Arc Review: Let It Breathe by Tawna Fenske

Let It Breathe by Tawna Fenske

This book started out a little on the slow side but once I got past that it really started to take off. I thought the plot was different and I started to really enjoy the characters and the challenges that Ms. Fenske took them on.

The story starts off with Reese wanting to expand her family's winery and the company who will doing it is on there way. But she doesn't know that Clay will be the one doing the work. Years ago she spent time bailing him out of jail because of his drinking problem but now that he's sober she doesn't know if she could completely trust him.

Clay has always loved Reese and its hurt him with all the messed up things he did back then now that he's back he will do everything to show her that he isn't the same person. Clays been sober for 4 years but when things start happening on the vineyard he becomes a suspect he only hopes the friends he once let down know for a fact that he is innocent.

This story had some really cute and funny moments. I enjoyed Fenske's sense of humor that she brought into the characters. Axl (the grandfather) was absolutely the funniest 80yr old I have read in a book to date.

Along with the humor Fenske brought a little bit of drama and wtf moments. What I mean by the wtf moments is that Reese's ex husband is remarried and they are still best friends including his new wife. Eric is actually the wine maker for them. Also Clay is his best friend and has loved Reese from the moment he met her in college and slept together 15 years ago but Clay also slept with Reese's cousin Larissa. Lol see what I mean? I mean it was kind of like a soap but the humor had me forgetting how all these people were connected.

During reading I was kind of getting annoyed with Reese and how she was acting with Clay. It's like she wants him and they share some kisses but she doesn't really understand the man he is now. Eric was also saying stuff to Clay that kind of got on my nerves it's like dude back off he's not the same guy quit taking petty jabs at him already. Sometimes these two characters were frustrating!

But overall I enjoyed this book and how Clay and Reese finally ended up together. I was shocked to see who was actually behind all the things going wrong around the vineyard. It just wasn't who I was expecting which was a nice surprise.

The ending ends in a HEA and yet it leaves things open between them. They aren't in a rush to get married or have babies but the way I understood it was they have some things to work out and get a chance to know each other again before any of that will happen which I truly loved.

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Arc Review: Come On Closer by Kendra Leigh Castle

Come On Closer by Kendra Leigh Castle


In the past few days I have read a few books but I have to say this was one of my favorite. Castle is a new author to me and I was not only impressed with her writing style but the way the story flowed. I was never bored and it kept me entertained all the way until the end.

Larkin is a baker and has her own shop. She has been crushing on Shane for awhile but she doesn't want to get involved with him because of his player past. Although they come from different lifestyles Larkin is going to give this bad boy a chance to win her heart.

Shane is used to being the love em and leave em type but after meeting Larkin and growing up he has changed. He finally convinces Larkin to take a chance on him and quickly wants to spend every moment with her until families come into the mix. His. Hers. Can they make it work in the end?

I absolutely loved this story. I loved both Larkin and Shane. Castle started these two off as good friends but still getting to know one another before they even went into the relationship territory which was more fun and exciting. Shane was an amazing character and was super sweet with some of things he did. They were little things but wow he even won me over with them.

I liked Larkin and her style. She was fun, sweet and just wanted the best for Shane and his future. She was so in sync with him not enjoying being a lawyer and wanted him to do what made him happy. They absolutely were a great couple and the more I read the more I was hoping for an engagement at the end which normally I don't do.

Castle included some cute, fun and flirty dialogue that balanced out the emotional issues that both of these characters had to deal with. There are some sex scenes but they weren't overly done.

The town of Harvest Cove with filled with amazing friends and wonderful characters. I was actually disappointed that this book had to end and even more disappointed that I never heard of this amazing series before now.

I can honestly say I will be going back to the very beginning to meet these wonderful people and fall in love with the Harvest Cove series from the beginning. A must read for 2016!

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INTO THE FIRE Promo & Giveaway with E.L. Todd

Into the Fire

Gorgeous Entourage #1

By: E.L. Todd

Releasing January 30, 2016

Fallen Publishing

Blurb

Ash

Despite everything I've done for my parents, I'll never be good enough for them. Instead of seeing a man to be proud of, they just see an embarrassment. I served four tours in Afghanistan but that doesn't mean anything to them. They only see the ink, the party life, and my short stint in jail.

And nothing else.

When they were in trouble, I handed over my life savings. I didn't think twice about it because they're my family, my blood. They raised me to be my own man and gave me everything I needed. It didn't matter that it was every penny I had. It didn't matter that the money was set aside for my future. My dreams.

Because they needed me.

But now they refuse to pay me back until I become the man they think I should be.

Alessandra

I have an unusual professional.

I escort men, acting as their date to family functions or work parties. It's my job to act deeply in love with my client. And I always nail it.

But it's not what you think.

I'm not a prostitute.

I'm not a call girl.

I'm an actress.

Get it right.

There are strict rules when it comes to my profession. There is no touching, kissing, or anything but hand-holding. Those who choose not to comply will get a swift kick in the nuts.

But all this goes to hell when Ash walks into my life.

Link to Follow Tour: http://www.tastybooktours.com/2015/11/into-fire-by-el-todd.html

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26596519-into-the-fire?ac=1

Goodreads Series Link: https://www.goodreads.com/series/168597-gorgeous-entourage

Buy Links:  Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes

Author Info

Amazon Bestselling author, E. L. Todd, was raised in sunny California where she still lives today, claiming it’s the best place in the country. Easily hypothermic and hateful of the cold, she prefers to be warm all year round. She attended California State University, Stanislaus and received her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, but still pursued her dream to be a writer. She’s written several novels and many series’, and her imagination can’t seem to stop. She tries to find the good in people and she exploits that in her writing, proving that people can make mistakes and rise above their past. Her hobbies include sunbathing, swimming, eating at Surf Taco in San Diego, reading, and learning everything she can about hippopotamuses’, her favorite creature. Her greatest dream is to make people forget about the harshness of reality and dive into a good story with lovable people. When fans tell her they love her work, it gives her the greatest sense of accomplishment.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

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UNQUIET Excerpt & Giveaway with Melanie Hansen

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UNQUIET

Resilient Love #3

Melanie Hansen

Releasing on January 22, 2016.

Dreamspinner Press

Loren Smith has been in love with Eliot Devlin almost his entire life. During their turbulent childhood and teen years, Loren didn’t always understand Eliot, and sometimes he could be a challenge, but Eliot was the only one to ever truly ease Loren’s deep loneliness and accept him. When Eliot’s increasingly erratic and self-destructive behavior culminates in a suicide attempt at seventeen, Loren is devastated.

Upon meeting again by chance nine years later, Loren is enjoying a successful career as a police officer while Eliot’s life has been a constant struggle for stability. In and out of mental hospitals, with a rap sheet a mile long, he continues to be buffeted by the twin storms of mania and depression. Loren’s love and protectiveness for Eliot are deeply ingrained in him, however, and their feelings for each other are quickly rekindled.

Loren has issues of his own he’s dealing with, and trying to understand and cope with Eliot’s bipolar disorder isn’t easy. They believe they’re meant to be, and Eliot brings a fulfillment to Loren’s life that 
no one else will ever match. But as they both come to realize, love by itself can’t cure all.

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Excerpt

When they woke the next morning, they packed an overnight bag and headed north on I-17. Eliot was amazed at the view out his window, craggy rocks and towering saguaro cactus eventually giving way to the pine trees of the Coconino National Forest.

In Flagstaff they stopped for gas, and both of them shivered at the cold bite in the air. They ran by a sporting goods store to buy some fleece pullovers, and Eliot goofed off with a couple of plaid hunting caps, complete with fuzzy earflaps. He grinned at Loren, trying to keep the hat from falling forward into his eyes.

“You look about twelve years old,” Loren said drily. “That hat swallows you whole.”

As Loren reached out to take it off of him, he stroked his thumb along Eliot’s cheek.

“I love to see you smile, to see you happy,” he whispered. He grabbed a simple knit cap and pulled it over Eliot’s head, fussing with it a minute before saying, “Much better.” Eliot scanned the room and, not seeing anyone, stretched up to give Loren a kiss.

Soon they were on the road again heading north, and Loren took Eliot’s hand, twining their fingers together and resting their joined hands on his knee. Eliot could sense Loren was turning something over in his mind, so he just waited.

“Are you happy, El?” Loren finally asked. “I’ve seen so many different incarnations of your moods, but I honestly don’t know if I’d recognize happiness in you.” His voice held a faint note of apology for asking, and Eliot glanced at him, surprised but pleased by Loren’s candor.

“I don’t know if I’d recognize happiness either, Loren,” he admitted, rubbing his thumb over the back of Loren’s hand when he threw Eliot a stricken look. “Hey, hey,” Eliot said reassuringly. “I don’t mean that the way it sounds.” 

Eliot blew out a breath, thinking about how to explain this. Loren waited, but his lips were pressed together in a tight line, and Eliot squeezed his fingers.

“Usually when I wake up in the morning, I’m afraid,” he said slowly, and Loren opened his mouth to speak but then didn’t say anything. Eliot glanced at him again, then continued, “I feel the craziness, the madness lurking, just waiting for me. It feels like it’s attached to me, that when I get out of bed, I’m dragging it with me. It’s always there, ready to pounce and swallow me up.”

“Oh, El,” Loren whispered achingly.

Eliot stroked his hand. “And this morning when I woke up, I wasn’t afraid. I think that’s what it feels like to be happy. It’s enough for me.”

Loren didn’t say anything, but a lone tear slid down his cheek. Eliot reached up and wiped it away with his thumb, stroking Loren’s jaw tenderly.

“What’s the matter, honey?”

Just then the sign for a scenic lookout appeared, and Loren took the exit, parking the truck. He stared through the windshield, blinking fast, more tears welling up.

“The thought of you for all those years, waking up afraid,” he whispered brokenly. “And I wasn’t there, Eliot. I wasn’t there.” Eliot could see Loren’s throat working as he fought not to cry, and with a soft exclamation, Eliot opened his arms, gathering him close. He stroked Loren’s hair, feeling the hot wetness of tears against his neck.

“But you were there, Loren. Shhh,” he murmured.

When Loren calmed a little, Eliot pulled back and took Loren’s face in his hands, forcing him to meet his eyes.

“I’ve been in a lot of therapy over the years, and they always ask me the same thing, what my best memories are, what memories do I have of feeling happy or safe. I’m supposed to bring them to mind when I’m stressed or scared or angry. It’s part of cognitive therapy, learning to readjust your thinking, to focus on good things and not negative things.”

Eliot caressed Loren’s face. “And Loren, there’s a lot I don’t remember, but what I do, every single one of those types of memories is about you. Being kids, riding our bikes, playing with toys, laughing at stupid jokes. Then later the way you held me in the dark after a nightmare or sat with me when I was so sad and hurting that I wanted to die. The way you—the way you loved me, loved my batshit crazy and fucked-up mess.

“You’ve always been with me, Loren, through my memories. Always.”

Loren completely lost it then, and Eliot let him cry it out, murmuring to him, rocking him, reveling in being the one to comfort, to soothe, of being able to shore up the man he loved when he needed it.

Finally the storm passed and Loren pulled away, sitting up and scrubbing his hands over his face.

“I’m glad, El,” he said hoarsely, clearing his throat several times before starting the truck and pulling back onto the interstate. “I’m glad I’m your best memories.”

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Melanie Hansen has spent time in Texas and Florida prisons…for work. She’s been in a room with a 17-year-old mass murderer who was also one of the most soft-spoken and polite teenagers she’s ever met. After a 13-year career as a court reporter, she can tell many stories both hilarious and heartbreaking.

She grew up with an Air Force dad, and ended up marrying a Navy man. After living and working all over the country, she hopes to bring these rich and varied life experiences to her stories about people finding love amidst real-life struggles.

Melanie left the stressful world of the courtroom behind and now enjoys a rewarding career transcribing for a deaf student. She currently lives in Arizona with her husband and two sons.

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Don't Miss the other Resilient Love Romances

THE KNAVE OF HEARTS Blast & Giveaway with Elizabeth Boyle

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Rhymes with Love Series Books 1-4

THE KNAVE OF HEARTS

Rhymes With Love #5

Elizabeth Boyle

Releasing on January 26, 2016

Avon

In the fifth novel of the captivating Rhymes with Love series from New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Boyle, a young woman’s hopes of a match encounter a wickedly handsome complication…

Lavinia Tempest has been eagerly anticipating a spectacular Season. But one disastrous pile-up on the Almack’s dance floor derails all her plans. Add to that, the very stunning revelations about her mother’s scandalous past have become the ton’s latest on dits. Lavinia’s future has gone from shining bright to blackest night in one misstep.

Alaster “Tuck” Rowland admits he’s partly to blame for Lavinia’s disastrous debut. But it’s not guilt that compels him to restore her reputation. Rather, he’s placed a wager that he can make Lavinia into of the most sought-after ladies in London. Who better than an unrepentant rake to set Society astir?

Tuck’s motives are hardly noble. But in teaching the lovely Lavinia how to win any man she wants, he suddenly finds himself tangled in the last place he ever imagined: in love.

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ELIZABETH BOYLE has always loved romance and now lives it each and every day by writing adventurous and passionate stories that readers from all around the world have described as “page-turners.” Since her first book was published, she’s seen her romances become New York Times and USA Today bestsellers and win the RWA RITA Award and the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice awards. She resides in Seattle with her family, her garden and always growing collection of yarn. Readers can visit her on the Web at www.elizabethboyle.com.

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Review: Getting Rough by C.L. Parker

Getting Rough by C.L. Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the first book we meet Cassidy and Shaw. Two rival sports agents who want to become partner but when Cassidy's mother takes a spill Cassidy flies to Maine to help out only leaving Shaw to follow her.

I really liked how these characters grew and changed while the book progressed. Cassidy likes Shaw but doesn't know how he feels and the same goes with him. The more time they spend together in and out of the bedroom the more they become attached.

Honestly one thing I didn't like about this book was now Casey has a Pov and so does Mia. I get the whole love triangle thing but like Cassidy said in the first book it's been over with her and Casey for a long time but Casey hasn't moved on.

It's been forever and he hasn't moved on? That I didn't get but I did understand the jealously of loosing there relationship because they were best friends and together at one point.

I thought Parker brought in the right amount of drama and didn't overdue it. It was enough to keep me interested and wondering what would actually happen between Cassidy and Shaw.

The humor was there plus it had some emotional parts that had me feeling a little bad for the characters at times. One of my favorite parts is when Shaw is so turned on at the dinner table he spills gravy and can't get up.

After reading this book I thought it would be the end of the Shaw and Cassidy journey but no. It looks like they have more to come and surprises in the future for us.

Now that the love triangle is done, what will come next for these two? What other changes and challenges will these characters face? I guess I'll have to wait and see.

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JILTING THE DUKE Promo & Giveaway with Rachael Miles

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Print Copy of JILTING THE DUKE

JILTING THE DUKE

The Muses' Salon #1 

Rachael Miles

Releasing on January 26, 2016.

Zebra Shout

Broken Promise, Broken Heart

Aidan Somerville, Duke of Forster, is a rake, a spy, and a soldier, richer than sin and twice as handsome. Now he is also guardian to his deceased best friend’s young son. The choice makes perfect sense—except that the child’s mother is the lovely Sophia Gardiner, to whom Aidan was engaged before he went off to war. When the news reached him that she had married another, his ship had not yet even left the dock.

Sophia does not expect Aidan to understand or forgive her. But she cannot allow him to stay her enemy. She’s prepared for coldness, even vengeance—but not for the return of the heedless lust she and Aidan tumbled into ten years ago. She knows the risks of succumbing to this dangerous desire. Still, with Aidan so near, it’s impossible not to dream about a second chance…

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Rachael Miles has always loved a good romance, especially one with a bit of suspense and preferably a ghost. She is also a professor of book history and nineteenth-century literature whose students frequently find themselves reading the novels of Ann Radcliffe and other gothic tales. Rachael lives in her home state of Texas with her indulgent husband, three rescued dogs, and an ancient cat.

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Debt Spotlight by Rachel Dunning

99c Pre-Order Sale

Over 400 Pages

Standalone Novel

New-Adult Romance / Sports Romance

DEBT

By Rachel Dunning

Expected Release Date:

March 2016

What’s it about?

The Debt Collector

I pay my debts, and I expect others to. 

I was raised in the slums of London, I knew nothing of privilege. My father was murdered when I was seventeen. Morty figured my father's passing meant I would automatically take on dad's debts. I refused. 

And I paid for that refusal. 

So did my sister. 

So now I fight. All I know how to do is fight. The best cash is in the states, so that's where I am now. A big fish called Vito came along offering me a "favor" when I arrived.

Another debt.

I paid for that one too. 

I knew Kyla Hensley would be trouble when I met her. But I wanted her. I could see through the falsehood of her wannabe-slutty clothes and her sexy legs. So I chased her. 

Besides, trouble is my middle name. 

Kyla Hensley

I was brought up in privilege, but I lacked everything else. My father is a business tycoon who buys and sells and doesn't care who gets rolled over in the process. 

I never knew my mother, and all I have of her is a photo with a note scrawled on the back in French saying "I'm sorry." The only Female Figure I had growing up is my dad's wife who is a bleach blond with seven boob jobs. We never bonded.

I drink. I party. I meet guys.

But I wasn't always like that. 

I've had a string of lovers in the last few years, the worst and most recent of which was Vince 

Somerset. My best friend Vera was dating a guy called Rory Cansoom who is the opposite of Vince in so many ways, and yet so the same. 

She and I hit the road for spring break, getting away from the two college psychos and just trying to have some fun. 

But there's a funny thing about trouble, the more you run from it, the more it finds you. 

Which is when I met the Debt Collector. 

It was only supposed to be sex. He made that clear. I made that clear. 

That's all it was supposed to be.

I never expected to fall in love. I never expected to fall so deeply, madly, uncomfortably in love with a man who is wrong, so wrong for me. 

And yet...so unbelievably right.

Content Warning

Not intended for readers under the age of seventeen.

Genres:

New-Adult Romance

Sports Romance

Links:

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A02LNLC 
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A02LNLC 
Amazon Canada: http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01A02LNLC 
Amazon Australia: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01A02LNLC 
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/debt/id1071559413?mt=11 
Nook / B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/debt-rachel-dunning/1123196983?ean=2940152548570 
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/603988 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28400056-debt 

About Rachel

Rachel Dunning hit the scene in August 2013 and is the author of the highly praised Naive Mistakes Series, Truthful Lies Trilogy, Johnny Series and the paranormal romance series, Mind Games.

A prolific writer, she sticks to stories where Alpha Males aren’t pricks and where women have guts.

She’s lived on two different continents, speaks three different languages, and met the love of her life on the internet. In other words, romance is in her blood.

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Blog / Website: http://www.rdunning.com

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