Excerpt for The Relationship Pact by Adriana Locke

EXCERPT FOR THE RELATIONSHIP PACT

by ADRIANA LOCKE

I reach for the chair in front of me. Instead of finding leather, my fingers brush against something else. Something warmer. Something smoother and rougher all at the same time.

My heart jumps in my chest at the same moment that my head snaps to the side.

Oh. Shit.

The most beautiful set of hazel eyes I’ve ever seen traps my gaze. The warmth of the chocolate brown is cooled by the spring green embedded in the orbs. Gold flecks twinkle as the man slowly withdraws his palm away from mine.

I open my mouth, but I’ve somehow forgotten how to speak.

“Hey,” he says, his southern drawl rippling across my ears. “You can have it.”

I shake my head to try to jolt myself out of the haze I’m in. “I … I can have what?”

His full, pouty lips split into a sexy smirk. “I meant the chair, but if there’s something else on your mind, just let me know.”

My heart flutters in my chest as a wave of heat courses through my body from head to toe.

A couple of days’ scruff peppers a sharp, chiseled jaw. His skin is sun-kissed and imperfect and there’s the slightest mole beneath his left eye that gives a bit of softness to his appearance. His body is long, well over six feet, with broad shoulders and a thick chest.

It’s one heck of a picture.

Slowly, oh-so-slowly, the fog in my brain lifts.

“Can I buy you a drink?” he asks.

A crazy idea pops into my brain. The longer that I watch the stranger peer at me from under his thick lashes, the more it seems possible.

Crazy, yes, but possible.

“Want to do me a favor instead?” I ask before I can talk myself out of it.

My chest rises and falls in quick succession as he, and I, ponder my question. He narrows his eyes as he undoubtedly considers why a woman he just met might need his help.

His heavy brows tug together. “That depends on what it is.”

Blood pours through my ears as I realize I’m teetering on the edge of something impetuous. Again. I’m about to do the one thing I told myself I wouldn’t do.

Wasn’t I going to put the brakes on this kind of thing? Didn’t I swear that I was not going to tangle myself up with men? Wasn’t I going to save myself time and energy until good men come back into the universe?

I look up and down his long, muscled body.

I bet he’s a damn good man.

“Are you going to ask or not?” he asks, killing me softly with a playful quirk of his brow.

Screw it.

I take a quick lungful of air and commit to this insanity. “I’m going to need an answer to two questions.”

“Shoot.”

“Quickly.”

He grins. “I can’t answer them if you don’t ask them, beautiful.”

I steady myself against the term of endearment and stay focused.

“Do you have a girlfriend?” I ask.

His eyes sparkle with mischief. “I like where this is going.”

“That’s not an answer and we’re running out of time.”

“No,” he says hurriedly. “Hard no. Definitely not. No girlfriend.”

“Second question …” I take another deep breath and then go in for the kill. “Will you be my fake boyfriend for five minutes?”

His grin knocks the breath I’m holding right out of me. “When do we start?”

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THE RELATIONSHIP PACT

by ADRIANA LOCKE

How hard can it be?

That was the question rolling around Larissa Mason’s mind just before she asked Hollis Hudson to be her fake boyfriend.
It was only supposed to be for five minutes, after all.

Granted, that was also before she felt his hand on the small of her back as he charmed the heck out of her family.
She hadn’t heard his laugh yet either.

And it was definitely before she saw the football god shirtless. Otherwise, she would’ve had an idea of just how hard some things could be.

It turns out that pretending to be in love with a crazily handsome, somewhat enigmatic, and absolutely unforgettable tight end (that has an amazing tight end) is easy.

Reminding herself that just because opposites attract doesn’t mean they’re forever is much harder.

What they have isn’t love—it’s a relationship pact. Right?

** Republished with permission from Adriana Locke

~MEET ADRIANA LOCKE~

USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys created by other authors, Adriana has created her own.

She resides in the Midwest with her husband, sons, and two dogs. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather's nice and there's always a piece of candy in her pocket. 

Please contact Adriana at www.adrianalocke.com. She loves to hear from readers.

~CONNECT WITH ADRIANA~

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Book Review and Giveaway for The Fae King's Dream by Jamie Schlosser

THE FAE KING'S DREAM
by JAMIE SCHLOSSER

The first time I meet Damon, he rescues me from a nightmare. Literally. I’m stuck in a coma, and my mind is forcing me to relive the horrific accident that put me in this state over and over again. The gorgeous fae king is the only one who can give me peace.

As if the dream can’t get any weirder, he tells me we’re soul mates. He says he can fix my banged-up brain. He wants to be my hero.

Little does he know, I just might end up saving him. Because once I wake up, the real challenge begins. A bunch of vengeful witches want him dead, and they’ll stop at nothing to seal his fate.

But I’ve got plans of my own. The coven has caused too much tragedy, and I’ll defend my newfound love, even if it’s the last thing I do. And it just might be, because if Damon doesn’t survive, neither will I.

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REVIEW: 3.5 STARS

"For once, my power makes sense - this is fate. It has to be."

You guys, for as simple as this was - I really enjoyed this one! It was a necessary ease - definitely what I needed. No heavy thinking, but a go-with-the-flow kind of story that was simple and direct. We all know how much I love the complicated, super dramatic, heavy on the emotional scale type of reads - but lately I've needed lighter and this fit the bill. This was a book I could simply settle into and get lost in. A world that was so different, the need to pay attention was accompanied by the wonder and magic. I really liked this story, this world, and this couple. 

Jamie Schlosser has such a great way to describe in vivid detail this world that I'm visiting, and I love that for my first fantasy series read, I stumbled across this one. It felt like she gave me a world to travel and discover as I continued into the story. The first book (novella) was a great backdrop for the series and it spelled everything out - including the curse Damon is straddled with. I'm so glad I've continued with this series because it has given me a magical and mystical world that I've happily escaped to.

The mental play was fun because watching them dance around their attraction to each other was entertaining, while the powers in this book added a new level of confusion and ability to wrap my head around, it also provided some excellent visuals in the book. Sprites. Witches. Fae. So much to subscribe to, and I really enjoyed that side of the exploration. 

Here's the honest breakdown from me. The nitty-gritty: 

- This storyline was great - a little drawn out, but it kept me entertained. It took me on a magical ride and Damon was so very easy to get along with. He had a great disposition and he was very likable. He tried and did what he could; his strength was fun to watch, but his softer side made me smile.

- Whitley was an interesting character - but I actually had a rough time connecting with her. She was very inconsistent with her actions and at one point, I wanted to scream at her because she was doing things we all know she shouldn't have done - but it was passed off as her being strong and doing what needed to be done. No. If you are looking for a meek, scared, or laid back heroine - that is not something you will get with this book. No sirree. Whitley is NOT demure in any way whatsoever. That girl is all spit and fire. I struggled with her, and while she wasn't my favorite heroine, she was Damon's perfect match and they worked well for each other. He was a softie for her and knew she was his endgame. 

- The writing wasn't as smooth as the first two books in this series, and that makes me a tad bit sad. It felt rather generic in the sense that we knew what was going on, but I easily stayed along for the ride. But let me be clear, it didn't take away too much from my overall enjoyment of the actual storyline, in the end. I still finished with a smile on my face. 

- The growth of the characters' relationship was fast, but also quite predictable - especially with danger lurking around every corner. Fate was the name of the game with this book, and I'm a huge believer of fate, but this one felt forced along the way.

Since this isn’t anywhere close to the real world, it allowed my imagination that trip where anything was possible so it took away the reality of impossibility and replaced it with the ability to allow my imagination to run wild and I'm pretty sure that's why I enjoyed this one as much as I did. I am very intrigued with this entire storyline and this world and cannot wait for The Fae King's Prize. I do know she has planned quite a few books in this series and I am here for it. I will read every single one of them - I'm looking forward to more from this fantasy series.

"I'm weightless and he's my anchor."

~BEE

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~MEET JAMIE SCHLOSSER~

Jamie Schlosser writes new adult romance, romantic comedy, and fantasy/paranormal romance. When she isn't creating perfect book boyfriends, she's a stay-at-home mom to her two wonderful kids. She believes reading is a great escape, otters are the best animal, and nothing is more satisfying than a happily-ever-after ending.

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Book Review and Giveaway for Not What I Expected by Jewel E Ann

NOT WHAT I EXPECTED

by JEWEL E ANN

Are humans meant to mate for life?

After four kids and an unfortunate but fateful end to her twenty-two-year marriage, Elsie Smith meets the new guy in town.

Kael Hendricks is … a little younger, a lot sexy, and too confident for his own good. He also doesn’t believe in marriage and all that goes with it.

And …

He’s just opened a new business that threatens the livelihood of Elsie’s family’s store—just in time for the holidays.

The problem?

There’s an undeniable attraction that leads to out of control situations, a loss of inhibitions, and a lot of small town gossip.

As Elsie tries to redefine herself and convince her family she isn’t having a midlife crisis, she’s forced to answer the biggest question of all …

Can she love an enemy who will never surrender? 

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REVIEW: 4 STARS

"Time didn't matter. Love didn't keep track of time. It lived in the moment."

What do we have here?? A Women's Fiction, reverse age gap, and Christmas themed story by Jewel E Ann, who sits atop my favorites/must read list? Well, of course I have to read this one!! I'm not usually a women's fiction kind of reader - nor am I a Christmas story reader (not a grinch, I promise!), nor am I a reverse age gap reader - whole list of cons for me, lined up there, but I would never ever give up the opportunity to read one of her stories. I'm always guaranteed a read full of emotion and thought. And that's exactly what I got from this book. I saw the RAG in a whole new light. It wasn't a crass read in any way, shape, or form - and I can appreciate that so much. It offered so much more to the storyline in the way that JEA does. 

In the superb way that only Jewel E Ann can do, she delivers a compelling story about a woman finding out who she is, or more about who she is without her husband being a part of her life after 22 years. That's a HUGE undertaking in the emotions department when you've always been one half of a team. Imagine,... just imagine the consequences of that. Having been through a divorce, the amount of feelings you traverse is wide. Elsie's circumstances allowed for guilt and pain, sorrow and strength - but count in the trip of coming to all brand new conclusions as to the world around you and how you start to see it differently after such a big change. That allows for a lot of personal discovery as well as social discovery. 

In turn, that social discovery part gave us Kael and I loved ALL THINGS Kael. But, I want to stress, this was truly Elsie's story. Kael was the gift that kept on giving, though, but we are with Elsie the entire time. Now, the cocky side of Kael that comes out is definitely one that is not a surface scratching side to him. He has a lot of depth that actually needs to be explored and peeled back. He really is a "what you see is what you get" kind of guy with a few caveats. I know that goes directly against what I said, but to share who he is in his entirety would take away just exactly who we perceive him to be. Perceive.....because he is exactly how we see him. I really, really enjoyed his character and all that he offered Elsie mentally, physically, and emotionally. He truly was the perfect guy for her story.

This really was the quintessential small town romance, complete with the perfect rumor mill propelled by the perfect group of church ladies. We've all seen those movies that show those church ladies sharing allll the gossip, especially in a small town - and this story was the written version in its purest form. I had to laugh at the cliche side of that because I grew up in a very small town (graduating class of 27) and that is so on point, it's not even funny! HA!

There is always an element of truth to JEA's characters' circumstances, an element of emotion that needs to be explored with each event. I love that she provides a relatable character or circumstance with a brave front, but still allowing me to dive deeper into the "why" of the story. Why did she do this? Why did she act like this? The why as to why she was feeling certain emotions was my favorite question to ask myself....and then answer myself. It forced me to see things from a different perspective and I love that about JEA's stories. 

Her ability to draw me in with every story is almost a foregone conclusion. The characters have emotion and depth. The problems they are faced with have a real world truth to them that are easily relatable. This is the reason I will always read Jewel E Ann, no matter what she writes - comfortable trope, or not. She always gives me something to think about, and invariably provides a different point of view than I wouldn't have thought to think of otherwise. She's always giving me a soul deep, mentally challenging, and thought-provoking read. Always. 

"Say nothing or say everything."

~BEE

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~MEET JEWEL E ANN~

Jewel is a free-spirited romance junkie with a quirky sense of humor.

With 10 years of flossing lectures under belt, she took early retirement from her dental hygiene career to stay home with her three awesome boys and manage the family business.

After her best friend of nearly 30 years suggested a few books from the contemporary Romance genre, Jewel was hooked. Devouring two and three books a week but still craving more, she decided to practice sustainable reading, AKA writing.

When she’s not donning her cape and saving the planet one tree a a time, she enjoys yoga with friends, good food with family, rock climbing with her kids, watching How I Met Your Mother reruns, and of course . . .heart-wrenching, tear-jerking, panty-scorching novels.

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Book Review and Giveaway for Reclaim by Aly Martinez

RECLAIM

by ALY MARTINEZ

Choices. Everyone makes them. From mundane to unimaginable, one choice can change the trajectory of your entire life.

My mother’s choice was to abandon us with our abusive father.

My brother’s choice was to go to prison for killing the boy who assaulted his soulmate.

Camden Cole’s choice was to fall in love with a shattered girl who had absolutely nothing to offer him but heartbreak.

It was one summer beneath the trees, but with Camden, I had a place where I belonged.

A friend who was always waiting for me.

A boy who I caught staring at me more often than not.

He was mine, but when the world closed in and secrets exploded all around us, it was my choice to let him go.

Choices. Everyone makes them.

But mine would ruin us all.

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REVIEW: 3.5 STARS

"Consequences come in all colors."

I'M ALWAYS EXCITED for a book by Aly Martinez. Always. There has not been one book that I haven't wanted to devour, and knowing how much I enjoyed Release, Reclaim was going to be another puzzle piece added to this story and a natural must read for me. If you are looking for an easy read, one with a love that spanned years and showed true strength when it would have been easier to let go - this is your book. 

This book focused on Nora‘s childhood and what unfortunately happened. We know what happened based on Release, but we got to revisit this storyline which allowed it to be read as a standalone. It was a good catch up, but it also added a lot of lip-service. If you read Release, you know Nora's story growing up. You know what she went through, and you know Ramsey's big secret. And oh boy, did it get heavy in this book. Like, we honestly went down a fairly dark path in Nora's heart and mind, and she dealt with some nasty stuff. However, as heavy as it got with everything going on in Nora’s life, it kind of.... just went away. And quickly. While I was glad for the reprieve, it was almost too quick.

But, if the prize in this game of life is Camden, I think she made out in the end. I love love love him so very much!!! He was a super sweet softie with a heart of gold that no man will ever live up to. My gosh, he was the light at the end of the tunnel. He was so understanding and so giving and just absolutely perfect. He wasn't your typical alpha, well - he wasn't an alpha at all, but he was a man true to his word and that was the sexiest part about him. He and Nora grew up together - not in your typical way, so to watch their relationship evolve the way it did added some sweet layers to it.

"He knew all the dirty and broken parts of me and still came back, holding me as though he could keep me together."

REVENGE IS A DISH BEST SERVED COLD, and no one wanted it more than I did. Seriously, reading this book had me angry at times!!! I hate when people get away with stuff and things never seem to catch up with them. But with that came the chance for some outside interference, and boy did Aly excite me!! The Easter egg she dropped in here was smile inducing to say the least! Oh my gosh, I smiled the minute I started seeing some names I knew from her GP Series! Once again, she's got me all excited for her Guardian Protection series to restart because that series is amazing. So much action and strong, gnarly, smart men walking around that Agency. Yumminess in literal form. 

So, my overall issue I had was that it felt linear and didn’t differentiate much from one emotion to the next, from one page to the next. It was pretty even from start to finish without much of a climax to anticipate or come down from, and I feel like that's one of the many things I look forward to with Aly's writing. I always get a journey and a ride, and I just felt like this one stayed pretty chill. 

Before anyone misunderstands my rating or thinks it's bad, please understand that it is NOT. This was a good book, a great book - and it was good for a wonderful smile. But what I didn't get from it was the rush, the excitement of a chase for a love that was destined to be. Aly Martinez is easily one of my go-to authors, still is - don't question that - and I will continue to brag about and pick up and read and gift out her books as often as she releases them. She has never ever done me wrong on a book. She's always worth the read. This one just sat in a very calm mode and never really had highs or lows. It was just very even keeled. 

I think what I'm trying to say, and I'm almost too scared to say was this felt anticlimactic and lacked any real flair. For an author I absolutely love and enjoy, that hurts me to say. It was a great story, but it just didn't move me like she usually does. The writing? Brilliant, of course, and she flowed. I never felt a hiccup in the storyline. It just felt the storyline was lacking a little something. It felt like it was more of a placeholder book, with the anticipation of more GPA coming out, but it was a really cute story by the time it was all said and done. Worth the read. 

"Our story was a tangled tale of time and distance."

~BEE

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My review for Release: http://bit.ly/35wn27v

~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 Tramp by Mary Elizabeth

TRAMP

by MARY ELIZABETH

Lydia Montgomery is a Tramp.

After fleeing a tragic past, Lydia’s determined never to go back to the life she left behind at any price. She lands in Grand Haven, California—a city booming with billion-dollar corporations and tech money—and everything changes.

Armed with the only lesson she learned from her mother, Lydia builds a life of routine, solitude, and success.

Nothing is out of reach when you’re beautiful.

Nearly a decade after her arrival, Lydia's the highest paid escort in the city, and only the most influential people in Grand Haven can get near her. She's a goddess among her clients, and out of reach to everyone else. Lydia's created the perfect illusion, and no one will take it from her again.

Until a misunderstanding lands her in the office of the city’s most eligible bachelor. 

Talent Ridge is Grand Haven royalty. Despite running in the same circles as Lydia’s clients, he’s scandal-free and on his way to being the most powerful man in the area.

Their chemistry is undeniable, but a relationship has the potential to destroy everything they’ve worked for. Especially when Lydia is running from her past, and Talent is running toward a future she can never be a part of.

Beauty and money can’t save them this time.

Are Lydia and Talent willing to give it all up for each other, or will their differences cost too much?

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REVIEW: 4.5 STARS

"Talent Ridge is pure, unadulterated masculinity."

It's always fun being able to jump back into an old favorite. I have read many of Mary Elizabeth's books but she hasn't released in over two years, but if this is her comeback book, then watch out!! I will say, given the content of this book and the subject, it may turn off a few readers. If you are one of those readers, please understand that this book is more about the love between two people that is forbidden and very difficult to navigate given the circumstances. But with a strong willed man who is soooo good at being the alpha he is, and a very determined young lady that is very independent - almost stubbornly so, this was a story that I will happily and heartily recommend. 

Mary Elizabeth has always been a go-to for me for a very welcome dose of heavy angst. She can tear my heart out, mishandle it, but she gives it back forever altered because I'm not sure I ever leave her characters. I love that she not only tells a story, but she has a flow with her words that many don't have. She has an amazing ability to manipulate words and add more visual and depth to the storyline. 

"His enjoyment is my favorite sound."

These characters I was introduced to have definitely left a mark. Talent always paid attention to the little things, the almost unsaid truths that Lydia liked to hide and that is my favorite thing to see in a man. I also feel he had an unabused position of power, so he was strong in his own self and convictions - even though he may have had something to hide. I liked that he was who he was, because watching him saunter with serious swagger throughout this book was definitely a treat. Between his confidence, an attractive mind and serious sex appeal, he was delicious!!

Lydia, on the other hand; I wanted to hold her and love her, but knowing her - she would push me away. She was so strong and stubborn, so determined to take care of herself and not need anyone, but I also saw there was a little girl inside screaming to get out. I felt for her, but I admired her strength and her ability to maneuver life, given the hand she was dealt.

"Turning my gaze to him, my lips part and I exhale. He stops time."

I'm smiling just thinking about the dynamic between these two. While they both exude their own version of confidence, my favorite part was their chemistry. I know one of my favorite things to do is fall in love with the characters as they are falling in love....sounds trivial in the whole scheme of things being a romance novel and all, I know - but when I can FEEL the allure, the fascination these characters have with each other, and the fact that they can't stay away from each other no matter the odds stacked against them, that tells me all I need to know. This whole book was amazing. I loved every part of it. 

This will easily go down as one of my favorite books of the year. I loved the headiness and the desire that coursed through the characters. Lydia and Talent had my heart in a chokehold while watching them fight for what was one reality versus what was conceivable to the other. I loved that push and pull because going back and forth and grappling with a truth neither wanted to accept made this book go entirely too fast. I was completely swallowed up in their world. I was able to follow their emotions as everything was happening, so that certainly allowed me to connect on a more intimate level with them as well. I just loved their story.

And surprise!!! This is a standalone. I thought it was the first book in a trilogy - when in fact it is the first standalone in the series. So now, the next book in this series has me super excited to read it because the mystery alone is tantalizing!!! Gimme more, Mary Elizabeth!!

"You're the fucking devil."

~BEE

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~MEET MARY ELIZABETH~

Mary Elizabeth was born and raised in Southern California. She is a wife, mother of four beautiful children, and dog tamer to one enthusiastic Pit Bull and a prissy Chihuahua. She's a hairstylist by day but contemporary fiction, new adult author by night.

Mary can often be found finger twirling her hair and chewing on a stick of licorice while writing and rewriting a sentence over and over until it's perfect. She discovered her talent for tale-telling accidentally, but literature is in her chokehold. And she's not letting go until every story is told.

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Book Review and Giveaway for When the Stars Fall by Emery Rose

WHEN THE STARS FALL
by EMERY ROSE

Growing up, Jude McCallister was the bane of my existence.
My best friend. Fiercest ally. The most annoying boy in the world.
At eighteen, the boy I loved to hate became the man I couldn’t live without.

We were young. Madly in love. Invincible.
Strong enough to weather any storm.
Cocky enough to believe that no amount of time or distance could destroy us.

When Jude finally returned home from overseas, it should have been cause for celebration. But the man I’d fallen in love with was gone, and in his place was someone I no longer recognized.

𝐼 𝑐𝑎𝑛’𝑡 𝑑𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑜𝑡𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑖𝑑. 𝐼’𝑚 𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑦.

Now, after six long years he’s back. Only my heart ... it doesn’t beat just for him anymore.

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REVIEW: 4+ STARS

"He was my summertime. My childhood memories."

OH!! I read a new to me author and I get to shout about it!! I love when this happens because not only do I have a new author to follow, but I have something to look forward to - MORE BOOKS! When the Stars Fall was my first book by Emery Rose and knowing that I have more to follow in this standalone series, that just makes the anticipation more exciting. The journey I was taken on in this book wasn't one I was expecting to traverse, but it was definitely one that took me on a path that I so desperately enjoyed going down. I questioned myself when I originally saw this synopsis, wondering if it was a trope I wanted to attempt - and while I was wrong in that aspect, thank gosh, I am so very thankful I jumped into it. What a pleasant surprise, I might add. Oh, and that cover is knuckle-biting delicious, is it not??

"I'd rather get angry and argue than deal with with the heartache and misery. Anger was so much easier. The cut was cleaner. Sharper."

Growing up with Jude and Lila was so fun to watch. I really enjoyed the reminder of young love from an adolescent point of view, but also coming into a grown love with hardened hearts - because as much as we like to avoid it, it happens and they make for some amazingly emotional stories. Rose did an amazing job showing the emotional war within both minds. Their souls were intrinsically connected, and no matter how hard they tried - the tether never broke. I loved the pain she shared with me and pulled me through, because that exploration allowed me to grow with her characters and feel their pain right along with them.

You could feel and see the emotions arguing with the mental side of the heart! If there is one thing I seek in a new author, it's the ability to give me a story worth clinging to. To project the emotions of the characters and the truth behind their actions while allowing me to feel everything they're going through? That is exactly what this book did for me. Not only did I get caught up in a very young love, I fell in love and felt the heartbreak that came with everything happening. The truth behind teenagers being selfish and vindictive - that really happens. The anger that comes with hurt feelings when those actions come out in full force? That's legit and viable anger. Is it pretty? No. We've all been there....we've felt first hand what heartache at a tender age can do, and I really cannot say enough about how that heartache propelled the story even farther for me. I fell deeply in love with these characters, this story, and this author's writing.

"Thoughts without action mean nothing."

I appreciate that there was no sugarcoating of the ugly truths. It wasn’t a walk in the park for a second chance at love. There were things said, actions taken, anger thrown, and pain harbored. But it was real. It was honest. It was all so heartbreakingly authentic and true to the circumstance. I could not appreciate that more.

To be fair and honest, this had all the makings of a five star read for me. The drama was on point, the emotions were true to what was happening, and the characters were relatable and real. Unfortunately, the end started to feel like more inner monologue was taking place, and less like forward moving action in many parts, so it started to slow and drag for me even though it ended on a high. Overall, a wonderful story, very much worth the read - but seriously, the only major issue I had with this book so I can't really complain. 

I can't wait to read more by this author. THIS book is seriously the reason I read new authors. Her voice was smooth. Her characters had palpable chemistry. The story was animated and it moved while it was building. It just worked out so well for me.

If you haven't caught on by now, this was an emotional book and it was oh so good. 

This book is the reason why I read new to me authors. For every five mediocre ones, there’s one that sticks out as this one did, and blew me away. I will read more by Emery Rose, and I will seek out her back catalog. She engaged my emotions, she took me on a journey that I could envision, and she gave me a story to think about long after it’s over. I can't wait for the next book in this series, When the Storm Breaks. I will be the first in line to read it because I know Brody has a lot to say....

"I inhale her exhales. I live and breathe her."

~BEE

"What happens when the stars fall, Jude?"

"I'll put them back in the sky for you."

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~MEET EMERY ROSE~

Emery Rose has been known to indulge in good red wine, strong coffee, and a healthy dose of sarcasm.

When she’s not writing, you can find her binge-watching Netflix, trotting the globe in search of sunshine, or immersed in a good book. A former New Yorker, she currently lives in London with her two beautiful daughters and one grumpy but lovable Border Terrier.

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Book Review for Bully King by Andi Jaxon

BULLY KING
by ANDI JAXON

I'm the pastor's son.

He's the star quarterback for a small Kentucky high school.

While the town worships him, I pray for God to take my life.

He makes my life a living hell by making me his victim.

This perverse game we play could end us both.

How can something that feels so right be so wrong?

The price if the truth is discovered is death, but I can't stop.

Neither can he.

No one can know.

Can I risk it?

Is Roman King worth dying for?

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REVIEW: 2.5 STARS

"We may fool around in the dark, but we can't hold hands in the light of day."

I am so disappointed. I mean, I really had super high hopes for this book and it just sorta fizzled out for me. What should have been an epic read just left me kind of hanging and needing something more. At first, I was seeing where it was going and I was really hoping it would continue on the upward trajectory it was starting out to have. Alas, it did not. I don't want this to sound overly angry, because taking a step back - this had the potential to be a great book, but this one definitely missed the mark. Many marks.

Right off the bat, there were some pretty cringy analogies and comments in the very first chapter that worried me for a quick minute - but other than that, Jaxon's words flowed, so I was hoping that maybe it was just a new voice and I had some "getting used to" that I had to wade through. 

Jonah's struggles were very different than I had anticipated, which upped the ante for me even more. I could definitely appreciate the religious undertones but also that they were not preached to me, but felt strongly by the character. I liked that aspect of it. The likability of his character alone was actually quite easy in the beginning, given the very interesting dynamic between him and Roman - but I found something from both to hold onto and fall for by the ending. Even Mary, Jonah's sister, had something that I could smile at. Jonah's innocence as well as his curiosity are what drove him, and I liked that a lot, but his desire to be good in the eyes of his Lord and his father were what drew me in further. He struggled and I actually enjoyed that quite a bit because it definitely added that element of forbidden that I usually crave in my books. I enjoy reading about a character falling in love for the first time and all the excitement that surrounds the encounters and she gave me that smile, those butterflies, in the beginning. The sneaking around, the excitement - she laid that out really well because I was rooting for Jonah to explore that side of himself. 

Now, Roman? He was a different one, for sure. The fact that there was more to hate than love about Roman in the beginning gave me that much more of a giddy feeling. You know, what is going to break him down? What's going to make him want to be a better person? The whole element to a bully romance. YESSSS!!! No. I am not so sure that he is even likable still, even after finishing the book. Good lord, that boy dealt with some messed up situations and I felt sorry for him. I cannot imagine going through what he did. I wanted to hug him. I also, just as much - if not more, wanted to punch him in his damn throat! He was mean (duh. bully) and very brutal with his outward actions and "responsibilities" that came with someone of his stature, but it was pretty rough and I struggled with finding and giving him redemption.

Some of the issues I had:

• A few scenes in particular bothered me and felt it was put it in there for shock and awe because it added nothing to the storyline, so it kind of turned me off for a bit. 

• Some of the positioning didn’t work visually/mentally as her descriptions were slightly off. I think she had a mental picture of what she wanted to see, but it didn’t lay out that way with her wording. Same with some of her transitions from saying someone went somewhere - but then someone asked if they wanted help didn’t line up either. So, transitions and descriptions could use a better eye to weed out the inconsistencies, but again - a flow that was easy to follow in the grand scheme of things.

• I also didn't understand how each character knew the other person's feelings. Like, I was being told how they felt by the other person. I want to be in their head when they're telling me what they are feeling...I want to feel right along with them. I want to ache and hurt, smile and feel the excitement in their own words. Sadly, there was a lot of tell and very little feel. 

• Unfortunately, some sentences just...stopped. Not only did we need at least another round of major editing, but finding out that the book had sentences that just ended abruptly and it was like I was left hanging mid-sentence made some of the flow jarring. Errors don't ever bother me in an ARC because I know they will go through at least another round of edits, but the errors in this one were blatant and LOUD. It made it difficult a few times to decipher her meaning. It should have been edited at least one more time before bloggers got it. That just looks lazy or rushed.

• The heaviness of the book was underserved by the writing, unfortunately. Very surface scratching and lacking growth and oomph. I kind of hoped it would have been written with a little more depth because I feel that would have benefitted their story better, even though the underlying message was loud and clear. I knew why most of everything happened (emphasis on most) and I could follow the story along quite easily, so that made it not become a DNF for me. A plus...

Overall, this story was a good story - and I’ll remember it for the basics it afforded me, but it wasn't much more than a mess of converging storylines. I hate saying that because I was really looking forward to this one. Again, the juxtaposition between the two characters and their backgrounds should have given me a nail-biting experience, but it fell completely flat. I did talk this over with a few friends, but one dear friend asked me with all honesty if I simply expected too much from this story. I thought about it over the last few days, and I can honestly say that I don't think I expected too much. I expect well written. I expect a story to take me on a journey, and as this one promised, hopefully an emotional one. Not only was this not well written (positioning, timeframe, breakdown of emotions/characters, etc), I didn't get the emotional turmoil that I should have. Everything was literally wrapped up in a bow quickly and very easily. It was almost too.....easy.

One of the things I enjoy about BULLY romances is the eventual understanding of the character's faults and growth as a person, as well as their love eventually becoming the air they need in order to breathe....to survive. Sooo, I feel like I got the stalker part down (from both male characters) - you know, that crazy need between the characters. But, I sure did miss out on the understanding of Roman's actions to not only Jonah, but Tyler as well. Shoot, Mary too! This one was rough in many, many ways. There was no cohesive matching of cause and effect, reasoning and understanding, lust and hate. The significance of Mary being used the way she was and her being ok with it just really struck a nerve with me, too. Especially when Jonah was jealous and excited about what Roman was doing with Mary.... {{shiver}} GROSS. 

I'm very bummed that not only did the book NOT live up to the synopsis (which was beyond excellent) but also, the hype. I hate to say it, but I can easily name five authors that could have written this storyline with better conviction and more depth and emotion and it would have served this storyline much better. I feel like the writing lacked more than the storyline itself, and I think that's what I'm struggling with the most. If you want well written bully MM romance, this may not be the book for you. I am not sure this is one I can or will recommend.

I probably should have known I was going to be let down once I saw that cover.... {{sigh}}

"My body loves the way he touches me. It's exciting, new, and everything I crave."

~BEE

P.S. I know this sounds mean, and it is definitely critical, but I don't know how else to spell it all out without continually deleting and retyping. I'm frustrated with my inability to smooth it over a bit more. I wish I loved it more. I wish the writing were stronger. I wish I could scream out how amazing it was....

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~MEET ANDI JAXON~

From Dyslexic kid with a love of Algebra to a published author, no one is more surprised to find me here, than I am. I love to write about tortured pasts and hot sex, a happily ever after that has to be worked for. My stories tend to be a little dark but with some comic relief, typically in the form of sarcasm.

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Book Review and Giveaway for Keeping Score by Alyssa Kale

KEEPING SCORE

by ALYSSA KALE

One more careless mistake and I could lose the career I’ve worked my entire life for—I could lose everything. My last year has been wrapped in one scandal after another, and I am done.

Done with the jersey chasers.

And done with women… for the time being.

Or so I thought.

Sophie Thomas, a local magazine photographer, is my undoing. She’s bright, she’s funny, and her very being just draws me in. I know I need to stay away, but there’s something about her—a sadness almost—that keeps pulling me back to her.

Maybe I’m not quite as done with everything as I once believed.

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REVIEW: 3.5+ STARS

It's a very sticky line for me to agree to read books by friends. I am always objective - but I want it known that I have a personal relationship with this author, but it will not affect my rating on this book. I have always prided myself on my ability to stay objective and respectful with my reviews. 

Having said this, I want to say that I really enjoyed this debut book by Alyssa Kale. The bones of the actual story, the background - the storyline, were really good. Have we read this type of story before? Sure. Any sports romance reader has read about the athlete that doesn't want to settle down but meets 'her' and his world changes and he has to 'realize' what he has. I don't read formulaic with both eyes open...but this one, it didn't come across overwhelmingly that way. It didn't feel like I was rolling my eyes and skipping along to get to the HEA I knew was there. Nope. I was enjoying it from the minute I opened it until I finished. It was an easy read with plenty of smiles and some swooniness along the way. I would definitely say this was a win for me.

The fact that I have read this type of story before but didn't want to put it down told me all I needed to know. It flowed easily, even given some of the repetitive nature of some of the statements and points being made. It was a breath of fresh air for the fact that it had characters that were relatable, hardships that were recognizable, and a reality that was as dreamy as they come. I honestly adored these characters. Just an easy, sexy little read that provided some light entertainment.

And I will say this, I think this is only my.....second? baseball romance and I LOVED it. I love sports romance in general, but it was fun reading a sport I don't generally watch or pay attention to, and I won't lie and say it didn't have me smiling while looking at the players and their baseball pants while the game was on the TV at the restaurant the other night. {{insert evil grin}}

"God, that butt. Thank you to whoever designed baseball pants. They really do make everything better."

And much can be said about her characters. they weren't one dimensional, but they were simple and likable. I loved Braxton so much. He had honest faults and true emotions that came out when they were necessary. His actions were all male and I found myself laughing at him, with him, and for him. He was a real easy character to fall in love with. I did appreciate that her Hero's voice didn't sound overly feminine and I cannot tell you enough how much I am very thankful for that. I have DNF'd many books where the Hero sounds too feminine and very unlikely in the way he thinks.  And.....and he was about as subtle as a bull in a china shop! His comments had me laughing a few times.

But, the same can be said about Sophie. She was a great, strong and stubborn heroine. I followed her heart and the way her mind worked. I understood her hesitance, but also wanted to shake her for her unwavering stubbornness. I knew what she was thinking but also wanted her to see the light. She was relatable in her strength, but also in her perseverance. I felt an emotional connection to her for the situation she was in, and I loved that Kale gave two varying misunderstandings on the primary situation, which allowed me to see both sides with equal thoughts.

So, a little robotic in some spots, a little formulaic in others - not necessarily a 'been there, done that' kind of read, and I knew what was going on, but I still wanted to keep reading. I felt there was a bit of telling rather than showing, but not so far as to distract and detract from the overall enjoyment of it. She gave me everything I needed in a SWEET read, and she did it well. Again, I don’t do these willingly - but this one really worked for me. It was just the right ease in between the heavy and angsty reads I crave and read regularly. It was seriously the best light-hearted read I have read in a while. I really did enjoy these characters and this book, and I feel like Kale has plenty of stories left in her. I hope she will continue to share her words because I can't wait to read more by her. 

She gave me two characters that I could fall in love with.
She gave me a story that I never stopped smiling while reading.
She gave me a HEA that I just knew was going to be blissful and happy.

I'm a happy....

~BEE

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~MEET ALYSSA KALE~

Alyssa Kale, better known as Alyssa Garcia, is a debut author that really got her start in the industry as a book blogger, then a cover designer, then she got into the busy world of PR and marketing. It was only a matter of time before she actually sat down and wrote a book considering how intertwined her life is with the industry.

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