Book Review and giveaway for Confessions: Bailey by Ella Frank

CONFESSIONS: BAILEY
by ELLA FRANK

Black and white. Right and wrong.
That’s how Craig Bailey has always lived his life.
The son of a fallen, decorated police officer, he’s had no choice but to follow the rules.
Until he met the ultimate bad boy and decided to follow him instead.

Henri Boudreaux is everything Bailey never knew he wanted.
Mysterious, sexy, and hiding more secrets than friends.
He’s exactly the kind of man Bailey knows could break his heart.

But there’s a vulnerability to Henri that calls to Bailey.
A longing for a connection that Bailey is unable to resist.
And while Bailey has always lived his life on the straight and narrow, he is now beginning to understand that falling in love is never so black and white.

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REVIEW: 4.5 STARS
"I've never had anyone make me feel the way you do."

There is nothing better than finishing a book and being able to sit there and just smile. I mean, I smiled all the way through this book and I may have shuddered in pain for Henri and Bailey during it, but my overall feeling is absolute adoration. Hands down, completely intoxicating. The heartache was strong in this one and I was actually shocked at how hard it hit me. Bailey and Henri have to be some of my favorite men in this series, but then again - I have enjoyed them all. I have fallen for the way Frank writes her men. They are strong and confident, but there is a vulnerable side to them that is so sexy to read. That juxtaposition works well in her books and in her stories. And once again, falling head over ass into another love story she penned gave me yet another reason to marvel at her words and her smooth style of delivering a love so profound.

At this point, I think it goes without saying that these books are HOT. Capital H, Capital O, Capital T. I could totally and completely feel the desire that was very evident between Henri and Bailey, and the fact that it caught them both by surprise, showed them both that things can be different...my gosh, I just loved them so much. Their pull was unmistakable and that was a great theme throughout both books. Because, as with life, we know it gets in the way - right? Right. And so with having this pull they can't deny, nor can they explain away, it made for a great anchor for not only the highs, but also the lows.

"How was it possible to feel so connected to someone when you barely knew more than their name?"

There was such a masterfully laid background of their story, one with a lesson to be learned and understood. Jaded mental pictures of our own worth are the worst to combat, and knowing what our sweet Henri had gone through, he deserved all the man-love he could soak up. I say, who better than Bailey? These two were literally made for each other. This book, duet really, was actually the best layout necessary for the Gruff One and Saint Bailey to learn something new about themselves and the power of a love that was unquestionable in every way. This is proof that love doesn't have rules. It crosses boundaries we may have set up for ourselves, but it doesn't have rules.

The physical side of Frank's words were abundantly clear - they were tangible. Two grown men that can't take their eyes off each other; the kind that have meaningful sex - not just powerful sex. Mind boggling desire mixed with scorching, red-hot lust. They just felt each other, wholly and purposefully. An undeniable intensity that robbed each other of their senses....and I sigh hard when reading a love about giving in like that. I love feeling like I'm being swept up in this love that is just falling off the pages right along with the characters. I love that their love story can be wistful and heart-tugging in one moment, but bold and complicated in another. It ran the gamut of emotions, but it wasn't an emotionally tiring read. It just fit every pocket imaginable for me, and I really enjoyed their story so much.

After waiting patiently for this second book, I can safely say that Frank delivered a worthy story. I was completely caught up in their budding relationship as it grew, so waiting was a sweet form of torture, but she did not let me down. I am inexorably in love with Ella Frank's writing and cannot wait for more. Her voice is so charismatic. She possesses a strength with a heavy yet sensual side to it. I get all caught up in her stories and I always hate when they end....

"There was something to be said about being the one person another could be free with."
~BEE

PURCHASE BAILEY: AMAZON

PURCHASE HENRI: AMAZON

My review: http://bit.ly/2kqbTU5

Henri is book one of this interconnected duet. Bailey cannot be read as a standalone.

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If you are interested, here are the purchase links and my review links for the first four books in the series.

PURCHASE ROBBIE:  AMAZON

My review: http://bit.ly/2p5Oi9E

PURCHASE JULIEN:  AMAZON

My review: http://bit.ly/2HtJcuT

PURCHASE PRIEST:  AMAZON

My review: http://bit.ly/2wbv5HN

PURCHASE THE PRINCESS, THE PRICK AND THE PRIEST: AMAZON

My review: http://bit.ly/2zi6Byd

~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 for Pan by Gina L. Maxwell

PAN
by GINA L MAXWELL

From NYT and USA Today bestselling author, Gina L. Maxwell, comes a brand new series with a fresh twist on an old classic.

Once upon a time, in Neverland, North Carolina—I fell in love.

I was twelve when Peter first climbed up to my balcony.
Thirteen when I sneaked out to see him at the School for Lost Boys.
Seventeen when his touch made me fly,
And eighteen when his words made me cry.

We were magnetic, drawn to each other from that very first night, and what I thought would be forever. But when it came time for me to leave, he wouldn’t come with, so I left town with a map for my future and a shattered heart.

Ten years later, I’ve returned to Neverland, hoping to find a man in place of the boy.

Peter was partially right, growing up is no fun. After quitting my fancy career that sucked the magic out of life, I’m now organizing the fundraiser of the year. In a move that could make or break the event and my new company, I’ve hired Peter, master mechanic and owner of LB Automotive, to help me pull this off—trusting him to rebuild a classic car for the auction that could help hundreds of foster kids in need.

I thought I was prepared, but the boy who refused to leave is now a man hell-bent on getting me to stay, and as sparks fly between us, that undeniable fire flares back to life, deeper and hotter than ever.

But that ripped body doesn’t mean Peter’s matured enough to make us or this event work, and not everyone in Neverland is happy about my return.

Not every wound heals.
Not every heart can be fixed.
Not every boy grows up.

And after all this time, the love we found might be lost to us again…this time, forever.

*Pan is an adult contemporary romance retelling of Peter Pan, complete with Wendy, Hook, Tink, and all the Lost Boys as sexy mechanics. There are no fantasy elements in this world, other than the "magic" that happens between the sheets.

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REVIEW: 3.5 STARS
"But for the record, whether or not I'm looking at you, I'm always paying attention to you, Wendy."

I have made it no secret that I have enjoyed the fairytale side of the naughty in a few books, and being able to add Peter Pan, Tink, Wendy, Hook, etc to that lineup was nothing short of exciting for me. I mean, how do you capture that innocence and wonderment that Peter Pan had? The not-a-mean-bone-in-his-body kind of child, but in a mature, grown man? I can't imagine that would be easy, but I feel like Gina L. Maxwell gave him and Wendy a great story and the beginning of a standalone series of interconnected books - of which, I will be following closely. I really, really enjoyed this one.

I could definitely enjoy and appreciate the way Maxwell gave Pan his own voice, but followed the innocence of the original Peter Pan we knew and loved while growing up. The 'moral, clean side' of the fairytale shines through in this retelling but he just happens to be a little naughtier now. The wonderment of life, from the POV of a child suspended in a fairytale yet set in modern times, is what I loved most about this one. I think she captured that innocence so very well.

"Instead of being thankful that I've somehow landed an incredible woman I don't deserve, I need to do everything I can to become the man she does deserve."

This was the easiest book to read! Visually appealing, mentally stimulating...and memory jogging. I obviously remember Peter Pan from growing up, but I feel like Maxwell gave me back a little bit of my childhood (not the naughty side!!) with the way Pan acted and how he spoke. He felt like, to me, that he was still living in a fairytale world but had grown into a possessive man in a gentlemanly way. I wish I could put into words exactly what I'm trying to say, but I feel like I'm talking in circles. It's almost like she physically took Pan out of Neverland, but he never really left that world mentally. Does that make sense? Let me try again.... the edge and grit Maxwell gave The Lost Boys wasn't anything we would have seen in the original movie growing up, but the play on their circumstances and their backstories is what kept me turning the pages, but also has me jonesing for the next book in the series.

I will admit that I hope that the voice in this story was lighter and easier going because of Pan's personality and who he is, whereas Hook will hopefully read deeper and with more heaviness added in because of his situation. His backstory was hinted at in this one, so I know that when I dive into Hook, I am probably going to struggle emotionally with the impact of his youth and his personal struggle. I cannot honestly wait to read that one.

One thing I did ask, because I feel like I'm completely vested in these characters individually and as part of a whole, is if there will be other stories. She told me that she has ten books planned in the series with Tink following Hook, and then she stated that she's operating on a "No Lost Boy Left Behind mission" so they each will get their HEA, because based on how she set this up, they all have a story to tell. She gave a brief idea of what her Lost Boys of Neverland books will consist of - in no certain order:

Thomas
Silas
The Twins + Tiger Lily (MFM)
Nick
Carlos
Chief
Smee + Starkey + female (MMF).

I'm suuure you can see that I'm definitely here for the next few books because MFM and MMF are two of my favorite tropes and I cannot wait to see how she spins their stories...but I'm also here because for my first read of Gina's, I am definitely hankering for more.

"I rarely lose, Wen, but I never lose when it matters. And you will always matter."
~BEE

PURCHASE 

AMAZON     B&N     APPLE BOOKS     KOBO

HOOK IS LIVE!!

AMAZON      B&N     APPLE BOOKS     KOBO
Links to be updated as they all go live

~MEET GINA L MAXWELL~

Gina L. Maxwell is a full-time writer, wife, and mother living in the upper Midwest, despite her scathing hatred of snow and cold weather. An avid romance novel addict, she began writing as an alternate way of enjoying the romance stories she loves to read. Her debut novel, Seducing Cinderella, hit both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists in less than four weeks, and she’s been living her newfound dream ever since.

When she’s not reading or writing steamy romance novels, she spends her time losing at Scrabble (and every other game) to her high school sweetheart, doing her best to hang out with their teenagers before they fly the coop, and dreaming about her move to sunny Florida once they do.

~CONNECT WITH GINA~

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Book Review and Giveaway for The Kingmaker by Kennedy Ryan

THE KINGMAKER

by KENNEDY RYAN

Raised to rule, bred to lead and weaned on a diet of ruthless ambition. In a world of haves and have nots, my family has it all, and I want nothing to do with it.

My path takes me far from home and paints me as the black sheep. At odds with my father, I’m determined to build my own empire. I have rules, but Lennix Hunter is the exception to every one of them. From the moment we meet, something sparks between us. But my family stole from hers and my father is the man she hates most. I lied to have her, and would do anything to keep her. Though she tries to hate me, too, the inexorable pull between us will not be denied.

And neither will I.

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REVIEW: 4.5 STARS

"If a kiss has a taste, it tastes like this. Hunger flavored with yearning and spiced with desperation."

Kennedy Ryan amazes me and this story is yet another reason why she sits on my Favorite Authors list. She gets in the trenches of a subject, pulls out all the knowledge - big and small - and then basically manipulates my emotions with an honest truth. I know I will sit amongst the many other raving reviews out there, and many will want a more diverse review with some negatives and positives, but one thing Ryan does without fail is bring me a compelling story that makes me think. It's constructive and thought provoking - one that I know I won't walk away from without a better understanding of a situation, or a current issue.

My absolute, hands down, favorite thing about her writing is the fact that she can make me feel her words. I never feel like I’m guilted into taking sides on a specific thought process. Kennedy always has a way of talking through a cause, an emotion, a belief that has very strong opinions attached to it - on both sides of the spectrum. I love the way she talks me through it and gives me another POV. Her words are mesmerizing, tantalizing, and she can romanticize anything - but that’s not who or what she is deep within. Making it emotional is one thing, making it personal is another, but making it relatable is what Kennedy excels at.

But, you know what else she does so well?? She gives me a man worthy of weak knees and heart palpitations....the tummy-flutters, the heart eyes. Not to diminish the quality of her storytelling, or the value of her content, but Maxim Cade is unlike any of her other men. Is he strong? Yes. Is he thoughtful? Yes. Is he meaningful in his actions? Most definitely. But the depth of his soul is scale-tipping of epic proportions. I love when I can get caught up in a fascinating storyline as a whole, but I love to settle into a love story that it makes me ache for more.

"There's a language between our heartbeats I have no translation for - no words, just a thumping communion."

Within the first few chapters, the strength of Lennix gave me the chills. Her words haunt me still....days later. I love what Kennedy does with bringing issues to light. Things we hear about but may never really think about in depth. She definitely gave me something to think about.

Lennix has such a personality and she made me laugh with all her sarcastic thoughts. But she was also bold. She didn't let anything stop her and she was headstrong and determined. That clearly played out well for her in the long run. Given the history and background of the characters, this was a story with purpose. I wanted to read the love story, but I was very intrigued where she was taking the moral side as well. Ryan builds a love story so organically. There isn't any undue drama. No eye twitching moments. It’s pure unadulterated brilliance in her writing and I truly love settling into her books. She puts love in motion and I can appreciate her vision for not only the love that she's growing and giving us, but also for the actual storyline that has moral implications beyond an everyday romance reader's run-of-the-mill stories. She's always got a heavy subject matter, one that's told with knowledge and a deeper understanding of all the intricacies that make it a hot and debatable discussion.

"Anticipation is the match to the line of gasoline, and I'm already on fire."

-> There’s a reason she’s a best-selling author - she writes books that speak to people about people, but with a powerful message attached.

-> There’s a reason she’s a RITA award-winning author - she writes books that resonate with people, not only on an emotional level but an academic level.

-> There’s a reason she’s an amazing human being - she writes emotional books while telling a compelling story with so much heart and soul and conviction, but not making you feel bad for not fully grasping the concept at hand on a deeper level. I love that I can get a POV that makes me see more than surface level arguments.

In the interest of being open and honest with my reviews, as I try to be with every single book, favorite author or not; there isn't much I can honestly complain about with this one. The one thing I personally struggled with was the constant repetitive side of Lennix's need to explain her fight. I know why she was fighting and I am behind her 100%, but continually bringing it up in every single conversation made me feel a little brow-beaten at times. But if that is seriously the only thing I can say I struggled with - a headstrong heroine with strength and conviction in her fight? Then I think I can call this a win. But it ended and I am left scrambling with my emotions unchecked, waiting for November 18th.....there's my real complaint. HA!

I loved this book. I loved reading a story with a very different background than I've ever read. I loved getting caught up in a gut-grabbing, time-diffusing love that spanned years but never lost it's magnetism. If anything, it grew stronger. I felt the pull between them and I could feel his need with every interaction. I could feel her want and desire humming just below the surface. I felt their love, despite the animosity harbored between them. I felt this story. I cannot wait for their conclusion.

"The harder I have to work for something, the harder I take it."
~BEE

PURCHASE: AMAZON - Kindle Unlimited

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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.

~CONNECT WITH KENNEDY~

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Book Review and Giveaway for Beautifully Broken Spirit by Catherine Cowles

BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN SPIRIT
by CATHERINE COWLES

She’s always been his safe place to land.

Jensen has shared a special bond with Tuck for as long as she can remember, their friendship a language that never needed words. But as life threw her one curveball after another, that secret language turned to stony silence.

He’s always been her protector.


Tuck has looked out for Jensen since the day she was born. As his best friend’s little sister, he’s tried to keep her firmly in the friend category. But she’s always been more.

All it takes is one moment of weakness to send Tuck’s fiercely guarded walls crumbling to the ground. As a new fire burns between them, someone watches. Someone who doesn’t like the new life Jensen’s building for herself.

And they’ll stop at nothing to keep her in the dark.

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REVIEW: 4.5 STARS
"Couldn't stay away, Wilder. You're like a drug."

I must admit, Catherine Cowles surprises me. With each release of hers I'm reading, I'm falling more and more in love with her voice, her style of writing - her stories in general. She has such a unique flow to her words. There's a real intimacy to her small town romances and she completely sucks me in from the first page. The innocence and the familiarity of the town and its people, that's what makes me love her. This being my fourth book of hers, I am completely devoted to her stories now. Might as well plan my calendar around her releases now....I'm a goner.

There’s such a softness to her words, and she tells the story as if it was one passed down over the years, generation after generation. I can feel the sense of awe in her words when she talks about a love so powerful that there is no denying it. A beauty your eyes can’t put into words, but the vision steals your thoughts. A land so majestic that the stories, you can hear them on the wind. Her storytelling is like that, for me. I love the pace, the story, the visuals, and the love between her characters.

Was I watching Jensen grow from a worried, lost girl who had her heart broken into a tough, no effs given badass? Yes. Yes I was. And boy, was that a journey. I loved her strength, but I also loved her vulnerability, even though she wanted to hide behind it. There was so much reality and truth to her fight and her emotions that I couldn't help but connect with her on a deeper level. Her sarcasm made me giggle, but I also loved the way she didn't give up and kept fighting for HERself. She definitely gave me a better mental picture of a strong woman.

But, saying how strong Jensen was, it definitely took a confident man to know when to stand next to her and when to carry her. A man smart enough to know that difference is seriously the sexiest thing to ever read or see in a man. Tenacity. Strength. Adoration. Tuck had it all and gave it out so generously to Jensen, but watching their relationship morph from one level to the next definitely had its growing pains. I couldn't put this book down and it read so smoothly and easily.

"You don't fight fair."
"Never said I would."

The visual alone, the one Cowles gave my mind's eye a view of - that was perfection. I envisioned Tuck and his comforting arms holding her. The strength in his convictions and the protective side of him showing while he ground his jaw together in frustration - I saw that muscle in his cheek jump. And with Jensen? I could see her hair floating on the breeze, and her running around ragged at the Kettle while trying to think about Noah and her horses. I saw the excitement of those horses and the worry they shared; the fear their pacing provided. Cowles gave me a story that I could envision AS it happened, and that's all because her words were descriptive and flowed amazingly clear.

''Being around Jensen was the most beautiful form of torture."

I won’t even begin to be able to put into words how this book affected me; how it made me feel - let alone, the reading experience was pure joy, no matter how hard Tuck and Jensen had it. This love had the perfect balance of give and take. The hidden smiles, the real fears, the angering reality, but it also had the true love. Oh gosh, that love!! This kind of love is what love stories are made of. <sigh>

This little town has some seriously crazy antics happening in and around it - aka, drama. But while that all happened - for me, the drama didn't detract from the story. It brought out the family strengths and the truth of their love for one another. It brought out the realization of a love someone wasn't too sure they were good enough for. Yes, drama was in the storyline, but it had its place and I really enjoyed this story as a whole. This was definitely a romantic suspense, so the drama fit the storyline for what it was. Was it predictable? Sure, some of it was - but that never stopped me from reading further, since I wanted to see how it all buttoned up.

My favorite part, besides their whole love story? Their nicknames. I laughed so much!

I love when books are centered around my own home state. With Cowles' words, I could picture the foothills of the mountain, the hills and rocky crags that littered the valleys. And I could most definitely sense the hitch in my breath at the beauty before me standing atop a mountain. Our state is absolutely beautiful, and I feel Like she blended beauty with her words exceptionally well. She gave me a 'picture' to see while I was reading this book. I am so in love with this series and I cannot wait for Beautifully Broken Control. Like, I am ridiculously giddy for that one.

''He was comfort and fire all at the same time."

~BEE

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BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN SPIRIT

BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN PIECES

BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN LIFE

My review: http://bit.ly/2NgO66I

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~MEET CATHERINE COWLES~

Writer of words. Drinker of Diet Cokes. Lover of all things cute and furry, especially her dog. Catherine has had her nose in a book since the time she could read and finally decided to write down some of her own stories. When she's not writing she can be found exploring her home state of Oregon, listening to true crime podcasts, or searching for her next book boyfriend.

~FOLLOW CATHERINE~

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Excerpt for Breaker by Harloe Rae

~EXCERPT~

“Why are you in my room?”

I almost wither under the intensity of Grady’s stare. His green eyes gleam in the near darkness. I imagine their emerald color luring me under an unbreakable spell. The golden specks swirling within will smolder from the effort. I clear the dryness from my throat. “I, uh, wanted to see you.”

“In the middle of the night? There better be a damn good reason.” The threat in his voice rings out, but I ignore it.

I study his stern expression, taking precious moments to peel away the hardened layers. Grady’s eyelids are heavy with the remaining threads of sleep. Thick stubble coats his sharp jaw. Dark blond hair hangs over his forehead in messy clumps. His rumpled state makes him more desirable. That’s a problem I don’t need help with. I long to feel the rasp of his calloused hands over every smooth inch of me. The slight burn would surely set me ablaze.

Doubt creeps in the longer I stall on him. This boy has been through hell. Why am I considering adding more unnecessary drama to his plate? A hollow pang in my heart answers the rhetorical question. I can count on two hands the days we’ve gone without seeing each other. Tomorrow will change all that. I’m not ready for goodbye.

After a decade, the memory of how we met is getting fuzzy. Grady stumbled onto our property late one night. He ran to our house under the midnight sky and hid from the horrors that occurred at his home. If the walls of his trailer could talk, I’m sure they’d scream. Grady is broken and battered, abandoned by those meant to love him the most. But I’ve never let him down. Maybe he’ll learn to rely on me one day. 

Either way, he’s an honorary member of our family. We welcomed him with open arms and never let go. Grady and my older brother have been best friends since they were nine. He’s unknowingly been the love of my life that entire time. If only he’d admit to feeling a fraction of the same. Or I had the guts to tell him. 

Grady shifts on his bed. The squeak of springs drags my attention out of our past. I need to be focusing on the future. When I lift my gaze, he’s still glaring at me. The desire to flee wobbles my knees. My courage is diminishing with each passing moment. This entire ambush will be a waste if I don’t spit my intentions out. Crossing the line is up to me. I clench my eyes shut and let the words spill free.

“I want you to take my virginity.”

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BREAKER

by HARLOE RAE

​“Tell me a happy something, Sutton.”

I was only seven the first time Grady Bowen whispered those words to me. Cloaked by the black sky under a blanket of stars, it was easy to get lost. He didn’t have any good memories of his own, and needed to borrow mine. I’d willingly give him anything.

Being infatuated with that boy was a beautiful curse. What could have been special didn’t get the chance to bloom. He’d never see me as more than his best friend’s kid sister. That was a hard lesson to learn, but not the most difficult.

Grady had always been struggling against the odds. Eventually he quit fighting and let his family’s reputation own him. Try as I might, those influences were beyond my reach.

He didn’t mean to break my heart. Or maybe he did. I shouldn’t have made it so easy for him. Either way, our wrongs against each other carved new lines between us.

I went four years without seeing Grady—each one more painful than the last. That distance did nothing to dull my feelings toward him. But things are different now. Most noticeably is Grady. I barely recognize this man he’s become. And that’s the way he intends to keep it. Not that it really matters.

Grady Bowen stopped being my happy something long ago.

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~MEET HARLOE RAE~

Harloe Rae is a USA Today & Amazon Top 100 bestselling author. Her passion for writing and reading has taken on a whole new meaning. Each day is an unforgettable adventure.

Harloe is a Minnesota gal with a serious addiction to romance. She’s always chasing an epic happily ever after. When she’s not buried in the writing cave, Harloe can be found hanging with her hubby and son. If the weather permits, she loves being lakeside or out in the country with her horses.

Harloe is the author of Redefining Us, Forget You Not, Watch Me Follow, GENT, MISS, LASS, and Ask Me Why. These titles are available on Amazon.

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Excerpt for Heartless Hero by Mary Catherine Gehard

~EXCERPT~

“Why are you here?” I asked.

Theo's knuckle grazed my chin as a smile curled his lips. “Truth or promise?”

I had a thought as he perverted the sweet game we used to play as teenagers.

The thing between us was darkening, twisting, and I should run. Run before I darken and twist with it. I was the Wicked Bitch of the East Coast, but I wasn’t the words they called me. Not really. I liked to pretend I was as callous as my brother Grayson, as cunning as my sister Gemma.

In reality, I was soft. As they said, there was a reason I’d never fit in. I was a marshmallow. Easy to step on. Easier to squish.

So I answered. “Truth.”

Theo smiled, easy and slow. “I’m going to break your heart, and you’re going to thank me for it.”

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HEARTLESS HERO

by MARY CATHERINE GEBHARD

There are rules to being Abigail Crowne’s bodyguard, rules to watching the infamous billion-dollar heiress, otherwise known as the Reject Princess.

Never forget your place, always put the Crowne name above all else, and never, ever hurt the Reject.

Especially don’t torment the Reject.

Even if she is a spoiled brat.

So when an opportunity presents itself to punish her, you definitely shouldn’t take it.

Then again, Abigail loves to be tortured, and I’ve waited patiently for revenge.

I’ll keep her safe... with cruel protection.

Love is off limits with Abigail Crowne, but no one said anything about hate.

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~MEET MARY CATHERINE GEBHARD~

I started writing the moment I could read. My first characters were Wibbley and Squig and I used MS Word and clipart to bring them to life when I was a kid in elementary school. I started seriously thinking about being a writer in High School and I remember the day exactly, because it was such an epiphany. I was always so uncertain. You know how everyone was always asking what you wanted to be when you were older? Well I NEVER could decide.

I wanted to be a marine biologist.
An actor.
A FIRE FIGHTER (thank you Joaquin Phoenix in Ladder 49)

One day it hit me—A WRITER. I could do it ALL. Then you couldn’t stop me from writing. I penned my first novel at fifteen (but don’t ask me to show it to you, because it’s like I was in competition to beat the thesaurus). When I was diagnosed with a chronic illness, writing became even more important, because it became my therapy. When I wrote my characters, suddenly I wasn’t so alone.

These days you can find me daydreaming about where to travel with my husband, singing in my car, or lost in the newest K drama. And planning my next novel, of course.

~CONNECT WITH MARY CATHERINE~

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Book Review and Giveaway for Tempt the Hookup by Natasha Madison

TEMPT THE HOOKUP
by NATASHA MADISON

Eliahn

Getting pregnant after a booze cruise hookup was not what any parent wanted to hear, so I picked up my entire life and moved to Paris to start over. Six years later,

I was ready to go home. 

I was a single mom and the only thing I knew about my son’s dad was his name—Luca. I didn’t need to know anything else.

The universe had other ideas because on our second day back home, the man came crashing back into my life.

Luca 

Attending a welcome back party for my boss's daughter wasn’t how I wanted to spend my Sunday. But walking in and seeing my hookup from a cruise six years ago knocks me on my ass. 

It was a weekend of fun and now I'm seeing a pair of eyes, identical to mine, staring right at me. The boy standing next to her is my son. 

Now we’re living next door to each other and attempting to co-parent something that would be easy to do if the pull that brought us together wasn’t still there making things more complicated.

For six years she haunted my dreams, now she's haunting my every waking moment.

I let her get away once, now I want to make her mine. 

This time, permanently. 

Only one thing left to do. I have to tempt the hookup.

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REVIEW: 3.5-4 STARS

"I know that with you by my side, holding my hand, everything is going to be better."

You guys!! What fun this book was!! Ok, after reading so many heavy books for months - I love that I was able to sink into something so sweet and loving, without the feeling that I needed to hurry the story along. This was the perfect idea of a second chance at love. Once again, Natasha Madison gave me a light-hearted read that was not overly dramatic, yet one that gave me all the smiles. It’s not a heavy read with angst, but one that tells a simple story of finding the one....again. I loved the ease in which I settled into this one. It was a breath of fresh air.

The writing, while some of it may have been written pretty descriptively - script-like, her voice is clean. It’s not muddled. It’s not confusing. It’s not drama-laden. It’s just easy reading with some love and amazing second chance vibes. As she puts it, her "no frills" stories - and I am here for them. Without added drama, this may rub some as "too perfect and unrealistic" but I gotta say that it was actually what enticed me further into the story. This was the perfect book to end a very long and busy week, and it made me smile throughout, so I was so glad when I finally finished it and was still smiling.

"Without you, I just exist."

Something that doesn't happen often; I actually giggle-cried. What's that? You know when you giggle through something emotional and end up springing a leak in your eyes? I did that!! I giggled more than anything, but I still did the "awww" thing while reading. But again, not heavy. It just made me feel Eli and Luca's story just a little bit more. The banter was fun. The side characters were a hoot. The honest miscommunication between them added a level of anticipation on both characters' sides, but again - nothing overly dramatic.

You can see by the synopsis alone that the story starts off on the fun side of things with the booze cruise and assumed activities. I already smiled at that, so I was excited to actually jump in and see how Eli and Luca traversed the awkward and handled the unexpected emotions that worked consistently well with the chemistry these two had.

Eli was a very strong woman, and Luca was the sweetest alpha. The story read very quickly and I was actually pretty shocked at how quickly I got though it. From the premise to the characters, from the lack of drama and eye-roll-worthy moments, this book hit the spot for me! Is this type of read my normal? Sweet without drama, without a hitch in my breathing, anticipating the pain on the very next page? No, not really, but the fact that I enjoyed it and can't wait to read more in this series tells me a lot. It also tells me that Natasha Madison has a permanent spot on my reading shelf for when I need the light and fun story to calm my angsty-book-loving side.

Reminder: this is the third book in her Tempt Series, but can be read as a complete standalone. This was my first book in the series and I will be going back now and reading the first two because this one was so much fun. I know that I will have a straightforward, uncomplicated read with plenty of laughs and navigable circumstances to add to the plot. Natasha Madison has a great sense of humor that shines through in this one, and I'm so glad I picked this one up.

"Who would have thought that a simple hookup with a girl on a booze cruise could lead to me having the most beautiful life?"

~BEE

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~MEET NATASHA MADISON~

When her nose isn't buried in a book, or her fingers flying across a keyboard writing, she's in the kitchen creating gourmet meals. You can find her, in four inch heels no less, in the car chauffeuring kids, or possibly with her husband scheduling his business trips.

It's a good thing her characters do what she says, because even her Labrador doesn't listen to her...

~CONNECT WITH NATASHA~

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Book Review and Giveaway for Only a Breath Apart by Katie McGarry

ONLY A BREATH APART

by KATIE McGARRY

Jesse Lachlin is cursed.

So the town folklore says, but while Jesse’s had his fair share of tragedy, the only curse he believes is in his grandmother’s will: in order to inherit his family farm he must win the approval of his childhood best friend, the girl he froze out his freshman year, Scarlett Copeland.

Scarlett Copeland is psychic.

Glory Gardner tells Scarlett she has hidden psychic abilities, but Scarlett thinks Glory is delusional. What is real is Scarlett’s father’s irrational fears, controlling attitude, and the dark secrets at home. Scarlett may have a way to escape, but there’s a hitch: she’ll have to rely on the one person she used to trust, the same boy who broke her heart, Jesse Lachlin.

Each midnight meeting pushes Jesse and Scarlett to confront their secrets and their feelings for each other. But as love blooms, the curse rears its ugly head…

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REVIEW: 4.5 STARS

"I don't want to kiss someone to feel. I'd rather kiss someone because I'm feeling."

Well, I can honestly say that I will add Katie McGarry to the list of YA authors I will happily read more of. For my first ever book by her, I got caught up in this little world of two teenagers working through their own pain while helping the other deal with theirs - in a very age-appropriate way. I loved it! This book, while it may have started out a little slow for me - that was quickly sorted out and it ended up completely capturing me and continued until the very end. Her words carried me away; the lilt that she had - her voice was beauty in wonderment. Spinning in fields? Holding hands but not understanding the zing being felt? I love when the words can take on a mind of their own and bring to life a young love that is growing right before my very eyes.

I feel like this story took on a whole new possibility, or realm, for me to discover, and in doing so, it gave me a lot to think about - in a very charismatic way. Touching on some "mystical" aspects, I readily admit this book tested my side-eye abilities quite a bit, but I ended up enjoying it immensely. The whole book was understandable, but I can appreciate that McGarry made it relatable for this genre and storyline. There was a certain magic in her words that brought the story alive.

But, gosh - the exploration alone, that got me real good. When the characters are following a natural thought process, and their feelings are coming out - I feel like it's more endearing because it's not all drama and craziness. There was a certain truth and reality in regards to their feelings, even though they were not fully understanding what was going on, only knowing the need to explore it more in depth. This story was one in which I got to fondly remember a first love, secretly meeting up, falling in love, and fighting for that love I just couldn't live without. That's what a good YA book does for me - it reminds me of all those feelings and emotions, and when I can 'escape' back into them, that's a win for me. 

"Are we meant to be friends or are we one, big tragic mistake?"

I love that McGarry was able to bring to light an angering situation, with a young lesson on realizing that nothing is black and white and everything is subjective, as well as manipulatable. It was a scary reality to watch Jesse and Scarlett discover all that their world held for them and how they needed to survive it. Their journey was fantastical and magnificent, and I enjoyed the ride.

I will be honest and admit that I hemmed and hawed about reading this book knowing it was YA, knowing that the genre can teeter totter either way for me. I don't really sit in the middle on these kinds of books either - I either love them or am completely frustrated by them and end up DNF'ing them. I really liked McGarry's voice and will definitely keep her on my YA reading list. I don't recommend YA often enough because it's hard to find a voice and a storyteller that can do that genre justice. McGarry has been added to my very short list and I am very excited to read more by her.

"It's not every day when people who are lost find a way to be lost together."

~BEE

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~EXCERPT~

~SCARLETT~

A scraping of a chair, a tray full of food and I glance over with my practiced smile in welcome. It’s not Camila, Evangeline, or anyone else from the group. It’s green eyes, red hair, a familiar mischievous smile that used to be reserved only for me, and my blood pounds with excitement as if someone lit a sparkler in my chest. Then I frown because I’m not supposed to feel this way. Not with him. Not with anyone.

Jesse Lachlin winks at me as he sits across from me like no time has passed from when we climbed trees together. “What’s up, Tink?”

Another thrill runs through me but then my muscles tighten. Stupid, antiquated reaction belonging to a dead past. “What are you doing here?”

Jesse pops a fry into his mouth, chews, then picks up another as if he has no intention of answering. I scan the cafeteria. Several people are watching us, curious as to why Jesse Lachlin is sitting with me, or is event at lunch, or even at school.

From the lunch line, Camila’s and Evangeline’s eyes are bugging out of their heads.

What is going on? Camila mouths.

I raise my eyebrows to inform her I have no idea. Jesse digs into his corn with his fork and that’s crossing a line. “Maybe you didn’t hear me, but I asked what you’re doing here.”

He lifts his eyes to meet mine and there’s a glimmer in them that causes my lips to flatten. Fantastic. He’s here to make my life a living hell.

“It seems obvious,” he says.

If he remembers anything about me, he should recall I was never known for my patience and that he should be speaking, and speaking soon. “Just answer the question.”

“I’m eating lunch.”

I honest to God groan in frustration. “There’s no room at the inn.”

He surveys the table, takes in the empty seats, my books, and then gives me a good look. A slow look. As if he’s trying to memorize every inch he’s drinking in. My cheeks redden because that somehow feels a little too intimate for lunch. Feels a little too intimate for someone I’m no longer friends with. It feels too intimate if we were friends.

I glance away, but I sense him still staring at me. God help me, I want to stare back.

~MEET KATIE MCGARRY~

Katie is the author of the PUSHING THE LIMITS series, THUNDER ROAD series, SAY YOU’LL REMEMBER ME, and the upcoming YA novel, ONLY A BREATH APART. Her novels have received starred reviews, critical acclaim and have won multiple awards including being a multiple Goodreads Choice Award Finalist for YA Fiction, multiple RT Magazine's Reviewer's Choice Award Finalist for Best YA Fiction, including a win in the category, and she was a 2013 YALSA Top Ten Teen Pick.

~CONNECT WITH KATIE~

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DNF Review for Falling for my Brother's Best Friend by Piper Rayne

FALLING FOR MY BROTHER'S BEST FRIEND
by PIPER RAYNE

Let’s say you’re an independent, self-sufficient woman who runs the family company and you find yourself falling for your little brother’s best friend. Now, more than ever, you need to count all the reasons why you need to abandon falling.

Abandon Falling #1 – He’s a womanizer. Hasn’t had a serious relationship a day in his life and changes women more often than he changes his sheets.

Abandon Falling #2 – He’s never serious. He cracks one-liners, mostly at your expense.

Abandon Falling #3 – When things go wrong, he seems unfazed and always remains in control. It’s so annoying.

Abandon Falling #4 – He has tattoos. Lots of them. Everywhere. Not to mention, he owns a tattoo parlor. (Damn it! Why doesn’t that sound like a bad thing anymore?)

Abandon Falling #5 – There’s a growing list of how different you two are. You can’t get along for fifteen minutes—a lifetime together would land one of you in prison.

Keep repeating those reasons and drown yourself in work. Pretend you don’t notice his good qualities or how enticing he looks without a shirt, and do not, I repeat, do not agree to live with the man while your place is being repaired from flood damage.

Trust me, even the strongest of us can only forego temptation for so long.

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REVIEW: DNF REVIEW... with a caveat.

I will preface this review with this: I didn't hate this book. There wasn't anything wrong with this book from what little I read, but this DNF review is a product of my over-eagerness to try new authors this year. This story has the kind of synopsis that made me want to pick it up and read it, even knowing it was a fourth book in a series. I LOVED the sound of it. This book was also billed as a standalone within a series, yet I do not feel that it was written that way. This is simply my perception on it. I felt like I was playing catch-up the minute I started reading the book instead of me learning about who they were and why there was some wariness about falling in love. The conversation was already ongoing, and I was in the background trying to put the pieces together, so there wasn't an initial connection or any real introduction to who the characters were or why we were supposed to love them together. I am very frustrated with myself because I know this is my fault. It's the fourth book in the series and I should have just followed my personal rule of never jumping into a story within a series, even after being told it's a standalone. Not many authors can write a standalone within a series and still give me their characters' buildup and growth moving forward - not necessarily just building from the past books. If I didn't need the background or the depth of a storyline and the characters, and I wasn't worried about a surface read, this could/would be a great book to jump into because I enjoy books about falling for a best friend's sibling. It's one of my favorite tropes because of the forbidden aspect of it. Unfortunately, this one didn't work for me in that aspect.

This book is about two people that fooled around after a wedding (previous book), and he wants her but she does not want him, and it's her brother's best friend. BONUS! I love that kind of story...but I didn't feel drawn into their plight when I first got into the book because I had nothing to hold onto. By the third chapter, we are already "making the other jealous" by hanging out with others, so it started to follow a known path that I have seen countless times. I don't like a cliche story, especially when I have already read it many times before. Give me something to make me want to keep reading their story, something unique. Here's where my problem lies: if this is supposed to be a standalone in a series, give us their buildup and give us their original hookup that shows the draw and the fire. Give us the steam and the growth of these two characters so a newbie can actually fall for the characters and their plight. I want to be drawn to them and be excited for their promised HEA. I didn't feel like I was actually introduced to them in that way. This story worked primarily off background knowledge, of which we were not privy to walking into this story.

The characters were already built. The background was already laid. The story was already set. As they should be with an established series, right?? Right. I know this. I accept this. I understand this. But it felt like I was literally walking into an on-going scene and I had to figure out what was going on. This is not the way to start a standalone in a series, especially when they gave me background info on other characters in stories prior to this. I don't want those details in this story if you're stating this is a standalone. Make the discussion about this story, but don't give me background on other characters in previous books when it doesn't enhance the current story I'm reading. Again, my fault for jumping into this book being billed as a standalone. I get it. I do. I really, really do.

The meaning of a standalone, to me, is the importance and relevance of the love story at hand. It is the build up of the characters, and the growth of their relationship at the forefront, not the background. We may have met them previously, but the actual steam and the reason for their relationship is written in the current book and I think I missed out on that somehow with this one.

I'm so frustrated, and it's all my fault and I should have known this. I honestly take the blame for this, so this isn't a "mad" review. This isn't me being angry about the story or the writing. It's just me waving the proverbial white flag, knowing I shouldn't have jumped in. I'm not saying this is a bad book or that it's not one I can eventually finish, but I will say the way I entered the storyline was definitely on the wrong foot. So, I'm honestly hoping I can put this book on the back burner and come back to it eventually - after reading the first three books, so I have some background to work with and some character development to anchor their story.

So, my biggest gripe is I'm mad at myself for jumping into an ongoing series, even claiming it's a standalone, and not being able to 'feel' the story as it was intended. Lesson learned, and I know this is ultimately my fault.

Here is the FULL SERIES on Goodreads for anyone that is interested. Here is the FULL SERIES on Amazon as well.

~BEE

~MEET PIPER RAYNE~

Piper Rayne, or Piper and Rayne, whichever you prefer because we’re not one author, we’re two. Yep, you get two USA Today Bestselling authors for the price of one. Our goal is to bring you romance stories that have "Heartwarming Humor With a Side of Sizzle" (okay...you caught us, that's our tagline). A little about us... We both have kindle’s full of one-clickable books. We're both married to husbands who drive us to drink. We're both chauffeurs to our kids. Most of all, we love hot heroes and quirky heroines that make us laugh, and we hope you do, too.

~CONNECT WITH PIPER~

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