Thursday, August 26, 2021

Afraid to Love {a review}

 


Are you wanting a book that has a boatload of suspense? How about a good love story? A gorgeous setting? An alpha hero whose past is torturing him?  If you said, yes please, then go grab Afraid to Love by Sutton Bishop! Afraid to Love was just released today, and I literally just finished my arc of the book. So this is fresh in my mind, and this book was GOOD.

What's the book about? It is about Gianna (Gia), a mystery man who is blackmailing her, and a group of former Navy SEALs who now work in security. At the beginning of the story, we meet Gianna. She is out for a quick bite to eat before returning to work, when a woman approaches her. That woman then gives Gianna a package. Inside that package are photos, a burner phone, and a note to dial a number. After doing so, Gianna is then informed of the job he has for her to complete, and it is not optional. Flash forward a bit, and we are introduced to Booth, and his team. They are on assignment waiting to intercept a package that is going to be handed off at this location. They are just waiting on the handoff to happen so they can jump in. When suddenly Booth takes notice of a woman, and he is drawn to her. But before any introduction can happen, everything goes south. The job is a bust. Days later, Booth goes to a store that sells rare and antique books. Reading, and book collecting, is a hobby of his, so he is drawn to the business. It is here where he officially meets Gianna, and Booth is taken by her. She captivates him. So much so that he asks her to go get coffee with him. Which then turns into a request for a dinner date. As the story unfolds, we find out that Booth actually had previous knowledge of Gianna, her family, and her business. She was a part of his job. And this job, it was intense. 

As I started reading the book, I was second guessing my choice. Seeing all the history mentioned, and talks of artifacts had me a bit worried. Yet I continued on, and I am glad I did. As the story progressed, and the layers started unfolding, I was hooked. I wanted to know more about Gianna, this mystery man, and the mission that Booth's team was on. Add in the storyline with Liv, and I was even more curious as I was wondering how that fit into the full picture. Now though, I get it. Afraid to Love takes you on this journey. A journey towards the potential apprehension of a nationally wanted person/criminal, a journey towards healing from a past traumatic experience, and a journey towards finding love. I was fully immersed in the book, and could almost picture every major scene that happened. The book is full of action, a little mystery, and of course romance. If you are looking for an open door romance, that isn't this book. It is really more closed door or fade to black during the bedroom moments, but you will get a few details. That didn't matter to me though. I loved seeing how the relationship with Booth and Gia evolved. Witnessing them go through everything with the mission, the dramatic moment that Booth was dealing with, and just seeing how that worked into their relationship, was really wonderful. You could see the pain, the heartache, the desire, and every other emotion just laid out before you. Loved the characters (main and sides), loved the setting, and really want to go back and read the first two books in the series.

I highly suggest you read this book. I don't know what else to say other than read Afraid to Love. Oh, and my Goodreads rating was 4 stars.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts,
Laura



Betrayal.

Intrigue.

A desperate rescue, and a love they never saw coming. 

 

She's the woman he needs most. 

 

Gianna Zichella has always had a bright and secure future, next in line to oversee her family’s business. She doesn’t see the harm in flirting with her newest, ruggedly handsome client. 

 

Gia’s life begins to unravel when a stranger contacts her. She will stop at nothing to keep her family and their legacy safe. 

 

He's the man she can trust with every fiber of her being;

 

Former SEAL, Booth Merrick is all about being the consummate security professional. Sent to Italy on assignment, he never intended to become personally involved. 

 

He does women, but not relationships. That is until he meets the beautiful and captivating Gia.



Grab Your Copy Here:

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Have you read the first two books in the Ancient Passages series?

Book 1: Afraid to Fall
Ariana & Luca

Book 2: Afraid to Hope
Natasha & Bane



Meet Sutton Bishop

I’ve been creating stories since I was a young girl. Playing in the rural meadows and woods in Illinois ​afforded my active imagination ample opportunity to go wild. 

I grew up believing in fairy tales and dreaming of Prince Charming, creating some fanciful, complex stories. I crushed hard on most of my prince charmings. Many of them disappointed me, but a few did not. Those that didn’t matured as I matured. I added textures of character, physicality, and backstory. My monkey mind stayed busy, fleshing them out with strengths, weaknesses, and idiosyncrasies, based on men I met and experiences I had. Putting the stories on paper came much later, after four kids and a disjointed career. 

My passions are culture and history. I have degrees in anthropology, forensics, and history. I have traveled near and far, asked countless questions, and made untold observations. Out great world is my imagination-laboratory, and writing brings it all together—the layers, the ordinary, and the extraordinary. Writing is how I explore the “what ifs.” 

Anything is possible and often is. I invite you to take a break from your day-to-day living. Take a journey in a book. Immerse yourself in fantasy. What if? 

Lose yourself in romance. Read mine.  

Sutton

Romancing the Wild

Connect with Sutton Bishop


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Thank you to Sutton Bishop, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Afraid to Love.

Wilder {a review}



*this book has now been renamed Wishing for Wilder*

Today is the day that the second book in the Ryder Ranch series is available! That's right folks, Wilder is having his story told. You're going to enjoy this one. Especially if second chance romance is one of your favorite tropes.

In Wilder, we reconnect with Wilder, and we meet Frankie. Wilder and Frankie are both 16, and they meet for the first time. The attraction is instant. Frankie is a young woman who thinks nobody pays attention to her, and all the guys are looking at her twin sister. After all she thinks Piper is gorgeous, whereas she is a nerd and nothing to pay attention to. Wilder thinks differently. They may have only met for a moment, but in that time, Frankie made an impression on Wilder. A couple days later, they meet up again this time at the Ryder Ranch. The two spend the majority of the time talking and getting to know each other. Before Frankie, and her family, leave the ranch they agree to meet up the next day at The Pig. Except Wilder never shows. Flash forward a year, and a lot has changed. Frankie and her family are back in town for their annual vacation, Piper is a new mom, and no one wants to take this trip. Zee, Frankie's dad, is working on a surprise for Frankie. And this surprise will allow her to see Wilder again. Zee manages to convince the Ryder's to take Frankie on a trail ride through the ranch. Her dad remembers how much she loved it last year, and he just wants his daughter to be happy again. Wilder takes her out, and after a lot of talking, suddenly Frankie is thrown from the horse. That fall had her breaking her arm. Once she is back home, Wilder shows up for a visit. Her address had been on the paperwork they filled out for the ranch, and he just couldn't stay away. Plus he was feeling guilty, as though the fall was his fault. Eventually he has to leave, even though he doesn't want too. Flash forward many years, and Wilder goes out of town with his brothers to celebrate Hunter's recent wedding. (an after the fact bachelor party) While at the hotel, a woman literally runs into him. Who is it? Frankie! And that begins their current day story where a lot happens. There are high moments, low moments, passionate moments, and painful moments.

I gave this book 4.5 stars on Goodreads. It was extremely close to 5 stars, but I just didn't feel it in my gut. But still, this book was marvelous. From the first moment Frankie and Wilder met, I was hooked on them, and I knew their story was going to be memorable. Then when they reconnected a year later, and then again in current day, it was just so dang good! These two had a connection that was powerful then and now. Seeing their passion, their pain, their heartache, and then witnessing the healing, and growth they experienced was wonderful. I was smiling like a fool through most of the book. My heart broke for them at the painful parts of the story, and then I was floating on cloud 9 during the good parts.  When the big dramatic moment happened (with Brenda, Dixie, and Frankie) I legit gasped, and my hand flew to my mouth. I could not believe what I had read, and my heart broke for Wilder and Maverick. But then there was everything that happened after that moment, and I fell even harder for these characters. I loved the story. I loved the characters (main and sides, and the setting was somewhere I would enjoy visiting. Love the small town settings! Oh, and there was a bombshell dropped toward the end, and I need to know more about that. Is it time for Maverick's book yet? Because I'm sure it will be talked about in there. Or at least it had better be!

GO READ THIS BOOK! If cowboy romances are your typical read, read Wilder. If small town romances are your favorite, then read Wilder. If second chance romances top your list, then trust me, read Wilder. 

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts,
Laura




I was too young to understand the beauty of what I held in my arms when she crashed into my world.

Frankie Young was never far from my mind, so when she came back into my life after nearly a decade, it was as if no time had passed.

After we reconnected in more ways than one, there was no denying what we had was extraordinary and, I thought, forever. But when she discovered something I’d been hiding, she gave up on us without giving me a chance to explain.

My lies broke her heart, but her walking away shattered what was left of mine. I thought that was the end for us… until Frankie and I found ourselves bound together for life. While we navigated our new found destiny, not only did we have to fight for each other, but we had to protect our future from someone who didn’t want us to have one together.


Grab Your Copy Here:

Add Wilder to your Goodreads TBR!


Make sure to check out the first book in the series, Hunter!





Meet Anna Brooks

The first time Anna tried to read a romance novel, her hair caught on fire when she leaned over a candle to sneak a peek at her mom’s Harlequin. She thinks being hit on the head with a shirtless Fabio until the smoke cleared is what sparked the flame for her love of romance. 

Anna was born in Wisconsin, but currently lives in Texas with her husband and two boys. 


She writes sexy romance that always has a happy ending and loves bringing characters back for cameos. Less than six degrees of separation connects any of her novels. 


When she’s not writing or reading, she’s watching reruns of her favorite romcoms, talking to her dog and cat like they’re human, eating carbs, or practicing hand lettering. 

 

She loves to hear from readers and can be found on social media as @annabrooksauth everywhere.


Connect with Anna Brooks

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Thank you to Anna Brooks, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Wilder.

Who wants an excerpt from Sacred?

 

   

You may have noticed me post the cover reveal recently for Sacred, and today I get to share an excerpt from the book! I am so excited about this book. The way Sacrifice ended, has me anticipating Sacred so that I can see what happens next with this group!

Oh Caitlyn Dare, you've captivated me with the Savage Falls Sinners MC, and I am so glad I've read this series!

If you don't know, SACRED is a full length dark enemies-to-lovers/bully romance. This is a why choose novel, meaning the main character has more than one love interest. It is book three in the series and must be read after SAVAGE and SACRIFICE.

 


“I’m part of this, Savage. Whether you like it or not.”

“And if I wanted to lock you in my room and only let you out once Creed is no longer a problem?”

“I’d find a way out.”

He snorts. “Of course you would.”

“It’s okay to be scared, Rhett. We can’t control everything all of the time.”

He slides a hand around my waist and pulls me flush against his chest, not caring who can see us.

“Stray’s right, you know. I need you, princess. I don’t know when it happened… but it’s the truth.”

He drops his head to mine and inhales deeply.

“And it fucking scares the shit out of me.”

“Why?” I ask, breathless.

“Because love makes you weak.”

My breath hitches at his words.

It’s as close to a love confession as I’m probably ever going to get from him.

“You’re wrong, Savage,” I smirk up at him.

“Love doesn’t make you weak. It gives you something to fight for.”

And Rhett, Dane, and Wes?

I’ll fight to the bitter end, if it means I get to keep them.



Preorder SACRED HERE!!!


Add to your TBR on Goodreads!


Start the series with SAVAGE!
Continue on with the series in SACRIFICE!

Read for FREE with your KU subscription!


   

Meet

Two angsty romance lovers writing dark heroes and the feisty girls who bring them to their knees.

   

Author Links




excerpt reveal hosted by:


Wednesday, August 25, 2021

A new book in the campus nights series!


Calling all fans of college/new adult romance! Especially if you're a hockey romance reader!

Rebecca Jenshak has revealed the cover for Wild Love, which is the fourth book in the Campus Nights series!

Wild Love will be releasing on October 26, 2021, so go pre-order! Also, Johnny Maverick's story sounds AMAZING.

I have enjoyed this series so much, and I cannot wait to read Wild Love. I am loving this cast of characters.

Cover Design: Lori Jackson Designs
Photographer: Michelle Lancaster
Model: Anthony Patamisi



 

Johnny Maverick is a lot of things.
Great hockey player
Loyal friend
Always up for a good time

And now, he's my new roommate.

It's only for a few weeks while I intern for the Wildcats - his new NHL team.


And there are some pros to living with my hot and ridiculous friend (or is that ridiculously hot?).

He's fun and unexpectedly sweet, and he reminds me not to take myself too seriously.

I had no intention of breaking the one rule given to me on my first day on the job: no sleeping with the players.


And if I had, I never dreamed that player would be Johnny Maverick.

 


Pre-order your copy today!

Amazon | Apple Books | Nook | Kobo


Add Wild Love to your Goodreads TBR!

 


Meet Rebecca

Rebecca is a new adult romance author, caffeine-addict, and lover of all sports. She's a Midwest girl at heart, but currently resides in Arizona.


Connect with Rebecca

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


 

Fall {a review}


Fall, the intense and must read conclusion to the Rise and Fall Duet from USA Today bestselling author Grahame Claire, is available now!

Since Fall picks up right where Rise left off, I don't feel right recapping the story. The chances of spoilers happening are way too high. So we're going to jump right into my thoughts on the book.

You may recall that I recently read Rise, and I had mixed feelings about the story. I didn't vibe with Lincoln at the beginning of the book, and I was quite irritated with him. Yet as the story continued on, I was curious. I was drawn in. Lexie and Eric had me sticking around. Then the cliffhanger happened, and I found myself NEEDING to know what happened next. And what happened next, had me loving the story. Seeing how Lincoln and Beau took care of Eric, and wrapped him up in love, friendship, and respect just pulled at my heartstrings. Seeing how Eric was determined to have Lincoln as a part of his life was amazing. Seeing how Lexie was torn up about the situation that was keeping her away from her brother just about broke me. Witnessing Eric and Lexie reunite was everything. Then there was the storyline about Lincoln's financial issues, and how all that played out had my jaw dropping. I couldn't believe that I read what I did. I didn't even mention the storyline about Lexie's situation. But how all that played out, and how it was resolved? SO GOOD. 

At the end of the day, I found myself truly enjoying Fall, and in turn appreciating what I read in Rise. Now that I've read the duet, I enjoyed the story as a whole. I still say that they way Lincoln was introduced in Rise was annoying, and I didn't like him. BUT he had major character growth, and we were able to witness compassion, concern, and a desire to protect those he cares about.

Do I recommend the duet? I do. I very much do. As long as you know that you might not like Lincoln very much at the beginning of Rise, and you might find him difficult to connect with. Stick with it though, because once you're past that introductory scene, it gets better.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts,
Laura

I have one thing in my life more important than anything else.

Protecting my brother.

Lincoln Hollingsworth is the beautiful distraction who stormed into our lives without so much as a hello.

I thought I hated him.

He’s determined to prove me wrong, earning pieces of my trust and my heart with every step.

But I should’ve paid attention.

While I was distracted, my past made a move that could cost me everything.

I’m not ready to lose Lincoln or my brother.

But I can’t keep them if I’m locked in a prison cell.

Grab your copy today!

Add Fall to your Goodreads TBR!


Start the Duet today with Rise!

About Grahame Claire

Grahame Claire is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance.


A writer. A blogger. United by our love of stories and all things romance. There was definitely some insta-love. Hello? Books involved. A little courting. A lot of writing. The result…Grahame Claire.


Soulmates. Unashamed of our multiple book boyfriends. Especially the ones that rooted in our heads and wouldn’t leave us alone. Don’t worry. We’ll share.


Pleased to meet you.


Want to find out what we're up to?

Connect with Grahame

Thank you to Grahame Claire, and Social Butterfly PR, for providing me with an advanced copy of Fall.