Monday, October 25, 2021

October A to Z update

Here is my progress. New additions to the list are in orange!

A: Adventurous Love by Lea Coll

B: Broken Playboy by Laura Lee

C: Change on the Fly by Maren Moore

D: Designing for a Royal by Tomi Tabb

F: Fallen Heirs by Laura Lee

H: The Hacker by Anna Hackett

J: Affliction by JL Stray

L: Ruthless Kings by Laura Lee

M: Missing Maverick by Anna Brooks

N: The Nanny and the Hothead by Krista Sandor

O: Only One Regret by Natasha Madison

R: Rebel Yule by Kate Meader

S: One Eye by KL Savage

T: Turnover by Lisa Suzanne

V: Violent Attraction by Jocelyne Soto

W: Wicked Liars by Laura Lee

Saturday, October 23, 2021

Vindictive Blood by Jocelyne Soto {cover reveal}

Jocelyne Soto has just revealed the cover for Vindictive Blood, and ooh is it gorgeous! If you've read the other two books in the Flor de Muertos series, then you're probably a bit familiar with Vindictive Blood. You probably already know that this is Camilla's story! And friends, based on the teaser, have you figured out who her love interest is going to be? I HAVE!

Vindictive Blood will be available on November 23!

Cover Design by Book and Moods PR

I had one job and one job only.

Bring down the most notorious drug lord known to man.

Dead or alive, that was it.

As I worked the case more and more, the lines started getting blurred. I made enemies where I wasn’t supposed to and friends in places that would get me killed.

Then I met her, at a bar in Brooklyn of all places. She became the one thing in my life that was a constant, the one thing that made the dark hole I was in, as bright as could be. She was younger but that didn’t matter to either of us. I was starting to see a future with her. That is until I heard her cries of despair for her father.

That man I’m supposed to take down?

That man is the father of the woman I love.

A federal agent falling for a kingpin's daughter never ends well.

Pre-Order Your Copy on Amazon!
US | UK | CA | AU
or read for free in KU

Add to your Goodreads TBR List!

Meet Jocelyne Soto

Jocelyne Soto is a romance author born and raised in California.

She started her writing journey in 2015 and in 2019 she published her first book. She is an independent author who loves discovering new authors on Goodreads and Amazon.

She comes from a big Mexican family, and with it comes a love for all things family and food.

Jocelyne has a love for her mom’s coffee and writing. In her free time, she can be found reading a romance novel off her iPad or somewhere in the black hole of YouTube.

Connect with Jocelyne Soto

Hosted by:

Friday, October 22, 2021

Designing for a Royal by Tomi Tabb {a review}

Designing for a Royal is the third book in the Unexpected Royals series by Tomi Tabb, but can technically be read as a standalone novel. While I say it can be read as a standalone, I really think it's best for you to start from the beginning. That way you know who Clara and David are, as well as Eddie and Amanda. There is history here that needs to be understood. So do what you want with that info.

Clarissa Lee is a designer who has been struggling. That is until the day that Clara Little stepped into her shop, and changed Clarissa's life. All it took was her wearing some of the clothing Clarissa had created, and it was an instantaneous change. Flash forward a little bit, and Clarissa has been tapped for a major project. One night as she arrives home, things just begin to unravel. Not only did she get stuck in the rain, but now her door won't open. Oh and for added issues, the handle fell off the door. Patrick comes to the rescue, and it is revealed that he is her next door neighbor. Patrick doesn't share much about his "job" as that has been an issue in the past where women want him for his title. What he does reveal is that he loves to cook, and can be quite handy. He's also intelligent, a bit funny, and an overall great person. He and Clarissa become friends, and he has made it his mission to make sure she has a home cooked meal on the regular. This friendship is slowly evolving into more. Can these friends become lovers? Also who is breaking into Clarissa's shops, and her apartment? Will she get these dresses completed in time?

Designing for a Royal was such a sweet romance. I have truly fallen for this series, and am so thankful that I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy. This book was so much more than just a romance novel. Yes, that was the primary focus, but not the sole focus. There was also the design aspect and how Clarissa found her inspiration. There was the family drama surrounding Clarissa and her parents. Add in the past relationship issues that both Clarissa and Patrick were dealing with, and how they overcame those. The big one though was everything surrounding Clara and David's wedding. From the initial consult with the dresses, to the time frame, to the stress, to the break-ins, to the thefts, to just all the chaos that it all caused. It was a lot, but at the same time it wasn't. Because Clarissa learned that she could lean on others. She could trust them with her designs, and let them use their talents to create these pieces. It also showed her friendship with her business partner, how that relationship grew, and eventually how her partner branched out. It was just all really good. The storyline flowed wonderfully, the characters are fabulous, and the setting cannot be beat.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. If you've read the Modern Royals series by Aven Ellis, then you will absolutely enjoy the Unexpected Royals from Tomi Tabb. If you are a fan of sweet royal romances, then please check this series out. I think you'll enjoy the books.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts,

Laura

A year ago, Clarissa Lee was an unknown, struggling London based fashion designer, until receiving a surprise phone call from the royal palace. Fast forward to the present where business is booming and she is creating the dress for the upcoming royal wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Leeds. Her work life is a fairy-tale.

Her personal life, however, is another story. After the scars of a past relationship, Clarissa closed her heart off to the world, afraid to trust again.

Patrick Nelson, the Earl of Renbrook, understands what it is like to be broken. It has been two years since his last relationship and his father’s untimely death. When his mother announces she has remarried, Patrick seeks to escape the family estate. A meeting in London with his childhood friend, the Duke of Leeds, provides the perfect excuse.

When Clarissa and Patrick unexpectedly meet, sparks fly. Together can they learn to conquer the past and that love may be in the cards for them after all?

Add Designing for a Royal to your Goodreads TBR!

Interested in purchasing a copy? Click here!

Broken Playboy by Laura Lee {a review}

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐔𝐒𝐀 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫, 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐞, 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐱𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭-𝐰𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝. BROKEN PLAYBOY is the fourth book in the Windsor Academy world. While it may be read as a standalone, as it focuses on a new couple, your reading experience may be enhanced if you read the entire series in order. (and trust me, that original trio is amazing!)

The time has come for Bentley's story to be told, and oh what a doozy it is. If you read the original three books in the Windsor Academy series, then you know snippets of what he has gone through with Clarissa, and her death. Broken Playboy tells us everything else we need to know, how her death affected his life, and how he ultimately finds healing. I'm not going to recap the book because I don't think it would be beneficial. I really think that this is a book that you need to go into just based on the teaser, and with having met Bentley in those previous books. I do want to say, you're in for a ride. Bentley and Sydney have a history. Unfortunately it's one that Sydney doesn't know the full scope of.

I adored the original trilogy. I binged the entire story, and I regret nothing. Having read that, I was also beyond ready to dive into Bentley's story. I knew that it would be intense. I knew that it would be emotional. But I guess I wasn't expecting it to be at the level it was. When that big scene happened with Bentley, I legitimately gasped, and my hand flew to my mouth. I could not believe what I was reading. Now of course there were also times that I wanted to smack Bentley on the side of his head. WHAT IS HE THINKING when he says the things he does? But that's the pain talking. It's the fear. It's the depression and anxiety. So I can see why he lashes out the way he does. Then there's his relationship with Sydney. He was determined to hate her from the moment he saw her on campus. He didn't care to hear her side of things, or get to know her. Until the moment he couldn't stop thinking about her. Until the moment he knew the air had to be cleared. And when he realized what had happened to Sydney at that party two years ago? He was shocked. Bentley and Sydney's story grabbed my full attention, and did not let me go until the very last page. THEN Laura Lee had to go and set the stage for Cam's story. Now I wait for that.

If you enjoy young adult borderline new adult romances, that take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride, then you need to go read Broken Playboy. YOU NEED TO! If you're a fan of the Folkestone Sins by Samantha Lovelock, or the Royalty Crew duet by Alley Ciz, then I highly suggest picking up this series as well. Also, I think I need to buy a physical copy of this series to go on my bookshelf. Yes, I have the kindle copies, but still.

Go read this series. Go fall for the characters. Go see how amazing they are. Their stories are wonderful.

Thank you for stopping by to read my thoughts,
Laura

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝗺𝐞 𝐚 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫.

A joker.

The guy always down for a good time.

But if they knew the secrets I’ve been keeping, they’d call me something else entirely.

For the last two years, I’ve been buried in shame, numbing the pain with various vices. Drowning in self-hatred and concealing it with a smile.

I had a system in place, a surety that no one would learn the truth. Then Sydney Carrington came waltzing back into my life.

She’s the new headmaster’s daughter.

The most beautiful girl I’ve ever met.

The one person on Earth who can expose what I’ve worked so tirelessly to hide:

𝑇ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝐼’𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑢𝑐𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑣𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦.

#1Cʟɪᴄᴋ to purchase on Amazon!

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

New to Windsor Academy? Start here!

Amazon | Goodreads

Meet Laura Lee

Laura Lee is the USA Today bestselling author of steamy and sometimes ridiculously funny romance. Laura won her first writing contest at the ripe old age of nine, earning a trip to the state capital to showcase her manuscript. Thankfully for her, those early works will never see the light of day again! Laura lives in the Pacific Northwest with her wonderful husband, two beautiful children, and three of the most poorly behaved cats in existence. She likes her fruit smoothies filled with rum, her cupboards stocked with Cadbury's chocolate, and her music turned up loud. When she's not writing or watching HGTV, she's reading anything she can get her hands on. She's a sucker for spicy romances, especially those that make her laugh.

Connect with Laura

Social Media

Thank you to Laura Lee for providing me with an advanced copy of Broken Playboy.

Thursday, October 21, 2021

Touchdown by Lisa Suzanne {a review}

The day has finally arrived! We FINALLY get to find out how Jack and Kate's story is going to wrap up. Will these two have their happily ever after or will Michelle get her way? What about that conversation that Kate had heard, at Jack's company, regarding paperwork? Will Savannah and Michelle leak all their info to the press? WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN?!?

Those were all thoughts that went through my head as I was reading, and preparing to read, Touchdown. For those who are unfamiliar with the book, Touchdown is the fifth book in the Vegas Aces: The Quarterback series by Lisa Suzanne. This series is one that you have to read in order because each book (well except for #5) ends in a cliffhanger. So clearly you cannot just jump in anywhere. Well I suppose you could, but you'd be awfully confused.

Obviously I will not recap this book. I won't. It's the FINAL book, so I mean if I were to recap it, there would be spoilers, and I don't want to be that person.

What I will say is that this second season of the Vegas Aces wrapped up wonderfully. There were no real loose ends, and everything that happened just made me feel good. Lisa Suzanne tried to get me with Michelle, but I don't know if I can handle a redemption arc. Not yet. It's too soon. But she has opened my eyes to Michelle a little bit, and UGH!

If anything Touchdown has me loving these characters even more than I did previously. Witnessing how Ellie was there for Kate, just that friendship made my heart happy. There was a big change in Jack through the course of this series, and everything that has happened has made me enjoy his character all the more. I understand why he was the way he was in Luke's series. I understand his priorities, how hard he loves, and how hard he protects those he cares about. Kate changed a lot over the course of the series too. She became a stronger woman who finally figured out what she wanted and how to make it happen. Everything that happened affected her, and ultimately made her grow. I just love these characters. The setting was pretty good too. That storyline though. Man oh man did Lisa Suzanne hold me hostage on this one. From the very first page of Traded, to the very last page of Touchdown, I was ALL IN.

Bring on Season 3 of Vegas Aces!

I know there are people out there who don't care for the multiple books that cover just one couple. I know there are. But there is so much that needs to be unpacked, there is so much that the characters need t work through, and then there's the growth that happens. Honestly, it's just easier to go with the cliffhangers, and the shorter stories versus trying to pack all that into one book. Could you imagine how many pages that would be for one single book? Yeah, no thank you. I'll take all these 150-200 page books. Not to mention the anticipation that builds with each book release. It's like a tv mini series that they used to air back in the day.

Please go read all 10 of the Vegas Aces books. Technically you don't NEED to start with Luke and Ellie's story, but it will help you understand things that are discussed, the history with Michelle and Savannah, and why readers were not happy with Jack during that series. Read the books, and come talk to me about them. Please.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts.

Laura

As much as I’ve coached the pro football quarterback to believe he always has a choice, this time I’m the one backed into a corner.

My biggest fears have come true. I’m an adult living with my parents as I contemplate my future. I’ve given up everything to make the ultimate sacrifice, but at some point I need to put what happened behind me.

It’s time to imagine new dreams, create new goals, and cheer for touchdowns that aren’t scored by Jack Dalton.

Maybe then I can pick up the pieces I left behind.

TOUCHDOWN is the fifth book in the VEGAS ACES: THE QUARTERBACK series. This series must be read in order.

Grab Your Copy Here!

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

Binge the series here!

Meet Lisa Suzanne

Lisa Suzanne is a romance author who resides in Arizona with her husband and two kids.

She’s a former high school English teacher and college composition instructor.

When she's not chasing her kids, she can be found working on her latest book or watching reruns of Friends.

Connect with Lisa Suzanne