Monday, March 14, 2022

Big Deck Energy by Kim Loraine {a review}


Big Deck Energy, the second book in the Anything For Love series from Kim Loraine, is now available! If you are someone who enjoys hockey romances, then run and grab this book! Big Deck Energy features a strong heroine, a hero with a hot AF British accent, and lots of flirty banter.

If you read The Baby Proposition, then you may recall the teaser for Big Deck Energy. How Becca downloaded a new dating app for Elyse to use, and upon seeing a picture of a guys abs, as well as taking note of his username, Elyse sent off a fiery message. She essentially took all of her frustrations with the male population out on @BigDeckEnergy. This lead to frequent conversations, and was the start of a friendship. These two had gotten under each other's skin, and there was an attraction building. Even though they had yet to meet in person.

Ethan and Elyse's story was so dang good! From their initial online meeting, to the phone conversations, to finally meeting up in person, and to a relationship forming. I loved it all. There was not one moment in this book that had me saying "no thanks". From cover to cover, I could not put this book down. The banter between Elyse and Ethan had me literally laughing out loud. The one liners were flying, and it just made my heart swell.

Then there was the fact that we were able to reconnect with Maverick and Clara Wilde. That had me giddy. I love those characters! I knew they would be making an appearance in the series, but I wasn't certain to what extent. Now I know, and it was perfection. While I would have preferred to have more of Maverick in the story, I do love Clara. So her taking those scenes was just as good.

Let's talk about the moment of conflict between Elyse and Ethan. I saw it coming. I did. But that didn't diminish my love of the story one bit. It was interesting to walk through that moment with the characters, and then see how they made their way through that rough patch.

Also, I just need to mention the scene where Elyse mentions Harry Styles. That had me rolling. I do love me some Harry Styles so I always appreciate when he is brought into my stories.

I cannot wait to see how the Anything For Love series continues to play out. The next book, The Marriage Arrangement, has sparked my curiosity, and I am anticipating the release of that book. (whenever it may be released.) Fake relationships tend to draw me in.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Big Deck Energy. I hope you will go read this hockey romance, and fall for the characters just like I did. 
Laura

PS: Yes, every time I wrote out Big Deck Energy, I wanted to replace the vowel on Deck. I can't help it.

Cover Design: TE Black Designs
Photography: Wander Aguiar
Model: Andrew Biernat


A sexy, mistaken-identity, forbidden sports romance!

After my last romance turned into a dumpster fire, I did the only reasonable thing–I swore off men for all of eternity. So my bestie said she did the only reasonable thing–she signed me up for a freaking dating app. I thought it was a joke. But after too many martinis, I committed a cardinal sin. I slid into the DMs of the first eye-roll inducing profile I found – @BigDeckEnergy.

With a name like that, how could I resist giving him a piece of my mind?

I never expected him to write back. I also never expected to like him.

His body? Sexy as hell.
Handle? Cocky.
Accent? Did I mention he’s British?
Personality? Funny, sweet, and witty.

Everything was falling into place until it all came crashing down and I remembered why I’d written off dating in the first place. Because Ethan Byrne wasn’t just @BigDeckEnergy. He was a pro hockey player. #41, the center for the Seattle Cyclones, to be exact. He also happened to be my brand new client, and completely off-limits.

Too bad I already knew exactly how big his deck really was.


Order NOW!
Amazon | Kobo | Nook | Google Play | Apple

Listen to Shane East and Stella Hunter narrate the story on Audible!

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

Meet Kim Loraine



Kim Loraine was raised a Navy brat but spent most of her life growing up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. A proper Washingtonian, she's addicted to coffee, doesn't let a little rain ruin her day, and thinks the sun is a gift from God. When not chasing her three little minions around, Kim spends her time writing, reading, and binge watching Doctor Who.

Connect with Kim


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Thank you to Kim Loraine, and Candi Kane PR, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Big Deck Energy.
 

Thursday, March 10, 2022

Bright Like Midnight by Julia Wolf {cover reveal}

🖤🖤 ℍ𝕆𝕋 ℂ𝕆𝕍𝔼ℝ ℝ𝔼𝕍𝔼𝔸𝕃 🖤🖤

𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐝𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, (𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐔 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟐) 𝐛𝐲 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐚 𝐖𝐨𝐥𝐟 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟕𝐭𝐡. 𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞!

𝐏𝐫𝐞-𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲!


Author's note: Bright Like Midnight is a dark college romance that explores mature themes and dubious situations. If you're looking for a nice guy hero, this story isn't for you! This time the villain gets the girl.


Make no mistake, Zadie Night, I am the bad guy here.

The first time I laid eyes on Amir Vasquez, he held me hostage in my dorm.

You made me a promise.

I swore to myself my second year at Savage U would be different from the last. No more hiding from things that go bump in the night. I’m dating now. Making friends. Living my life.

But then someone starts leaving me notes and whispering my name in the dark, scaring me right back into my shell.

Are you my pet?

I’m shy and soft. Amir is dominant and hard. He stole a kiss once, and then he left me.

I should stay far away from him. But you know what they say about the devil you know…

Do I own you?

Amir will protect me, but not without cost.

I’m his, to do with as he pleases.

He thinks it’s a punishment.

But what he doesn’t know is I haven’t stopped thinking about him since he was my captor.

No one’s going to hurt you.

I’m safe from harm if I’m with him, because he’s the biggest bad on campus.

Show me your whole universe.

And somewhere along the way, he became my haven, too.

You should be scared of me.

I can’t believe I’ve fallen for the villain.





Add to your Goodreads TBR!



Meet Julia Wolf

Julia Wolf is a lover of all things romance. From steamy, to sweet, to funny, to so dirty you’ll be blushing for days, she loves it all.

Formerly a hair stylist, she spent years collecting stories her clients couldn’t wait to spill. And now that she’s writing full time, she’s putting those stories to use, although all identifying characteristics have been changed to protect the not-so-innocent!

Julia lives in Maryland with her three crazy, beautiful kids and her patient husband who she’s slowly converting to a romance reader, one book at a time.

Connect with Julia


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Vicious Queen by Becca Steele & C Lymari {a review}


Vicious Queen, the second book in the Boneyard Kings trilogy, by Becca Steele and C. Lymari is now available! If you're anything like me, after having read Merciless Kings, Vicious Queen has been on your anticipated reads list. I don't know about you, but I need to know what happened after that cliffhanger! What happened to Everly? WHY? WHO was behind it?

Since this is book two in an ongoing story, I cannot fully recap this book. Basically it all boils down to "that just happened"!

Seriously though. A lot of stuff happened in this book. In my mind, I'm trying to layout this story, and figure out who is behind everything that is happening, WHY it is happening, and what the outcome is going to be. That doesn't even bring into consideration the relationship between Everly, Saint, Matteo, and Callum. I haven't even given much thought as to how their relationship is going to handle everything that is revealed. If anything they'll just roll with the punches.

Here's what you need to know...Vicious Queen was full of twists and turns, steamy moments, and questionable interactions with various characters. My curiosity is definitely piqued, and while I cannot say much about the actual storyline (because hello spoilers), I can say that I need Ruthless Kingdom immediately. That cliffhanger has my mind whirling, and I need to know what happened with our characters. I also need to know how this is all going to conclude, because oh the questions I have!

Go read this series! Or if you'd rather, wait until Ruthless Kingdom is released in May and then binge the entire thing. Ruthless Kingdom has now been added to my anticipated reads for May. 

Thank you for reading my ramblings on Vicious Queen. I wish I could tell you all the things about this book, but just know that if you enjoy a dark, college romance with a hint of organized crime, and a who dun it type storyline, then you need to pick this series up. 

Laura

They told me bad things happen in threes, and they did.

But what comes next?

My troubles are only beginning, and those I thought I could trust might be the ones who end up breaking me.

But I won’t give up.

They might think I’m just a pawn, but I’ll beat them at their own game.

If I want to win, a vicious queen I’ll become.


🖤💀 One Click now on Amazon! 🖤💀

🖤💀 Add to your Goodreads TBR! 🖤💀


🖤💀 If you haven't read Merciless Kings yet, go grab it from Amazon now! 🖤💀

🖤💀 Click here for my review of Merciless Kings 🖤💀



Meet Becca Steele
Becca Steele is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of M/F and M/M romance. She currently lives in the south of England with her husband, two kids, and a whole horde of characters that reside inside her head.

When she's not writing, you can find her reading or watching Netflix, usually with a glass of wine in hand. Failing that, she'll be online hunting for memes, or wasting time making her 500th Spotify playlist.

Connect with Becca

Meet C. Lymari
Claudia lives in the Chicagoland suburbs, and when she’s not busy chasing after her adorable little spawn, she’s fighting with the characters in her head. After not being able to keep up with them, she decided enough was enough and wrote her first novel. C. Lymari writes both sweet and dark romances that will give you all the feels. Her other talents include binge-watching shows on Netflix and eating all kinds of chips.

Connect with C. Lymari


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Thank you to Becca Steele, C Lymari, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advanced copy of Vicious Queen.


Tight Hold by Lisa Suzanne {a review}


Today is a double release for Lisa Suzanne and her Vegas Aces: The Tight End series! Not only did she release Tight Spot, the first book in the series, she also released the second book, Tight Hold! This is wonderful because if you've read Tight Spot, you know that ended on a cliffhanger, and now you can find out what happened next!

I would absolutely LOVE to tell you what went down in Tight Hold. I would love to tell you about what happened when Kaylee's ex showed up. I would love to tell you about all the drama that occurs throughout. I want to tell you about steamy moments, and our characters slowly falling for each other. But I can't. Because that would have me giving spoilers, and I'm not about that life. I don't want to ruin this age gap, fake relationship with the best friend of Kaylee's brother.

So what can I share with you in regards to my review? Well I'll keep it brief.

Tight Hold is full of twists and turns! Just as you think something is about to happen, a curve ball is thrown at you. Followed by another, and another. As Ben and Kaylee's story builds, it just increases my desire to find out what happens next. I need to know what drama is headed their way, WHO is behind it all, and how it is resolved. I need to know HOW these two finally get their happily ever after. I need to know how the Dalton men react. I NEED TO KNOW EVERYTHING!!!

Basically I need to read the next 3 books immediately!

So as you can see, my review and recap of Tight Hold isn't much help. But hopefully it encourages you to go pick it up, and read it immediately. Well, rather immediately after you read Tight Spot. Which, if you want my review on Tight Spot, I have that posted here on my blog as well.

Thank you for taking time to read my jumbled thoughts. I truly do hope that you'll pick up this series, and read it along with me.

Laura
Cover Design: Najla Qamber Designs

The pro football player I’m faking a relationship with has the perfect solution to my career woes. He’s encouraging me to lean into the pseudo-celebrity life I was born into instead of trying to outrun it, and for the first time in my life, someone sees me for me.

I feel like he’s falling for me, too.

And then my ex shows up.

We broke up because we saw different futures, but now he’s back offering me all the things I want...all the things the man I’m currently falling for isn’t willing to give me.

Now I have to decide whether to give up the future I always dreamed of just so I can stay in Ben’s tight hold a little longer.


TIGHT HOLD is the second book in the VEGAS ACES: THE TIGHT END series. This series must be read in order.


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


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Thank you to Lisa Suzanne, and Wordsmith Publicity, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Tight Hold.

Tight Spot by Lisa Suzanne {a review}



I did it! I read Tight Spot by Lisa Suzanne, and what a start to the new season! Oofta. If you're not aware, Tight Spot is the first book in the Vegas Aces: Tight End series. This is the third season, and it is going to be just as drama filled as the previous two. Also, please note that each book in this series (with the exception of #5) will end in a cliffhanger. Don't worry though, you get a new release every two weeks! So you don't have to wait long for the next installment.

What is Tight Spot about? Well, Ben Olson of course. He is a professional football player for the Vegas Aces, and he has been labeled with the "bad boy" persona. Ben doesn't really have an issue with this. He's just having fun. You know who does have an issue with it? The team owner. He wants Ben to clean up his image. As you can imagine, Ben isn't thrilled about this. Yet, he loves his job, and being a part of the Aces. So he's going to give it a try. Enter the plan that his PR person has created. Ben is about to be set up in a fake relationship. Who is his "love interest" going to be? Kaylee Dalton of course. Yes, that would be Luke and Jack's little sister. This age gap romance is going to be a wild ride. But what drama is going to unfold? You know it's coming, but what will it be? How will this affect Ben and Kaylee's "relationship"? How will this "relationship" affect Ben's friendship with Luke and Jack?

Reader friends, I freaking loved this book! Not only does it feature one of my favorite tropes (sibling's best friend), but it is also an age gap, AND a fake romance. Bring it on! I am here for it. If you're wondering what the age gap is, we are looking at about 10 years. Which seems pretty typical with other books I've read. 

Ben and Kaylee have known each other for a decade now. Kaylee is someone that Ben has always considered to be like a little sister, so there was no attraction what so ever. Yet lately his thoughts have been changing, and he isn't certain what to think of it. As for Kaylee, she has her sights set on Ben. Even if it's just for a short term fling, she's willing to give it a go. Outside of all of that, Kaylee is struggling with her decision to become a teacher. She's feeling that stress, and so when a new opportunity is tossed her way, she's going all in. Even more so since she'll be forced to spend time with Ben. These two are going to be such a wild ride. I can feel the attraction, the chemistry, the desire, the curiosity. I cannot wait to find out what happens next with them.

One thing I noticed throughout this book is that Kaylee is pretty ignored in her family. Yes, she's the youngest. Yes, her brothers are professional football players. Yes, they also have kids. So naturally she's not going to be in the spotlight. Yet they've almost taken a disinterest in her life. They don't know what she's dealing with at work, or the questions she is trying to answer regarding her future. But then there's Ben who is more than willing to listen, and offer support. Ben see's her not only as a person, but also as someone he is starting to take an interest in. Kaylee of course can reciprocate on that, and she does her best.

I cannot wait to see how Ben and Kaylee's story plays out. I am ready for the drama filled moments, the romance, the steam, and everything else that happens in the Vegas Aces series. Also, I need to read Tight Hold so I can find out what happens next! Even more so since this plan has been set into motion, and a hiccup has already presented itself.

AHHHHH!

If you are a fan of football romances, age gap romances, the sibling's best friend trope, or forced proximity, then you need to go read Tight Spot. I think you'll find yourself curious about Ben, Kaylee, and all the supporting characters. Now of course if you've read the previous two seasons of the Vegas Aces, then I highly suggest you pick up this third season. It's worth it. I promise.

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts. Please let me know if you've read the book, and what your thoughts are.

Laura


Cover Design: Najla Qamber Designs

I don’t date football players.

I’m not interested in the ones who are a decade older than me. I want nothing to do with the ones who play on the same team as my brothers, and I certainly avoid the ones who spend more time in strip clubs than kids’ clubs.

So why do I suddenly find myself faking a relationship with Ben Olson, the bad boy tight end who fits every descriptor on my naughty list?

He’s in a tight spot, and I’m intrigued by the illicit under the dinner table action that proved to me he’s nothing but trouble. He’s hot and I’m bored. He doesn’t do relationships, and I’m just looking for some fun.

Except fun is taking a quick turn into real feelings, and now I’m in a tight spot of my own.





Add Tight Spot to your Goodreads TBR!


Do you wish you had a prequel for season 3 of the Vegas Aces? Well guess what, Lisa Suzanne has you covered! 
Download the prequel on Bookfunnel

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


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Thank you to Lisa Suzanne, and Wordsmith Publicity, for providing me with an advanced review copy of Tight Spot.

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