Review: BACK TO GOOD by Laura Benson!

Today we have the blog tour for Back to Good by Laura Benson! Check out this sexy contemporary romance and enter Laura’s giveaway today!

Type: Contemporary, Romance, Stand Alone, Rock Stars, Love Triangle, Back to.... good?

My Review: This started off really well. I liked the premise, I liked the characters, and I was really enjoying the situation they were all thrown into. And then at some point, it just started going downhill for me, and in the end I was more frustrated than anything. I refuse to give out specifics about what really angered me, as they would be huge spoilers - but I will say that I think the ending was a total cop-out. It just felt too contrived, or maybe a "crap, what can I do now?" moment.

The three stars are because this started out so well. I did like the author's writing style, it was just the last half of the book I didn't enjoy. Unfortunately, by 50-ish percent into the book, I disliked pretty much everyone, but I had to know what was going to happen. And what the heck was that thing with Eva? It seemed like it was just thrown in to add a little extra drama, but felt like it made no sense considering everyone's feelings and interests at the time. I wish I could go into more specifics, and I might add said specifics to my Goodreads review, since I can hide them under a spoiler tab - you can find my Goodreads profile via the button on the left of this blog, or by clicking HERE, if you're interested.

Cover Lovin': Heck, yes!

Recommendation: Stand-alone, no prior knowledge necessary. Steer clear if you can't stand love triangles.

Final Rating: THREE out of FIVE stars (3/5). This had its ups and downs, and unfortunately the downs were really low for me. An entertaining read, but overall - nothing to write home about.

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

About Back to Good: Charlotte Banks (Charlie) is newly graduated from college and working in public relations. She is given a case that is just a bit too close to the heart. Joey Carino is a rock god, but now with his life spinning out of control, it's up to Charlie to try and save his reputation with his record label and his fans. However, dealing with Joey means dealing with Matthew Johns, Joey's best friend and Charlie's worst nightmare. Get Your Copy Today: Kobo: http://bit.ly/btgkobo Amazon: http://tinyURL.com/backtogood Barnes & Noble: http://tinyurl.com/barnesnoble iBooks: http://bit.ly/iBookbtg Smashwords: http://bit.ly/smashbtg   About Laura Benson: Laura Benson was born in 1968, during a year of terrible strife. She is a wife and the mother of two daughters, one stepson, and the grandmother of precocious 8- month old. With Two basset hounds and the Arizona dust, she can't seem to keep her floors clean. Her penchant for wine has gotten her into more than trouble than necessary. Especially when she is with her friends. Originally from Massachusetts, she made her way out west in 2013 and hasn't looked back. The lack of blizzards is big bonus to living in Arizona. She started as a blogger in 2008, attended many book conventions and author signings and is ready for this new part of her life.   Connect with Laura: www.facebook.com/lmbauthor www.twitter.com/lauram68 Enter Laura’s Giveaway: a Rafflecopter giveaway        

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

Review: PERFECTLY PAIRED by Lexi Blake!

Type: Contemporary Romance, BDSM, Series, Book 3, Buttoned-up hottie


My Review: So my love of BDSM books should be well known by now - and this is one if those authors I have been meaning to check out because she shows up on all the best-of lists. And oh my, there's a very good reason she's well liked. There was more than a few times I was sure my glasses would start fogging up because things we're getting so steamy. Lexi Blake definitely knows her way around a hot bossy Dom.

But I think what I appreciated the most in this book we're the little things - how the reader could actually see the hero and heroine starting to tune themselves together. Or how one would jump to the defense of the other. Small things like that make a romance feel not just genuine, but so sweet. If this is how the rest of this series is, count me in!

My only critique is that coming in later to this series, I did feel a little lost now and again, mostly when they we're talking business or when other characters would pop in. So unless you're one that easily goes with the flow, you might want to start from the very beginning.

Cover Lovin': Oh my, definitely loving this cover!

Recommendation: It definitely helps to have prior knowledge of the series.

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5)!! Loved the steamy scenes, complete with proper aftercare (always a bonus), and the characters we're just perfect.

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

  A table for two Waitress Tiffany Hayes knows what she wants and she wants Sebastian. Top’s grumpy sommelier calls to her in a way no man has before. She simply needs to show him that they belong together. Finding an opportunity to spend some quality time with him turns out to be the easy part. Convincing Sebastian to look beyond his damaged heart and soul is far more difficult. A thirst he can’t deny After losing everything he held dear, Sebastian Lowe has finally rebuilt his life and the walls around his heart. Tiffany is a sweet temptation he struggles to resist. She’s bright and complex, but he’s sure she can’t handle his dark desires. When they’re thrown together on an assignment, he can’t help himself. A perfect pairing   As passion builds, the new lovers are both forced to face their pasts. To have a future, they must find a way to heal the wounds they thought would haunt them forever. * * * *  

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  Damn but she was a beautiful woman. She was also something he needed to keep his hands off of. No matter what Big Tag said, he did not date women he worked with. He didn’t really date anyone. He played with subs. When the need got too great, he found a partner for a brief time. He didn’t sleep with anyone. He fucked, and that was starting to get very old. Empty. “So you said something about house rules?” Tiffany leaned forward, her elbows on the bar. “Are these housekeeping rules or like big bad Dom rules?” “I don’t suppose I differentiate.” He couldn’t let those big eyes of hers soften him up. It had almost happened at her apartment. When she’d stood up after he’d spanked her and there had been tears running down her face, his impulse had been to reach for her. He’d wanted to draw her in the way he had that night when she was drunk and she’d cried on his shoulder. He’d wanted to smooth back her hair and promise her everything was going to be all right, that he could fix things for her. It was a path that was sure to lead to discomfort for her and humiliation for him. “I prefer a clean living space. I don’t like for things to be messy. I expect that you will keep your things in their proper place.” Because no matter how hard he tried, he could still trip. The legs he now walked on were only a year old. He’d spent the first two years in a wheelchair. The Garden’s Wheelchair Dom. He still wasn’t completely comfortable in the prosthetics. “I can try,” she said with a frown. “I’ll be honest, I’m not the world’s biggest neat freak.” He’d been able to tell that from the state of her apartment. It had been cluttered, a bit dusty. With the exception of her easel. That had been perfectly taken care of. He rather wished he’d taken the time to ask to see her art. He’d seen one painting that night he’d taken her home. It had been a painting of three laughing girls, the swirling colors so vibrant he could hear them giggling as they splashed in a puddle on a rainy day. The figures had been more impressions than photographic reality, but he’d known what she was trying to convey. “If you cook I’ll clean, and the other way around.” He’d started a list in his head on the long drive. The drive that would have been considerably shorter had they left at the proper time. As she’d sung along to sugary pop songs after she’d changed his radio, he’d sat and considered how to proceed. With caution. Lots and lots of caution. “I’m not the best cook in the world,” he continued, “but I can manage. Most nights, of course, we’ll be eating at Top as our training sessions for the new restaurant will last long hours, but I would prefer to eat breakfast here rather than skipping the meal or picking up fast food. Eric made sure the fridge was stocked with a few items I requested.” “Breakfast.” She gave him a little salute with her free hand. “I can manage that.” “In addition to our duties at Top, we will now be taking on the additional task of appearing to be a long-term D/s couple, and we need to talk about what that should look like.” Another thing he’d been thinking about ever since that moment the trap had closed around him. “You know you probably could have gotten us out of this assignment. It’s much more difficult for the Dom to say no. The sub always holds the power. Is there a reason you didn’t use yours today?” “I didn’t want to,” she replied simply. “I don’t have a full-time Dom and I thought it would be interesting to see what that’s like.” Was she thinking at all? “You know nothing about how I function as a dominant partner.” “And now I do,” she replied. “You like rules and schedules and you tend to be very fair.” “I can be quite exacting in my standards.” “I can be quite flexible,” she shot back as the sexiest smile crossed her face. “I’m serious about that. I can still do the splits and everything.” “You’re far too reckless, Tiffany.” He didn’t appreciate recklessness so why was she like a siren calling to him? If he listened, he would end up wrecked. “You’re far too uptight, Sebastian.”    

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog int eh world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

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

Review: INK EXPOSED by Carrie Ann Ryan!

Type: Contemporary Romance, Series, Book 6, Tattooed Hotties, 

My Review: Every book I read by Carrie Ann Ryan makes me fall in love with her that much more. I've seen a million recommendations for the Montgomery Ink series, and I can totally see why - and even offer my own rec's! The family dynamic is addicting, the characters genuine and loveable... Really, it's just all around awesome.

I want to commend the author for the fantastic portrayal of alcoholism and the recovery process. Alex isn't magically cured after rehab, he has to continue the fight even years down the road. I appreciate how true to life that is, and made me fall that much more in love with Alex. And as much as I would love him for myself, I swooned when I read his lovey scenes with Tabitha. They are perfect for each other, and I loved every second of their relationship.

Cover Lovin': Yes, please!

Recommendation: This works just fine as a stand alone, though I'm sure you'll get addicted to the Montgomerys and want to read more.

Final Rating: FOUR out if FIVE stars (4/5)!! This was so good, a one-sitting read for sure.

Happy Reading!
~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

 

About INK EXPOSED

The Montgomery Ink series continues with the brother that deserves a second chance, and the woman who has always loved him.

Alex Montgomery lost his first love and then proceeded to leave himself in the bottle. Only he and his ex-wife truly know why he fell so hard and so fast down a path he never thought he’d take. Now he’s clean, out of rehab, and learning how to be a Montgomery once again—a task that isn’t quite as easy as some of his family assumes. Tabby Collins is an honorary Montgomery and the organizational mastermind behind Montgomery Inc., the family’s construction company. She loves her planners, friends, and a certain dark-haired man who’s never given her a second glance. Alex is slowly re-immersing himself back into the world, but the demons he faced before aren’t out of the picture, and he’ll have to learn to rely on others to make it out whole. When Alex discovers that Tabby’s life is in danger, he not only finds a way to help her but also learns the true woman behind the soft smiles he’s always seen. Their romance won’t be an easy one, but nothing this passionate and heart-pounding ever is.

Add INK EXPOSED to your Goodreads list here!

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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.

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

Release Week Blast: TOO HOT TO HANDLE by Tessa Bailey

Title: TOO HOT TO HANDLE

Author: Tessa Bailey

Series: Romancing The Clarksons, #1

On Sale: November 29, 2016

Publisher: Forever

Mass Market: $5.99 USD

eBook: $2.99 USD

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Previously released as an eBook in May 2016, the first book in Tessa Bailey’s Romancing the Clarksons series is now available in print for the first time!

When rescue looks like a whole lot of trouble . . .

The road trip was definitely a bad idea. Having already flambéed her culinary career beyond recognition, Rita Clarkson is now stranded in God-Knows-Where, New Mexico, with a busted-ass car and her three temperamental siblings, who she hasn't seen in years. When rescue shows up—six-feet-plus of hot, charming sex on a motorcycle—Rita's pretty certain she's gone from the frying pan right into the fire . . .

Jasper Ellis has a bad boy reputation in this town, and he loathes it. The moment he sees Rita, though, Jasper knows he's about to be sorely tempted. There's something real between them. Something raw. And Jasper has only a few days to show Rita that he isn't just for tonight—he's forever.

EXCERPT

“So.” He plunked his beer down on the bar. “Where were you four headed in that big, rusty Suburban before Hurley reeled you in?”

She looked pensive as her shit-stomping boots started to sway back and forth, bumping the wooden rungs of the stool. “We need to be in Coney Island by New Year’s Day. So we can jump into the Atlantic Ocean.”

“Why—what?” He dropped onto the stool beside her, his drink forgotten on the bar. “That’s pretty high on the list of things I didn’t expect.”

“Oh, I know the feeling.” A beat passed. “It was our mother’s last wish.”

“I’m sorry.”

She nodded, brushing her hair back in a jerky motion, as if she were uncomfortable having someone’s undivided attention. He’d never had cause to use the word preposterous before, but that was the only way he could describe her lack of confidence. Despite the inappropriate name, the Liquor Hole was his life’s work, and, at the moment, it was nothing more than an unworthy backdrop for Rita. And, God, he was staring at her hands like an aggressive palm reader. “Most mothers want to avoid having their children turn into floating ice sculptures. What was her reason?”

“Good question.” A hint of sadness winked in her eyes, and Jasper wished he’d let the subject drop. This was what happened when he avoided talking about sex. He stumbled right into deceased parents. And yet he wasn’t sorry. Not even a little bit. He wanted to know everything. “I think…she meant it as some sort of symbolic bonding experiment. But I don’t know. We’re kind of unbondable.”

“Got the feeling I interrupted a near-melee this afternoon.”

“Aaron called my soufflé decent.” A strand of dark hair caught on her lips when she shook her head. It took one hundred percent of his impulse control not to tug it away, but she beat him to it, anyhow. “It sounds silly now.”

“Nah.” Jasper couldn’t help leaning in to get a whiff of cooking spices. “He would have had it coming just for dressing like a preacher on a weekday.”

Another one of those quiet, smoky laughs. “I guess there’s a fine line between politician and preacher.”

“Politician?” Jasper shivered, then recalled the threat Rita’s brother had leveled at his head back on the highway. “Still, I can’t help but like him for wanting you safe from a stranger. He can’t be all that bad if he worries about you.”

“Worried might be an exaggeration,” Rita said.

When her golden-brown gaze lit on his mouth, Jasper realized he’d moved into her personal space without any conscious thought. One of her knees brushed the denim covering his hip and, God help him, if the bar were empty he would’ve been between her split thighs before she could call for Jesus. For someone who hadn’t felt more than a passing appreciation for the opposite sex in years, his libido was sure trying to play catch-up tonight.

“What are you thinking about?”

Lie. He had to lie. I want to strip you down and fuck you on this seat, but I’m trying my hand at being a gentleman, was not an acceptable line. It was too aggressive when she seemed spooked merely from his close proximity. But she was leaving, leaving his town tomorrow, and the slow-game option had been ambitious for Jasper when he knew nothing about it. So he’d tell the truth while leaving out the oh-so-dirty reality in his pants. “I was thinking it would have been a goddamn shame if you’d broken down one town over.” His voice was gravel, so he cleared it. “More than a shame. I’m kind of finding it hard to think about, if you want to know the truth.”

For long moments, he couldn’t hear a single sound in the loud bar. No music, no crunching ice or raucous laughter. And, somehow, he knew she couldn’t hear the noise, either. It was there in the perplexity of her expression. He expected her to call bullshit or make a joke, but she didn’t. She shocked him instead.

“I’ll think I’ll take that kiss now.”

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THE ROMANCING THE CLARKSONS SERIES

Too Hot To Handle, #1

Too Wild To Tame, #2

Too Hard To Forget, #3

Series Page on Goodreads

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tessa Bailey is originally from Carlsbad, California. The day after high school graduation, she packed her yearbook, ripped jeans, and laptop, and drove cross-country to New York City in under four days. Her most valuable life experiences were learned thereafter while waitressing at K-Dees, a Manhattan pub owned by her uncle. Inside those four walls, she met her husband, best friend, and discovered the magic of classic rock, managing to put herself through Kingsborough Community College and the English program at Pace University at the same time. Several stunted attempts to enter the work force as a journalist followed, but romance writing continued to demand her attention.

She now lives in Long Island, New York with her husband and daughter. Although she is severely sleep-deprived, she is incredibly happy to be living her dream of writing about people falling in love.

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Excerpt & Release Day Awesomeness: OUT OF BOUNDS by Lauren Blakely!

 

From NYT Bestselling author Lauren Blakely, comes a sexy new standalone sports romance…

OUT OF BOUNDS!

Ready to be swept off your feet? Meet the witty, sexy, dirty-talking quarterback Drew in OUT OF BOUNDS! Grab your copy today!

   

EXCERPT:

“Be on your best behavior, Drew,” he says, a teasing tone in his voice.

            “I always am,” I reply, and the fact is, that’s true. Clean-cut is my nickname.

            “And text if you’re done early.”

            “If I’m done early, I’m having a date with my mattress.”

            He groans. “You are the definition of no fun.”

            I grin. “That’s me. That’s why Qwench wants me now. Because I know how to get a good night’s sleep and stay out of the line of fire.”

            When I hang up, I step out of the car, hand the keys to the valet, and thank him. Then I head inside, where Stuart greets me in the room reserved for the event, claps me on the back, and introduces me to several people. A photographer snaps shots the whole time, and I play the role that’s hardly a role—the outgoing, non-trouble-making, peace-loving quarterback who doesn’t throw punches or raise fists, like others before me have. 

            Don’t smoke, don’t do drugs, don’t have unprotected sex, and I also don’t speed. Squeaky clean indeed. Not even a traffic ticket on the record, and certainly no knocked-up teenyboppers with mini Drews baking in their bellies.

            Stuart introduces me to the red-haired, freckle-faced guy who heads up this charity. “And this is Drew Erickson. He’s our new starter. We’re thrilled to have him on the team, especially since he’s already active with many wonderful charitable endeavors,” Stuart says to the ginger-haired guy.

            We exchange small talk for a few minutes, then Stuart drops a hand on my shoulder and tells me there’s someone else he wants me to meet. “I’d love to introduce you to a sharp-as-a-tack woman who makes sure I don’t fumble,” he says, then winks in case I didn’t realize he was making a joke.

            I smile to let him know I got it—fumbling humor and all—then my smile turns into a ruler-straight line when I turn on my heels and see my surfer angel.

            Holy shit. She’s hot as sin in a red skirt, white blouse, and black heels. She holds a drink. Her blond hair is twisted on her head. Damn. The smoking-hot look is almost enough to make me forget she blew me off. My dick, the traitorous bastard, has already come down with amnesia. The fucker wants her.

            “This is Dani Paige. She’s an attorney for the team,” he says, and I attempt to school my expression as I come face-to-face with the woman who ditched me.

            And all I want to do is toss her on my shoulder, stalk to the bathroom, slam the door, and ask her why the fuck she didn’t call. Then when she tells me it was because she was too busy getting off to thoughts of me, I’d kiss the hell out of her until she melted in my arms and begged me to take her. I’d happily oblige. Hoist her up, hook her legs around my hips, and fuck her against the wall until she comes harder than she ever has before.

            Instead, I shake her free hand. “Pleasure to meet you.” Then I whisper, just for her. “Jaws.”

"Out of Bounds smolders with heat, desire, and wicked swoon-worthy excitement!"

~Beneath the Covers Book Blog

 

"So much passion and intensity that you wouldn't expect in a sports romance, but once again, Lauren Blakely BRINGS IT”

~Shayna Renee Spicy Reads

The first rule of football--don't screw with a streak.

My career is finally looking up, and I'm leading a new pro team down the field every Sunday. No way will I mess with that. But when I meet the most stunning and captivating woman I've ever seen, I tell myself one night will have to be enough.

But it's not. And now I can't get her out of my mind. Even when I'm playing. Even when I need to focus. Even when I’m on the hottest streak of my life.

And it turns out, she's not just some random woman I met. She works for the team. My team.

***

I only have one goal this season--do my part as the team's lawyer to keep them out of trouble. Help rebuild their reputation on and off the field. There's no room for error and certainly no room for a secret tryst with a player . . . even if he's the quarterback.

Right?

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"The perfect mix of sexiness, laughter, and sweetness."

~Two Book Pushers

   

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    About Lauren Blakely: Since self-publishing her debut romance novel CAUGHT UP IN US over three years ago, Lauren Blakely has sold more than 1.5 million books. She is known for her sexy contemporary romance style that's full of heat, heart and humor. A devout fan of cake and canines, Lauren has plotted entire novels while walking her four-legged friends. She lives in California with her family. With twelve New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than seventy times. Her bestselling series include Sinful Nights, Seductive Nights, No Regrets, Caught Up in Love, and Fighting Fire as well as standalone hit romances like BIG ROCK, MISTER O, WELL HUNG, and THE SEXY ONE which were all instant New York Times Bestsellers. In January she'll release FULL PACKAGE, a standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter.  

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