Wednesday, September 1, 2021

What is Snipe about?

Snipe is the second book in the Mooseheads Hockey series by Mary Morano, and it is releasing on October 1st! If you're curious as to what Snipe is about, well today I have a teaser for you.

I am looking forward to reading Justin and Becca's story. What is their backstory? What will the big dramatic moment be? How will they fall in love? All of it. I'm curious, and ready to read!

Snipe is told from both Justin and Becca’s POV. It involves themed college parties, lots of different hats, and some interesting ideas for baby gifts.

Oh, and if you didn't know, the Mooseheads Hockey series is a set of standalone hockey romance books. You can read them separately, but if you're like me you'll prefer to read them in order.

Serious relationships are NOT meant for College…

At least that’s what Justin believes. As a member of the Mooseheads Hockey Team, Justin is known for three things: Hats, Parties, and giving the best advice around.

As he starts his junior year of college at Monroe University, he knows it will be the best one yet. Life is going great for Justin, until Becca stumbles her way in. When she tells him she’s pregnant after a drunken one night stand that neither can fully remember, he’s left with a choice. Will he step up and be the man they need him to be, or will he run away like his own parents did?

Want to pre-order Snipe? You can do so here!

Add Snipe to your Goodreads TBR!

Have you read Open Lanes? If not, you can do so here!

A New Cowboy Romance? Yes Please!

Michelle Rene's newest book, Falling for the Country Boy, is releasing on October 13, 2021! This is the first book in the new Blossom Creek series, and is an opposites attract, cowboy romance.

The description of the book sounds interesting, and I will definitely be reading Falling for the Country Boy in October. Cannot wait to see how the story between Aubrey and Hutch plans out.

Photographer: Randy Sewell @ RLS Images
Designer: Tiffany Black @ T.E. Black Designs
Model: Del Green

College football, stadium food and a hotel spa in New Orleans was all Aubrey Evans thought she needed to regroup and mentally recharge. At least, it was until the handsome stranger, wearing the wrong shade of red, with a panty-melting smile and sexy southern drawl standing in front of her offered her a hot dog and beer.

It’s been a few years since Kenny “Hutch” Hutchinson was last in the Big Easy. When the opportunity arose to see his alma mater play for a national championship he couldn’t resist and purchased a ticket online. Little did he know, he’d be sitting among the opposing team’s fans, much less have a beautiful blonde with sparkling blue eyes sitting beside him.

When a friendly wager between them sparks an undeniable chemistry, their memorable weekend turns into an unexpected relationship. Are the feelings they share enough for a city girl to survive life on the farm or is falling for the country boy going to be another lesson learned?

Add Falling for the Country Boy to your Goodreads!

About Michelle Rene

Michelle Rene is author of The Strong Hearts Collection, Blossom Creek Series and several standalone novellas. She is also the co-author of The Winter Haven Series, which she writes with Xana Jordan.

Born and raised in Kentucky, Michelle grew up in Florida where she still lives today. In 2020, Michelle joined millions of women in becoming an ovarian and uterine cancer survivor. A story she is sure to tell in a book someday.

When not spending time with her family and friends, you can find her writing, or cheering on the Florida Gators. Due to her one-click addiction, Michelle spends her downtime reading one of the many books on her Kindle.

Follow Michelle here

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Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Rory in a Kilt {a review}

Rory in a Kilt by Anna Durand is now live! Rory in a Kilt is the third and final book in The Ballachulish Trilogy, a brand-new series based on the first three books in the bestselling Hot Scots series, reborn and retold from the heroes' perspectives. Rory in a Kilt is coming soon in audio and will be narrated by Shane East.

A one night stand turned marriage of convenience? Say what? Yes, that is exactly how Rory in a Kilt begins. Rory had traveled to New Orleans, LA for a business trip. He was hoping to find a woman to spend the night with, but the bar he was at wasn't working out. That is until he was about to leave, and spotted a woman who was taking a selfie at the bar. Something about her grabbed his attention, and he had to meet her. Emery has recently been laid off from her job, and is taking a breather in New Orleans. She heads out in a couple days, and has zero plans to hook up with anyone. That is until Rory sits down next to her. A brief conversation leads to a night together, which leads to Rory sneaking out only to return to the room later and finding Emery still there. That leads to a weekend together, and a rather unusual marriage proposal.

I had been eagerly anticipating Rory's story since meeting him in Lachlan in a Kilt. I knew then that his story would be interesting, and that he wasn't this big grump that he was made out to be. Emery was the perfect person for him. She could see the real Rory begging to be released, and she made it her mission to do that. Except Rory was being non-cooperative and keeping secrets. I loved watching these two get to know each other, and seeing their relationship progress. Yes, Rory was keeping her at arms distance, but when he revealed the "why" it kind of made sense. I enjoyed this story from the beginning to the end. Were there parts that I had wish were a little different? Well yeah, but that's just the story playing out a little different in my head. I also wish the big dramatic moment had been a bit more drawn out. Perhaps a bit more groveling, pining, and build up to the reunion. But again, that just goes to how my brain was building the story. Looking back, and understanding Rory a bit better, I can see why that moment played out the way it did.

I loved the Ballachulish series, and getting to know the MacTaggart clan. Highly recommend the trilogy.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts,
Laura

Rory MacTaggart—uptight lawyer by day, steamy seducer by night.

One night in New Orleans changed my life. But is it for better or worse? The instant I see Emery Granger, I need to possess her. A one-night stand should've been the end of it. Except I can't quite let her go yet.

A marriage of convenience is the best I can offer.

For reasons I can't fathom, Emery agrees to marry me for money, knowing it will last only one year. She is the opposite of every woman I've ever known, and the opposite of me—cheerful, free-spirited, and compassionate. Maybe that's why I need to have her, though I will never love her.

All I know for certain is that living by my rules might destroy us both.

Download today!

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Add Rory's story to your Goodreads TBR!

Have you read Lachlan and Aidan's stories yet?

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Meet Anna Durand

Anna Durand is a bestselling, multi-award-winning author of contemporary and paranormal romance. Her books have earned bestseller status on every major retailer and wonderful reviews from readers around the world. But that's the boring spiel. Here are some really cool things you want to know about Anna!

Born on Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, Anna grew up moving here, there, and everywhere thanks to her dad's job as an instructor pilot. She's lived in Texas (twice), Mississippi, California (twice), Michigan (twice), and Alaska--and now Ohio.

As for her writing, Anna has always made up stories in her head, but she didn't write them down until her teen years. Those first awful books went into the trash can a few years later, though she learned a lot from those stories. Eventually, she would pen her first romance novel, the paranormal romance Willpower, and she's never looked back since.

Want even more details about Anna? Get access to her extended bio when you subscribe to her newsletter and download the free bonus ebook, Hot Scots Confidential. You'll also get hot deleted scenes, character interviews, fun facts, and more including audio bonus chapters!

Falling For You {a review}

Falling for You by Lea Coll is now live! This is the fifth book in the Annapolis Harbor series, and it was good!

In Falling for You, we meet up with Callie and Jonah. Callie is a recent college graduate, and had been as Reid's personal assistant for a while now. Well, he no longer needs her in that position, but he does have a new business venture starting up, and he thinks she would be a great addition. Callie is excited about this new job, and is going to prove to everyone that she will be amazing. There's just one slight issue, and that is Jonah. Jonah, or JT, is a professional football player and was injured at the end of last season. As he is healing from the injury, Reid has asked him to help out at Rebel Sports. After all he is an investor in the company, and it will give him something to do to take his mind off the upcoming season. Jonah agrees to the job, but he truly does not think Callie is a good fit. She has no experience, and that doesn't sit well with him. Not only that but he voices his concerns to Callie. That just makes her work all the harder. As time goes on, it is clear that the two are attracted to each other. Jonah is doing his best to stay away, as Callie is like Reid's little sister. So he won't go there. Until it all becomes too much, and the sparks fly.

There was so much that happened in Falling for You, and I truly enjoyed the story. From Callie's relationship with her Grandpa, to Jonah's hidden past, to both of their friendships with Reid, and to their jobs at Rebel Sports, it was all so good. Then their relationship happened, and I fell for these two. Yes, Jonah wanted the relationship kept quiet, and that irked me a little bit, but I could see why he wanted that. Yes, Callie offered up this relationship as a summer fling, but it quickly became more than that. Watching these two fall for each other, and realize that they don't want this to end when summer is over, had me swooning. When the dramatic moment happened, my heart broke for both Callie and Jonah. Possibly more so for Jonah. His past was finally being revealed, and it allowed us to see the grief and heartache he had been holding on to for so long. Seeing him heal, and admit to needing help, and wanting to become the person Callie knew he could be was amazing. He was ready to do the work needed. Oh, and everything that happened with Grandpa...my heart. I'm so glad that things worked out for him, and that Callie was able to find the perfect place for him.

Loved the story. Loved the characters. I feel connected with them, and have a strong urge to go back and read the first four books in the series. It sounds like there is another story to come within the Annapolis Harbor series, and I'm going to be adding that one to my want to read list. When is it coming out? Looks like Waiting For You will be out in December 2021!

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts,

Laura

~Callie~
When I landed my dream job, I didn't realize I'd be working with the one guy I've always avoided.

Jonah.

Caught off guard with a career-ending injury; he is the life and soul of every party, a likable, sociable guy on all accounts. His future relies on the success of the sports complex I've been hired to manage.

But...he doubts my capabilities from the get-go.
I'm tired of being underestimated, of having my capabilities judged by just my pretty face. This is my opportunity to prove everyone wrong, including Jonah.

I just never expected to fall for him, or to learn that Jonah isn't the man he pretends to be.

Now I'm not sure if I can handle the truth.

~Jonah~
It only takes one injury to ruin your career and I'm not even sure I still have one. Investing in a sports complex made sense, until I realized that Callie was hired to manage it.

She's young, beautiful and has an alluring innocence I have to remind myself to ignore. As my teammate's personal assistant, Callie is off limits in more ways than one. She's straight out of college, has no experience and now my future lies in her hands.

The closer we work together, the more I become captivated by her. She's nothing like I expected her to be, but then we all hide behind masks.

Especially me.

If Callie learns the truth, both my future and my heart could be shattered.

Download today!

Amazon | Apple Books | Nook | Kobo | Google Play

Add Falling For You to your Goodreads TBR!

Meet Lea Coll

Lea Coll worked as a trial attorney for over ten years. Now she stays home with her three children, plotting stories while fetching snacks and running them back and forth to activities. She enjoys the freedom of writing romance after years of legal writing.

She currently resides in Maryland with her family.

Connect with Lea

Thank you to Lea Coll, and Grey's Promotions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Falling For You.

Monday, August 30, 2021

Pitch to Palace {a review}

Last week, Aven Ellis released the fourth book in her Modern Royals series. Pitch to Palace follows the story of Bella York and Camden Tremblay. I have been EAGERLY anticipating this story since the end of Royal Icing. The moment Bella made her appearance in that book, I knew I was going to be hooked. And then when Bella met Camden in Royal Icing, I just KNEW their story was going to be amazing.

In Pitch to Palace we have Bella and Camden. Bella is a princess, is incredibly smart, and is looking forward to when she finishes school. Although she doesn't want to be a working royal, she isn't completely sold on working in the archives either. Thankfully she still has a bit of time to decide on her future employment. At a recent get together, Bella met Camden Tremblay, and she was fascinated. Until he distanced himself upon seeing her sister. Bella's build is different than that of her sisters, and she is incredibly uncomfortable about it. Bella tries to hide her body, and is often the punching bag for the press when she is caught out and about. They never have anything positive to say about her, and it's beginning to take a toll. Camden is a professional soccer (football) player, and has been for some time. He's known in the media, and they don't always publish the best stories about him. The day that Camden met Bella though, something flipped in him. He no longer had the desire to go out partying, drinking, and taking random women home. Also when he did try to date, Bella was on his mind. He could not get that princess out of his mind. Flash forward to Christian and Clementine's wedding, and Bella shows up in a gorgeous dress that "some" would question. Bella is already self conscious, but is determined to rock this dress. While at the reception, Bella knows that Camden is in attendance. He's friends with Christian and Xander after all so it makes sense that he's attending. Bella is avoiding him the best she can, until Camden finally finds her. She agrees to talk with him, and as he's apologizing, Bella goes off on him. She's angry. She's hurt. She's embarrassed. She's protecting herself. Camden waits for her get it all out, and then takes his turn giving her words that she desperately needs. Later that evening, the duo runs into Queen Antonia. She takes one look at Bella's dress, and immediately has words ready to fire. Camden quickly defuses the situation, and is simply amazing. Thus begins the story of Bella and Camden. There is a lot that happens after this point of the story, and it is all wonderful.

If you've been around for any period of time, then you know I have read EVERY SINGLE BOOK that Aven Ellis has written. The moment I discovered her back in October 2019, I was hooked. I immediately binged every book out there, and I have no regrets. I am a fangirl through and through. Each book Aven writes, I find myself anticipating and recommending. This book is no different. As I mentioned above, I had been waiting on Pitch to Palace for sometime now. Honestly though I was captivated by Camden when he made a brief appearance in Rinkside in the Rockies. I knew then that I would love for him to be a main character in one of Aven's books. Camden being the leading man for Bella was just perfection. Now I can't lie, when I first met Bella and Camden, I thought there was a chance they could take the #1 spot for Aven couples. That is currently held by Matt and Holly from On Thin Ice. At the end of Pitch to Palace though, I will say that Bella and Camden are in the #2 spot. They were not enough to bounce Matt and Holly. (Holly being a Minnesotan may just keep her at #1) Back to Pitch to Palace. I loved how vocal Bella was about what she needs, and what she deserves from a relationship. I also loved how Camden was right there making his case. He was essentially telling her it was the same thing for him. I loved how he loved her body, and he saw no flaw with it. I loved how easily both characters read the other, and knew just what to say when it was needed. I loved that Camden was there for Bella during an extremely rough time, and continued to be by her side whenever he could. As I passed the 50% mark in the story, I found myself wondering when the dramatic moment was going to happen for our couple. I was wondering how it would play out, and how explosive it would be. I had this entire moment built up in my head, and then it fell a bit flat. Which I feel horrible saying. I think the fact that it took so dang long for this moment to occur also played a part. I was expecting something a bit more grand/dramatic/explosive. I was expecting the separation to be a bit longer, and the heartache/questioning/pining to be a bit more drawn out. The reunion happened quickly. I did enjoy the fact that it wasn't the typical scenario, and that the roles were flipped. That I did appreciate. Even how the reunion was written, I was happy with. When it is all said and done, I loved the book. I gave it a solid 4 out of 5, and these two are second on my list of favorite Aven couples. Also, I loved all the setups for future books. My mind is reeling with who will end up with who, and how their stories will flow.

As per usual, I loved the characters. Yes, even Antonia because she just brings the conflict. The setting was fabulous. The words spoken by Camden were appreciated. And I just loved getting to spend time with this cast of characters. Aven has written another wonderful book.

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts,
Laura

BLURB

She was a princess who found solace and happiness in books, determined to stay hidden from the world forever. But will her crush—a sexy Canadian footballer with a playboy past—be the one to lure her out of her shell and into his arms instead?

Comfort for Isabella York is found buried in the pages of books. Bookended between two beautiful sisters, she is a different kind of princess, quiet and studious. Judged harshly on social media and in the tabloids, which compare her to her thin, outgoing sisters, a shy Bella has no desire to become a working royal for the House of Chadwick upon graduating from university, preferring to work in the family’s dusty archives instead.

But hiding from the limelight may not be an option where Camden Tremblay is concerned. Sinfully gorgeous and with a wild past, Camden was the crush Bella longed for from the day she met him—and she knew he would never look her way.

Until he did.

Camden re-enters her life and they both see there is more to each other than meets the eye. He turns Bella’s life upside down like a snow globe, filling her life with a magic she has never known. But with each of them fighting their own insecurities, can this high-profile romance survive the intrusive eyes of the press—and the greatest crisis to face the monarchy to date?

If you love British royals, a sexy hero, a heroine who finds herself and a happily ever after, then you will love this heartwarming and romantic story.

ADD TO GOODREADS

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

EXCERPT

“Your Royal Highness,” he says, his voice shaking with a fury to match mine, “you can do many things, but telling me how I feel isn’t going to be one of them. You might not believe my apology, and that’s your choice. But you do not get to tell me I’m not sorry. Because I am. I am so damn sorry that I can’t get what happened out of my head, and it’s been weeks since I last saw you. This isn’t like me. I’m not haunted by women or what I’ve done in my past, except for this. I can’t shake this, Bella. I can’t.”

“Why? Because I’m kind? Sweet? Xander and Christian’s cousin, so you feel bad? Do you feel guilty because, oh, poor Bella had her feelings hurt when you forgot she existed the second Victoria appeared in the room? Well, you’ve made your apology. I’ll never speak of this again, and I’ll always be nice to you when our paths cross. You are cleared. Your conscience is free.”

Camden’s lips part in utter surprise. “But that isn’t what I want.”

Now the flames have reached a boiling point. I’m spilling over with hot, molten anger from years of playing this part, and Camden is about to bear the wrath as I do something I’ve never done in my entire life.

Let go.

“I don’t care if that isn’t what you want!” I roar at him. “This is about me. What I want. I don’t want apologies. I don’t want to be asked for forgiveness and if we can be friends. I don’t want to be the girl men just talk history with or joke with. I don’t want to be befriended by men who are hoping I’ll put in a good word with Victoria. I want to be seen for who I am. I want to be desired for the body I have. I want someone to not only like me for my intelligence but to find equal excitement in my curves. In my flesh. I want someone to look at me and want to kiss me until my lips are swollen out of passion. I deserve to be wanted for all those things, and I might never have that, but I won’t settle for less. I won’t! So take your apology and get out!”

I gasp as soon as the final shout of anger escapes my lips. Camden is staring at me in complete shock, and my anger is immediately replaced by horror.

Hot tears brim on my lashes. I’m shaking all over, trembling like a leaf. What have I done? My God, did all those words come out of my mouth? My throat grows dry. The room has no air.

“I’m sorry,” I manage to get out. “Your apology is accepted. Please go.”

Camden doesn’t even flinch. I notice his chest is rising and falling, too, no doubt in anger.

“Please,” I beg of him.

He doesn’t move. Not even an inch.

“Get out!” I cry in frustration, the tears now falling.

“No,” he says, his voice deadly calm amidst my emotional sea of torment.

My heart sinks in humiliation and despair. I have no choice but to go down this path of truth, as I am the one who set us both on this road.

“I told you what I need, and you don’t want to give that to me. So please forget this happened and please leave me alone.’

Something in him snaps with those words. I can see it in his eyes. Camden strides over to me in the blink of an eye. Before I can think, he takes my hand in his, and to my shock, he quickly leads me to one of the massive oak pillars in the room, whirling me around and pressing my back into it.

“You’re wrong,” he says, bracketing my face with his hands.

I gasp from the shock of his touch. The room begins to spin. Camden Tremblay is now inches from me, touching me. If he weren’t pressing me into this pillar, I’d faint. I’m sure of it.

“Look at me,” he commands sharply. “Bella, look into my eyes.”

I gaze up at him through my tears. My God. What do I see in his eyes? They are sparking with anger, that I can see, but there’s something else there, too.

“I can give you what you need,” he says, his voice raw with urgency. “Because I need it, too.”

And then his mouth is on mine.

ALSO AVAILABLE

AUTHOR BIO

USA Today bestselling author Aven Ellis began her publishing career in 2013 with her debut release, Connectivity. She currently writes romantic comedies featuring royals, billionaires, aristocrats, and athletes.

Her books are designed to make readers laugh out loud and fall in love. Happily-ever-after endings and good-boy heroes are guaranteed.

Aven lives in the Dallas area with her family. Aven loves shopping and fashion and can spend hours playing with fragrances in any department store. She can be found chatting it up on social media, eating M&Ms, and crushing on the latest outfit the Duchess of Cambridge is wearing.

AUTHOR LINKS