September 11, 2017

FLY WITH ME BY CHANEL CLEETON-SPOTLIGHT REVIEW

From the author of the Capital Confessions Novels comes the first in the steamy Wild Aces Romance series.

U.S. Air Force fighter pilot Noah Miller—call sign Burn—loves nothing more than flying hard and fast. When he meets a gorgeous and sassy woman while partying in Las Vegas, he immediately locks on to her.

Jordan Callahan owns a thriving clothing boutique, but her love life is far less successful. Her luck changes when six feet, two inches of sexy swagger asks her to dance and turns her world upside down.

One scorching weekend becomes an undeniable chemistry that they can’t leave in Vegas. But the long distance relationship and their different lives threaten to ground their romance. And when the dangers of Noah’s job become all too real, Jordan learns being with a fighter pilot means risking it all for a shot at love…

I am not sure what I was expecting, but wow did I get a heck of a book.

When you try out a new author, it is a bit of a gamble, will I like the writing? The story? Will I be able to engage with the characters; the writing style; the story itself?

Yes. YES. YES!!!

You like Noah and Jordan from the very beginning, and you can feel their connection. Their attraction is electric and it jumps off the page. The scene in the nightclub is wonderful, you feel that connection between them and it is written so well, you feel like you were there for the beginning of their love story.

It is not a shock when neither of them want what they have to end when they leave Vegas. And, the author leaves enough breadcrumbs in the way they are behaving that you see this coming. Jordan doesn't want this to be a one-night stand, she wants Noah to make some effort. And he does, enough that Jordan and the reader are convinced that there is something between them that is a lot more than just a weekend Vegas fling.

But Vegas was easy.

Then things get real, they get tough, they become work, and disappointment, and heartbreak, and struggle. The characters have to really work for their story to continue, but you never doubt for a second it is what they each want. Real life intrudes...the one where she owns a store in Florida and he is a fighter pilot in Oklahoma...for now. As he makes clear, his life is not his own, and that any sacrifices that are made for the relationship have to be made by her, out of necessity, because he does not have the say to make changes in his.

I didn't know that this story actually mirrors Cleeton's actual life until after I finished and read her bio on Amazon, but I did have the impression throughout the story that she knew what she was talking about, that the struggles felt authentic.

I loved that the drama in their relationship really didn't come from them...Noah means it when he tells Jordan that he is not going anywhere.

The way he finally tells Jordan that he loves her was so perfect, so wonderful and felt so real.

For me, what draws you in is the way this story is told in a series of little moments, flowers, the mustache, phone calls, spontaneous emotional confessions, missed events and visits...some of them are bigger than the others, but in the grand scheme of things, none of them life-altering. it is the way they are strung together that allows these series of small, human moments to string together to create a very big love story. This just felt real. It felt like the life lived by people I know.

This is a re-read...for the story and the emotion. In fact, I have already re-read it.






Buy This Book!

September 10, 2017

THE FINAL SCORE BY JACI BURTON-ARC REVIEW

In the new Play-by-Play novel by the New York Times bestselling author of Rules of Contact, a star quarterback is torn between his love of the game—and the woman who may be the love of his life.

Nathan Riley is ready to follow in the footsteps of his famous football player father. He’s been drafted as quarterback for his dad’s former team, and his sports future is bright. When his friend Mia Cassidy moves to the same city, their years-long friendship suddenly sparks hot, reminding him of the one night they had together in college that he can never forget.

Like Nathan, Mia is from a sports dynasty family and embarking on an incredible new career—as founder of her own sports management company. Her friendship with Nathan means everything to her, and tossing sex into the mix again could jeopardize it all. But the chemistry between them has always sizzled, and it isn’t long before Mia realizes she wants more with Nathan than just late-night talks and pizza.

Passion has a funny way of changing the rules, and soon Nathan and Mia realize that to win it all, they’ll have to make an unexpected play for love.



The Play by Play series are some of my favorite books. Sports romance is fun, and Jaci Burton writes them so well.

Nathan and Mia felt a little different to me than other stores in the series, and I think it was the idea that time had passed, that a character from one of the earlier books was the father of the hero in this. It was a risk for the author, as aging a character that readers enjoy is definitely going to get strong reactions. But, I liked it. And it worked well.

The sex was hot, the friends to lovers idea was so much fun as you really do believe that they like one another, that they are friends, and that they care about one another.

The book is well written and well paced, with characters you like and some fun recurring characters from earlier in the season. If you haven't read all of the books, it is ok and you will not lose the point of the story, but they were fun additions to the story for those who have read the others.

I enjoyed this title and I recommend it.




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September 9, 2017

CONTRACTED DEFENSE BY PIPER J. DRAKE-ARC REVIEW

Time is running out and the enemy is at the gate.

Adam Hicks may be the rookie at Safeguard, but he’s no novice in the field. Retired from active duty after multiple tours and back fresh from a brief rest in New Zealand, he’s itching to return to action. But the challenge he hoped for arrives in an unexpected form: his sexy yet stern new partner.

The last thing Victoria Ash wants is to work with the new guy—especially one as gorgeous as Adam. His relaxed attitude about their first “easy” assignment together—setting up a private home defense network for a reclusive client—doesn’t impress her. Easy usually means trouble. She’s proved right when Adam discovers that the multiple incursions on the physical and cyber security systems aren’t just glitches. They’re under attack…and there’s a traitor in their midst.

As tension mounts, so does the attraction between Victoria and Adam. They must protect their client and the research he’s desperately trying to keep secret. Working together, they have to find the mole before their defense measures, in the fortress and online, are compromised and the deadly secrets they’ve sworn to protect are revealed.


Romantic suspense is a difficult trope.  There needs to be a balance with the romance, keeping the connection between the hero and the heroine and there needs to be the suspense, the action.  if there is too much action, you lose the romance.  If there is too much romance, the suspense and action starts to seem out of place.

Adam and Victoria have the connection, the romance, and the passion.  They meet initially and have a one night stand, not knowing who the other is...and, then they get a surprise when they meet their new partner at Safeguard.

The story had a lot of potential, and I liked the connection between Adam and Victoria.  But, I thought the connection was overshadowed by the action element.  It was interesting, and the storyline was compelling...but the connection seemed less important than the suspense story.

I did like this overall, but I wanted more connection and more time spent with the connection between Adam and Victoria.  It wasn't a bad story, but there was something lacking for me at the end.

I do recommend this title as I enjoyed it overall.



September 8, 2017

MOVE THE STARS BY JESSICA HAWKINS-COVER REVEAL


Coming Monday, October 23rd: Move the Stars, book 3 in the Something in the Way Series...

Lake
It was a hot summer day when I met him on the construction site next to my parents' house. If I’d known then what I do now, would I have kept on walking? Manning was older, darker, experienced—and I’d trusted him when he said the story would only ever be about us. I’d held those words close and challenged fate, but I had lost.

A part of me is still that sixteen-year-old girl squinting up at Manning, but no matter how far I fall or high I soar, I’ll always be a bird without her bear and nothing without him.

Manning
When I close my eyes, I can no longer see her. The decisions I made were to push Lake in the right direction—away from me. But now that she’s gone, would I have made those same choices?

I’d walked away like I was supposed to. I’d kept my distance. I’d bent over backward to keep Lake pure, but she’s no longer that girl, and I don’t know if I can stay away anymore. I only know I don’t want to. She’s still everything I want and nothing I should ever have, but if anyone can move the stars, it’s her great bear in the sky.

PREORDER LINKS

Google Play ➜ http://bit.ly/mtsplay
Goodreads ➜ http://bit.ly/movetsgr
Paperback ➜ http://amzn.to/2xeA7FQ
Audiobook (coming 2017) ➜ http://bit.ly/audionewrelease


LUCKY NUMBER ELEVEN BY ADRIANA LOCKE-RELEASE BLITZ




Title: Lucky Number Eleven
Author: Adriana Locke
Genre: Romantic Comedy/Sports Romance
Release Date: September 7, 2017

Blurb

People say not to believe the things you read in magazines, but you know what? Most things you’ve heard about me are probably true.

I totally banged the reporter in the locker room after the championship game last year.

Those pictures in Expose from last summer? Those were not modified.

I’m also not really six-foot tall. (But let’s keep that between us.)

Now, I know you’re wondering about that last Expose headline—the one about me and my teammate (and ex-best friend) Finn Miller’s sister, Layla James. That one is a little more complicated.

Here’s the thing: I’ve played football my whole life. If there’s one thing I know, it’s how to adjust when the game changes. And if there’s one thing I always do, it’s find a way to win.

Granted, the stakes are higher. The playbook has changed. There’s more on the line than (another) MVP title. But guess what hasn’t changed? Me. I’m still Branch “Lucky” Best and I’m not about to fumble this one.

Grab a seat and a subscription to Expose. I’m about to make some headlines. (Again.)

A sexy, swoon-filled standalone novel.



Adriana Locke is quickly becoming a one click author for me. I love, love, love football romances (when done right) and I have a weakness for the best friend's little sister trope. Lucky Number Eleven is a fantastic blend of both. This story was a quick read for me, full of heart and heat.

I loved Branch-and I mean loved him. He was sexy, smart, sweet and swoonworthy. He knows who he is and what he wants-and when what he wants changes, he doesn't shy away from it. He was much more grounded than I anticipated him being and I really appreciated that.

I liked Layla. She's a woman who is strong and smart, who works for what she wants. She's successful in life because she's made herself that way. I liked her drive and passion. She had some insecurities that I wish she had dealt with a little quicker, but I can't really fault her for her feelings either.

These two have instant chemistry and it works. Ms. Locke has a way of writing where that instant chemistry feels believable, not forced in any way. There is more to these characters than their sexy times (though those are hot) and I appreciated seeing them grow and work through the issues in their relationship.

I loved the secondary characters in this story. I loved the group of friends for these characters that we got to meet-and who I wouldn't mind seeing more of in a future book. They helped move the story along in a way that made sense without taking away from Branch and Layla.

This story had a turn I didn't see coming but I absolutely loved it. I won't get into it because it's a spoiler but one you learn of fairly early. I enjoyed the way this story played out. I thought it was a fun read, and one I got through quickly. This is a great romance to read as football season starts because you can bet I'll be imagining Branch as one of the players I see on my TV on Sundays. I recommend this book.




Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited




Playlist


 

“One question,” Poppy interjects, looking at Branch. “What position are you?”

“I typically like the bottom so I can watch—oomph,” he says, getting another elbow from Finn. “Wide receiver. Why?”

Looking at Poppy, I can’t help but laugh as her eyes light up.

“You got a problem with wide receivers?” Branch asks.

“You do,” Finn interjects, giving me a narrowed glare. “They aren’t any better than quarterbacks.”

Branch looks from me, to Finn, and back to me. “Why do we not like quarterbacks?”

“My sister was dating Callum Worthington.”

“No shit?” His face puckers like he just bit into a lemon. “How in the hell did that cocksucker end up with you?”

“He didn’t. We’re not together anymore.”

Branch’s eyes heat, the look causing my pulse to quicken. “I’m not a bit sorry to hear that.”

“You better forget you heard any of that,” Finn warns. “This is my sister, Branch. Not a cheerleader or reporter or some chick from a dating app. Got it?”

“Finn, relax,” I say, shoving a swallow past the lump in my throat. “I appreciate the big brother spiel, but I can handle myself.”

“I know you can,” he says, pulling his gaze away from Branch. “But you can’t handle him.”


Author Bio

USA Today and Amazon Top 10 Bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys created by other authors, Adriana has created her own.

She resides in the Midwest with her husband, sons, and two dogs. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather's nice and there's always a piece of candy in her pocket.

Please contact Adriana at www.adrianalocke.com. She loves to hear from readers.

Author Links