Review: YOU PROMISED ME FOREVER by Monica Murphy!

My Review: Oh Monica Murphy... how can you play with my emotions like that? But you know what, it hurts so good! This second chance romance was a huge hit for me, and really hit the spot. It was just so.. so... sweet, and cute, and made me happy. I want a Tuttle of my own. I found a new book boyfriend to add to my harem!

This book, though it definitely stands alone, is a sort-of continuation of Monica Murphy's young adult series. Tuttle was in that series as well, and I loved his character there just as much. But we get a full dose of him here, and thank goodness because I need more of him in my life. I was a sucker for this book from the first page, and it was everything I wanted and needed.

Cover Lovin': I love it!

Recommendation: Works as a stand alone, but I highly recommend the teen series if you enjoy the drama.

Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE stars (5/5)!!! Couldn't put it down, and I love this book so much that I want to hug it.

You Promised Me Forever by Monica Murphy 

Series: Forever Yours Book 1 

Publication Date: August 29, 2018 

Genre: New Adult Romance

SYNOPSIS:

I’ve got it all, they say. I’m the starting quarterback for the best NFL team in the league. I’m rich. I’m famous. I can have any woman I want, any time I want.

Yeah, I’ve got everything—except for the one who got away. How do you move on from loving the same girl since you were in the seventh grade? She promised me forever until forever got too hard and at nineteen, she dumped me.

By text message.

Now she’s walked back into my life. Just as beautiful. Just as sweet. Just as smart. More grown up and incredibly sexy…

We’re older now. Supposedly wiser. This time, I’m going to fight for what I want, no matter how hard it gets.

This time, I’m going to make her mine.

Forever.

Download You Promised Me Forever Today!

AMAZON: https://amzn.to/2vIZhKg 

BARNES & NOBLE: http://bit.ly/2Be2LcL 

KOBO: http://bit.ly/2BmHaiK 

iBOOKS: https://apple.co/2BeFEz0 

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2tPJpDZ

Excerpt:

Jordan

Of course, I’m not going to shake Amanda’s hand.

Instead I grab hold of it, that unmistakable jolt of electricity sparking when our skin connects, just like every other time we’ve touched. I pull her to me and wrap her up in my arms because I can. I’m the one who offered up the tickets so I could…what? Show off? Let her know exactly how great my life is?

I can’t lie. My life is pretty damn great. I have everything I could ever want—except for one thing.

“Hi Jordan,” she breathes against my neck, and I swear she melts into me a little. Like she can’t help herself. Like we somehow still fit together even after all these years.

Either she got smaller or I grew bigger since the last time I touched her, and I’m guessing it’s the latter. She smells familiar, yet different. Better. I recognize the scent of her shampoo, but nothing else. Her hair is longer. Thick. Dark and wavy, up in a ponytail and a little disheveled, like she’s had a long day. Her body is curvier, something teenaged Amanda would’ve never believed could happen. She still has those sexy long legs, though.

Finally, she pulls away from me, her lips curled, her eyes sparkling, nervousness written all over her face, and I watch her carefully in return, my expression as neutral as I can make it. Honestly, I’m still a little pissed over that garbage game we just played, and I’m tense like I usually am after. Her understanding gaze meets mine and I know she knows what I’m feeling. We’ve always been in tune with each other…

She’s my Mandy, all grown up. But not my Mandy anymore.

Meet Monica:

Monica Murphy is the New York Times, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of the One Week Girlfriend series, the Billionaire Bachelors and The Rules series. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and has sold over one million copies worldwide. She is both self-published and published by Random House/Bantam and Harper Collins/Avon. She writes new adult, young adult and contemporary romance.

She is a wife and a mother of three who lives in central California on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere along with their one dog and too many cats. A self-confessed workaholic, when she's not writing, she's reading or hanging out with her husband and kids. She's a firm believer in happy endings, though she will admit to putting her characters through angst-filled moments before they finally get that hard won HEA.

Connect with Monica:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonicaMurphyauthor/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5934418.Monica_Murphy
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1YUl0Vm
Website: http://monicamurphyauthor.com
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/IW5U0y

Release Blitz: YOU PROMISED ME FOREVER by Monica Murphy!

You Promised Me Forever by Monica Murphy 

Series: Forever Yours Book 1 

Publication Date: August 29, 2018 

Genre: New Adult Romance

SYNOPSIS:

I’ve got it all, they say. I’m the starting quarterback for the best NFL team in the league. I’m rich. I’m famous. I can have any woman I want, any time I want.

Yeah, I’ve got everything—except for the one who got away. How do you move on from loving the same girl since you were in the seventh grade? She promised me forever until forever got too hard and at nineteen, she dumped me.

By text message.

Now she’s walked back into my life. Just as beautiful. Just as sweet. Just as smart. More grown up and incredibly sexy…

We’re older now. Supposedly wiser. This time, I’m going to fight for what I want, no matter how hard it gets.

This time, I’m going to make her mine.

Forever.

Download You Promised Me Forever Today!

AMAZON: https://amzn.to/2vIZhKg 

BARNES & NOBLE: http://bit.ly/2Be2LcL

KOBO: http://bit.ly/2BmHaiK 

iBOOKS: https://apple.co/2BeFEz0 

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2tPJpDZ

Meet Monica:

Monica Murphy is the New York Times, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of the One Week Girlfriend series, the Billionaire Bachelors and The Rules series. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and has sold over one million copies worldwide. She is both self-published and published by Random House/Bantam and Harper Collins/Avon. She writes new adult, young adult and contemporary romance.

She is a wife and a mother of three who lives in central California on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere along with their one dog and too many cats. A self-confessed workaholic, when she's not writing, she's reading or hanging out with her husband and kids. She's a firm believer in happy endings, though she will admit to putting her characters through angst-filled moments before they finally get that hard won HEA.

Connect with Monica:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonicaMurphyauthor/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5934418.Monica_Murphy Amazon: http://amzn.to/1YUl0Vm Website: http://monicamurphyauthor.com Newsletter: http://bit.ly/IW5U0y

Review: THE COACHING HOURS by Sara Ney!

    My Review: I finally got a chance to check out Sara Ney! This series has been so highly recommended by my goodreads friends, and I jumped at the chance to read this. Sure, I started with book four, but if this is what they are all like.. then books one through three are high up on my buy list!

This was the sweetest friends to lovers story. I'm guessing the douchebag term comes from the previous books, because Eliot is definitely not a douchebag.. though, there are definitely some jerks in this book. But Eliot and Ana are the sweetest, and I love their friendship that leads to more. So perfect!

Cover Lovin': Works wonderfully with the rest of the series. 

Recommendation: This can be read as a stand alone.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5)!! Fantastic read - get your copy today!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

   

THERE ARE NO DOUCHEBAGS IN THIS STORY. Well, there are, but they’re not who this story is about. This story is about me—the coach’s daughter. When I moved to Iowa to live with my dad, the university's take-no-prisoners wrestling coach, I thought transferring would be easy as pie—living with my father would be temporary, and he'd make sure his douchebag wrestlers left me alone. Wrong on both counts. ASSHOLES ALWAYS COME OUT OF THE WOODWORK WHEN THE STAKES ARE HIGH. A bet is placed, and I'm on the table. After one humiliating night and too much alcohol, I find the last nice guy on campus. And when he offers to rent me his spare bedroom, I go all in. It’s time for the nice guy to finish first. Midnight chats and spilling my problems turn to lingering touches. Lingering touches turn to more. And the ultimate good guy has the potential do more damage than any douchebags ever could.  

AMAZON | AMAZON UK | AMAZON AU

    She perks up. “Wait, you’ve never had a back massage?”   “No?”   “Ever?”   “Nope.”   “Well, what the hell? How can I, in good conscience, lie here letting you rub my back when you’ve never had anyone rub yours?” She scoots over, pointing to the mattress. “Lie on your stomach, I’ll do you first.”   I wave my hands in front of me in protest. The last thing I need is her warm hands roaming my body. “No, no, you don’t have to. It’s not a big deal.”   “Are you crazy? Back massages are the best—like, better than an orgasm. You’re first, so lie down.”   “And you call me the bossy one?”   “Quit stalling and get on the bed.”   Obediently, I climb to the middle of my bed in nothing but a pair of gym shorts, legs hanging off the side. Next to me, the mattress dips, Anabelle on her knees, approaching my side.   A finger glides down my spine. “It will be easier for me to do this if I’m sitting on you. Hope that’s okay.”   “Is that the approved method?”   “No, but my arms will get tired if I have to lean over you the whole time.”   “Do whatever then, I don’t care.”   I stiffen when Anabelle swings one leg over my body, straddling my ass. Warm palms at my lower back.   “You’re so tense. Try to relax,” she coos, making it worse. “Tilt your head to the side, that’s it.”   I hear the lotion bottle snap open. Click closed. My roommate’s palms rubbing together, warming it up. “Sorry, I don’t have any actual massage oil. This will have to do.”   When her hands make contact with my back, I almost groan it feels so fucking good. Warm. Smooth. Pressure in all the right places, pushing gently into my muscles.   Slowly.   Slower still, caressing along my shoulders, thumbs and fingers working together to soothe the burning on my right side.   “Doesn’t this feel great?” Her soft voice cuts into the silence. “You’re loosening up. That’s good.”   I feel her leaning as her hands move up and down my spine until they stop, hovering at the base of my neck. Thumbs stroking the skin below my hairline, back and forth.   Kneading.   Her torso dips, hands maneuvering my arms, placing them at my sides. Palms slide up and down my biceps.   For several minutes, she rubs my arms and shoulders. Then she skims down my ribcage unhurriedly, in no rush, making little humming sounds inside her throat.   I know I’m not imagining the feather-light way her hands drift down my spine. I remain still, letting her touch me, basking in it.   Remain still when her lips kiss the tender spot of my shoulder where it meets my neck, nose nuzzling behind my ear, her breasts rubbing against my back and what the fuck was that all about? What does she think she’s doing, trying to drive me insane?           Sara Ney is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the How to Date a Douchebag series, and is best known for her sexy, laugh-out-loud New Adult romances. Among her favorite vices, she includes: iced latte's, historical architecture and well-placed sarcasm. She lives colorfully, collects vintage books, art, loves flea markets, and fancies herself British. She lives with her husband, children, and her ridiculously large dog. Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Newsletter | Website

Disclaimer: I received a copy in exchange for a review.

Review & Except: TRUST by Kylie Scott!

 My Review: I... guys, I don't know if I have enough words. I am writing this review seconds after finishing the book, and I am in an absolute giddy phase. Kylie Scott is one of my favorite authors. And this book is just another example of how amazing she is. First off, she gives her readers an immediate punch to the chest, and then we get to spend the rest of the book trying to recover. But you know what? She can hit me again whenever she wants.

I will admit, I was nervous how this book would turn out - after all, Kylie Scott is most definitely an adult writer. I wasn't sure she could pull off a young adult novel - it takes a special author to conquer both. But she did it. She crossed that bridge with elaborate fanfare, and I feel like a fool for even thinking of doubting her. It takes a little time, but her humor and snarkyness comes through, and fits her young adult characters just as well as her adult ones.

Trust is well written, absolutely engrossing, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

 Cover Lovin': Yum, indeed.

Recommendation: Trust stands alone. This is listed as Young Adult, but I would firmly list it as 16+, for some mature content.

Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE stars (5/5)!! I'm in love with this book. It's action packed, exciting, suspenseful, funny, and just everything I didn't know I needed.

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Being young is all about the experiences: the first time you skip school, the first time you fall in love…the first time someone holds a gun to your head.

After being held hostage during a robbery at the local convenience store, seventeen year old Edie finds her attitude about life shattered. Unwilling to put up with the snobbery and bullying at her private school, she enrolls at the local public high school, crossing paths with John. The boy who risked his life to save hers.

While Edie’s beginning to run wild, however, John’s just starting to settle down. After years of partying and dealing drugs with his older brother, he’s going straight—getting to class on time, and thinking about the future.

An unlikely bond grows between the two as John keeps Edie out of trouble and helps her broaden her horizons. But when he helps her out with another first—losing her virginity—their friendship gets complicated.

Meanwhile, Edie and John are pulled back into the dangerous world they narrowly escaped. They were lucky to survive the first time, but this time they have more to lose—each other.

 

Amazon US | Amazon Aus | Amazon UK | iBooks US | iBooks Aus | Kobo | Nook

      TRUST by Kylie Scott (Official Book Trailer) from FILM 14 on Vimeo.    

“You were going to give it up to Duncan Dickerson?” he sneered. “Are you serious?”

I halted, staring at him. This was not good. “How do you know about that?”

“Anders overheard you and Hang talking.”

“Bastard.”

“Well?” he demanded, acting all authoritarian. Idiot.

“To be fair, I didn’t know his last name was Dickerson,” I said. “That’s unfortunate. Though, I wasn’t actually planning on marrying him, so . . .”

“Not funny.”

I shrugged.

“You barely know the guy.”

“Um, yeah. None of your concern. We’re not talking about this.” How mortifying! My face burned bright. People should just gather around and cook s’mores. “I appreciate that we’re friends. You mean a lot to me. But this is going to have to fall under definitely none of your damn business, so go away please.”

“We’re talking about it.” He advanced a step.

“No we are not.” And I retreated.

“You were going to let a complete stranger touch you.” Advance.

Retreat. “People do it all the time. You do it all the time.”

“But you don’t,” he said, taking the final step, backing me up against the side of his car and getting all in my face. “Edie, this is your first time we’re talking about. Isn’t it?”

“Yes, and it’s going to be messy and painful and probably horribly embarrassing and I just want it over and done with.” I tried to meet his eyes but failed, settling for a spot on his right shoulder. “You’re not a girl; you wouldn’t understand. Also, last time I checked, you’re not the gatekeeper of my hymen, John Cole. So back the fuck off.”

He said nothing.

Deep, calming breaths. “Look, someday I’ll meet someone I really like and we’ll have a deep and meaningful relationship and go at it like bunnies. But I don’t want to be the dumb virgin in that scenario.”

He slowly shook his head.

“Also, I do not want to die a virgin.”

“What? What the hell are you talking about?”

“Hey, you and I both know death can occur at any time.”

“This is crazy.”

“I’m seeing a therapist!” I told his shoulder. “I don’t know if you noticed, but I’m a little bit messed up these days. It’s hard for me to trust people. That’s not going to change anytime soon.”

He screwed up his face at me. “Wha—”

“I’m just trying to be practical.”

“Well, you’re being ridiculous. None of this makes sense.”

“It does to me.”

Again, he said nothing.

In fact, he said nothing for so long that I finally looked him in the eye. The anger had left him, replaced by an emotion I didn’t recognize. Worst of all, he still smelled like summer. A little sweat and the open night air, everything I loved. Liked. I meant liked.

“What?” I said, finally.

He let loose a breath. “I’ll do it.”

                  Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013 & 2014, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet. You can learn more about Kylie from http://www.kylie-scott.com/   FACEBOOK | TWITTER | FACEBOOK FAN GROUP | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS | NEWSLETTER  

Disclaimer: I received a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Release Blitz: HONOR by Kennedy Layne!

HONOR by Kennedy Layne, one of the five books in the BAD BOY HOMECOMING series, is available today! Find out more about HONOR below and be sure to grab your copy now!

   

About HONOR

A high school reunion is about to get down and dirty and a whole lot more complicated in this new romantic suspense from USA Today Bestselling Author Kennedy Layne.

Derek Spencer hadn't even bothered to RSVP to his Catfish Creek's high school reunion. He'd been too busy fighting a war in Afghanistan in his capacity as a Marine and wouldn't even be in the States during the event. Unfortunately, one emergency phone call from his mother changed everything.

Tessa Daniels had been voted most likely to do everything back in high school. She somehow didn't think that included acquiring her very own stalker at the relatively young age of twenty-eight. It had stopped being simply annoying after someone broke into her house, invading her privacy. Now, she was actually in fear for her life.

Derek's mother feels terrible that her son has spent almost every waking hour at the hospital, watching over his recovering father. She sets out--and succeeds--in arranging for Derek and Tessa to attend their high school reunion together. Neither one of them expected sparks to fly or memories of long-lost crushes to emerge, but they are not only faced with their newfound passion...they must also confront the person trying to extinguish their chance to rekindle the flames of past desires.

Add HONOR to your Goodreads list here!

Find out more about the BAD BOY HOMECOMING series on the website here!

Get your hands on HONOR now!

✦Amazon http://amzn.to/2tbvTwL ✦iBooks http://apple.co/2nxGQ7T ✦Barnes & Noble http://bit.ly/2o88utD ✦Kobo http://bit.ly/2nrWPTh

Read an Excerpt from HONOR

Derek had every intention of walking out of Tessa’s house and being the gentleman he’d been raised to be, keeping the promise he’d made to himself not to get too involved in her personal affairs only to end up having to walk away from her.

He’d known earlier this evening that she was different from the rest. He’d reminded himself over and over that he had one more year before he had to make another decision that would affect the next four years of his life. He’d told himself that he would see to it that she was safe in her home, maybe even put a call in to the police about having them do patrol sweeps through the area. He couldn’t leave her unprotected, but he also had a duty to protect himself from damaging his heart. Now? Tessa’s supple curves against his body and her lips inches from his made leaving difficult. Hell, she made it all but impossible. Derek wrapped an arm around her waist and eased her toward him, not stopping until the only thing that separated them were the clothes on their bodies. He captured her lips, unable to get enough of her. The sweet taste of sugar and cream made him think that the addictive taste had nothing to do with her tea and everything to do with the fact that she was a hypnotic aphrodisiac. He no longer cared what tomorrow would bring. They were living in the moment. Tessa used his body as leverage as she raised herself higher onto her tiptoes to deepen their kiss. She didn’t have to worry, because he didn’t intend on stopping anytime soon. He easily hoisted her up so that her long legs were wrapped around his waist, already accepting that they weren’t going to make it to her bedroom…at least for the first round. Derek sidestepped the coffee table until they both toppled onto the couch. He pulled his lips from hers so that he could see for himself that she understood the ground rules that she’d already put into place. He ignored the fact that he was repeating her words for his sake only. “For tonight then.” “Agreed,” Tessa said breathlessly, already reaching for the unfastened bowtie hanging around his neck. She gradually slid the material out from under his lapel, never once breaking eye contact. “So make it your best effort, Derek.” Tessa’s challenge was a reckless streak of provocation that immediately raised the heat level. He couldn’t resist leaning down and running his tongue across her lower lip, only to then nip it with his teeth. She still had her legs wrapped around him with apparently no intention of letting him go. He had other plans though. He’d become rigid as a board the moment she’d whispered the word stay. Derek leaned up and all but forced her to relax her hold on him. She was taking in every move he made. She’d already removed his bowtie, so unfastening the rest of the buttons on his shirt was done with ease. Everything she felt was displayed across her beautiful features and he had to question on whether the desire burning within those baby blues of hers could literally light a fire in something other than his soul.  

Find out more about the other four books in the BAD BOY HOMECOMING series on the website here!

✦ DROPOUT by Carrie Ann Ryan ✦ TROUBLE by Avery Flynn ✦ PROM QUEEN by Katee Robert ✦ ROCK STAR by Stacey Kennedy

 

About Kennedy Layne

Kennedy Layne is a USA Today bestselling author. She draws inspiration for her military romantic suspense novels in part from her not-so-secret second life as a wife of a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He doubles as her critique partner, beta reader, and military consultant. They live in the Midwest with their teenage son and menagerie of pets. The loyal dogs and mischievous cats appreciate her writing days as much as she does, usually curled up in front of the fireplace. She loves hearing from readers--find out how to connect with her at www.kennedylayne.com.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Newsletter | Instagram

Review: DROPOUT by Carrie Ann Ryan!

My Review: Hmm... I guess I would describe this as a second-chance romance, though Grayson and Kate were not actually together at any point in the past. There was interest on both sides, but it just never worked out for them. So now, with this class reunion, it's their chance to see if the feelings they have are real. I do love me some second chance romances, and this was a sweet, perfect little story - exactly what I wanted. 

I applaud author Carrie Ann Ryan for managing to fit so much drama in this short novel. And there was soooo much drama. Between Kate's jerk of an exhusband, and Grayson coming back to a town/school that didn't like him when he was younger... And let's not forget the drama that comes with falling in love! There was some great characterization here, not just with the main characters, but with the side characters as well. And if you like them, be sure to check out the rest of the Bad Boy Homecoming series, because they will get their own stories! I have already added them all to my TBR list, because I'm desperate for them all. And Grayson was so hot (swoon), I'm sure the guys in the rest of the series will be equally drool-worthy!

Cover Lovin': Not only is this a hot cover, but it fits perfectly with the rest of the Bad Boy Homecoming series!

Recommendation: Each Bad Boy Homecoming book can be read as a stand-alone. But definitely check out the rest of them!

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5)! A fun, fast read. I want a Grayson of my very own! 

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda Novel Addiction ~!~

About DROPOUT

A high school reunion is about to get down and dirty and a whole lot more complicated in this new erotic romance from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan.

Grayson Cleary left town before graduation day and never looked back. Most people back home pegged him as a dropout. Over time, he’s worked to make something of his life and leave his past behind, so when his ten-year reunion comes up, he has no intention of attending. When his best friend begs him to go, Grayson finds himself confronted with a past he’d rather forget and the one woman he’s always craved.

Kate St. Dalton had everything when she left her hometown. Not only was she Valedictorian with a full scholarship, but she was also engaged to the boy of her dreams. Then, life threw a wrench in her plans, and she had to find a way to live the new life fate handed her. The last thing she needs is the hot boy from high school returning to town as the sexy man of her dreams.

When the two take a chance and use the reunion week to burn up the sheets, they’ll have to remember that it’s only for a few nights—not for a lifetime. And decide if what they have is just a fling…or something far more than a mere reunion.

Add DROPOUT to your Goodreads list here!

Find out more about the BAD BOY HOMECOMING series on the website here!

Get your hands on DROPOUT now!

✦Amazon http://amzn.to/2tKAdjk ✦iBooks http://apple.co/2o2QOz5 ✦Barnes & Noble http://bit.ly/2neDZOo ✦Kobo http://bit.ly/2nFCrQs

Find out more about the other four books in the BAD BOY HOMECOMING series on the website here!

✦ TROUBLE by Avery Flynn ✦ PROM QUEEN by Katee Robert ✦ HONOR by Kennedy Layne ✦ ROCK STAR by Stacey Kennedy

About Carrie Ann Ryan

Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Talon Pack, and Gallagher Brothers series, which have sold over 2.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over fifty novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not writing about bearded tattooed men or alpha wolves that need to find their mates, she’s reading as much as she can and exploring the world of baking and gourmet cooking.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Newsletter | Instagram | Tumblr | Pinterest

Disclaimer: I received a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Review: UNTOUCHABLE by Nicole Dykes!

About the Book: Cassie
I'm finally free. Free to make my own decisions and prove to my family that I'm not the problem child they think I am. 
I'm here to make a change, clean up my act, and be someone all of the Monroes can be proud of. But it's true what they say, old habits are hard to break. 
That is until Hunter Thompson. Football God, super hot and above all, moral. But he sees me as nothing more than his best friend’s little sister.

Hunter
I’ve almost reached my ultimate goal. After years of hard work and determination, both on and off the field, I’m closer than ever to getting my degree and heading to the big leagues. 
That means I don’t have time for distractions. I stick to fitness regime, avoid getting drunk every weekend and don’t sleep around. My friends tease me and call me ‘choirboy’, but they just don’t get it. I’m so close, and that’s when the final hurdle enters my life; my best friend and former teammates younger sister. How on earth am I supposed to concentrate when all I can think about is Cassie Monroe? [Description from Goodreads.com]

My Review: Okay, don't tell the rest of the Monroes this... but I think Cassie and Hunter's story might be my new favorite. Luke's story was great, and Dylan and Jax are certainly unforgetable.. but man, Hunter is quite the dreamboat. Author Nicole Dykes really knows how to write a good, solid, dishy hero, and Hunter is no different. He's a legitimately good guy, which is a breath of fresh air after reading book after book of a bad-boy-but-good-at-heart. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but sometimes a girl just needs a knight in shining armor.

I've been eager for Cassie's story for some time, since she's had such a rough time of it. And it was even better than I had hoped! I'll admit, there was a time or two that I found the dialogue to be a little unrealistic, and that's the only thing keeping Untouchable from being a five star read. Once I started Hunter and Cassie's story, I devoured it. I had to know she would get the happy ending she deserved, and that the Monroe family would manage to continue bringing the drama I've enjoyed so much thus far.

Cover Lovin': Yum! And, it fits perfectly with the rest of the series.

Recommendation: Untouchable can be read as a standalone, but the Monroes are a large family - and they have adopted quite a few strays. So reading previous books helps when it comes to knowing all the side characters, as well as Cassie's not-so-stellar dating history.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5). This was a great one, and forgive my gushing, but Hunter is just so dishy, I wish I could have kept him for myself. If you love new adult/college romances, this definitely needs to be on your to-buy list!

Be sure to check out the entire Monroe Family series on Amazon.com!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Disclaimer: I received a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Review: RIVETED by Jay Crownover!

My Review: Oh, Jay Crownover, you have done it again. You have given me a hero that makes me swoon all while my heart is breaking for the pain he's endured in the past. I always find myself stuck between wanting to hug and cuddle them until all the sad stuff is washed away... and wanting to get all down and dirty with them because she writes some hot, hot, hot men.

Okay, I can't write this review without also talking about all the feels this book gave me. This author rocks in the feels department. I know I'm going to get a good ending, but she doesn't pull any punches along the way. In the beginning, Dixie is talking about how her family just knows when it's right. One look, and that's it - they found their forever. Her father and mother had it, even her sister experienced it (though her road to happiness was more than a little bumpy as well). But it really started to break my heart when Dixie mentions that she knows Church is it - but she also realizes he doesn't have that instant zing with her. She doesn't get an immediate happily-ever-after like her parents did. But I have to admire her tenacity. She didn't let that beat her down. Dixie is one of those characters I would love to be friends with, and would aspire to be - hope for the best, and weather every bad day with a huge smile on your face.

I don't want to give much away, but the drama and suspense in this book are once again spot-on. I always know, with one of Jay's books, that I'm going to get a hot as heck love story, and a wild ride on the way there.

Cover Lovin': Yes, yes, yes! Fits perfectly with the rest of the series. And that cover model (both of them, really) is gorgeous.

Recommendation: Reading previous books isn't required, but it helps provide backgrounds for several characters mentioned and featured in this book.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5)! Loved this, and it made me even more giddy for the next book. Bring on Wheeler! I'm going to need it NOW!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

 

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Marked Men books comes the next installment in the Saints of Denver series.

   

Everyone else in Dixie Carmichael’s life has made falling in love look easy, and now she is ready for her own chance at some of that happily ever after. Which means she’s done pining for the moody, silent former soldier who works with her at the bar that’s become her home away from home. Nope. No more chasing the hot as heck thundercloud of a man and no more waiting for Mr. Right to find her; she’s going hunting for him...even if she knows her heart is stuck on its stupid infatuation with Dash Churchill.

Denver has always been just a pit stop for Church on his way back to rural Mississippi. It was supposed to be simple, uneventful, but nothing could have prepared him for the bubbly, bouncy redhead with doe eyes and endless curves. Now he knows it’s time to get out of Denver, fast. For a man used to living in the shadows, the idea of spending his days in the sun is nothing short of terrifying. When Dixie and Church find themselves caught up in a homecoming overshadowed with lies and danger, Dixie realizes that while falling in love is easy, loving takes a whole lot more work…especially when Mr. Right thinks he’s all wrong for you.

Amazon | iBooks | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Google

     

ADD RIVETED TO YOUR GOODREADS

 

Can’t wait to hear what others are saying about RIVETED? Follow along with the tour here!

February 13^th

Always YA at Heart

Bewitching Bibliophile

Bookalicious Babes Blog

Curvy and Nerdy

Dog-Eared Daydreams

Ficwishes

Julalicious Book Paradise

Krissy's Book Nook

My Girlfriend's Couch

Night Owl Reader

Red Hot + Blue Reads

Smokin' Hot Reads Book Blog

February 14^th

Abibliophobia Anonymous Book Reviews

A Fortress of Books

BJ's Book Blog

From the TBR Pile

HotPressedBooks

Jack of All Trades, Master of None

Musings of the Modern Belle

Naughty and nice book blog

Prisoners of Print

Renee Entress's Blog

Smut Book Junkie Reviews

The Book Disciple

February 15^th

A Leisure Moment

Books to Breathe

Crazii Bitches Book Blog

Four Chicks Flipping Pages

Mustreadbooksordie

Novel Addiction

Resch Reads and Reviews

Reviews by Tammy and Kim

Theory of A Dreamer

Under The Covers Book Blog

V's Reads.com

WickedGoodReads

With Love for Books

February 16^th

A Literary Perusal

BFF Book Blog

Book Angel Booktopia

Book Sojourner

Ceres Books World

Guilty Indulgence Book Club

Nose Stuck in a Book

Obsessive Book Nerd

Reviews from the Heart

She Hearts Books

The Book Maven

The Bookworms Obsession Blog

February 17^th

A crazy vermonters book reviews

BFD Book Blog

Blushing Babes are Up all Night

Book Briefs

BookWorm221

Cocktails and Books

Grownupfangirl

Nerdy Dirty & Flirty

Reese's Reviews

The BookWhisperer

Two Book Pushers

We stole your book boyfriend

Words of Wisdom from The Scarf Princess

a Rafflecopter giveaway

  About Jay Crownover: Jay Crownover is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men, The Point, and the Saints of Denver series. Like her characters, she is a big fan of tattoos. She loves music and wishes she could be a rock star, but since she has no aptitude for singing or instrument playing, she'll settle for writing stories with interesting characters that make the reader feel something. She lives in Colorado with her three dogs.        

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Free!: A STONE IN THE SEA by A.L. Jackson!

 

“A passionate ride of secrets, surprises, and steaming hot sex.”

~Penelope Ward, NYT Bestselling Author

 

“Sheer brilliance from start to finish.”

~MJ Loves to Read

 

Grab Your FREE Copy

 

From NYT Bestselling Author A.L. Jackson…

Sunder lead singer Sebastian Stone is no stranger to trouble.

It follows him wherever he goes.

From his track record, he should have known Shea Bentley would be a problem. But the soft, innocent Southern girl was all he could see. All he wanted to see. Now they’re both drowning in a sea of desire, sinking hopelessly into a world of lust, and their passion refuses to let them up for air.

No matter how much he wants that to be enough…Shea has an inescapable past. One she would do anything to keep running from.

But some secrets never die.

If her history is dragged from the depths, it could tear his world apart. He has to decide if she’s worth fighting the tide or if they should just sink like a stone in the sea.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

---

 

Don't miss more of the bestselling Bleeding Stars Series

 

Get Details Here

---

STAY is coming soon!

 

Get updates or preorder HERE!

   

---

A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.

Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, as well as the newest BLEEDING STARS novels. Watch for the next installments, STAY and STAND, coming in 2017. If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.

Be sure not to miss new releases and sales from A.L. Jackson

Sign up to receive her newsletter http://smarturl.it/NewsFromALJacksonText “jackson” to 96000 to receive short but sweet updatesDownload the app http://smarturl.it/ALJacksonAuthorAppFacebook facebook.com/aljacksonauthorTwitter twitter.com/aljacksonauthorSnapchat or Instagram @aljacksonauthor

   

Review: THE MATCHMAKER'S REPLACEMENT by Rachel Van Dyken!

Release Date: August 9th, 2016

Type: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Series, Book two, hate-or-love?, Just Kiss Already!

My Review: I tracked down the first book in this series, The Matchmaker's Playbook, so I could read it before starting this one. I absolutely loved book one, so I was both excited and nervous for book two. What if it wasn't as good? I liked Lex and Gabi in the first book, but what if they turned flat when they got their chance at their own story? Well, let me ease your fears - I loved the second book just as much as the first.

I have to admit something - before the Wingmen, INC series, I read another Rachel Van Dyken book, and didn't like it. I thought the hero was a total jerk with absolutely no redeeming qualities. So for a few chapters, I was worried Lex was heading into super jerk territory. But no. Yes, he makes some crappy comments, but you can still see he genuinely cares. And when he realizes that those comments can and did actually hurt - he stopped. And I quickly fell in love with the banter and back-and-forth insults. I think their relationship would have been boring without them, honestly.

Both this and the first book are on my wish-list. I think I need print copies to add to my favorites shelf - or rather, shelves.

Cover Lovin': Oh my, yes. Those eyes!

Recommendation: I really suggest reading the first book, The Matchmaker's Playbook, before reading this one. It really helps with the friend dynamic!

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5). Loved Lex, but I especially loved Lex with Gabi. A match made in heaven, for sure!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

    Wingman rule number two: never reveal how much you want them. Lex hates Gabi. Gabi hates Lex. But, hey, at least the hate is mutual, right? All Lex has to do is survive the next few weeks training Gabi in all the ways of Wingmen Inc. and then he can be done with her. But now that they have to work together, the sexual tension and fighting is off the charts. He isn’t sure if he wants to strangle her or throw her against the nearest sturdy table and have his way with her. But Gabi has a secret, something she’s keeping from not just her best friend but her nemesis too. Lines are blurred as Lex becomes less the villain she’s always painted him to be…and starts turning into something more. Gabi has always hated the way she’s been just a little bit attracted to him—no computer-science major should have that nice of a body or look that good in glasses—but “Lex Luthor” is an evil womanizer. He’s dangerous. Gabi should stay far, far away. Then again, she’s always wanted a little danger.

Amazon US / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / Amazon AU

  TAKE A LOOK AT THE EPIC COVER HERE    
I hated him. HATED him. Hate, hate, hate. I chanted the words to myself that very next morning as I stomped toward his ridiculously expensive house, next to the ridiculously nice lake, with his ridiculously loud red Mercedes parked out front. Jackass. I’d be doing society a favor if I set it on fire. Seriously. The thing was probably filled with so much bodily fluid and disease that if he got in a car accident he’d infect the entire freeway and start a citywide epidemic. I shuddered. I compartmentalized Lex into two boxes. The first box was Childhood Lex, the friend who used to hang out with Ian and me before he moved across town, never to be seen again. He used to ride with me to school, and when I was sick he gave me my own box of Kleenex—never mind that he stole it from his teacher’s desk. The point is, Childhood Lex was a keeper. Box number two? Asshole Lex, also known as the version I was walking toward. The Lex I met when I was eighteen, who momentarily stunned me speechless with his godlike beauty, had been a figment of my overactive, sad, hormone-riddled imagination. On the outside? The perfect man. With a brooding and sultry smile. Biceps the size of my head. Who gave me the distinct feeling that if I ran my hands over his buzzed hair I’d orgasm before he even touched me. Whatever. I was over it. So over it. A lot of people had stupid crushes when they were eighteen, right? Now all I saw when I looked into his stormy blue eyes was syph or the clap, and that was being generous. The dude was a walking STD and seriously tried every nerve I had. He was an ass. Plain and simple, no sugar coating. He was the type of guy who’d tell a chick that she looked fat in a dress or who refused to share the communal breadbasket. See! He couldn’t even adhere to typical manners during mealtime! Just thinking about him had me tied up in knots. Last year, when I went shopping and stupidly invited Ian along—which of course meant Lex had to come—I was told in no uncertain terms that if I would just stop drinking chocolate milk in the morning I’d be able to fit into a smaller size. He’d smiled. His dimples had deepened. He’d even crossed his arms as if to say, Look, I did you a favor, pat me on the back. Instead I had kicked him in the balls and tried to give him a black eye, clocking Ian in the face. My point? Lex. Was. The. Devil. I made a point of only hanging out with Lex when absolutely necessary, and even then I almost always had Ian as a buffer. But now that he was playing love nest with my ex-roomie, Blake? Well, I was on my own. Lex opened the door after my third aggressive knock. Black sweatpants hung low on his hips, a vintage Mariners shirt fell open around his neck, and he was wearing black-framed glasses that made his eyes more appealing than should be legal. “Sunshine,” he said, his smirk deepening as he crossed his burly arms over his chest. “Dickhead.” I smiled sweetly. “New glasses? They look thicker than last time.” “Better to see you with.” He leaned forward, his eyes narrowing into tiny slits. “There they are.” He reached for one of my boobs. I slapped his hand away so hard my palm stung. “Probably not the best way to treat your new male clients.” He shook his hand and turned towards the living room leaving the door wide open. Manners were completely lost on him. Gritting my teeth, I slammed the door behind me and took off my shoes because I knew if I didn’t he’d give me hell. He was a freak like that. For as much ass as he got, it was shocking how much Lysol he used around the house. His clothes were never wrinkled; everything was pristine. Even his breath. Damn him. He drank coffee like a Starbucks employee but never had coffee breath. It was almost painful, staring him in the face, knowing that everything on the outside appeared perfect—but didn’t match the inside at all, not even close! Beauty like Lex’s was dangerous and wickedly tempting, like something out of a paranormal romance novel. Sometimes, at night, when I dreamed of Lex getting hit by a car, I imagined him as a vampire roaming the streets in his favorite black sweats, shirtless, shimmering under the streetlights, just waiting for whores to line up so he could take a few bites. A pencil flew by my head. “Yo.” Lex’s eyebrows shot up. “We have a lot of work to do if we’re going to get you ready for the next two clients. Daydream about chicks on your own time.” “I’m not a lesbian.” He bit on his bottom lip, sinking back in his chair as his eyes slowly roamed from my mismatched socks all the way up to my head. “Okay, whatever you say, Gabs.” I will not commit homicide. I will not commit homicide. “You know,” I said as I tossed my purse onto the table, “it’s offensive that you assume all lesbians dress like crap.” So what? I was wearing a ratty white T-shirt and ripped jeans, and I was pretty sure I still had mascara on from the night before. It was my Lex repellant. He hated sloppiness. “Offensive.” He nodded. “Also true . . .” He used the spare pencil from behind his ear to slide my purse over to the farthest side of the table. “It wouldn’t kill you to wear something other than jeans and T-shirts, Gabs.” He sighed. “Say it with me: dresssss—” I grabbed the pencil from his hand, broke it into two pieces, and handed them back to him. “I wear dresses, just not for you. Dresses are your kryptonite, especially short black ones. I refuse to be a part of your ‘shower time.’” He snorted. “You wish.” “Yes. Every night when I go to sleep I pray for Lex to dream of me while he jerks off because yet another girl refused to follow his instructions in bed : ‘Damn it, use the manual!’” I said, using my best imitation of Lex’s voice. I’d only heard him shout instructions to a girl once, and it had scarred me for life. What the hell are you doing? Do I look like I’m satisfied? There’s a diagram! Ugh. Lex rolled his eyes. “Very funny, and the manual is there for a reason. Do you even know how many chicks get confused when I call out sexual positions? It’s like, get there faster, you know?” My feelings were torn between fascination and disgust. “So,” I changed the subject. “Let’s train, because I have about ten years worth of Organic Chem homework.” Lex sighed and held out his hand. “No.” I crossed my arms. “I don’t need help.” Okay, I needed help, desperately needed help, and Lex wasn’t just passably smart but a certified genius, at least when he applied himself. I refused to ask him to go over my homework just because Organic Chem was, to me, like reading a foreign language. He cleared his throat. I didn’t move. Finally, he stood, slowly walked over to the end of the table, and fished the chem book from my oversized purse. “What chapter?” “Lex—” “If I’m teaching you Organic Chem, at least say Professor Lex.” “Listen very closely, Lex.” I went over and jerked my book out of his hands. “I didn’t need your help last year when I almost failed biology, and I sure as hell don’t need your help now. Let’s just get this training done so I can go home and suffer in silence, alright?” “Fine.” He dropped my book against the table and then, without warning, grabbed me by my shoulders and pushed me against the counter that bordered the kitchen. My butt hit the cupboard . “Up until now we’ve been helping people find their perfect match. Basically acting like a wingman so that the idiots of this world see the girl who’s been standing in front of them all along .” Why was he standing so close? Did we have to be touching? I told my body not to respond to his proximity, but Lex was magnetic, even if every part of him was evil. My brain was having trouble functioning while his large palms were pressed into the tops of my shoulders. “Okay.” I swallowed. “And now that you’re allowing guys to become clients of Wingmen Inc., I basically do the same thing. Give them confidence, help them capture the one girl who’s always seen them as the friend—or worse, who they’ve been invisible to.” “What’s that like, I wonder?” Lex still didn’t release me. “Being invisible . . . Maybe next time a dude ignores you, take notes.” And another insult. “Lex.” I huffed out a breath. “Just get on with it.” “Right.” His eyes momentarily locked on mine before he rubbed the bridge of his nose where his glasses were perched. It was not sexy. It wasn’t. Really. That. Sexy. “So whenever we take on a new client, we give them a list of questions, meet them in a public place, and then use the power of human emotions like jealousy and curiosity to get the other person interested. That’s where you come in. If another girl sees our client as desirable, he becomes desirable.” “That easy?” “Sort of.” Lex leaned forward. “But you can’t suck.” “Suck?” “At anything.” His lips hovered near my mouth. He was starting to freak me out. I wanted to run away, but I was pinned. “Lex, if you kiss me I will bite your tongue off. I swear.” “If I was actually kissing you”—Lex released one of my shoulders and placed a finger against my mouth—“you’d know it. This, my frumpy friend, is training.” His lips descended. They pressed against mine, then pulled back. “Yeah.” He shook his head. “Gabs, you’re going to need to open your mouth a bit more. Guys are stupid. They always assume that more tongue means better kissing, when the opposite is true, but you still need to have your lips parted, not locked down like Fort Knox.” “What’s happening?” I tried to push away from him. Lex rolled his eyes. “Gabs, believe me, this is all business. You can even keep your hand on my junk the whole time.” “What!” I roared. “So you know without a doubt that nothing about you turns me on.” He grinned menacingly. “Seriously, I don’t mind.” “I do!” “Hey!” He chuckled. “I was just trying to help.” “Grabbing your penis is not the answer, Lex!” “Weird, because it so often is.” “I hate today.” “Is it the rain?” He frowned. “It’s not—” “It is.” “Stop that!” I shoved him. “Hurry up and grade my kissing skills so I can go home and study.” “Kissing, hand holding, hugging, cuddling, laughing, winking—just a few things you need to master.” He was firing off so many horrible, body-numbing words. “Just hurry up,” I grumbled in a defeated voice as I tried to block out the fact that he was a good-looking ass who offended me with every single breath he took. “Ah . . .” Lex held up his hand. “One never hurries a kiss.” “What about a passionate kiss?” “A passionate kiss isn’t hurried, it’s frenzied. Damn, don’t you know anything?” Heat swamped my cheeks. “How many guys have you kissed, Gabs?” “Plenty!” Five. I’d kissed five. “You blush down your neck when you lie.” Lex cupped my chin and then brought his lips down against mine again. “Part.” Sighing against his mouth, I relaxed my lips while his slid across. He pulled back, wearing a frown of irritation. “A bit more, Gabs. Guys want access.” I kept my eyes open. So did he. I didn’t want him assuming I was into it, which was probably his exact line of thinking. Only keeping my eyes open was an entirely raw experience, watching him watch me while I felt him. I shivered. “Cold?” That stupid smirk was back. “Frigid.” I glared, putting myself down before he had a chance to. “You read my mind.” He nodded seriously. “Now stop being a bitch, and let me teach you how to kiss.” “I know how to kiss!” I don’t know what came over me—maybe it was the need to prove myself, or possibly it was just stress over the entire situation. Needing to stay in school and hating that he was the answer, I wrapped my arms around his neck and jumped, my hips colliding with his as I mauled his mouth with as much passion as I could conjure up, this time closing my eyes and putting everything I had into it. With a growl, Lex pushed me back against the countertop. As my butt collided with the edge, his tongue plunged into my mouth and his hands dug into my hair, pulling it free from its ponytail while he changed positions his lips demanding a punishing kiss from a different angle as his he gave my hair a harder tug back. I grasped at his T-shirt, pulling him closer and nearly falling backward into the sink. And then, just when I was in danger of losing myself to the kiss that would probably be the best kiss of my life, I bit down on his bottom lip. That move didn’t work out the way I’d planned, not at all. In my head it was smart. I’d piss him off, get him to pull back and leave me alone. It did nothing of the sort. Nothing of the sort at all. With a hiss he pulled back, fire blazing in his eyes. For a split second that seemed to go on for an eternity, he hovered and I waited, both of us on the edge of something. He wet his lips, I mimicked the movement, and then, like a snake, he struck. His mouth fused to mine in a punishing kiss, one that bruised my mouth while imprinting its essence on my soul.    
   Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor. She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers! Want to be kept up to date on new releases? Text MAFIA to 66866! You can connect with her on Facebook www.facebook.com/rachelvandyken or join her fan group Rachel's New Rockin Readers. Her website is www.rachelvandykenauthor.com . FACEBOOK / TWITTER / GOODREADS / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE / NEWSLETTER