ONE PERFECT KISS BY JACI BURTON - ARC REVIEW

The New York Times bestselling author of Love Me Again returns to the town of Hope, Oklahoma where school is in session and love rules the playbook.

Josie Barnes has always craved a sense of home. She's found that in Hope, Oklahoma--she bought a house, has a new job as an English teacher at Hope High, she's made wonderful friends, and she's taking in stray animals that no one else wants. Now she's flirting with fellow teacher and hot high school football coach Zach Powers. But he's almost too good to be true, and Josie learned long ago not to trust in the too-good-to-be-true, because it has always let her down.

A former pro football player, Zach had to pull back when a career-ending knee injury forced him to rethink his future. Now he's happy calling plays as Coach. If he could just get Josie Barnes to stop benching his players for their poor grades, life would be perfect. Instead, she drives him crazy as the stern teacher at school and the sexy woman of his dreams outside of the classroom. He knows she's been hurt in the past, but he wants to be that guy she can trust.

The one thing Josie has never been able to count on is the people closest to her. But Zach intends to show her that what they have between them is a textbook case of love.

I think I am attracted to small town romance as it is such a different life than the one I live, and in some ways, it feels like a simpler life.

Zach is a high school teacher and the town football coach.  Football matters in the small Oklahoma town of Hope, so when Josie turns in a progress report for a couple of his students that show they are failing her English class, the first time you see them together is when he shows up in her classroom to tell her she is messing with the success of the town's football team.  There are some minor other issues in the town, but, really, it's all about the football.

I had a few moments where Josie irritated me a little, I can't lie.  I understand being a little disillusioned by love with her past, but she was a little annoying in her treatment of her feelings as she shared them to others...however, her friends seemed to take this in stride, and really, a character who has a couple of annoying traits tends to feel more like a real person.

Their romance starts as an attraction that exists before the book begins, but nothing has happened between them.  There is the minor issue that they are both teachers at the same school, but this doesn't seem to cause much issue, it just is mentioned a couple of times, and I was glad of that.

I enjoyed them together, I enjoyed the build up of their relationship. I also liked that Josie was the one with the hesitation, and that Zach was all in for their relationship...from the beginning. That made her hesitance something that it was believable that she would work through, as you know he isn't going to leave.

And, the cat.  I adored the cat...and, so does Zach, although it's clear he is never going to admit it.

I enjoyed and recommend this title.

PRE-ORDER THIS BOOK!

AMAZON 

BARNES & NOBLE 

Google Play

VISIT JACI BURTON'S WEBSITE

JOSH AND HAZEL'S GUIDE TO NOT DATING BY CHRISTINA LAUREN - ARC REVIEWS

Hazel Camille Bradford knows she’s a lot to take—and frankly, most men aren’t up to the challenge. If her army of pets and thrill for the absurd don’t send them running, her lack of filter means she’ll say exactly the wrong thing in a delicate moment. Their loss. She’s a good soul in search of honest fun.

Josh Im has known Hazel since college, where her zany playfulness proved completely incompatible with his mellow restraint. From the first night they met—when she gracelessly threw up on his shoes—to when she sent him an unintelligible email while in a post-surgical haze, Josh has always thought of Hazel more as a spectacle than a peer. But now, ten years later, after a cheating girlfriend has turned his life upside down, going out with Hazel is a breath of fresh air.

Not that Josh and Hazel date. At least, not each other. Because setting each other up on progressively terrible double blind dates means there’s nothing between them...right?

I stumbled upon Christina Lauren's work last year when another author mentioned them. In that year, I've devoured their work, both in ebook and audio form, and just adore their writing style. When I saw the blurb for this book I couldn't WAIT to get my hands on it. This book had me laughing out loud, sighing, swooning and smiling so hard. Once I started reading I couldn't stop, and I've already re-read it. This is absolutely one of my favorite reads of 2018.

From the moment I met Hazel in this book I had instant fondness for her. She made me smile. This is the type of woman everyone NEEDS to have in their life. She's a constant source of support and brings a healthy dose of FUN to everything she does. She's confident in who she is-a trait that I so admire-but she also guards herself a bit. I loved getting to peek inside her head.

Josh Im. How can I describe how much I love him? Can I marry a book boyfriend?? If I could I'd marry this man in a heartbeat. He's sexy, sweet, kind and funny. He GETS Hazel. He just gets her. He isn't looking to change her or mold her into anything but who she is and that's just beautiful. 

These two definitely have sparks flying between them, even though they firmly insist they're just friends. These two, even when on hilariously fun double blind dates have this tether that exists between them. Watching them figure things out was so immensely gratifying.

I love the supporting characters in this story-from Hazel's mom, to Josh's family and friends, I just enjoyed meeting them. In fact, I wouldn't mind a story about Josh's sister...just saying. But these characters really just enhanced Hazel and Josh.

The writing here is superb as always. I was engaged the moment the book began and I didn't want it to end. I thought the pacing was perfect; there was no drag in the story at all. The premise of this book was unique and fresh and I loved the spin Christina Lauren put on it. This book was fun and sweet and made me grin. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it.

Josh and Hazel were charming, fun, and I enjoyed their story.  This title has a lightness to it, even in the more serious times, that really feel like you are swimming in a bit of champagne as you are reading, bounced around on the bubbles.  

I enjoyed this aspect of it.  Hazel's flightiness, and her willingness to say just about anything, and do just about anything, that ended up making her the life of the party, but also, at least in her mind, un-dateable for Josh.

Josh, however, has different ideas, and sees her for all of who she is.  And, I think that is the appeal of this title, that she is herself and Josh loves her anyway...maybe even always has.

The writing in this was strong.  It definitely takes a balance and a precise story arc to have a character as off the wall as Hazel remain appealing and not get tiring.  But, that was, I think, part of the charm of the book.  You realize that Josh absolutely can love Hazel for who she is, because you do as a reader.

I enjoyed and recommend this title.

PRE-ORDER THIS BOOK!

AUTHOR'S WEBSITE

BARNES & NOBLE

BIG TALKING MAN BY MARQUITA VALENTINE - ARC REVIEW AND BLOG TOUR

Growing up, Tate Prescott was just my older brother’s best friend, but over the years he became my first love… and my biggest secret.

Yes, you read that right...Tate Prescott, The Tate Prescott, Hollywood Superstar and now the most sought after movie director in the industry is mine. We’ve hidden our relationship from the world for so long that it’s become second nature. The last thing we wanted was a media frenzy to rain down on us.

But after my little brother drowned at sea and I became wrapped up in the guilt of knowing that his death was my fault, I shut down… and Tate left when I needed him the most.

Four months have passed since then, and now Tate’s back in town, demanding that I give him thirty days to make our relationship work.

All I want is to forget about the mistake we made the weekend my brother died.

Only Tate’s not so easily deterred and he’s not just some big talking man from Hollywood—he’s my husband, and he wants a second chance to prove to me that he can win back my heart.

I still want him. I still love him. But can I forgive him for abandoning me?

Quinn and Tate are married, although no one seems to know this as they didn't tell anyone and life happens, blocking them from making an announcement and telling their families. It's one of those events that change a person, the dynamic of a family, and a relationship and it's hard to come back from that when most of your previous relationship has been in secret and no one even knew you were dating.

So, this is a second chance romance, but it is with a man who made a mistake, and took some bad advice, and a woman who needs to forgive him for leaving. It;s with people who not only need to find their way back to one another, but figure out a way to build a connection when they are just starting out on the public part of their relationship.

The connection is strong. The attraction is strong. And, watching them work it out, and figure out how to stay together, is compelling and enjoyable. I liked them a lot, and I liked them both as people and as a couple.

And, I can't lie...I really keep hoping the brother, Laird, is alive. I don't think he is, but, darn it, this is a romance and I want him to be alive.

I recommend this title and I am looking forward to the next in the series.

Download Big Talking Man Today!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2o90x54 

 Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2wsAAEA

Excerpt:

“I’d rather you drop off the face of the earth. Oh wait, you already did that… At least we can agree you are a fool.”

Guilt surges, hitting me square in the chest. “I’m guilty, but I’d like the chance to tell you my side of the story.”

Those silver orbs of hers shift away, as if the memory of what I’d done hurts too much. “I don’t see why you can’t share on the way to town instead of at dinner tomorrow.”

“Because it’s going to take a hell of a lot longer than twenty minutes, Quinn, and you already agreed. Don’t go back on your word.”

“I’m a King. We don’t play those kind of bullshit games with people.”

I stride to my car, opening the passenger side door. “Grab your keys and whatever else, and get in.”

She stands there for a moment, a proud, gorgeous vision of a woman. My mouth goes dry. She radiates power and vulnerability, a true juxtaposition.

But that’s Quinn.

That’s one of the reasons I fell in love with her. It’s also why I can’t let her have the upper hand in this. “I want to renegotiate.”

“What?” she says, clearly annoyed. “You don’t want to have dinner with me?”

“Oh, I do, but I want it to be the first date of many for the next month.”

“The next month?”

My grip tightens on the steering wheel, and I force myself to loosen it. “I want your word now, Quinn. I want you to agree to give our marriage a shot over the next thirty days. I’m all in. I want you to be, too.”

“Just like that.” She snaps her fingers.

“Absolutely.” I sneak a glance at her. She’s regarding me with anger, confusion, and another emotion that I’m certain is hope contorting her face. “I dare you to take me on.”

Her lips purse, brows rising. “I dare you to win me back. If you don’t, you’ll sign the divorce papers.”

“Challenge accepted. “At the next light, we shake hands.

About the Author:

Marquita Valentine is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Holland Springs and Boys of the South series.

Since first taking the plunge in July of 2012 to self publish, Marquita Valentine has appeared on the Top 100 Bestselling Ebooks Lists on iBooks, Amazon Kindle, and Barnes&Noble. She's been called "one of the best new voices in romance" (Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews) and her books have been accused of being "a sexy, fun, and slightly addicting contemporary read" (The Book Queen).

When she's not writing sexy heroes who adore their sassy heroines, she enjoys shopping, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. Married to her high school sweetheart, Marquita lives in a seriously small town in the south with her husband, two kids, and a dog.

Connect with Marquita:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMarquitaValentine/ 

GoodReads: https://goo.gl/n84vKD 

PLEASE ME BY J. KENNER-REVIEW AND EXCERPT TOUR

 

 

From New York Times Bestselling author J. Kenner comes PLEASE ME, a new novella in her Stark Ever After Series, brought to you by 1,001 Dark Nights! Be sure to grab your copy today!

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J. Kenner comes a new story in her Stark Ever After series…

Each day with Damien is a miracle, each moment with our children a gift. And yet I cannot escape the growing sense that a storm is gathering, threatening to pull me away, to rip us apart. To drag me down, once again, into a darkness to which I swore never to return.
I have to fight it—I know that. And I am waging the battle with of all my heart. But it is Damien who is my strength, and we both know that the only way to push away the darkness is for him to fold me in his arms and claim me completely. And for me to surrender myself, once again, to the fire that burns between us.

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon Canada

Download the Free Kindle App

I always enjoy sneak peeks into the lives of Damien and Nikki Stark. If you haven't read any of the Stark books, I wouldn't recommend just jumping in with this book. I enjoyed this short glimpse into their lives.

I like Nikki and Damien; I always have. I like their journey and how they've gotten to where they are. I love their chemistry and connection. It's unbreakable. Does it get tested? Absolutely. But they fight for each other in ways that only they can.

This was a steamy little novella in spots, which with these characters and this author I've come to expect. I fanned myself more than once for sure!

I thought this plot moved well, even if I did think it was a little predictable in spots. The writing was tight and the characters, and their reactions/actions, were believable. I did truly enjoy getting a glimpse back into Nikki and Damien's lives. I would recommend this book.

Julie Kenner (aka J. Kenner and J.K. Beck) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over forty novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres. Praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations,” J.K. writes a range of stories including super sexy romances, paranormal romance, chick lit suspense and paranormal mommy lit. Her foray into the latter, Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner, is in development as a feature film with 1492 Pictures. Her most recent trilogy of erotic romances, The Stark Trilogy (as J. Kenner), reached as high as #2 on the New York Times list and is published in over twenty countries. J.K. lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and several cats. 

Website | Facebook | Twitter

YOU PROMISED ME FOREVER BY MONICA MURPHY - ARC REVIEW & BLOG TOUR

I’ve got it all, they say. I’m the starting quarterback for the best NFL team in the league. I’m rich. I’m famous. I can have any woman I want, any time I want.

Yeah, I’ve got everything—except for the one who got away. How do you move on from loving the same girl since you were in the seventh grade? She promised me forever until forever got too hard and at nineteen, she dumped me.

By text message.

Now she’s walked back into my life. Just as beautiful. Just as sweet. Just as smart. More grown up and incredibly sexy…

We’re older now. Supposedly wiser. This time, I’m going to fight for what I want, no matter how hard it gets.

This time, I’m going to make her mine.

Forever.

Jordan and Amanda have a past, a history, that neither has really forgotten about. They have moved on, mostly, but both still linger a bit in the past and on the hurt from the past.

So, a virtual conversation, a meet up at one of his games, and an attraction that hasn't dimmed is what they are left dealing with.

I enjoyed this title, but I think I wanted more. There was a lot of hurt in the past, but they seemed to move right past it. There's a scene where he tells her how he intended to react when he saw her for yje first time in a while, but he doesn't react that way...and I think this is how I felt about this book. It was a series of scenes that could have been really intense, that could have drawn me in, but actually left me feeling like the characters took the easy path.

I did still enjoy this title, and I do recommend it overall... ...but it left me wanting more.

Download You Promised Me Forever Today!

AMAZON: https://amzn.to/2vIZhKg 

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2tPJpDZ

Excerpt:

Jordan

Of course, I’m not going to shake Amanda’s hand.

Instead I grab hold of it, that unmistakable jolt of electricity sparking when our skin connects, just like every other time we’ve touched. I pull her to me and wrap her up in my arms because I can. I’m the one who offered up the tickets so I could…what? Show off? Let her know exactly how great my life is?

I can’t lie. My life is pretty damn great. I have everything I could ever want—except for one thing.

“Hi Jordan,” she breathes against my neck, and I swear she melts into me a little. Like she can’t help herself. Like we somehow still fit together even after all these years.

Either she got smaller or I grew bigger since the last time I touched her, and I’m guessing it’s the latter. She smells familiar, yet different. Better. I recognize the scent of her shampoo, but nothing else. Her hair is longer. Thick. Dark and wavy, up in a ponytail and a little disheveled, like she’s had a long day. Her body is curvier, something teenaged Amanda would’ve never believed could happen. She still has those sexy long legs, though.

Finally, she pulls away from me, her lips curled, her eyes sparkling, nervousness written all over her face, and I watch her carefully in return, my expression as neutral as I can make it. Honestly, I’m still a little pissed over that garbage game we just played, and I’m tense like I usually am after. Her understanding gaze meets mine and I know she knows what I’m feeling. We’ve always been in tune with each other…

She’s my Mandy, all grown up. But not my Mandy anymore.

Meet Monica:

Monica Murphy is the New York Times, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of the One Week Girlfriend series, the Billionaire Bachelors and The Rules series. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and has sold over one million copies worldwide. She is both self-published and published by Random House/Bantam and Harper Collins/Avon. She writes new adult, young adult and contemporary romance.

She is a wife and a mother of three who lives in central California on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere along with their one dog and too many cats. A self-confessed workaholic, when she's not writing, she's reading or hanging out with her husband and kids. She's a firm believer in happy endings, though she will admit to putting her characters through angst-filled moments before they finally get that hard won HEA.

Connect with Monica:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MonicaMurphyauthor/ 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5934418.Monica_Murphy