Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Book Review and Giveaway for THE SINGLE DAD by Marni Mann


THE SINGLE DAD
by MARNI  MANN

A sexy single dad and nanny romance from USA Today best-selling author Marni Mann …

Most college-aged girls go to Europe to experience their sexual awakening.
All I had to do was come home.

Ford Dalton isn’t the kind of man I’d look at twice—because I can’t stop looking at him at all.

We can’t take our hands off each other in the bar.
Back at his house, it’s our lips.
And in his bed?
There isn’t a single part of us that’s not on fire.
One night would never be long enough for Ford to show me every delicious thing he can do to my body.

But there’s something he’s keeping from me: he’s already met the love of his life.

His daughter, Everly.

And there’s something I’m keeping from him: I just applied for the job of my dreams.

Everly’s new nanny.

ADD TO GOODREADS

REVIEW: 4+ STARS
"The sound of her begging was fucking music to my ears."

Ooh, one of the easiest, sexy books I've read in a little bit!! I love that I have been able to pull aside something individually encompassing (nice contradiction - ha!) per story in this series. THIS story had to be the most sexy, yet laid back book in the series yet. The Lawyer gave me the NAUGHTY. The Billionaire gave me the LUST. The Single Dad....ooh my gosh, Ford gave me the LOVE. I am in love with all these guys, and Marni Mann has placed me in a weird predicament - so we will blame her, but I love Ford, but not as much as Jenner. HAHAHA!!! #MyHeartStaysWithJenner

You guys....this book was such a fun read. I smiled. I giggled. I sighed. Everything about this book was worthy of the time spent reading it, but now I am super sad it's over. I really could have read about Syd and Ford for a little while longer. Their meeting, their connection, their attraction - it was all heartfelt and palpable. Knowing it was going to have equal parts drama, sexy time, and a true love to match made it that much more entertaining. She built an obvious intensity - she gave a truth, a closeness, a surrender of their hearts. 

I know that when I read a book like this one, I like to look into the smaller actions....the little things that happen that give the story that much more depth, but don't necessarily stand out as a heavyweight action. For me, this one kind of hit home as someone who moved/traveled my entire life growing up. Mann gave a different meaning to Ford's travels. She gave intent and embellished it with the lavish side of Ford, but also gave a deeper meaning to his heart. I enjoyed seeing that side of it. It was always about Everly and her ability to grow with teachable moments and making learning fun - which I absolutely loved!! It was definitely a relatable feeling for me and it was a great reminder of how good I had it growing up. The culture and the experience alone makes for all the smiles. Nostalgia in book form. 😇

Funny side note: This book really worked well with Mann's very public world of travel and food. I love seeing her travels on Instagram and all the travel, wine, and foodie pics she posts – so the background on Mann gave me a few mental visuals for Ford and Sydney's journeys. It was really fun to envision her story coming to life remembering her posts.

Bee Disclaimer: I hate the forced proximity trope and usually find myself avoiding any book that uses that descriptor because I think it's a gateway for forced drama and an easy "in" for a relationship to grow, but every now and then I find a book that doesn't quite highlight that part so annoyingly loud - as in, it's not the sole focus, and this was definitely that one. I loved how Ford handled himself and how we got to see how hard he was fighting his desire for her, while trying to respect boundaries. It was also laughable because their chemistry leapt off the pages in leaps and bounds and there really was no such thing as holding back for them. 

BUT, that single daddy trope tickles my fancy! Every. Single. Time. I love that trope and seek it out regularly...so feel free to recommend me one ANYTIME!! 

Who doesn't like naughty and sexy times? I think we have all established that so far, so it's always fun when an author can include it in the story but not overdo it. I would like to say that Ford and Sydney definitely defined the "honeymoon phase" of a relationship side quite well. *wink*wink* They were so drawn to each other and it was easy to feel that heartfelt grasp they had on each other's soul. An intimacy that never fails and a closeness that never lacks is always a favorite part of a read for me and I feel that Mann nailed that. That drive to get deeper inside a soul, the desperation to feel that much more of a connection with your partner is very important. That's the emotional intensity I seek. I love how Mann's able to infuse deeper desire and need into her stories, even when circumstances dictate otherwise. The urgency, I could feel it growing exponentially - it climbed higher and higher with Ford's inability to control himself around her. It was absolutely delicious and I loved every single bit of it. 

We all love a protective father figure in our babies' lives, right? Ford's protectiveness took on a whole new meaning, and made so much more sense as to why he was so protective of her, especially after the twist played out. Oh my, it made Ford that much more perfect in my eyes because his heart was always in the right spot - no matter the circumstance. I did spring a few tears at a pivotal moment - but it was an overall very happy and entertaining read. 

Overall, the ease in which I read this book was great. It had a few mildly angsty moments, a few sweet and silly moments with Everly - and a few downright naughty moments with Ford and Syd. It all melded so perfectly, but the ending is what sealed the deal for me. It ended with a sigh for me. An easy going, shut the book and smile kind of sigh. It was a good reminder of a love so powerful and so deep that you couldn’t help but root for them. Sexy and sweet had me smiling! Easily and happily recommended. 

Aaaand finding out that THE INTERN is the next book made me smile. Hannah and Declan are going to be an explosive read because this one is going to encompass a man unwillingly falling to his knees and a strong woman being the one to enjoy putting him there. HAHAHA!

"An accidental encounter."
~BEE
 
PURCHASE THE SINGLE DAD

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ENTER HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN AN ECOPY




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?




THE BILLIONAIRE

I’ve always been a good girl.
But the second I walk into the hotel bar, I see temptation.

The man sitting there is delicious. Older. Experienced. Once our eyes meet, I know I’m not walking away unscathed. I’ve heard about men like Jenner Dalton—richer than God and hotter than sin. He’s got heartbreak written all over him.

But it only takes fifteen minutes before we’re headed up to his room.

I’ve never done anything like this before, but something tells me he’s worth it. Every swipe of his tongue feels electric, every kiss sets me on fire and his experience has me begging for more.

And more.

And more.

In one week, I’ll return to college in Miami.

He’ll go back to being LA’s most eligible billionaire.

The miles and years between us are just too many for this to mean anything.

So, between now and then, I plan to spend every moment being anything but good …




AMAZON     B&N     KOBO     APPLE

 ~  *  ~  *  ~  *  ~

I would be remiss if I didn't share the cover for THE INTERN and the fact that she announced there would be another book added to this series as well. I am quite literally *stoked* to be able to stay in this world for as long as I can!!!!


December 27, 2022

AMAZON     B&N     KOBO     APPLE


The square jawline...
The stature and pride in a suit...
These covers all have it going on and I am here for every single one of their stories!!

~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, May 20, 2022

BOOK REVIEW and GIVEAWAY for June First by Jennifer Hartmann



Want to know what happens to a man who barely claws his way out of a tragedy, only to fall right into the arms of the one girl in the world he can never have?

Another tragedy, that's what.

When I was six years old, my father made a choice that altered the course of my entire life.
Because of what he did, the only girl I ever loved became the only girl I couldn’t have.

In a lot of ways, I did have her…
I had her first steps, her first words, her first smile. I had her milestones, her heartbreaks, her dreams. I had her heart so woven in with mine, I didn’t know where she ended, and I began.

Only, as the years pressed on, lines became blurred—and the blurrier the line, the easier it is to cross.

They say tragedy comes in threes.
For me, that was true.
The first one changed me, the second one broke me, and the third one healed me.

But at the center of all that tragedy… there is a love story.
And at the center of that love story,
There is June.


REVIEW: DNF with context...and explanation.
“It just...happened. Because that's what love does. It happens."

This is NOT a negative review, by any means. I loved this love story. Jennifer Hartmann has an amazing and beautiful writing style. To say I enjoyed Jennifer Hartmann's writing style would be an understatement. Her "voice" was so very easy to follow and understand and she has a great flow, and that is exactly what pushed me to continue reading. However, I didn't make it through without skimming a lot of it. A lot. 

"We're dancing with the Devil, yet she's the purest thing I've ever savored."

To be frank: this was a story that engaged my emotions from the onset and carried me through until the "end," never once letting up. "But, Bee...you skimmed it. How can you say that?" Well, because this book was extraordinarily wordy. Beyond normal. But I kept reading it for the love that I felt was worth the effort I could give it. This book had 7400+ locations, which is just over 560 pages. Not usually a bad thing as I like a well written book. This was well written, but again - so. many. words. The first half of the book was them when they were babies/children, and while I realize she was setting the tone for this undeniable love affair born from a lifelong relationship - it was detailed a lot more than it actually had to be, which in turn somewhat pulled me from the story. Once the start and growth was established, I feel it could have progressed better with a more natural push. Instead, I got 30 years of very detailed life....of which, I don't feel was necessary for the emotional, feel-good and forbidden love story that I wanted (and got!!). 

The emotions unraveled in this book weren’t simple. They weren’t easy to navigate, either - which is always a favorite of mine. It was a fascinating read but a very uncomfortable one for the first ~40% percent of it - and probably because I knew what was going to happen (they got together, obv), but it started out with them so young and continued that way for quite some time. I like when my emotions are challenged because I like to step out of my comfort zone to understand the POV of the characters lost in this quagmire of circumstance. So that? That much I got and loved.

"If there's anything in this world that can mess a man up inside and drive him to the brink of insanity, it's a blurred line."

Their love was the very definition of wrong, but with the added implication of the heart wanting a say in the matter. The validity of forbidden with a twinge of reality. It literally skirted the line between uncomfortable and silent cheerleading. Her innocence combined with his uncomfortable realization was definitely a delicious feeling. I liked that he remained the man she needed him to be, the protector, the big brother… But I also liked his struggle because it was real. How do you come to terms with that mentally and morally?? I liked that part A LOT.

There’s so much to unpack in this review, but I can only do so much without giving away a lot of the plot - so I'm sorry for being a little flighty with my words. I refuse to spoil anything beyond what the synopsis already gives, so my issues will be vague.

- It was emotional, but some of it felt manufactured - which is one of my absolute, most unfavorite things to feel while reading a book with very real actions and consequences. The first kiss felt manufactured and was not the warm fuzzy kind, which really took away from the impact it should have had and the true depth of their unfurling love. It just felt slimy, and that part sucked. It was not organic in any way....but it added that element of "drama" that was apparently needed to push for "more."

- Some of the "vivid visions" the characters had were....odd, to say the least. Those completely removed me from the story, felt manufactured for content and that irked me because they were unnecessary, again, to the outcome of the entire story.

- The future comments at the end of some of the chapters really bothered me. I wanted to stop reading them because I felt like they added more unnecessary words instead of letting me organically discover as I read, but I didn't want to miss something important. I can go back and forth on that as I'm sure this was how she wanted to tell their journey, but I don’t know. It just felt like lots of extra words for something we were about to learn.

I am not mad. This is not an angry review. This will NOT stop me from reading another book of hers. I desperately want to feel the emotions I know she can plant in a story, because I witnessed those first hand with this one. It was just over-written and extremely wordy with a few plot points that I could have done without. I loved the things Brant got to discover not only about himself, but his life growing up in a family that loved him unconditionally. It really was a great, emotional read.

I will still be giving away a copy of this because I did skim to the end to get their full story and epilogue, and I did enjoy her writing style, even though the execution wasn't my favorite. This book started as a 4, went to a 3 - and then I decided I didn't want to rate it because my rating wouldn't accurately depict how I felt about this journey (loved) but also didn't want to go lower and nitpick the layout of the story when I wasn't the one telling it. This book, this love affair, will appeal to so many. I just hope YOU love it as much as I did...with understanding.

"When you find the right person, there is no 'right time.' There's only right now because that's all we ever have."
~BEE






~MEET JENNIFER HARTMANN~
Jennifer Hartmann resides in northern Illinois with her devoted husband and three hooligans. When she is not writing angsty love stories, she is likely thinking about writing them. She enjoys sunsets (because mornings are hard), bike riding, traveling, binging Buffy the Vampire Slayer reruns, and that time of day when coffee gets replaced by wine. Jennifer is a wedding photographer with her husband. She is also excellent at making puns and finding inappropriate humor in mundane situations. She loves tacos. She also really, really wants to pet your dog. Xoxo.

~CONNECT WITH JENNIFER~

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Monday, April 25, 2022

DNF Review for Off to the Races by Elsie Silver

by ELSIE SILVER

Keeping things professional with my employees has never been an issue. Until she waltzed onto my property.

Billie is talented. She's mouthy. And she's so damn tempting. I can't stop thinking about all the ways I could take her down a peg.

I can't stop thinking about her, period.

We clash from the moment we meet. And in a small town, on an even smaller farm, it’s hard to keep your distance. It’s even harder to keep that friction from turning to fire.

But keeping my distance? That might be the biggest struggle of all. Because Billie is the whole package, whip-smart with a body I fantasize about when I’m alone, and quite possibly the only woman who can save this business—and me.

She drives me crazy. In every sense of the word. Every smart-mouthed little comment—every game we play—I end up wanting more. Wanting her closer. With me. Under me.

I try not to let her get to me, but the more time we spend together the more I crave her. Her lips. Her trust. Her heart.

I want it all.

But at what cost?

Because suddenly I don’t just want to win races, I want to win the girl.



REVIEW: DNF for a multitude of reasons...

So, originally, I found Elsie Silver on a TikTok about her latest book, A False Start, so I figured I would give her a shot because that book looked SO good. It had all the right plot points to scream "pick me up!!" The book looked fun, intriguing, and had a storyline I would like to read, so I grabbed it on KU, but I also grabbed the first three books in the series as well. It was a series, so I figured I would want to get introduced to her writing and see how it progressed from one book to the next. 

Hence me reading this one before the one I wanted to read...

FIRST AND FOREMOST, I want to say this - even though I DNF'd this one, I am still going to read A False Start because that was the one that caught my eye. I liked the plot of that one. Best Friend's little sister is a forbidden and favorite storyline of mine, so I will have that review up once I am done reading it.

Some of my first thoughts after diving into this one were that I felt like it was very wordy and sometimes it took away from the progression of the book, BUT it was easy enough to follow, so a little wiggle room on my end was necessary. Easy is good every now and then. It was just a simple read, but I felt it a solid introduction to Elsie Silver's writing. 

But, then I got farther in and my eye-rolls were coming a little too frequently. Sadly, that caused me a lot of sighs and I had to hold back from skimming. It's on KU, so I knew I could return it at any point and I won't feel like I wasted my time or my money. However, it also made it too easy for me to say nope - so I have to take this all with a grain of salt. I usually try to give a new book/new author to the 20% mark before I throw in the towel. A few things kind of set off a few alarm bells after Billie and Vaughn met, but the beginning made me want to find out what was going on. There was some give and take on my end, but the concerns kept creeping in. 

But I'll keep reading. 

I don't feel like many thoughts were fleshed out. There were some weird transitions, with thoughts coming out of left field, but I caught on. I mean, we went (internal/mentally) from family business drama to his mother meddling in his love life rather quickly - just to, I feel like, usher in a new scene instead of folding it in a little more smoothly. It felt almost giggle worthy but I still willingly followed along for a bit. Again, it was overly dramatic in some instances, to the point of rolling my eyes, but I was still very interested to see how it was going to play out.

Soo...I'll try to keep reading.

Ok. Nevermind. Sorry. I hit 15% and realized I was in over my head when it came to the things that concern me and I knew I was just going to pick it apart. I knew I hit my stopping point. I mean, I like a strong alpha male that knows what he wants. I enjoy a broody man that has a woman that turns his world upside down. I love a snarky heroine that gives me the giggles while giving the Hero the headache. To be fair, this book had all that - and YAY. Unfortunately, what he wanted was introduced very awkwardly...at a weird time. He's broody - but he legit went off the rails at their first meeting for. no. reason. at. all. and that was just awkward to read. And Billie was super snarky, but she was so completely off base with how she acted, because....because it didn't make any sense the way she was introduced to the way she actually acted in the interview and beyond. And he was downright unprofessional as was she. They are both very immature, despite the need for professionalism. Weird thing to bother me, because I like the snark - but it was very misplaced, so it was unnecessary drama to me. Sorry....

Based on Billie's situation, and where she was coming from, and what she was expected to do - I didn't understand her diatribe and her complaints. However, sure - it adds to the story because I’m sure she’s trying to paint a picture. It’s overly embellished with a thesaurus in hand, and problems that just make her look spoiled and selfish. (Hence my abundant eye rolls) Case in point: I understand not wanting to clean a house you’re moving into, especially if it's on a well to do family property – but it’s a free house that you’re moving into while you’re proving your abilities needed to actually keep the job you were hired for. While I know that can sound callous, I don’t think in reality it actually is. We’ve all had to build ourselves up. We’ve all had to prove ourselves at some point in our careers, and that’s really where she is sitting. At least, that’s the way I looked at it. So she was not really endearing herself to me because she looked like a brat, maybe even a spoiled brat...and I hate that in a heroine. Again....sorry.

Now, HE was unprofessional and completely acting off the cuff. I know he was overly emotional because of his family situation, but he’s over-reacting with her. However, she is the typical, almost required, stubborn, proud girl. One that feels she must prove herself. Again, I get the stigma, the stereotype of a woman in a male dominated sport, but…the ranting was weak. It’s almost like it follows what is required to raise eyebrows, to get heads bobbing. I get that she wants to make people invest in her emotions - but it was a massive turnoff for me. But still, I find her the "same ol same ol" kind of heroin and he’s the stereotypical "broody grumpy hero" I see so often. And if he was a dominant like he kept hinting towards, that would have definitely ruined the book for me because those have to be written a certain way, otherwise they read as tired and worn out. And the writing on this one didn't provide the heaviness that I felt that kind of storyline needed. So, I took my leave. 

Now, to be fair, I know I don't like sweet reads or light writing and I've made this mention many, many times. I crave the ability to read light sometimes, but if I don't "feel it" deep in my soul...or my gut, I struggle to get into it. This one was light writing (not heavy, emotional burdened writing) and so that made it rough for me especially knowing there were already some warning bells for me. I'm still excited to jump into A False Start next!

Absolutely no hate. Not mad. I just realize that she can clearly tell a story, but it's too "noisy" for my likes and had a few too many things that I don't enjoy reading. I can't wait to read A False Start, so fingers crossed I make it farther into that one. 

~Bee


No giveaways for personal reads/KU reads


~MEET ELSIE SILVER~

I’m a Canadian romance author who currently lives just outside of Vancouver, British Columbia with my husband, son, and three dogs. I’ve been reading romance books since before I was probably supposed to and have never stopped.

In my free time I love to cook and try new foods, I love to travel, and I love spending time with my boys–especially outdoors. I’ve also become a big fan of my quiet 5 am mornings where I can sip a cup of hot coffee and disappear into a fictional world without interruption. I can’t wait to share my worlds with you!

~CONNECT WITH ELSIE SILVER~

FACEBOOK     GOODREADS     AMAZON    WEBSITE


Any links on this page may be affiliate links and I may earn a commission if you purchase anything by clicking on them. You will not be charged anything extra. I use these links as a way to fund my book giveaways.
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Saturday, March 26, 2022

BOOK REVIEW and GIVEAWAY for THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOMEDAY AND FOREVER by ALY MARTINEZ

 

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOMEDAY AND FOREVER
by ALY MARTINEZ

The world took everything from us.

As survivors of not only a plane crash, but two other impossible tragedies, we’d more than earned a life of peace. But time and time again, we were shown that fate had no intention of giving that to us.

Remi and I were soulmates. Plain and simple. Our love should have died in the depths of our darkness, but the sun still exists even when it’s not shining.

The secrets of our past threatened to destroy us at every turn, but for Remi, I would never stop fighting for our future.

The world took everything from us.
And we would stop at nothing until we took it all back—forever.


REVIEW: 4 FINAL STARS
"Over and over, we find each other. It's what we do, baby."

I am SO glad I talked myself into actually signing up for this series. As we allll knooooow, I loathe cliffhangers and definitely don't like waiting around for a series to finish - so, usually, I forgo them and generally miss out because going back to them doesn't always happen with my schedule. I know, I know...I miss out on more than I should but that's the price I pay for my sanity. HAHA!

Ok, so I am going to be as honest as I can be without giving away spoilers but by the time I got to 18% in this book, I was ready to throw my kindle out the window and order a hit on Remi. No lie, I was done with her. I was angry at her decisions. I was seething at her reactions. I couldn't reconcile my emotions with her actions. Now tell me how weird that is?? I am not sure I have ever really been in this predicament, but I was fairly sure I wanted to shake her while simultaneously strangling her. I had to have a serious one-on-one chat with myself because my misplaced anger for Remi wasn't fair, and I was well aware of that. I struggled because I saw how much she leaned on Bowen, but also how much she was pushing him away. I wanted to understand what her actions were supposed to benefit because I was not understanding any of it. Was it for her emotional wellbeing? Her mental wellbeing? I couldn't grasp it, but I knew I needed to take a step back because understanding Remi was the key to my enjoyment of this book. 

But, damn that Aly Martinez for making me come around and not only see where Remi was coming from, but also taking a step back and actually looking at the reasoning for what she did and the why of it. That is probably my favorite part about this entire trilogy. Nothing was what I would have done, but I'm boring - ooobviously, so seeing her bring me through this quagmire of emotions to really take a deep, long look at Remi's thoughts and her emotions was a BIG task: one of epic proportions. Miss Martinez nailed that wholly. 

"Our bodies had a conversation only our hearts could hear."

These two came together (literally? figuratively?) and they were explosive. Their connection was easily felt through their actions as well as their words. There was so much meaning in everything Bowen said to Remi, while causing me to swoon hard and (out loud, mind you) counsel Remi on what she needed to do. HAHAHA! I seriously went a little loony reading this book. Conversations with myself...out loud. But, I talked my way through this one with more than one smile. More than one sigh. More than one gasp. I loved the way Bowen loved Remi, and how he took care of her on so many different levels. He was most definitely my favorite part. He's the fighter we all love in our romances - truuussst meee.

MY truth: that soft ending felt almost mismatched with the opening angst and the emotional grip Bowen and Remi's story had on my heart initially. I was hurting for more. I got the predicted HEA ending I always crave and need for these types of stories to be good. But it almost felt....Hallmark'ish. (Eek!! I hate saying that, sorry!!) It fell together super easily and had the perfectly tied red bow on the end. I loved that, but I was missing some of the bang I thought was coming to play out in this finale. Basically, this final book started out with me immediately pissed…but, it just kinda fell together rather easily. I almost felt like it didn’t give me the “satisfaction” of fighting for a love that was FATE - if that makes sense - but it shouldn't make sense, because they did fight in the literary sense. It was fate. But, dear lord, they fought for their HEA. I am not taking away that truth because that would be disrespectful of me because that is not my complaint. Not in the least...
 
How can I complain about a beginning and an end to a book but still sit here and say I enjoyed it? I don't know, but like I said in the very beginning - Miss Martinez pushed me to the brink of my sanity while taking me on a journey, making me feel this story as it unfolded. So, not really complaining...but these things stuck out to me. Would I still recommend it? Whole-heartedly. It was a great journey and the original angst and buildup to their love story was my favorite part about it.

Overall, this was a book full of discoveries and an exploration worthy of the pages it graced. I definitely enjoyed this love story and easily recommend it.

"Two people do not love each other like you do for it to fail."
~BEE






Start with the first book....


The world owes you nothing.

It took losing the woman I loved and facing the paralyzing task of moving on without her for me to truly understand that.

Consumed by regret and razor-sharp memories, I’d resigned myself to a life of loneliness until a survivor from the same plane crash that took my fiancée stormed into my life.

Remi Grey was chaos and sunshine, fire and freedom. With her in my arms, I began to believe that fate had other plans for me.

But as secrets of the past exploded around us, it seemed the only thing fated about our relationship was that I had been destined to lose her from the start.

The world owes you nothing. But for Remi, I would risk it all. No matter the cost.





and the second book...


The world gave me everything.

After surviving a plane crash, I was lucky to be alive. It was a harsh truth, but one that changed my perspective on how fragile life could be.

So when a fellow survivor caught my eye, I owed it to myself to take a chance and follow my heart.

Bowen Michaels was guarded and broody, but I saw through his well-formed armor. Much like me, he was broken and lost, but together we found our way through the darkness.

For a brief moment, wrapped in his arms, it felt like maybe he was right about fate and we’d been destined to find each other all along.

But when buried secrets of the past erupt, igniting us both, it was hard to believe we’d been fated for anything other than failure.

The world gave me everything.
And then it took it all away.



~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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Thursday, March 24, 2022

BOOK REVIEW and GIVEAWAY for WHAT LOVERS DO by JEWEL E ANN


 
From bestselling author Jewel E. Ann comes a hilarious secret lovers story that redefines the meaning of friendship.

Shep’s found the female version of himself … and he thinks she’s perfect—perfectly unavailable.

Everyone loves Shep, the charismatic employee at Scottsdale’s newest pet store. He has shared custody of his two dogs with his annoying ex-wife and a smile that can disarm most women.

Except … Dr. Sophie Ryan.

What starts out as a disastrous first meeting, involving a coffee catastrophe and mistaken flirting, turns into an unconventional friendship.

Fake phone sex.
Dog park dates.
And eighteen holes of golf.

The problem? Sophie’s taken herself out of the dating pool for a mysterious reason, imprisoning Shep in the friend zone for eternity.

As their competitive personalities hit a boiling point, the gloves come off and so do their clothes. When Sophie’s “real” life threatens their relationship, can Shep let go of his past to chase the one that might get away?


REVIEW: 4.5 HILARIOUS STARS
"Irresistibly sexy, yet effortlessly charming."

This book!!! THISSSS booooook. One of my FAVORITE books so far this year is LIVE!!! This book was fanfuckingtastic and I will count this as a must read book for the year!!

OH. MY. GOSH. Seriously!! I don't know how JEA repeatedly, consistently, and constantly delivers a story that renders me speechless. I am on a SHEP high after this one!! He is definitely an enigma. He had me laughing immediately, and for someone that doesn't "love" romantic comedies, JEA's humor is one I will absolutely seek out any time I want a good laugh with a real love to get lost in. I know the Hero isn't the only thing I can love about a book, but I do know that when he makes me smile and I find that my smile is more often than not due to his mouth, well... I think he deserves that pedestal. I loved his quick wit, but also his emotional side as well. And boy was he persistent. So delicious in every way possible. As I smile while writing this review... {{sigh}}

I do know a strong heroine is always a request I see when I post some of my questions on my Facebook page, so to this I say: look no further than Sophie Ryan. But, I have to say and preface this statement with some truth. Sophie is an amazing person, in a few predicaments - but her backbone is strong underneath all the layers. All of them! I feel like she was so relatable from a personable standpoint and I loved that I could actually agree with her rationalizing, her reasons, and her wants/needs. I thoroughly enjoyed her character a lot.

Notable is the banter between these two. It was TOP notch. Like, nothing better comes from these books more clearly than me *hearing* the snarky banter, the hilarious comebacks, and the honest truth in JEA's voice. I've seen so many of her videos (I'm sure many of us have) and have been blessed with the luck to have talked to her at signings and having quite a few discussions - so, when I say I can hear the banter in her voice, trust me - she's hilarious on ALL fronts. 

My favorite things about JEA's writing is an ever changing, always revolving love because with each book, she gives me something to think about. Sometimes I have to work through not only the characters' emotions, but my own as well. I love that. I honestly think it boils down to the fact that she provides a REAL experience with each book. REAL world issues. REAL life decisions. This book bleeds reality. By providing a true-to-life predicament to deal with, she allowed me to follow the ups and downs of not only that amazing decision Sophie has made, but all the responsibility and actions that support said decision. AND, she gave real world solutions, not this unlikely scenario wrapped up like a fairy tale - everything was REAL with real solutions and I LOVE HER FOR THAT!!! 

"Being with Shep feels like a chronic state of intoxication."

So, basically, I love her REALNESS in her stories without the added unmistakable made up drama I loathe. <— She is BRILLIANT in her storytelling by adding in the real life crossroads that comes with making decisions - whether they are easy or hard decisions with repercussions. I loved how she showcased a very strong Sophie in her element, but also allowing us the more human side of her knowing she was doing good but still craving a different possible option...with the same outcome. Confusing, I understand - but after you read this, you will totally understand. THIS is why I love Jewel E Ann's writing. This is why she is my favorite when it comes to comedy and realism. I am always immersed in the world she is building for me, and I'm super thankful for that!

I was so upset when I realized I was going through this book rather quickly .... because I just didn't want it to end. I fell in love so hard with Shep and Sophie - and when I mean fell in love, I mean it's the kind that you have a soft spot for. The kind that makes you smile when you think about them, but also giggle knowing their interactions and how they were each other's best friends. It was a great, feel-good, hilarious book that I freaking loved!!

JEA always provides an element of personal growth with every book - she has that in the bag. So when it’s something I can root for and something that I can see both sides of, I can’t help but soak it all up with a readily available smile. I fell fast and hard for Shep and loved Sophie's personal strength and confidence. She was a blast to read, and he has my heart. He is way up there as a favorite BBF. {{sigh}} Ok. Ok. I'm repeating myself. I'll stop here. But, for the record - I love Shep. He was perfection in literary form. Oh, and I'd like to give out a signed copy and an ebook as well. Please, please enter and enjoy this book as much as I did. Please!! 

"And every day, she's the first thought in my head, my sunrise."
~BEE
 




~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~

FACEBOOK     AMAZON      GOODREADS      TWITTER


CHECK OUT JEWEL'S BOOKS

ARC REVIEW
AFFILIATE LINKS USED
COPY PURCHASED FOR GIVEAWAY

Any links on this page may be affiliate links and I may earn a commission if you purchase anything by clicking on them. You will not be charged anything extra. I use these links as a way to fund my book giveaways.
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