Book Review and Giveaway for STILL by Kennedy Ryan

STILL
by KENNEDY RYAN

I'll be there.
Through thick and thin.
Ride or die.
You can count on me.

The promises people make.
The vows we take.
Assumptions of the heart.
Emotion tells us how we feel, but life...life has a way of plunging us in boiling water, burning away our illusions, testing our faith, trying our convictions.
Love floating is a butterfly, but love tested is an anchor.

For Grip and Bristol,
Love started at the top of the world
On a Ferris wheel under the stars
But when that love is tested, will they fly or fall?

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REVIEW: Why? How? How can I limit the stars on this one....?

"Emotion tells you about love, but hard times prove it."

That opening quote is probably the most perfect quote for this book, for this series. First and foremost, this has to be one of my most highlighted books I have ever read. And now comes my admission: I CRIED. Ok? I know!! I get to add another book to my very short list of books I've openly cried at while reading. Tearing up....that's a big step, but actually crying is usually an impossible feat. This story was masterfully choreographed and beautifully written. I love that Kennedy was able to infuse witty commentary, giggle worthy moments, and a love that was destined to be, all within the confines of a book that discussed the very real subjects that this one did. Her words have always touched me, but this one was on a whole new level. I've read and enjoyed every single one of her books, but this series is my favorite of hers. Sorry Rhys and Kai!!

I have always said a book should be effortless to read, and the writing should just flow. I’ve never had to reread passages, or try to figure out what’s going on with Kennedy's writing. She has a very natural ability to her storytelling and she oozes sexiness with her words and descriptions. Her stories infiltrate your mind as well as your heart. Grip and Bristol's love crosses every social, political, racial, anything, bias out there, and she did it with respect and responsibility. Their love motivates them. Their love comforts them. Their love nurtures them. Their love propels them.

“I have to ask myself when I come home, do I want someone who completely understands the struggle? Or someone who completely understands me? Someone I can’t wait to come home to, someone who makes me laugh on the hardest days of my life? Every single decision isn’t filtered through my race. Love isn’t.”

And yes, it's done with LOVE. Love is the number one factor behind this entire story, and rightfully so. Her characters were rich in depth, morals, and values. The magnitude of their love is unparalleled to any love I’ve ever read. EVER. This story was an emotional gut punch from beginning to end, and the depth of their love was tested on all fronts. It was amazing. It was deep. It was powerful. I won't forget this love.

"I'm as sure of her as I am that every single night the moon will show up, the stars will shine down, and hours later, the sun will rise again."

This isn't the kind of book you rush through. It's the kind of book you feel from the beginning to the end. The kind you can put down and mull over. The kind you can daydream about and sigh over, and then pick it back up and start at it again. It's such a moving experience. While I would love to say it's Grip and Bristol's love that moved me beyond explanation, I would be lying if I didn't outright just say it was because of Kennedy's writing. This was an eye opening book, but it was the most amazing love story. Having said that, one thing I know without a shadow of a doubt is that Grip is the MAN. He treats his woman with dignity and respect, he gives her the love she deserves and commands, and he isn’t afraid to show it. He is out loud and proud of his love for Bristol. The one who single handedly owns his heart. He is the man.

"I don't know if it's mine or if it's hers, but this moment, this perfect glass-blown moment where our bodies unite and our souls intersect, this moment belongs to us."

I wish I could say "it goes without saying", and I'm not sure I can, but writing a sequel, not even a required one, but a new conclusion to a finished story that raced through the book world on a high because of the necessary discussion, Kennedy did it again. She is nothing short of brilliant with her words. I'm sure that has to be a daunting task to pick up and try to make this one just as good, if not better than the first, and she did just that. She really did. She gave us, her loyal readers, another amazing experience. A moving experience. A love like Grip and Bristol's is a once in a lifetime love...and we got to experience it again.

I don’t like ‘in your face politics’. I don’t like to be force fed opinions. I like when they are respectfully delivered and socially responsible with our current climate. I like the way Kennedy delivered this one. She was a voice of reason in a tumultuous territory that can read 'either/or', but not always 'and'. She included everything and everyone. I may be uneducated in many ways, but I do know how I felt while reading this one, and I felt empowered and understood the discussion at hand. Kennedy did this all while delivering an incredible love story....with precision and class.

Kennedy is going to ruin me for the next few books I have to read, I just know it!! I want to hate her and love her all in the same breath. If 5 stars are a reflection of greatness, this deserves the galaxy. Kennedy, YOU are what makes the book world IT for me. The depth your words give. The feelings your stories evoke. Their love is the definition of perfection, and you just redefined it.

I openly admit I have 'performance anxiety' when it comes to my review. I feel sad knowing that I’ll never ever be able to fully explain the magnitude of the impact that this book had on me and my emotions, and my review will never live up to the justice she has done for such a deep topic. But I rest easy knowing that I have read it. I have felt it. I have loved it. I have shared it. I hope you will too. 

"Dwell in possibility." 

~BEE

We got to meet Grip and Bristol in her SOUL SERIES, but we got to fall in love with them in FLOW/GRIP and if you want to check out my review, you can read it HERE.

PURCHASE:

FLOW: http://amzn.to/2m07weL

GRIP: http://amzn.to/2mJVS84

STILL: http://amzn.to/2x58sTj

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~MEET KENNEDY RYAN~

I'm a wife, a mom, a writer, an advocate for families living with autism. That's me in a nutshell. Crack the nut, and you'll find a Southern girl gone Southern California who loves pizza and Diet Coke, and wishes she got to watch a lot more television. You can usually catch me up too late, on social media too much, or FINALLY putting a dent in my ever-growing To Be Read list!

Kennedy Ryan FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/681604768593989/

~CONNECT WITH KENNEDY~

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ARC REVIEW
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Excerpt for Sick Fux by Tillie Cole

EXCERPT

Please note : this is excerpt is unedited and subject to change. 

I placed the foot of my cane on the floor and looked to the left. The sound of light breathing came from around the corner. I made to move, but my heart slammed into a fast beat, stopping my feet in their tracks. My nostrils flared as I closed my eyes and tried to suck in deep breaths. I never did this, never had this kind of reaction to anything. Not in eleven years. Not when I was trapped in darkness. Not even when the guards came to “meet the young kid.” Not when we got out—bloodily, savagely, darkly. Especially not when my knife plunged into the guards’ hearts and I watched the life fade from their eyes, the pure fascination of losing one’s life essence occupying my mind.

But this was Dolly. The only person I’d ever given a shit about.

A slick tar pumped through my black heart as I thought of her. She was the blood that gave me life.

I had no idea what state I would find her in. Whether or not her fragile mind had been destroyed. Whether or not her glass heart had been shattered. No hope of salvation.

I had no idea if my only reason for living could be saved. I shook with venomous anger when I let my mind imagine the hell those sadistic cunts would have put her through in my absence. But Chapel’s words rang in my ears . . . Unleash the anger only on those who deserve it. Let it build within your heart like a well swelling with water . . . then unleash hell on those who took your freedom.

Opening my eyes, I breathed through my rage and silently rounded the corner . . . I stopped. There she was, sitting in a chair. I sucked in a breath and heard it rattle in my ears. Her hair. Her hair was pulled back into a long braid, the woven strands falling to her lower back. And she was dressed in black. Long, baggy sleeves covered her arms.

Motherfucking black. Dolly didn’t belong in black. Only color. Blue and white and gold and motherfucking pink.

I edged around the perimeter of the room until I faced her. My heart tore down the center and I had to hold back a loud snarl when I saw her curled up on the seat, a thick blanket over her thin legs and waist as she stared lifelessly out of the window. The window that overlooked the once-manicured lawns, now nothing but high-reaching weeds and too-bushy trees. I looked across at what she was watching, in the direction of what held her so captivated.

My heart was severed completely, the two parts of its flesh repelling the other, trying to escape the rage and pain and fucking consuming darkness.

She was staring at the spot where we used to play as kids. Where she had found me all those years ago, ripping the colorful butterfly apart in my hands. I moved into her line of sight, but her blue eyes didn’t lift to meet mine, just stared through me as though I wasn’t even there. I crouched down and studied her face. Porcelain skin. Full lips. Fucking perfection.

But there was no life left in her.

I had never felt fear before, but I imagined the sinking hole I felt dropping in my stomach was something like it. A sinking feeling that Dolly had gone to a place from which there was no escape, a prisoner in her own mind.

Fragility consumed.

“Dolly darlin,’” I rasped, my voice fucking breaking.

Twenty-one. She was twenty-one and more beautiful than I could ever have imagined.

Perfection.

My living doll.

A strand of hair lay over her face. My fingers clenched and unclenched as I tried to force myself to touch her. But I couldn’t. I hadn’t touched or been touched in years. I didn’t know how to anymore. Allergic to human affection. Repulsed by the degrading feeling of touch.

I . . . I . . . I couldn’t.

As I opened my mouth to speak to Dolly again, a loud gasp sailed through the air behind her. I straightened, gripping my cane, to see a familiar old face appear. I watched, the sinking hole quickly replaced by dark satisfaction as the blood drained from her face. “Good Lord,” she whispered as I smoothed down my black cravat and vest.

I glared at the bitch. Leaning casually on my cane, I said, “More like Lucifer, I would think.” I nodded in her direction “To you, anyhow.”

Mrs. Jenkins swallowed and tried to back out of the room. “Ah-ah,” I tutted and shook my head. She immediately stilled, eyes fixed on mine.

“He . . . Heathan James . . . it’s . . . it’s not possible . . .” she stammered and ran her eyes over me. Every inch of me.

“Rabbit.” The bitch flinched at my correction. “I am Rabbit. The motherfucking White Rabbit. So never fucking utter that peasant name to me again.”

Her skin paled, and her eyes fell to Dolly sitting on the chair. Dolly still hadn’t moved. I shifted my grip on the box I had brought inside, about to hold it out to Mrs. Jenkins when she asked, “How are you here?”

I threw the box across the room. It landed right at her feet. “Dress her.”

“Wh-what?” Mrs. Jenkins asked.

I pointed to the box at her feet. “Dress her. It wasn’t a request.” Mrs. Jenkins shook as she picked up the box and moved to where Dolly sat. Dolly didn’t look at her either. Mrs. Jenkins opened the lid of the box and gasped again.

Her old, wrinkled eyes snapped up to mine. “No—”

Before she had even finished the sentence, I had reached into my pocket and pulled out my knife. I ran the flat side of the blade down my cheek. Slowly. Controlled. Watching her terrified gaze track my every move. “You’d best do as I ask, Mrs. Jenkins. My patience and tolerance for you appear to be at an all-time low.”

ADD TO GOODREADS

SICK FUX

by TILLIE COLE

When Ellis Earnshaw and Heathan James met as children, they couldn’t have been more different. Ellis was loud and beautiful – all blond hair, bright laughs and smiles. Heathan was dark and brooding, and obsessed with watching things die.

The pair forged an unlikely friendship, unique and strange. Until they were ripped apart by the sick cruelty of others, separated for years, both locked in a perpetual hell.

Eleven years later, Heathan is back for his girl. Back from a place from which he thought there was no return. Back to seek revenge on those who wronged them.

Time has made Heathan’s soul darker, polluted with hatred and the thirst for blood.

Time has made Ellis a shell of her former self, a little girl lost in the vastness of her pain.

As Heathan pulls Ellis out of her mental prison, reviving the essence of who she once was, down the rabbit hole they will go.

With malice in their hearts and vengeance in their veins, they will seek out the ones who hurt and destroyed them.

One at a time.

Each one more deadly than the last.

Tick Tock.

~MEET TILLIE COLE~

Tillie Cole hails from a small town in the North-East of England. She grew up on a farm with her English mother, Scottish father and older sister and a multitude of rescue animals. As soon as she could, Tillie left her rural roots for the bright lights of the big city.

After graduating from Newcastle University with a BA Hons in Religious Studies, Tillie followed her Professional Rugby player husband around the world for a decade, becoming a teacher in between and thoroughly enjoyed teaching High School students Social Studies before putting pen to paper, and finishing her first novel.

Tillie has now settled in Austin, Texas, where she is finally able to sit down and write, throwing herself into fantasy worlds and the fabulous minds of her characters.

Tillie is both an independent and traditionally published author, and writes many genres including: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Young Adult and New Adult novels.

When she is not writing, Tillie enjoys nothing more than curling up on her couch watching movies, drinking far too much coffee, while convincing herself that she really doesn’t need that extra square of chocolate.

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Book Review and Giveaway for Love Profound by Kelly Elliott

LOVE PROFOUND

by KELLY ELLIOTT

I write about love, but I’ve never experienced it. Sure, I’ve been with guys that I cared about. Even thought I found ‘the one’. He turned out to be the frog and not the prince.

A few Frank Sinatra songs and a wildly handsome cowboy who calls me Darlin’, will have me second guessing everything I ever thought I knew about love. 

Does happily ever after really exist…or is it only something I write about in books? 

ADD TO GOODREADS

REVIEW: 3.5 STARS

"I wrote about love, but it seemed I was destined to never find it."

I really think I am completely invested in this family by now. I mean, I was after Lost Love and wanted to continue on, but after reading this book, I need to see the series through. I am really enjoying this Parker family! It's not some angsty, stomach-clenching, nail-biting read. It is an easy, giggle-worthy, smile inducing, heart-eye-making read. And each book brings us deeper into the Parker family, while we get to see each person's insecurities, their issues, their fears. I love the relationship this entire family has with each other. They are so funny, but caring. So protective, but genuine. I really like their dynamic as a family.

This one, we followed Amelia (Meli) Parker and her zest for life, but also we got to learn of her very structured walls around her heart. She was such a mixed character for me. And by mixed, I mean that at some points she was really forward, confidently so. Almost like that was her defense mechanism; to be outwardly confident and sexy, but when the intimate and sexy times hit, she was almost a bit awkward. I felt it very much. Was it intentional? I surely hope so because that's how she came off but it made her relatable. That would explain her awkward outbursts while they were getting close. Her journey to find her love was just as lively as she is. Meeting her in book one, she is the youngest and the most protected of the group, but it was fun to see her shock everyone in this story!

There isn't a lot I can say because it will give away some of the plot, but I was a little worried when it first started out. This one was written a tad bit differently than the first book, and I seriously got whiplash on the POV changes. Not in a bad way, but you'll see. When we went to NY with her....I didn't care for the characters that surrounded 'him'. I was worried it was going to be unnecessary drama to cloud Amelia's HEA. I know I hate unnecessary drama, or drama for drama's sake, and I make no secret of that. I felt like that bit was going to turn me off from the story, but it didn't. It played itself out quite comfortably. That aside, just know that this reads as a back country, down home, easy going read. The proper thoughts of Texas mixed with the lively actions of the residents. I liken this series to good ol' southern cooking vs New York style, high priced, two piece, decorated plate meals. It's just comfort food.....soul food. Not heavy. Not angsty. Not deep. Just a seriously easy read that you can get comfy by the fire and just read with a glass of wine. It's definitely an easy read.

--> And the next story? Tempting Love is going to be Mitchell and Corina's book!!! Gimme, gimme!!! Talk about a broody man finally getting his woman! I am so excited. I have been looking forward to his story since Lost Love when we met them! I really enjoy how the undercurrent of the other characters' stories are embedded in the subsequent books. I love how they play into, roll into, each other. 

"Sometimes....we have to walk down the darkest path before we can see the light through the trees."

~BEE

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon US- http://amzn.to/2xer0lw

Amazon UK - https://goo.gl/H8uAU2

Amazon AU - https://goo.gl/vGuza2

iBooks - https://goo.gl/QokNj7

B & N - https://goo.gl/WkeBzJ

Kobo - https://goo.gl/TA16TX

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~MEET KELLY ELLIOTT~

Kelly Elliott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author. Since finishing her bestselling Wanted series, Kelly continues to spread her wings while remaining true to her roots and giving readers stories rich with hot protective men, strong women and beautiful surroundings. 

Her bestselling works include, Wanted, Broken, Without You, and Unconditional Love, to name just a few.

Kelly has been passionate about writing since she was fifteen. After years of filling journals with stories, she finally followed her dream and published her first novel, Wanted, in November of 2012. 

Kelly lives in central Texas with her husband, daughter, and two pups. When she’s not writing, Kelly enjoys reading and spending time with her family. She is down to earth and very in touch with her readers, both on social media and at signings.

To find out more about Kelly and her books, you can find her through her website.

www.kellyelliottauthor.com

~CONNECT WITH KELLY~

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ARC REVIEW

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Book Review and Giveaway for Dear Bridget, I Want You by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward

DEAR BRIDGET, I WANT YOU
by VI KEELAND/PENELOPE WARD

Dear Bridget,

I’m writing this letter because it’s highly doubtful I’ll ever garner the courage to say this to your face. 

So, here goes.

We’re totally wrong for each other. You’re the proper single mum with a good head on your shoulders. I’m just the carefree British doctor passing through town and temporarily living in your converted garage until I head back to England.

But here’s the thing… for some bloody reason, I can’t stop thinking about you in very inappropriate ways. 

I want you.

The only reason I’m even admitting all of this to you right now is because I don’t believe it’s one-sided. I notice your eyes when you look at me, too. And as crass as I appear when we’re joking around about sex, my attraction to you is not a joke. 

So, what’s the purpose of this note? I guess it’s a reminder that we’re adults, that sex is healthy and natural, and that you can find me just through the door past the kitchen. More specifically, it’s to let you know that I’m leaving said door cracked open from now on in case you’d like to visit me in the middle of the night sometime. 

No questions asked.
Think about it.
Or don’t.
Whatever you choose.

It’s doubtful I’ll even end up sliding this letter under your door anyway.
--Simon

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REVIEW: 4 CHEEKY STARS
"The greatest risk is not taking one."

YES!! Just what the doctor ordered! Corny much? Probably, but you know what? This was a fun and very easy read for me. I have not been blessed in the good reads department lately, and this one was a breath of fresh air. I do love the duo of #Vinelope and have enjoyed their co-written books. This one provided the very LAUGHS I craved, but also some real heartfelt moments once you got into their story.

I know I always talk about the first kiss, or how the characters met, because those are very memorable things in a book for me. It sets the tone, and shapes the story, and I like to see how it plays out into the whole scheme of things in their love story. Well, this one was hilarious and quite embarrassing, and that made for some jokes to be continued throughout the story. So FUNNY!

"She looked embarrassed, and I wished I could have kissed her and made it worse."

Bridget, that girl -- I wanna hug her. She had a rough go of things, and the fact that she was still on her feet, still pushing through, she was definitely admirable. Very strong character and easily relatable -- one of my favorites of theirs. She found herself in some awkward situations, but she handled them with class. With Simon there, she got some comedic relief as well. He wasn't just the icing on the cake for me. He WAS the cake. OMG. His mouth was delicious. Hahaha! The fact that there was so much sexual tension around them made for some very interesting times. It also allowed for some reality in their situation, and how it was handled. Good times. I am still smiling thinking about it.

Simon....that guy was cheeky. I have to admit, he definitely supplied some giggles and some grins. He was honestly very funny. I loved his attitude and his nonchalance, and I really enjoyed the life in his life. He was determined to have a good time, but he was also an honest guy making good on a promise he made to himself when he was younger. He's the stuff everyday heroes are made of. I don't think there was one thing I can pick out that I didn't like about him. I honestly loved him that much. He stepped up to the plate and it made for a great, easy to read book. But his mouth? I am fairly certain there would never be a dull moment with him around!

"Alright. I like rules. Without them, breaking them isn't nearly as much fun."

The book, while overall it was really great, started out slow for me, but with serious interest. It was interesting -- it kept me reading, don't get me wrong, but the first third of the book was setting it up, giving us the giggles, and was good. It was good. And by the time I made it to 34%, it picked up quite a bit. It was funny the whole way through, yet there wasn't any aha moment at first for me. It was all good because I knew that it was going to pick up for me. And, boy did it ever! In the beginning, the way it read, it wasn't deep; it wasn't shallow by any means, but it wasn't deep. It was light and airy, there was an ease to the storyline, so it made it very enjoyable. I was shocked at how quick it read, too. But, I just wanted that "hook", so to speak. By the time I got to 61%, I was completely feeling the depth. I loved the growth of these two characters. Not just the reality of their situation, but the actual realization that came with it? That gave me anxiety pangs. That made my tummy flip. I loved seeing that through Simon's eyes, because he had the most growth and it was awesome to read.

I'm not a huge fan of male/female roommate books. They are generally written way too fluffy for me. Way too unreasonable. I am telling you....this duo is dubbed the 'Dynamic Duo' for a reason. Nothing about Simon and Bridget's situation was unbelievable, and that was the best part for me. It really did flow wonderfully, and I really enjoyed this book. Did I love the "problems" they had with his family? No....I didn't, but I completely understood it and it was real. It made for some wide-eyed reading and a gut-check. The entire story was centered around a deeper truth and #Vinelope handled it really well. A touch of class, those two. This book is the very reason I love their co-written books.

"Not wanting love to happen doesn't make it not happen."
~BEE

PURCHASE LINKS:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2wBwYuJ

iBooks: http://smarturl.it/y4x3xi

B&N: http://smarturl.it/o780mb 

Kobo: http://smarturl.it/kfgc6a

Google: http://smarturl.it/7cvewu

Amazon paperback: http://amzn.to/2yk9DjB

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Other books from Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward

Cocky Bastard

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1T6TwNr

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1WwPzkC

iBooks: http://apple.co/1J7vbN0

B&N: http://bit.ly/1EjxNpY

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1UxCSUO

Stuck Up Suit

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1OkUzYS

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1X3SQIN

iBooks: http://apple.co/1Qbwy57

B&N: http://bit.ly/1UC8wDC

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1RJdUif

Playboy Pilot

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2cSFs7p

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2cnqQRX

iBooks: http://apple.co/1Wb06Cf

B&N: bit.ly/2caXPEK

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2cJDXO1

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2c5WiRm

Paperback: http://amzn.to/2ck0xvV

Mister Moneybags

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2oaZ6S9
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2ox9Gpk
iBooks: http://smarturl.it/3y1tuq
B&N: http://smarturl.it/kx7h8m
Kobo: http://smarturl.it/qqf5ho
Google Play: http://smarturl.it/t1aflu
Audio: http://amzn.to/2nXqDHl
Paperback: http://amzn.to/2nXIYnW

Dear Bridget, I Want You

Amazon US: Coming on release day
Amazon UK: Coming on Release day
iBooks: http://smarturl.it/y4x3xi
B&N: http://smarturl.it/o780mb
Kobo: http://smarturl.it/kfgc6a
Google: http://smarturl.it/7cvewu

Paperback: http://amzn.to/2x0MiEQ

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~MEET VI KEELAND~

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

~CONNECT WITH VI~

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~MEET PENELOPE WARD~

Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor, before switching to a more family-friendly career. She is the proud mother of a beautiful 11-year-old girl with autism and a 9-year-old boy. Penelope and her family reside in Rhode Island. 

~CONNECT WITH PENELOPE~

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ARC REVIEW

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Book Review and Giveaway for In Too Deep by Lexi Ryan

IN TOO DEEP

by LEXI RYAN

New York Times bestselling author Lexi Ryan brings readers a sexy NFL player who's pulled out all the stops for one more chance with the love of his life.

I have thirty days to make my wife fall in love with me or let her go forever.

I loved Bailey Green long before she watched her loser ex take his last breaths. I held her while they lowered his coffin into the ground, stilled her shaking hands when the nightmares would tear her from sleep. I waited for her through her grief. But while she was always willing to let me in her bed, she refused to let me in the one place I longed to be—her heart.

Tired of playing second string to a dead man, I let her go. I moved to Florida to begin my NFL career and tried to pretend my perfect life didn’t leave me empty. I’d almost given up. Until one drunken night in Vegas, we stumbled down the aisle and said “I do.”

In exchange for the divorce she wants so badly, she’s agreed to remain my wife for thirty days. She has no idea the favors I’ve called in or the lies I’ve told to get her here, but if I succeed, none of that matters.

My secrets always seemed justified, but Bailey has her own—secrets that explain why she always pushed me away, secrets that make me wonder if I should have let her. Now we’re in too deep and I might lose the only girl I’ve ever loved and the best friend I’ve ever had.

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REVIEW: 4.5 SWOONY STARS
"But while she was always willing to let me in her bed, she refused to let me in the one place I longed to be -- her heart."

I am certain that this will just be a review full of heart eyes and swirlies and giddiness and all that other mushy crap. Why? Because not only do I love Lexi Ryan and her stories (ok, and her amazing men), but I also knew this one was going to pull me out of my book funk. I was going to open it and angels were going to sing, the clouds would part, and the sun would shine down. Yes, I said it. Yes it happened.

MASON IS EVERYTHING. Everything. Eh-vurr-ree-thiiiing. He is ALL man. Oh my gosh....I need you to understand the strength in his actions, in his word, his conviction and his truth. Just, yeah. Wow. I am seriously sighing while thinking about him. Here's why I have these thoughts:

When a man will do without because he knows that is what his woman WANTS, that makes me smile. When a man will do whatever needs done because he knows that is what his woman NEEDS, that makes me giddy. When a man will FIGHT for what he wants, while trying to appease his woman, that makes me swoon. When a man knows the difference and takes care of business, that calms my soul. Oh man....I sigh. Mason is everything.

Bailey was the kind of gal that was beautiful. She knew it, worked it, but she also had her insecurities hidden very well behind this façade of bravery, of strength, of no worries. I loved how her defense mechanisms saved her, but I loved even more that Mason knew what she needed and was there, without judgement every single step of the way. If there is ever a book boyfriend to swoon over, Mason is it. Their struggles, they were all believable, they were understandable. If I opened my eyes, if I allowed myself to understand Bailey's hangups, it all made sense. Most women would take it at face value, and not look deeper, and I love that Bailey had Mason's best interests in mind....or so she thought. These two were meant to be. Bailey fought her feelings so hard, but Mason was her kryptonite. I can totally see why too. <sigh> He really was so sweet, so caring, so all around amazing.

You guys....LOVE. Mason LOVED Bailey!!! Oh man, I loved their love. Mason was never shy about his feelings, and I loved how direct he was with Bailey about them. He never hid behind this act of being too manly for anything. She was always his number one, his concern, his desire. Not a selfish bone in his body, his one desire was having Bailey by his side so he could spoil her with all the love he had to offer. My gosh...I'm swooning just thinking about him.

"I didn't promise I wouldn't feel anything. I'm a guy, Bailey, and the hottest girl in the room just kissed me. I'd be more worried if I didn't feel anything."

I'm so sad that this series is over. I loved this series, and that is a gimme based on all my reviews for it, but I love that her stories are all unique. They don't have storylines that sound the same, they don't have characters that act the same. The characters all have their own stories to tell. I love it!! There is something to say about an author that you just inherently know you can sink into their words and let the world's worries whisk away. Lexi is that author for me. Some of my favorite reads are her books. Bravo, Lexi, bravo. What an ending to an amazing series. I cannot wait to see what you come up with next.

"If you're not willing to fight for it, it's not really your bliss, is it?"
~BEE

ENTER HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN AN ECOPY.

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THE SERIES:

Book 1 - SPINNING OUT 

(Arrow's story)

Add to GOODREADS

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2aW1EQl

Book 2 - RUSHING IN 

(Christopher's story)

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Amazon: http://amzn.to/2hcBtZy

Book 3 - GOING UNDER

(Sebastians's story)

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Amazon: http://amzn.to/2gXqQXm

Book 4 - FALLING HARD

(Keegan's Story)

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Amazon: http://amzn.to/2qTJMxr

Book 5 - IN TOO DEEP

(Mason's Story)

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Amazon: http://amzn.to/2h8thqG

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~MEET LEXI RYAN~

Once a college English professor, I now write full time. I live in rural Indiana, where, when I’m not writing, I get to hang out with my husband and two kids--a six-year-old boy and a two-year-old hellion, er, girl. Not surprisingly, reading and writing remain my favorite activities, though both come in bits and pieces these days, not the big hunks of time I enjoyed before I had children. When I’m feeling virtuous, I like to go running (I use that word liberally. I’m really, really slow) or do yoga. Don’t worry, I’m always careful to balance out such activities with a hearty serving of ice cream or a chocolate martini.

~CONNECT WITH LEXI~

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ARC REVIEW
AFFILATE LINKS USED

Excerpt for Dear Bridget, I Want You by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward

EXCERPT

Every time I considered leaving my room, I would grab the framed picture of Ben and stare at it. The urge to go to Simon was so strong; I basically hadn’t put down the framed photo of my deceased husband in an hour. I was lying in my bed, holding a picture of a dead man while fantasizing about one who was very much alive and in the other room. With the door cracked open waiting for me. There was one part of Simon’s note that I just kept reading over and over.

I want to make you come. Hard. I want you to get lost in me and I want to hear you say my name over and over while we fuck.

While we fuck.

While we fuck.

I was pretty sure that Ben had never used the word fuck like that before. Did we even fuck? We made love, sure. Our sex life was normal—at least, I think it was normal. Don’t get me wrong, the passion wasn’t the same as when we first got together. But after ten years, both of us working full time and raising a child, it was normal to have some of the desire dwindle, wasn’t it?

While we fuck.

I looked at the picture of my husband and sighed. We didn’t fuck. Not even in the beginning. And I felt guilty for that now. Maybe we should have been fucking. I certainly didn’t do anything to entice him to want me the last few years.

Was it my fault our sex life had gotten boring? I rested the picture of Ben over my heart and laid my hand over it. I could feel my heart beating out of control beneath my fingers.

Shutting my eyes, I tried to force thoughts of Simon from my mind. But it was no use. Visions of his hard, sculpted body hovering over me had infiltrated my brain. So, here I was, a thirty-three- year-old, single mother lying in my bed all alone with a picture of my dead husband held to my heart while I visualized fucking another man.

Fucking.

Not making love.

I needed my head examined.

After two hours and no sleep in sight, I decided the only way I was going to be able to get any rest was if I got everything I was feeling off of my chest. Flicking on the light, I carefully set the framed photo of my beloved Ben on my nightstand and then opened the drawer and dug out a pen and piece of pretty stationery. I would write down my thoughts to clear my mind. I had no intention of actually giving the letter to Simon, so there was no reason to filter anything I said.

Dear Simon…

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Dear Bridget,

I’m writing this letter because it’s highly doubtful I’ll ever garner the courage to say this to your face. 

So, here goes.

We’re totally wrong for each other. You’re the proper single mum with a good head on your shoulders. I’m just the carefree British doctor passing through town and temporarily living in your converted garage until I head back to England.

But here’s the thing… for some bloody reason, I can’t stop thinking about you in very inappropriate ways. 

I want you.

The only reason I’m even admitting all of this to you right now is because I don’t believe it’s one-sided. I notice your eyes when you look at me, too. And as crass as I appear when we’re joking around about sex, my attraction to you is not a joke. 

So, what’s the purpose of this note? I guess it’s a reminder that we’re adults, that sex is healthy and natural, and that you can find me just through the door past the kitchen. More specifically, it’s to let you know that I’m leaving said door cracked open from now on in case you’d like to visit me in the middle of the night sometime. 

No questions asked.
Think about it.
Or don’t.
Whatever you choose.

It’s doubtful I’ll even end up sliding this letter under your door anyway.
--Simon

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Other books from Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward

Cocky Bastard

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1T6TwNr

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1WwPzkC

iBooks: http://apple.co/1J7vbN0

B&N: http://bit.ly/1EjxNpY

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1UxCSUO

Stuck Up Suit

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1OkUzYS

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1X3SQIN

iBooks: http://apple.co/1Qbwy57

B&N: http://bit.ly/1UC8wDC

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1RJdUif

Playboy Pilot

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2cSFs7p

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2cnqQRX

iBooks: http://apple.co/1Wb06Cf

B&N: bit.ly/2caXPEK

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2cJDXO1

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2c5WiRm

Paperback: http://amzn.to/2ck0xvV

Mister Moneybags

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2oaZ6S9
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2ox9Gpk
iBooks: http://smarturl.it/3y1tuq
B&N: http://smarturl.it/kx7h8m
Kobo: http://smarturl.it/qqf5ho
Google Play: http://smarturl.it/t1aflu
Audio: http://amzn.to/2nXqDHl
Paperback: http://amzn.to/2nXIYnW

Dear Bridget, I Want You

Amazon US: Coming on release day
Amazon UK: Coming on Release day
iBooks: http://smarturl.it/y4x3xi
B&N: http://smarturl.it/o780mb
Kobo: http://smarturl.it/kfgc6a
Google: http://smarturl.it/7cvewu

Paperback: http://amzn.to/2x0MiEQ

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~MEET VI KEELAND~

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

~CONNECT WITH VI~

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~MEET PENELOPE WARD~

Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor, before switching to a more family-friendly career. She is the proud mother of a beautiful 11-year-old girl with autism and a 9-year-old boy. Penelope and her family reside in Rhode Island. 

~CONNECT WITH PENELOPE~

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