Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Book Review and SIGNED BOOK Giveaway for THE PLIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS by Kate Stewart


THE PLIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Clark Griswold was onto something, at least with his annual holiday meltdown. And since the last three weeks of my life have been riddled with humbug—another breakup, a broken toe, an office promotion I deserved and didn’t get—I’m not at all in the mood to celebrate nor have the happ, happ, happiest Christmas EVER.

When Mom insisted that we all gather at my Grandparent’s ancient cabin for an old school family Christmas, I fully intended to get into the holiday spirit with the help of the three wise men, Johnnie Walker, Jack Daniels, and Jim Beam. But those boys did absolutely nothing to offset the shock or temper the sting of seeing my EX on our doorstep the first day of our holiday soiree.

Apparently, Santa missed the memo, and this elf is pissed.

Stuck for a week with the man who obliterated my heart nearly two decades ago, I did the only thing I could do and put on my game face, thankful for the home advantage.

I knew better than to drink that last cup of eggnog.

I knew better than to get tongue tangled beneath the mistletoe with the only man to ever break my heart.

I knew better than to sleep with Satan’s wingman on the eve of the Lord’s birthday.

I could blame the nog. I could blame the deceitful light blue eyes, thick, angelic hair, and panty evaporating smirk…but mostly, I blame Eli because he always knew exactly which of my buttons to push.

I foolishly thought a family Christmas filled with nostalgia was going to turn my inner Scrooge around, but this year’s festivities went up in flames. Leave it to the ghost of my Christmas past to be the one to light the match.

Fa la la la la, la FML.


REVIEW: PLEASE READ THIS BOOK!!

THIS, in all seriousness, will be the book for you during your holiday vacation. This was the most down-to-earth, REAL depiction of a family Christmas you will ever read AND enjoy. I laughed. I reminisced. I actually teared up. This was the best. I read more than I highlighted. I laughed more than I have in a long time. And I swooned extra hard. Typical Kate Stewart greatness.

This is the family we all know and hate/love at holidays. So very real in a total Christmas Vacation sort of way. Shenanigans, actualities, truths...the whole story had me laughing. This one hit all the buttons for an easy, light, and enjoyable read. In the beginning, I was like - who is this Whitney chick, and why is she being so mean?? Ok, then I realized whaaat was going on. I continually laughed at how she was constantly trying to justify her anger towards her coworker but the good side of her couldn’t get over the fact that he was truly a good guy. Ha ha Ha!!! I couldn't not laugh at what was unfolding while watching it unravel right in front of her.

Whitney was a quick-witted, cynical - yet hilarious - heroine with a mentality that kept me laughing. She was purging her anger while holding onto her emotions (counterintuitive, I know), and that made for some seriously hilarious mental arguments and actions. There were so many parts that had me LAUGHING and I am excited for so many to enjoy them. Worth noting - I love a strong, alpha male with emotions. Not whiny, weak - but one with emotions even he has to fight. Kate gave me something to love and something to hate about Eli. He was a real person, in that nature, because we got to see that he had faults and we got to see that he was perfect in Whit's eyes. I loved seeing a real man have emotion, whether it be anger, or love, or hurt, or happiness — I loved seeing it.

You know the idea of a memory smell? This was truly a memory visual. I couldn’t help but actually see the shenanigans Stewart was sharing; the fighting, the kids, the decorations - the family camaraderie. It was all there, and the memories it brought about were heartwarming. This was such an awesome mixture of family holiday memories and the likeness of the movie Christmas Vacation - comedic with heart. Everything kind of just made you smile because it worked in the manner of it being a light Christmas romantic comedy, but infused with Stewart's signature, destined love.

Eli and Whitney are a couple that brings the truth to the value of a second chance. The parents are proof of what love and patience can accomplish. The brothers and sisters all show how family can be tested but it still remains core. This was pure. There wasn't any over the top drama. Any unrealistic miscommunication. No other woman drama. It was just two real, honest people trying to revisit some emotions that one is fighting and one is chasing.  

The push and pull wasn't there - this wasn't an angsty book, by any means. But it did show me how these tow adults handled a difficult breakup, and then came together. Told through flashbacks, this one allowed me to fall in love with them in the here and now, but also gave me some backstory that I couldn't help but falling in love with. I saw why they worked...but found out why they "didn't" and it was just a well laid out, easy read. Not heavy....just a very welcome, very easy read that I most definitely needed. 

<<I do have to admit - the amount of movie references made me simultaneously smile and search my memory for scenes. It was smile inducing and very worthy for the ones I recognized, but slightly confusing for the ones that I have not seen...but definitely added to the funnies.>>

For someone who usually avoids any type of holiday read (they're usually cheesy, just like Hallmark movies) and reads very few comedies (they're usually cheesy), this one I will happily and easily recommend. It was a good mix of women’s fiction and comedy, with a hearty dose of romance - but the realness of it was refreshing. I fell in love with this family. It was fun. It was an easy read. It produced plenty of smiles. It was just really cute.  It was REAL! I loved this holiday magic. READ. IT. 

"What are you doing here Eli?"
"Maybe you're still the reason, Whitney."
~BEE



ENTER HERE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A SIGNED COPY




~MEET KATE STEWART~

Kate Stewart lives in Charleston, S.C. with her husband, Nick, and her naughty beagle, Sadie. A native of Dallas, Kate moved to Charleston three weeks after her first visit, dropping her career of 8 years, and declaring it her creative muse. Kate pens messy, sexy, angst-filled contemporary romance as well as romantic comedy and erotic suspense because it's what she loves as a reader. A lover of all things '80s and '90s, especially John Hughes films and rap, she dabbles a little in photography, can knit a simple stitch scarf for necessity only and does a horrible job of playing the ukulele. Aside from running a mile without collapsing, traveling is the only other must on her bucket list. On occasion, she does very well at vodka.

~CONNECT WITH KATE~

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Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Book Review and Giveaway for BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN REDEMPTION by CATHERINE COWLES



She’s hiding secrets.

For Anna, keeping her deepest scars hidden from the world has always been a necessity—from the bruises of her childhood to the mistake that nearly cost her everything. To keep herself safe, she must keep everyone around her at a distance—especially the man who has tempted her since the moment they met.

His demons are taunting him.

Mason has done his best to bury the past by achieving more than he ever thought possible. But even with all of his success, his life feels empty.

When tragedy strikes, Anna is left fighting to protect the only family she has left. And Mason will do anything to keep her and her loved ones safe—even if that means the ring of wedding bells.

But as a new spark ignites between them, someone is watching.

And they’ll do whatever it takes to snuff out that light for good.


REVIEW: 4 STARS
"Just because you're content doesn't mean you can't reach for more."

Let's start with this: the most FITTING title for this book. And, it goes without saying: this cover is absolutely gorgeous. I will have this entire series signed on my shelf. So beautiful!

I just told a dear friend of mine that even though I'm not a sweet reader by choice, I keep coming back for more books by Catherine Cowles. That has to count for something, doesn't it? She lures me in each time with her sweet Heroes, and her determined heroines. I'm also not a huge romantic suspense reader either...so, again - that has to mean something, right?? Well, the long and the short of it - it does. Catherine Cowles is a regular recommendation from me. I just recommended her to my sweet friend who is an author. Just the other day, I recommended her to my hygienist. I have all the confidence in her writing that I heartily recommend her to a wide range of readers quite often. She's a very easy, super smooth, and well written read. I always walk away with a sort of calmness, a serene feeling knowing all is right in the world after reading her books. This one, it was no different. Mason is a new favorite BBF. (Note: this should have been very difficult after Griffin!!)

This book, uncharacteristically, brought some tears to my eyes. Needless to say, I was shocked. We all know my heart is solid as a rock - literally. No room in there for mushiness. But, the details of this heartache are definitely ones to discover as you read the book, but I will say the momma strings in my heart were yanked on awfully hard and it just made me want to snuggle Justin and Lyla a little more heartily. I loathe evil family members in books and feel like sometimes that scenario is used oftentimes too much as a means for the "necessary" drama to push the suspense in some plots, but I have first hand been affected by every one of these issues (in some manner) that compounded the drama in this story, so I was easily able to connect on a more emotional level with Anna's plight from a relatability standpoint. Her steadfast determination was the crux for my new cheerleading outfit - not gonna lie. I was reading my book with my pompoms out. If Catherine gives me one thing, it's a heroine with strength. Oh, and a man worthy of my drool - so two things!! 😂

One thing I feel Cowles shared well was the underlying current of a societal problem that isn't discussed enough, isn't prevented enough. The topic can be nudged many ways, depending on the representation - but it also has many implications for all involved. I can appreciate the way she worked it into this story, but not so deep that it detracted from the focus of what was going on (not dismissing it, but it wasn't the focus). It wasn't the only drama, but it definitely provided a discussable topic. An important one, nonetheless. 

So ends my simple review, espousing all the reasons I believe why everyone should read this author and all her books - blah blah blah, I know. I probably sound like a broken record. The thing is, I can only say the same thing so many different ways, so many times: I love Cowles' style, her delivery, her voice, her stories, her characters. I'll always be fighting for first in line to read her books. I've read every single one of them and I keep coming back for more and will continue to do so. I seriously LOVE her and the simplistic, yet thorough way she tells her stories. They're very clean and engaging. She's my guaranteed smile at the end of a book. She's my Amazing Hero Supplier. But, fair warning - she's also my "80% insert drama here" author, too. She's formulaic in that aspect - as in, we know, just knoooow something is going to happen, so there really is no surprise it's coming. Am I complaining about that? No, not really because it's still a journey getting from Point A to Point B. In this one, watching the character growth, the emotional baggage/wall breakage, the blooming love - it all played its part and I just really enjoyed it. Very much so.

Needless to say, her books have become a sort of safe haven for me....a home for my heart. 

Again, keep your eyes open for her Tattered & Torn series coming up, starting at the beginning of 2022 - because that's sure to be a page turning series as well. I'm looking forward to her next few releases and know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I will be snuggling in with her newest Hero watching him fall in love with the heroine while she turns his life upside down.

Add Tattered & Torn series to your TBR HERE.

Preorder Tattered & Torn books on AMAZON.

"You have to let yourself feel the hurt. If you don't, you'll cut yourself off from the good."
~BEE


~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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Monday, November 8, 2021

Book Review and Giveaway for SINNING LIKE HELL by TRILINA PUCCI



We’ll never run away.

There won’t be stars or a blue sky filled with heaven staring down on us.

All we have is death and destruction.

A life sentence, forced to survive within the absence of our love.
Until five years later.

“Death isn’t waiting for Calder—it’s listening for his instruction.”




REVIEW: 4 STAR CROSSED STARS
"Death isn't waiting for Calder. It's listening for his instructions."

OMGosh - the Devil came out to play in this one!!!

There was a ton of background story, so thankfully she released these two books fairly close because I'm a weenie with cliffies. There was quite a bit of character development going on, in the background as well as the forefront, and it's enough to force you to pay attention to all of the information. The action alone kept my mind engaged while simultaneously dreaming of a Sutton and Calder love story - but also knowing it was not enough to just let it happen, so I just "knew" something was up. It made me want to turn the pages rather quickly. It never stopped - I literally hit the ground running in this one.

So basically: HOLD ON TIGHT! What a ride!!! I had to take notes because it was one of those reads that was FAST and intense and had so many moving parts that I had to really watch what was going on. 

Going into Pucci's books, I know I always have a worthwhile book on my hands - I know I feel like I'm getting somewhere with the story. I love knowing I'm going to take a journey and it's never a waste of my time. It's basically my "Trilina Guarantee" because I have yet to be disappointed. As usual. But, I will caution this one took a turn I didn't think it would. Not bad, per se - but most definitely one that I didn't see coming and most certainly questioned my own morality with what I was thinking.

I had a little devil sitting on my shoulder and she was grinning and rubbing her hands together because she knew the depths of Calder’s depravity and how protective he was of Sutton. How he would never let anything get in the way of him protecting her and taking care of business to right any wrongs that were done to her. This is where I feel like I should question my moral self - HAHAHA! I honestly struggled with my love for his style of vigilante justice in this story. I know I’m not mean, but I love a good revenge story and I am sitting comfortably in the justice side of the bench between good and evil. It was definitely intense and wide-eyed reading.

One thing I felt was this can potentially be misconstrued as slightly over the top or not practical. The nice thing is, there was so much going on that as I read it, I was caught up and sucked into their story as it was all playing out so I spent very little time questioning things. I needed to figure out what was going on. Finding out how Sutton was going to survive everything and how Calder was going to be her knight in shining armor was half the mental battle I had. Calder was going to make everything OK. I just knew he would, so I was entrenched in this world of evil and revenge - and I liked it. Basically, I just needed to know – so reading this, I had no other option but to fall in line and enjoy the ride. 

So my recommendation to YOU is to sit back, get a cup of coffee, a warm blanket and some snacks, and curl up and get comfy because so much is going to happen. You need to be prepared. *wink*

"This moment will leave an indelible mark. One branded on our hearts, turning the memories of our first kiss into ash and our touches into regret. Because today is when I condemn us to hell."

Some things that seriously set the softer tone in the book were things that just made me sigh. The way Calder held her head, the way he cradled her face - you could almost feel the desperation in his touch. The need to be inextricably closer. Some deep-rooted love that embraces your soul and pushes through the depths of corruption. I loved how two sides of one person can be so soft and caring, yet so evil and cold hearted with the need to defend - and not necessarily equally. I loved that dynamic in Calder. LOVED it. 

I did feel like some things left me needing more, some answers to some of the questions I had in my head. But I also  imagine if they weren’t important enough to the story, there probably isn’t much to explain - so I had to let it roll as I was lead along by my heart. Maybe that’s my overactive imagination wanting to get deeper into their brains and thinking because I was completely invested in their life and their perfect love. I wanted to know ev-er-eee-thing. I really enjoyed this duet and felt they had one of those deep loves that you remember the depravity behind it because it was one of those loves that left a mark on your soul while you read it. 

"He's all the fucking magic, and it hurts how much I fucking love him."
BEE






𝐇𝐞’𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥—𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.
𝐖𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐲.

If only I could’ve convinced my heart.

We were gorgeously young and desperate for one another.

His lips whispered promises of all the stars in the sky. While I dreamt of a love that would last forever.

But we’re star-crossed.
Fate had decided our course.
Leaving us to cling to each other as we crumbled to ash.

His need became possession.
My innocence turned jaded.
Our families declared war.
All that remained was hate.

But Calder was raised by wolves. The rules didn’t apply. I was his until he said otherwise—for better or for worse.

Our love story’s bathed in crimson and drenched in bullets.
Because sometimes, Romeo comes with tattoos, guns, and a taste for blood.

READ my REVIEW: https://bit.ly/3bo047V




~MEET TRILINA PUCCI~

It all started when…

Trilina decided, 3 years ago, that between making grilled cheese sandwiches and running carpool she was going to write saucy novels for readers to titillate and excite them. She hasn't slowed down since!

Trilina has always had a love of writing; as a child she would journal and typically change the ending of whatever she was writing to suit her daydream. A knack for storytelling has translated into her debut, as an author, being met with rave reviews.

She lives in California where she multitasks the roles of wifey, mama and author. She hopes you enjoy her words and keep coming back for more!

Read Sexy, Stay Sexy!

xoxo, Trilina

~CONNECT WITH TRILINA~

FACEBOOK     AMAZON     GOODREADS     TWITTER 

ARC REVIEW
AFFILIATE LINKS USED
COPY PURCHASED FOR GIVEAWAY

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Friday, October 29, 2021

Book Review and Giveaway for JUST LIKE HEAVEN by Trilina Pucci


JUST LIKE HEAVEN

𝐇𝐞’𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥—𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.
𝐖𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐲.

If only I could’ve convinced my heart.

We were gorgeously young and desperate for one another.

His lips whispered promises of all the stars in the sky. While I dreamt of a love that would last forever.

But we’re star-crossed.
Fate had decided our course.
Leaving us to cling to each other as we crumbled to ash.

His need became possession.
My innocence turned jaded.
Our families declared war.
All that remained was hate.

But Calder was raised by wolves. The rules didn’t apply. I was his until he said otherwise—for better or for worse.

Our love story’s bathed in crimson and drenched in bullets.
Because sometimes, Romeo comes with tattoos, guns, and a taste for blood.


REVIEW: HEAVEN SENT....5 Stars....WOW. Thank you?
"She tastes like regret, but I'm happy to suffer through it because I've never felt a bigger high."

This book defines the very understanding of forbidden…. In the heart. In love. In morals. Everything. And oh so worthy of your time, should you set out to read it. 

So - to be frank, do you remember being young and feeling that first butterfly? That first kiss? What about those first goosebumps when "He" touches your hand with that look in his eyes? Yeah? Well, Trilina Pucci captured all that in words and threw them into this book in the form of feelings. I cannot begin to spell out all the ways that she tripped my heart UP.

And
Then
She
Ripped
My
Heart
OUT

But I digress. 

I always question the storyline of a hard-ass falling in love and how it's going to be told to show they actually have a beating heart but are not some wimpy man. I want that cold-hearted man that will still do anything for his woman without a care for the consequences, but that soft spot is an unrealized weakness that he works with. However, because I love this trope, I’m a glutton for punishment - so when an author can humanize anger and love so perfectly in one character through their word choice, that’s a moment of pause for me. Calder is that. He is every single bit of THAT. He has a soft spot for Sutton, but he doesn't turn against his way of life - he uses it to benefit them both. He knows he is the bad to her good and I love that it drives him. I ate him up. I soaked him in. I reveled in his persona and I didn't want to walk away. He is the epitome of the book boyfriend. You know that need - the one that makes you scream inside and get physically tense? That’s what Calder made me feel like he made Sutton feel. Make sense??

I sometimes find it difficult to be in a teenage girl's head. It's arguably monotonous at times, or I want to shake them, or I want to scream at the misplaced drama that has been added for story building purposes - especially when it's always at the expense of the young, immature heroine and she's made to look like an idiot. (Can we get away from that? Kthxbye #SorryNotSorry) But being in Suttons head, listening to her talk about her surroundings and what was going on was not annoying — for a change. She was a real teenager....bad decisions and all, yet they were all fitting for that age of thinking. I actually enjoyed her character, the way she handled things, and the way she carried herself. She was a very strong character, and one that I easily enjoyed.  I love to see a strong, well-written young heroine that has the truth of "teenaged wisdom" pushing her, but the innocence of a young girl that just wants to explore and fall in love. I loved her character. Very worthy of conversations. 

I love that something so inconsequential to someone on a normal day is so moving/intense/eye-opening in someone else’s eyes. I feel like the temper was set, the emotion was poured, the world was mastered - Miss Pucci gave me so many scenarios to wander through and experience through Sutton and Calder's eyes that I felt alive in this world she were sharing with me. I absolutely LOVED it. I will be thinking about them for a long time to come...

Miss Pucci set the scenes effortlessly. She is fluid in her descriptions and the pacing is perfect as the story unfolds, to the point I was completely caught up and loving each moment as I took this journey with Sutton and Calder. I loved the way she stamped my mental visual with cues about the surroundings and happenings. It was such an easy book to “see” and feel. She’s really the why not in YA for me. I’m usually not a typical YA reader or the targeted audience, but there are a few authors I’ll read time and time again, and Miss Pucci is at the top of that list for me.

Calder and Sutton have solidified themselves as one of my favorite couples for the year. This book also showed me more of the growth and strength in Pucci's writing. I have been reading her consistently for a few years now, so seeing the progression of her delivery is such a win for me. A HUGE win for me and I feel like I'm benefitting from all of it!

"I stupidly thought we'd never see each other again, but here he is - the walking definition of sin."

My breakdown:
She gives me those butterflies.
She makes my heart race.
She shows me what a first crush feels like.
Her stories are an experience each time and I LOVE them.

Aaaand the first chapter in Calder’s POV will probably be my all time favorite…. So totally sigh- worthy. I'll leave that there so when you finally get to experience that little gem of perfection, I want all your smiles in a message - P L E A S E. It was so delicious.

This YA novel made me remember the butterflies of a first love and the pull of forbidden, with the unmistakable desire that you can’t brush off. It was chock full of all those angsty, good, young-love feelings with the perfect storm of obstacles to stop them, while making Sutton and Calder fight for the love they were chasing. Because why in the hell else would I want to keep my heart intact....why?? Because I think Miss Pucci might be so kind to put it back together? Let's certainly hope so!! With Sinning Like Hell coming in November, my anxiety will stay ratcheted up contemplating all the possibilities of Sutton and Calder's love story. Miss Pucci is killing me slowly. There’s only so long I can hold my breath from page to page, but I’m getting good at it….

"You're my purpose. My only reason for breathing."
BEE
 





We’ll never run away.

There won’t be stars or a blue sky filled with heaven staring down on us.

All we have is death and destruction.

A life sentence, forced to survive within the absence of our love.
Until five years later.

“Death isn’t waiting for Calder—it’s listening for his instruction.”



~MEET TRILINA PUCCI~

It all started when…

Trilina decided, 3 years ago, that between making grilled cheese sandwiches and running carpool she was going to write saucy novels for readers to titillate and excite them. She hasn't slowed down since!

Trilina has always had a love of writing; as a child she would journal and typically change the ending of whatever she was writing to suit her daydream. A knack for storytelling has translated into her debut, as an author, being met with rave reviews.

She lives in California where she multitasks the roles of wifey, mama and author. She hopes you enjoy her words and keep coming back for more!

Read Sexy, Stay Sexy!

xoxo, Trilina

~CONNECT WITH TRILINA~

FACEBOOK     AMAZON     GOODREADS     TWITTER 

ARC REVIEW
AFFILIATE LINKS USED
COPY PURCHASED FOR GIVEAWAY

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Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Book Review and Giveaway for THE NAKED FISHERMAN and THE LOST FISHERMAN by Jewel E Ann


THE NAKED FISHERMAN

It's official.

I'm eighteen and a young woman with endless possibilities on my way to reunite with my mom in Colorado after five years apart—she had a little weed incident in Nebraska.

At the airport, she springs the news on me ... she's leaving for a month of job training. And me? I'm left on my own in the basement she's renting from the fisherman, aka her landlord who lives upstairs.

He's ten years older than me. Never wears a shirt. And makes it hard to remember all the things I learned at Christian Academy.

Did I mention he’s also my new boss?



It’s been five years since I’ve seen him. An unexpected event takes me back to the place where it all began.

But I’m no longer the naive young woman he once knew. And he’s no longer the man who took nearly everything from me.

Can this be our time? Or is it too late? Did I find myself only to lose him?

While this is a review for BOTH books, if you have already read book one, I will gift that first book to someone else to give them the pleasure of reading this duet, while sending you the second book. Thanks for sharing!!

REVIEW: 5 STARS
"You deserve to have your breath taken away...every day."

ONCE again, FATE has been defined by one of JEA's books. If there is one thing I know she can do, it's provide an epic push and pull in a relationship wrought with emotion that can and most likely will make me climb the walls. She is an adventurous and risk taking storyteller and the type I constantly seek out. This duet is the perfect example why no one should ever question Jewel’s ability to tell a story. Whether it be an easy story to tell, or a hard story to read, she always makes sure she gives relatability, understanding, and life lessons mixed with comedy and heat. It's always an amazing story to read. I never regret picking up one of her books. 

I'll be honest and tell you, I normally stop after each book in a duet to write my review so I can gift each one away separately. Not with this one!! I had to keep going. I needed more of their story and JEA didn't disappoint. I even tried to lie to myself and said....maybe just a few scenes? Pages? Chapters? Who was I kidding. I finished this duet in two days and that's very unlike me. I like to savor the book and read slowly, but I couldn't put this one down. This one offered worlds colliding and emotions imploding. It was an emotional journey, to say the least. 

Here’s what I saw while reading this epic journey - there's a lot of Jewel in here. She infuses her characters with so much personality - and not the typical "quirky" you get tired of hearing about. I love the fact that there’s a little bit of her in every character because there is a humble side to the quirky side that compliments the comedic side. It's definitely something I enjoy seeing in her stories because those quirky, quick-witted characters are some of my favorite ones to read.

But, aside from the characteristics of her characters, there's more to her stories with each read. They are never cookie cutter, and certainly never the same from one book to the next. The intrigue always invites me in, but it's the love story that holds me there. My favorite is angst. Whether it's "young love" angst, "immature love fighting to prevail" angst, or the inevitable crossroads her characters come to - it's always the angst. So when this one started to make me feel the telltale signs of it, I knew I was in for a bumpy ride. The nervous pangs are what brings her stories to life for me, and this one was no exception. If I’m feeling it, that means something to me. I felt this one. I physically felt this one and loved every minute of it. 

"You won't regret the bad decisions you make now. You'll only regret the missed opportunities to make mistakes and live."

I think at some point, I have to stop questioning Jewel. Not because I don’t trust her, but because I let my own thought process mess with the "idea" about the titles for this duet. Of course, now that I’ve read it, it’s a mental reminder to let go, open up, and trust Jewel - WWJD. You know, What Would Jewel Do. The title completely confused me when I first saw it...and then I saw the cover, which added another layer of confusion. I mean, whodathunkit? Not me, but obviously it made sense in the best way possible after I settled into the story. Once again, JEA amazes me - seriously amazes me. The meaning behind these titles is so fitting and so emotionally impactful. I feel like a better person after reading this just because she unlocked a part of me and reminded me why I believe in fate. Jewel is one of my favorite authors to make me feel, a visceral feeling, while reading a book. She’s always giving me relatability, she’s always giving me honesty, and she’s always giving me a love worth fighting for.

The only ridiculous part was a hilarious part. Moms, teach your daughters to pop a squat. I couldn't get over that without rolling my eyes. HAHAHA!!! 

ANYWAY. To be able to experience this slowly and organically, completely unrushed — allowed me to fall in love and soak in and process the emotion I was feeling. This is definitely a contender - setting the bar impossibly high for favorite duet of the year.

There’s a point to being caught up in the moment, and then there’s a point of realization dawning on you at just the right moment. A moment in time can change the trajectory of your life - good or bad. The fact that JEA's not a status-quo, follow-the-prompts type of writer is what keeps me engaged and coming back for more every. single. time. She doesn't tell the easy stories and she certainly doesn't make the journey easy for the reader either - but I will always be here for it, time and time again. Thanks for a very entertaining story!! 

Pssst: I do know I'm hoping for a certain side character's story. I think Arnie wants to whisper in my ear.

"Because what we have is effortless. It just...happens."
~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.

~CONNECT WITH JEWEL~

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Thursday, September 30, 2021

Book Review and Giveaway for THE LAWYER by Marni Mann


A sexy, billionaire, Hollywood, stand-alone romance from USA Today best-selling author Marni Mann …

I’m not the type of girl who picks up a man on a rooftop bar.
Not the kind of girl who lets a man’s hands roam my body, discovering I have no panties on.
Never the girl who has hours’ worth of o’s from a smoking-hot one-night stand.

But Dominick makes it so easy to say yes.
His body, his moves, and his oh-so-wicked tongue have me saying it over and over again.
Yes, please.
Yes, more.
Yes, right there.

He worships every inch of my body, and I’m still sore the next morning when I meet him again.

This time, he’s Mr. Dalton, my sister’s cutthroat entertainment lawyer.
And he has a proposition for me.

He wants to make me famous.

Of course, that means sharing a screen with my wildly jealous sister.
It means giving up my career.
It means the whole world will suddenly know everything about me.

Which presents one catastrophic problem—Dominick doesn’t date famous people.

So, do I take a chance at becoming a Hollywood star, or do I pass up the opportunity to be with the man who gave me a taste of forever?


REVIEW: 4.5 STARS
"The way her body responded to me was such a fucking turn-on"

Sooo, hmmmm. Is *this* the naughty side of Marni Mann I have often heard about but haven't had the chance to experience yet?? I easily and anxiously jump into Mann’s books with zeal - and I’m immediately fixated, so this book was a definite joy to get wrapped up in. Her words immediately bring the story to life from the get-go. So finding out that this was erotica organically, well - that upped the ante and the reader experience for me as a first timer!! I just knew I was getting a Marni Mann Experience - one that I've come to really enjoy. I went in blind, signing up only knowing it was another book by her. I laugh looking back because I missed her announcing this was erotica. What a surprise, eye-opening, and very delicious introduction. 

The premise of this one was different - being one I don't think I've had the chance to actually read yet. (*racks brain to mentally look for another like it*) Not my first choice of stories because of the reality star aspect of it, BUT, Mann has always given me something to hold onto and reach for, so I actually enjoyed this one a lot. It had the perfect trajectory and movement points for the meeting of these characters and their story. 

I like my man alpha. I also like my man with a heart that he just needs to share with someone...whether he knows it or not. (I say my man....because, you know - "my man" happens to be Dominick at the moment!) So, he goes all protective alpha for her, but he is a total teddy bear and his mouth did some work. Verbally and officially, he was untamable in every way. Just delicious. I have been saying that every time I posted or discussed the book with other readers because it's true. Figuratively. Literally. Dominick really worked for me. He had a good disposition; a little growl, a little schmooze, and a little sweet cheesiness mixed in.

But Kendall was the complete and polar opposite of any heroine that I can remember reading. She was the mental description of innocence, but had the look and appetite of a lion. Their sexual connection...and appetite, complimented each others so very well. No lie - it was nice to see the hunger on both sides equally as naughty. I struggled with a few parts - they were a personal thing for me, but it didn't interrupt the flow of the storyline or the enjoyment of their journey in any way.

But Dominick. My gosh. I know I keep going back to him, but he brings everything to LIFE! So, when I say he has it going on....I mean, he has it going on! He wasn’t just cocky. His picture is right next to the word 'arrogant' in the dictionary. He was….very assertive, to say the least. *waggles eyebrows*  Absolutely, the perfect mix of power and emotion. His personality alone was what kept pushing me because as primed and planned as his character felt, he shocked me with each turn and the emotion he put forth in his relationship with Kendall. The stark contrast between his alpha and sweet side was ….pretty impressive, to be honest. Such a refreshing change to see that flexibility in his persona. 

I'm pretty sure I could go on and on discussing the characters in great length, as well as each individual moment captured and delivered, but that would take away from YOUR discovery - but that's not denying that I want to!!! But, again - this was hot. This was naughty. This was sexy. There was a cheese factor at the end - and that's never my favorite, but the demeanor in which it was delivered worked for the actual breakdown of the story.

With this being the first book in this standalone series, I am super excited about reading the next two books for Dominick's brothers Jenner and Ford. But, I also just found out SIGNED is James' book, and we would have met her before, but I met her in this book. Needless to say, I want to jump into that book next!! A little background detective work on their relationship to bring me up to speed for The Billionaire coming out in March 2022 and The Single Dad coming in June 2022. I'll feel like I have the whole picture of this group by then. But, I'm sure I'll fall down another rabbit hole of a series with that one....so I'll be busy for a little bit!

I know I talked a lot about how hot this story was, but it was more than just a sex story, but I also wont lie and say it didn't rightfully set the tone for the relationship dynamic these two have. I really enjoyed it. This was a gooooood book. Now to go load up my kindle with more of her BOOKS...

"Just listen to the waves."
BEE





The Agency Series on Amazon

~MEET MARNI MANN~

Bestselling author Marni Mann knew she was going to be a writer since middle school. While other girls her age were daydreaming about teenage pop stars, Marni was fantasizing about penning her first novel. She crafts sexy, titillating stories that weave together her love of darkness, mystery, passion, and human emotions. A New Englander at heart, she now lives in Sarasota, Florida, with her husband and their two dogs, who have been characters in her books. When she’s not nose deep in her laptop, working on her next novel, she’s scouring for chocolate, sipping wine, traveling, or devouring fabulous books.

~CONNECT WITH MARNI~

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Friday, September 24, 2021

Book Review and Giveaway for Beneath the Wreckage by Catherine Cowles


BENEATH THE WRECKAGE

It was supposed to be a summer we’d never forget.
Instead, everything was stolen from me.

The best friend who was more like a sister. The innocent way I looked at life.

Leaving me with only unanswered questions.

Returning to the island is the second chance I didn’t know I needed.
And Hunter is the surprise that knocks me sideways.
There’s a hurt in him that calls to my own.
A strength I find in sharing our scars.
Igniting a spark that turns to flame.

But someone isn’t happy about the world I’m building for myself.
And nothing will stop them from tearing it all apart…


REVIEW: 4 Stars
"You make me forget to breathe."

It’s so hard not to fall in love with Catherine Cowles' love stories. There is so much depth layered within the fabric of her characters. Goodness, I have always walked away from one of her books with a smile. She does such an amazing job at developing the story line, giving the characters understandable pain, and making their vulnerabilities relatable. These are everyday YOU and ME characters. I love them so much. I truly do. Not super heroes….but BBF heroes, nonetheless. Same thing, right?? Right.

Starting out the way this one did? My gosh, hard lessons to learn as a teenager - seriously, what a hard beginning to a story, but it also gave some structure to Piper so that I could get to know who she was and how she handled stress. The fact that she was quick on the trigger when someone ruffled her feathers - it was like looking in the mirror. She already had some deep-rooted issues to deal with, but I loved the spunk she had in her. I may have side-eyed her a few times, but that just made her more real.  

I obviously knew Hunter from previous books, and I knew what he went through, so I already had a good basis for his character and who he was. He clearly needed the right woman to woo him. I mean, I honestly thought that woman was going to be a different breed. A strong one that took no smack and walked to the beat of her own drum. But I was pleasantly surprised by Piper's demeanor and personality. She is honestly the girl everyone wants to be friends with, but she wasn't a pushover either. And oh my gosh, she had me giggling at every turn with her quick comebacks for Hunter. Definitely an entertaining couple to watch come together.

Was this a slow burn kind of romance? I'm not sure I would categorize it under that entirely, but it wasn't immediate and it was definitely a relationship they both had to accept on their own terms. I enjoyed their ups and downs, but to be completely honest - even when Piper came out of left field, Hunter was there with understanding and a calm stance with a truth for her well-being. It wasn't self-serving, and that is such a great thing to read in a Hero. I like a manly man, a rough and ready, gruff kind of man. Alpha is a very good description, but sometimes overused. So, it was nice seeing the emotional side of a man being written into his character this way. Steady, peaceful and strong. I will admit that the way Hunter moved in on her once he realized where his heart was situated, it was with some good precision!! Did he light up her eyes? Hell yes! But he also pushed her buttons. It was fun watching him come to the realization that she was all the good he needed in his life. Because when He knows what He wants, you know he's gonna do everything in his power to make sure that the woman he loves is very aware of it. This was Hunter. 

To.
A.
T.

And I'm putting this out there - in my own bubble, I am head over heels in love with Hunter. He makes me melt. A good mixture of strength and vulnerability, and a side of charm with a smirk that'll knock your socks off. His emotional side was well written and he didn't act too macho to compensate for the emotions he was waging in his own mind. 

"The woman was a force of nature. I was simply along for the ride."

Side characters are always fun to follow throughout a book. If it's written well (always with Catherine Cowles), their roles gives a broader meaning to the overall dimension of the story. It's always neat to see who the main characters surround themselves with and it gives me a good indication of who they are at their very core. The extended family Hunter is blessed with is the reason why he is the way he is - and who he is. Being able to lean on those we can trust is very important. So when Catherine introduced Nathan and Vic to me? HAHAHA! Best. Uncles. Ever. <-- said with the biggest grin on my face!!! The power of family was portrayed well and true in this book and gave a heartwarming background to return to as needed while Hunter and Piper's love story unfolded. The love and the impactful way they cared for her was everything I loved about this book. Family. Love. Friendship. Bonds that will never be broken. Total moral of this story in every way, shape, and form.

To be fair and honest: This was another beautiful, well-written romantic suspense book. Catherine Cowles' stories flow with such ease and I never feel like I'm searching for perfection - because, again, she delivers that with ease. But also again, it almost feels like a rinse and repeat because it really is the same formula with each book in the manner of damsel in distress, danger, drama, savior in the hero. I’m aware that this is what I sign up for (*willingly*) - because she is an absolutely amazing storyteller, but I’m really hoping for some more variation in her next series. I never want to say been there, done that, but it almost felt as if I was reading the same story with different characters....to a certain degree.

However, I know I really shouldn't complain because she can drag me down me under her spell with every page I turn. I just feel like this tiny island sure has a lot of danger lurking. But, no lie - I'd love for Hunter to come to my rescue if I needed it. He was scrumdiddlyumptious. I mean, a girl can blush a little, right?? He is quite literally the exact definition of icing on the cake. I'll take two. Kthxbye.

Overwhelmingly great read. I’ll always recommend her books. I’ll always enthusiastically share her and gift out her books. And just so you know, I’ll be here, happily reading and recommending every book of hers I read. She is consistently a five star writer - no doubt in my mind about that. I just hope to see more. Soon. 

Tattered Stars is coming. I'm ready. Bring on Everly and Hayes.

"When an opportunity presented itself to chase your dreams, you didn't let it slip through your fingers."
~BEE





Check out the entire series:

Book 1 in The Wrecked Series
 
My review: https://bit.ly/3d2ZBXQ
 
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* PURCHASE PERFECT WRECKAGE
Book 2 in The Wrecked Series


READ an Excerpt: https://bit.ly/3iwcpZx

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Book 3 in The Wrecked Series
 
 
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Book 4 in The Wrecked Series
 
  
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Book 5 in The Wrecked Series
 
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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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