Book Review and Giveaway for Break My Fall by Author M Mabie

BREAK MY FALL
by M MABIE

"The first time I returned to Lancaster was for my brother's funeral.
The second time was for Myra"

For twelve years, I lived alone in my cabin, building a life with my two bare hands. I was free from their rules, their policies, and their lies.

They are a cult.
My father is their leader.

To protect my brother's widow, I'm making her my wife. It's her only way out.

But drawn to the purity in her deep blue eyes and the innocence of her gentle voice, I wonder if I'm not the biggest monster of them all. I have to save her from them and myself. Because every second I spend with this timid woman, I fight the urge to claim her.

Own her.
Make her truly mine.
And I know it's wrong.

I will break her fall—if I don't break her first.

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REVIEW: 4.5 STARS
"There was beauty in her inexperience, in the slow way she went about discovering me."

As I try to come up with some words to describe this book, I'm going to be very careful not to cuss out Ms. Mabie because she left me on a huge cliffie - until October no less!! But what a gooooood cliffie it was!! I never saw that coming - even though I knew it was a trilogy, I just wasn't sure how she was going to bait me. OMGosh....I'll slowly crumble while I wait for this next one though. But alas, she has me chomping at the bit for it too! Aahhh!!! LOVE.

And of course, this is my SECOND fake marriage book in a matter of months, and I will admit that when authors that I've read and have enjoyed write these kinds of books, I still generally shy away from them. But TWICE now I've enjoyed them so.very.much! Shocking, I know....I might have to take back my 'never read' stance on this trope now. I am so invested in Abe and Myra's story! I thought about them all day yesterday after I finished this first book. I am so excited to read the second book because it was juuuust getting to the exploratory stage, if you catch my drift. I loved it!!! I love the slow burn in this one, and Mabie wrote it quite convincingly!

One thing I love about Mabie's storytelling is it's not an over-embellished, overused, big-word-using read. She doesn't just pull from a thesaurus for every other adjective or word, because that's too busy and I appreciate it a lot. It just gets tiring and it's happening more and more, so I appreciate the easy read. It was a comfortable read from the very beginning, and it's a worthy journey until the very end. I love her style and her flow and this book was the perfect example of why.

The discovery of these blossoming feelings between the characters was my favorite part. How they started and moved toward the relationship they had, it was 100% organic. It was intriguing and the kind I could sit back and get caught up in. Abe was a solid man, with a good head on his shoulders. While he knew what his thought processes were, hers were coming from a completely altered reality and it was a neat dynamic to wander through. Being inside their minds as they discovered a whole new way of life within their own little world away from what they have only ever known was really neat. He knew her reality, but it had been so long since he had to deal with it, so I loved how driven he was to save her but still had some errors in judgement and realities. It made him real and relatable, but I also loved seeing that he was weighing all his options while being thoughtful and confused, all mixed into one. I loved his internal battles.

Myra, oh dear. What a whole new world to peer in on and see how another has lived their entire life. Not casting judgement, but I was definitely in the OMGosh category when things were described. Her innocence was tempting and her curiosity was intoxicating; she clearly got Abe's undivided but unassuming attention. I could easily read more from her POV because her way of thinking was never ever on the same level as mine, and it was nice to read pure innocence with a whole new perspective. While I have NO concept of the kind of life that Myra lived, it made for a great read because it was a new world for me to explore. It made me question daily activities and how she would handle certain circumstances, completely out of curiosity. It was neat seeing her try new things...almost to the point of giggling at the purity of her excitement for new things.

I really couldn't put this book down. The pace was a slow and easy perusal....so much to read, but I couldn't slow down!! It wasn't a bad slow, it was a great slow - I never felt rushed or like things needed to move along quicker. So very good - I really enjoyed this one. Mabie created a story that made me think about all the differences; our/my everyday normal to her/their everyday normal. It kept me engaged, watching, seeing, learning the whole time I was reading. Oh, and this cover was a good 'mental picture' for me to hang onto while I was reading it - not gonna lie. HAHAHA!!

"Touching her felt good, not forbidden."
~BEE

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~MEET M MABIE~

M. Mabie lives in Illinois with her husband. She writes unconventional love stories and tries to embody "real-life romance."

She cares about politics, but will not discuss them in public. She uses the same fork at every meal, watches Wayne's World while cleaning, and lets her dog sleep on her head. She has always been a writer. In fact, she was born with a pen in her hand, which almost never happens. Almost. 

M. Mabie usually doesn't speak in third-person. She promises.

~CONNECT WITH MO~

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The Truth About Lies by Aly Martinez is LIVE and is the first book in her Truth Duet. The second book will release on September 13th.

Truth: From over a thousand miles away, I watched on the screen of my phone as two men murdered my wife. And I was helpless to save her.

Consumed by hate and rage, I spent four years running from my memories.

Until a shattered woman gave me a reason to stop.

Cora lived in a nightmare, but through sheer force of will, she’d turned it into something beautiful. She had a smile that could pierce the darkest soul. And with one glance, she shredded mine.

Lie: I was only there for a fresh start.

Lie: I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

Lie: There was nothing I could do to save her, either.

But that’s the thing about lies—you never know who to believe.

PURCHASE:  AMAZON

PREORDER THE TRUTH ABOUT US:   AMAZON  

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Faux Pas by Natasha Madison is releasing on October 1st and is a standalone.

Meghan

Five days in Paris sounded like a great idea for three friends. Especially when amazing wine was in play.

It didn't matter that our rented “apartment” only had one bed, and barely enough space to breathe, we were in Paris and our motto was c'est la vie.

Nothing would faze us, not even the rude waiter at the first restaurant we went to, or the insanely hot manager who was insulted when a bottle of wine was returned.

Nothing could bring me down or knock me off my path to the best vacation of my life.

Alex

I had six days in Paris and then I'd go back to my wine vineyard. It was smooth sailing, until three
"Americans" came into the restaurant and returned my newest full bodied, savory creation.

I ignored her until she stormed out of the restaurant looking for a taxi at one in the morning. I couldn't leave her wandering around the streets of Paris, could I?

I’d give her a ride, make sure she was safe, and my duty would be done. Except, was it?

Something about her pulled me.

This could be a vacation fling. After all, there is no real reason for her to know my interesting secret.

I'm France’s most eligible bachelor.

This faux pair is almost a faux pas...

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Glue by K Webster is a standalone and will release on September 5th. NOTE: this is MMF.

I’m a fixer. A lover. Always searching for the right fit.
And I come up empty every time.
My desires are unusual.
I don’t feel whole until I’m in the middle, holding it all together.
Which makes having a romantic relationship really difficult.

Until them.
Two people. An unraveling marriage. Love on the rocks.
And they want me.
To put them back together again.

Problem is, once they’re fixed, where does that leave me?
I sure as hell hope I stick like glue.

***This story is MMF.***

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Flirting With Forever by Kendall Ryan is a standalone and will be releasing on September 3rd.

I've waited years for the perfect girl, yet she was right in front of me all along.

My best friend, Natalie, has been by my side through everything. Leaning on my shoulder, borrowing my sweatshirts…and making my pants too tight when she flashes me that sassy smile that drives me crazy.

But she has no idea about that last part. She doesn't have a clue I've felt this way about her for years.

Until one night after too many cocktails, we fall into bed together.

I'm flirting with my forever…she just doesn't know it yet.

This book is a sexy, slow-burning best-friends-to-lovers romance with a guaranteed HEA and no cheating. Dive in, and get ready to melt for Cam!

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Center of Gravity by KK Allen is releasing on September 20th and is a standalone.

Lex
I came to L.A. with dreams bigger than me.
To learn from the best choreographers in the business and secure a professional dance gig working for Hollywood’s elite.
Everything was going according to plan—until I was literally shoved into the arms of the one man who could make or break my career.
Come to find out, it wasn’t my career I had to worry about.
It was my heart.

Theo
Everything about Alexandra “Lex” Quinn screamed amateur, save for the way she moved across the dance floor.
She was athleticism and grace, precision and passion, and she had a stage presence I couldn’t tear my eyes from.
I wanted her...on my team, in my bed.
There was only one problem...
I couldn’t have both.

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Over Easy and Over Hard by Jessa York is a debut duet and are not standalones. The first book will release on September 14th with book two releasing on September 28th.

Over Easy (Santa Lena Sizzles bk 1)

If it’s easy, it’s not worth it…

After a tumultuous divorce, the last thing Harper wants—or needs—is a new man in her life. She’s done with love and romance. When a smear of lipstick and a Pink Squirrel turn into a chance encounter that she’ll never forget, everything changes.

Nothing worth having comes easy…

Jack can’t believe his luck. When the mysterious woman he’s had his eyes set on falls into his arms—literally—he realizes he can’t let her go. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to keep her, even if it means playing with fire. 

PREORDER:  AMAZON

Over Hard (Santa Lena Sizzles bk 2)

Love looks easy, but it’s harder than you think…

Done. Harper is done with men. They’re too complicated, frustrating—and dangerous. After a run-in with her ex-husband, Harper ends all contact with her boyfriend, Jack, the one man who stole her heart.

But when Jack and Harper are thrown together to help a friend, all her old feelings reignite. Torn between closing herself off and her desire to understand his life and choices, Harper delves into his world. Jack’s past may complicate things even more. Will Harper see that the payoff is greater than the risk?

PREORDER:  AMAZON

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Block Shot by Kennedy Ryan is the second standalone in her HOOPS series releasing on September 10th.

JARED

If I had a dollar for every time Banner Morales made my heart skip a beat...
The heart everyone assumes is frozen over.
Her anger is...arousing.
Every glare from those fire-spitting eyes, every time she grits her teeth, gets me...well, you know.
If I had a dollar for every time she's put me in my place, I'd be an even richer man.
I'm a successful sports agent because I assume "no" means you'll think about it.
I'm sure what you meant to say is "Coming right up.”
They say even rich men don't always get what they want, but those men don't know how to play the game. The trick is to keep them guessing.
Take Banner. She assumes she's winning, but this game?
She doesn't even know how to play.

BANNER

If I had a dollar for every time Jared Foster broke my heart, I’d have exactly one dollar.
One night. One epic fail. One dollar...and I'm out.
I've moved on.
I’ve found success in a field ruled by men.
Anything they can do, I have done better.
They can keep the field while I call the shots, blocking them when I have to.
And Jared has the nerve to think he gets a second chance?
Boy, please. Go sit down. Have several seats.
I'll just be over here ignoring the man carved from my fantasies with a lust-tipped chisel.
Oh, I didn't say the struggle wasn't real.
But I've got that one dollar, and Jared won't have me.

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Without Warning by Dee Lagasse is a debut standalone book in her series releasing on September 27th.

Hollis Capparelli had always been different than most girls. A pint-sized spitfire with a take-no-crap attitude, her focus had always been soccer, music, family, and friends.

Chase Merrimack loved football more than anything. With dreams of playing professionally, there was only enough room in his heart for his momma and his little brother. That is, until Hollis quite literally stumbled into his life, changing both of them forever.

From the very beginning, Hollis and Chase, along with their friends and family, knew their connection was the kind that only came around once in a lifetime. “Soul mates,” they said. But no matter how strong the pull was, Hollis and Chase avoided their feelings. And they for sure never spoke of them...until the day they did.

Without Warning is the story of Hollis Capparelli and Chase Merrimack, their friendship and the universal pull that kept bringing them back together.

PREORDER:  AMAZON

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Vow of Atonement by Emma Renshaw is the second standalone in her Vow series and will release on September 5th.

A bossy Army vet determined to atone for his mistakes with the only girl he’s ever loved. A sassy boutique owner trying to shield her broken heart.

Roman stole every part of Harper’s heart and soul over a decade ago and left without giving her back the pieces. She’s spent the past decade trying to forget him and everything he made her feel.

When a mysterious figure shows up, changing her life with just a few sentences, she does the unthinkable—calls the man who left her shattered all those years ago.

Roman storms back into Harper’s life with a vengeance, determined to prove he is worthy of a second chance. He vows to keep her safe from the danger that has darkened her door.

But they’re both pawns in someone else’s game. And this vow might just be broken before the game is over…

PREORDER:  AMAZON

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________________________________________________

Break My Fall by M. Mabie is the first book in a trilogy and will release on August 28th.

"The first time I returned to Lancaster was for my brother's funeral.
The second time was for Myra."

For twelve years, I lived alone in my cabin, building a life with my two bare hands. I was free from their rules, their policies, and their lies.

They are a cult.
My father is their leader.

To protect my brother's widow, I'm making her my wife. It's her only way out.

But drawn to the purity in her deep blue eyes and the innocence of her gentle voice, I wonder if I'm not the biggest monster of them all. I have to save her from them and myself. Because every second I spend with this timid woman, I fight the urge to claim her.

Own her.
Make her truly mine.
And I know it's wrong.

I will break her fall—if I don't break her first.

PREORDER:  AMAZON

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Book Review and Giveaway for The Truth About Lies by Aly Martinez

THE TRUTH ABOUT LIES
by ALY MARTINEZ

Truth: From over a thousand miles away, I watched on the screen of my phone as two men murdered my wife. And I was helpless to save her.

Consumed by hate and rage, I spent four years running from my memories.

Until a shattered woman gave me a reason to stop.

Cora lived in a nightmare, but through sheer force of will, she’d turned it into something beautiful. She had a smile that could pierce the darkest soul. And with one glance, she shredded mine.

Lie: I was only there for a fresh start.
Lie: I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
Lie: There was nothing I could do to save her, either.

But that’s the thing about lies—you never know who to believe.

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REVEW: 5 SPOILER FREE-HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Stars
"I felt the warm curl of that woman sinking deeper under my skin."

I'd heard all the rave reviews and excitement when I posted on my page about reading this book...but I am pretty certain I wasn't prepared for this one. Leave it to freaking Aly Martinez to tell a story and then leave you gasping at the end like that!! Like, I kinda knew what was going to be in the cliffie, maybe sorta, but the way she worked up to it was amazing!!! I will tell you this much: You think you know, but you don't.

I love that she can keep me on my toes while telling me a story, and the fact that I thought I knew what was going to happen, and then the reality of what did happen? Yep. She's gooood. So, I implore you to go into this one blind. My reviews will always be spoiler free, but I know many will give away the setting, or the premise and not let you discover this on your own. I am begging you to not read any spoilers. See where she takes you on this one, because I can tell you that while she was setting up the story, I was falling in love with two people in a whole different world, because it wasn't your typical anything. I love her imagination and the fact that I was completely caught up and following a love story, there was so much going on in the background that made me think. We had a tormented hero, and a completely strong and selfless heroine. They had very distinct characteristics, and their journeys were so tortured and harsh and they were told with finesse and ease. I loved the different aspects to this book, and that's definitely what makes Aly's stories unique. They aren't run of the mill.

These characters were intense. This storyline was intense.

I mean, I wanna sit here and talk conspiracy theories. I want to wager some guesses as to who knew what, as to who did what...you know? I am so curious and I think that's my favorite part about Aly's duets. I love that she tells me this story, gets me all caught up in a love so thick - so real, but also has this element of whodunnit going on and I'm trying to figure out what is reality and what is perception. She works my brain. She makes me think. She drops little truth bombs throughout the book so there is SO much to discover that it was such an excited feeling for me to be reading through this and trying to make sense of all the clues she was gifting us. I sat down and all of the sudden, the pages were flying by, the time was disappearing - I was so immersed in this story and this unknown world, completely rapt. It was such a good read and the flow was perfection. She proves the strength in her words, page by page, and it's always such a reward. I cannot wait for the second book, The Truth About Us, because even though we know there is a DUH moment coming, it's how she spells it out that makes me all excited.

"If there was ever a woman who deserved more, it was her."
~BEE

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~MEET ALY MARTINEZ~

Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Aly Martinez is a stay-at-home mom to four crazy kids under the age of five- including a set of twins. Currently living in Chicago, she passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a glass of wine at her side.

After some encouragement from her friends, Aly decided to add “Author” to her ever-growing list of job titles. So grab a glass of Chardonnay, or a bottle if you’re hanging out with Aly, and join her aboard the crazy train she calls life.

~CONNECT WITH ALY~

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Book Review and Giveaway for Confessions: PRIEST by Ella Frank

CONFESSION: PRIEST
by ELLA FRANK

I am complex.
My love is all-encompassing.
And when it comes to my heart, there is only one rule:
Don’t mess with what’s mine.

Until the age of seven, I was Joel Alexander Donovan, son of Jimmy.
The man who terrorized a town and made its citizens fear
the very ground he walked on. Including me,
the day I realized that ground ran red with blood.

At age eighteen, I became Priest.
A man without a past.
A man determined to right the wrongs of my father.
A man who never believed anyone could love the son of such a monster.

But then a thief stole my heart.
A sweetheart lit up my world.
And I forgot for a moment you should never turn your back on your enemy.

And thus begins a lesson to those who would seek to harm: Never underestimate what the Priest will do to protect the Princess and the Prick.

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REVIEW: 5 STARS

"You allow us to give ourselves in different ways because we love you in different ways."

This book was intense. This series was....everything I needed in a new to me author. Wow.

I love when a book gets me all worked up that I can't settle down to write my review!! Coincidentally, I also hate when a book gets me all worked up because I feel like I will never find the right words to express how much I loved the book. I seriously feel like I'm on my knees, fists raised in the air, screaming 'Aaaargh!!' because I have SO many thoughts and emotions on not only this book, or this series, but these men as well. This is the type of book (and series) that I almost feel I need a couch for. One to sit on, chat about on, show you exactly how I'm feeling - emotionally, mentally, and physically. Ella Frank is rich with her words, it feels almost indulgent to me. You can only take so much because they're powerful, yet so good you can't stop. Don't mess this up and think you're going to barrel through this series - it's not a rush through it kind of read. Her words...they're so thoughtful. So meaningful. So right. OMGosh....seriously. The pain, the heaviness, the tension - it was all there and she just serves it up to you; hands it over without question. 

"There is nothing more arousing to me than looking at the person - or people - I love, and knowing without a doubt that they are mine."

Even though this is the third book in this series, each one progressively got more intense for me. I loved the first two, as you can tell from my reviews (listed below), but getting to read this one, the culmination of love that was so powerful and so enigmatic was incredibly moving. The depth, the strength, the devotion these men had? Insanely awesome. Once again, I am caught up in my own head with these feelings that I want to put words to, but I just don't know how...

There is such an impressive and raw sexuality with this triad; one that runs deeper than any other I've read. Ella Frank can write honest emotions with conviction. She can give me an intimacy with her words not many can. I love the depth and the confidence she gave to these men's emotions. There was no room for jealousy. Their love is so pure, their bond so tight. It was like, 'This is normal. This is everyday life and there is nothing out of the ordinary here. Move along.' For that to be a feeling to know deep within the makeup of your soul, to feel that reality as a truth in your world when it's not an 'ordinary world' kind of thing, *hats off to you*. I mean, I don't even know what to say. I rooted for, fell in love with and connected to these men on a level I didn't think I would. It's certainly not conventional, but it sure gave me a glimpse into the world of a triad, and most definitely allowed me to witness a love so strong with unbelievably amazing chemistry. But she left me reeling with the swipe of the last page....because I didn't want to say goodbye to these guys. I just loved them.

While this one had an element of action to it, more than the other two did, it showcased their love as more than just a fun time, more than just surface level enjoyment. The progression in all three books really shared a 'timeline' of love for me - the fun, the sex, the intimacy. With their lives moving from meeting and dipping their toes into these new waters (Robbie), to them enjoying the honeymoon phase while getting deeper truths about each other (Julien), to the real world problems stepping on their toes and making them flinch because the pain is almost too much to bear (Priest). I think....no, I know I'm in love with Ella Frank and her words. 

"The most effective way to capture my attention is to walk away from me."

A lot of this book centered around Priest's recollections and how he came to be with his meticulous thought processes. the way he worked things out. The way he internalized until he need to act. He was so strong and so determined, but I felt for him. To be so stoic, so tenacious, but so emotionally tangled up? To finally accept what your weaknesses are, and then have to fight for the rightness that you know deep in your heart to be true? What. A. Story. My heart, it was gripped by her words. I couldn't put this book down after I started it because I couldn't get enough. I am so glad I finally picked up one of her books, but I am also so mad at myself for not reading her sooner!! Would you believe I have her Temptation Series sitting on my kindle, but haven't read it yet? Get in line to kick me....after I kick myself! Geez, I know. *hangs head in shame*

I know most of this review reads as a scatterbrained blogger that has too much to say and clearly not enough words to say it with....but I hope you understand the truth in my words when I say that Ella Frank can write a love so profound, so stunning that it will leave you speechless. She is deep. She is heavy. She is emotional. She is amazing. She just speaks to me and hits all my emotional buttons. I seriously cannot wait for more.

"Priest's attention, his love, was something one could only dream of, because he so rarely gave it away."

~BEE

"It took the love of someone truly unselfish to teach me how to fully understand another. First you have to push aside your wants, and then you have to listen to their needs."

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My review: http://bit.ly/2p5Oi9E

PURCHASE JULIEN:  AMAZON
My review: http://bit.ly/2HtJcuT

PURCHASE PRIEST:  AMAZON

~MEET ELLA FRANK~

Ella Frank is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite contemporary romance, Sex Addict. Her Exquisite series has been praised as “scorching hot!” and “enticingly sexy!”

Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Phillips.

~CONNECT WITH ELLA~

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Book Review and Giveaway for Richer Than Sin by Meghan March

RICHER THAN SIN
by MEGHAN MARCH

A Riscoff and a Gable can never live happily ever after. Our family feud is the stuff of legends.

Ten years ago, Whitney Gable caught me off guard with her long legs and grab-you-by-the-balls blue eyes.

I didn’t know or care what her name was.

Like any Riscoff worth the family name, I went after what I wanted. We burned like a flash fire until she married another man.

She hates me, and she should.
I objected on her wedding day.

Now she’s home, with those same long legs and man-eater stare, but there’s no ring on her finger.

They say a Riscoff and a Gable can never live happily ever after . . . but I’m not done with Whitney Gable.

I’ll never be done with her.

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--> WTF!!! <--

It's not often a book can leave me on a wide-eyed WTF moment. This one most certainly did. Lincoln Riscoff is now on my shit list, for sure!! I want to strangle him.....after rubbing him all over, because hot damn! He's a sexy one!!! Wow. I really liked this one. Wow. And now the wait begins for Guilty As Sin.

In all seriousness, Meghan March handed me gold when she released the synopsis for this book. I mean, how often do you see a man standing up to object at a wedding?? I LIKED IT! I went into this book expecting explosive, fiery feelings...the kind that made you bite your nail while reading the book, with a greedy smile upon your lips. I was not disappointed!! It was hot. It was sexy. It was verrry intriguing. I gotta hand it to her. She sure knows how to start a series with a BANG!

"I may not be able to change the past, but I can sure as hell make sure it doesn't repeat itself."

I'm pretty vocal about not liking cliffhangers, and I also try to avoid them like the plague....yet I find myself signing up for Meghan March's trilogies every damn time!! What the heck!!? She lures me in with the blurb, the covers are amazing, and the stories take me on a ride. They are always busy, always moving, and the storyline is fluid. I do like that she leaves us on a cliffhanger that always makes me excited for the next one. Not too intricate, but there is a lot more to the story that we aren't getting yet. The history between Lincoln and Whitney was able to be compared to "what a tangled web we weave" because of the amount of drama happening between these pages, and that kept me fully engaged throughout the entire book. I loved Whitney's strength and stubbornness, but I think Meghan nailed it when she showed just how much of a weakness Lincoln really is for her. I really liked their dynamic and the push/pull we got with them. There was no denying the sexual chemistry between these two, and she told that party really well. I loved seeing that Lincoln really does have a softer side to him as well as a heart very capable of love, but he also has a chip on his shoulders. Basically, what you see on the outside is not exactly what you get on the inside, behind closed doors. Not in the regular sense that he's a jerk, but he's quick to assume and ups his asshole factor if he thinks someone is out to do him wrong. But also....that's why I want to freaking punch him. You know what they say about assuming. This wait is going to be torture.

"She was fire and heat and spice. Tasted like trouble. And I wanted it all."

This story is told in a past/present/past format. It got a little confusing when I missed the header and I had to go back to find out what timeframe we were in, but other than that, I liked seeing where they came from and how they started while interspersing current time and the fallout and eventual pick up of their hearts. Was it an easy read? Yep! Easily recommended too. As usual, there is some drama in there that I gave the Elvis Lip to, but other than that, I really enjoyed this one. Looking forward to the rest of their story!!

"She's perfection wrapped in thorns, but the reward is so incredible, you're willing to risk the sting."
~BEE

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~MEET MEGHAN MARCH~

A New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty novels, Meghan March has been known to wear camo face paint and tromp around in woods wearing mud- covered boots, all while sporting a perfect manicure. She’s also impulsive, easily entertained, and absolutely unapologetic about the fact that she loves to read and write smut. Her past lives include slinging auto parts, selling lingerie, making custom jewelry, and practicing corporate law. Writing books about dirty talking alpha males and the strong, sassy women who bring them to their knees is by far the most fabulous job she’s ever had.

She loves hearing from her readers at meghanmarchbooks@gmail.com

Sign up for Meghan's newsletter and receive exclusive content that she saves for her subscribers: HERE.

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Book Review and Giveaway for Blind Kiss by Renee Carlino

BLIND KISS
by RENEE CARLINO

Penny spends her afternoons sitting outside a sandwich shop, surrounded by ghosts. Fourteen years ago, this shop was her childhood dance studio—and she was a dancer on the rise. Now she’s a suburban housewife, dreading the moment her son departs for MIT, leaving her with an impeccably-decorated McMansion and a failing marriage. She had her chance at wild, stars-in-her-eyes happiness, but that was a lifetime ago. After The Kiss. Before The Decision.

The Kiss was soulful. Magical. Earth-shattering, And it was all for a free gift card. Asked to participate in a psych study that posed the question, “Can you have sexual chemistry without knowing what the other person looks like?” Penny agreed to be blindfolded, make polite conversation with a total stranger, and kiss him. She never expected The Kiss to change her life forever and introduce her to Gavin: tattooed, gorgeous, and spontaneous enough to ask her out seconds after the blindfolds came off.

For a year, they danced between friendship and romance—until Penny made The Decision that forced them to settle for friendship. Now, fourteen years later, both of their lives are about to radically change—and it’s his turn to decide what will become of their once-in-a-lifetime connection.

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REVIEW: 5 STARS
"I'm not trying to hurt you. I'm trying to keep you close."

I know a love triangle is not everyone's cup of tea. In fact, I see very often that it's vehemently denied by many as a trope they're willing to read. However, it's high on the list of my favorites, if not the favorite trope for me. No, I'm not a cold hearted woman that loves a cheating partner in her books. Quite the contrary. In truth, I seek the emotional challenge of a story that, if written well, can make me empathize with the characters that are questioning their relationships and what is drawing them to another person. The reason that they can't stop their heart from pulling them towards someone else. I like the mental and moral challenges that need to be worked through because the decision isn't an easy one. It's that why that is very important to me. Because in a black and white world, there is always some gray. There is always another side to the story, whether we agree with it or not. That's the side I like to listen to. I want to feel it. I want to hurt for those characters and feel that pain they are going through.

Case in point with Gavin and Penny. It's not how it appears, yet it is exactly how it appears. It also depends on how deep you want to get into their story - take it for what it's worth, or dig deep and find out what is actually happening. The emotions were real, the pain was evident, and the implications were broad. There was so much to work through that my mind was racing with every possible outcome - good and bad. In the very beginning, after originally only getting one side of the story, I was honestly shaking my head. I thought Penny was a raving lunatic!! Here I am wondering how I'm going to get through this book with a heroine that has literally lost every single one of her marbles. But as I got deeper into the story, I saw how her emotions warred within her mind. How she tried to protect her heart, but found out that was a mistake of epic proportions. I loved seeing that part tear them up inside, singularly and together. Because the reality was, they were inseparable and she couldn't deny it no matter how hard she tried. It was a love that was intertwined deep within the fabric of their friendship and the lines were smudged....blurred beyond recognition.

Gavin was everything you could ever want in a friend, but wanted even more in a lover. Patient, kind, funny, smart, playful...he had it all. He skirted every realm of perfection....with very evident imperfections. He was the devoted friend that you could call on anytime, the one that would always be by your side, but he also fought for what he believed in, even if it was to the detriment of his own heart. His conviction and his personal truths about his love for Penny was unreal. There were many layers to these two, and that gave their characters a depth that worked well in this story. The pull Penny had on Gavin was just as strong, if not stronger than the pull Gavin had on Penny, but they were never on the same level playing field at the same time. That variable added many other conditions to contend with. The emotions were real, the pain was evident, and the implications were broad. There was so much going on and so many challenges to work through that my mind was racing with every possible outcome - good and bad. I'll admit I was scared from time to time, but I loved this book so much. The journey was incredible. Painful, but incredible.

This book will probably rub many wrong, and I can totally understand why. Many will question why Gavin and Penny couldn't just be together - why the back and forth. But I was able to see the reasons and the emotional dilemma they provided. I was able to connect with the characters and their fears. I was able to understand why the barriers to their love were real - whether in their mind or a truth in their world. I loved this turmoil, this torture and anguish they felt. It was all consuming and heartbreaking and I soaked it all up! I read straight through this one and couldn't put it down - completely hypnotized not only by the storyline, but by the intensity between Gavin and Penny. So so good. So good.

I love the discussions that come from stories like this because the variables are great, and the opinions even greater....

There's something to say about the depth of one's love and the lengths they will go to for said love.

"I know, but it hurts to be this close."
~BEE
 

It's not what you look at that matters. It's what you see.

                                      - Henry David Thoreau

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~MEET RENEE CARLINO~

Renée Carlino is a screenwriter and bestselling author of contemporary women's novels and new adult fiction. Her books have been featured in national publications, including USA TODAY, Huffington Post, Latina magazine, and Publisher's Weekly. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their sweet dog June. When she's not at the beach with her boys or working on her next project, she likes to spend her time reading, going to concerts, and eating dark chocolate. Learn more at www.reneecarlino.com

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Book Review and Giveaway for Bishop by Sawyer Bennett

BISHOP

by SAWYER BENNETT

Meet the Arizona Vengeance, hockey’s hottest new team. They’re burning up the ice—until a one-night-stand with the coach’s daughter freezes one player in his skates.

Bishop Scott, co-captain. Not too shabby, huh? It’s all part of my fresh start with the NHL’s latest expansion team, and that means new teammates, a new coach, a new city, and a big new contract. Basically, I cannot f***ing wait to show my old squad what they’re missing.

But first, I decide to check out the town before the grind begins. Turns out Arizona chicks are totally smokin’, and I’m fortunate enough to meet one who’s looking for the same thing I am: a night of anonymous, unforgettable, no-strings-attached sex.

Fast forward to the Vengeance arena. It’s the last place I expect to see her again—let alone in her own office. Then bells go off and I finally realize who this girl is: Brooke Perron. My new coach’s daughter. All of a sudden, we’re picking up right where we left off, which means our hands are all over each other. That’s when her dad—my boss—walks in. And before I can get a word out, Brooke’s introducing me as her fiancé.

Sure, she just saved my ass. So why do I get the feeling Brooke’s going to turn my world upside down? Maybe it’s because this fake relationship feels way too real. . . .

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REVIEW: 4 STARS

"No matter what led us to this moment, right now I'm yours..."

HONESTY FIRST: Well, if you've been following me for any amount of time, you know I am definitely no lover of fake fiancé/fiancée/marriage/relationship books. I honestly hate them. They are all dumb to me and I literally roll my eyes every time I come across one. They never live up to the hype or the reason that they are faking it. 

~ "You need to for the sake of the company." 

~ "You need to for status."

~ "You need to produce proper heirs." 

~ "You need to join forces with the enemy to take them down."

Blah, blah, blah. Just NO. You will get a DNF out of me quicker than any other trope if it's a hidden twist in the book, which is why I avoid them if I can. I loathe them. I am of the kind that speaks her mind, so you aren't talking me into a fake relationship for any reasons I don't wanna accept - first of all, and basically - true love is not something you mess with. Period. So, why did I read this one? Well, for one, I love Sawyer Bennett and read everything she puts out, and two, I agreed to read it long before I ever knew the synopsis, so that had me biting my nails a bit. And I always stand behind my recommendations, or review them accordingly.....so I took one for the team.

So, dammit. Leave it to Sawyer Bennett to make me read through this trope and actually enjoy it. Ok? Ugh. Now, before I try to tell you why YOU should read it, let me tell you this much: this one had a slight twist to it that made it semi-conceivable as to why they would carry on this charade. I will admit that it got a little far fetched for me at one point and I was side-eyeing it a bit, but the characters and their personalities made me enjoy it and I was able to finish it with a smile on my face. Was it predictable? Well, sure. It was pretty much a guarantee of what was going to happen, but I loved seeing who it happened to first and it just flowed very smoothly.

If I am not a huge fan of this genre (who am I kidding), why and how could I possibly give this 4 stars? This one had a few things that really worked for it. It's not just that it's SB and I love her, because I will always be honest in my reviews no matter how much I love the author. If the book doesn't work for me, it doesn't work and I will let you know. Again, I stand behind everything I post about on my blog. But the characters....the personalities. Let me explain that one. Bishop thought he was going to get a one night stand. Bishop thought he was going to walk away. Bishop definitely lives up to hockey players' playboy ways. But Bishop has a softer side he doesn't show anyone. I loved Bishop. 

"In this moment. . . right now. . . not sorry at all for how this has all gone down."

Not always does SB write an alpha badass. She usually writes a down to earth man with a cocky, yet dorky side to them. It makes them more endearing. Relatable. Real. But the insecurities, the wondering who is really feeling what, the emotions that were inevitably bound to come....I liked it. It worked for me. Yes, at first glance, he wasn't exactly boyfriend material. He sounded shallow, cocky....so sure of himself that he came across as somewhat of a douche. But that was SB setting the stage. For the beginning of what has clearly started out as a worthy series. Seriously, I love the way she can develop and start a new world and give us a glimpse into all the characters that will be comprising the stories to follow, yet never detract from the main couple and their story at hand. 

Shockingly enough, I really did enjoy this one. In the end, this book gave me the smiles. I even giggled a few times out loud because of what was said/done. It was enjoyable overall, so I'm glad I read it. Bishop has a verrrry dirty mouth, and he's not afraid to use it; Brooke sure enjoyed it. She was somewhat of a pushover, always trying to make sure others were ok, but that also lent a sort of softer side to her that I wanted to hug. Her heart was bigger than her brain sometimes, but it was always in the right spot. I really enjoyed this one. The one thing that left me hanging was that the end of the book felt too short. Too quick. I would have loved to have seen a little more from it, but I can walk away knowing I will see them in the books to follow, so I am very definitely looking forward to this series and the stories to come...especially Tacker's. 

I'm pretty sure I don't know how to write a short review at this point. Sorry!!

"...no one should touch what's yours."

~BEE

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~ABOUT SAWYER BENNETT~

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released multiple books, many of which have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists.

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active daughter, as well as full-time servant to her adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or even better, both.

Sawyer also writes general and women’s fiction under the pen name S. Bennett and sweet romance under the name Juliette Poe.

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