Books I've Read so far in 2020

Every year I set a GoodReads goal, and (sadly) those goals seem to be getting smaller and smaller as I just don't have enough hours in the day. Now with the current environment and covid-19 pandemic, I don't want to watch TV or scroll on social media, so I have been reading up a storm. 

Here is what I've read for the first 5 months in 2020.

1.  Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
5 out of 5 Stars!

Royals, Romance, what more do you need?

2.  Full Circle: From Hollywood to Real Life and Back Again by Andrea Barber
4 out of 5 Stars

I enjoyed Andrea's honesty about her struggles with anxiety, a very relatable read. 

3. The Royal We by Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan

4.5 out of 5 Stars!
Are you seeing a trend here? I love royal romances, and the sequel (The Heir Affair) comes out this July!

4. Virgin River by Robyn Carr 

4 out of 5 Stars

Like most people I devoured the Netflix series Virgin River, so when I found out it was based on a book series, I knew I had to read it!

5. All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover

5+ Stars!

This is a contender for my top favorite book of 2020! Colleen Hoover is an amazing author and this romance novel is heartfelt and moving. 

6. I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson 
4 out of 5 Stars
I read this as part of Bad on Paper's book club, and to be honest, I wasn't sold on the description. But once I started reading, I was drawn in to this beautiful world.

7. Open Book by Jessica Simpson

5 Stars!
I was a big Jessica Simpson fan (Newlyweds anyone?), so I was dying to get my hands on this one. Jessica really bares her soul and spills some much need past relationship tea.

8. The Selection (Books 1-5) by Kiera Cass 
5 Stars

This book had been on my To Read list for a while, and I decided to read it after hearing Bad on Paper's rave reviews. Perfect for dystopian, Bachelor and royal fans!

9. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren 

5 out of 5 Stars!
I had been a fan of Christina & Lauren since reading Beautiful Bastard, and The Unhoneymooners was just what I needed! This book is hilarious and fun and perfect to lift your pandemic mood. Highly recommend!!

10. Twice in a Blue Moon by Christina Lauren 

3 out of 5 Stars
After The Unhoneymooners I was on a Christina Lauren kick! Twice in a Blue Moon was very sweet.

11. The Honey-Don't List by Christina Lauren 

4 out of 5 Stars

The Christina Lauren trend continued! HGTV Fans this one's for you! DIY + Romance!

12. Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover 

5+ Stars!
This is HANDS DOWN the best book I've read this year (and maybe last year)! It's so sweet and beautifully written. I must read the entire series!

Currently I am reading Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham (and re-binge watching Gilmore Girls). What are you reading? Do you have any suggestions for what I should read next? Let me know in the comments below.

Dance of Desire by Christopher Rice

Dance of Desire
By Christopher Rice

Purchase: Amazon eBook | Amazon Paperback

When Amber Watson walks in on her husband in the throes of extramarital passion with one of his employees, her comfortable, passion-free life is shattered in an instant. Worse, the fate of the successful country music bar that bears her family's name suddenly hangs in the balance. Her soon to be ex-husband is one of the bar's official owners; his mistress, one of its employees. Will her divorce destroy her late father's legacy?

Not if Amber's adopted brother Caleb has anything to do with it. The wandering cowboy has picked the perfect time for a homecoming. Better yet, he's determined to use his brains and his fists to put Amber's ex in his place and keep the family business intact. But Caleb's long absence has done nothing to dim the forbidden desire between him and the woman the State of Texas considers to be his sister.

Years ago, when they were just teenagers, Caleb and Amber shared a passionate first kiss beside a moonlit lake. But that same night, tragedy claimed the life of Caleb's parents and the handsome young man went from being a family friend to Amber's adopted brother. Has enough time passed for the two of them to throw off the roles Amber's father picked for them all those years ago? Will their desire for each other save the family business or put it in greater danger?

DANCE OF DESIRE is the first contemporary romance from award-winning, New York Times bestselling author Christopher Rice, told with the author's trademark humor and heart. It also introduces readers to a quirky and beautiful town in the Texas Hill Country called Chapel Springs.

READER ADVISORY. DANCE OF DESIRE contains fantasies of dubious consent, acted on by consenting adults. Readers with sensitivities to those issues should be advised.

Excerpt

“Tell me why you really don’t want me to go,” she hears herself whisper. “Tell me why you—”

He takes her in his arms and rocks them into the wall, so suddenly she expects her head to knock against the wood, but one of his powerful hands cushions the back of her skull just in time.

His lips meet the nape of her neck, grazing, testing. It’s hesitant, the kiss he gives her there, as if he’s afraid she’s an apparition that will vanish if he tries to take a real taste.

He gathers the hem of her shirt into his fist, knuckles grazing the skin of her stomach. She’s trying to speak but the only things coming out of her are stuttering gasps. She’s been rendered wordless by the feel of the forbidden, by the weight of the forbidden, by the power of the forbidden.

It’s the first time they’ve touched since that night on the boat dock, if you don’t include the light dabs of hydrogen peroxide she’d apply to the wounds he got fighting, usually while they sat together in the kitchen, her parents watching over them nervously. So many years living under the same roof and they never shared so much as a hug after that night, nothing that might risk the feel of his skin against her own.

And now this.

Now the intoxicating blend of the cologne he wore as a teenager mingling with the musky aroma of his belt and boots. Now the knowledge that he’d asked after her virginity years before, that the thought of her lying with another man had filled him with protective, jealous rage then just as it does now.

She feels boneless and moist. One of those feelings isn’t an illusion.

If this is what it feels like to be bad, she thinks, no wonder so many people get addicted.

“Tell me,” she whispers. “Tell me why you really don’t want me to go.”

“I am,” he growls.

He presses their foreheads together, takes the sides of her face in both of his large, powerful hands. It’s torture, this position. It’s deliberate, she’s sure. It keeps her from lifting her mouth to his. Keeps her from looking straight into his eyes. He’s fighting it, still. Just as she’s fought it for years.

She parts her lips, inviting him to kiss her.

“Please,” he groans. “Just, please don’t go.”

“Caleb…” She reaches for his face.

She’s reaching into open air.

The door slams.

He’s gone.

Review

Christopher Rice is one of those authors that you know you will LOVE his next book, and Dance of Desire does not disappoint!

Amber and Caleb's love story had a tragic start. But even years later their love for each other has only grown. It must be fate that Caleb appeared in Chapel Springs right when Amber needed him the most.

Dance of Desire was full of love and heat! The chemistry between Amber and Caleb flies off the pages.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars! As always Christopher Rice never disappoints! I hope this is the first of many more contemporary romance novels from him. 

About The Author

After publishing four New York Times bestselling thrillers by the age of 30 and being declared one of People Magazine’s Sexiest Men Alive, award-winning writer Christopher Rice became the first author to make his erotic romance debut part of the 1,001 DARK NIGHTS series. THE FLAME: A Desire Exchange Novella kicked off a steamy new series set in New Orleans, featuring magical candles and a sexy new breed of supernatural beings, The Radiants, who are devoted to helping heroes and heroines realize their heart’s desire. THE FLAME earned accolades from some of the biggest names in erotic romance and was quickly followed up by THE SURRENDER GATE: A Desire Exchange Novel, available from Evil Eye Concepts as a Blue Box Special. Aside from authoring eight works of dark suspense, Christopher is also the co-host and executive producer of THE DINNER PARTY SHOW WITH CHRISTOPHER RICE & ERIC SHAW QUINN, all the episodes of which can be downloaded at TheDinnerPartyShow.com and from iTunes. Make sure you’re subscribed to The Dinner Party Show’s You Tube channel to receive their newest content in 2016.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | DANCE OF DESIRE on Goodreads

Taking the Ice Blog Tour & Giveaway

Series: Ice #3
Release date: August 17th 2015
Purchase: Amazon

Synopsis via Goodreads:

Olympic rings and an engagement ring.

Courtney Carlton is ready for both.

She and her boyfriend Josh have skated together and dated for four years, and they’ve reached a critical point in their partnership both on and off the ice. With the Winter Games coming up and their career nearing an end, they are fighting to win a spot on the Olympic team, something Courtney has dreamed of since she was ten years old.

She also has another wish she hopes comes true soon. She’s waiting for a marriage proposal from Josh that she expected to happen by now. Will she realize either dream or will her heart be broken from disappointment?

Review

It's time for Josh and Courtney's Olympic dreams to come true! Taking the Ice brings us back into the competition.

While their sights are set on Olympic gold, Courtney can't help but wonder when Josh will propose! I totally related to the few "is he about to propose" moments, and when Josh finally does get down on one knee it was definitively worth the wait! What a truly magical moment.

Taking the Ice wraps up Josh and Courtney's story perfectly and got me pumped for the next winter Olympics!

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars. It's obvious I'm a HUGE fan of this series, as well as the rest of Jennifer's books. Josh and Courtney's love story was beautiful and I loved going through their highs and lows together. They were truly unbreakable, never once did you think 'It's over', we just waited to see how they worked through it all. 

About The Author

Jennifer Comeaux is a tax accountant by day, writer by night. There aren’t any ice rinks near her home in south Louisiana, but she’s a die-hard figure skating fan and loves to write stories of romance set in the world of competitive skating. One of her favorite pastimes is traveling to competitions, where she can experience all the glitz and drama that inspire her writing.

http://jennifercomeaux.blogspot.com/
facebook.com/jennifercomeauxauthor
twitter.com/LadyWave4

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Getting Dirty Review

Getting Dirty (Jail Bait #1)
by Mia Storm

Dirty
A poem by Blaire Leon

If sex is dirty, why would I do it with someone I love?
If sex is dirty, then didn’t we all come from the dirt?
What if I like the dirt?
What if I want to get dirty?
What if I want to roll in the mud until I’m so fucking filthy that I’ll never be clean again?

When twenty-five-year-old graduate assistant Caiden Brenner asked Blaire Leon how old she was, she said she was a senior. He chose to believe she meant in college. They connect over Lord Byron’s Don Juan and, as their conversations become increasingly thicker with sexual innuendo, Caiden finds himself obsessing over a totally off-limits undergrad who’s bold, beautiful, brilliant, and one of the most passionate poets he’s ever met.

But it turns out Blaire hasn't been totally honest. She's the seventeen-year-old valedictorian of her high school class, taking courses at Sierra State while awaiting her acceptance to Stanford.

Will Caiden get too deeply into Blaire to back away before he finds out the truth? Or will their connection be enough to seduce him into risking his entire future on Jail Bait?

Excerpt

Without realizing I’m doing it, I find I’m leaning toward her. I catch myself and stop. But before I can pull back, she closes the rest of the distance and presses her lips hard against mine.

Any thought that I shouldn’t be doing this evaporates like fog in a stiff breeze at the taste of her mouth, moving hungrily on mine. She’s scotch and fire on my tongue as she devours me. Right or wrong, I’m powerless to stop her.

Her fingers run down my face to my chest as she opens her mouth wider, inviting me deeper inside. I take the invitation, tasting as much of her as she’ll give me. Her hands tug at the hem of my shirt and my breath catches when cold fingers meet my warm abs.

I press harder against her, drawing her closer, and fire rips through my veins as our tongues and hands explore the new landscapes of each other’s mouths and bodies.

But a shard of coherent thought finally manages to pierce the bubble I’ve constructed to justify what I’m doing. “You’re a student,” I say against her mouth.

Her lips skim to my ear. “I like you, Caiden,” she whispers, and her saying my name with that hot breath, that wet mouth, is nearly enough to break my resolve. “I like you a lot.”

I take her by the shoulders and gently peel her away, my heart hammering out African drumbeats against my ribcage. “You’re so damn incredible, but I can’t do this. It’s totally against university rules. I’m sorry.”

“You’re not my professor,” she says, her expression wounded. “If we like each other, I don’t see why it should matter.”

“I’m Dr. Duncan’s graduate assistant. My boss is your professor. It’s a conflict of interest, since I do most of his grading.”

“So you are conflicted.” It’s clear from the predatory shift her expression takes that she hears that I’m trying to convince myself as much as her.

I drop my head against the headrest. “I am.”

She leans closer again, her breast pressing against my arm through the thin cotton of her top. “I’ll never say anything. No one needs to know,” she whispers, her breath feathering over my neck.

Review

I decided to read Getting Dirty because it was described as a very taboo book and the summary of a high schooler and 26 year old really pushed the envelope on what is 'taboo'.

This book was bold and tests what you think is right and wrong. Is age really just a number? Should relationships be based on maturity rather than ethical rules?

There will be times when you want to stop reading just because you feel something isn't right, but give Getting Dirty a chance and you will be surprised.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars. I enjoyed Caiden and Blaire's story and can't wait to read the next book in the Jail Bait series.

Buy Getting Dirty on Amazon, B&N, iBooks, KOBO, Google Play.

About The Author

Mia Storm is a hopeless romantic who is always searching for her happy ending. Sometimes she’s forced to make one up. When that happens, she’s thrilled to be able to share those stories with her readers. She lives in California and spends much of her time in the sun with a book in one hand and a mug of black coffee in the other, or hiking the trails in Yosemite. Connect with her online at MiaStormAuthor.blogspot.com , on Twitter at @MiaStormAuthor, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MiaStormAuthor. 

Beautiful Secret Book Blitz!

Beautiful Secret

by Christina Lauren

Excerpt

A silence fell over the table as everyone turned to watch Ruby leave the bar and head upstairs to bed. She had been utterly charming throughout dinner, and the group had groaned in unison when she’d excused herself because of our early morning. I, too, had been quite sad to see her go.

“Well, well.”

I looked up to see my brother’s smug expression.

“Now that we’re alone,” Will began, “I think we can all agree to drop any pretense that we’re not ruined for civilized conversation, yes?” Each of them nodded in agreement and beside me, his glass now refilled, Will raised his tumbler to take a small swallow of scotch. “I also think we can all agree Bennett will be an important consultant on this case.”

Max snickered.

“The conference?” I asked, confused.

“It’s an all-too-common predicament,” Bennett added dryly. “Knockout intern. Boss in denial. I’ll draft up a step-by-step plan of containment.”

I blinked, swallowing thickly as I realized what they meant. “She’s not my intern. I have absolutely no say in her career.” I shook my head, frustrated because it was exactly the wrong thing to say. “I’m not . . . that is to say, she’s not interested. Nor I.”

All four men laughed.

“Niall,” Will said, leaning his elbows on his knees. “She nearly dropped her drink in your lap when George asked if she was interested in anyone.”

“Was going to say the same thing,” Bennett said.

“And something tells me she’d be first to volunteer to clean it up,” Will added.

“Well, maybe that’s because she’s interested in someone who works with us at R-C.”

“Yeah. You.” Max lifted his glass and finished the last of the amber liquid.

“Sincerely,” I said, fighting a smile. “She’s a fantastic girl, but she’s certainly not a romantic option for me.”

Tilting his head, Bennett asked, “What color are her eyes?”

Green, I didn’t say. I shook my head as if I didn’t know.

“What was she wearing?” Will asked.

A blue dress that hit just above her knee, I didn’t say. A delicate gold chain around her neck and a ring on her right ring finger that I had to resist asking her about until George bulldozed in and asked about a boyfriend.

I rolled my eyes, and my brother laughed again, this time pointing his drink at me. “Blokes don’t notice these things unless they’re interested.”

“Or George,” Will added, and George reached over to grab the back of his neck and try to pull him in for a kiss.

“Well, it’s apparent I needn’t think on this any further,”

I said. “You’ve all decided for me.”

“It’s what we do,” Will said, adjusting the skewed collar of his shirt as he settled back into his chair.

“It’s a sickness, we know.”

“I thought we’d lost that muscle, honestly,” George said.

“It’s a relief to know we still have it in us. The ladies will be so proud.” Max rapped his knuckles on the table as he made to stand. “Alas, I’d best be off. New routine: Sara gets the baby to sleep; I do the midnight bottle feeding.”

“Finally taking a bottle from you then? Guess you smell like a woman, too,” I said to Max, reminding him of the little dig he’d thrown my way on my last visit.

Max laughed and patted me on the back, and we all stood, a silent agreement in place that we were ready to call it a night. I watched my brother gather his things and say his goodbyes, feeling the same mix of pride and longing for what he was headed home to: a wife, a daughter. A proper home.

“Kiss the girls for me,” I requested as he made his way out of the bar. He waved a hand, retreating, and then disappeared from view.

PreOrder Beautiful Secret Today!

Amazon  |  B&N  |  iTunes  |  Kobo  |  Target

Connect with Christina Lauren

http://christinalaurenbooks.com/  |  @christinalauren  |  @seecwrite  |  @lolashoes

Love's Suicide Review

Love's Suicide
By Jennifer Foor

Goodreads  |  Amazon  |  B & N  |  iTunes

My heart belonged to Branch and Brooks Valentine since we were children, when we were all too naïve to know what that even meant. We didn’t understand that when we became adults, love would change us. I had to make a choice and when I did, it ripped our bond apart. Brooks left town, and he took half of my heart with him. It was difficult, but I coped and planned my future with Branch. I thought I’d made the right decision. I loved him and I always had.

Brooks showed up to be our best man the night before our nuptials. After drinks and too much reminiscing, I ended up in bed with the wrong brother. To avoid the humiliation and the fact that I’d ruined all of our lives, I left Branch and the only family I’d ever known.

That’s where my story should have ended.

Two years, one beautiful little girl and an abusive marriage later, I was standing there staring at the man that would always hold my heart.

The only question was…

Would I give it to him

I’m Katy Michaels and this is my story.

My Review

After reading the synopsis for Love's Suicide I was very intrigued. A girl in love with two twin bothers was not a story you heard everyday.

Soooo much happened to Katy, it almost felt like too much for one book! While I felt sorry for many of the things she had to deal with, I did not agree with some of the decisions she made. Certain things could have been handled better which would have spared some of the problems and hurt.

The reason I kept reading was Brooks. He was a great character, a good person. I had to find out if he would get his HEA.

Through it all I was always rooting for Katy and Brooks. They were truly soul mates and deserved to be together.

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars. After reading Love's Suicide, I was emotionally exhausted! The 2nd story Love Survives is out now and it is told from Brook's POV. 

About the Author

Jennifer Foor is an award winning Contemporary Romance Author. She's best known for the Mitchell Family Series, which includes ten books.

She is married with two children and spends most of her time behind a keyboard, writing stories that come from her heart.

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Amazon Author  |  Goodreads

Losing the Ice Blog Tour and Giveaway

Losing the Ice
by Jennifer Comeaux
Series: Ice #2
Release date: February 23rd 2015
Purchase: Amazon

Courtney and Josh are in love and excited to finally compete as skating partners. When they take the ice for their first competition, they want to show everyone, especially Josh's family, they are the perfect pair.

But ice is slippery, and one misstep puts all their dreams in jeopardy. Now they must show each other both their love and their partnership are strong enough to survive.

My Review

Losing the Ice jumps right into the action. It's been a few months since the end of Crossing the Ice, and Josh and Courtney are at their first big skating competition as a new pair. Courtney and Josh are an amazing couple, and even though their love and partnership is put to the test, I never once worried it wouldn't work out. Jennifer has created such a strong, loving bond between the two that nothing could break them up.

Even dealing with his injury, Josh is still a hunky, swoon inducing lead. Courtney handles everything in stride, including Josh's horrible family, while still being her sassy self! Surprisingly, by the end of the book I was hating Stephanie (Josh's sister) much less. Turns out the witch has a heart after all!

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars! My only complaint was that Losing the Ice ended so quickly - I think I read it in one sitting! But no worries because Jennifer has already started on the next book in Josh and Courtney's series!

About the Author

Jennifer Comeaux is a tax accountant by day, writer by night. There aren’t any ice rinks near her home in south Louisiana, but she’s a die-hard figure skating fan and loves to write stories of romance set in the world of competitive skating.

One of her favorite pastimes is traveling to competitions, where she can experience all the glitz and drama that inspire her writing. Jennifer loves to hear from readers!

jennifercomeaux.blogspot.com | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

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The Ghost of You Blog Tour and Giveaway

The Ghost of You
by Amanda Burckhard
Release Date: 12/30/14
Swoon Romance

Summary from Goodreads:
Emmy has everything she’s ever wanted: a hot boyfriend she adores, great friends, a promising future, and even a well-connected family. But one night rips it all away.

A car accident shatters her world, claiming the lives of her twin brother and her best friend. In the wake of the accident, her friends drift away, her family falls apart, and her boyfriend cheats.

The grief is more than she can handle, so she finds escape at the bottom of a bottle of painkillers. Taking the pills makes her brother alive again, if only in her head. Seeing and talking to her brother as if he were still alive is the only thing that keeps her going. Until Logan King moves to town.

Logan sees past the mask of pristine popularity she wears in public and he’s the only one who can tell she hasn’t moved on. His uncanny ability to read her forces her to open up and she starts to fall for him, no matter how unwilling she is to admit it. But Emmy isn’t the only one keeping secrets and when a close brush with death sparks events that bring everything to light, Emmy will have to decide what’s more important: learning how to forgive and move on, or holding onto the pills and the ghost of her past.

My Review

The Ghost of You drew me into the story, I felt compelled to finish once I started reading. While the subject matter (drugs, losing a loved one) are very heavy, Burckhard balances the story very well. 

I found it very intriguing that Emmy knew the hallucination of her brother Derek was all in her mind, even though she was taking pain pills to keep seeing him. I was very interested to find out what happens to Emmy, if she would ever get the help for her addiction that she needed.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars. The Ghost of You told the story of a teen struggling to deal with the death of her twin brother. The ending gave hope for others who may be struggling with similar issues and by spreading this message maybe they can get the help they need.

Buy The Ghost of You on Amazon.

About the Author

Amanda Burckhard grew up exploring bat caves and hunting for dinosaur bones in the Black Hills of South Dakota. When she wasn’t crossing paths with mountain lions, she was making up stories and devouring books at the library. Although, she still does that.

Amanda loves to travel and cross out things on her adrenaline packed bucket list. Some of the things she's been able to cross out include see an active volcano erupt, ride a gondola in Venice, and pet a tiger.

She currently lives in North Sioux City, South Dakota and works as a microbiologist by day. Some of her obsessions include comic book movies, hot chocolate, sushi, sunshine, and Doctor Who.

Website │ Goodreads │ Twitter │ Facebook

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Finding Haven Review

Finding Haven
by T.A. Foster

Power. Money. Control. Love.

He has all but one.

When movie star, Evan Carlson, discovers his girlfriend’s picture with another man splashed on the cover of gossip magazines, he decides he’s had enough of his fishbowl life and attempts to outrun the media frenzy his relationships have become. Driving until the road stops, he ends up on the remote and quaint Perry Island, where a heartthrob can blend in like the locals and be a beach bum as long as he wants. All that changes when Evan meets Haven Owen, aspiring songwriter and the girl he just can’t get enough of. A summer romance turns into something much deeper and Evan gets tangled in his own web of lies to keep Haven in his life. But when his ex tracks him down, Evan learns there are some things you just can’t outrun.

Is the cost of love, losing all control?

My Review

I really loved the idea of a celebrity wanting to escape the fame and have a normal life. Evan just needs to escape the media frenzy that has become his life. While hiding out on Perry Island he meets Haven. Things move quickly between Evan and Haven, even though Evan is hiding his true identity.

I could see the train wreck coming with all the lies Evan told to Haven. When everything gets out of control with the paparazzi, I felt for Haven. She was blindsided. Everything she thought she knew was a lie.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars. I really enjoyed Finding Haven and jumped right into reading Red Lines to find out what happens with Evan and Haven.

For a limited time Finding Haven is FREE! Amazon | B&N | Smashwords | iTunes

Want more of Evan and Haven's story? Red Lines, the second book in the series is available now!

About the Author

T.A. Foster is a Southern girl whose heart and spirit are connected to the beach. She grew up catching rays and chasing waves along the North Carolina Outer Banks and now resides in the state with her adventurous pilot husband, two children and two canine kiddos.

Her long love affair with books started at an early age and as soon as she was able, she transformed imaginative stories into words on paper. T.A. has an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a graduate degree in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M University. When she’s not chasing her two-legged and four-legged children or trying to escape for date night, you can find her reading, writing or planning her next beach trip.

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

When Joss Met Matt Blog Tour and Giveaway

When Joss Met Matt
By Ellie Cahill

In the tradition of New Adult superstar Jessica Sorensen, Ellie Cahill’s debut novel is a charming friends-with-benefits story . . . with a twist!

What if after every bad breakup, there was someone to help “cleanse your palate”—someone who wouldn’t judge you, who was great in bed, someone you were sure not to fall in love with? “Sorbet sex” could solve everything—as long as it never got too sweet.

Joss and Matt have been friends since freshman year of college, meeting one night after Joss is dumped by her boyfriend. After a few drinks, Matt humors her with a proposition: that he’ll become her go-to guy whenever she needs to heal a broken heart. In return, she’ll do the same for him. The #1 Rule: They’ll never fall in love with each other. People scoff at the arrangement. But six years later, Joss and Matt are still the best of friends . . . with benefits.

Through a string of boyfriends and girlfriends—some almost perfect, some downright wrong—Joss and Matt are always there for each other when the going gets tough. No strings. No attachments. Piece of cake. No problem. After all, since they wrote the rules, surely they can play by them. Or can they?

My Review

When Joss Met Matt is not your typical friends with benefits story. I thought the idea of Sorbet Sex was interesting, and I really wanted to see how it played out for Matt and Joss.

I really loved the Present/Past format of the story. It felt almost cinematic and added interest to the story. It drew me in from early on , I just wanted to keep reading to discover Matt and Joss's fate!

Since the story is told from Joss's perspective, you can tell in college that she starts to develop feelings for Matt, but she's just not ready to admit that maybe he is her type. It's a little harder to determine Matt's feelings, which keeps this story a page turner.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars. I really enjoyed When Joss Met Matt! It's a super sweet love story that handles Sorbet Sex very well. Get your copy on Amazon today!

About the Author

Ellie Cahill is a freelance writer and also writes books for young adults under the name Liz Czukas. She lives outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with her husband, son, and the world’s loudest cat.

Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Blog  |  Instagram

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Red Lines Blog Tour and Giveaway

Red Lines
By T.A. Foster

Goodreads Summary

Love on remote Perry Island was one thing, but with the flash of a camera everything has changed.

Movie star Evan Carlson has just landed the role of a lifetime, playing the infamous Dexter Red. Fans can't get enough of the sexiest, most-talked-about guy to ever hit paperback pages.

Haven is in Austin working on her songwriting career, and Evan's faith and commitment are put to the test. No matter which way he turns, Hollywood keeps getting in the way.

Does realizing their career dreams mean losing their relationship? Can they survive the headlines and media frenzy surrounding Evan's new role?

When it comes to love, some lines are meant to be blurred.

My Review

 

Red Lines is the follow up novel to Finding Haven - I would recommend reading the books in order.

Haven and Evan have left the privacy of Perry Island. They both are ready to move forward with their careers, which leads to spending less time together. On top of that Evan is starring in a sexy movie with his ex!

Dealing with the tabloids and rumors is difficult, but Evan and Haven will get their happy ending. They are able to work out the distance, exes, Hollywood drama and rumors to make their relationship work.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars. Red Lines is a great happy ending to Haven and Evan's story.

Buy Red Lines on Amazon  |  B&N  |  iTunes

And be sure to get Finding Haven which is FREE for a limited time!

 

About the Author

 

T.A. Foster is a Southern girl whose heart and spirit are connected to the beach. She grew up catching rays and chasing waves along the North Carolina Outer Banks and now resides in the state with her adventurous pilot husband, two children and two canine kiddos. 

Her long love affair with books started at an early age, and as soon as she was able, she transformed imaginative stories into words on paper. Time Spell is T.A.’s debut novel, and the first in a series about a very adventurous, clever, and magical girl named Ivy.

T.A. has an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a graduate degree in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M University. When she’s not chasing her two-legged and four-legged children or trying to escape for date night, you can find her reading, writing or planning her next beach trip.

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Paper or Plastic Blog Tour

Paper or Plastic
by Vivi Barnes
Release Date: 2015
Entangled Teen

Summary from Goodreads:
Welcome to SmartMart, where crime pays minimum wage...

Busted. Alexis Dubois just got caught shoplifting a cheap tube of lipstick at the local SmartMart. She doesn’t know what’s worse—disappointing her overbearing beauty-pageant-obsessed mother for the zillionth time…or her punishment. Because Lex is forced to spend her summer working at the store, where the only thing stranger than the staff is the customers.

Now Lex is stuck in the bizarro world of big-box retail. Coupon cutters, jerk customers, and learning exactly what a “Code B” really is (ew). And for added awkwardness, her new supervisor is the totally cute—and completely below her social sphere—Noah Grayson. Trying to balance her out-of-control mother, her starting spot on the school softball team, and her secret crush on the school geek makes for one crazy summer. But ultimately, could the worst store in the world be the best thing that ever happened to her?

My Review

Alexis made a mistake and now has to spend the summer working at SmartMart. What could be a terrible punishment, turns into just what she needs. She gets to know Noah, the cute manager who happens to be her best friend's nemesis. 

Noah and Lex go through a lot over the summer - family issues, natural disasters, school friends. By the time school starts will their love be stronger than the social pressures at school?

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars. This was a great story of growth for both Alexis and Noah. It was fun to go on this journey with them and see how it all worked out.

Buy Paper or Plastic on Amazon  |  B&N  |  KoBo

About the Author

Vivi Barnes is the author of Olivia Twisted and the upcoming release, Paper or Plastic. She was raised on a farm in East Texas where her theater-loving mom and cowboy dad gave her a unique perspective on life. Now living in the magic and sunshine of Orlando, Florida, she divides her time writing, working, goofing off with her husband and three kids, and avoiding dirty dishes. 

www.vivibarnes.com

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Riding it Out Blog Tour

Synopsis from Goodreads:

One woman

One man

An empty bed and breakfast

A summer storm

One night they'll never forget - so they thought...

When my aunt passed away and left me her dilapidated bed and breakfast it was all so surreal. I hadn't been back to that beach in many years, and the idea of revisiting left me sad and vulnerable.

I never planned on having guests. In fact, I just wanted to close up the place and sell it, so that I could move on with my life.

Then the storm happened.

Taken by surprise, I planned on waiting for it to pass. The house creaked and the power went out. That's when someone knocked on the door.

He was a stranger, dripping wet, cold, and looking for shelter. I couldn't turn him away...

What happened next between us opened new doors, changing everything I thought I wanted for myself.

The only question is if I can trust him, or will his secrets destroy it all?

About the Author

Jennifer Foor is an award winning Contemporary Romance Author. She's best known for the Mitchell Family Series, which includes ten books.

She is married with two children and spends most of her time behind a keyboard, writing stories that come from her heart. 

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The Librarian Principle Blog Tour

The Librarian Principle
Helena Hunting

Amazon  |  iTunes  |  B&N  |  Kobo

Summary from Goodreads

Annaliese Harper knows that one tiny mistake can jeopardize a career before it’s even begun. Letting your boss find the extensive collection of porn on your personal laptop is one way. Sleeping with him is another. Liese manages to do both.

As the new librarian at a prestigious small-town private high school, Liese is drawn to her sexy, charismatic principal, Ryder Whitehall—an attraction she refuses to acknowledge given their relationship and her recent liberation from a delusional ex-boyfriend. 

Liese is certain Ryder’s flirtation is the product of her sex-deprived imagination—until he discovers her digital porn stash during working hours and demands a private meeting. Behind closed doors, their attraction explodes into a dangerous, passionate affair that not only threatens their jobs and reputations, but most of all, their hearts.

My Review

I loved Ryder and Liese's story! These two were made for each other and nothing was keeping them apart - romantically and physically!

Every garbage can needs a lid.

Even thought Liese and Ryder couldn't go public with their relationship at first, they manage to make it through some challenges and get their happily ever after that they deserve!

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars! The Librarian Principle was a well written, steamy and romantic story. It's available now so get your copy today and ring in the New Year with Ryder and Liese!

Pushing the Boundaries Blog Tour

Pushing the Boundaries
By Jessica Prince


Living in the small town of Cloverleaf, watching her friends settle down one by one, all Lizzy wants is her own happily ever after. But with each failed date she starts to believe that finding the one man who will look at her like she’s his reason for living is practically impossible.

Trevor has had feelings for Lizzy since stepping foot into Cloverleaf, but despite their intense chemistry when they first met, the feisty little redhead friend-zoned him before he ever had a chance to make his move. After watching her date every loser in town he’s finally decided enough is enough. Thanks to a drunken weekend in Vegas, he finally has the one thing he’s always wanted…Lizzy as his wife.

But just because he caught her doesn’t mean he’ll get to keep her. Can Trevor and Lizzy push the boundaries of friendship and build a relationship that can truly last, or will they crash and burn before they ever get off the ground?

Review

Pushing the Boundaries is a contemporary romance and it is the third book in The Pushing the Boundaries Series (Picking up the Pieces and Rising from the Ashes). This is the first novel in the series I've read, so they can be read out of order without being lost.

I loved Jessica's quick and witty writing and dialogue. It made Pushing the Boundaries a fast and entertaining read.

Lizzy and Trevor are absolutely ADORABLE! Their hot tempers make them like 2 firecrackers which leads to some steamy scenes!

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars! After reading Pushing the Boundaries I want to read Emmy & Luke and Savannah & Jeremy's stories. Jessica is a great story teller and really brings real characters to life.

About the Author

Born and raised around Houston Texas, Jessica spent most of her life complaining about the heat, humidity, and all around pain in the ass weather. It was only as an adult that she quickly realized the cost of living in Houston made up for not being able to breathe when she stepped outside. That's why God created central air, after all.

Jessica is the mother of a perfect little boy--she refuses to accept that he inherited her attitude and sarcastic nature no matter what her husband says.

In addition to being a wife and mom, she's also a wino, a coffee addict, and an avid lover of all types of books--romances still being her all time favs. Her husband likes to claim that reading is her obsession but she just says it's a passion...there's a difference. Not that she'd expect a boy to undertand.

Jessica has been writing since she was a little girl, but thankfully grew out of drawing her own pictures for her stories before ever publishing her first book. Because an artist she is not.

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