Monday, April 24, 2017

DATING THE IT GUY by Krysten Lindsay Hager #BookReview

DATING THE IT GUY
Author: Krysten Lindsay Hager
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Published by Clean Reads

Emme is a sophomore in high school who starts dating, Brendon Agretti, the popular senior who happens to be a senator's son and well-known for his good looks. Emme feels out of her comfort zone in Brendon's world and it doesn't help that his picture perfect ex, Lauren, seems determined to get back into his life, along with every other girl who wants to be the future Mrs. Agretti. Emme is already conflicted due to the fact her last boyfriend cheated on her and her whole world is off kilter with her family issues. Life suddenly seems easier keeping Brendon away and relying on her crystals and horoscopes to guide her. Emme soon starts to realize she needs to focus less on the stars and more on her senses. Can Emme get over her insecurities and make her relationship work? Life sure is complicated when you're dating the it guy.




– REVIEW: 4.5 STARS! –
I love Krysten Lindsay Hager's writing! She always manages to take me right back to my teenage years. All the insecurities, worries, heartaches, and down-right emotions are perfectly developed throughout the book. 

Emme was a genuinely good girl. She got her heart broken by her cheating ex-boyrfriend on top of dealing with personal issues at home. Falling for the popular guy in school didn't really help ease her worries, but you can't help who you fall for, right? Girls, especially high school girls, can be petty. So to add some more drama to her already not-so-boring life, Emme had to put up with Brendon's ex (man, I disliked her!) and the fact that he was probably the most wanted guy in school. Now, this may or may cause a woman to feel insecure, but when you're a high school teenager, that insecurity is most certainly present. Now, it wasn't all bad though! Ms. Hager made my heart smile during those sweet scenes too! I

The situation surrounding Emme's grandparents really broke my heart. Shattered it, even.I felt her concern and her pain. I wanted nothing more but to comfort her which only shows what an amazing author Krysten Lindsay Hager truly is. She evoked a lot of emotions from me while reading. From the very beginning to the very end, I wanted nothing but for Emme to find happiness. 

This is truly a great YA novel I recommend if you're in the mood for a thought-provoking and at times emotional read. 4.5 stars!


– EXCERPT –
He put the magazine between us, and when I moved forward to see it, he put his arm across the back of my chair. Now lots of guys did put their arms on chair backs, even Kirk did that with Rory, and he definitely wasn’t interested in her, but I couldn’t help but hope it meant something. I got this shivery feeling, and he asked if I was cold. I shook my head. I always got a feeling before something major was about to happen, and it has nothing to do with being cold, but I didn’t know why I got the feeling. Grandma used to do the same thing and always said, “Somebody just walked across my grave.” Somehow I didn’t think Brendon would understand if I told him I needed to move my future burial plot to a less high-traffic area.

“Are we still on for the art fair?” he asked.

I had only been circling it with hearts on my calendar since he asked.

“Sure, I think I’m still free,” I said.

We finished up our work, and he walked me out to meet Kylie.

“Okay, I’ll pick you up at three tomorrow,” he said, walking off.

“Can I ask a stupid question?” Kylie asked as soon as Brendon was out of earshot. “What’s he like? Because he’s so well-known, and I can’t imagine what it’d be like to grow up with your whole life under a microscope. I mean, my mom remembers his first birthday party pictures being shown on the news. And he’s hot, but he’s not like I-know-I’m-a-hottie hot, but more like a confident, ‘Yes, I am hot. Any questions?’ I mean, he has to have noticed there aren’t any guys who look like him walking around.”

“I should tell him what you said.”

“Don’t you dare,” Kylie said.

“I get what you mean—he’s grown up with everybody knowing his dad and watching him, but he’s pretty down to earth.”

“So what’s up with you two? You guys didn’t do any work last Saturday, and now you’re going to an art fair.”

“I dunno. He just asked me to go with him.”

“Asked you to go with him as his study buddy or asked you to go with him because he’s desperately in love with you?” she asked.

I said we were just friends, but she wouldn’t let it go.

“Okay, duh, obviously I like him, but let’s be honest. He’s out of my league. He’s out of most people’s league. It’s weird because normally if I like a guy then one of two things happens—either he likes me and asks for my number…or I find out he’s not into me and I cry in my pillow and listen to man-hating music for at least three days,” I said. “But this time’s different because he’s, I dunno, not just ‘some guy.’ I mean, I’m not putting up a shrine to him in my room, and I haven’t rooted though his garbage can, but I have as much chance of going out with him as Kirk does of getting an ‘A’ in this class.”

“You listen to man-hating music?” she asked, and I narrowed my eyes at her. “Whatever. Anyway, Em, he’s asked you out once already, and you are seeing him tomorrow. Plus, he’s always staring at you.”

I said he was probably just bored in class today, but she wouldn’t let it go.

“I’m not just talking about today. When we watched the movie on Monday, he watched you instead, and whenever I see you guys, he acts like there’s no one else in the room,” she said.

I couldn’t hold back the big, stupid smile spreading across my face. “He does? For real?”

She nodded. “You know, it’s weird. Here you were all upset you didn’t have a partner at the beginning of the semester, and then you ended up with like, Mr. Perfection, as your partner.”


Praise for Dating the It Guy:

“A sweet, endearing story—you’ll fall in love with Emme just like I did!” 
—Kimber Leigh Wheaton, YA/NA author

"Hager's authentic characters will resonate with readers of all ages as they are immersed in the story - complete with teen drama and angst, but also the relationships which make it all worthwhile." 
—Leslie L. McKee, book reviewer, Edits and Reviews by Leslie


— ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Krysten Lindsay Hager —
Besides mining her teen years and humiliating moments for her novels, ​Krysten is a also a book addict who has never met a bookstore she didn’t like. She’s worked as a journalist and writes young adult, middle grade, new adult, and adult fiction as well as humor essays. She is originally from Michigan and has lived in Portugal, South Dakota, and currently resides in southwestern Ohio where you can find her reading and writing when she’s not catching up on her favorite shows (she's addicted to American Dad to the point where she quotes episodes on a daily basis and also loves Girl Meets World). She's also a third generation Detroit Lions fan. 

Krysten writes about friendship, self-esteem, fitting in, frenemies, crushes, fame, first loves, and values. She is the author of True Colors, Best Friends...Forever?, Next Door to a Star, Landry in Like, and Competing with the Star (The Star Series: Book 2). Her debut novel, True Colors, won the Readers Favorite award for best preteen book. Krysten's work has been featured in USA Today, The Flint Journal, the Grand Haven Tribune, the Beavercreek Current, the Bellbrook Times and on Living Dayton.



What people are saying about Krysten’s work: 

From Teenage Book Recommendations in the UK: "This is a fantastically relatable and real book which I feel captures all of the insecurities and troubles which haunt the modern teenage girl. It is about a young model who has to go through tough times when she is torn between a life as a model and managing her friendships. You learn which friends she can most trust and which will create the drama typical of teenage life. Follow the life of Landry and try to see if you can find out which are her true friends before their true colours are revealed. This book is all about relationships, hopes and truth. I loved this book!" 

From Books & Authors Spot: “This book is such an inspiration for those who just care about their looks and are tensed about them. This thing is looks aren't everything. This book is related to every teen's problem. Hager has written a very inspiring novel.” 

“Krysten captures the teenage girl today. The struggles are real, the issues are something children have been dealing with since before I was a teen, and oddly-Krysten captures the readers! I was prepared for another "Mean Girls" story. This is NOT that. This is the real story of teenage girls! You watch Landry flower into a young woman who finds out trust is an invaluable item to find, and friendships are hard to seek genuine realism in. You will learn about relationships with not just friends, but peers, boys, and others. The details put into the book will draw you, and make the story so much more realistic. Krysten expresses emotions beautifully through her writing, and the story flows flawlessly…” By Candice J. Conway Simpson 

“True Colors, is just a dazzling story of how middle school kids show their true colors of jealousy, drama, loss and gains of friendship. However, the way Krysten wrote her story; she wrote it with passion, creativity and honesty that this story line could be placed in anyone's life at any age.” Review by Double Decker Books 

“Krysten Lindsay Hager understands what it means to be a teen today, and she writes with an authentic voice. Landry, the main character, is funny, lively, and very real. Readers will relate to her struggles with friends and family, self-esteem and self-discovery, boys and school and life in general. It's fun to read about Landry's blossoming modeling career and the changes it brings.” Review by Author Diana Jenkins

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

SCARRED by Amanda Leigh #BookReview

Scarred by Amanda Leigh
Beauty of the Dark Novel, Book One
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance


A sassy witch, a vampire sworn to protect her, and a vampire that’s falling for her...? All bets are off.

Kiara was born with power. At eighteen, her powers are peaked, and she's destined to destroy the demon threatening her home town. But even with her power and the help of Kaleib, a vampire who’s like an older brother to her, they're not strong enough to stand against the evil. Enter Trent, a vampire with a secret past, and the tables turn, giving them a fighting chance.

Kiara shouldn’t feel anything toward Trent, especially since Kaleib hates him, but a strong attraction builds between them during their mission.Trent has successfully avoided caring about anyone for over one hundred years, and he plans to keep it that way. When Kiara asks for help, he can’t seem to deny her. Never would he imagine that he’d run into Kaleib, someone from his past--a vampire who knows his secret. Trent convinces himself he's aiding Kiara for his own selfish amusement, but the little witch seems immune to his charms and she's chipping away at his walls. To his dismay, he finds himself beginning to care for Kiara.

Between the demon that wants to kill her and two fighting vampires, how will things play out for Kiara and Trent? Will this demon let them live to find out?


— BOOK LINKS —


— REVIEW: 5 STARS 
YA Paranormal Romance is probably my favorite genre, right along with Romantic Suspense. When I read the blurb for SCARRED by Amanda Leigh, I KNEW I had to read it. Boy am I glad I did!! I LOVED IT. 

It's right up my alley!! Addictive, suspenseful, and a page-turner right from the very beginning! I was curious to see how the story would unfold and I ended up reading this in one sitting!! I instantly connected with the book and the author's writing! The way it's written is so natural!! The way we actually think and talk in real life...that's how the author wrote the book and I loved that!!

If you know me, like really know me, then you are aware of my fascination with Damon Salvatore from The Vampire Diaries. Let's just say that the fact that Trent reminded me of him right off the bat had me all-kinds of excited to keep on reading! I'll leave it at that. And Kiara's sassy attitude? Well, that along with who she was made her a GREAT female lead. Just the kind I like to read about!

Amanda Leigh has truly gained a new fan here. And OH MY GOSH...I need book two....YESTERDAY.

FIVE STARS!

 

— EXCERPT —

Trent
“I’ve met people more incredible,” I smirked insinuatingly. She blinked, taking a step back, never averting her dark blue eyes from mine. I wasn’t sure why I’d said that, I’d only just met her. How did I know whether she was incredible or not? But I was getting the distinct feeling that she was.

I grinned as I tore my gaze from hers. My eyes fell to a picture of Kiara and a young, dark skinned woman that was sitting on her bookshelf. I picked up the frame. “Who’s this?” I found that I just wanted to keep her talking. I liked talking to her.

“That’s my best friend, Sarah. I’ve known her since third grade.”

“You look close.” I envied that friendship.

“We are. She’s one of the few people who’s always been nice to me.”

I arched an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“Ever since elementary school, people have found me kind of…strange.” She shrugged. “Hell, most of them thought I was a freak. Still do. Sarah isn’t one of them.”

I pursed my lips and was poised to ask her more when there was a light rapping coming from the door. I held her gaze for a few more seconds before she wrenched her eyes away from me and turned towards her door.

“That’ll be Kaleib,” she said. I watched her walk away, my eyes taking in every curve of her body.

“He knocks? How quaint,” I said.

“He has a sense of courtesy,” Kiara called over her shoulder as she made her way down the short hallway to the stairs.

“He has a sense of boring,” I scoffed. She shot me a glare over her shoulder that I couldn’t help but smile at.

I peered through Kiara’s bedroom door, down the stairs. Kaleib stood in the doorway with his hands stuck in the pockets of his faded jeans. His light brown hair was brushed back and to the side. A button down shirt on. His features were less pronounced than mine. But I suppose I could see how some girls would think that he was handsome in his own way.

“I got your text,” he said, stepping past Kiara, climbing up the staircase. “Did you find out anything new?” He headed straight to her bedroom.

“Well, no. Not exactly. I…” Kiara shuffled behind him, trying to get there before he did.

Kaleib stopped dead in her doorway, face to face with me as he stumbled back a step. I balled my hands into fists and clenched my jaw, my teeth grinding together. I hadn’t seen him in so long. I thought that it would have been kept that way. Red flashed behind my eyes. I didn’t know what I expected to feel when I saw him but I wasn’t quite prepared. Besides the anger I felt surging through me, I also felt crushing guilt for what I’d done to him. I couldn’t bring her up though, I just couldn’t. I wasn’t even sure how much Kiara knew about that. I understood Kiara’s question about whether I’d been looking for her. Really, what were the chances that the witch I ended up meeting had Kaleib protecting her like an older brother most of her life?

“What is he doing here?” Kaleib asked, his voice dripping with the cold of icicles.

“Hello Kaleib.” I held out my hand with a cool smile, making a mental note not to break the bones in his hand. “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

Kaleib ignored the offered hand. “One hundred thirty-five years. And I would prefer it stayed that way.”


— ABOUT THE AUTHOR —
Amanda Leigh has had a love of words since before she could write them herself. Once she learned to read and write herself she just couldn’t stop. She reads any genre as long as the book sounds interesting. Which may explain why she can’t and never will be able to stick to one genre in her writing. From Contemporary Romance to Women’s Fiction to Paranormal Romance to Poetry and more to come. When she’s not writing or reading she enjoys getting swept away in a great TV show, going to the theater, listening to music, cooking and many different forms of art. She has a cat she adores and also loves Psychology, tea, coffee, chocolate and Elvis Presley. Not necessarily in that order. Feel free to get in touch with her.


Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Beer Goggles Anthology #BookReview #99cents


***14 stories featuring 14 hilarious, WTF moments by your favorite, bestselling authors!***

Have you ever had too much to drink? 

Everyone knows hooking up with someone while under the influence is a bad idea.But...sh*t happens. 

What did I do? 

Who did I do? 

Where are my keys...and my underwear? 

Welcome to nights of not-so-innocent drinking gone awry. Find out where it allwent wrong...so terribly wrong... 

From sexy neighbors to embarrassing advances--and that person who you know for afact wouldn't be there in the first place had it not been for the alcohol.Remember or forget? It doesn't matter--because either way, those nights canstill follow you forever. 

Truth be told, when the night is over and the beer goggles are off, some thingscan never be unseen.

Beauty and the Brown Noser - Evan Grace
Not With You - D. Nichole King
Oh, Sh!t - Lacey Black
Oh Tequila - C.A. Harms
Sex, Alcohol, and My Neighbor - Terri E. Laine
Shenanigans - Chelsea Camaron
Strike Out - Jennifer Miller
Tattooed Redemption - Alicia Rae
Ten Too Many - A.M. Hargrove
Test Me - Molly McLain
The Guy in 3C - Cheryl McIntyre 
The List - Alyson Santos
Toasted - Shantel Tessier
Vikings - Sunniva Dee

NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE!! 
Only 99cents and ALL proceeds go to ST. JUDE!


—REVIEW: 5 STARS— 
Oh Tequila by CA Harms was not only laugh-out-loud-funny, but addictive as well!! I need more of Xavier and Morgan!! Seriously! Xavier was HOT and Morgan was a kick-ass girl that did not take crap from anyone. 

Waking up hungover with absolutely no recollection of what happened the night before SUCKS. But what happened when Xavier woke up, well....THAT was FUNNY. I'm sure his level of panic was sky-high! LOL! Not that I blame him!! LOL!!! It's a shame he didn't remember though, because I KNOW Morgan is the kind of girl no man could easily forget. I can already see this little detail affecting him in ways he can't even begin to imagine. I seriously cannot wait for CA Harms to write their full story because I already KNOW it will be EPIC!




Monday, April 17, 2017

THE TRAVELLER by HJ Bellus #BookReview

THE TRAVELLER by HJ Bellus
Genre: Contemporary Romance


Hart Richards has never found home.

Sure, he was raised in a house...but it was far from a home.

He thought he’d found it in the Army, only to have his world shattered along with his band of brothers.

Hart settled in a small-town in Montana until the inevitable happened.

The call he dreaded the most...


His mom was dying and he needed to return to the place he grew up.

Leaving his business behind to his best friend Cub, he set out on a long road trip back to Nashville.

The endless road, his only solace as the miles ticked by.


His soul in his pocket travelled aimlessly…

Hart had no idea what was waiting for him back in Nashville. The Traveller’s adventure may turn into his reality. 


AUTHOR NEWSLETTER: http://bit.ly/HJBnewsletter

WATCH THE BOOK TRAILER: http://bit.ly/2pnfVdv

— NOW LIVE! —

— REVIEW: 5 STARS 
I know I've said this a few times before and I swear I've meant it each and every time, but really THIS is HJ Bellus' best book to date! HART! Oh, HART! I fell in love with his character since he first got introduced in book 2, Gravity (all books can be read as standalone novels!). I was STOKED when I found out he was getting his own book and well, HJ Bellus did NOT disappoint. 

You see, Hart has this charming, easy-going, funny personality you can't help but connect and fall in love with. He is also very protective and completely swoon-worthy and scrumptious!! 

Vannie is probably one of my most favorite female lead characters from all of HJ's books. She has a horribly heart-breaking and traumatic past that molds her into this amazing woman that you know is truly a genuinely good person. I loved seeing her slowly come out of her shell with Hart's help. His witty ways rubbed off on her in the best way possible. It was just what she was in need of. 

This book, you guys...THIS. BOOK. I truly LOVED IT!!!! In fact, I will go as far as saying that this might just be my favorite in the series!! Hart is a book boyfriend you NEED in your life!! FIVE STARS!


— COMPANION NOVELS —
Also available on KINDLE UNLIMITED!
#1 Royal Atlas | #2 Gravity 


— EXCERPT —
Londa, who I’m sure used to wipe my nuts clean, sends me a wink while balancing a tray of drinks. Then Liza, who I’m also sure cleaned my crack, hugs me, but I do my best to follow the queen to the bar. I saddle up to a stool while she rounds behind the bar. She goes straight into bartending mode while checking on the rest of the bar. Her entertainment is up on the stage singing away, the crowd is legit, and she’s slinging out drinks.

Peaches slides me a whiskey neat then another. Before I know it, the tip of my black work boot is tapping to the country music blaring throughout the small, crowded bar. Being perched at the end of the bar where the waitresses put in orders has its own perks.

Hello, cowboy boots and shorty shorts while slinging drinks. My mind eases, wiping away all the worries and real life stress as each drink goes down. Peaches leans in every once in awhile letting me know my drink tab, but I just wave her on like I’m going to pay. Her pussy jokes are about to backfire and I smirk as I down the fourth drink.

“Excuse me.” A shoulder nudges mine.

When I look up to the movement, I come eye to eye with a raven-haired beauty. I’m clearly in her space, but the foggy cloud in my judgment is overpowering. She’s pretty, like a shiny nickel pretty.

I stare like a stark ass fool. Her emerald eyes hypnotize me something fierce. I should speak, but it seems all I can do is stare. I know what Tristan, the well-hung hero in the romance books, would do and I know what that badass biker, Trace, would do, yet, I just stare at her, getting drunker on her looks.

“Sit up.” She bites down on her bottom lip to stifle the rest of her message.

I guess dickhead, asshole, or fuckface would follow, but she refrains from using any of these terms all the while plastering on her poker face while trying to get more drinks from the bar.

“Help me.” I can Goddamn right sit up on my own, but her touch would be nice.

“Okay.” She shakes her head, apparently not amused by me.

That’s when I see her tits and my God are they a perfect set of tits. Motherfucking titties. I need my palms, lips, and mouth on those arts of perfection. It’s all about admiration for the perfect work of art. I’m all about being a professor of art and respecting the subject.

My clear admiration of the beauty before me is abruptly interrupted when the stool my ass is perched on is kicked out from underneath me. My ass lands hard on the wood floor. Peering back up at her I finally catch a smile gracing her lips.

“Did that help?” she asks, picking up her tray filled with drinks.

“Got the job done. I guess.” I stand slowly, cupping my nuts and hoping her next move isn’t to jab me there.

Peaches’ cackles join the conversation. “See you met Vannie, Hart.”

I narrow my eyes at the dark-haired goddess. “Vannie. Nice.”

She rolls her eyes with no desire to entertain me any longer. Her ass is entertaining enough as she sways out onto the floor. I’m a tall man, easily over six feet, and this woman in front of me is tiny in stature, but her attitude more than makes up for it.

“Leave her alone.” Peaches places another whiskey neat in front of me.

“She’s the one that knocked me on my ass.” I pound the entire drink in one long gulp since Little Miss Hot Ass killed my buzz.

“I’m serious, Hart. She’s a roamer. Don’t know her story, but if I had to guess it’s as dark as her black hair.”

“What? Did you hit on her and she turned you down?” I smirk over the glass.

Peaches shakes her head, but she has a glimpse of a smile dancing on her face. “No, too young for me. She’s my best worker so don’t scare her off, asshole.”

“Whatever, Cougar Cakes.”

The band up on the stage isn’t half bad even though country music tends to make my ears bleed. They’re upbeat with an original sound and music. I notice three or four big suits enjoying a drink and listening while tapping their fingers on the table.

I slow down on the drinks knowing my limit. Drinking was my one vice to get me through life after returning home from my deployment. Our band of brothers was hit hard. We had lost a handful before we returned. I saw shit I can never forget. Booze numbed that ache until Izzy came screaming into our world. Then it was all her and keeping up the bed and breakfast I’d bought.

It was a fixer upper at best and super cheap, but it was more therapy to restore and turned out to be a profitable business even though at one point I could only afford air to eat. It was all worth it. Cub and his family now run it for me. They own it. I left the papers behind because I knew he’d never accept.

I’m a roamer like that. My heart grows wild and the desire inside me flairs up with the need to move on. I’ve quit wondering when I’ll strike gold in life and find the one person or place that can keep me rooted. Instead, I float with the breeze and enjoy life as it comes.

“Thank you, everyone. Up next for your entertainment is the very talented Miss Savannah Ray.”

The voice booming over the microphone catches my attention. I look up to see the girl Peaches calls Vannie take the stage with a guitar strapped to her front. I have no idea how much time has floated since our first encounter. She’s changed into a white sundress with dainty straps. Her feet are covered with worn, brown cowboy boots.

She’s pulled her hair up into a ponytail. Her defensive, badass aura has disappeared leaving behind a timid woman up in the spotlight. No band members surround her. It’s just her up there.

“Watch this.” Peaches nudges me in the shoulder.

The moment Vannie opens her mouth, magic happens. Her voice is haunting, delicate, soothing, and beautiful. I’m in awe of the way she sings into the microphone, blocking out the rest of the bar. It’s by far the best voice that’s ever graced my ears.

It’s my new favorite song even though I have no idea what it is. The bar grows eerily silent with everyone hypnotized by her honey-laced voice. The blush that creeps on the apples of her cheeks is adorable. She ducks her head once the song is finished and the bar goes wild with cheers. Some even stand on their feet cheering away.

She removes her guitar for the next song. I recognize it since it’s been played on the radio several times. “Let Her Go” by Passenger has never sounded so seductive. Her voice controls the entire song with her hips swaying softly from side to side. She never makes eye contact while deep in the lyrics. It’s as if she’s pouring all of her soul into the words.

Song after song streams from her and never once does the bar go back to socializing. She keeps their attention the whole time. You could hear a pin drop between songs.

“Thank you.” She drops her head and moves off stage.

Peaches hollers out last call and then sits next to me with a drink in her hand. “So, what do you think now?”

Too stunned to talk, I remain still and quiet.

“Well, that’s a first, somebody finally shut you up.”

“She’s so different up there.” I point to the empty stage.

“Yeah.” Peaches nods sipping from her drink. “Like I said, I don’t know her story, but could guess she’s street smart, but shy when it comes to being on the stage.”

“She’s fucking talented. Why hasn’t she been scooped up yet?” I ask.

“She doesn’t want it.”

“Why?”

Peaches doesn’t get the chance to reply before we’re interrupted by Vannie herself.

“Hey, need help closing up?” She tucks her hands into the front of her shorts pockets.

She’s changed again. Odd.

“You can head home, Vannie, got it covered here.” Peaches hops from the stool and hugs her. “See you tomorrow night.”

“Okay, thanks.”

I don’t miss the fact that she doesn’t make eye contact with me this time. You’d think I had on an invisibility cloak, but it doesn’t stop me from studying that sweet little ass as she waltzes off. She stops near a table, sets down her guitar, and proceeds to put a hoodie over her head. Her dark hair blends into the material of the pitch black hoodie making her allure all the more powerful.

“Vannie,” Peaches hollers out.

She pivots slowly, grabbing her guitar once again and giving Peaches her attention.

“You get your car fixed?”

Shyly she shakes her head.

“Girl, I’m going to beat your ass.”

“I’m only five blocks away.”

“It’s dark. You’re young and gorgeous. I don’t care how close you live.”

Without thinking, I hop up from the stool. “I’ll walk her home.”

“No.” Vannie’s defensive attitude flairs right back up with no hesitation.

“Hey, I’m a good guy.” I hold up both of my hands. “You can even frisk me to make sure I don’t have any weapons.”

I wink at her. I’m beginning to think she has no personality at all. But her voice just a few minutes ago convinced me otherwise.

Peaches convinces Vannie that I will be walking her home. “I’ll apologize in advance, Vannie, but Hart is a good guy. You shouldn’t be out there walking alone.”

“I’ve seen scar…”

Peaches lays her hand on Vannie’s forearm. “I’m sure you have, doll, but not a hair on your head is getting hurt on my watch. Now get going, you two.”




— ABOUT THE AUTHOR —
HJ Bellus is a small town girl who loves the art of storytelling. When not making readers laugh or cry, she's a part-time livestock wrangler that can be found in the middle of Idaho, shot gunning a beer while listening to some Miranda Lambert on her Beats and rocking out in her boots.



Friday, April 14, 2017

MISTER MONEYBAGS by Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward #BookReview

MISTER MONEYBAGS
(A standalone novel)
Release date 4/10/2017
A Contemporary Romance Novel

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Authors Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward

I met Bianca in an elevator.

She was on her way to interview me when we got stuck.
The beautiful, raven-haired reporter assumed I was a delivery guy because of the way I was dressed.

She had no clue I was really Dex Truitt, the wealthy, successful businessman she’d dubbed “Mister Moneybags”—her afternoon appointment.

Bianca told me how much she hated Dex’s type—snobby, over educated, silver- spooned men who didn't appreciate the simple things in life.

So, after the elevator finally started moving again, I cancelled the interview and let her believe I was someone I wasn’t—a bike messenger named Jay. I loved the way she looked at the fake me and didn't want it to end.

I began dating her as “Jay”—all the while letting her interview the real me over email.

I didn’t expect that our chemistry online would be just as hot.
I didn’t expect the mess I’d gotten myself into.
I didn’t expect that Jay and Dex would fall in love with her.

And she was falling for two men.
Only, both men were me.
And when she found out, we were both going to lose her.

Nothing could have prepared me for that day. And I certainly wasn't prepared for what came after.
All good things must come to an end, right?
Except our ending was one I didn't see coming.


Read the First Chapter here: http://www.subscribepage.com/h8c4d2_MMB

— BOOK LINKS 

Sign up for Penelope & Vi’s mailing list now and be the first one notified of releases! http://eepurl.com/brAPo9

Read an EXCERPT here.

— REVIEW: 5 STARS 
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward are BRILLIANT authors and as I've said millions of times before, they're an author match made in bookish heaven. To add to their brilliance, this book was narrated by my two most favorite narrators ever, Sebastian York and Andi Ardt. These two can bring any book to life, but when it's a book as good as this one, well...that's just PERFECTION through and through. 

Right off the bat, as this book started I found myself laughing. As in, cackling very loudly! Dex was not only hot and completely swoon-worthy, but he was hands-down HILARIOUS. His thoughts and inner dialogue with the whole Jay situation killed me! I seriously could not stop laughing. 

Bianca's sassy attitude and comments made her a perfect match for Dex, although her inner demons didn't always make things easy for him (understandably so). The little surprises thrown our way were just that for me: surprises. And mind you, I almost always "see" them coming, but that wasn't the case here. 

Towards the end, I felt myself SERIOUSLY ANXIOUS needing to know THE answer. I needed it like I needed my next breath!!! The anticipation, the development, the buildup was top notch! 

I seriously cannot get enough of these two authors. They have become my favorite author-duo and I will continue to blindly one-click anything they publish. 

FIVE STARS and another addition to my 2017 Top Favorite Books list!


— COCKY BASTARD SERIES —
(All Standalone Novels) 

COCKY BASTARD, #1


STUCK-UP SUIT, #2


PLAYBOY PILOT, #3


— ABOUT THE AUTHORS —
VI KEELAND
Vi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn't change for the world. She is a bookworm and has been known to read her kindle at stop lights, while styling her hair, cleaning, walking, during sporting events, and frequently while pretending to work. She is a boring attorney by day, and an exciting smut author by night!


PENELOPE WARD
Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor, before switching to a more family-friendly career. She is the proud mother of a beautiful 10-year-old girl with autism and a 9-year-old boy. Penelope and her family reside in Rhode Island. 

Thursday, April 13, 2017

TECHY by LeAnn Ashers #BOOKREVIEW

TECHY by LeAnn Ashers
Devils Souls MC #2
Romantic Suspense / MC Romance

Alisha
My story isn't a very conventional one. I met my man online, which isn't a shocking thing nowadays.

I sure didn't know that he would rescue me from hell.

I had been stuck in hell with no way out. Then Techy swooped in with guns blazing and took me out of there. A knight in shining leather.

I didn't expect to feel what I feel; that I would fall in love, that I would feel safe and protected.

I had never felt that before.

Until Techy.

Techy is a member of the Devil’s Souls MC, the most notorious MC in Texas. They love hard and fight harder. You mess with their family, hell is something you'd beg for.

Shit hits the fan when someone from my past comes to get what my dead father never gave back to him.

My name is Alisha and this is my story.

Techy
A man is after my woman.
He won’t be a man much longer.
He dares to try and take her from me?
Hell is something he'll beg for. Because nobody, and I mean nobody, looks in Alisha's direction in a way I don't like. If they do? They'll be eating their teeth.

If you threaten her? Death is an easy way out.
I will do whatever it takes to protect her.

** This book has a HEA, with no cheating and a obsessed alpha. If you don’t like instalove this book isn’t for you.

Book 1 in the series: TORCH | REVIEW


— REVIEW: 5 STARS —
Let me start off by saying that if you loved Torch, you will adore Techy!! To me there's nothing sexier than a protective alpha male with a sweet side!! No one would ever harm his girl (ever again!) or his club. Talk about swoon-worthy!! What Alisha had experienced made my hear ACHE for her. I mean, holy crap. Good thing Techy was in her life now...there wasn't a thing he wouldn't do for her. 

The chemistry between Alisha and Techy sizzled right off the pages of this book! And while their love was instant, it ran deep and was undeniable. Throw in some suspense and H.O.T. scenes to an already amazing plot, and this book quickly became addictive to me!! 

LeAnn better be typing away some words because I need more of these guys!!! FIVE STARS!






—ABOUT THE AUTHOR 
LeAnn Ashers is a blogger turned author who spends her days reading and writing. She released her debut novel early 2016. LeAnn writes about strong minded females and strong protective males who love their women unconditionally. She is the author of the Forever Series and the Devil Souls MC.


Wednesday, April 12, 2017

TORCH by LeAnn Ashers #BOOKREVIEW

TORCH by LeAnn Ashers
Devils Soul MC #1
Romantic Suspense / MC Romance
One moment, one ordinary day changed my life and led me to my forever.

Three guys tried to kidnap me.

One man saved me.

I was beyond scared. Being blind, I was already terrified of my every move, the unknown frightening.

His name is Torch. Once he decided I was his, he didn't let me go. Torch became everything to me: my protector, my safe haven, my husband, lover, and most of all, the father to my babies. He made me see that I didn't have to be afraid of my every step, because he would always be there to catch me before I fell.

Torch is the Vice President of the Devils Souls MC. The men are violent and scary, but I learned to trust them, because above everything else, their women are protected. They became my family. My only family.

*This is a standalone, with a HEA.

GOODREADS | KINDLE | OTHER RETAILERS
Book 2 in the Series: TECHY

— REVIEW: 5 STARS —
Who doesn't love a protective alpha? Seriously! Torch was a delicious hunk that loved his woman beyond what words could express. He went above and beyond to protect Kayla and keep her safe, but more importantly, give her the life she truly deserved. 

Kayla had been dealt a crappy life and had to put up with even crappier parents. Torch was literally the only good thing in her life and let's just say, he found her at the most perfect time. Talk about kicking off the book with a bang! I was instantly hooked and needed to continue reading. I knew LeAnn could only make things more interesting, and that she did. 

I loved how much the guys adored their women. They protected them against anyone and anything! God help the fools that dared cross or hurt any of them. Seeing Torch stand up for Kayla, defend her, protect her, support her, and LOVE her unconditionally was completely swoon-worthy. 

I cannot wait to read more about the Devils Soul MC bikers! Five stars!





—ABOUT THE AUTHOR 
LeAnn Ashers is a blogger turned author who spends her days reading and writing. She released her debut novel early 2016. LeAnn writes about strong minded females and strong protective males who love their women unconditionally. She is the author of the Forever Series and the Devil Souls MC.