Wendy's Review of The Real Deal by Lauren Blakely ~ RELEASE DAY LAUNCH ~ GIVEAWAY ~

   

Sometimes you need to find a boyfriend-for-hire in the most unusual of places...

What do you get when you mix a bad boy with a heart of gold and a smart & sassy heroine with a desperate need for a fake relationship? THE REAL DEAL, a brand new, standalone romantic comedy from #1 New York Times bestseller Lauren Blakely! Get a copy of your next favorite feel good rom-com now!

   

✮✮✮THE REAL DEAL is here! Grab your copy today! ✮✮✮

April Hamilton wants you to know she hasn’t been on GigsForHire since that time she sold her futon after college. She doesn’t even spend that much time online. And even if she did, she would not be looking up personal ads. But going home alone for her family's summer reunion is an invitation for every single relative to butt into her personal life. She simply can’t handle another blind date with the butcher, the baker or the candlestick maker from her hometown. So when she finds the GigsforHire ad for a boyfriend-for-hire, she’s ready to pay to play.

Heading Home and Need a Buffer? I’m the REAL DEAL. Theo Banks has been running from the past for years. He’s this close to finally settling all his debts, and one more job as a boyfriend-for-hire will do the trick. He’s no gigolo. Please. He’s something of an actor, and he knows how to slip into any role, including pretending to be April’s new beau -- the bad boy with the heart of gold.

Even if it means sleeping in close quarters in that tiny little bed in her parents’ inn. Even if it means spinning tales of a romance that starts to feel all too true. What neither one of them counts on is that amid the egg toss, the arm wrestling, and a fierce game of Lawn Twister that has them tangled up together, they might be feeling the real deal.

She only wanted to show her family once and for all that she had no need to settle down.

He didn’t expect to have the time of his life at her parent’s home.

They didn’t plan on loving every single second of the game.

But can a masterful game of pretend result in true love?

 

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✦The audiobook is narrated by Zachary Webber and Erin Mallon! ✦ ✦ Audio ➜ http://blkly.pub/RealDeal-Aud

       

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Reviewed by Wendy

4 stars 

After reading the blurb for this book, I couldn’t wait to start this. The Real Deal has the perfect combination of laughter, some angst, romance, and fun. I enjoyed every moment of this story. The characters and the storyline were fantastic. Theo and April were great characters. I liked seeing how they grew as the story progressed-individually and together. Whenever they were together, it was always wonderful-they made sense as a couple and brought out the best in each other. What started out as just a boyfriend-for-hire gig turned into so much more. The chemistry between Theo and April was intense and seeing how they would navigate this and the onset of feelings was intriguing. I was excited to see how it would all play out. I also loved April’s family. They brought the entertainment for sure. It was the right amount of amusement to counteract the romance. Lauren always gives the best woo. The Real Deal is an awesome, swoony, and joyful read that will make you feel happy at the end.

---

     

ADD IT TO YOUR GOODREADS TODAY!

 

EXCERPT:

~THEO~

When I clock out and head for the park, anticipation runs through my veins like a good buzz on a night out. A reunion booking could be my way out of trouble. A five-day gig might bring me very close to the finish line.

Along the way, I stop in front of a dry cleaner, check my reflection in the plate-glass shop window, and reckon that I look the part April wants: dark jeans, motorcycle boots, and well-worn T-shirt that shows off the ink on my arms. Tribal bands, a sunburst, and a compass. I haven’t shaved in two days, and my stubble is rough. If she wanted clean-cut and business attire, I’d have covered up the tats with a crisp white shirt and a fine silk tie, then slid a blade across my jaw in the a.m. If she wanted sophisticated, I’d have given her the smooth, James Bond voice to boot. She could have me as a country boy, even, in a pair of steel-toed cowboy boots and with the drawl to match.

But April wants the guy who might have screwed her in the restroom of a bar.

She wants gravel and sandpaper, ink and danger, shades and leather.

The more you give someone what they want, the more you get in return.

When I reach the park, I head to the Terrace Bridge. She’s not here, but I’m early, since I like to get a read on any and every situation. I scan the surrounding area, noting the benches, the nearby tables, the cool placid water gurgling under the bridge. June in New York City can seduce you or it can trick you.

What it has in store today is anyone’s guess. I lean my hip against the stone railing, and I wait. Two minutes later, I spot a threesome walking in my direction. My heart thumps, and I groan quietly.

Why does the universe do this to me?

Blond curls, lips like a bow, a tight trim waist. Even from several yards away, I can tell she wears little makeup—she has that fresh-faced, rosy glow about her, and something innocent yet knowing in her expression. Like Lily James, whom I developed a wicked crush on when I watched her in her latest movie.

April’s not tiny, but she’s not towering either. Maybe five-three, five-four. A delicious dream. Which translates roughly to “just my type.” She wears tight jeans, a long black shirt that clings to her figure, and a huge silver necklace with a heart charm that dangles between her breasts.

As if I wouldn’t already be checking them out without the pendant between them.

I’ve had many clients. Keeping it platonic has never been an issue since I’ve never been attracted to a customer.

Until now.

Looks like I’ll be getting familiar with how to resist temptation.

       

“I loved every word on every page of this story. I can't stop thinking about it and smiling like a dork. If you were to say #JustBecause or #DoYouRemember? I might just melt into a puddle on the floor, because I do remember...sigh. I want more Lauren Blakely, I'm addicted. The line forms here…”

~Rosa Sharon, iScream Books Blog~

 

“The Real Deal was a sweet, sexy, hilarious, and entertaining standalone romantic comedy, and I absolutely loved it!”

~Julia, The Romance Bibliophile~

“This book was yet another true LB masterpiece, romcom meet fake relationship meet romantic af = perfection!”

~Elsa Gomes, Bookish Aurora~

     

✮✮✮Reader's Choice Giveaway!✮✮✮

Everything you need for Date Night except the date:).  Find the perfect date in the Real Deal!  $100 gift card to the restaurant of your choice, $50 gift card to the movie theater of your choice, and $50 gift card to the retailer of your choice.  ($200 value)

https://laurenblakely.com/readers-choice-giveaway/

   

About Lauren Blakely: 

 A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, and #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that's hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than 100 times, and she's sold more than 2.5 million books. In August she'll release UNBREAK MY HEART, an emotional second chance romance. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

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The Bed Mate by Kendall Ryan ~ RELEASE BLITZ ~

 

     

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kendall Ryan comes a new story in her Room Mate series… I might be a typical guy, but these last few years, my love life’s been anything but. From crazy ex-girlfriends to one night stands who are stage-five clingers, my relationships go bad faster than the milk in your fridge. The only constant has been my best friend Maggie. Fresh off a bad breakup of her own, I invite Maggie to my guy’s skiing weekend knowing she needs an escape from reality. But then something funny starts to happen. I start noticing things about her that I never noticed before. She’s beautiful and doesn’t know it, she’s funny without even trying, and now she’s suddenly single for the first time in forever. Sharing a hotel room with her proves to be the tipping point in our very platonic friendship. Suddenly I want to put my hands, my mouth, and my ... other parts ... all over her gorgeous body. I want to claim her, make sure no man touches her ever again. But then her groveling ex shows up, and Maggie’s torn. Am I ready to screw up the best relationship I’ve ever had for a shot at something more?

 **Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

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 I said a silent prayer of thanks to Ben, Jerry, and Jose Cuervo as I blearily made my way to Sam’s bedroom. He hadn’t bothered to make his bed before he left this morning, but I didn’t mind. Instead, I snuggled into the space where I knew he slept, breathing in deep so I could smell his shampoo on the pillow, and closed my eyes. Sam would never do what Trevor had done to me. Never. I drifted off to sleep for what felt like roughly three seconds before I woke up to find my thigh vibrating and the late morning sun streaming through the window. “What the...” I sat up, rubbing my eye with one hand as I grappled down into the sheets where my cell phone rested. I found ten missed calls—seven from Trevor, three from Sam. Sliding my thumb over Sam’s name, I called him back and pressed the phone to my ear. “Hello?” I asked, my voice cracked and groggy. “It’s eleven there,” he said. “Yeah, yep. I knew that,” I said, trying to make my voice sound less like it had just gone through a wood chipper. “So why are you still asleep?” he asked. “I’m not allowed to sleep in?” I asked lightly, the pounding in my head making me a little nauseous with its intensity. “No. You never do. What’s going on?” He sounded suspicious and for a moment I fought with myself over whether to tell him the truth. One way or another, he was going to get it out of me; he knew me too well for me to lie to him for long. “Look, could I stay at your place while you’re away?” I asked. “What? Why? Did something happen to your apartment?” he demanded, the worry clear in his voice. “No, nothing like that. I just... I need a break for a couple of days.” “That’s not cryptic or anything,” Sam scoffed. I sucked in my cheeks. Okay, here we go. Like a Band-Aid. “I need to be someplace where Trevor can’t find me.”

       

 

A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 1.5 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. She's a traditionally published author with Simon & Schuster and Harper Collins UK, as well as an independently published author. Since she first began self-publishing in 2012, she's appeared at #1 on Barnes & Noble and iBooks charts around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.

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Ride Wild by Laura Kaye ~ RELEASE DAY LAUNCH ~ GIVEAWAY ~

   

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Laura Kaye brings you the third novel in her Raven Riders Series, RIDE WILD. A sexy contemporary romance series, and a spin-off from Laura’s Hard Ink world, about a different kind of motorcycle club with a protective mission. The Raven Riders Series takes you on an adventure and kicks it into overdrive! RIDE WILD is the hot and emotional story of a sexy single father wild with grief over the death of his wife several years before and the strong survivor he hires to be his nanny. Order your copy of RIDE WILD today!

   

About Ride Wild (Raven Riders #3)

Brotherhood. Club. Family. They live and ride by their own rules. These are the Raven Riders…

Wild with grief over the death of his wife, Sam “Slider” Evans merely lives for his two sons. Nothing holds his interest anymore—not even riding his bike or his membership in the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club. But that all changes when he hires a new babysitter.

Recently freed from a bad situation by the Ravens, Cora Campbell is determined to bury the past. When Slider offers her a nanny position, she accepts, needing the security and time to figure out what she wants from life. Cora adores his sweet boys, but never expected the red-hot attraction to their brooding, sexy father. If only he would notice her…

Slider does see the beautiful, fun-loving woman he invited into his home. She makes him feel too much, and he both hates it and yearns for it. But when Cora witnesses something she shouldn’t have, the new lives they’ve only just discovered are threatened. Now Slider must claim—and protect—what’s his before it’s too late.

Order on Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo | Google

Add to your Goodreads

   

And don’t miss all the books in the Raven Riders Series!

HARD AS STEEL now available RIDE HARD now available RIDE ROUGH now available RIDE WILD now available

      

   EXCERPT: 

 “Hey, Cora,” he said, his gravelly morning voice so damn sexy. “Hey,” she said, tilting her head back to look him in the eye. She wondered if she should get off him, but didn’t really want to. Not making any move to get up, Slider just looked down at her. “How you feeling?” “A lot better,” she said, hyperaware that her hand was lying on his chest. His heartbeat faintly registered against her palm. “Still achy and a little off, but better.” “Good. You should probably take it easy today, though. Whatever that was isn’t likely out of your system yet.” She nodded. “I will.” Talking like this, their faces so close, felt so damn intimate that Cora could almost imagine that nothing existed outside of Slider’s bed. She almost didn’t want it to. Especially when his arm squeezed a little tighter around her shoulders and brought them just a little closer. Cora shifted into his embrace, pressing her chest totally flush against his die, and sliding her thigh up until— Oh, hell. Until she felt the part of him she’d accidentally seen. And it was hard. He sucked in a breath, and his hand clamped around his thigh. “Shit, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—” She placed her fingers loosely over his mouth. She didn’t want him to apologize. Or explain it away. Or push her away. Cora knew she shouldn’t wan the things she did, but that didn’t make her desires go away. It felt good to want Slider, it made her feel normal, even if she was a little nervous. After what her father had done, that seemed like a victory she didn’t want to relinquish. And, oh, now that she was touching his face, she really didn’t want to stop. His lips were full and soft under her fingers, his stubble was more ticklish than prickly, and his cheekbone was prominent under his skin. He licked his lips, and her gaze latched on to the movement. “Cora,” he rasped, his cock getting even harder against her thigh. His arousal fueled her own, her hips tilting with the need for friction. The movement had her grinding herself against the firm muscle of his thigh and made both of them suck in a breath. His grip tightened on her everywhere. His arm holding her tighter yet to him, his hand pulling her thigh wider across him. Her fingers returned to his mouth again, and traced across his lower lip. His tongue flicked out and swiped at her pointer finger, and Cora was instantly wet. Trembling with need and adrenaline and the fear that at any second, he would cut this off, Cora shifted ever so slowly, ever so slightly, bringing her face closer to his. He watched her like she was a tigress about to strike, but just as her mouth almost reached his, he flipped them and pinned her to the bed. And Cora realized she had it all wrong. He’d been the feral animal about to attack all along.    

       

     

ORDER RIDE WILD & HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Animal rescue is a big part of the storyline of Ride Wild, and that’s something that’s close to Laura’s heart, so Laura’s giving to the cause by donating a portion of all preorders and sales through 11/5 to Noah’s Arks Rescue, a fantastic organization that serves as a source of inspiration for the book. When you grab your copy of RIDE WILD, you’re helping a great cause AND you’ll get a bonus story when you submit your order info, too!

Submit Your Order Info to Get A Bonus Story: https://a.pgtb.me/HRn7Bc

Learn More about Noah’s Arks: http://www.noahs-arks.net/

   

 

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About Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty books in contemporary and erotic romance and romantic suspense, including the Blasphemy, Hard Ink, and Raven Riders series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. Laura also writes historical fiction as the NYT bestselling author, Laura Kamoie. She lives in Maryland with her husband and two daughters, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.   

         

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Stud Finder by Lauren Blakely ~ RELEASE LAUNCH ~

   

From #1 NYT Bestselling author Lauren Blakely, comes the sexy and hilarious title…STUD FINDER, a new novella brought to you by 1001 Dark Nights!

As a broker of happily ever afters, Evie Milligan’s job is to serve as a “stud finder,” pairing wildly successful women with men who won’t fleece them and will adore them. Her next assignment ought to be an easy one -- the man she’s seeking a match for is fun, smart, rich and in demand. The trouble is, Evie is falling hard for her client. What happens when the matchmaker meets her match?

Grab your copy today to find out!

   

✮✮✮ STUD FINDER is here! Grab your copy today! ✮✮✮

Man seeking woman: Hot, rich, smart, witty, self-made multimillionaire Internet genius seeks classy, intelligent, sexy, fun-loving woman who’s interested in settling down and sharing all the good things.

There. Best. Ad. Ever.

I will absolutely find the woman of my dreams, someone who’ll love me for me. Even if my sister thinks I need help dating, I’m confident I can pull this off, courtesy of the great worldwide web.

Let me just hit the upload button right now…

*****

No. Just no. As a woman and a professional matchmaker, I can’t let Dylan Parker run this ad. He’s the catch of all catches. That’s why his sister has asked me to help her ridiculously good-looking, insanely rich, but socially clueless brother find a woman. As a broker of happily ever afters, I’m known as the Stud Finder since I make a great living pairing wildly successful women with men who won’t fleece them but will adore them. After all, what woman in her right mind wouldn’t fall in love with Dylan?

I mean, besides me. It totally won’t be me.

 

Grab your copy of STUD FINDER today!

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“Witty dialogue, fun dates, and a deliciously nerdy hero all match perfectly with a heroine who doesn't really know she needs all that until it's right there in front of her. Lauren Blakely has another winner with this one!” ~Crystal, Bookseller

    Excerpt : 

  What am I doing? Dylan is my client’s brother. Dylan is now my client. I’m not interested in a match for myself. I’m not looking for love. I’m focused on work, and Dylan is my work. The trouble is, my work turns me on more than I expected, and that’s for one elemental reason—I like him. I like him so very much. That’s why I jerk this conversation back to the purpose of these get-togethers—prepping him for his princess charming, whoever she may be. I brush one palm against the other. “The big question is—are you ready for me to set you up on your first date? Or do you think the fall in yoga has set you back?” I wink. “You think falling in yoga means I’m not ready to date?” I laugh. Nervously. “Well, not entirely. But it did remind me what we talked about before we had tea. That we all have a bit of dork in us. So, I didn’t know if you wanted to walk through all the potential topics, moments, pitfalls, and so on.” “Like a pre-date prep? Or maybe even a practice session?” “Sure, we can practice now if you’d like,” I offer. He doesn't answer right away. When he does, he takes his time, like he’s making an offer. “Or maybe we can practice in a true date simulation.” Tingles race over my shoulders. “Like a practice date?” His eyes twinkle like stars. “I need a practice date badly. Can I take you on one? It would be so helpful to review everything. Make sure I’m ready.” When he puts it like that… “Yes, of course.” I want him to put his best foot forward. I didn’t say yes because I want to date him. I wouldn’t do that, even though when he walks away, all I can think is how on earth did I wind up with a pitter-pattering heart for a man I’m handing off to another woman?    

     

“Warning: You will get addicted to the DRUG that is Lauren Blakely's writing!!!” ~Karen, Bookalicious Babes Blog

   

   

About Lauren Blakely:

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that's hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than eighty times, and she's sold more than 2 million books. In October she'll release HARD WOOD, a sexy, standalone romantic comedy.

 To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter    

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The Time In Between by Kristen Ashley ~ RELEASE LAUNCH ~ GIVEAWAY ~

   

"She was the one then and nothing changed in the time in between." 

 

✮✮✮A story of past decisions gone awry, secrets that change directions, and emotional second chances, this gripping love story is what happens when two paths again collide. The final standalone title in New York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley’s Magdalene Series, THE TIME IN BETWEEN is a rich, heartfelt love story available now!✮✮✮

 

Explore THE TIME IN BETWEEN and grab your copy today!

 

 

About THE TIME IN BETWEEN (Magdalene Series #3):

After a painful loss, Cady Moreland is coming to Magdalene to start the next chapter of her life. A chapter that began eighteen years ago but had a heartbreaking ending. The time in between was full of family and friendship, but Cady could never get the man she fell in love with all those years ago out of her heart.

Coert Yeager has learned to live without the girl who entered his life right when she shouldn’t and exited delivering a crippling blow he never would have suspected. The time in between was full of failing to find what he was missing…and life-altering betrayal.

But when that girl shows up in Magdalene and buys the town’s beloved lighthouse, even if Coert wants to avoid her, he can’t. A fire in town sparks a different kind of flame that won’t be ignored.

As Cady and Coert question the actions of the two young adults they once were thrown into earth-shattering circumstances, can they learn from what came in between and find each other again?

 

Grab your copy of THE TIME IN BETWEEN today!

 

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5% of the proceeds from the first week of sales of THE TIME IN BETWEEN release will be given to HALO Animal Rescue in Phoenix, a no-kill shelter. HALO stands for “helping animals live on” and is a shelter started by a mother/daughter team of committed animal advocates who have done a huge duty for animals in this area, and continue to do so with unwavering love, support and energy.For more information on HALO or to donate to the work they do, go to www.halorescue.org.

       

And don’t miss the first titles in the Magdalene Series!

THE WILL SOARING

  EXCERPT: 

Present day…

I took in the mess of the large, circular room we were in and at first saw nothing but the mess—decaying furniture, a soot-covered stone fireplace, a kitchen that might have been put in in the forties but had not only not been touched the last nine years, it perhaps had not been touched the last nineteen (or more). Then I saw more. The extraordinarily carved railing to the sweeping wood staircase that ran the curved side of the house. The red brick walls. The plank wood floors. “Once upon a time, long ago,” the realtor was suddenly talking wistfully, “someone loved this place. Put that love into building it. Put that love into keeping it. Nine years and more when no one really gave a whit, and still you can see it once had a lot of love.” Oh yes. You could see that. “It’s got a basement, more like a big crawl space,” the agent declared, surprising me with his quick change in tone back to businesslike and informative. “The furnace is down there. You can get down there through a door in the floor. The furnace was put in a while back, and full disclosure, though an inspection will catch it, it probably needs to be replaced.” Through his words I stared at the fireplace, which scoured would be magnificent, and I noticed it didn’t have a chimney as such, but the smoke probably went out a vent in the wall. “This floor has a powder room under the stairs,” the realtor kept on. “You can look at it if you want, but if you wanna save yourself that, I’ll just tell you straight, it needs to be gutted.” I decided to take his word for it and told him that. He looked relieved when I did before he stated, “Place has a garage, two car. Not in good condition, but think you saw that. Still, it’s close to the house and there’s a covered walkway to that door over there.” He pointed at a door that was across from the door we’d walked in. “Means you might feel a chill but you won’t get wet, unless it’s raining sideways, which happens.” With a breeze that plastered my jacket to me on a sunny, early spring day, I did not doubt that. “Garage has a loft space above it, which could be renovated as a studio rental if you’ve a mind to do that sort of thing. As for the property itself, it also has a building where the generators are stowed,” the realtor carried on. “Hook up for a washer and dryer and good space in there. Lots of it for storage. Which is good because there’s not a lot of storage in here for tools and Christmas decorations and whatnot.” I glanced around seeing he was right. There wasn’t even enough cabinetry to house the things a decent cook would need in her kitchen. Though there was room for them. In fact, if you fought back the gloom, there was quite a bit of room. “And there’s a place outside, could call it a studio, could call it a mother-in-law house,” he shared. “Whatever, it’s got goodly space, two bedrooms, big kitchen. Could be renovated to be a guest house. Or like I said, a studio if you’re artsy. Or you could rent it out like a B and B. I’ll show you all of that after we have a look at the lighthouse.” “Thanks,” I replied. “Now, since I mentioned full disclosure, you have to know it all,” the realtor continued. Slowly, my eyes went to him. When they did, he launched in. “Like I said, it’s automated. And like I said, you won’t really have to concern yourself with the functionality of that unless the electricity goes out, but then the generators automatically kick in. There are two. But you’ll need to keep fuel on hand to keep them going in case a blackout lasts awhile. And just to say, this is coastal Maine. We get weather. Blackouts can last awhile.” When I nodded to share I took that in, he kept going. “And if you’re, say, away on vacation, you need to make sure someone is playing backup in such a case.” “Okay,” I replied when he stopped talking, thinking this probably wasn’t a good thing since I knew no one in Maine (or not anyone who wanted to know me) and thus couldn’t call on anyone to do something like that. I also didn’t hold high hopes I’d make friends and win people. I hadn’t had a lot of success in that in my life. And last, although Patrick believed it completely, I held no hope that the reason I was out there was going to come to fruition. That being me having a happy ending. That being what Patrick thought would be my happy ending. Which might mean I’d have someone, a certain someone, or actually two (at least), even though I knew I never would.  

       

Direct Link:

https://video214.com/play/MJZhoh1adHTsjuN64Jl3TQ/s/dark

   

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About Kristen Ashley: 

 Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA and nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorize and she hadn't taken her first breath!). Her mother said they took Kristen away, put her Mom back in her room, her mother looked out the window, and Gary was on fire (Dr. King had been assassinated four days before). Kristen's Mom remembered thinking it was the end of the world. Quite the dramatic beginning. Nothing's changed. Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana and has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus, she's blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her family was (is) loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write. They all lived together on a very small farm in a small farm town in the heartland. She grew up with Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched). Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up. And as she keeps growing, it keeps getting better.  

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Sweet Rivalry by K. Bromberg ~ RELEASE DAY LAUNCH ~

   

Ryder Rodgers had a plan.

He was going to stride into the conference room, do the required song and dance over the next five days, and win the biggest contract of his career. But when he walked in and heard the voice of one of his competitors, all his plans were shot to hell.

Harper Denton. She was always on top. In college. First in their class. Always using every advantage to edge him out to win the coveted positions. The only one who could beat him. His academic rival. More like a constant thorn in his side. And his ego’s.

When he heard her voice, he was brought back to years before. To the bitter taste of being second best. But the woman who meets his gaze is nothing like the drab wallflower he used to know. Hell no. She was all woman now: curves, confidence, and staggering sex appeal. And no doubt, still brilliant.

The fact that she’s gorgeous and bright won’t distract him. This time, Ryder’s determined to be the one on top. But not if Harper can help it.

 

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 He takes a step toward me then hesitates, but before I can process anything else, his lips are on mine. And not just on mine––not just a brush of lips against lips—but I’m talking all in. Hands on my cheeks, tongue licking between my lips, body pressed against mine, groan in the back of his throat, type of all in. I don’t react at first. I’m stunned. Flabbergasted, my mind reeling from the anger to the surprise to now this without any warning at all. This is Ryder. My rival. My supporter. My crush. The thoughts flicker that this is what I’ve wanted. But they soon shift to panic. To insecurity I don’t kiss well enough. That this is all a joke and I’m the butt of it. But then I feel. Everything. All at once. And I know this is real. It’s like I can’t catch my breath and have too much air all at the same time. My body is on fire. And not just from his touch but from that burn deep inside that feels like it’s exploding and imploding all at once. So this is what it feels like to really be kissed. It’s a fleeting thought before the sensations, the moment, the emotions, consume me whole. His hands move my face to change the angle of the kiss. His fingertips on the line of my jaw singe my skin. His lips move expertly against mine, and all I can do is feel. All I can do is want. Thinking isn’t an option. The anger from before has morphed to want. The adrenaline has recharged with desire. There is no rivalry. There is no graduation ceremony tomorrow I’m missing to catch my flight. There is no panic over if I’ll ever see him again. It’s just him. And me. The scent of his cologne in my nose. The heat of his body against mine. The taste of hunger in his kiss.  

  

    

  

New York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy, and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines, and damaged heroes who we love to hate and hate to love. She’s a mixture of most of her female characters: sassy, intelligent, stubborn, reserved, outgoing, driven, emotional, strong, and wears her heart on her sleeve. All of which she displays daily with her husband and three children where they live in Southern California. On a whim, K. Bromberg decided to try her hand at this writing thing. Since then she has written The Driven Series (Driven, Fueled, Crashed, Raced, Aced), the standalone Driven Novels (Slow Burn, Sweet Ache, Hard Beat, and Down Shift), and a novella (UnRaveled). She is currently finishing up Sweet Cheeks a standalone novel out November 14^th. Her plans for 2017 include a sports romance duet (2 books: The Player, The Catch) and the Everyday Heroes series (3 books: Cuffed, Combust, and Cockpit). She’s also writing a novella for the 1,001 Dark Night series that will be out in February 2017. She loves to hear from her readers so make sure you check her out on social media. 

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Mastering Her Senses by laura Kaye ~ RELEASE DAY LAUNCH ~ GIVEAWAY ~

   

Decadent… Sensual… Forbidden…

12 Masters. 12 Desires. 12 Fantasies Come to Life. Meet the Masters of Blasphemy…

   

About MASTERING HER SENSES (Blasphemy #2, 2/21/17):

12 Masters. Infinite fantasies. Welcome to Blasphemy…

 He wants to dominate her senses—and her heart…

Quinton Ross has always been a thrill-seeker—so it’s no surprise that he’s drawn to extremes in the bedroom and at his BDSM club, Blasphemy, where he creates sense-depriving scenarios that blow submissives’ minds. Now if he could just find one who needs the rush as much as him…

When an accident leaves Cassia Locke with a paralyzing fear of the dark, she’ll try anything to get help. Ready to fight, she knows just who to ask for help—the hard-bodied, funny-as-hell Dom she’d always crushed on—and once stood up.

Quinton is shocked and a little leery to see Cassia, but he can’t pass up the chance to dominate the alluring little sub this time. Introducing her to sensory deprivation becomes his new favorite obsession, and watching her fight fear is its own thrill. But when doubt threatens to send her running again, Quinton must find a way to master her senses—and her heart.

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EXCERPT 

Taking Cassia’s hand, Quinton guided her to the locker room, then through it to one of the private Jacuzzis. It sat flush with the floor and had tiled steps down into the shallow tub. He adjusted a few knobs, and the bubbling water came to life. He turned to her. “After what happened earlier, I’ll completely understand if you prefer to do something else. I just want to make you feel good. So, no blindfolds and no darkness, just pleasure. Do you feel up to that?”

           

“I think that sounds incredible,” she said. “I love hot tubs.”

Brave woman, once again. “Well, all right, then. Go ahead and get in. I need to make one further arrangement.” When she slipped into the water, he stepped out of the room and called the club’s food service to order a tray of refreshments for them to share. “How’s the water?” he asked when he returned.

“Ah-mazing,” she said, submerged almost to her chin with her head resting against the curved tile.

“Good.” He unbuttoned his jeans and shoved them down over his hips.

Cassia’s mouth dropped open.

Quinton grinned, and tugged the denim all the way off until he stood before her naked as the day he came into this crazy world. “Damn, girl, you know how to make a man feel ten feet tall.”

Her lips snapped shut. “I, uh…”

“Don’t pick up your jaw on my account. I mean…” He waded into the water.

She rolled her eyes. “My jaw did not drop.”

“Oh, Cassia. Did you just roll your eyes at me, little one?” He moved until he stood right in front of her. The water bubbled just below his hips, leaving his half-erect cock exposed and nearly at her eye level.

A fast shake of her head as her eyes went wide.

“No? You didn’t just roll your eyes at me?” He donned a well-practiced stern expression and affected an ice-cold stare, even though Quinton was totally enjoying himself. “Because I know I was quite clear on what the consequences would be if you did.”

“I’m sorry, Sir,” she said, holding up her hands. “I won’t do it again.”

“Sit on the edge of the tub, Cassia.”

“Sir—”

“Now.”

Slowly, she complied. And he enjoyed every goddamned second of the water sluicing off her body. Over her breasts, her nipples, the curve of her belly. Lower…

“Feet up on the edge next to you. Legs open.” He arched a brow.

Releasing a shaky breath, she got into position, and fuck if she wasn’t a vision. Pussy open to his view. Rivulets of water running over her skin. A flush in her face and anticipation in her eyes.

“Wider,” he said.

She let her knees fall to the sides.

“Just like that.” Without another word, he sank in the water to his knees right between her thighs and cupped her ass in his hands. “Now, don’t move a muscle.”

      

Books in Series:

Hard to Serve #.5

Bound to Submit #1

Mastering Her Senses #2 – 2/21/17

Eyes on You #3 – 7/11/17

     

Join the MASTERING HER SENSES Facebook Party on February 21^st! JOIN THE PARTY HERE!

   

About Laura Kaye: Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thirty books in contemporary and erotic romance and romantic suspense, including the Blasphemy, Hard Ink, and Raven Riders series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. Laura also writes historical fiction as the NYT bestselling author, Laura Kamoie. She lives in Maryland with her husband and two daughters, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.      

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Jill's Review of Royal Affair by Parker Swift ~ RELEASE DAY LAUNCH ~ GIVEAWAY ~

ROYAL AFFAIR by Parker Swift 

February 2017, 2017 

Forever Yours eBook $3.99 

Royal Scandal Book 1

One seriously sexy son-of-a-duke . . .

Behind the posh British accent, Dylan Hale possesses a down-and-dirty sexiness. Off-the-charts gorgeous, a ruthless architect . . . and did I mention he's a future duke? Every time we touch, it's wildfire. All need and lust and heat. But Dylan has rules: just sex, no one can know, and in the bedroom he gets complete control. All I have to do is follow the rules, because falling in love with Dylan Hale is all it would take to screw everything up . . . royally.

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REVIEWED BY JILL

3 stars for Royal Affair - book one in the Royal Scandal Trilogy by new author - Parker Swift. Book two is set for release in April and book three in June so not too much of a wait to see what happens. While this book plays on a few very well known other ones (FSoG, Cinderella) it does have some unique qualities too. I will be anxiously awaiting book two's release in April.

Lydia Bell was spending her summer in Canada working as a nanny when she met the most incredibly handsome man. While their interaction was brief it was intense and she decides to call him when she moves to London a few weeks later. Lydia agrees to a exclusive, discreet sexual relationship with Dylan Hale - one of the most beloved bachelor's in London's high society.

Dylan Hale is extremely wealthy, successful, intelligent and ungodly handsome so when Lydia Bell doesn't fall at his feet he is intrigued to say the least. While he knows it is unfair to ask her to keep things under wraps this is the only way they could survive the scrutiny of the press and his family. Dylan needs total control and promises to take care of Lydia in every way if she agrees to there unconventional arrangement.

While this book was very steamy and flowed well both the main characters could use a overhaul. Dylan was so arrogant/cocky it came across as him being a jerk not at all as being dominant. Then Lydia would just agree with everything he said like a doormat as opposed to submissive. While book one had it's issues I am hoping two and three will be great :)

 EXCERPT

We weren’t a foot inside when he closed the door behind him and said, “Turn around, damsel,” indicating I should face away from him. I complied, and he slowly came up behind me, running his hands along my bare upper back and down my arms. He unzipped the dress and pulled it off my shoulders so it pooled at my feet. I was naked except for my insanely high heels. Grabbing my hips, he pulled my naked ass into his front, and I could feel his hardness pushing against the seam of his trousers. “Can you feel how much I want you? How much I want this?” he said firmly, increasing his grip on my hips, pulling me even closer.

I tilted my head back and to the side to try to steal a glimpse of him, and he rested his chin on my shoulder. His hands wrapped around and palmed my breasts. He pushed them in and up, molding them in his palms, and he began to tug at my nipples, rolling them between his thumb and finger, teasing them to the point where pain met pleasure.

“I’m breaking all sorts of rules for you, aren’t I?” He was kissing my neck, sucking my skin, nipping it gently between his teeth, devouring me in motions that mimicked what he was doing to my breasts.

“What rules have you broken for me?” I asked, practically whispering, searching for steadiness in my breath.

He spun me around and lifted me by my ass in one swift move. I locked my ankles behind his back. “For starters I rarely sleep with the same woman twice, at least not in the same week. I don’t spend the night. Ever. And neither do the women I see. And I don’t invite women into my office. Ever. But I couldn’t resist with you. I’d been dreaming about having my mouth on that pretty pussy on that table for weeks. Picturing you just as you were.”

“Did it live up to the dream?” I nuzzled into his cheek, desperate to get to a place where he was naked, where I could feel his skin on my skin.

“The dream didn’t stand a chance.”

“Well, I wouldn’t want you breaking any of your rules, would I? I mean, maybe we better stop now, and you could sleep on my sofa. Or you can get back on your horse—”

“Not on your life, smartass.” 

About the Author

Parker Swift grew up in Providence, Rhode Island, and then grew up again in New York, London, and Minneapolis and currently lives in Connecticut. She has spent most of her adult life examining romantic relationships in an academic lab as a professor of social psychology. Now, she's exploring the romantic lives of her fictional characters in the pages of her books. When she's not writing, she spends her time with her bearded nautical husband and being told not to sing along to pop music in the car by her two sons.

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