Friday, May 14, 2021

Wild With You {cover reveal}

 

Release Date: August 31

Cover Design by Najla Qamber Designs Cover Photography: Regina Wamba

Cover model: Jade McKenzee 


A brand new firefighter series from USA Today Bestselling Author J.H. Croix!


All bets are off when a hotshot firefighter and a homecoming queen whose crown slipped off meet in the wilds of Alaska.


I don’t have time for romance, much less for prissy Madison Glen. The first time I meet her, I kiss her. The second time I meet her, she's breaking into my neighbor's house. She swears up and down she’s not a criminal. Maybe not, but she is definitely a distraction I don’t need. 


I’ve got my hands full with my mouthy daughter and an insanely busy life as a hotshot firefighter. It doesn’t surprise me at all to learn Madison was homecoming queen in high school. 


She’s stubborn, impractical, and she’d win the contest for least-likely to survive in small town Alaska. She’s also sultry and sassy. She’s everything I don’t need. It doesn’t matter what I tell myself though. I can’t keep my hands to myself when she’s around, and she kisses like a dream.


Graham & Madison’s story is perfect for readers who love small town romance, hotshot firefighters, alpha heroes, sassy heroines, frenemies to lovers, hate to love, opposites attract, slow burn, emotional romance with a dash of angst, plenty of steam and swoon, and a deeply protective grumpy hero.


Pre-Order Your Copy Here:

Add to your Goodreads TBR List!


Meet J.H. Croix


USA Today Bestselling Author J. H. Croix lives in a small town in the historical farmlands of Maine with her husband and two spoiled dogs. 


Croix writes steamy contemporary romance with sassy women and rugged alpha men who aren't afraid to show some emotion. Her love for quirky small-towns and the characters that inhabit them shines through in her writing. 


Take a walk on the wild side of romance with her bestselling novels!


Connect with J.H. Croix

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Thursday, May 13, 2021

Weekly Wrap Up

 

 
Last week was another amazing week of reading. So many fantastic books were read, and I had my first 5 star read of the month!

The nice thing about me being a bit late to posting my update is the fact that I have many more reviews that I can link! If you don't know, when I read an advanced copy of a book I hold the review until the day the book releases. I think it just adds to the fun of release day. Now with the Camelot Misfits series, those I read in preparation for a new release since I wanted to know the background.

Anyways. 

Let's go over my stats. I read
8 books
2,078 pages


My favorite book of the week was Guardian by Stacie Santoro. This book reminded me of how much I love a good paranormal romance.

Since I'm so late in getting this post up, this week I am going to have my reviews linked, and then put the tropes/genres that the books fit into. Or at least from my perspective. 

Enjoy!

Gravity {a review}


While reading a book have you ever been so shocked at a scene that you literally gasped out loud? Because that happened to me while reading Gravity. I mean, my hand was even over my mouth I was so shocked. 

Gravity by K.L. Jessop is the latest release in the Salvation Society series, and it was spectacular. So much so that I gave it 5 stars. If you've been following along, then you'll know that's my second 5 star this month, and both of them went to a book within the Salvation Society series. 

Gravity has one of my favorite tropes in play, and another that I'm coming around to. In this book we have the best friends sibling trope, and it is also an age gap romance. The age gap is about 15 years. So if age gap romances aren't your jam, that's okay, but I still really feel like you should give it a read.

Oh it's also a slow burn!

In this book we have Nora, Asher, and Grayson. Asher is extremely protective of his little sister, and feels that he needs to be in every part of her life to keep her safe. To say this annoys Nora would be an understatement. Grayson is Asher's best friend, and he'd do anything for Asher and Nora. Grayson and Nora have always had a connection. From the time she was little until now, there has been a bond between them. Flash forward to modern day, and Nora is returning home from college. She's determined to spend time with her dad (he just had a stroke), and help out as much as possible. Nora's also hoping to reconnect with Grayson, as their friendship has been strained as of late. I want to continue on with my little recap of the book, but am struggling with where to draw the line. Just know that Nora returning home is where things start to pick up.

As I said above, this book is spectacular and it fully deserves the five stars that I gave it. Age gap isn't a typical read for me, and if I'm being honest it is a sub-genre that I struggle with it a bit. But that's on me. Putting that to the side, I loved this romance story. I love the history of friendship that Nora and Gray have. I love how he's been by her side for as long as she can remember. Gray has pretty much been a part of her family. Asher, oh what do I even say about him. Asher is a bit over the top, and in my mind he's taking his mission to protect his little sister a bit too far. I mean, I get it to a point, he has issues that need to be brought to light and resolved. Then when things happen at home, and Asher does what Asher does, I was gutted. My heart sank. The tears fell. But then, when the BIG thing happens towards the end? Holy crap. That was when I gasped. I found myself rereading that section because I couldn't believe it actually happened. Oofta.

My emotions went on a roller coaster ride once again. I loved Nora and Grayson's relationship. I loved the brotherly connection between Grayson and Asher. I loved the Nelson family. And now I find myself wanting Asher's story. K.L. Jessop if you could make that happen, I'd love it.

Friends, you need to go grab this book. Please just trust me.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,

Celebrity Dirt {a review}

 

Hi reader friends!

Today I have a fun one for you. Today I am reviewing Celebrity Dirt by J.D. Hollyfield!

I went into the book thinking it was going to be one thing, and then it totally wasn't. Which had me loving the book that much more.

Addy, our heroine, is working for a gossip newspaper. It clearly isn't where her heart is, as she's always trying to push for a more exclusive/groundbreaking/investigative story. Her boss isn't having it. Well the latest assignment is for someone from the company to get an invite to this party, find some gossip, and get it written up ASAP. An invite all but falls into Addy's lap, and she's going for it! No sooner is she walking in the door to the party and she meets a guy. Things escalate quickly. You see Logan Justice is the right hand man for the city's largest mob boss. Logan has figured out that Addy isn't the person who that invitation was for. So now he feels the need to keep Addy safe, which means she has to stay with him during the party, and quite possibly longer. Especially since Vincent, the mob boss, thinks that Logan and Addy are in a relationship. And now Vincent has eyes on Addy.

Reader friends, I went into Celebrity Dirt thinking I was getting a full on Mafia romance. It was, but it wasn't. There's a twist. Now I'll admit, I figured out that twist pretty early on, but I still loved it. Seeing Addy and Logan start as a fake relationship to keep her safe from Vincent was good. Seeing these two actually fall for each other, well that's a whole different ball game. I absolutely loved it. I also loved how Addy could not stop talking. And when she's deep in thought she tends to mumble her thoughts under her breath. There was quite a bit that happened in the story from dispersement of product, to talking of a new sort of business venture (which hurt my heart to read about), to so much more. That is where the mafia storyline comes into play. Honestly, there wasn't much that I didn't like about the book. Loved the characters, loved how they met, and how their relationship played out. It had me captivated. The only thing I didn't like was the subject matter of Vincent's new business venture. That was hard to read. I mean, I know it happens, but my heart just breaks.

If you like rom-coms, then read Celebrity Dirt.
If you like fake dating, then read Celebrity Dirt.
If you like mafia romances, then read Celebrity Dirt.

No matter what, if you're a romance reader, then I suggest you go grab this book. I think you'll like it. Oh, and if you're wondering about the steam factor, well it has plenty of steamy moments between Logan and Addy. 

Thank you for reading my thoughts,

Wiz's Remedy {a review}

As you know, this week I have been sharing my bookish thoughts on the Camelot Misfits MC series by Xavier Neal. I've been doing this to prepare for Wiz's Remedy. After all I had to know the backstory. I couldn't go in not knowing the history. If you would like to go read my thoughts regarding King and Imani's story, my reviews are here:

King's Return | King's Conquest | King's Legacy 


Happy Book Birthday to Wiz's Remedy by Xavier Neal!

If you're a fan of the Camelot Misfits MC series, then chances are when Xavier Neal announced Wiz was getting a book, you probably have been anticipating it! After all, it's about time that Wiz gets his HEA.

Wiz's Remedy is a standalone novel that is taking place in the Camelot Misfits MC. Here you'll get to see familiar faces, catch up with all of them, see Wiz find an Old Lady, and not to mention go on one heck of a mission. 

I didn't know what to expect going into Wiz's Remedy. The teaser was minimal, and so I didn't have any clue what was going to happen. The only thing I knew was that Wiz was getting his story told. Wiz's Remedy was so good. It has a little different of a vibe than King and Imani's story, and that is perfectly okay. 

Now this book starts at King and Imani's wedding reception. I'm sure you can picture how big that celebration was! Wiz is outside taking a breather, and he hears a bit of a scuffle happening. Naturally he goes to check it out. There he finds a woman and man fighting. He steps in, helps out. It's what Wiz does. However, he is now interested in this little spitfire that was part of the ordeal. It is then that he meets Stella, and thus begins the journey.

Wiz's Remedy was fantastic. Start to finish I loved it all. Seeing Wiz in his element just felt normal. Witnessing how he discovered bits and pieces about Stella was interesting. He sure is amazing when it comes to what he does. Stella is pretty darn interesting as well. She's been trying to stay off the grid for so long, that she's a bit jumpy. (and rightfully so.) I mean she's been hurt beyond belief in her life, and she's running to save herself. The relationship between Wiz and Stella is intense. When Stella finally opened up to Wiz about her past, my heart broke a bit. What happens next was a lot. This is the big showdown, and dang. That all just happened. Then that little reveal after the showdown. OH MY HEART! Seriously, this book was just phenomenal. There was a lot of action, a lot of steam, and a HEA. What's not to love?

I cannot recommend the Camelot Misfits MC series enough. The first three books were amazing, and now this one just added to my love. Please read the series. Please. Then when you do, send me an email or a message on Facebook so we can discuss.

I can only hope that Xavier Neal brings us back to the Misfits for another book in the future. I'd personally love to see the other guys get their HEAs (ahem specifically Trick and Biz).

Thank you for reading my thoughts,


Please scroll down a bit to read the teaser for Wiz's Remedy. You'll also find links to connect with Xavier Neal, a link to add the book to your Goodreads TBR, and a link to purchase the book on Amazon. 

WIZ’S REMEDY (Camelot Misfits #4) by Xavier Neal
Release Date: May 13th
Genre/Tropes: MC/Romantic Suspense/Dark elements
Series: Camelot Misfits



Wizards still exist.
They just call them hackers now.

The Misfits MC is known for maintaining the balance.
Providing common ground.

Protecting the innocent.

However, when Maddox "Wiz" Lind, their residential hacker, is forced to leave the computer keys to save a broken soul in need of healing, he quickly realizes there's much more to life than cracking codes...

 
Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/WRTBR
AVAILABLE NOW!!! https://amzn.to/2QItLcU

Start the series today!
FREE with KINDLE UNLIMITED!

About the Author

Xavier Neal is a best-selling romance author who enjoys hopping from sub genre to sub genre like a game of Hopscotch she can't resist.

In between writing, she loves to read (everything from romance to self improvement books), watch movies (old and new), eat too much Tex-Mex (her Chuy's t-shirt collection is out of control), and watch AHL hockey games LIVE (preferably against the glass whenever possible). 

She currently resides happily in Texas with her bearded husband "Lumberjack" and their two fur babies.

Connect with Xavier

     

Something About You {cover reveal}

 


J. Nathan has revealed the cover for
Something About You!

Releasing June 13, 2021

Kason
I'm what you call a god, a superstar, a winner.

Being a professional snowboarder is my purpose in life.

Nothing scares me--especially my competition.

I know exactly how to get what I want, and I'm good at most everything I do.


I'm only at Cranmore University to appease my parents.


But, if I want to graduate, I need to pass physics.
And, since failing is not an option, blackmailing a nerd who hates me is my last resort.


Shay
 I'm what some call a geek, a nerd, a loser.
 And I don't care. I know who I am. I know where I come from. And, I know exactly where I'm going.

That's why I'm at Cranmore University.
 To get my degree and begin my life.


 Only, that plan gets quickly derailed thanks to an unbecoming video, a blackmailing snowboarder, and his ex who's hell bent on making my life miserable.


 They say everyone comes into your life for a reason.


 What happens when that person is the opposite of what you want...

But exactly what you need?

Cover Designer: Y'all. That Graphic.
 Model: Anthony Patamisi
 Photographer: Michelle Lancaster 

Pre-order your copy today! 
Amazon | Apple Books | Nook | Kobo | Google Play
Goodreads: Something About You

Meet J. Nathan

J. Nathan is the author of new adult, sports, and rock star romances with cocky heroes and sassy heroines. 


When she's not writing, she's a crazy soccer and baseball mom as well as a total romance junkie! She loves watermelon margaritas, guys in backward hats, country music, and the summertime.
 
Connect with J.

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Warrior {a review}

I don't know if you've noticed or not, but this week I have been reviewing books within the Salvation Society series. I have been loving every single minute of it.

Today I am bringing you my review of Warrior by A.M. Brooks. If friends to lovers is your go to trope, go grab this book. How about enemies to lovers? Second chance romance? Romantic suspense? Go grab Warrior! It has all of that! 

Warrior begins by taking us back in time to when Colt was a child. We see his family, we meet one of his friends, and eventually we meet Lyric. Lyric just moved in across the street. Colt's world eventually gets just decimated. I can't think of another way to describe it. Two people that he loves have been taken away from him, and the third person has changed as well and not for the better. Lyric is there beside him through it all. That is until they go off to college. They had a plan. But plans change, hearts break, and relationships end. Flash forward 8 years, and they meet again. 

I feel like I've said a bit too much in that little recap, but hopefully not.

There are no words that can fully explain my love of this book! I was all in, and felt all the emotions. Lyric and Colt are just meant to be together. From their relationship in high school, to planning for their future at college, it was them taking the next step toward forever. When Colt changed all that, my heart sank. I was heart broken for both of them. There is so much I want to say, but can't because I don't want to ruin the story!  The journey back to each other was rocky, but you could feel the love between them. Add in the suspense aspect, and egads. WHAT A RIDE!  Now for me, I do wish that part of the story had been a bit longer, a bit more played out, but still, I loved it. 

If you're a romance reader and you have not read a book from the Salvation Society, I highly suggest you do. This 8th edition that has been releasing this week would be a fantastic place to start. Your emotions will go for quite a rollercoaster ride.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,

King's Legacy {a review}


Friends, this week Xavier Neal is releasing Wiz's Remedy, which is the fourth book in the Camelot Misfits MC series. So in preparation for that new release, I have decided to read the original three books. 

That's right, I'm diving in to King and Imani's story. If you would like to read my thoughts on King's Conquest, I shared that yesterday. (read it here)


Happy Wednesday!

If you read my thoughts on King's Conquest then you already know that we once again had one heck of a cliffhanger. You'll also know that I can't say a whole lot about the plot, because this is one continual story. So in other words, you have to read the books in order! Oh how I love book series!

King, Imani, and the rest of the Misfits are in the final part of their epic battle, and it's a wild ride. There is so much that happens! From the first page to the last I was hooked. In King's Legacy we find out how all of this plays out, and what exactly happens with Dread. We also get to see a glimpse into the future for King and Imani. 

I want to tell you so many things, but I can't. AHHHHHH!

Just know that storylines are wrapped up. King and Imani do get their happily ever after.

Read the series. Please. Then come find me so we can discuss through email or Facebook Messenger.

Thank you for reading my thoughts even though I couldn't tell you much,



Please scroll down a bit to read the teaser for King's Legacy. You'll also find links to connect with Xavier Neal, a link to add the book to your Goodreads TBR, and a link to purchase the book on Amazon. Now is the perfect time to start the series since Wiz's Remedy releases on May 13, 2021!


The final war has begun.

And the victors will be wearing Misfit patches.

The Misfits MC is known for maintaining the balance.

Providing common ground.

Protecting the innocent.

However, when Adonis "King" Arthur must face his past, present, and future, he's forced to realize there's no denying a certain truth that lies within his legendary legacy...



Goodreads: King's Legacy




Meet


Xavier Neal is a best-selling romance author who enjoys hopping from sub genre to sub-genre like a game of Hopscotch she can't resist.

In between writing, she loves to read (everything from romance to self improvement books), watch movies (old and new), eat too much Tex-Mex (her Chuy's t-shirt collection is out of control), and watch AHL hockey games LIVE (preferably against the glass whenever possible). 

She currently resides happily in Texas with her bearded husband "Lumberjack" and her rather lazy dog, Missy.

Where to find Xavier Neal

Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Facebook Group | Instagram | BookBub | Amazon | Goodreads | Twitter | Pinterest

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Shattered {a review}



Shattered by Bella Emy is the latest addition to the Salvation Society series. It just released today, and if friends to lovers is your favorite trope, then you're going to want to read Shattered. Or if second chance romance pulls at your heartstrings, then this book will have you covered.

Lexi and Kalen met in high school, and Kalen knew he wanted a relationship with Lexi almost immediately. Lexi on the other hand made him wait. As time goes on, their relationship builds, and they start dating. Kalen and Lexi grew up in different financial situations. Lexi's parents were well to do, and well Kalen just had his dad and they struggled. It didn't matter though because Kalen and Lexi loved each other. Or so Lexi believed. Instead her world was flipped upside down in an instant. Not only did her dad leave, but so did Kalen. Flash forward many years later, Lexi's broken heart still isn't fully mended, and it is at a wedding that she runs into Kalen.

If you know me, you know that I love a good second chance romance. Add in the friends to lovers trope and there is a solid chance I'll love the book. Such is the case with Shattered. I found myself upset when everything happened. I felt the nerves that Lexi was feeling at meeting up with Kalen at the wedding. I felt the breath that was released when things shifted back. Only then to have my heart crushed again when their point of struggle happened. Of course it all ends with an HEA, so all is good. 

At times I felt that too much time was spent discussing the past, but I can see why Bella Emy had that in there. It was to give us understanding as to why certain things happened. I do wish we would have been privy to the conversation between Lexi's Mom and Kalen. I do wish we had Kalen's explanation as to why he did what he did. I also felt the reconnection was a bit rushed, and there wasn't enough tension/groveling/emotion in that part of the book. Yes, we knew that Lexi was angry, but where was the fight between the two?

Still though, Shattered grabbed my heart. Kalen and Lexi are amazing together. I need to go look at other books by Bella Emy, because based on Shattered, I'm sure I'll enjoy her other books.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,

King's Conquest {a review}

 

Friends, this week Xavier Neal is releasing Wiz's Remedy, which is the fourth book in the Camelot Misfits MC series. So in preparation for that new release, I have decided to read the original three books. That's right, I'm diving in to King and Imani's story. If you would like to read my thoughts on King's Return, I shared that yesterday. (read it here)



Happy Tuesday!

So if you read my thoughts on King's Return, then you know that it ended in a doozy of a cliffhanger. King's Conquest picks up right where we left off. 

Now I have to be careful about what I say since King's Conquest is a continuation.

We're back in the clubhouse and big things are happening. There is a traitor in the group and that person needs to be flushed out. Not only are the Misfits dealing with that, they're also trying to rescue Biz from her captive. Oh, and Imani just found out a family secret that has her world shaken.

This book, oh this book. It was so action packed. A bit graphic at times with the violence, but not so much so that I had to put it down. From the very beginning of King's Return I was hooked, and King's Conquest kept my attention. I had to know what was happening with King and Imani. I had to know what was going down with the club. Would they rescue Biz? What would happen with the traitor? How would Imani respond to the news? I just HAD TO KNOW! Oh, and don't even get me started on that little bit of info that was dropped toward the end of the book. I cannot wait to see how King responds to that! 

Also, as I said in my King's Return post, I love how Imani continues to be passionate about her job, and what interests her. It is still a big part of the storyline, and I'm here for it. The fact that Imani is stepping into the Old Lady role also makes me smile. It's showing just how amazing of a woman she is. She's taking this new role and making it work for her.

I am loving the Camelot Misfits series, and cannot wait to see what happens next for King and Imani in King's Legacy! King's Conquest ends in another wild cliffhanger, and it will have you diving for book 3 so you can continue on.

Thank you for reading my thoughts,

Please scroll down a bit to read the teaser for King's Conquest. You'll also find links to connect with Xavier Neal, a link to add the book to your Goodreads TBR, and a link to purchase the book on Amazon. Now is the perfect time to start the series since Wiz's Remedy releases on May 13, 2021!





The cavalry is ready.

And they're riding steel horses...

The Misfits MC is known for maintaining the balance.

Providing common ground.

Protecting the innocent.

However, when Adonis "King" Arthur embarks on the conquest to completely destroy a rival club, he unfortunately realizes the cost of victory may be too high....


*WARNING: This book ends on a CLIFFHANGER.


Goodreads: King's Conquest

About



Xavier Neal is a best-selling romance author who enjoys hopping from sub genre to sub genre like a game of Hopscotch she can't resist.   In between writing, she loves to read (everything from romance to self improvement books), watch movies (old and new), eat too much Tex-Mex (her Chuy's t-shirt collection is out of control), and watch AHL hockey games LIVE (preferably against the glass whenever possible). 

She currently resides happily in Texas with her bearded husband "Lumberjack" and her rather lazy dog, Missy.   

Connect with Xavier

Monday, May 10, 2021

Guardian {a review}



Friends! I'm not going to waste any time before I tell you that Guardian by Stacie Santoro was a FIVE STAR READ!

This is the second book from the Salvation Society that I have read, and I'm hooked. Give me all the books in this series. Seriously. Hand 'em over.

Guardian is a paranormal romance! It has been SO LONG since I've read a PNR, and I honestly forgot how much I tend to enjoy them. Aarabelle just accepted a job at Valor-Reed Security, and she has been teamed up with Lorcan. Lorcan is also new to Valor-Reed, but really he's undercover. Lorcan is a Warlock, and he's on a mission from the King to track down an item that is extremely important.

I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK! From the beginning I was all in. Witnessing the work relationship quickly blossom into a friendship, and then them being a couple, was everything. I loved the suspense. I loved the entire storyline. Guardian reminded me of a few Nora Roberts trilogies that I had loved. I want to talk about the scene toward the end of the book when Lorcan was off fighting, but spoilers. SO GOOD! I want more of these characters. I want more PNR featuring a human and a Warlock. 

I feel like I haven't said enough about the book, but it's so hard because I don't want to ruin anything. Just know that this book gives you the romance and the suspense/action that is needed with a PNR.

If you are a fan of paranormal romances, work place romances, instalove, and/or the Salvation Society, then GO READ GUARDIAN!


Thanks for reading my thoughts,


Guardian by Stacie Santoro
Featuring Aarabelle
ALL heroes
Genre/Trope: legacy trope and paranormal
Add to Goodreads: Guardian
Salvation Society Author Page: Stacie Santoro

 
  

NOW AVAILABLE!
FREE IN KU!

 

She lives her life in the light.

Aarabelle Gilcher-Dempsey grew up wanting to make the world a safer place. So, when she leaves the FBI to be closer to her family and start her new career back home at Valor-Reed Security, she is both settled and excited. And she’s ready for her first assignment, investigating suspicious break-ins at the homes of the security firm’s exclusive art-collecting clients. But she didn’t expect a distraction in the form of her new colleague or the intense attraction she feels for him.

He’s lived most of his life in the shadows.

Lorcan Ryder, an elite guard for the Warlock King, is sent into the human world to find the exclusive painting holding the Crown Zenith, one of three power zeniths in existence and the source of power for all magicals. And he must find it before it falls into the wrong hands.

When Aarabelle and Lorcan are teamed up at Valor-Reed, their connection is undeniable and more powerful than either can resist.

Aarabelle is about to learn how unsafe the world can truly be.

Lorcan is about to realize that his mission finds him more than he was looking for.

When their worlds collide and danger surrounds them, difficult choices will have to be made.

And a guardian will have to rise.

 

About the Author

Stacie Santoro lives with her family in New York, in the town where she was born and raised. She is the mom to three amazing boys and wife to a great man (who swept her off her feet with his basketball skills).

When she's not running with her family, you can find her enjoying a glass of wine or cup of tea, reading a book or daydreaming about a million things; like stories to write, putting her toes in the sand or owning every lip gloss created. Or maybe having one created just for her.

She's also smiling big from the release of her debut novel, The Real Devil; Journal One, and a firm believer that it's never too late to make your dreams come true.

Connect with Stacie
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