Review: The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was really cute, and anyone who is married will know that some of the situations in this book are very realistic. This follows Thea and Gavin a married couple going through some very real marriage trouble. Gavin is a pro baseball player, and Thea is a former artist who gave up her art to become a wife and mom shortly after she and Gavin met. Thea has had enough of Gavin never being around, being preoccupied with his career, and just not paying attention in general to what she wants. Coming from a divorced home herself, Thea has a hard time trusting and believing in love, so when Gavin walks out after a fight she takes that to mean divorce is their only next step. Gavin wants to work things out, and is determined to fix things. His friends from his baseball team introduce him to "the club" where many other pro athletes and professional men have found the answer to their marriage woes by reading romance novels. Gavin doesn't buy into the idea of fixing his marriage by reading a regency bodice ripper, but his best friend convinces him to give it a chance.

While parts of this were kind of silly, I did find so much of this a parallel to real life. Like the part where he couldn't find the towels when they were exactly where she said they were, that happens every day in my house. My son says I have a super power for finding things, I say boys can't find things that are right in front of them. I don't often read romances where the couple is already married and working out their marriage, typically they are getting together from the start or its a second chance romance after being apart for a long time. This was a nice change of pace. As for character development, it takes most of the book for the characters to really get to the root of their problems and really deal with them. When they finally internalize their own issues they are finally able to deal with each other and give their marriage a chance. I would have liked to see that happen a little earlier in the book as the ending felt a bit rushed to me.

Overall I really enjoyed this and I'm looking forward to the next one. I really enjoyed the guys in the club as they brought a lot of laughs to the book. It was also a nice surprise that parts of the romance Gavin was reading were included in the book, and that the guys in the club discussed it just like you would at a real book club.

I was provided an ARC of this book via Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review, however I listened to the final release version of the audiobook. Both of the narrators were excellent and I highly recommend the audiobook version.

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Review: Shelf Awareness by Katie Ashley

Shelf Awareness by Katie Ashley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was provided with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was super funny. I loved Finley and Zeke as a couple. I also loved "the girls" aka Finley's grandmother GramBea, and her Great Aunt Dot and her Godmother Estelle. They were kind of like a more pious version of the Golden Girls, and they were hilarious with their pearl clutching (except for progressive Estelle) and meddling. Finley quits her job as a journalist and moves to Green Valley after she finds her husband in bed with someone else. She moves in with "the girls" in order to figure out what she wants to do next. When she takes a job at the newly renovated library as a history curator, she encounters Zeke Masters. Zeke is volunteering his time and IT skills at the library while on sabbatical from his life in Seattle.

Zeke and Finley quickly hit it off, but she is going through a divorce and that is emotionally draining and he is going through some emotional stuff as well. They find comfort and support in their budding friendship. He pulls her into his outdoorsy, nerdy lifestyle, and she introduces him to the ways of the south. As they both navigate through their own emotional issues, they keep ending up back at the same point. They can't deny that there is something between them. Their romance picks up fairly quickly and it is pretty heated. GramBea and Aunt Dot would definitely be clutching their pearls if they knew what those two had been getting up two.

This was so enjoyable. I will say that it lacked the character interaction from the Pennyverse that I've come to know and love having read all of the other Smartypants Romance books. With this being the final book in the 2019 release cycle, this one was the most independent of the releases. The author kind of stuck with her own characters and locations, which were great, but if you've read the other books you expected more interaction from the main players in Penny's books and the other Smartypants books as well as more visits to the main locales in Green Valley. There were brief mentions of some of the characters and places, but the interactions were brief. That doesn't take away from the fact that this was a great read, I'd just like to see more interaction with the characters and places we've come to know and love from Green Valley.

Overall another great addition to the Smartypants Line and the Green Valley Library Series.

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Blog Tour: Outmatched by Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young

Outmatched by Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young

Release Date: November 19, 2019

Outmatched, an all-new standalone contemporary romance by New York Times bestselling authors Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young.

What happens when a boxer finds chemistry with a geek?

Parker Brown can’t believe she needs to hire a fake boyfriend. When she landed her dream job in renewable energy, she thought she’d be entering a world at the forefront of progressive thinking. But the head boss prefers to promote employees who are “settled.” Thankfully, she’s found the perfect candidate, a fellow intellectual looking for some quick cash. What Parker gets is his protective big brother—Rhys Morgan. The tall, muscled ex-boxer with a foul mouth shows up just as her boss does, and now she’s stuck with the manipulative jerk.

Responsibility weighs heavily on Rhys. Now permanently out of the ring, he’s trying to hold together his late father’s gym and keep his younger brother, Dean, on the straight and narrow. To save Dean from himself, Rhys takes his place, ready to give this society girl a piece of his mind. Instead, he finds an opportunity. Even though they can hardly stand each other, posing as Parker’s boyfriend is a win-win deal. She gets to keep her job, and he’ll charm her star-struck boss into sponsoring his gym.

Problem is, they can barely keep their hands off each other. And what started as an easy deal isn’t so easy anymore. Because what future can a rough ex-boxer, afraid to open his heart, and a polished society geek, who has sworn off real relationships, possibly have?

They say opposites attract. These opposites are about to combust on impact.

Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ZwJjPt

Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/OutmatchedKCSY

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Excerpt:

AngryTink: Hey. This is Parker. Parker Brown.

My phone dinged loudly. I fumbled around my bed, finally finding the damn thing under a pillow. Wiping the sleep off my face, I rolled onto my back and read the text that had pulled me out of a pleasant sleep. I smiled. It was just so … Parker. Settling in, I answered her.

RhysThis: Don’t have to tell me who you are. Your number is programmed on my phone. What do you want?

AngryTink: Well, good morning to you too, Happy Pants.

My smile turned into an evil grin. The girl was always going to punch back and make it count.

RhysThis: That’s Mr. Happy Pants. Though, TBH, my pants aren’t too happy at the moment. Want to help me out with that?

AngryTink: Tempting. Truly. But, no.

RhysThis: RU sure? ‘Cuz Happy Pants Rhys is much more agreeable than Sad That He Had to Self-Satisfy Rhys.

AngryTink: Would you please behave?

RhysThis: I’m not the one who mentioned the emotional state of my pants.

AngryTink: ARGH!

A chuckle rumbled in my chest as my thumbs tapped out a response I knew would piss her off more.

RhysThis: Was that even English? Honestly, Ms. Brown, I thought you were educated.

She took a moment to answer. I could picture her, phone in hand, grinding her teeth.

AngryTink: You’re deliberately trying to annoy me, aren’t you?

RhysThis: You’re quick. I’ll give you that.

AngryTink: Mr. Morgan, I’m about ten seconds away from finding an alternate fake boyfriend. A goat on a rope would be a better candidate at this point.

It was cute she thought that was threatening.

RhysThis: Yeah, probably. But the goat doesn’t have a signed contract. I do, Tinker Bell.

AngryTink: ARGH@!!

RhysThis: You’re kind of cute when you talk pirate.

About Kristen:

Kristen Callihan is an author because there is nothing else she'd rather be. She is a RITA winner and three-time nominee and winner of two RT Reviewer's Choice awards. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly and the Library Journal, as well as being awarded top picks by many reviewers. Her debut book FIRELIGHT received RT Magazine's Seal of Excellence, was named a best book of the year by Library Journal, best book of Spring 2012 by Publisher's Weekly, and was named the best romance book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she is not writing, she is reading.

Connect with Kristen:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KristenCallihan/

Twitter - Kris10Callihan

Website - http://www.kristencallihan.com/

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Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/Kristen_Callihan

About Samantha:

Samantha Young is a New York Times and #1 International bestselling author from Stirlingshire, Scotland. On Dublin Street was Samantha's first adult contemporary romance series and has sold in thirty countries. She has since published over thirteen romance titles including the New York Times Bestsellers Into the Deep, Hero, and her most recent contemporary romance Play On. When writing Adult Paranormal romance she writes under the pen name S. Young.

Connect with Samantha:

Social media links:

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Review: Outmatched by Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young

Outmatched by Kristen Callihan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was hilarious. It puts two completely opposite characters together in a boyfriend for hire situation. Throw in some miscommunication, an arrogant, misogynistic billionaire villain and a failing boxing gym and you've got the makings of a really interesting story.

Parker is successful in the field of renewable energy. She's very passionate about saving the planet. Unfortunately, she's found herself at a very old school company where the guy at the top is very old fashioned. He doesn't really think about diversity in any way, and prefers employees (read that as men) who are committed (read that as married, with 2.5 kids, and own a home). Parker decides that if she wants to keep her dream job, she has to play the game and keep up with appearances to impress the boss. So she hires Dean Morgan to pretend to be her boyfriend to attend work events with her and give the appearance that she is in a committed relationship. When they are supposed to have their first date, his brother Rhys, a former pro-boxer shows up instead to give her a piece of his mind about the arrangement. He is a bit protective of his baby brother. Rhys is everything Parker is not, tall, athletic, working class, and he swears in just about every sentence. Rhys has alot going on, but he's got to save his gym so he decides to save Parker and the gym by taking Dean's place. Fortunately or unfortunately for Parker, the head honcho boss guy is enamored with Rhys and his past boxing career.

Their relationship gets off to a rough start, but they quickly find that they kind of like each other and their opposing personalities. Then they realize they really like each other as they bond over
their disdain for Parker's boss. Parker and Rhys have great banter throughout the book, and they made me laugh so many times. This isn't terribly angsty, so if you are looking for that this isn't it. There are some trying moments where lines of communication get crossed and they fight, but those situations were quickly resolved. I really liked that Rhys pulled Parker out of her comfort zone and out of her head. She was quiet and uptight and mostly accepted things as they were to please everyone around her. As a woman working in a mostly male dominated field that can be really easy to do, keep your head down and your mouth shut but there is a price. You have to speak out against the jerky CEO/boss or things won't change. I like that Rhys had her back without doing it for her, and that she had his. They both had each other's well being in mind when they were at a crossroads to do something when they were going to do something they would both regret.

I hope this writing team continue working together. I really enjoyed this and look forward to reading anything they collaborate on in the future.

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Release Blitz: Shelf Awareness by Katie Ashley

“LOVED Shelf Awareness. It's sweet and funny and adorable and full of southern goodness! I just adore it!"--Tara Sivec, USA Today bestselling author

Shelf Awareness, an all-new hilarious romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Katie Ashley is available now!

After catching her husband in a compromising position, Finley Granger finds herself in a new hell: reentering the dating world. When she moves in with her grandmother, her great-aunt, and their best friend, Finley finds herself surrounded by a trio of well-meaning yet bumbling matchmakers.

In spite of their efforts, Finley only has eyes for one person, and that’s Zeke Masters—the 6’4”, impossibly built, and ridiculously good-looking new man in town. Along with her nether regions, Finley’s journalistic spidey-senses tingle as to why he’s on sabbatical from Seattle. Is he on the lam or escaping a bad breakup? What’s his story?!?!

As Finley finds herself reluctantly drawn to the gorgeous IT guy, she can’t help but wonder: should she indulge in a rebound tryst with the mysterious Zeke, or has she finally met her match?

‘Shelf Awareness’ is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book #4 in the Green Valley Library series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

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About Katie Ashley

Katie Ashley is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon Top Five Best-Selling author of both Indie and Traditionally published books. She lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her daughter, Olivia, her two rescue dogs named for Disney Princesses, Belle & Elsa, an out-numbered cat, Harry Potter, and one Betta fish. She has a slight obsession with Pinterest, The Golden Girls, Shakespeare, Harry Potter, and Star Wars.

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Release Blitz Outmatched by Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young

“Callihan and Young teamed up in what can only be described as a winning combo of heavyweight championship proportions. Sexy, sassy and so much fun, Outmatched was a page turner that I wished never ended. I want MORE!” — USA Today Bestselling Author T Gephart

Outmatched, an all-new standalone contemporary romance by New York Times bestselling authors Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young, is LIVE!

What happens when a boxer finds chemistry with a geek?

Parker Brown can’t believe she needs to hire a fake boyfriend. When she landed her dream job in renewable energy, she thought she’d be entering a world at the forefront of progressive thinking. But the head boss prefers to promote employees who are “settled.” Thankfully, she’s found the perfect candidate, a fellow intellectual looking for some quick cash. What Parker gets is his protective big brother—Rhys Morgan. The tall, muscled ex-boxer with a foul mouth shows up just as her boss does, and now she’s stuck with the manipulative jerk.

Responsibility weighs heavily on Rhys. Now permanently out of the ring, he’s trying to hold together his late father’s gym and keep his younger brother, Dean, on the straight and narrow. To save Dean from himself, Rhys takes his place, ready to give this society girl a piece of his mind. Instead, he finds an opportunity. Even though they can hardly stand each other, posing as Parker’s boyfriend is a win-win deal. She gets to keep her job, and he’ll charm her star-struck boss into sponsoring his gym.

Problem is, they can barely keep their hands off each other. And what started as an easy deal isn’t so easy anymore. Because what future can a rough ex-boxer, afraid to open his heart, and a polished society geek, who has sworn off real relationships, possibly have?

They say opposites attract. These opposites are about to combust on impact.

Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ZwJjPt

Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/OutmatchedKCSY

Kobo: http://bit.ly/OutmatchedKCSYKobo

Apple Books: https://apple.co/2zsHUyR

Nook: http://bit.ly/368dv84

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/OutmatchedKCSYGR

About Kristen:
Kristen Callihan is an author because there is nothing else she'd rather be. She is a RITA winner and three-time nominee and winner of two RT Reviewer's Choice awards. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly and the Library Journal, as well as being awarded top picks by many reviewers. Her debut book FIRELIGHT received RT Magazine's Seal of Excellence, was named a best book of the year by Library Journal, best book of Spring 2012 by Publisher's Weekly, and was named the best romance book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she is not writing, she is reading.

Connect with Kristen:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KristenCallihan/

Twitter - Kris10Callihan

Website - http://www.kristencallihan.com/

Amazon - https://amzn.to/2zrf3Lo

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/Kristen_Callihan

About Samantha:

Samantha Young is a New York Times and #1 International bestselling author from Stirlingshire, Scotland. On Dublin Street was Samantha's first adult contemporary romance series and has sold in thirty countries. She has since published over thirteen romance titles including the New York Times Bestsellers Into the Deep, Hero, and her most recent contemporary romance Play On. When writing Adult Paranormal romance she writes under the pen name S. Young.

Connect with Samantha:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSamanthaYoung/

Website – http://authorsamanthayoung.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/authorsamanthayoung/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/AuthorSamYoung

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.co.uk/samyoungauthor/

Amazon - http://amzn.to/2H47kEP

Goodreads - http://bit.ly/2FWgYdn

Bookbub - http://bit.ly/2D241eO

Review: The Never Tilting World by Rin Chupeco

The Never Tilting World by Rin Chupeco
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC via Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review. Disclaimer, I did listen to the published version of the audiobook. The 4 narrators did a fantastic job with the audio and I highly recommend it. I'm not a huge fan of multi-perspective books, but this one was done really well and the multi-voice narration really helps distinguish which perspective you are following. That being said I really loved this. I really don't have any complaints other than I wanted a little more of the mythology to be explained.

I've read and really enjoyed Chupeco's Bone Witch trilogy so when I saw that she was coming out with a mythology based YA fantasy that was pitched as Frozen meets Mad Max I was all in. The author claims it's more like Mad Max meets Avatar the Last Airbender, which made me want to read it even m more because that seemed even more appealing, and I think that description is a little more accurate. The Frozen aspect comes in because we follow 2 sisters, but I don't think it is a fair comparison as they believe each other to be dead, Unlike Ana and Elsa, there isn't a sisterly bond driving them to save each other and the kingdom, they are on their own very separate journeys. Each sister has a companion/love interest that helps them on their way to the abyss where they are both set on healing the break that their respective mothers supposedly created. We hear the story told from both the sisters and both of their companions.

The sisters are goddesses like their mothers, and they have elemental powers. Neither girl knows that her sister survived the world breaking which each of their mothers blames on the other. Each side of the break, one light and one dark, has Devoted, people who have elemental powers and serve their respective goddess. When strange things start happening to the sisters, they both decide they need to do their part and heal the breach their mothers created. Their journey to the abyss is fraught with danger, but they each have a loyal companion to accompany them as more strange things happen and they begin to learn snippets of the truth about their mothers and the goddesses that came before them.

I would have liked more of the backstory on the mothers and more on the mythology of the world. Clearly there is more to the story of how the world broke, who their father is, and how and why they survived. I have lots of unanswered questions that I hope are cleared up in the next book. Knowing that is how Chupeco resolved things in her previous series I kind of expect that all will be revealed eventually, I'm just anxiously awaiting the next book.

If you are a YA fantasy lover, I'd give this one a read. It hit all of the fantasy check marks for me. This has a really unique elemental magic system and the landscape on both sides of the break is pretty unique as well. I think the author did an excellent job with the world building considering she had to create two different distinct sides with different abilities for the people who live there. And finally, there is romance but it doesn't overtake the plot. It isn't the main focus of the book.

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Review: My Bare Lady by Piper Sheldon

My Bare Lady by Piper Sheldon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I received an ARC in exchanged for an honest review.

This story follows Suzie, a quick tempered exotic dancer who works for the Black Demons. The Black Demons is one of two warring motorcycle gangs in Green Valley. Suzie dances at their bar after a run in with the Iron Wraiths leader. The Demons took her in and put her under their "protection". She doesn't want to live out the rest of her life as a stripper, but to become a dancer and support herself and her alcoholic father without taking off her clothes she has to get the local building inspector to sign off on the new plans for the club. Clifford Rutledge is a local professor at the University of Tennessee and the only Professional Engineer who can sign off on the designs for the club. Driven by integrity and a deep moral code, he refuses to sign off on the sketchy plans. The club's owner Occum is determined to get Clifford to sign whether by bribe or with Suzie's womanly ways. They strike up a deal, Suzie comes with Clifford for several months to help him with his research and he'll consider signing off on the plans. Clifford is working on research to prove that people can achieve their potential regardless of where they come from and what their circumstances are. He's not good at communicating what he's trying to do so he and Suzie butt heads all the time on the outcome of his experiment.

I loved the message of this book. You aren't your circumstances and you can be whatever you want to be regardless of where you are from, who you parents are, and you always have a choice if you want one. While that may be easier to read in a book than to put into practice because let's face it not everyone's circumstances are that easy, Suzie's weren't that is for sure. I really loved that Suzie developed a friend network that supported her and her choices no matter what they were. They didn't want to see her get hurt, but they wanted her choices to be her own.

That being said, Suzie and Clifford aka "Ford" didn't quite click for me. He was really awkward and she was a spitfire. He is always holding back so as not to lose control of his emotions. It is hard to believe that a hot, swoony relationship develops between the two of them because he is so closed off and she is so out of the realm of what he finds acceptable and proper. Turns out they both have more in common than you'd think, and Suzie's free spirit calls to Ford's buttoned up persona that he's built to hide his past. They work but I found the chemistry between them to be a bit lacking.

Overall I thought the story was funny, and I loved the Scorned Women Society and I can't wait to meet them in more detail as the series progresses. I'm looking forward to hearing their backstories and getting to know them and see them each get their happily ever afters. I love seeing a group of women come together to support each other. We need more of that in books and real life.

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Blog Tour: My Bare Lady by Piper Sheldon

My Bare Lady, a funny and heartwarming romantic comedy standalone from Piper Sheldon and Smartypants Romance is available now!

Suzie Samuels is the only thing standing between Clifford and his life’s work. All he has to do is change everything about her. Perception creates reality and Clifford Rutledge needs the irascible stripper to prove it.

Suzie Samuels is set to prove once and for all she’s more than Short Fuse Suze, stripper for the Black Demons and renowned motorcycle arsonist. If all it takes is hard work, then Suzie knows how to work it hard.

But Suzie’s scandalous spirit tests Clifford's resolve. And Clifford’s buttoned-up bullying is driving Suzie bonkers.

Can Clifford move past their differences long enough to pull off the impossible task of changing the bare lady into a fair lady?

More importantly, as perceptions shift and priorities change, will he want to?

'My Bare Lady' is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book #1 in the Scorned Women's Society series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

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Excerpt

I was transfixed. It wasn’t just the way she mastered the room. It wasn’t just how her choreography perfectly correlated with the entrancing music. It wasn’t just her sex appeal. It was that unwavering gaze and focus on her task. To the rest of the room, staring blatantly at her admirable—ahem—assets, she was an object, but I recognized the barely controlled passion roiling under her skin. What would it be like to be that strong? Not just physically, but strong in a way that allowed her to bare her soul to a group of greedy strangers. My passions were locked away safely inside me and yet she put it all out there. Such bravery and passion.

In certain moments, I swear she looked right at me—quick stolen glances that shot a bolt of adrenaline down my spine. Perhaps this was a skill she learned to earn more tips, as the money was out in droves now, peppered over the stage and her sweating skin. But I swore she saw me. Saw through me. To the things I didn’t want seen. I stepped back further into the darkness knowing my concerns were irrational but unable to tear my eyes off hers. I was stronger than this. I was thoughtful, pragmatic, and not a victim of animalistic natures and poetic fantasies.

Though she occasionally snapped the thin strips of material that made up her outfit in a playful tease she never took any clothes off. She didn’t need to. She’d managed to capture the attention of every person in that room with her movements alone.

My body reacted despite my rationale; heart pounding, skin aflame. I needed to leave. I wouldn’t be like the rest of these people.

The song crescendoed and in a show of strength, she launched herself back to the top of the pole once again. A small gasp escaped from me but the music drowned out all noise. She performed a trick that made her appear to fall down the entire length of the pole, tumbling over and sideways, limb over limb, only to catch herself at the bottom using only her thighs. She hung upside down, panting, dark hair sprawled out around her and her gaze set on me. Her eyes were a brilliant emerald, unlike any color I’d ever seen. They were luminescent in the stage lighting. Even across the hazy bar, they were transcendent. Glowing. Fixated on me.

Nobody else.

I swallowed but it wasn’t easy. The song ended and the lights went out. The crowd went wild. Several moments passed before I gained control of my faculties again. With that control came the shame of watching her. The understanding that just seeing her perform was enough to make me forget who I was. That couldn’t happen.

I got out of there as fast as I could. The entire drive back to Knoxville my chest heaved at an alarming rate; my body remained a mass of tension. Her hypnotic gaze flashed repeatedly in my vision no matter how often I tried to shake it loose.

Thankfully, I’d never see her again.

About Piper Sheldon

Piper Sheldon writes Contemporary Romance and Magical Realism books that hope to be New York Times bestsellers when they grow up. For now, she works as a technical writer during the day and writes about love the rest of the time. Of course she also makes room for her husband, toddler, and two needy dogs at home in the Desert Southwest.

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Review: No Whisk No Reward by Ellie Kay

No Whisk No Reward by Ellie Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.  This book was released on November 11, 2019. 

This was another hit in the Donner Bakery series and Smartypants Romance Universe! I'm going to petition the authors for a cookbook. Their recipes sound amazing and as a home baker, I want to be able to make some of these amazing creations.

This follows Sophie Copeland, a professional pastry chef who has a bad case of stage fright. She appeared on one of those reality TV baking shows, and while she is competent in the kitchen, when the camera started rolling she forgot all of her training and pastry awesomeness. In the aftermath of her TV failure, her work at a swanky restaurant began to suffer. Determined to get back to a place where she could be the great chef she knows she is, she begins a trek across the country to help her bestie open her own bakery in Boston. On her journey, she finds herself in Green Valley after nearly colliding with the handsome, yet stoic Joel Barnes. After their near miss, Joel guides Sophie to safety on the winding Green Valley roads and helps her with a place to stay for the night. When her trip is further derailed by car trouble, she finds herself with a job at none other than the Donner Bakery and as Joel's new tenant. Sophie is determined to find out why Joel and the Winston's don't get along, and why the entire town looks down their noses at him. As she gets to know him, she learns that not everything is what it seems and she is determined to help Joel in anyway she can. In the meantime, the girls at the bakery are determined to help Sopie to get over her stage fright and get back in front of the camera and show the world what she can do in a kitchen. As Sophie and Joel get to know each other, a romance begins to take shape, but they both know that he can't leave and she can't stay.

I really enjoyed this. I loved Sophie, I liked that she had fears that she was working on but she didn't quit when things got hard. I think we've all experienced something that has impacted our self-confidence, but continuing to be herself in spite of it made me love her. I also loved that despite all the rumors surrounding Joel and his family, she took the time to get to know him and form her own opinion instead of taking sides with the gossip mongers. She saw a lonely soul and cared enough to be his friend when he needed one. I also really liked the appearance of the other characters from the other books. I will say if you are expecting Ellie's Cletus and Jenn to be the same as Penny's Cletus and Jenn, they aren't. That is what you get when you are writing about someone else's characters, they aren't 100% the same. It was still fun and they are close enough that you get what you need from them to add to the story.

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Blog Tour: No Whisk, No Reward by Ellie Kay

No Whisk, No Reward, an all new romantic comedy with twists and turns from Ellie Kay, is available now!

How do you know if a risk is worth taking? If you knew, there wouldn’t be any risk.

Following a disastrous appearance on a televised baking show, Sophie Copeland is certain things can’t get any worse. Several calamities later, Sophie finds herself in Green Valley, Tennessee with no plan, no place to stay, and no prospects. But at least she has a temporary seasonal arrangement with the famed Donner Bakery. And that's something, right?

It's not permanent, and it's not a home, but it's still something.

Enter Joel Barnes, a Green Valley mystery, wrapped in rumors, and a whispered connection to the local notorious biker gang. Joel’s got a name for being bad news, but he also has an apartment for rent.

Intrigued by the dichotomy of Joel’s reputation and sexy southern pull, Sophie can’t help but be tempted, even though she knows—given her (bad) luck—she should stay far, far away. . .

Yet as everyone knows, without risk, there’s no reward.

'No Whisk, No Reward' is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book#3 in the Donner Bakery series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

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Excerpt

That’s when I saw Joel sitting alone in a booth by a large window, eating a sandwich, and reading a newspaper.

Oh. Hello, conflicted feelings. You’re looking extra conflicting today. Did you do something with your hair?

His gorgeous brown hair was a mess and the sleeves of his gray shirt were pushed up revealing his forearms which looked even thicker than I remembered them being, as he worked to fold the gigantic pages of the newspaper into neat manageable folds.

This man was seriously hotter than a melting ice-cream analogy.

And also, possibly involved with a crime organization! I reminded myself as I continued to stand uselessly trying to find somewhere to sit.

I tried not to stare, but it was impossible not to smile at the indelicate way he shoved the corner of his sandwich into his mouth and then proceeded to chew as though it might try to escape.

He picked up his coffee and was mid-sip when his eyes rose up from the rim of his cup and saw me standing by the entrance staring at him.

Busted.

“Take a seat wherever you can find one, hon, I’ll be along shortly to take your order,” a lady with a nameplate that read Janice, instructed me as she hurried by with a tray of coffee and doughnuts.

I looked back over at Joel who was watching me and gestured to the empty seat across from his.

My mind immediately went to Joy and Tempest’s reaction when they found out he was my landlord, but I quickly reminded myself that he’d done nothing to warrant any rudeness on my part.

Despite their apprehension, I figured this was a good opportunity to try and get more insight into whether I thought their response carried any weight.

Plus, I really needed coffee.

I made my way over, feeling his eyes on me as I crisscrossed around tables while trying to be ever vigilant of any sudden movements from other patrons.

My good sense will not be thwarted by your blue-green eyes and frowny brows, you magnificent biker beast.

“Good afternoon,” he greeted in a smooth as hot honey drawl. I was glad that I was already halfway into the seat because I felt my knees completely give out.

Traitor knees.

My armor of detachedness was not as hefty as I’d hoped.

“Taking a break from work?” I inquired, proud of my cool, even tone.

“Yep, just grabbing something to eat. You?”

“I’m done for today,” I replied reaching for a menu and unfolding it as though it were just as informative as his newspaper.

“Nice. Got any plans?”

“Not really, I was going to check out the bookstore downstairs, but that’s about—”

I was interrupted by the feeling of fingers gently stroking my cheek and looked up to find him reaching across the table, his eyes focused on a spot as he gently swiped at something on my face.

“Sorry, you got flour or something on your cheek it was driving me crazy,” he said before pulling away and leaning back coolly against his seat.

I’m gonna get thwarted, aren’t I?

About Ellie Kay

Ellie Kay is an Australian born living in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada who honed her creative writing skills in the colorful, and imaginative world of Corporate Insurance.

Socially awkward, she loves to respond to theatre ticket vendors who say, “enjoy the movie” with, “Thanks, you too,”, but she also likes to cook, travel and spend time with her partner and cat Taako.

Ellie is on a mission to help change the stigma surrounding the Romance genre and hopes to see a day when they are no longer considered “guilty pleasures,” but rather, just a pleasure.

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Blog Tour: Crime and Periodicals by Nora Everly

Crime and Periodicals, an all-new sweet and swoony romance from Nora Everly, is available now!

In Green Valley, Tennessee everybody knows everybody, but nobody knows Sabrina Logan.

Sabrina has been hiding in plain sight for years. Living her life inside of books, dutifully helping her family, and hoping no one will notice her. So far? Mission accomplished!

Yet when sexy—and distrustful—sheriff, Wyatt Monroe returns to town with his daughters, he definitely notices the quiet librarian everyone else overlooks. The single dad can’t seem to shake thoughts of shy Sabrina. Without quite understanding the impulse, Wyatt makes his mission finding her again, so he can . . . well, he’ll just have to reckon with that later.

What Wyatt discovers is a woman who trusts too easily, but who’s afraid to live. Trust doesn’t come easily to Wyatt. But living? That’s never been a problem.

And he’d sure like to show her how.

'Crime and Periodicals' is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book#2 in the Green Valley Library series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Download your copy today or available in Kindle Unlimited!

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Excerpt

“Wow, he can dance,” I observed.

I gasped when Wyatt’s hand on my waist slid up my side then up the underside of my arm to take my hand from his shoulder and link our fingers together. It was just like in Dirty Dancing, except I was facing him instead of away like in the movie. His grin grew a little bit wicked right before he used both of my hands to turn me. His front was now at my back with our arms crossed in front of us.

I felt his warm, hard body behind mine and I felt…way too much. Tingles covered every square inch of me. The air felt different against my skin; I was burning up.

His chin dipped low to rest on my shoulder. “Are you okay?” he whispered into my ear. His breath ruffled the hair against my neck, and I shivered.

“Yes,” I whispered. Then I nodded in case he didn’t hear me. I felt his stubbled jaw graze the side of my face and I began to experience heretofore unknown feelings. My perception of what was possible for my life shifted. My brain had disengaged, and I floated along on pure sensation.

We rocked side to side like that—closer than I’d ever been to anyone in my life. His chest rose and fell against my back as his arms tightened around me and he sighed against my hair. The last of my conscious thoughts dissolved and I succumbed to pure feeling. His body moving against mine became my world. His hands in mine kept me tethered, lest I float away on this cloud of sensation that was gradually becoming overwhelming.

I had never felt anything like this. I never even thought feelings like this were possible in real life. In romance novels, sure. But to feel such contentment laced with giddiness right now was something I had not expected. Before I could succumb to the spreading tingles and dwindling brain power and embarrass myself, he raised our arms up high and twirled me around and around underneath them. I giggled and squealed. Apparently, I was that girl—a squealy, laughing, girly girl. But maybe we were all that girl in the right circumstance.

He was right. I did not need to know how to slow dance when I was with him. We danced close; so close his knee was between my legs. I delighted at the feel of his soft, warm skin when he placed one of my hands on the back of his neck. He moved his free hand low on my waist, hooking his thumb in my belt loop to guide me in slow, small circles over our spot on the dance floor, then back and forth using his hands to push me out and pull me back into his body. He coaxed me where I needed to go. I felt weightless and graceful.

The whole bar and everyone in it disappeared until it was just us dancing together, bathed in the moonlight filtering in through the high windows, and the little lights—so much like stars—illuminating the dance floor with their tiny rays. As the song ended, he spun me out and then back up against his body to dip me low with his arm wrapped tight around my waist. He grinned down at me with those gorgeous lips and beautiful chocolate brown eyes and I—I would never forget this moment—not ever.

About Nora Everly

Nora Everly is a lifelong bookworm. She started reading the good stuff once she grew tall enough to sneak the romance novels off the top of her mother’s bookshelf and it has been non-stop ever since.

Once upon a time she was a substitute teacher and an educational assistant. Now she’s a writer and stay at home mom to two small humans and one fat cat.

Nora lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and her overactive imagination.

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Blog Tour: Prose Before Bros by Cathy Yardley

“Fans of swoony love stories with strong female leads putting alpha males in their place will adore this book!”- Katie Ashley, New York Times bestselling author

Prose Before Bros, an all-new opposites attract romance from Cathy Yardley, is available now!

Nothing about being a librarian prepared Thuy Nguyen for such a wide variety of casseroles. Or life in a small town. Or becoming a farmer.

But what can she do when her catastrophe-prone best friend begs her for help? After all, Maddy has always been there for Thuy. It’s time to return the favor.

It’s simple really, all she has to do is: learn everything about farming ASAP, save her BBF’s family business from disaster, and avoid being caught staring at Maddy’s biker brother, and his muscles, and his smile, and his soulful, sexy eyes.

Oh yeah, and she should definitely not fall in love with him.

Easy, right? . . . Right.

'Prose Before Bros' is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book#3 in the Green Valley Library series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Download copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

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Excerpt

“Tell me: what kind of books do the men you sleep with read?”

She blinked. Not what she expected him to say. She felt herself smile, slowly. “It’s not like I have a required reading list,” she said, then paused. “Although now that you mention it, that’s not a bad idea.”

He chuckled. “Probably classics, or ‘literature’, or whatever smart people read,” he said, and there was a note of self-deprecation that somehow broke Thuy’s heart. She quickly shook her head.

“I don’t read a lot of lit fic — nothing too snobby,” she said. “I mean, I don’t just read literature or classics, although I appreciate them. I read lots of genre fiction, too. Romance, sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, thrillers. I think it’s important to read outside of your comfort zone: different authors, different experiences. I have comfort reads, too, but I… well, if you hadn’t guessed, I read all the time,” she finally said, as she realized she was rambling.

He was staring at her like she was something brand new, something he’d never experienced before. She felt embarrassed, and quickly finished her drink.

“You know,” he said, his voice tinged with amused surprise, “I don’t think I’m as passionate about anything as you are about books.”

She let out a half-laugh. “They are my favorite thing ever. They gave me a place to go when my life was shitty, and they have continually given me a reason to get out of bed in the morning. I read every single day. They’re my lifeline.”

“Now I envy you,” he said, and she got the feeling he wasn’t just bullshitting her — he sounded like he meant it. “What do you think a guy like me should read?”

She felt warmth, and it had nothing to do with the amaretto she’d consumed. This was the sort of challenge she loved. She scooted a little closer, so they could talk over the music without yelling. “What kind of movies do you like? What kind of stories?”

By the end of their talk, nearly two hours had gone by. She found out he liked adventure stories, and that he liked stories with justice and questionable heroes and things that had puzzles. She could think of several books, across several genres, and started to list them all.

“Whoa, whoa,” he said, holding up a hand. “I’m not going to be able to remember all of them. Which one of those is your favorite?”

She paused, thinking about it. “For a true book junkie,” she said slowly, “that’s like asking ‘which one is your favorite child?’ or ‘what appendage would you like to keep?’”

He laughed, and she smiled back at him.

“But, based on what you’ve told me,” she said, “I’d say The Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss.”

“Okay.” He nodded. “I’ll read it.”

She must’ve looked skeptical, because he chuckled.

“I mean it. I’ll give it a try.”

“It’s like seven hundred pages long,” she warned him.

His eyes widened, then he shrugged. “Okay, it may take a little while. But hell, I’m game.”

“Why?”

He was silent for a long moment, staring into her eyes. She squirmed as the heat from his gaze seemed to seep into her very bones.

“Do you really not know?” he asked, so matter-of-factly that she felt like an idiot.

He’s volunteering to read a book for you.

She felt heat suffuse her cheeks. That might be the single sexiest thing a guy had ever offered to do for her.

About Cathy Yardley

Cathy Yardley is an award-winning author of romance, chick lit, and urban fantasy, who has sold over 1.2 million copies worldwide. She writes fun, geeky, and diverse characters who believe that underdogs can make good and sometimes being a little wrong is just right. She spends her time writing in the wilds of East Seattle, riding herd on her two dogs, one son, and one husband.

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Release Blitz: My Bare Lady by Piper Sheldon

My Bare Lady, the first in the all-new opposites-attract romantic comedy from Piper Sheldon and Smartypants Romance is available now!

Suzie Samuels is the only thing standing between Clifford and his life’s work. All he has to do is change everything about her. Perception creates reality and Clifford Rutledge needs the irascible stripper to prove it.

Suzie Samuels is set to prove once and for all she’s more than Short Fuse Suze, stripper for the Black Demons and renowned motorcycle arsonist. If all it takes is hard work, then Suzie knows how to work it hard.

But Suzie’s scandalous spirit tests Clifford's resolve. And Clifford’s buttoned-up bullying is driving Suzie bonkers.

Can Clifford move past their differences long enough to pull off the impossible task of changing the bare lady into a fair lady?

More importantly, as perceptions shift and priorities change, will he want to?

'My Bare Lady' is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book #1 in the Scorned Women's Society series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

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About Piper Sheldon

Piper Sheldon writes Contemporary Romance and Magical Realism books that hope to be New York Times bestsellers when they grow up. For now, she works as a technical writer during the day and writes about love the rest of the time. Of course she also makes room for her husband, toddler, and two needy dogs at home in the Desert Southwest.

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