Will they be able to survive her insecurities and the scrutiny of their friends and family?
Title: Oceanside Marine Series: Kendall Family #4 Author: Jennifer Ann Genre: Contemporary Military Romance Release Date: April 24, 2017 Blurb: Fresh out of the Marine Corps, Braden Kendall has settled into a comfortable routine in SoCal with his 3-legged dog and a handful of good friends. Despite being undeniably handsome and perceived as a lady’s man, he’s lonely and tired of meaningless hookups. After becoming pregnant in her teens, Katie Walker dedicated her life to raising her two sons, putting any romantic notions aside until they flew the nest. Now that she’s on her own and free to date, she struggles with putting her needs first. Though Katie and Braden aren’t related by blood, their families are intertwined by marriage, making a relationship seem forbidden. Katie always found the cocky Marine attractive, but their considerable age difference made him off limits. Little does she know, Braden has been crushing on her for years and can’t get enough of her quirky personality. When they meet up in Vegas for a family celebration, Braden offers to show her a good time unmatched by anything she’s experienced. Once Katie decides she wants more of what he’s offering, can she survive a judgmental society, her insecurities, and the scrutiny of those closest to her? Find out more at: Goodreads | Amazon Excerpt One: Braden’s lips are suddenly on mine and I can’t process what’s happening. Can’t breathe. He smells like sin and tastes like heaven as his warm tongue strokes past my lips to lap against mine. His eager lips move with blinding strokes of fervency, coaxing me to join in. The citrusy taste of his tongue and the hardness of his colossal muscles render me weak at the knees. One strong hand cradles my head while the other grazes against my lower back with just enough pressure to keep me grounded. Holy shit, the guy knows how to kiss with passion and purpose. Slipping my hands underneath his shirt, I stroke the smooth skin on his lower back and hum dreamily. My underwear becomes so wet that I’m able to smell my own arousal. Aside from the fact that Braden’s exceptionally skilled, it’s similar to the way my ex would kiss when we were teenagers. Eager. Reckless. Without abandon. The same way that led to me becoming pregnant--twice. I won’t deny that I’ve made countless bad decisions in my lifetime. Some I still regret, others have molded me into the woman I am today—namely the fact that I did get pregnant as a young teenager with the biggest douchebag in the land. But I wouldn’t go back and change anything. My sons mean everything to me. I’ve structured my life around them, putting the idea of serious relationships with men on the back burner until they were out of the house. Now that Allen and Connor are both off at college, I finally have time to focus on what I want. What I need. And at the moment, I need to relieve the red-hot ache rocking me to the core. Finally my mind catches up to what’s really going on. I’m. Kissing. Braden. Kendall. The guy who knows how to rock Marine dress blues and make beautiful women faint with a mere flash of his thick eyelashes. The hottie with the highly impressive body who paraded around the Hamptons last summer wearing a pair of low-slung swim trunks like a male supermodel. The same younger man I’ve fantasized over too many times to count. The gorgeous creature with dark brown eyes that all too often makes me forget my own name, or the brutal fact that I’m over a decade his senior. Evelyn’s little brother. Holy shit, this is all kinds of wrong. And since I’m his elder, I’m the one who has to stop. Excerpt Two: Though it’s been over twelve hours since I grabbed a breakfast sandwich in the Newark airport and my angry stomach sounds downright demonic, I’m too tired to go through the motions of ordering a meal. I simply want to soak in the suite’s giant corner tub and pass out in the king bed. I’ll be amazed if I have enough energy to either throw on pajamas, or even pull back the luxurious bedding. But the moment I round the corner to my hallway, I’ve never felt more awake. Braden’s here. Waiting outside my room. I almost trip over my feet as I continue toward where he sits on the floor, head tipped back against the wall, eyes closed, thick arms slung over his knees. He’s not wearing anything special—a worn AC/DC t-shirt, faded blue jeans, and canvas flip-flops—but he’s so beautiful that I briefly wonder if I’m hallucinating from lack of sleep and starvation. With the sight of his protruding Adam’s apple and the dark scruff lining his thick jaw, the temptation to lick his neck becomes wicked strong. A bolt of desire strikes between my legs. Keep your thoughts PG, Katie. Gently nudging his calf with my bare foot, I call his name. He rouses slowly, wiping a hand over his face before his russet eyes focus on me. A brilliant smile spreads over his soft lips. The same lips that reminded me how it felt to truly be alive. “Hey, beautiful.” Face turning hot with his compliment, I fold my arms over my stomach. “What are you doing here? How’d you know I was in California?” “Ev called a couple of hours ago, said you could probably use some company after what would likely be a hellacious day.” He pushes off his hands to stand. “No offense, but it looks like she was right. Have you grabbed supper yet?” I nearly roll my eyes with the term supper. He sounds just like his sister. “No, I figured it’s too late. Between work and the long flight, I’m exhausted.” “There’s a place around the corner that has killer fish tacos. I could grab some while you’re taking a bath.” His hands disappear in his jean pockets and his chest strains against the cotton of his shirt. How I stop myself from running my hands across the valley of muscles is a mystery more complex than the Bermuda triangle. And when I picture myself naked in the tub with him in the next room, moisture pools between my legs. My body still wants him regardless of whatever my overactive imagination thinks. Horrible idea. “I guess I could stay up long enough for tacos,” I decide with a soft sigh. “But I’d rather eat at the restaurant. If I take a bath right now, I’ll be done for the night.” His adorable dimples pop into place when his smile grows. “You won’t regret it. They’re legendary out here.” But he’s dead wrong. I’m already regretting any decision that doesn’t involve sending him home and locking myself in the room. Excerpt Three: Charlie wraps his arm behind Evelyn and kisses the side of her head. Then he whispers something that has her giggling and her cheeks pink. I almost groan out loud. Why do things always seem to effortlessly work out for so many of my siblings? Evelyn left the farm in Minnesota to live in New York with Sharlo, a friend she met online, and bam, she met Charlie—a famous rockstar no less. The effect continued to trickle from there. Our brother James came to New York to drag Evelyn back home and met Sharlo, a hot Brit with a sizable trust fund. Not even an attempt on Sharlo’s life by some psycho and the loss of their first baby could tear them apart. Then as a good friend of Sharlo’s, Nolan, The Millionaire, swept my middle sister off her feet. The rest is history. Now they’re all rich as hell, making it hard to keep up with all the trips they want me to constantly take across the country to Brooklyn. I know they all had their issues to get past, but they make it look easy to find the right person and settle down for a happily ever after. At least Angelina and Hunter appear equally annoyed by the dopey love-birds surrounding us. Well maybe just Hunter. Angelina almost seems…out of it. I feel like I hardly know my oldest sister, especially since she lives way the hell down in Miami, so I can’t even guess what’s going on with her. It’s honestly surprising that she hasn’t settled down yet, even though I heard someone mention she’s dating. She’s beautiful and wicked smart. Everything she does comes off as being graceful, reminding me at times of that famous dark-haired princess from England. Maybe she hasn’t found anyone because she’s literally waiting for a prince. “You alright?” I ask, lightly nudging her in the side with my elbow. She merely hums in reply, blinking heavily like she’s fighting off sleep. I never heard where she and the others ended up last night. Maybe they never went to bed. Setting my arm behind her chair, I lean in. “Want me to order you a coffee?” “No, I’m fine.” She suddenly sits taller, wiping a hand over her face. Then she gives me a little smile. “Just tired from trying to keep up with Hunter.” About Jennifer Ann: Jennifer Ann is the author of nine contemporary romance novels with complex love stories. Like her characters, she's in love with the city of New York, trips on airplanes or the back of her husband's Harley, and everything rock and roll. Sometimes you can catch her driving a tractor alongside her husband in southern Minnesota while trying to keep up with the madness of their four active children. You can connect with her online at: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads Follow the tour and enter to #win an Oceanside Marine prize pack including a paperback copy of the book, $50 Amazon GC, adult coloring book, and Kate Spade clutch. 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Title: How We Fall
Author: Melissa Toppen
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 21, 2017
I remember the very first time I laid eyes on Cole Lincoln. It still feels like yesterday when he stumbled into my life with his messy brown hair and dark eyes. Even though I was only ten years old at the time, I knew right then and there that he was going to change everything.
From that point on Cole and I were always together—inseparable—and I naively believed we’d be best friends forever. But forever didn’t last nearly as long as I expected.
We grew up and grew apart, life driving the distance between us, but my love for Cole never faltered. Even long after he moved away, leaving me and our little town behind, I still carried a piece of him with me every single day. Because Cole wasn’t just my childhood best friend- the boy who knew me better than anyone else in the whole world. He was also my first love- a part of my very core.
When a tragic death brings us face to face again after six years, every single memory comes rushing to the surface. Only this is not the boy I fell in love with all those years ago. The man before me is hardened, intimidating, and so damn sexy I practically melt when those dark eyes meet mine for the first time in six years.
And like the first time he walked into my life, I know with complete certainty that everything is about to change.
“This book was EVERYTHING. Melissa wrote such a beautiful story.” - Reader Review “I enjoyed it and would definitely read a Melissa Toppen book again.” - MJ’s Book Blog and Reviews “I'm In Heaven On EARTH!!!!!!!” - Reader Review
Melissa Toppen is a Reader's Choice Award Winning and Bestselling Romance Author of New Adult, Contemporary, Erotic and Romantic Suspense. She is a lover of books and enjoys nothing more than losing herself in a good novel. She has a soft spot for Romance and focuses her writing in that direction; writing what she loves to read. Melissa was born and raised in a small town in Ohio and now resides in Cincinnati with her husband and two children, where she writes full time. In addition to spending time with family and friends, Melissa loves going to concerts and is obsessed with the T.V. shows Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Once Upon a Time and Outlander.
It’s not always about how we fall- it’s about where we end up once we land.
I remember the very first time I laid eyes on Cole Lincoln. It still feels like yesterday when he stumbled into my life with his messy brown hair and dark eyes. Even though I was only ten years old at the time, I knew right then and there that he was going to change everything.
From that point on Cole and I were always together—inseparable—and I naively believed we’d be best friends forever. But forever didn’t last nearly as long as I expected.
We grew up and grew apart, life driving the distance between us, but my love for Cole never faltered. Even long after he moved away, leaving me and our little town behind, I still carried a piece of him with me every single day. Because Cole wasn’t just my childhood best friend- the boy who knew me better than anyone else in the whole world. He was also my first love- a part of my very core.
When a tragic death brings us face to face again after six years, every single memory comes rushing to the surface. Only this is not the boy I fell in love with all those years ago. The man before me is hardened, intimidating, and so damn sexy I practically melt when those dark eyes meet mine for the first time in six years.
And like the first time he walked into my life, I know with complete certainty that everything is about to change.
*********************
I found myself crying a couple of times during this book. It was bittersweet for me to read. At some points, I was totally in the moment and at others, I totally wanted to smack both Melanie and Cole. I loved the flashbacks in this book. I think they are what really made it what it was, at least for me personally. It had that Amy Harmon feel to it. The sadness of lost love, love that is right there but you never told the other person...it just tugs at the heartstrings and I found myself thinking about my own high school love. It was a very personal book for me to read and I didn't want it to end. I loved the build up and I also loved that it didn't have a thousand and one problems in it. So many times authors make angst, drama and really all you need is really good storytelling...this had really great storytelling.
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I Do, Babe: A Novella (Hades Hangmen 5.5)
WHEN DARKNESS AND LIGHT COMBINE, DESTINED SOULS WILL IGNITE . . . Connected since childhood. Two souls: one dark and one pure. Bracing to take the greatest step of all. River ‘Styx’ Nash loves his woman. Ever since he met Mae at the fence of the cult that had kept her captive as a child, he has never loved anyone else. He loves her black hair, her pale skin and of course, her ice-blue ‘wolf eyes’. Since Mae came crashing back into his life, his only wish has been to marry her; finally to make her his wife. But now the wedding is booked, and only weeks from forever having Mae by his side, a lifelong problem is plaguing him. He wants to marry her; he has never wanted anything more . . . . . . if only he could speak the words and declare it to the world. Salome ‘Mae’ Nash’s life had been filled with heartache and pain . . . until, at age eight, she met a strange dark-haired boy from the outside world. Years later, and reunited with her great love, Mae is ready to solder her heart to his. Finally, Mae is getting ready to marry her man. But her fiancé has become withdrawn. Something is deeply troubling him. But Mae has no idea what. Or what to do to help. Can Styx open up and conquer his deepest pain? Or will the infamous Hangmen Mute allow his fears to overcome his love for Mae and watch their much-anticipated wedding crumble to dust? Dark Contemporary Romance. Contains explicit sexual situations, offensive language and mature topics. Recommended for age 18 and over. ***I Do, Babe: A Novella (Hades Hangmen #5.5) is to be read AFTER Damnable Grace (Hades Hangmen #5)***
Tillie Cole hails from a small town in the North-East of England. She grew up on a farm with her English mother, Scottish father and older sister and a multitude of rescue animals. As soon as she could, Tillie left her rural roots for the bright lights of the big city. After graduating from Newcastle University with a BA Hons in Religious Studies, Tillie followed her Professional Rugby player husband around the world for a decade, becoming a teacher in between and thoroughly enjoyed teaching High School students Social Studies before putting pen to paper, and finishing her first novel. Tillie has now settled in Austin, Texas, where she is finally able to sit down and write, throwing herself into fantasy worlds and the fabulous minds of her characters. Tillie is both an independent and traditionally published author, and writes many genres including: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Young Adult and New Adult novels. When she is not writing, Tillie enjoys nothing more than curling up on her couch watching movies, drinking far too much coffee, while convincing herself that she really doesn’t need that extra square of chocolate.
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Title: Her Scottish MistakeAuthor: Michele de Winton
Genre: Contemporary
Add to Goodreads: https://goo.gl/WFWZhE
Aspiring blogger Janie Milan is finally on her dream trip to Thailand. But when an unfortunate piña colada incident lands her in the path of a hot Scotsman, Janie finds herself dying to find out what's under his kilt. Only the frustratingly sexy man isn't who he's pretending to be… After cutting a deal to keep his brother safe, Scottish heartthrob Blaine Galloway is hiding from the press. But his secret identity starts to slip the second he meets small-town blogger, Janie. Now the press is hot on their heels and Blaine’s life is tumbling into a tabloid-sponsored hell. Coincidence? He’s not so sure.
Her Scottish Mistake Buy Links
Amazon US: https://alexa.design/2pncAue
Amazon UK: https://alexa.design/2ol0Iv9
Nook: https://goo.gl/Egtp5G
My Review: Her Scottish Mistake by Michele de Winton My rating: 5 of 5 stars This was a lighthearted read even though it held some not-so-lighthearted themes. I really enjoyed the characters and it wasn't a boring book for me at any time. I hate when I have to put a book down and pick up a different book just to cut up some of the monotony, but I didn't have to with this. It had some seriously hilarious parts in it and I would definitely read this author again in a heartbeat. The thing about books like this is that they're fiction for a reason...the things that happen in them aren't really plausible. That being said...did I have some questions about some of the things that happened in the book because they were implausible?? Yes, but even I can suspend reality for a couple hours to just enjoy reading. I was given a copy of this ARC from the publisher on NetGalley for an honest review. All of the above comments are my express opinions and no one else's. View all my reviews
Title: Oh, My Dragon Series: The I Like Big Dragon Series #3 Author: Lani Lynn Vale Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release: April 6, 2017
The reclusive Ian barely participates in life, only doing so when his powers demand that he use them or pay the consequences. It seems that there’s not a single person on this planet who doesn’t want something from him, but the pain and suffering of others is nearly unbearable at times, leaving him no choice but to act.
That is until Wink unwittingly walks into his life, completely unaware that she’s stepped straight into the dragon’s den.
Wink is just trying to get home after a long day of work. Her plans for the evening do not include stumbling upon a man with blood on his hands hovering over a dead woman in her hallway.
There are three things that someone in Wink’s position should’ve done in that instance.
1. Slowly back away from the hot, bearded killer and run the other way.
2. Call the cops.
3. Not come back until the scene was safe.
Instead, she stops, takes a picture—drawing the man’s attention to her—and then takes off at the speed of a fat, blind and possibly intoxicated penguin.
Ian tries to let her go, but the moment that she runs, every single one of his predatory instincts surge to the surface and the hunt is on. Ian always catches his prey, this time is no different. What is different is that, for the first time in his life, he is consumed with the need to keep his catch.
She sniffled, and I looked up sharply.
And to my horror, I saw the first tear slip down one cheek.
Another tear soon followed.
“You’re crying?” I asked in outrage.
I didn’t handle tears well.
There was something about them that had the power to undo me.
“You can ignore me,” she said. “It’s just hormones.”
“Hormones?” I asked.
“You know…hormones. It’s that time of the month. It just happens,” she said flippantly.
“So there’s no reason for the tears…you’re just doing it,” I observed.
She nodded.
“It happens. A lot. Sometimes I cry because I need to, like after I’ve seen a sad video on YouTube. Or sometimes I hear a song that I really like, and the beauty of it moves me to tears,” she explained.
“So you’re crying now, not because anything’s amiss, but because you’re a girl,” I said. “Do I have that correct?”
She shrugged, causing me to sigh.
“That means nothing to me. If you’re going to speak girl, you’re going to have to give me a cheat guide or something. I never had a single female in my life, besides my sister, and that was a very long time ago,” I told her.
She glared at me, the tears gone.
“You’re not very nice,” she observed.
I knew that.
I couldn’t help it, either.
“I was raised in an orphanage,” I said. “I have absolutely no tact. If you want hearts and flowers, you’re going to have trouble getting that from me.”
“Who says that I want that from you?” she challenged. “I’ve only known you for a very short period of time. Not even long enough to form a valid opinion of you or your character.”
I sighed.
“Did you look in a mirror yet?” I asked her.
She stiffened and squirmed.
“No,” she lied.
My brows rose.
“You didn’t?” I asked. “Not even a little bit?”
She was cute when she lied.
Her nose had a small upturn to it, meaning I knew exactly when she started to lie because a little crease would appear on the bridge of her nose as she concentrated on what to say.
“Fine,” she snarled. “What’d you do to me?”
I laughed.
“I have no fucking clue,” I said honestly. “Magic, I guess.”
She pursed her lips in disgust.
“Seriously?” she asked. “That’s all you’ve got? Magic?”
I shrugged.
“I don’t know what else to call it,” I told her.
“Prove it,” she challenged.
I’m a married mother of three. My kids are all under 5, so I can assure you that they are a handful. I’ve been with my paramedic husband now for ten years, and we’ve produced three offspring that are nothing like us. I live in the greatest state in the world, Texas.
Goodreads Book GiveawayThe Celebrity & the Small-Town Girlby C.J. ButcherGiveaway ends April 28, 2017. See the giveaway details at Goodreads. Jump on over and tag the Giveaway Button foran Autographed CopyofThe Celebrity & The Small-Town GirlAfter agreeing to take on a hospital charity event for her boss, Cara McKenzie is overwhelmed when she doesn’t have any entertainment. The one band she wanted to perform more than anything has turned her down and she has 2 weeks to find somebody else. His manager’s just turned down the opportunity of a lifetime and Justin Nichols is flying out to fix the problem. There is one tiny glitch in his plan…Cara McKenzie. She’s never on time, she keeps forgetting everything, and she’s an accident waiting to happen. Did he happen to mention that she’s an accident waiting to happen? She's a klutz and she's going to wind up setting her own house on fire...It wouldn't bother him except for the fact that he's going to be living in it for the next several weeks! He just wants his band to perform a concert. She just needs entertainment. They each have what the other person needs. What happens when you put a clumsy small-town girl and the charismatic lead singer of a boy band together for a couple of weeks? Find out in the first full-length novel of The Celebrity Series! This is a Christian Romance Novel suitable for all ages.
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