Review: Making Up by Lucy Parker

London Celebrities #3

It’s time for a new Lucy Parker book! She is an author who has been on my radar since I finished her first story, Act Like It. With each new book, she delivers a compelling and lovely romance.

Trix is a successful circus artist. She has an important role in a West End production and enjoys it. Recently, things have become a bit shaken up in her life, both personally and professionally. One of the leads of the production fell during an aerial stunt and hurt herself. Trix now has a chance to take over that role but it’s far from how she ever wanted to move up in the production. And well, frankly, she’s not sure if she’s even up to it. Her confidence is badly broken from a verbally abusive relationship. She wants to be herself again but she isn’t sure how to even get there. Enter Leo Magasiva, her nemesis.

Leo isn’t even surprised to be working on a show with Trix. Like a bad penny, she just turns up. Unfortunately, his career is also in shambles. Leo is a very talented makeup artist but one of his recent jobs did not go well. An allergic reaction has him on the outs of the community. The job with the circus company is just temporary as he is hoping to win a big makeup artist contest.

Trix has never gotten over hearing Leo talk badly about her as a teenager. (This may be my only hangup with the story, how long she held on to this grudge.) The story settles into itself really nicely once the air clears between Leo and Trix. Their relationship is romantic, sexy, and complex. Neither of them is at a great time in their life for a relationship, especially one that is already creating big emotions.

This book pulled me in quick. I really liked learning about Trix’s job. It’s clear yet again that Lucy Parker does great research because I found both the circus world (not a typical circus, more like cirque du soleil) and Leo’s job as a makeup artist master to be fascinating. The behind the scenes peek into making these stage performers come to life for audiences was really well done.

I also really, really loved how Leo and Trix bonded over their love of fandom, in this case a made-up show and book series called Galaxy Agent. As a person who has fallen in love with many fandoms, this made my day. I love a little geek in my books!

At the heart of it though, I really enjoyed watching these two characters support each other and work together. Trix is at a real low point in her life and Leo comes along to help push and poke her into finding her confidence again. Of course, he is not the real catalyst. That is Trix one hundred percent. But Leo is there for her every step of the way. As for Trix, she is equally supportive of Leo. He is hoping to reclaim his career but at the same time he is dealing with some family drama in the form of his sister, Cat, who has become an angry young woman seemingly overnight. Trix is there to reassure him that this too shall pass.

Making Up is another lovely story from Lucy Parker. If you haven’t seen the artwork depicting her characters yet, be sure to visit her website. I really love the illustrations of the characters and Trix and Leo in particular are captured so beautifully.

Making Up is available now! You do not want to delay on this book. And while you’re at it, be sure to check out the first two books in the London Celebrities series too if you haven’t had the chance. You will not regret it.

ARC provided by Netgalley.

Other reviews:

Dear Author

Smexy Books

Review: Hot Asset by Lauren Layne

21 Wall Street #1

If you enjoy romances like Julie James’ FBI series (beginning with Something About You) I think you will really enjoy Hot Asset by Lauren Layne. This is a fast-paced romance with two commanding leads.

 

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) agent Lara McKenzie has been handed the case of a lifetime–or at least, the case that may finally get her a job at the FBI working with white collar crimes. It’s her dream job after being raised by two FBI agent parents herself and she will do whatever she can to finally make it come true. In this case, it means proving that Ian Bradley, confident Wall Street trader, is guilty of insider trading.

It should be an open and shut case but there are some elements of the case that are niggling at Lara’s mind. She is a methodical and practiced agent, used to closing cases and proving the wrongdoing but with Ian, well that’s easier said than done. Her attraction to him is a big no-no first of all. Second of all, well, things just aren’t adding up. Why won’t her boss share the person who made the claim about insider trading against Ian? The more Lara investigates, the more she realizes she has to put her stereotypes of Ian aside and look at the case, and him, with the facts she has in front of her. And something isn’t adding up.

Ian knows he is innocent. At first, he doesn’t think the case will go anywhere, but the more Lara investigates, the more Ian is starting to realize he has an even bigger problem: he really, really likes Lara. Ian is definitely a stereotypical love ’em and leave ’em Wall Street guy but when it comes to Lara, he cannot get her out of his mind. But do these two have any chance at making their feelings come to life?

Hot Asset jumps with chemistry from the opening pages. Lara wants to write Ian off. Ian wants to jump Lara’s bones and be done with it. They both soon realize that the connection between them will not be that easy to sever. What really drew me into this story was when Lara and Ian started to put their misconceptions aside and get to know each other. Their romance is incredibly engaging and visceral. You feel that “will they won’t they” tug from the very beginning but it turns into something more special as the investigation looms heavier in their minds. Lara, who is used to putting all the clues together to get her right answer, can’t fit these pieces together and she definitely can’t figure out how to deal with her feelings. Lara is ambitious and wants to be part of the FBI. She doesn’t have much time for dating and well, Ian is a bit too intense for her.

Ian didn’t think he would ever be drawn to a woman like Lara: intelligent, hard-working, a bit reticent and starchy, but somehow can handle all his foibles like a pro. He knows he is innocent and he just wants to see the conclusion of this investigation because maybe, they can try dating and see where things go. I liked Ian’s brash personality but he definitely has a softer more vulnerable side which sneaks out in some of his conversations with Lara, and his foster parent, Dave. Makes for a fully fleshed character.

Hot Asset is available now. This is an exciting and satisfying romance. Lauren Layne continues to push all my buttons in the right way!

ARC provided by publisher for review.

Other reviews:

Harlequin Junkie

All About Romance

Read an excerpt!

Hot Asset
21 Wall Street
By: Lauren Layne
Releasing May 22nd, 2018
Montlake

A sexy agent hounds Wall Street’s hottest new wolf in an exhilarating novel from New York Timesbestselling author Lauren Layne.

Ian Bradley is the definition of a Wall Street hotshot: seven-figure salary, designer suits, and a corner office. His drive off the floor is just as potent. Every woman who knows him has felt the rush. But now he’s met his match in Lara McKenzie—a woman with the power to bring Ian to his knees.

An ambitious, whip-smart daughter of FBI agents, Lara is a rising star in fighting white-collar crime. Her latest case—the investigation of Ian Bradley for insider trading—could make her career. She knows a scoundrel when she sees one. Ian fits the bill: a cocky, ridiculously handsome bad boy with a slick swagger.

She’ll do anything to prove he’s guilty. He’ll do anything to prove he’s not. But it’s only a matter of time before their fierce battle of wits gets oh so hot and personal. Now, taking down Ian has become more than business for Lara. It’s become a pleasure—and there’s more at risk than she ever dreamed.

“[A] playful romance…Layne populates her world of high-stakes finance with charismatic characters, and the fast-paced story works well with the simmering sexual tension between the leads…It’s easy to root for this couple.” —Publishers Weekly

“Layne can always be counted on to create an engaging, steamy, and thoroughly rewarding reading experience.” —RT Book Reviews

Add to Goodreads |Kindle | Paperback | Audio Book | MP3 CD

 

Lauren Layne is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than two dozen romantic comedies. Her books have sold over a million copies, in eight languages. Lauren’s work has been featured in Publishers Weekly, Glamour, The Wall Street Journal, and Inside Edition. She is based in New York City.

Website | Instagram | Lauren Layne Library

Review: Three Day Fiancée by Marissa Clarke

Three Day Fiancée by Marissa Clarke is a new to me author. I’m glad I took a chance on this author and this book because it proved to be a great reading experience. Do any of you remember the movie The Proposal with Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock? This book reminded me of that movie in a really good way. They aren’t a perfect match but the chemistry between the two leads in both media made for a very entertaining experience.

Caitlin Ramos’ day starts off on the wrong foot and it doesn’t get any better when she arrives at her dog walking job to discover the owner hopping around in a towel and commanding HER to stay (and not his raucous Saint Bernard, Beauregard). Well, she doesn’t follow any man’s commands and she marches off only to be drawn back in when he pleads with her to help him because Beau has swallowed a ring and well, it’s sharp and it needs to pass…through him. Simple enough except the ring isn’t quite as far inside as Beau as Taylor (the owner) thought and after trying it on (because it’s a pretty ring), Caitlin can’t get it off. And thus, begins her role as the three day fiancée!

Caitlin and Taylor have chemistry from their first meeting. There is a nice, comedic “meet-cute” element to their story which I enjoyed. But fortunately, things get EVEN BETTER and more fun. Soon, Caitlin is participating in a three day weekend getaway with Taylor’s family as his fiancée. They both know it’s a lie and that makes them uncomfortable but for Taylor in particular, it seems like a good answer to his Grandma’s constant hope that he has found “the one”.

I really liked the family atmosphere of the story and how it actually helped Taylor and Caitlin get to know each other better. This is a case of a little meddling working out. Both Taylor and Caitlin realize they have to work on some compromise with their career to find the happiness they crave. I thought they each found a nice balance and was pleased that Marissa Clarke didn’t short Caitlin on her career goals.

Three Day Fiancée is a really sweet and fun story. It’s nothing groundbreaking in the romance genre but that made it even more fun to me honestly. Sometimes I want a straight-up contemporary romance that plays on well-known tropes. This book does that but in an interesting and fun way. No boring romance, promise!

Three Day Fiancée is available now! If you’re in the mood for a fun “fake fiancée” situational romance, click “buy now” this minute!

Marissa Clarke is stopping by today to share her new release, THREE DAY FIANCEE! Check it out and grab your copy today!

Title: Three Day Fiancée

Author: Marissa Clarke

Genre: Contemporary Romance

About Three Day Fiancée:

Helicopter pilot Taylor Blankenship’s time schedule is maxed out. Between his job, his eighty-pound slobbering mess of a dog, and his matchmaking grandmother, he has no time for anyone or anything—especially a woman. If only there were a way to get Grams to back down.

 

The job of New York City dog walker suits Caitlin Ramos perfectly while she preps for her CPA exam—steady, scheduled, and requiring very little human interaction; a huge seller since she’s still on the mend from a toxic relationship. Men suck. Especially her bossy, hot client with the Saint Bernard that thinks it’s a lap dog. No way will she go for his plan to pretend they’re engaged to get his grandmother off his case. Down, boy.

 

Offered a bargain she can’t refuse, Caitlin finds herself playing the part of fiancée to Taylor. Fortunately, it’s only for three days. All she has to do is fake a relationship with Mr. Bossy Pants in front of his entire family, survive a fierce game of truth or dare with an unscrupulous pair of octogenarians, endure a one-on-one round of Twister with Taylor, and not lose her heart to a guy who turns out tobe a lot more than she’d bargained for.

 

 

Get Your Copy Today:

Amazon | B&N | Entangled | iBooks | Kobo

 

About Marissa:

Marissa Clarke is a multi award-winning, RITA® nominated author of romance for adults and teens. She lives on an island in the middle of a river. Seriously, she does. When not writing, she wrangles her rowdy pack of three teens, two Cairn Terriers, and one husband.

Inexplicably, her favorite animal is the giant anteater and at one point, she had over 200 “pet” Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. The roaches are a long story involving three science-crazed kids and a soft spot for rescue animals. The good news is, the “pet” roaches found a home… somewhere else.

 

Connect with Marissa:

Website | Mary Lindsay | Twitter | Facebook | Street Team/Facebook Group | Instagram | Pinterest

Enter Marissa’s Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Release Blitz: Sundays are for Hangovers by K. Webster and J.D. Hollyfield

We are so excited to be bringing you the release of SUNDAYS ARE FOR HANGOVERS by K Webster and J.D. Hollyfield. You don’t want to miss this brand new enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy–be sure to grab your copy today!

 

About SUNDAYS ARE FOR HANGOVERS

For nearly a year, they’ve been at war.
Cops. Forks. Eggs.
Two feuding neighbors who couldn’t be more opposite, forced to live next door to one another.
Neither is backing down.

She drives him crazy with her loud nineties rap music.
He gets under her skin the way he obsesses over his stupid lawn.

She fantasizes about having sex with the sexy nerd—but with duct tape over his dumb mouth.
He has dirty dreams of the bombshell beauty where he bangs the crazy right out of her—nightmares of course.
Anger isn’t the only thing heating up between these two.

They think this is a battle only one of them can win…
The growing attraction between them, though, seems to be far more stubborn than the two of them combined.

Add SUNDAYS ARE FOR HANGOVERS to your Goodreads TBR here!

 

Get your copy of SUNDAYS ARE FOR HANGOVERS today!
Amazon / iBooks / B&N / Kobo

 

Read an excerpt from SUNDAYS ARE FOR HANGOVERS

 

A sexy, sultry, familiar chuckle fills my speakers and I almost wreck my car. Lilith? What the hell?

“Big D, I was busy,” she smarts off.

“Busy with what? Your hair is dripping wet and you don’t have any makeup on. And wait…is that a hickey?” Big D says, clearly amused.

She plays it off with a chuckle. “You say hickey, I say Tinderbite.”

I growl as I think about those fuckers who came on my property looking for her.

“Tinderbite?” Big D questions. “Do I even want to know what that means?”

“It means…” she trails off. “Whatever. Don’t judge, D. Like you haven’t ever been late. Everyone is late. It’s Monday, for crying out loud. I bet half our listeners are late and sitting in traffic on the 295.”

I crawl to a halt, indeed stuck in traffic on the 295.

She continues, “In fact, let’s take some calls. What excuse are you giving your boss this morning for why you were late? Does it beat ‘I-was-trying-to-cover-my-Tinderbite-with-foundation-and-failed-miserably?’”

Big D chuckles. “Okay, Lil, I’ll play your game. Let’s see what our listeners have to say. Call us at 555-732-WXOJ and let us know.”

I dial the number and wait in a queue while a guy named Brandon complains he’s late because his neighbor’s lawn service blocked his driveway and he couldn’t get out. A lady named Gwen tells us about how her son had a blowout with his diaper and she had to bathe him before she could leave.

Boring.

Answer, dammit.

“This is Big D,” he answers. “You’re on the air. Tell us why you’re late this morning.”

“Hey, I’m Wonka. I’m late because I spent all night exorcising my crazy neighbor’s demons.” I yawn for effect. “It took up a lot of energy and I was exhausted this morning. Although, I could have been a little later to try one more time.”

Big D snorts. “We’re calling it exorcising demons these days. That’s a new one. Thanks for calling in, buddy. We’ll take a new caller—”

“Wait,” Lilith’s voice says. “I need to hear a little more of this story. She sounds like quite the temptation. Definitely worth sinning for.”

Goddamn, she sounds so sultry on the air. My cock is hard.

“She does love red,” I admit. “It looks pretty good on her. She just needs a saint to tame her evil ways.”

She huffs. “I’m not—I’m sure she’s not evil. You sound kind of evil. Big D, he has an evil voice, doesn’t he? Probably does all kinds of crazy crap in his grandma’s basement.”

I cringe because she’s not far off from the truth…

Big D snorts.

“Oh, I’m definitely a saint. This one is as evil as one can get. Would you believe, speaking of Tinder, she sent all her failed Tinder dates to my house. Who does that?”

Big D laughs and Lilith lets out a hiss.

“Sounds like you deserved it, to be honest,” she says. “If I were her, I’d fork your yard just for being a pompous little man.”

“Little?” I choke out. “There is nothing little about me. In fact, she likes to call me Big Willy.” I pause for dramatics. “Like that big killer whale from the 90s movies. Also, she already forked my yard once.” Fuck how that shit pissed me off.

Big D is laughing, but Lilith is riled up.

“Usually, if someone goes as far as to buy fifty boxes of forks, they mean business. Their victim totally deserves it. Not to mention, she sounds quite dedicated. Do you know how long it takes to put over seven thousand forks in someone’s grass? All night, Wonka. All night.”

I laugh. “Well, she definitely has stamina. You’re right about that.”

“Pig,” she says. “Next caller.”

“Actually,” Big D tells her chuckling. “Big boss man is waving behind you to keep talking. Apparently, the listeners are blowing up WXOJ’s Twitter feed. They want to know more about the naughty neighbor from hell.”

“Ughhhhh,” she groans.

“Do you have all day? Because I have so many stories. Would you know she ‘accidentally’ egged my house once?” I question.

“Accidental eggings can so happen!” she argues.

Big D roars with laughter. “And how’s that? Was she on her way to an Easter egg hunt and took a little tumble onto her neighbor’s porch?”

“She probably was. You’re both pigs. Why are you siding with Not-So-Big Willy over here, D? I thought we were besties,” she says, irritation in her tone.

“Aww, girl, you’ll always be my favorite. Tell us more, though, Mr. Wonka.”

“She’s super crazy and obnoxious,” I explain to him. “But she kind of grows on you.”

“She sounds delightful,” Lilith says.

“A real peach,” Big D agrees with a snort.

I hear her slap him and him say, “ow.”

“I have a problem with her,” I tell them, growing serious.

“What?” Lilith asks, hurt in her voice.

“I wanted to ask her out, but she blew out of my house without giving me her number. Even though she’s borderline bananas, I’m quite fond of her cherry lips. What should I do?” I question.

“Awww,” Big D replies. “She sounds sweet.”

“Oh, she’s real sweet,” I agree.

“Anywayyyy,” she draws out, embarrassment in her voice. “Maybe she’ll see him later since they’re neighbors and all.”

“Maybe he can’t wait that long. Maybe he misses her already,” I mutter.

Big D chuckles. “Well, maybe he should do a grand gesture like show up at her work and take her out. I bet she’s real fond of cheap beer and greasy cheese sticks. But, hey, aren’t all chicks that way?”

“Well, I did learn where she works today,” I admit. “It’s a possibility. That would mean leaving work early, though, and I’m already late. I’m not really the kind of guy who lets his job slip to go on dates.”

“Sounds like she might be worth it, though,” Big D says. “Right, Lil? She sounds worth it?”

“Totally worth it. Bye now, Wonka. Good luck with all that. And now we have a song called ‘Creep’ by Radiohead. Seems fitting.”

The connection ends and soon Thom Yorke’s voice fills the line. I’m grinning like an idiot. On the way to work, I plot out a plan to show a wild, colorful, vibrant woman like Lilith Hamilton that I know how to be fun too.

I can be so fun.

 

About K Webster

K Webster is the USA Today bestselling author of over fifty romance books in many different genres including contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance, dark romance, romantic suspense, taboo romance, and erotic romance. When not spending time with her hilarious and handsome husband and two adorable children, she’s active on social media connecting with her readers.

Her other passions besides writing include reading and graphic design. K can always be found in front of her computer chasing her next idea and taking action. She looks forward to the day when she will see one of her titles on the big screen.

Join K Webster’s newsletter to receive a couple of updates a month on new releases and exclusive content. To join, all you need to do is go here.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Goodreads

 

About J.D. Hollyfield

J.D. Hollyfield is a creative designer by day and superhero by night. When she’s not cooking, event planning, or spending time with her family, she’s relaxing with her nose stuck in a book. With her love for romance, and her head full of book boyfriends, she was inspired to test her creative abilities and bring her own stories to life. Living in the Midwest, she’s currently at work on blowing the minds of readers, with the additions of her new books and series, along with her charm, humor and HEA’s.

J.D. Hollyfield dabbles in all genres, from romantic comedy, contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance, fantasy and erotica! Want to know more! Follow her on all platforms!

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Newsletter / Pinterest

 

Excerpt: Melt for You by J.T. Geissinger

I jump at the sound of a woman’s scream.

“What the hell?” I rush to the front door. My heart galloping, I flatten myself against the door and peer through the peephole. The hallway is empty. Warily, I ease open the door and poke my head out. Then I hear another scream, this one accompanied by the sound of female laughter and a chorus of male hoots.

The noise is coming from the apartment across the hall.

Relieved I’m not dealing with murder, only a house party spiraling out of control, I start to fume. I picture an inflatable kiddie pool filled with Jell-O in the middle of Kellen’s living room, a pair of naked girls squirming around in it while a bunch of frat boys gleefully spray them with champagne and dollar bills.

Before I can talk myself out of it, I’m marching across the hall and applying my knuckles with vigor to Kellen’s door.

The music doesn’t lower, but after a moment, heavy footsteps approach. Then the door opens and I’m rendered speechless.

A man I’ve never seen before stands in the doorway. He’s tall, broad, solid as a mountain and about as large. He has shaggy brown hair, hazel eyes, lots of tattoos, and a devastating smile, which my brain notes at the same time it’s trying to process that the man is wearing unlaced combat boots, a kilt, and nothing else.

You could get lost in the canyons between his abs. If he has any body fat at all, it must be hidden beneath the kilt, because his muscles are so defined it’s like looking at an anatomical drawing.

Staring open-mouthed at his stomach, I say, “Uh…”

The Mountain says, “Can I help you, lass?”

Cannae help ye, lass?

Dear God, he’s a Scotsman. A huge, half-naked Scotsman in a kilt. Smiling at me like he knows all my secrets, what color my panties are, and that I’m curious what it would be like to have a man pull my hair during sex.

About MELT FOR YOU

A wallflower gets seduction tips from a playboy athlete—until love changes the rules.

Socially awkward Joellen Bixby has a date every Saturday—with her cat, a pint of ice cream, and fantasies of the way-too-handsome Michael Maddox. She’d give anything to win over the unattainable CEO of her firm, but how can she when she blends in so well with her cubicle? The answer may be closer than she thinks.

Cameron McGregor is a cocky, tattooed Scottish rugby captain who just moved in next door. He’s not Jo’s type—at all—but the notorious playboy is offering to teach the wallflower everything he knows about inspiring desire. Though a lot of women have rumpled Cam’s kilt, Jo is special. Far from the ugly duckling she thinks she is, in Cam’s eyes she’s sharp, funny, and effortlessly sexy. Now, thanks to him, Jo is blooming with confidence and has the man of her dreams within reach.

Unfortunately for Cam, he’s just helped to push the woman of his dreams into the arms of another man—and now he’s in the fight of his life to keep this beauty from getting away.

Add MELT FOR YOU to your Goodreads list here!

Get your hands on MELT FOR YOU:

https://amzn.to/2qBO2AM

 

About J.T. Geissinger

A former headhunter, J.T. Geissinger is the author of more than a dozen novels in contemporary romance, paranormal romance, and romantic suspense.

She is the recipient of the Prism Award for Best First Book, the Golden Quill Award for Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, and is a two-time finalist for the RITA® Award from the Romance Writers of America®. Her work has also finaled in the Booksellers’ Best, National Readers’ Choice, and Daphne du Maurier Awards.

Join her Facebook reader’s group, Geissinger’s Gang, to take part in weekly Wine Wednesday live chats and giveaways, find out more information about works in progress, have access to exclusive excerpts and contests, and get advance reader copies of her upcoming releases.

Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Geissinger’s Gang | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Instagram

Review: Grumpy Fake Boyfriend by Jackie Lau

I’m excited to tell you about the new book, Grumpy Fake Boyfriend, by Jackie Lau. Lau also writes under the author Laura Jardine (I reviewed one of her books last year, Tempting Her Neighbor, and enjoyed it). Grumpy Fake Boyfriend is the first book in the Kwan Sisters series but from what I can tell by book one, each book will stand firmly on their own.

Will is a fantasy writer who enjoys his alone time. Like, majorly enjoys it. He doesn’t have a ton of close friends nor does he spend a lot of time socializing, which he is more than fine with. Then he gets a phone call from his closest friend and beta reader who needs a favor. Jeremy’s younger sister, Naomi, is in need of a fake date for a cabin weekend away. She recently broke up with Jordan but he’s going to be attending the weekend too and Naomi doesn’t want to feel like the third wheel stuck between a group of couples. Jeremy pleads with Will to help and well, Will reluctantly agrees. After all, it’s just a fake weekend together then he’s back to his hermit ways.

Except Naomi proves to be smart, eye-catching, funny, and a great person to have fun with. And oh yeah, Will is incredibly attracted to her. It doesn’t help that Naomi also feels the same. She’s tempting Will with a weekend fling. But how can he accept knowing that this is his best friend’s sister? The sister Jeremy specifically warned him away from?

Naomi has crushed on Will for quite awhile, since she met him way back as a teenager. She can’t help if she happened to put a little plan in Jeremy’s ear to try to get Will to help her. She really DOES not want to look like the sad loser with her friends. Will is doing a great job of making them seem like a couple so why can’t they take it further?

Will is afraid that being in a relationship means he will be forced into situations he is uncomfortable and unhappy with, as happened in a previous relationship. Naomi is worried that she is going to lose herself totally into a guy again. She discovered that her time with Jordan had her turning into a yes-woman, agreeing to all his demands. She has a life of her own and she wants to start enjoying it again. BUT she definitely wouldn’t mind getting to know Will better.

This book is mostly set during Naomi and Will’s weekend away so it’s not several weeks of courtship. It’s a quick weekend fling and then Naomi hoping for more. Will does too though he is afraid to actually say it. Naomi is a brave woman and is not afraid to put her feelings out there which I like in a character. But Will’s reticence makes sense too.

The sexy scenes are hot. The weekend away is a lot of fun (bridal party games in particular caused me to laugh) and I enjoyed the groveling at the end. This was a fast and enjoyable story. I also really appreciated how the author chose to end the book. It ended on just the right note for me in regards to this couple and their future together.

Satisfying story!

Grumpy Fake Boyfriend is available May 22 and can be pre-ordered from Amazon and possible other e-tailers though I did not check.

ARC provided by author for review.

Review: Dirty Bastard by Jessica Clare

My love of rough and tumble heroes continues with Jessica Clare’s newest book, Dirty Bastard, the third book in her Roughneck Billionaires series. Whenever a new Jessica Clare book appears on my Kindle, I just about jump up and down. She’s just one of those writers that I connect with.

This is the story of Knox Price and Lexi Brandon. They were introduced in the second book in the series, Dirty Scoundrel. Well, this time it’s all Lexi and Knox. They are quite the odd pairing in some ways, but in others they fit together really well.

Knox considers himself the odd man out in his family. While he loves his brothers, he isn’t super close to any of them. And with the recent death of his youngest brother, well Knox finds his foundations shaken to their core. Meeting Lexi during a family tubing trip provided him with more enjoyment and pleasure than any of his usual life choices. Though Lexi is a bit older than him, he does not care one bit. And well, Lexi’s world is kind of falling apart around her too so she is throwing caution to the wind and taking Knox to bed.

Only, even though Lexi thought she was protected, it turns out she was not. And now she is pregnant. And her yoga studio in her small town is failing and oh yeah, she’s got a stalker in a local firefighter who won’t leave her alone. Adding a pregnancy on top of all of that is exhausting but Lexi knows she wants to keep the baby.

And when Knox finds out? Well he knows he is more sure than ever that Lexi is destined to be with him. He just has to convince her.

Lexi and Knox are dramatically different from the previous couples in this series. For starters, there seems to be a bit more drama around them, drama neither of them wants. Also, they are virtual strangers but somehow they feel a deep connection to each other. Lexi feels a bit adrift lately. Her best friend recently got married and moved away. Her yoga studio, which she loves, isn’t doing so well. Lexi isn’t much of a people person unfortunately. (This made me really connect with her, FYI. I too am not much of a people person.) In Lexi, Knox sees a kindred soul.

As usual, I thoroughly enjoyed the sexy times. Jessica Clare is no slacker when it comes to bedroom scenes. But all in all, it is the clashing yet equally matching personalities of Knox and Lexi that kept me invested in the story. I really adored how hard Knox fell for Lexi. It’s a bit insta-love but I went with it. My one small qualm is that I wish Lexi hadn’t tried to handle her stalker on her own. I know she felt isolated given that this man knew police officers and firefighters who would back him up rather than Lexi but I genuinely felt scared for her. So, I wish that storyline had been handled a bit differently.

But all in all, when it comes to true love and two characters clashing, Lexi and Knox definitely kept me intrigued and eager to see the conclusion to their love story.

Dirty Bastard is available today!

ARC provided by publisher for review.

Other reviews:

Book Binge

Literary Love Books

Release Blitz: Melt for You by J.T. Geissinger

MELT FOR YOU by J.T. Geissinger is available now! Read an excerpt below and pick up your copy of this sexy contemporary romance!

 

About MELT FOR YOU

A wallflower gets seduction tips from a playboy athlete—until love changes the rules.

Socially awkward Joellen Bixby has a date every Saturday—with her cat, a pint of ice cream, and fantasies of the way-too-handsome Michael Maddox. She’d give anything to win over the unattainable CEO of her firm, but how can she when she blends in so well with her cubicle? The answer may be closer than she thinks.

Cameron McGregor is a cocky, tattooed Scottish rugby captain who just moved in next door. He’s not Jo’s type—at all—but the notorious playboy is offering to teach the wallflower everything he knows about inspiring desire. Though a lot of women have rumpled Cam’s kilt, Jo is special. Far from the ugly duckling she thinks she is, in Cam’s eyes she’s sharp, funny, and effortlessly sexy. Now, thanks to him, Jo is blooming with confidence and has the man of her dreams within reach.

Unfortunately for Cam, he’s just helped to push the woman of his dreams into the arms of another man—and now he’s in the fight of his life to keep this beauty from getting away.

Add MELT FOR YOU to your Goodreads list here!

Get your hands on MELT FOR YOU:

https://amzn.to/2qBO2AM

 

 

 

Read an Excerpt from MELT FOR YOU

“Remember to breathe,” he whispers.

“Just kiss me already,” I whisper back, surprised by how much it sounds like a plea.

“Your eyes are still open.”

I immediately shut them.

His soft laugh sends a thrill up my spine. “If only you were that obedient all the time, lass.” He lightly nips my lower lip, a dark, delicious little promise.

My hands. What do I do with my hands? They’re flattened against his chest again, but that seems lame, so I slide them up around his neck…and discover his hair. Good lord. Thick, glossy strands of hair slide like silk between my fingers. It’s longer than any of the men’s at the office, much longer than Michael’s, past the collar of his shirt, dark and waving, exquisitely soft.

As his tongue slowly begins to probe my mouth, I tug on all that gorgeous hair, forgetting I’m not supposed to be enjoying this.

I arch against him, softening, expanding, breathing deeply through my nose as the kiss deepens and begins to burn. I wasn’t kidding when I said he was experienced. He knows exactly what to do, how to get my blood sizzling and my heart hammering and all the pornographic images of him nude and splayed out like the best Christmas gift I’ve ever received pulsing like neon signs inside my head.

My nipples tighten. There’s a new heaviness between my legs, but it’s not him, it’s me, flushed and aching, every pull of his lips sending a spike of heat to that hollow space inside me that I’m becoming acutely aware of, its muted little howls of need.

I break away to check in before I lose myself completely and choke him with my prehensile tongue. “How’m I doing?” I mumble, flushed and out of breath.

His eyes drift open. Hot and dark, they pin me in place. “Jury’s still out,” he says, his voice thick. “Need more evidence.”

His mouth. I will drown in the pleasure of his mouth. I’ll die on this sofa and Mrs. Dinwiddle will find my body, fingers and toes chewed on by the poor starving cat.

The kiss grows decadent. Sinful. I moan, a desperate sound rising from the back of my throat. It has an interesting effect on Cam.

His entire body goes stiff.

He takes my head in both hands, breaks the kiss, and turns his face away. He breathes raggedly for a few moments, his nostrils flared and his jaw like granite. With his fingers pressed into my scalp, he says roughly, “You can’t make noises like that.”

Oh God. I sound like a warthog. A donkey. A trained pig, snuffling through the underbrush in search of truffles. “Okay.”

The humiliation in my voice makes his eyes slash to mine. “It’s not bad. It’s just…distracting.”

Distracting?

He slightly shifts his weight, and things are clarified.

I bite my lip so hard I might have drawn blood. My heart is a hummingbird beating frantically against a cage. I whisper, “You said you wouldn’t get aroused.”

He looks at my mouth like a warlord looking over a kingdom he’s just seized. “I lied.”

A kiss again, dangerous, like standing at the edge of a cliff and looking over, shifting dirt and rocks tumbling beneath your feet. My fingers twist in his hair. His hands move my head, left or right, however he wants it, a throbbing pulse like drumbeats in my ears. I’m so turned on I feel frantic, unstable, like I might break out of my own skin.

Caterpillar becoming butterfly. Chrysalis shed, wings outstretched, wind beneath my belly. Caught on an updraft. Beating, beating, flying free.

He breaks the kiss, suddenly, shatteringly, the separation like breaking glass. Dizzy, I whimper at the loss of his mouth.

“Fuck. Joellen. Fuck.”

He’s panting, his voice a desperate rasp. He radiates heat like a furnace. Even his hands on my head are hot, burning right through my skull.

With his scent in my nose and his heat wrapped around me and his heart pounding against mine, I’m somewhere else. I’m someone else. A gypsy, casting spells. A sloe-eyed singer in a smoky jazz club. A femme fatale in a film noir, all knowing smiles and long legs and a throaty voice with an edge like a purr.

“Don’t stop,” I say in my new voice. “You taste so good.”

He stares right at me, his eyes intensely aglow. Tiger eyes. Wolf eyes. The eyes of a predator about to pounce on his meal.

He growls, “You like the way I taste?”

There’s a challenge in the question. Other than his ragged breathing, he’s so still, every muscle tensed.

What’s happening?

I come back to myself abruptly, all at once aware of how far this little experiment has gone, how dangerously close it is to the point of no return, and the cat up on the kitchen table eating the remains of Cam’s dinner from his plate.

Oh shit. My face floods with heat.

I’m not a gypsy. I’m not a femme fatale. I’m an awkward, lonely woman sitting on the lap of the most famous athlete on the planet, making an utter fool of myself.

 

 

About J.T. Geissinger

A former headhunter, J.T. Geissinger is the author of more than a dozen novels in contemporary romance, paranormal romance, and romantic suspense.

She is the recipient of the Prism Award for Best First Book, the Golden Quill Award for Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, and is a two-time finalist for the RITA® Award from the Romance Writers of America®. Her work has also finaled in the Booksellers’ Best, National Readers’ Choice, and Daphne du Maurier Awards.

Join her Facebook reader’s group, Geissinger’s Gang, to take part in weekly Wine Wednesday live chats and giveaways, find out more information about works in progress, have access to exclusive excerpts and contests, and get advance reader copies of her upcoming releases.

Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Geissinger’s Gang | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Instagram

Release Blitz: Good Girl by Jana Aston

 

GOOD GIRL by Jana Aston

Release Day Blitz: May 15th

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cover Design by Letitia Hasser

Cover Photo by Wander Aguiar

Cover Model Thiago Lusardi

 

 

 

NOW AVAILABLE

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Ilpyme
iTunes: http://bit.ly/IGoodGirl
Nook: http://bit.ly/NGoodGirl
Kobo: http://bit.ly/KGoodGirl

 

 

ADD TO GOODREADS

 

 

 

 

 

 

BLURB

I’ve always been a good girl.

I work hard, I follow the rules, and I always achieve my goals.

But sometimes good girls want things that aren’t good for them.

Or someone who isn’t good for them.

Like their new boss.

And sometimes they do very bad things to get his attention.

Like sell their virginity in an auction.

Who knew he’d be so very, very mad?

Maybe this was not my best laid plan…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXCERPT

He pulls me to my feet and he kisses me and he tastes like me and it’s dirty and shocking and sorta oddly thrilling and primal. He unsnaps my bra. The straps slip down my arms until it falls to the floor and then I’m naked. I’m naked with Rhys. This is the best day of my life. Except he’s not naked.

“You’re still dressed. Am I supposed to”—I gesture to his shirt—”am I supposed to or are you supposed to? Or do you like to keep your clothes on when you have sex?”

He laughs, his eyes dancing in amusement as he unbuttons his shirt and shrugs it off. “No, I’m not going to fuck you with my clothes on, Lydia.”

“Oh, thank goodness. I’ve really been wanting to see you naked. For a long time. Like weeks. Since the bar. The first time at the bar, not the second time. Can I take off your pants?” My fingers hover at his waistband, poised to unbutton and unzip but needing the nudge of permission.

“Please,” he says and then my fingers are in motion, unbuckling, unbuttoning, unzipping. It’s harder to do this in reverse, removing someone else’s pants instead of your own, but I manage. I’d manage even if it was a thousand-piece puzzle instead of just a zipper and a button because I want his pants off pretty badly.

When I’ve got the pants undone they drop to the floor and then the only thing separating me from sex is a pair of briefs, so I make short work of those.

He’s beautiful. Head to toe. I could spend all night looking at him, all month, forever. But I don’t have forever or even all night since Rhys is worried about his schedule so I take in as much as I can as fast as I can. Because oh, holy crap, I know what Rhys Dalton looks like naked. The smattering of hair across his chest. His toned abs and flat stomach and the trail of hair from his belly button to his cock. The birthmark on his left hip and the definition of the lines that form on his abs. I send a silent prayer to baby Jesus that I’ll get a good look at his butt before this is over because I need to know exactly what it looks like under those suit pants. Then too soon, he’s moving me onto the bed because this is it. This is the sex.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

Jana Aston likes cats, big coffee cups and books about billionaires who deflower virgins. She wrote her debut novel while fielding customer service calls about electrical bills, and she’s ever grateful for the fictional gynecologist in Wrong that readers embraced so much she was able to make working in her pajamas a reality. Jana’s novels have appeared on the NYT, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists, some multiple times. She likes multiples.

 

 

 

 

Connect w/ Jana

Facebook

Facebook Group

Twitter

Book + Main

Amazon Page

Bookbub

Goodreads

Website

Newsletter

Society 6

Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

Review: Good Girl by Jana Aston

I was super duper excited when I was approved to review Jana Aston’s new book, Good Girl. I’ve enjoyed all of her books pretty much but I found myself even more eager for a new book from her since it’s been too long. Well, I was not disappointed! Jana Aston’s wit and humor shine in this sexy story.

Lydia has just moved to Las Vegas with her best friend, Payton. They are both employed at a new casino, The Windsor, that is opening soon. Lydia majored in human resources and is very excited to get into the nitty gritty (read: paperwork) that comes with her job. She’s a bit of a goody-two-shoes but not in an annoying way. Rather, I found her personality rather sweet.

On the weekend before she begins her job, Payton dares her to kiss a random guy at the bar they are at. Lydia decides to go for it and ends up kissing Rhys (pronounced Reese which I did not know when I was reading this, but Jana Aston’s FB page confirmed). She is struck mute by the kiss and wants more with this mystery guy so she is thrilled to see him at the Windsor in the coffee break area for fourth floor employees. Except, she soon learns that Rhys is not just any random guy. He is the owner of the Windsor, the one making all decisions about the casino. Basically though he’s not her direct boss, he’s her boss.

She is flummoxed that he doesn’t want to investigate the chemistry between them so when Payton tells her that Rhys fetish is paying for women, well, Lydia concocts a plan that could only happen in Las Vegas. It definitely gets them together but it is not a fool-proof relationship making plan as Lydia discovers.

Rhys and Lydia are magnetic together! I enjoyed their interactions from the very beginning of the book. Lydia is very earnest. She used to be a Girl Trooper and stayed with the program until her graduation from high school. She earned every badge available. On top of that, Lydia enjoys sewing and creating her own pajamas. Payton realizes her friend needs to come out of her shell just a tiny bit so she challenges her with home made “Girl Trooper” badges. Such as “Blow Job” and “Butt Stuff”. It is admittedly a tiny bit juvenile but Lydia is only twenty-two and hasn’t really had a serious relationship yet. I personally found it a lot of fun! I liked how Payton and Lydia had such a strong friendship that they could tease each other like this without making each other feel bad.

Rhys doesn’t think he is good enough for Lydia. He thinks he is soiled because of his past with women. Lydia is quick to disabuse him of that notion however. She just wants him, plain and simple. One Rhys gets Lydia in his life, he can’t help wanting more though. She is determined not to take up too much of his time, knowing how busy he is with the opening of the casino, but Rhys wants to spend time with Lydia. He enjoys her absorption with House Hunters.

There are a plethora of secondary characters in this book that I am hoping will get their own stories down the road. I already know Payton and Vince (you’ll meet him in this story. I’m not going to spoil his introduction) will be getting a story but I’m definitely interested in Rhys’ head of security, Canon.

This book has just a really fun vibe to it. The Las Vegas setting plays a great role for Lydia and Rhys to get to know each other. The saying “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” is the perfect beginning mantra for these two characters until they both realize they want so much more than a tryst or fling.

Good Girl is available now from Amazon and it’s worth every penny!

ARC provided by author for review.