Thursday, August 12, 2021

Wild Card {a review}

Wild Card by Ashley Munoz is now available! This new adult sports romance will capture your attention. You'll find yourself wondering what is happening, how all this can occur without any questions, and you'll also witness two people fall in love.

In Wild Card we meet Mallory Shaw. She is a journalist at the college, and is working on a major story. Until her advisor scraps it last minute. Now she needs to find a new topic. And this new topic all but falls in her hand. When out with her friends, she overhears a conversation, which sparks curiosity. Then when she gets home, Mallory discovers that her stepsister has a card for this game. Mallory manages to attend the party, in place of her sister who has become ill, and it is at this party that she meets "Ethan". Except it isn't truly Ethan, it is Decker James filling in for him. Only Mallory doesn't know that. After all she's pretending to be her sister, so there's that. Things happen, Mallory begins to work this story, and she also sets up an arrangement with Decker. Can Mallory bring this game to light? Or will she be shut down before anything can happen? Also, can she ignore her attraction to Decker? Especially since his goal is to get close to her sister. Then there is the rivalry between Decker and Ethan. What's going on there? I could go on and on.

This book had my attention from the beginning. When Mallory's initial story was scrapped, it made me wonder what her advisor had against her. That character came across as an ass who was on a power trip. Then when Mallory heard what she did at the restaurant, that piqued my interest as well. What was the baseball team planning with this card game? And why were they discussing it in a public setting vs at their house? I was definitely drawn to Mallory and Decker. The connection they had was impressive, even with them trying to deny it. Should you read Wild Card, be prepared for slow burn. Although I will say it is worth it. Loved when Decker brought Mallory back to his home town, and introduced her to the family. That was revealing a part of himself that I don't think Decker had planned on showing. It was him being vulnerable, and hoping that Mallory would accept him through it all. As the story progressed, I found myself becoming curious about what was happening with Mallory's dad. What was his roll in all this? And when things were revealed? OH MY WORD. Did not see that coming. I absolutely loved Wild Card from start to finish. Yes there were times that I wanted to knock some sense into Mallory and Decker. These two just needed to talk openly, and without holding back, yet they couldn't. That was a bit frustrating. I will say that Decker's grand gesture made me oh so happy. He didn't need to do what he did, but I am so glad that he did. Then it was Mallory's turn, and oh my heart, yes. Just yes.

Loved the book. Loved the characters. Fantastic setting. Definitely want to go back and revisit it all. I am looking forward to reading King of Hearts when it releases in November.

If you enjoy romantic suspense, sports romance, slow burn, and the college setting, then I highly recommend picking up Wild Card. I think you'll enjoy it.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts,
Laura

This was it…I could see it in my editor’s eyes.

This was the last straw. One more misstep and I was going to lose my coveted internship.

I decided right there in my room, lime-flavored tortilla chips in hand, that I would do whatever it took to write the story of the century.

And I had my target in sight—the undefeated Devil’s baseball team. They were RFU royalty, and completely untouchable.

Their parties were impossible to get into unless you were handpicked, and I was not.

Even still, I had a solid plan.

I would not get caught, definitely not seduced, and absolutely wouldn’t die. That is until I was stopped and rendered totally speechless by a pair of mossy eyes.

He lured me in, close enough to feel the press of his mouth against my skin and the heat of his hands on my body. Undoubtedly, I was a sheep headed straight for the slaughter, which only proved true when he called my bluff.

With him holding all the cards for my future success, and in order to salvage what remained of my dream, I did the only thing I could.

I made a deal with a devil.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ashley was born in Nebraska, but raised in Oregon where she lives with her four children and husband. If she's not helping her husband with DIY projects around the house, she's writing or sneaking off to a corner to read.

AUTHOR LINKS

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Thank you to Ashley Munoz, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Wild Card.

News from Xavier Neal!

Did you hear the news? Xavier Neal has a new book coming September 29th! It is called Picnic Perfect, and it is part of the Kismet Cove Singles Week series.

If you are looking for a rom-com that features opposites attract and is also a second chance romance, then be sure to add Picnic Perfect to your anticipated reads list! (or better yet, pre-order it!)

What is the Kismet Cove Singles Week? It is where 11 authors are bringing 11 brand new stories about finding love in all sorts of way and how the charm of this lake town brings people together. Known for its delightful allure, Kismet Cove is the perfect background to find the one!

Looking for that special someone?
Need to get away?
Look no further!
Join us for a Single's Week of mixers and adventures!
From far and near, the more the merrier!
Everyone's welcome!

Cover Design by Yoly at Cormar Covers

3 influences.

2 opposites.

1 vacation.

When Warren McGuire and Katy Horn bump into each other for the first time since his youngest brother's wedding, the last thing he expects them to do is hook up.

It doesn't take long for his insecurities to appear; however, to his surprise, they don't send her running.

He doesn't send her running.

For once in his over-planned life, Warren may have actually found a woman who wants him as much he wants her.

Too bad that it's only supposed to be a fling.

Too bad that they live in very separate states.

Too bad that they live totally different lives.

Will Warren do what it takes to make this unlikely match work for the long run, or will he leave it behind for something more picnic perfect?

Don't forget to pre-order on Amazon!

US | UK | CA | AU

Will also be available on Kindle Unlimited!

Add Picnic Perfect to your Goodreads TBR!

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

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Did you see this from B Celeste?

Did you hear that B Celeste has a new book coming September 2, 2021? It's true! And today the cover is being revealed!

Look at this beautiful cover for Make You Miss Me!

Make You Miss Me is an age gap romance featuring a single dad who is ex-military. She is his son's teacher, and they are neighbors. I don't know about you, but I am definitely intrigued.

Be sure to go pre-order this book, and add Make You Miss Me to your Goodreads TBR!

Stevie Foster thought her happy ever after would come easily after saying “I do” to her high school sweetheart at nineteen.

But twelve years later, she finds herself divorced, settling into a new home, in a new town, with a new job as an elementary teacher trying to pick up the pieces as she goes.

On top of struggling to cope with the future she always wanted versus the one she’s been dealt, she soon realizes that her new neighbor is a strict, stone-faced man she’s all too familiar with.

Lieutenant Colonel Fletcher Miller.

The man once in charge of her ex-husband’s unit.

And as if the reminder across the street of what she lost wasn’t painful enough, she also becomes his young son’s teacher.

A single dad. A divorcee. A second chance at love neither knew they’d get.

Pre-Order Your Copy Here!

Add to your Goodreads TBR List!

Meet B. Celeste

B. Celeste was born and raised in Upstate New York where she still resides with her four-legged feline sidekick Oliver “Ollie” Queen.

Her love for writing began with poetry, which she learned to write after watching her father write poetry for her mother, before she found interest in short stories, novellas, and novels.

After getting two degrees in English and Creative Writing, B has written over 12+ full length novels, been invited to many signings around the world, and hopes to begin traveling to see readers worldwide.

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Tuesday, August 10, 2021

Fool Me Twice {a review}

Fool Me Twice is the brand new release from Lizzie Morton, and reader friends, go grab this book now. Especially if you enjoy a good romantic suspense.

Britney currently works as a writer at a gossip magazine in New York. It's not her ideal job, but it pays the bills. One day at work, her boss calls her and a fellow coworker into her office to assign them a story. Michael Becket is rumored to have ended his relationship, and she wants all the info. If the rumors are not true, then she wants Britney and her coworker to make some gossip happen. This leads to Britney being on an airplane that is headed to Florida. Who does she sit next to? Michael Becket. Naturally. The two share a conversation, go through some turbulence on the plane, and there is definitely some chemistry between the two. Things happen, Becket finds out who Britney truly is, and he wants revenge for what happened. Flash forward a bit, and a plan is hatched. Britney will come back to Florida, and write a story on who the real Michael Becket is. But He's not going to make it easy on her. If anything he'll string her along. But while all that is happening, someone from Becket's past is coming back into his life. And this someone is not a good person. Becket is starting to wonder if he's truly seeing what he is, or if it's just a figment of his imagination. He knows he should mention something to Britney, but she's seeing things too, and she thinks it is someone from her past coming to get her. So who is this person? What is going to happen? And what's up with the cell phone that Michael has that only has a couple phone numbers stored in it?

As I started reading Fool Me Twice, I was expecting a sweet but steamy sports romance. And that is not what happened. Yes there was steam. But I wasn't expecting the suspense! I wasn't expecting the hate to love story that was unfolding. Add in the forced proximity, and I was hooked. Yes the story between Brit and Becket was interesting, but it was really the suspense part that had me unable to put the book down. Who was that person that both Becket and Britney kept seeing? What is the reason for them being there? Why do they keep hanging around? I needed the backstory on that. Of course Lizzie Morton did not disappoint, and she filled me in perfectly. When the story wrapped up, I felt like I knew who Becket was, the relationship between him and Britney was good, and I was content. Sort of. Or at least until the epilogue when Josie was leaving work. I need Josie's book NOW. Seriously. Oh my word. I can only hope that things wrap up "nicely" in Josie's book.

I do have one question though, and that involves Britney's coworker and former boss. Whatever happened to them? Was there repercussions? Were they ever called out for their part in the initial story?

Highly recommend reading Fool Me Twice. I do suggest starting with the prequel, Fool Me Once, but that isn't 100% necessary. Go download this book. Read it. Come back and talk to me about it.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts,
Laura

Becket:

If you hated me and if you hated my story… good.

Becket is my mask.

One I’ve kept firmly in place and with good reason. Only one person saw a glimmer of the real me, and she reminded me why we build walls: to keep things out.

The night we met was a farce, a real-life version of The Hangover and all thanks to her. But now, I’m determined to bulldoze my way into her life like she did mine.

It’s time she learnt a lesson; you should never judge a book by its cover. And my story is more complicated than she could ever imagine.

Britney:

Our romance was a plane crash. A disaster. It ended as quickly as it began.

I thought I'd meet my dream guy one day. The one that would sweep me off my feet, whispering sweet nothings in my ear while I ran my hands over his beautiful, chiseled body.

Instead, Michael Becket, the biggest douchebag in the NFL, is the one who's firmly imprinted himself in my mind.

I'm learning not everyone we fall for is Prince Charming. People have flaws, people have secrets, and I shouted his out for the world to hear. And now ... he's determined to find out mine.

Grab Your Copy Here!

Free in KU

Add to your Goodreads Here!

Don't forget to go download the prequel, Fool Me Once!

Meet Lizzie Morton

Author Lizzie Morton is an author of Contemporary Romance and New Adult novels. She lives in the U.K with her partner and three children.

Previously she has worked as a Personal Trainer and Back Pain Specialist and trained as a Chef at Leeds City College.

Her first novel was originally just a note in her phone but became a full manuscript, ready for release in August 2020.

When she isn’t reading or writing, her favourite things include running, snaffling and changing nappies.

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Thank you to Lizzie Morton, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Fool Me Twice.

The Trouble with #9 {a review}

It is time for Maksim and Paisley to have their story told! That's right my reader friends, today is the day that The Trouble with #9 is available! So be sure to go check out this second book in the Hockey Hotties series by Piper Rayne.

Maksim and Paisley shared a moment together at that New Years Eve party, and ever since Paisley is all Maksim can really think about. He's intrigued by her. He wants to get to know her. To date her. To make her his. That is until he finds out that Paisley is the new therapist for the team. And he's required to meet with her. Maksim doesn't want to talk to a therapist, and he definitely doesn't want anyone to learn of his past. Meanwhile Paisley is excited about this new opportunity, and is looking forward to talking to each of the players. When she learns that she will have to talk with Maksim, she's a bit worried. Yes, she'll do her job and be professional, but she can't deny the attraction that is there. She just needs to convince Maksim to put it to rest until her job with the Fury is done. Should be simple, right?

I love hockey romances. I do. I've said it before, and I know I'll say it a lot more in the future. There is just something about it that draws me in, and captivates me. That is mostly true with The Trouble with #9. I loved how Maksim and Paisley met. I love the chemistry that they have. I enjoyed the dates they went on. But that is about where it stops. My heart goes out to Maksim and what he experienced all those years ago. That had to be a rough time for him, and he never healed from that. So I wasn't surprised that he didn't want to talk to a therapist, even though it was required by the owner. Paisley said she was going to keep things on the up and up. She was going to not jeopardize her career. Yet she went through with the dates, and the relationship, anyways. That is where things didn't mesh with me. It seemed as though it was instantaneous too. That just didn't sit right. Add in Maksim and him withholding a bit of information, and him not taking the therapy sessions seriously, and I was annoyed. I had such high hopes for The Trouble with #9, and while the story was decent, I felt a bit let down. It just wasn't what I wanted from the story or the characters. I chose to give the book 3.5 stars. I liked the concept. I liked the characters on their own. I liked the setting. It had potential.

If you like workplace romances, then give The Trouble with #9 a read. Just because it didn't live up to my expectations, doesn't mean that you'll feel the same. If you do read it, come back and let me know your thoughts. I'd love to talk with you about the book (and the series).

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts,

Laura

Trouble.

One word that comes to mind when someone talks about me. I like to think of it as protection, watching out for the ones I love. But now I’m spending more time in the penalty box than on the ice and the team owner isn’t happy.

Finding myself across the room from the hot therapist I kissed on New Year’s Eve only makes me push my problems down further. I want couch time with her but not the kind she’s used to.

I decide to lie to her just to finish off my therapy so I can do what I really want—date her—even if she says she doesn’t date hockey players. Just when my therapy sessions are up and I’ve made some headway with Paisley, it’s my parents who throw another wrench in my plans.

If I abide by my parent’s wishes to marry the one they’ve chosen, I’ll lose Paisley forever. But if I go against my parents, I’m failing my deceased best friend all over again.

Grab Your Copy Here!

Add to your Goodreads TBR Here!

Meet Piper Rayne

Piper Rayne is a USA Today Bestselling Author duo who write “heartwarming humor with a side of sizzle” about families, whether that be blood or found.

They both have e-readers full of one-clickable books, they're married to husbands who drive them to drink, and they're both chauffeurs to their kids.

Most of all, they love hot heroes and quirky heroines who make them laugh, and they hope you do, too!

Connect with Piper Rayne

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Thank you to Piper Rayne, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of The Trouble with #9.