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

Kobo: http://bit.ly/OutmatchedKCSYKobo

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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/

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:

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!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/33YjLhr

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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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