*****4.5 STARS***** {ARC Provided by Social Butterfly PR}
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SWEEPING THE SERIES by KATE STEWART *****FIVE STARS*****
Even as I settled into the r*****4.5 STARS***** {ARC Provided by Social Butterfly PR}
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SWEEPING THE SERIES by KATE STEWART *****FIVE STARS*****
Even as I settled into the role I was expected to play, I didn’t play it well. I tried everything, and no part of me wanted to forget. Loving her was torture. And the realization that I was still so much in love with her, well, that was the cruelest punishment.
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I want to give Kate Stewart the biggest hug, and smooch and then a fist bump because this short story was absolute PERFECTION!! I may have to switch teams and choose Ren McAvoy as my new favorite book boyfriend created by Ms. Stewart!! Who knew this character had it in him to be such a charismatic Hero??!! I don’t think I can find the words to truly express just how much I fell in love with this novella!! It was fabulous from beginning to end and it’s got Kate’s signature ”HOTTER THAN H” steam!! What a terrific addition to the ”Balls in Play” series! If you love Second Chance Romances, this one is sure to steal your hearts!
Ren McAvoy and Erica Wild were once madly in love with each other but one day without an explanation or an apology, Erica packed up and left her life with Ren just when he was making it to the big leagues. For the next two years, Ren will be labeled the “bad boy” of MLB, bedding a different woman every night and having his escapades splattered all over the gossip magazines. When management decides they’ve had enough of his antics they hire a new PR agent to get his reputation back in a favorable light. Ren is shocked and maybe even a little excited to meet his new agent who turns out to be the woman who broke his heart, Erica.
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There’s a lot of heated arguments, angst, and comedic moments with all the beloved characters from the previous books. It was terrific to get the chance to spend some more time with Rafe, Alice, Andy, and April! They made for a perfect ensemble cast! I loved SWEEPING THE SERIES so much that I wish Kate would write more installments but I believe this will be the end of it.
If you haven’t read ANYTHING BUT MINOR or MAJOR LOVE, make sure you add them to your soon to read TBRs!!
ONE GOOD MAN by EMMA SCOTT *****FIVE STARS*****
I gasped, utterly unprepared for how the taste of him, the feel of him touching me like this, turned my bones to sand and stole my breath.
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I have to admit that when I first started reading Emma Scott’s contribution to the anthology, I was skeptical that I would love a story that takes place in 1970, but I should have known that there is no way this author could ever write anything that I wouldn’t fall in love with! ONE GOOD MAN is another STELLAR addition to the “Team Player” anthology. If you’ve read any of Emma Scott’s works then you’ll know that you can never trust your first impression of her characters. You’ve got to let her take you on a journey and slowly the layers are peeled away and you’re left with some incredible characters. I fell so much in love with Adrian Rousseau, the talented center forward of the Paris Central soccer team. He was a beautiful man with an equally beautiful soul!
Janey Martin was a strong Heroine who had to deal with her fair share of discrimination and sexual harassment being one of the few women majoring in journalism, which was predominantly a core curriculum for men. This novella really strikes a cord given the fact that we are hit with so many new cases of sexual harassment against women and in some instances, men, being reported in the media on a daily basis now.
Janey is an American student who is sent to complete her college education at the Sorbonne in France, after getting entangled in a Vietnam War protest that ended up in her incarceration. She hopes to become a successful news journalist for the Times or Newsweek, but being a woman with striking good looks have not been in her favor. She’s not been taken seriously nor given any gritty assignments that she craves. Her latest assignment for the school paper is to interview Sorbonne’s most popular student who is on the fast track to becoming a professional Soccer player—Adrian Rousseau.
Their first meeting is less than cordial as both Janey and Adrian take turns throwing insults at each other which are based on typical stereotypes. But as the story unfolds they get past their own biases and realize that the people they are on the inside just might be that missing piece of the puzzle to their hearts.
This was one incredibly beautiful story told by the incomparable Emma Scott!!
BACK IN THE GAME by MEGHAN QUINN *****FIVE STARS*****
Holding my breath, I wait for his next move, and when his pinky reaches out and touches mine, an entire wave of euphoric heat shoots across my body. It’s a pinky touch, just a pinky, but it offers so much promise of what’s to come.
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I can never get enough of Meghan Quinn’s stories! She is one of the best romantic comedy writers out there currently. BACK IN THE GAME was another novella in the ”TEAM PLAYER” anthology that was perfect, beginning to end! I laughed out loud so many times while reading this one and fell hard for both Calder and Rachel. Their chemistry was scorching hot and their silly but hilarious banter had me in stitches throughout! And don’t even get me started on the fact that Calder Weis is one of the hottest NHL players! I have a soft spot for Hockey romances! They tend to be my all-time faves!
Calder and Rachel have the silliest/funniest meet cute near the bathroom of a Chinese-Donut takeout restaurant. Calder is a single father of an adorable five-year-old girl who loves to dress him up as a fairy princess whenever it’s father/daughter play time. Calder is able to charm Rachel even while sporting a bedazzled tiara, fairy wings, and a pink feather boa wrapped around his chest. Their first date is far from what a typical night out between two adults would encompass and I found it endearing, hysterical, and even a huge turn on.
Calder is probably going to be my second most favorite hero created by Meghan Quinn, following Racer McKay. He’s not your typical Hockey alpha male. This guy put his personal life on hold to raise his daughter on his own and was afraid to let a woman get too close for fear that she wouldn’t be in it for the long haul and would end up breaking his little girl’s heart. He was shy at times and seemed to have no game with the ladies but it was the lack of cockiness that will melt a reader’s heart! I highly doubt there will be anyone who won’t fall in love with him and with Rachel as well! I loved her spunky attitude and larger than life personality!
A little-added bonus was we meet one of the heroes who will be in THREE BLIND DATES and he’s linked to Racer!! Make sure you read this novella if you pick up this anthology!! It was another BIG HIT for me!
SWITCH HITTER by SARA NEY *****3.5 STARS*****
I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to read this novella. I’ve never read any of Sara Ney’s books but I’ve seen reviews for her “Douchebag” series plastered all over social media. I didn’t fall madly in love with this story, but I’m still willing to try one of her books in her popular series.
SWITCH HITTER is about identical twin sisters Lucy and Amelia, who switch places one last time when Lucy winds up having dates on the same night with two different guys. The sisters are identical in looks alone. They are complete opposites in everything else. Lucy is the party girl who never forms any meaningful relationships with men and Amelia is more subdued and quiet. She’s the sister with the brains and soulful personality.
Amelia reluctantly agrees to go out with Dante aka “Dash” Amado, who is on the University’s baseball team. Amelia expects him to be the typical dumb jock but is surprised when he proves to be a gentleman with actual intelligence as well.
Dante wasn’t looking forward to the date as Lucy is far from the type of girl he could bring home to meet his family. He has never been attracted to women who are overtly sexual and who come on too strong. His plan was to break it off with her but from the moment this third date started, he noticed a difference in Lucy—little did he know that he was out with her sister instead.
Amelia becomes tortured by her sense of loyalty to her sister and her strong attraction to Dante. Will she be able to let him go when the time comes?
The writing was ok but I never connected to the story or the characters. I didn’t feel the chemistry between Dash and Amelia. The ending was also a bit rushed.
FULL COURT PRESS by KENNEDY RYAN
I initially had planned not to read this one but my curiosity got the best of me. Kennedy Ryan’s books have gotten such rave reviews, I wanted to see what the fuss was all about. I probably should have stopped reading once I realized it involved an NBA player. I don’t like or follow the sport but I figured I’d put that aside and still give the story a chance. The pace was too slow for me and some of the subject matter was a bit depressing, not something I want to read in a Christmas/Sports anthology. I tried to get through it but finally gave up when I made it to the eighth chapter. I’m sure the author’s fans will enjoy it but this just wasn’t for me.
TEAM PLAYER is currently available and I highly recommend it! If I could have based my ratings on Kate’s, Emma’s and Meghan’s novellas, this would have been a FIVE STAR read all around. Their contributions are enough to warrant my seal of approval!
*****FIVE STARS***** {ARC Generously Provided by Publisher}
GETTING DOWN by HELENA HUNTING
I’ve shared the size of Bane’s cock with her. I’ve men*****FIVE STARS***** {ARC Generously Provided by Publisher}
GETTING DOWN by HELENA HUNTING
I’ve shared the size of Bane’s cock with her. I’ve mentioned my new religion: the Church of Bane Cock. I’ve written sonnets about how beautiful it is. Not really, but I’ve made up a couple of limericks.
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Helena Hunting is one of the authors that is ranked HIGH on my favorites list. I love her brand of humor and a number of her cocky and sexy as hell Heroes have stolen my heart. When I found out she would be writing a Halloween themed novella for the characters from SHACKING UP, I knew I had to get my hands on this book. I’m not a huge fan of anthologies but there was no way I could pass up on getting more of sexy Bane and vivacious Ruby!! I loved this couple and their story so much. To be able to spend a little more time with them was a sweet Halloween treat.
The story focuses equally on the sexy hijinks of Bane and Ruby, and also on the troubling relationship between Amie and her fiancé Armstrong. The timeline seems to be around several months after Ruby moves into Bane’s condo permanently. Their relationship is still somewhat new and these two have an insanely insatiable sexual appetite for each other. Bane and Ruby can’t seem to get enough of each other. We get to see a vulnerable side to Bane. The fact that their careers have them working on opposite schedules means that they don’t get to spend a lot of quality time together and there are moments when Bane is jealous of the attention that Amie and even his family get from Ruby. These two are perfect for each other because Ruby never gets annoyed with Bane’s jealous streaks. She is understanding and does whatever she can to show Bane just how much he means to her.
While Amie is incredibly happy for her best friend she’s also jealous over Ruby’s and Bane’s relationship. Amie’s been dealing with an enormous amount of stress over the planning of her upcoming wedding. She’s also upset that no matter how hard she tries to please her soon to be mother-in-law, the woman seems to dislike her for no apparent reason. Ruby has noticed that Amie has lost the special spark in her since she got together with Armstrong. She used to be rebellious and now she’s become a shell of the woman she used to be. Amie knows that her friends don’t approve of her relationship with Armstrong and deep down she knows that she will be making a big mistake if she goes through with the marriage. There’s no spark between them like there is with Bane and Ruby. Their sex life is practically non-existent and utterly bland when they actually do have sex.
Ruby and Amie wind up being in charge of planning a huge Halloween gala and fundraiser that Bane and Armstrong’s corporations will sponsor. The theme of the ball is “famous couples – real or fictional”. Bane and Ruby go as Batman and Catwoman and an unforeseen costume malfunction will be cause for some truly hilarious moments. Amie ends up going as Cinderella without her Prince since a business trip prevented Armstrong from attending. This is quite fortunate because it’s at the gala that we get to see Lex, Bane’s older brother, and Amie interact. There’s definitely an attraction brewing between them and we learn something about how and when they first met. It sheds some light on what could be the cause of animosity between Lex and Armstrong. I’m already putting the pieces of this puzzle together.
Lex is just as sexy and charismatic as his younger brother and I just know that he’s the right guy for Amie. He’s going to be the one to bring back Anarchy Amie and he’ll treasure her for the woman she truly is. I don’t even know how I am going to be able to wait for HOOKING UP to be released. Getting just this little tease of how off the charts hot this couple’s chemistry is going to be has me dying from the anticipation!!
ALABAMA SUMMER Series by J. DANIELS
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In J. Daniels’ portion of the anthology, she unites us with all of the couples from her ALABAMA SUMMER series. It’s Halloween and some of the couples have some life altering changes coming their way. There are some tender moments, heartbreaking moments, and some hotter than hell panty melting moments!! I don’t know why I do this so often but I tend to read books in a series, out of sequence. While each book in the Alabama Summer series is about a different couple and can be read as standalones, all of these characters are either family or friends so they are all connected. I started this series by reading the last book, and while I only met the other couples briefly in that one, I was still able to follow and enjoy this short novella. So anyone who hasn’t read any of the books will still be able to enjoy this one.
In Ben and Mia’s story, they both just learn that Mia is pregnant with their third child. While they are beyond thrilled, Mia worries about telling her best friend, Tessa. Tessa and Luke have been trying to get pregnant for a while without success. They’re starting to lose hope and Mia wants to be considerate of her best friend’s feelings.
Luke takes Tessa on a date to a haunted house attraction to get her mind off of their baby making issues. He’s not particularly into the Halloween festivities but he’d do anything for the love of his life. Their heart to heart over how having a baby or not will affect their relationship will leave you swooning over Luke.
Reed and Beth are expecting their first baby and a scare early into the pregnancy has affected their once wild and kinky sex life. While the sex is always phenomenal, Reed has been keeping it ”vanilla” and Beth is starting to lose her mind. She wants the kink back and the two will do just that in the storage room in the back of the bar that Beth works at. Panties will be incinerated! I guarantee it!
CJ and Riley are still living together and even more in love. While at the Halloween party at the bar, CJ proposes to Riley in front of all of their close friends and family! It was great getting to see this couple embark on their “Happily Ever After”.
The last story is the CUTEST!!! It looks like Nolan is going to be a chip off the old block. He’s as romantic as Ben. Maybe there’s a book for this adorable couple which will take place fifteen to twenty years in the future?
EYE CANDY releases on September 5th!! Helena Hunting and J Daniels fans, you will want to one-click this!!! I’m sure fans of Tara Sivec, Tijan, and Bella Jewel, will also want to get their hands on this anthology!
*****4.5 STARS***** {ARC Generously Provided by K. Webster}
If you didn't know this about me already, I am a HUGE fan of K. Webster. I was really lucky *****4.5 STARS***** {ARC Generously Provided by K. Webster}
If you didn't know this about me already, I am a HUGE fan of K. Webster. I was really lucky to win an arc of this anthology filled with some incredibly steamy novellas with guaranteed HEA’s! First off I want to give a moment’s praise to the beautiful cover!! WELL DONE! Now, I had only intended to read K. Webster’s story but then I saw the next one was by Jade West and her books have been blowing up my GR feeds for quite a while so I decided to read hers as well. I now understand why she has such a huge following!! I want to preface my reviews by stating these stories are for pure enjoyment. You aren’t going to read any Pulitzer prize winning material here but oh boy will these get your temperatures rising. You’re about to meet some sinfully seductive alphas who seem to have insatiable sexual appetites and excel in the art of dirty talk!!
Malfeasance was an off the charts steamy May/December romance. The Hero is about thirty-one years older than the Heroine and yet the age difference was not in the least bit off putting. There was definitely a case of “insta-love” but let’s be honest, it’s the sexy times the couple has throughout this story that made it quite enjoyable.
Max is a fifty-two-year-old Judge, who has been a widower for several years. He’s remained celibate since his wife’s death. Taking care of his teenage daughters had been his main focus and the thought of getting romantically involved with another woman never crossed his mind until the night he ends up at a sex club with one of his buddies and lays eyes on a beautiful blonde waitress. There’s something familiar about her but he can’t place it and then it all clicks into place. He remembers that haunted look in her eyes when he spotted her in the back of his courtroom almost a year ago when he announced the “not guilty” verdict of her sadistic ex-boyfriend. Max knew at the time that this man deserved to be sent behind bars for the rest of his life and that the jury had chosen unwisely but there was nothing he could do. When he happens to come across the young damsel in distress in the back of the club at the hands of the psychotic ex, he quickly jumps into action and rescues her.
Dorian has spent the last year trying to get her life back on track. She’s been unsuccessful at keeping her whereabouts hidden from her ex and is more than relieved when the handsome Judge comes to her rescue. Max ends up taking her to his buddy's secluded cabin and while they spend the night there, they can feel an intense attraction igniting between them. Max battles with his conscience because of the huge age difference but Dorian is not in the least turned off by his age at all. Dorian thinks Max is one of the sexiest men she’s ever met.
Max ends up bringing Dorian to his place and helps her get a job as his intern. Things between the two heat up even more as they are practically spending every waking moment together. It doesn’t take very long before the two become physically intimate and once they give in to their desires it’s like the floodgates have opened and there isn’t a moment when they aren’t ripping off each other’s clothes and going at it.
The story had very little substance, but I did enjoy it a helluva lot!! There are very few times where I actually enjoy an “insta-love” romance but in this case, because I knew this was going to be a guilty pleasure read, I just allowed myself to appreciate the story for its pure entertainment value.
”FIFTH AVENUE BLUES” by Jade West
This was my first Jade West story. Oh, my!! This woman writes some of the filthiest smut I’ve ever read and damned if I didn’t enjoy it immensely. Kyle Prescott is a famous British actor who has major skills in the bedroom and one of the dirtiest sex talkers EVER!! Emily Foster is the shy and introverted Librarian who used to be classmates with Kyle back in High School. She had a huge crush on Kyle back then and they once shared a kiss at a party but she ran out on him thinking that he was drunk and would regret what happened once he sobered up. Emily had and still has very low self-esteem and couldn’t imagine someone like Kyle would ever have any interest in a girl who looked like her.
Now, years later, Kyle is back in town and he’s actually looking to spend some time with Emily. He has a shot at a big television series and needs her help running lines. Kyle is dyslexic and Emily was the only one who had successfully helped him in the past. When he asks her to help him again, Emily doesn’t hesitate to say yes and they soon wind up back in his hotel room. It only takes a matter of seconds before Kyle is unleashing his dirty talking skills on Emily and awakens a heated desire within her.
The sex is insanely dirty and H-O-T. Once they’ve had a taste of each other it seems neither of them can control their sexual appetites. A plethora of sex is to be had in this sexy, dirty, short story!! Oh, and there is one sugary sweet HEA as well!!
Another guilty pleasure read for this reviewer!!! I know I’ll be picking up another book by this author sometime soon!
DRAWN TO HIM releases on September 19th! One Click it!! Actually, pre-order it now for 99 cents!!!
Patty ~ Wrapped Up In Reading Book Blog
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