while still appreciating them as individual characters.

Lastly, I have to just point out that the romance in this installment was SPICEtastic! Wow! Talk about the steam coming out of my eReader! Torrest really turned it up a notch in all the right ways. ~swoons~

Overall, the Remember When series was a fun adventure about love, friendship, growing up and learning to cope with life’s punches. Meeting this cast of characters was the best reading experience. Remember When is a series that shouldn’t be missed. Thank you T. Torrest for the opportunity to read RW3 while the ink was still drying. I truly enjoyed your story!

4 Suns

Review: Armed & Dangerous (Cut & Run #5) by Abigail Roux

Armed & Dangerous (Cut & Run #5) by Abigail Roux

Published May 18th 2012 by Dreamspinner Press

Cut & Run Series Book Five - Sequel to Divide & Conquer Left alone in Baltimore after his unpredictable lover bails, Special Agent Zane Garrett takes his frustration out on everything in his path until he is ordered to Chicago to back up an undercover operative. When he gets there, though, he finds himself face to face with his wayward partner, Special Agent Ty Grady. They have to deal with the uncertainty lingering between them while they work to retrieve their intended mark, a retired hit man and CIA wet-works operative named Julian Cross. Ty, once a Marine and now an FBI hotshot, has a penchant for being unpredictable, a trait Zane can vouch for. Zane is a man who once lived for his job but has come to realize his heartbreaking past doesn't have to overshadow his future. They're partners, friends, lovers, and the go-to team for unusual cases. With Cross and his innocuous boyfriend, Cameron Jacobs, in tow, Ty and Zane must navigate the obstacles of a cross-country trek, including TSA pat-downs, blizzards, their uncooperative prisoners, CIA kill teams, a desperate lack of sleep and caffeine, and each other. Ty and Zane are determined to get Julian Cross to DC in one piece, but it's starting to look like it might be the last thing they do.

Arlene's Thoughts
Armed & Dangerous is a perfect addition to the Cut & Run series. Despite Abigail Roux riding solo on this installment, she proved how well she knows both characters and her standalone performance didn't miss a beat when it came to penning a fantastic adventure with my two favorite characters Ty and Zane. Fast, furious and explosive!!

In Armed & Dangerous, both Zane and Ty are placed on an assignment where they’re required to “go dark” by flying off the radar as they bring a possible CIA informant in for the questioning of multiple agency issued murders. When they capture Julian Cross and Cameron Jacobs and escort them across several states, they soon find themselves the target of a higher order. They are then forced to team up to try and survive what could be a hit on not only their informant, but also themselves.

Overall, Roux delivered a slam dunk adventure that didn't skimp on romance, intrigue and just all around excitement. I enjoyed the banter between all four characters in this book and the chemistry they shared was a perfect blend of FANTASTIC! There were moments when Zane was ready to do a “happy dance or Snoopy skip” which didn't quite fit his personality, but despite that he felt just as real and true to character in this book as in all the others. I love the continual development in Ty and Zane’s relationship and being able to add a bit of spark and fire to their interactions by adding Julian and Cameron to the mix was downright bliss!!

This couple continues to be my top chart favorite and every time I finish an installment, I’m left craving for more. If this isn’t a full on addiction, then I don’t know what it. Love them to bits and pieces!!!

5 Suns

Crystal's Thoughts
I don't know what else I can possibly say about this series.  I have said I loved it, I have told you I have squeed from the rooftops and I know I have told you that Ty and Zane are my favorite couple ever.  Well this installment doesn't disappoint and my squees are getting louder and louder!

This time around Ty and Zane are told to bring in the only person who can bring down the person responsible for several murders.  There are two big problems.  1. The person responsible for the murders has been using government resources to carry out their hits which makes the problem an internal one and 2. the person that they need to bring in doesn't want any part of it and is very good and escaping.  Ty and Zane definitely meet their match in Armed & dangerous and honestly I loved every minute of it!

I won't lie I was a little worried about this book since this is the first one that Abigail Roux wrote without her trusty sidekick co author and I have to say my worries were not needed.  With the exception of a few scenes I think Roux did a pretty phenomenal job keeping the characters the same.  I'm sure my few hangups were just my own personal ones because looking back I see now that both Ty and Zane needed to grow a little and their relationship did need a softer side.  It can't all be rough and sarcastic right?  There is still plenty of laugh out loud moments and quite a few hilarious snarky conversations to keep me happy so all the sweet stuff fell right in the middle and fit in nicely.

These two are amazing and I can't wait to see what is next for them.  After 5 books I am starting to wonder when the other shoe will drop but I have faith in the author that she won't break our hearts too bad when it happens.  Ty and Zane are just too perfect and deserve the best storylines!

5 Suns

 

 

Dine & Dash (Cut & Run #5.5) by Abigail Roux
Published July 8th 2012

A Ty and Zane ficlet. Takes place between Armed & Dangerous and Stars & Stripes.free online fiction, 10 pages

Arlene's Thoughts
If you just can't get enough of Ty and Zane, this quick hit novella will do the trick. Just a brief rendezvous for these two characters that had steam coming out of my eReader. Abigail Roux sure knows how to blast the chemistry off the pages with these two characters. More please!!!

Best to read this after Armed & Dangerous #5.

5 Suns

New Release: Remember When 3 by T. Torrest

Today is the exciting release date for a book that I've been highly anticipating, which marks the conclusion of the Remember When Trilogy by T. Torrest. Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of the this book, which I'm currently reading and absolutely loving to pieces! Stay tuned for my review that soon to come. 

Remember When 3 (Remember Trilogy #3) by T. Torrest
Publication Date: November 21st 2013
Purchase Link: Amazon

"I’d spent too long in limbo.
It was time to put The California Plan back into effect."
~Layla Warren


I’ve been in love with Trip Wiley since I was sixteen years old.
Yep. That Trip Wiley.
Academy award-winning actor, known philanthropist, People’s Sexiest Man Alive two years running…
Yeah.
It’s not like I’m some delusional stalker-fan. It just so happens that he was my high school sweetheart back in 1991.
In the years since, he’s simply been The One That Got Away.
We just can’t seem to get on the same page at the same time.
Our timing may have sucked, but the feelings had already been confirmed. Years ago.
At least his were.
He doesn’t know that I had chosen to love him back.
I need to fix that.
And I need to do it now.

Remember When 3 is the third and final book in the Remember Trilogy.
It’s a story about taking chances and following your heart…
and knowing that sometimes, you just have to learn when to let go.

Review & Giveaway: Love the One You're With by Lauren Layne

Love the One You're With (Sex, Love & Stiletto #2)  by Lauren Layne

Publication Date: December 9th 2013 by Loveswept

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

About the book:

As a leading columnist for Stiletto, Grace Brighton has built a career warning women about rotten, cheating liars. She just never suspected her fiancé would be one of them. After Grace takes a heart-mending hiatus, her first assignment is to go on a couple of dates with a counterpart from the men's magazine Oxford and report her impressions. Grace 1.0 may have been instantly smitten with the gorgeous correspondent, but Grace 2.0 has sworn off relationships for six months, and she's not falling for his outstanding bod and trophy-winning kisses... or is she?

Jake Malone wants to get back to the fly-by-night, who-knows-what's-next guy he used to be, and he knows exactly how to do it. Oxford is adding a travel section, and Jake—with no wife and no kids and a willingness to live anywhere, eat anything, do everything—is perfect for the job... except that his playboy reputation makes his new editor nervous. To get the gig, he must agree to a fluffy joint article with Stiletto.

But after just one date with snooty, sumptuous, sensational Grace Brighton, Jake starts taking this assignment a whole lot more seriously...

My Thoughts:

Lauren Layne has quickly become one of my favorite romance authors, and Love the One You’re With is another win.  Ms. Layne has a talent for writing a fun, flirty romance with some surprisingly deep emotions at the center.

Grace Brighton is one of the resident Stiletto magazine writers with a regular column as the “relationship expert” in the love, sex, and relationship section. She had thought she was in a stable, loving relationship and on the way towards walking down the aisle until she found out her boyfriend of the last nine years was cheating on her, for months.  Grace is humiliated after being blindsided so thoroughly and after giving out advice publically on how to spot infidelity, she feels like a fool.  To redeem her reputation at the magazine and personally, Grace has come up with a new improved version of herself: Grace 2.0.  Grace 2.0 will see men for how they really are and will not be fooled by their charm and lies.

The perfect opportunity presents itself in the form of a contest between the popular men’s magazine, Oxford.  A joint series of articles is to be written after five dates between a rep from each magazine, the winner being the most spot-on with their perception of the opposite sex. Grace needs to nail this to get her reputation and confidence back.  She has her work cut out for her because, Jake, the opposition is oh- so-sexy, confusingly sweet, and more often than not infuriating! 

Jake is a consummate bachelor and columnist at Oxford magazine.  He’s roped into participating in this contest between the magazines so he can get the gig he really wants: writing as Oxford’s travel expert.  He doesn’t expect to be so charmed by Grace, a girl full of contradictions and spunk. 

My heart went out to Grace when I first met her in the previous novel After the Kiss. It was clear to everyone but Grace that her boyfriend was a jerk, and then she found out he was cheating, crushing her hard! I wanted to crush him hard!  Grace needed a guy who appreciated her for being the loving, kind hearted girl she is.  When we meet Jake he comes off as a bit of a player, but his POV gives insight into him, showing that he had a heart underneath his womanizing ways.  Here’s an example to make you sigh:

Jake wasn’t ashamed to admit that he’d never been able to walk away from a woman whose chin was doing that pre-cry wobble. And the sight of long female lashes spiky with tears made him want to fight the whole world and make it better.*

Yes, please!

Sexy, snarky banter along with heated glances, and lingering touches amped up the sexual tension between Grace and Jake.  You know it’s not long before they have to give in leading to deliciously spicy scenes!  Yet, this romance had some angst that felt like a punch to the gut, and I really wanted to smack Jake around a few times!  Fortunately, nothing is drawn out to the point of frustrating; just enough to make a happy ending feel earned and so much sweeter. 

Lauren Layne has a flair for writing romances filled chemistry and sizzle, but more than that, ones that touch your heart.  I anxiously await my next Lauren Layne fix which won’t be until March with Just One Night (Sex, Love & Stiletto #3).  

4.5 Suns

About the author: Lauren Layne writes contemporary romance for Grand Central Publishing (Forever Yours) and Random House (Loveswept).

After dabbling in an e-commerce career in Seattle and Southern California,  Lauren moved to New York City where she now writes full time.

Lauren graduated from Santa Clara University with B.S. in Political Science that she has yet to put to good use. She lives with her husband and plus-sized pomeranian in a tiny Manhattan studio.

Connect with Lauren Layne:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

    

I want to share my love of Lauren Layne’s romances with one of our awesome readers! Winner gets their choice of an e-Copy of After the Kiss (Sex, Love & Stiletto #1) OR Love the One You’re With (Sex, Love & Stiletto #2). Giveaway to end on the release date of Love the One You’re With, December 9, 2013. Giveaway is through US Amazon or US Barnes & Noble. Simply fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win. Thanks for visiting Waves of Fiction, and good luck!