Review: "TOUGH LOVE" by Lori Foster!

Release Date: August 25th, 2015 Pre-order it HERE!

Type: Contemporary Romance, Fighters, Sports Romance, Awesome author, bonus novella included, Favorites, Series, Book 3

About the Book: She's playing hard to get… to win the MMA fighter of her ultimate fantasies in a sultry new novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster…

Vanity Baker loves a good, clean match, but she's not above playing a little dirty. She's wanted Stack "The Wolf" Hannigan from day one. Seems as though the best way to corral the famously commitment-phobic fighter is to insist on keeping it casual. And her plan works—deliciously well—until Stack's past steps out of the shadows. 

Stack learned early to stay free of attachments. But with sexy, forthright Vanity, he's the one always left wanting more. Then his troublemaking family comes back into the picture, threatening everything Stack cares about—Vanity included. Suddenly he realizes they're much more than friends with benefits. He's ready to go to the mat for her…but will it be in time to protect the woman who's tamed him for good? [Synopsis from the back of the book]

My Review: One of my favorite things about this series is that each book picks up right where the other left off. The story is definitely Stack and Vanity's, but that doesn't mean we don't get Armie, Denver, Leese, and more. There is such a family dynamic in this group that their stories and lives intertwine - and it makes for some great reading. And while talking about the group itself, I'd like to mention how much I appreciate that author Lori Foster doesn't have the fighters skimp on their training. Sure, there's times it's in the background while she focuses on the love story, but even with all this other stuff going on, these guys are dedicated athletes, and they work hard and eat right to stay in prime condition. It's small things like this that show Foster did her homework, and that she is dedicated to writing good, true characters.

Stack and Vanity are wonderful together. And from their first meet up in previous books, the connection is obvious - and they lose none of that connectivity when they finally get their own story. Vanity is giving, kind, and always hopes for the best in people - but that does not make her a pushover. I love reading about a strong heroine that can hold her own against the world, and even against the hero if need be. And moving on to the hero himself, Stack did tend to drive me nuts when he would jump to conclusions. The big fight at the end of the story made me want to give him a good smack on the back of the head, to come to his senses. But even when he's being an idiot, he knows when to let things drop and bring them back up when people are more rational, which is something I admire. I just wish he had a better way of expressing himself in the rough moments. But really, what's a hero without faults? - creepy, that's what.

I so enjoy this series. These guys are the gruff, alpha-male macho type, but that does not mean that they aren't good people, and that they don't have their soft moments. I have never been disappointed in one of Lori Foster's books. She writes some seriously good stories.

I can't wait for Armie!!!

Cover Lovin': *Fans self* - Lori always gets good covers. And I think this is a good choice of cover model for Stack.

Recommendation: It helps to read the rest of the series before this one, as previous characters do show back up, and previous story lines do impact future books. Also, they were just that amazing, so be sure to look into them all!

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars!

Read my review of book two HERE!

Be sure to check out the rest of the series!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Disclaimer: I received a free, advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Release Week Blitz: BETTER WHEN HE'S BRAVE by Jay Crownover - Excerpt!

 

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the Release Week Blitz for Jay Crownover's BETTER WHEN HE'S BRAVE!! BETTER WHEN HE’S BRAVE is a New Adult Contemporary Romance and is a part of Jay Crownover’s Welcome to the Point Series. This awesome book is available now! Go grab your copy today!

   

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BETTER WHEN HE’S BRAVE Excerpt:    
It hit me like a ton of bricks. So heavy and hard it almost took me to my knees. Roark had been going after the thing that mattered most to me from the very beginning. I cared about the people that still had a shot to make it out of the Point. I fought for the innocent and the young because I often felt like no one else was going to. Every person that Roark had hurt, had twisted, had infected in his quest to exact his revenge had been someone I’d sworn I would protect and keep safe.
It started with the kid whose neck he snapped and ditched outside of the Pit. Just some dumb jock barely in his twenties that liked to gamble, but he was just a kid and deserved a better end. Then it was the club. Before it burned to the ground, Nassir had been deliberately lured away and all the victims were just kids out looking for some trouble and fun. They lost their lives doing what kids all across the country did every single day. After that it was the girl on the dock and the armed stripper at Spanky’s. Two girls too young to be caught up in that kind of life and too young to be dead. Two girls I should’ve been able to keep safe. And lastly there was my brother. Sure, Bax was far from innocent, far from having a shot at a good and law-abiding life, but he was still my only family, my blood, and even if I had let him down in the past, I took my duty to keep him safe and keep him out of trouble to heart now. Killing Bax would have served the dual purpose of exacting revenge on the man who Roark thought was responsible for his father’s death and rubbing salt into the wound I would suffer for being unable to protect him.
The realization of how insidious and malicious as well as how fucking brilliant in his evil machinations Roark was had me shaking so hard I almost missed Brysen’s words as she whispered “Someone needs to stop him; he can’t be allowed to go after anyone anymore.”
I blew out a breath and tried to steady myself. “I’m trying.”
She narrowed her very blue eyes. “Try harder.”
No wonder Race was sprung on her. She looked like a doll but had the bite of a barracuda. She was his perfect match in that way—all golden and glossy on the outside but made of stronger, more resilient stuff on the inside. If Roark did have Karsen, I sure hoped the younger Carter was as tough as Brysen.
Just as the big, black utility vehicles with SWAT team members and the bomb technicians rolled up to the scene, the metal front doors at the front of the school clanked open and Booker came striding through with his arm wrapped around an obviously shaken and upset Karsen. The teen looked so tiny and fragile next to the giant man that it had murderous rage toward Roark thumping heavy not just through my heart but the heart of the beast that was wide awake in my chest and hungry for retribution.
Brysen let out a squeal and took off running toward the duo. I should’ve stopped her considering the building still wasn’t secure and I still had no idea where Roark was lurking, but I didn’t have the heart to keep her away from her sister. The two blondes hugged and then they were both crying as Booker was ripped away from the teen and slapped into cuffs by the same cop he has shoved over only moments before.
Karsen started yelling when the cop started to haul Booker away, but Brysen shushed her and guided her over to where I was still standing. I watched curiously as the guys dressed in black tactical gear unloaded a robot that looked like something from Star Wars and used a computer to guide it toward the front of the school. I was dying to know if they were going to find anything or if this had all been some elaborate ruse Roark had staged only to show me he had me right where he wanted me.
“Are you okay?” The teenager was crying big, fat, silent tears but she looked unharmed. She nodded and looked in the direction where the cops had taken Booker.
“Why is he getting arrested? He was the only one that came and looked for me.” Ouch. That accusation burned hot across my skin.
“He pushed a cop. They tend to take offense at that. Why were you still inside the building, Karsen? What happened?” I didn’t want to press her too hard because she was obviously pretty shaken up but I didn’t have any time to waste either.

BETTER WHEN HE’S BRAVE Synopsis: In New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jay Crownover’s third novel in her sexy, thrilling Welcome to the Point series, a woman’s search for repentance leads her to the one man from her past she can’t forget as they join forces to save their city—and the explosive love neither can live without. Titus King sees the world in black and white. Right and wrong. Which is why as a teenager he left behind the only family he’d ever known to make a better life for himself. Now a police detective in one of the worst cities in the country, he can’t deny his life has turned into a million different shades of gray. The new criminal element in The Point has brought vengeance and destruction right to Titus’s front door, and the difference between right and wrong is nothing compared to keeping those he loves alive. To add to his already strained moral compass, the beautiful and mysterious Reeve Black has made her way back to town, and she might be as dangerous to Titus as the guy trying to destroy the Point because he needs her—in more ways than one. Reeve knows all about how ruthless this new threat to destroy The Point can be… and instead of running away, she wants to help. She has a lot to repent for and saving the city, plus the hot cop that she hasn’t been able to forget might just be the only way she can finally find some inner peace. With an entire city poised on the brink of war, Titus and Reeve stand in the crossfire—and it will take two brave souls to fight for the ultimate love.  

And don’t miss the previous books in The Point Series!

BETTER WHEN HE’S BAD

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BETTER WHEN HE’S BOLD

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      About Jay Crownover: Jay Crownover is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men and The Point 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 ** Blog ** Facebook ** Twitter

BETTER WHEN HE’S BRAVE Goodreads ** Jay Crownover Goodreads

 

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Review: POWER PLAY by Tiffany Snow

Release Date: June 30, 2015

Type: Romantic Suspense, Series, Book One, Contemporary Romance, Risky Business Series, Love Triangle, You can arrest me anytime Officer!

About the Book: Sage Reese lives for her job. More precisely, she lives for her debonair boss, Parker Andersen. Sage handles everything for Parker, even as she fantasizes about the one thing that isn't in her job description: him. But when a high-stakes account crosses the line from shady to deadly, a tough cop starts giving Sage the attention she wishes Parker would . . .

Detective Dean Ryker couldn't be more different from Parker. While Parker wears expensive suits like a second skin and drives a BMW, Ryker's uniform is leather jackets and jeans . . . and his ride of choice is a Harley. While Parker's sexiness is a reserved, slow burn, Ryker is completely upfront about what-and who-he's after. And Sage tops his list.

Now, as Ryker digs deeper into the dark side of Parker's business, Sage finds herself caught between two men: the one she's always wanted-and the one who makes her feel wanted like never before . . . [Description from the back cover]

My Review: I'll be the first person to tell you that I am over love triangles. It's been done - a lot. But you know what, apparently there is some part of me that still sees that story line as a guilty pleasure. Power Play is a fascinating romantic suspense with a very tough choice - do you love Parker or Ryker more? On one hand, we have the sexy, clean-cut boss, and on the other hand, we have the rough and tumble cop.

The love triangle isn't the only cliche in this book. There's plenty, for exampe - the boss that doesn't notice her until another man shows interest - but the suspense in this book was worth it. I loved the story itself. Sage was in a tough place, and I was on the edge of my seat while it all played out. The Mafia angle was fascinating, and it made me both excited and nervous.

When I found out the second book featured the same people, I was a little turned off. But considering how Power Play ends, I cannot wait until the second book!

Cover Lovin': Well, this one caught my eye so that should tell you something.

Recommendation: If you still need some love triangles in your life. And if you love some suspense with your romance. And be prepared to immediately pre-order book 2!

Final Rating: FOUR out of FIVE stars (4/5). Some cliches, for sure, but overall, this was a very enjoyable read. Definitely a guilty pleasure of mine.

Get your copy today, and pre-order book 2!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Disclaimer: I received a free, advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thanks Netgalley!

Blog Barrage: HER SINFUL ANGEL by Felicity Heaton!

Her Sinful Angel, book eight in New York Times best-seller Felicity Heaton’s hot paranormal romance series, Her Angel, is now available in ebook and paperback. To celebrate the release, she’s holding a FANTASTIC GIVEAWAY at her website.
Find out how to enter the Her Sinful Angel international giveaway (ends August 9th) and be in with a shot of winning a $75, $50 or $25 gift certificate at her website, where you can also download a 5 chapter sample of the novel: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/her-sinful-angel-romance-book.php
Here’s more about Her Sinful Angel, including an excerpt from this paranormal romance novel.
Author's Website | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon DE | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | iBooks US | iBooks UK | iBooks AU | iBooks CA | iBooks NZ | ARE | Google Play | GoodReads

Cast out of Heaven and now the king of Hell, Lucifer is a powerful fallen angel warrior with a heart as cold as ice and soul as black as the bottomless pit. For millennia, he has ruled his realm with an iron fist as he plots the demise of his ancient enemies. When one of those enemies dumps an unconscious mortal female in the courtyard of his fortress and leaves her there, Lucifer finds himself entranced by the beguiling beauty and tempted beyond all reason. But is the enchanting Nina an innocent pawn in the eternal game or part of a plot against him?

Her Sinful Angel is available from Amazon Kindle, Kobo Books, Barnes and Noble Nook, Apple iBooks stores and other retailers. Also available in paperback. Find the links to your preferred retailer at: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/her-sinful-angel-romance-book.php

Her Sinful Angel – Excerpt

Lucifer stood in his study in front of the middle of the three towering windows, his gaze fixed on the distant plateau. White light broke the darkness there, a sign that angels were travelling between his realm and the mortal one.
A world he hadn’t set foot in for millennia.
His golden gaze slid off to his left and downwards, towards the room where he had left the mortal female.
Her world.
He clasped his hands behind his back and studied the black stone floor. His black suit jacket stretched tight across his chest as he breathed slowly but steadily, his mind churning over everything he had learned about the woman in his custody.
He still didn’t know why Mihail had brought her to him, and he couldn’t help thinking that it was a trap. It was possible that the woman had been given instructions, orders that were buried so deep in her mind that she wouldn’t remember receiving them. Some angels possessed the power to manipulate weaker creatures in such a manner, and everything she had told him yesterday had made it clear that Mihail or another angel had tampered with her memories.
If she had been given orders, then he had to wait for the right event to trigger them before he could discover why Mihail had sent her.
Lucifer narrowed his gaze on the floor, his focus on the woman.
He didn’t think she was anything other than mortal, but it was entirely possible he was wrong about that. Some species could masquerade as mortals. Shifters in particular. It had been a very long time since he had encountered one from that species, long enough that he might not recognise them.
She could be a witch too.
But she didn’t feel powerful to him. Her strength was barely a drop in the ocean of his.
Was she using a spell to mask her power and muddle his ability to detect lies on her?
He shook his head at that.
She hadn’t lied to him when he had asked whether she could remember what had happened to her, but she had lied when she had told him that she couldn’t think of a reason why anyone would want to harm her or have her kidnapped. If she possessed the ability to conceal her lies, she would have hidden that one from him.
There had been a haunted edge to her bright peridot eyes as she had uttered that lie and a spike in her heart rate that had warned him that she had walked the same path as he had millennia ago—a path of pain and suffering.
Of betrayal.
A path he still walked now.
He didn’t know what had happened to her, and he didn’t want to know.
She wasn’t here so he could learn about her. She was here so he could discover Mihail’s plan and take the angel down once and for all.
Lucifer dragged his focus away from her and fixed it back on the plateau.
Mihail was up to something and he had to concentrate on discovering what that was.
His focus slipped, his acute senses drifting to pinpoint the woman again.
Who had betrayed her?
The first stirrings of anger warmed his heart, warning him to pull his thoughts away from not her but the betrayal she had suffered before it was too late and his mood degenerated.
All of Hell would suffer if it slipped his grasp and his temper flared, but even the knowledge of what he might do in a fit of rage wasn’t enough to stop him treading the dark path of his memories to a place he had tried to forget.
A time when he had trusted someone and they had betrayed him.
A time when he had been given no choice and had been powerless to stop his fall.
Lucifer curled his hands into fists, his emerging black claws cutting into his palms. He glared at the plateau as another white streak of light appeared and growled through his short fangs, the desire to teleport there and tear into the angels almost overwhelming him and shattering his fragile hold on his control.
He wanted to rip their wings from them just as his had been torn from him.
He wanted them to suffer the torture that he had, the agony of being cast from their home, slung into a bottomless and dark pit where only endless pain awaited them.
He wanted them to know how it felt to do all that their master asked of them, to carry out every terrible act and horrific crime regardless of how it had made them feel, only to have that same master betray them.
Lucifer snarled and slammed his left fist into the black wall beside the window. The stone shattered under the blow but he didn’t feel the pain that ricocheted up his arm. He felt only the burning rage that lived in his heart, the pain of a thousand times of having his wings torn from his back, a hundred thousand lashings that had peeled the flesh from his bones, and a million hours of wondering what he had done wrong.
Followed by a million more contemplating his revenge.
He hadn’t realised it at the time he had served Heaven, a loyal dog for his master, but he had been set on the path towards his fall from the moment he had been created. It had all been part of a plan to create balance between the three realms.
His master had shaped him, giving him duties and missions with little information and stating that he trusted him to interpret the missions and carry out the duties therein without aid. Lucifer had felt he had owned a position of power, a place at his master’s side, but in reality he had been given as little information as possible in order to drive him into committing sins.
He had wanted to please his master, and he had ended up breaking unknown rule after rule, committing sin after sin.
When he had felt something stirring inside him, a darkness that had been destroying the light, he had wanted to stop.
It was then that his master had dealt the final blow.
He had been exiled from Heaven and thrown into the pit.
At the time, the pit had been a place of nightmares, filled with vile creatures bent on destroying angels, drawn to their light by a ravenous hunger to extinguish it.
Centuries into his torture, Lucifer had realised the reason the pit had been created. It had been designed as a place of punishment for angels. That had given him false hope that he could escape the pit if he served his time.
He had survived the torture his captors had dealt, the abuse they had inflicted upon him, using him against his will. He had wallowed, tormented by every sin he had committed in his life serving his beloved master. He had writhed in agony as he had tried to fight and claw his way out of the darkness to stand on his feet again. He had wanted to repent so he would be welcomed back into the fold.
He had wanted to return home.
But it had become too much for him, and the darkness had been too strong.
After what had felt like an eternity of fighting, he had surrendered to it, allowing it to fill him and vanquish his softer feelings in order to end his suffering and stop the pain. His thoughts had turned from repenting to revenge.
When he had eventually seized control of the realm through brute and relentless force, he had ended up changing it without really thinking about what he had been doing.
He had hunted and destroyed most of the original inhabitants of Hell and sent the rest fleeing to the far corners of Hell, allowing the weaker breeds of demons to emerge from the shadows and take their place.
Demons who had worshipped him as their master.
Lucifer hadn’t realised the power he possessed as the ruler of Hell until Heaven had chosen to create a new race of angels to serve it. He had tainted the soul of the first angel during its creation, a mere drop of darkness that had spread through it and corrupted it.
He had seen the extent of his power in that moment and he had embraced it.
He had thought of nothing but revenge since then. Every act he had undertaken had been done with the intent of dealing a blow to Heaven as they had dealt a blow to him. He had begun to grow an army, welcoming the fallen angels into his fold and giving them power so they could destroy any of the remaining demons who sought to punish them for their sins and could carry out his orders in the mortal realm. He had shaped the weaker demons and sent them forth to corrupt the humans. He had done it all to strike a blow that would shake Heaven to its foundations.
Wars had followed, a struggle for power that was endless and beautiful.
Lucifer smiled grimly at the pleasing memories as power coursed through him, darkness that bled from his skin like smoke and writhed as shadows around his arms.
He pulled his fist from the wall and turned his palm towards him, splaying his fingers as he watched the black ribbons fluttering around them.
He had lived shrouded in darkness. A king in his realm. He had passed millennia without feeling a thing.
No trace of light left inside him.
Until Erin.
The day he had learned of his daughter’s existence, he had been filled with a new purpose.
A desire to use her to finally achieve his dream of bringing down Heaven.
And the day he had first set eyes on her, something else had happened to him, something he had been fighting to hide ever since.
A tiny spark of light had burst to life in the dark cold pit of his soul.
Lucifer pressed his hand to his chest, the soft fabric of his black jacket, tie and shirt cushioning his palm. He curled his fingers, digging the tips into the material as he felt that light inside him, tormenting him, growing despite his attempts to squash it out of existence. It refused to die though, kept spreading tiny tendrils through him, reaching ever outwards and gaining ground against the inky dark.
As it grew, it restored parts of him that were better off dead, softer emotions that had no place existing inside him or in his realm. Emotions that were dangerous to possess in Hell. There were still creatures here drawn to the light in angels.
If his legions learned of the light waging war inside him, if the demons learned of it, a battle for his throne would erupt.
Every creature with power in his realm would seek his head.
He growled from between clenched teeth and vowed that none would ever know of it. He made sure that his men never witnessed his moments with his daughter and grandson, and those were the only times he felt powerless against the light, unable to contain and control it.
He would find a way to expel that light from his soul again, because he would do anything to protect his position. He might not have asked for his role in this realm, but it was his to play now and he had come to like his life in Hell. This realm was his home, his everything, and no one would take that from him.
His golden gaze dropped back to the floor.
No one.
Any threat to his throne would be dealt with.
Painfully.
He had given the mortal female time to become accustomed to her situation, but now that time was up.
Now he would use the small sliver of trust she felt towards him and her attraction to him to his advantage.
The trick Mihail had used on her to scrub her memories would be wearing off. While she wouldn’t remember that she had been taken by an angel, she might remember if Mihail had said anything to her or taken her anywhere before bringing her to Lucifer’s fortress.
And now that Mihail’s power was fading, Lucifer could employ his own abilities to sift through her memories as she tried to recall the events that had brought her to him.
If he discovered that she wasn’t in on Mihail’s plan, he would set in motion his own one.
He would implant orders into her head, ones that Mihail would unwittingly trigger if he returned for her.
The little mortal would become the instrument of the angel’s fall.
And Lucifer would be waiting for him with open arms.

Her Sinful Angel is available from Amazon Kindle, Kobo Books, Barnes and Noble Nook, Apple iBooks stores and other retailers. Also available in paperback.
Find all the links, a fantastic 5 chapter downloadable sample of the book, and also how to enter the giveaway and be in with a shot of winning a $75, $50 or $25 gift certificate at her website: http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/her-sinful-angel-romance-book.php

Books in the Her Angel paranormal romance series:

Book 1: Her Dark Angel – FREE in ebook at selected retailers
Book 2: Her Fallen Angel
Book 3: Her Warrior Angel
Book 4: Her Guardian Angel
Book 5: Her Demonic Angel
Book 6: Her Wicked Angel
Book 7: Her Avenging Angel
Book 8: Her Sinful Angel

Author Bio Felicity Heaton is a New York Times and USA Today international best-selling author writing passionate paranormal romance books. In her books, she creates detailed worlds, twisting plots, mind-blowing action, intense emotion and heart-stopping romances with leading men that vary from dark deadly vampires to sexy shape-shifters and wicked werewolves, to sinful angels and hot demons! If you're a fan of paranormal romance authors Lara Adrian, J R Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Gena Showalter and Christine Feehan then you will enjoy her books too. If you love your angels a little dark and wicked, the best-selling Her Angel series is for you. If you like strong, powerful, and dark vampires then try the Vampires Realm series or any of her stand-alone vampire romance books. If you’re looking for vampire romances that are sinful, passionate and erotic then try the best-selling Vampire Erotic Theatre series. Or if you prefer huge detailed worlds filled with hot-blooded alpha males in every species, from elves to demons to dragons to shifters and angels, then take a look at the new Her Angel series. If you want to know more about Felicity, or want to get in touch, you can find her at the following places: FelicityHeaton.co.uk | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | GoodReads | Amazon | Tsu

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TOUGH LOVE by Lori Foster - Just 3 more weeks!

Review: ROYAL WEDDING by Meg Cabot

Release Date: June 2nd, 2015

Type: Series, Book 11, Young Adult, New Adult, Adult, Chick Lit, Women's Fiction, Humor, Contemporary, We'll never be royals (royals)..

About the Book: From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Princess Diaries series, comes the very first adult installment, which follows Princess Mia and her Prince Charming as they plan their fairy tale wedding—but a few poisoned apples could turn this happily-ever-after into a royal nightmare.

For Princess Mia, the past five years since college graduation have been a whirlwind of activity, what with living in New York City, running her new teen community center, being madly in love, and attending royal engagements. And speaking of engagements. Mia's gorgeous longtime boyfriend Michael managed to clear both their schedules just long enough for an exotic (and very private) Caribbean island interlude where he popped the question! Of course Mia didn't need to consult her diary to know that her answer was a royal oui.

But now Mia has a scandal of majestic proportions to contend with: Her grandmother's leaked "fake" wedding plans to the press that could cause even normally calm Michael to become a runaway groom. Worse, a scheming politico is trying to force Mia's father from the throne, all because of a royal secret that could leave Genovia without a monarch. Can Mia prove to everyone—especially herself—that she's not only ready to wed, but ready to rule as well? [Description from Goodreads.com]

My Review: This was everything I could have hoped for. The Princess Diaries is such an iconic series, and one I remember fondly from my younger years. I picked up the series a little later than most, I was twenty at the time, but that didn't mean I loved it any less. And when I heard there was going to be another book, I might have just squealed out loud. But I was also very, very nervous. Could this hold up to the series I loved so much? Is it too late for Mia to really get some sort of happily ever after?

Let me tell you - I was not disappointed. The characters all held true to their former selves, and you can even see the growth and maturity in them since the last time we got to see them, those many years ago. I'll admit, this book could have had a lot of issues, and I still would fangirl all over it. But really, it felt right. I got the happy ending I needed, and Mia became the amazing princess I always knew she would be.

This may be silly, but I want to thank Meg Cabot for writing this. The readers that grew up with Princess Mia will always have a special place for her in our hearts, and Meg Cabot gave us a gift by writing this book.

Cover Lovin': Look at it, just look at it! It's perfect. While the Princess Diaries books I remember reading were all pink, this pale blue gorgeous-ness is perfect for Mia.

Recommendation: For long-time fans of the series, for new fans of the series, for everyone. This series is a classic, and Royal Wedding is just what everyone needs. Side note: For a similar read, try The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan!

Final Rating: FIVE out of FIVE stars! Amazing, wonderful, I'm so happy I could cry. Maybe I did cry, you can't prove anything.

Get your copy today!

Happy Reading!

~!~ Amanda, Novel Addiction ~!~

Disclaimer: I received a free, advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Release Day Launch: LUKAS by Carian Cole

It's release day for Carian Cole's Lukas! Be sure to grab your copy and to check out al the fantastic release day fun!!

Blogs Taking Part in the Release Day Launch

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Once Upon An Alpha

The BookWhisperer

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Southern Yankee Book Reviews

Crazii Bitches Book Blog

Novels In Heels

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Lukas Synopsis: Storm’s younger cousin. Vandal’s little brother. You’ve met him in the background. The sweet one. The nice one. The one they can all rely on. The good one. He’s a tattoo artist. He plays metal and classical music - on the violin. He’s got a body built for sin. He’s 24. In comes Ivy. She’s a 36 year old single mom who hasn’t dated in 18 years. All she wanted was a tattoo. She got a helluva lot more :) Being good has never been so bad.

 Amazon| Banes and Noble | Kobo 

Vandal, book 2 in ASHES AND EMBERS Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Storm, book 1 in ASHES AND EMBERS Amazon | Barnes and Noble  

Exclusive Excerpt: He leans his head down closer to mine. “You looking at me like that, and saying my name like that, just makes me want to kiss you even more.” I swallow hard, unable to tear my eyes away from his. “You really shouldn’t be saying things like that,” I breathe, my voice quivering. He’s got my nerves in overdrive. Hell, who am I kidding? He’s got my entire mind and body in overdrive right now. He moves his hand to cup the side of my face. “Close your eyes, Ivy. Let’s make our wishes at the same time.” Lukas is a wizard, and I’ve quickly fallen under his spell. My eyes flutter closed, and his lips touch mine, so softly that we are barely touching at all, but it’s enough to make me see even more shooting stars, this time behind closed eyes, in that place where magic happens. His kiss is completely unexpected but way too perfect to break away from. I drop my bag to the ground and bring my hands up to rest on his shoulders. He kisses me a little harder, his tongue gently touching my lips, silently asking permission for more. Parting my lips, I let him kiss me deeper, his tongue slowly meeting mine, caressing in enticing circles. The feel of his tongue piercing and lip ring is so strange to me, yet incredibly erotic. I think I like it. His hand goes to my hip, pulling my body possessively but gently against him, as his kisses grow more passionate and urgent. My legs begin to shake with timid desire, my hands squeezing his muscled shoulders, hanging on to him in this sudden dizzying realm he’s led me into. Did a first kiss ever feel like this before? Has any kiss ever felt like this before? No. Not for me. Not ever. He oozes skilled sensuality; every touch, every breath, every kiss is measured in perfect timing and depth. This is not an awkward, clumsy, rushed and horny boy touching me for kicks. Not by a long shot. He’s savoring everything. And I don’t want him to stop. Grasping my waist with both hands, he effortlessly lifts me up onto the hood of my car, bringing me closer to eye level with him. He moves between my parted legs, guides my thighs around his jean-clad hips, and covers my mouth with his again, kissing me long, deep, and tantalizingly slow as he gently holds my face in his hands. It’s the kind of kiss that brands complete want and ownership. He leaves no doubt that he wants me. The logical part of me is telling me to stop him, but the lonely, aching part of me takes over, and I slide my hands up his chest and over his shoulders to clasp behind his neck. My fingers tangle in his long silky hair, and I love how new and different it feels. Everything about him is so different, like tasting an exotic food for the first time that quickly leads to crazy indulgence. That magnetic pull I felt the first time I laid eyes on him is a force to be reckoned with right now. It’s controlling me, taking over every part of me, squashing my fears and reservations, and paving a very clear path that leads directly to this man. I cannot even begin to understand or make the tiniest bit of sense of this attraction. But it’s there, and it’s stronger than anything I’ve ever felt in my life. Suddenly, he stops kissing me, his lips just a whisper away from mine, and stares into my eyes for a few moments, before letting his dark eyes slowly close as he pulls me closer against his body, his hard cock pressing against me through our clothes, sending a hot surge of raw desire through me. What I glimpsed in his eyes shook me even more than his kiss. All feelings that carry the ability to give immense pleasure and pain. Neither of which I am ready for. I slowly try to pull myself away from him, but he holds me close against him. “Wow,” I say breathlessly, leaning my head against his shoulder. “Come upstairs with me, and let’s see if we can upgrade that to a holy shit,” he whispers, his hand resting on the back of my neck, gently squeezing.
Carian Cole Bio: I have a passion for the bad boys, those covered in tattoos, sexy smirks, ripped jeans, fast cars, motorcycles and of course, the sweet girls that try to tame them and win their hearts. My debut series, Ashes & Embers, follows the lives of rock band members as they find, and sometimes lose, the loves of their lives. My first novel in the Ashes & Embers series, Storm, published on September of 2014. Vandal, the second novel in this series is publishing in February of 2015. I currently have approximately nine books slated for this series, as well as an MC series in the works, and a few stand-alones coming in 2015 onward. Born and raised a Jersey girl, I now reside in beautiful New Hampshire with my husband and our multitude of furry pets and spend most of my time writing, reading, and vacuuming. Facebook | Website | Amazon Author Page | Pinterest | Goodreads | Twitter | TSU  

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