Road Tripped by Nicole Archer Review

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5 Smooches!

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Synopsis

What’s worse than losing everything? Try driving a phallic-shaped RV across the country with a vile womanizing coworker.

Copywriter Callie Murphy has a bad attitude, a vicious tongue, and a serious aversion to Shimura Advertising’s resident manwhore, Walker Rhodes. Know where he can stick his good looks and Southern charm? She can think of a few creative places. Avoiding him wouldn’t be a problem, except her boss threatens to fire her if she doesn’t go along with him on their RV client’s cross-country tour.

Burnt-out art director, Walker, is sick of his job, tired of women, and in a big old creative rut. The upcoming client road trip is just what he needs to shake things up and rediscover his lost passion. But his plans go south when his partner drops out at the last minute, and Callie, the foul-mouthed tiny terror, takes her place. Unless he can find a way to thaw his icy coworker, he’s looking at two month’s of pure hell.

On the road, they experience one hilarious misadventure after another and soon find themselves on a life-changing journey. But when their paths veer off in different directions, will they hit a dead end?


Road-Tripped is a stand-alone novel and the first book in the Ad Agency Series.
Adult language and situations.

 

REVIEW

This is my first time reading anything by Nicole Archer, and shoo… let me tell you, people, I was truly impressed with this author and this book. Immediately upon finishing, I sent an IM to my blogger bosses, Amie and Miranda, to tell them that they needed to read this book—not sure they believed me, so I’m hoping that this review will convince them that I’m not fooling around here. I’m going to start this review out a bold statement, perhaps the boldest statement that I’ve ever made in a review. Ready? Here we go: Road-Tripped by Nicole Archer is unquestionably among—possibly even THE—best written romantic comedy I have ever read. Yep. See, I told you, bold. Read on, and I’ll explain why.

First off, I was astonished by, well, pretty much everything about this book. I mean, this is her debut novel. Seriously?! With how well written this book was, how richly developed and well plotted the story was and how completely fleshed out the characters were, it would not have surprised me in the slightest if I Googled Nicole Archer and found a backlist of 763 books. Everything about this story just jumped off the page, almost taking on life, as if it were happening around me. And then there were the unique little finishing details, often overlooked by much more seasoned authors, that were meticulously chosen for inclusion and did their parts well to enhance the overall reading experience. Things like the well placed, quirky and oh-so-fitting little quotes interspersed within the chapters to break up scenes or the exceptionally thoughtful and really kicka$$ playlist. I always check an author’s playlist out should one be included in a book; sometimes I’ll listen and sometimes I won’t, but this particular playlist provided the absolute perfect soundtrack (I mean, hello! The Stones?! ELO?!! Rupert Holmes!! – FABULOUS!) to this phenomenal romcom and is totally worth the listen.

The heroine, Callie Murphy, was a filter-less, foul-mouthed, feisty woman who doesn’t hesitate to speak her mind, and I have to say, I loved this about her. She’s got one heck of a fiery temper, and as a woman fresh off a devastating break up that culminated in a frantic half-country relocation, she’s a touch on the angry side. She does have a tendency to let her sarcastic tongue do the talking for her, and it can lash out whip-quick with snarky, biting commentary that skirts right there on the edge of mean-girl viciousness. A copywriter working for her friend’s ad agency in New York, she’s been assigned to a client’s cross-country camper campaign, and Callie is none-too-pleased at her road trip partner pairing.

Walker Rhodes is man on the edge. Or in this case, the verge – of quitting his job. He is d-o-n-e, DONE. It turns out that the office’s rumored manwhore has a true calling in life, and it is photography. This cross-country camper trip desperately appeals to him as the much-desired chance to get his creative juices flowing again by getting out there on the road with his camera. Gentlemanly and so handsome he renders much of the female population stupid with his good looks, Walker is actually a really great guy, albeit a bit misunderstood. He needs this trip, and he’s not going to let it be ruined by Callie.

This book was positively brimming with laugh-out-loud moments and so much hilarity, it’s nearly impossible for me to pick one, two or even three top favorite moments. The banter between Callie and Walker was the stuff of Hollywood-movie scripts. The creative license the author took with the English language in coining her own words and phrases never failed to fill my eyes with tears of laughter. I can guarantee some of those words will become permanent fixtures in my vocabulary, so thanks for that Ms. Archer.

I loved Callie and Walker together. Both of them began this trip a bit world weary, a bit jaded in their own ways and definitely not looking for romance and certainly not with–gasp!–each other. They had to first bridge an uneasy, cantankerous work relationship to friendship, which they did spectacularly, before it morphed into more. Ultimately, though, what they found on that trip, and in each other, is what great romcoms are all about, and I couldn’t help but root for them.

Nicole Archer is an incredibly talented author, and she used her words carefully, chose them precisely, and in doing so, she was able to paint vividly detailed pictures of not only the places they visited, but the entire story. This book was so smart, it was so very witty, it was charmingly sweet yet somehow complex and it was very sexy. I honestly had no expectations going into this book, beyond just hoping that I’d at least enjoy it. Well color me surprised, because I can honestly say that I not only thoroughly enjoyed this book, but it was also well beyond anything I expected. I was so truly impressed by Nicole Archer’s writing, and Road-Tripped was absolutely everything I hope for and want in a romantic comedy. This book was a brilliant breath of fresh air! Without question, it very deservedly and wholeheartedly gets 5 smooches from me!

~ Danielle Palumbo

BUY IT NOW

Anti-Stepbrother by Tijan Excerpt Reveal

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Excerpt

The sun shone into the room, and it took me a few moments to realize where I was. I didn’t recognize the king-size bed, or the black sheets, but then Caden walked past the open door and all the memories flooded into place.

I slept at his place.

I glanced around the bed… I slept in his bed!

“Your alarm’s about to go off in ten minutes,” Caden called from the doorway. He had a cup of coffee in hand and wore only jeans.

I tried to keep my eyes front and center, but I lost. The tattoos were a nice little zig-zag pattern, pulling my gaze down, all the way down. Caden’s slow, smooth chuckle told me he knew what I’d just done. My cheeks only warmed a little.

I shot him a look, falling back to the pillow. “I feel like this should be the first skip day of my school career.”

“You’ve never skipped before?”

I shook my head, rolling it side to side on the pillow. “Am I missing out? Should I embrace my inner deviant?”

He smirked. “You can skip a class for any reason in the world. It’s your life.”

I sat up, eyeing that coffee. “You were supposed to be the bad influence.”

His eyebrow lifted. “I’m not selling it enough?” He lifted his cup. “You want some coffee?”

“I’m wondering if today is the day I try coffee too.”

“You’ve never had coffee?”

“I’m beginning to think I’m lame.” I thought about it. “Really lame.”

“You slept at some guy’s house last night. Think of it that way.” His smirk was back. “Not so lame now.”

I could do one better. “I slept at a fraternity house.”

And you drank beer.”

“It was the second night in a row that I drank beer.”

“See? Not so lame after all.”

“You’re right.” I sat up. “I’m halfway to total badass.”

He grinned. “We cuddled last night, and you could think of it as dry humping. You almost got some last night.”

Except I hadn’t, and we were in the friend zone. Why were my hands curling around the covers into tight balls? I glanced down and forced them to loosen, then shrugged, trying to be the nonchalant badass I was.

“You carried me to bed. Almost the same thing.”

Suddenly, the joking was gone, and his eyes burned. I could feel his heat from across the room, and my body reacted, instantly warming even before he said a word.

“Nothing’s the same as sliding inside,” he murmured after a moment. “The feel of being in there, feeling that clench around you, knowing you can push as deep as you want, as hard or gently as you want. Nope. I’ve gotta step off the joke train for a moment here. Nothing is remotely the same as that feeling.”

Fuck. My pulse spiked.

He tossed me a look. “Maybe I’ll cop a feel the next time.”

I pretended to groan. “One more notch on my badass peg. You better cop a feel next time.”

“Is that all I am to you? A notch on the bedpost? I feel so used, Stoltz.”

Okay. My last name. We were back on familiar ground here. But my grin was still a little shaky.

“Get used to it, Banks. I’m only disguised as this plain Jane. Inside there’s a wild woman just waiting to be let loose.”

He didn’t reply.

He stared at me for a few more seconds, then straightened from the doorway. “There’s nothing plain about you, Summer.”

I came to college with daydreams about being with my stepbrother, but what would happen if I fell in love with the anti-stepbrother instead?

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Anti-Stepbrother is releasing August 22, 2016!

Pre-order on the following retailers:

iBooks: http://apple.co/1Yg47GW

Nook:  http://bit.ly/22Vj7dD

Kobo:  http://bit.ly/24CzWcI

Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/1WGmyFl

(September 12th delivery)

Add Anti-Stepbrother to your TBR at: http://bit.ly/1UCNF0f

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Blurb

He told me to ‘settle, girl.’
He asked if ‘something was wrong with me?’
He said I was an ‘easy target.’
That was within minutes when I first met Caden Banks.
I labeled him an *sshole, but he was more than that. Arrogant. Smug. Alpha.

He was also to-die-for gorgeous, and my stepbrother’s fraternity brother.

Okay, yes I was a little naive, a tad bit socially awkward, and the smallest amount of stalker-ish, but if Caden Banks thought he could tell me what to do, he had another thing coming.

I came to college with daydreams about being with my stepbrother, but what would happen if I fell for the anti-stepbrother instead?

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Author Information

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I didn’t begin writing until after undergraduate college. There’d been storylines and characters in my head all my life, but it came to a boiling point one day and I HAD to get them out of me. So the computer was booted up and I FINALLY felt it click. Writing is what I needed to do. After that, I had to teach myself how to write. I can’t blame my teachers for not teaching me all those years in school. It was my fault. I was one of the students that was wishing I was anywhere but at school! So after that day, it took me lots of work until I was able to put together something that resembled a novel. I’m hoping I got it right since someone must be reading this profile! And I hope you keep enjoying my future stories.

Stalk Her: Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

Stroked Long by Meghan Quinn Cover Reveal

We’re so excited to share the cover for STROKED LONG by Meghan Quinn! Are you ready for Bodi?

 

STROKED LONG by Meghan Quinn

Scheduled to release: September 20, 2016

 

NA Romantic Comedy

Cover Designed by: Indie Solutions by Murphy Rae

Goodreads

BLURB:

From his dirty-blond hair and breathtaking smile, to the abs from heaven and the irresistible V in his waistline, everything about Bodi Olympic-gold-medalist Banks screams hot piece of @$$.

 Yet there’s more.

 Dark shadows lurk behind his soulful, serious eyes.

 I’m enamored. He’s captured me.

 How can running an art foundation with Bodi Banks turns into a slow-burning, epic romance, even though he tries to push me away at every chance? How can I stay away from a broken, routine-driven man whose soul cries to be forgiven for a crime only he believes he committed? Or is that a lie?

 

 

 

There is still time to sign up for STROKED LONG!

NA Romantic Comedy

Teaser Blast: August 23, 30, Sept 6, 13

Pre-Order Blast: Sept 16-19

Release Day Blast: Sept 20

Review Tour: Sept 19-30

Promotional Event: Oct 1-8

SIGN UP

NOW AVAILABLE!

 

STROKED by Meghan Quinn

Released: July 19, 2016

Cover Designer: Murphy Rae

BLURB:

Reese King: Olympic medalist, underwear model, Greek god.

His body is chiseled from rock, sculpted by the weight room, and refined by water.

On a daily basis his skin is completely bare for everyone to see, tan and defined, only covered up by a minuscule piece of spandex. There is no denying his sex appeal.

I hate to admit it, but I’m head over heels infatuated with him.

There is one HUGE problem though. His achingly gorgeous abs, inked up arm, and cocky swagger belong to my boss, the high-profile, reality star bitch from hell and certified heinous human being, Bellini Chambers.

What I think is going to be an easy job assisting a glorified wench turns into a cluster f*ck of epic proportions.

 

About the Author:

Born in New York and raised in Southern California, Meghan has grown into a sassy, peanut butter eating, blonde haired swearing, animal hoarding lady. She is known to bust out and dance if “It’s Raining Men” starts beating through the air and heaven forbid you get a margarita in her, protect your legs because they may be humped.

Once she started commuting for an hour and twenty minutes every day to work for three years, she began to have conversations play in her head, real life, deep male voices and dainty lady coos kind of conversations. Perturbed and confused, she decided to either see a therapist about the hot and steamy voices running through her head or start writing them down. She decided to go with the cheaper option and started writing… enter her first novel, Caught Looking.

Now you can find the spicy, most definitely on the border of lunacy, kind of crazy lady residing in Colorado with the love of her life and her five, furry four legged children, hiking a trail or hiding behind shelves at grocery stores, wondering what kind of lube the nervous stranger will bring home to his wife. Oh and she loves a good boob squeeze!

Find me on Goodreads:

Visit my website: http://authormeghanquinn.com/

I Like Big Dragons and I Cannot Lie by Lani Lynn Vale Release Blitz with Excerpt and Giveaway

Title: I Like Big Dragons and I Cannot Lie

Series: The Dragon Series #1

Author: Lani Lynn Vale

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Available Now

Keifer Vassago, The Prince of Dragons, has enough on his plate without adding a brunette with a bad attitude to the mix

Fate has a way of screwing all his plans, though, whether he wants them screwed or not. One second he’s fetching his brother from yet another situation that could possibly compromise the Vassago name, and the next that brunette is grabbing his assets.

Blythe isn’t after anyone’s assets, though. She’s a good girl. All she wants is to graduate from nursing school, get a job, and move out of her hell hole apartment. What she does not have time to deal with is a sexy bearded man that accuses her of grabbing his junk.

She tries to forget about the encounter, but fate’s a cruel bitch.

One second she’s a normal college student barely living paycheck to paycheck, and the next she’s setting her panties on fire with powers from an ancient immortal dragon.

To add insult to injury, she’s hearing voices, and none of them are figments of her imagination. Blythe’s life is turned upside down, and Keifer forces her to adapt even though she doesn’t want to. She likes her life just the way it is.

Not to mention she wants nothing to do with that arrogant asshole. She doesn’t care that he rides a dragon. She also could care less about his stupid beard, and his sexy eyes.

Yeah, who was she kidding? She wasn’t convincing anybody.

“Oh my heavens to Betsey, I was given an opportunity to have a sneak peek at this bad boy from Lani Lynn Vale. First, I love that Lani’s style of writing that balances family, feels, and loyalty with lots of life follows through into this series.”Author Chelsea Cameron

 

“’I Like Dragons and I Cannot Lie’ is without a shadow of a doubt one of the best PNR I have EVER read!!!”Gi’s Spot Reviews

 

“On a closing note Lani Lynn Vale did it again with another amazing book…” Goodreads Reviewer

(CLICK ME TO JOIN)

I woke up to my lower half on fire.

 

At first, I thought it was just an aftereffect of my dreams, but when I finally peeled my eyes open, I could smell smoke.

 

 

When I opened my lids and looked down, it was to literally find my panties on fire.

 

 

I screamed and rolled; rolling so far in the bed that I hit the floor and kept going.

 

 

By the time the fire was finally out, my panties were burned to ash. However, my skin was perfectly fine. In fact, the hairs that I’d planned on having waxed later in the week were gone.

 

 

It’d given me a fire waxing…minus the wax.

 

 

“What the fuck?” I yelled, staring down at my now hair-free mound.

 

 

Blasphemy.

 

 

My eyes widened and I looked around. Was someone in the room with me?

 

 

I started reaching for the lamp but couldn’t find it. There was a pile of things beside the bed that I’d knocked over in my haste to get up. I could only assume that the lamp was one of those things.

 

 

“Light, light, light,” I chanted, shifting through the things on the floor.

 

 

My candles that I had interspersed around the room all lit at once, and I screamed.

 

 

“What the hell is going on?” I shrieked.

 

 

Macy started hammering on the wall, or her boyfriend. Whatever. Fuck her.

 

 

I narrowed my eyes at the wall.

 

 

That stupid heifer! I’m allowed to scream if I want to. She fucks day and night, and she’s going to bang on my wall to get meto quiet down?

 

 

Master Farrow has always had excellent stamina with the ladies.

 

 

I froze, turning around and scanning the room.

 

 

“Who’s there?” I asked nervously.

 

 

A deep, rumbly laugh filled my head and my eyes widened.

 

 

“Holy mother of God, get out of my head!” I yelled.

 

 

The voice in my head continued to chuckle. Oh, this is almost as good as when Prince Keifer came into his powers. He didn’t shriek like you do, though.

I’m a married mother of three. My kids are all under 5, so I can assure you that they are a handful. I’ve been with my paramedic husband now for ten years, and we’ve produced three offspring that are nothing like us. I live in the greatest state in the world, Texas.

HOSTED BY:

Neighbor Dearest by Penelope Ward Book Tour with Excerpt and Giveaway

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Neighbor Dearest is LIVE and on limited-time release sale for $3.99 (Changing to $4.99 after release. This will be the ONLY sale.) A sexy STANDALONE friends-to-lovers story that does NOT have to be read in conjunction with any other book.

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AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2aV9V6F

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2aUDxny

iBooks: http://apple.co/29iqvtJ

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2aT108M

Nook: http://bit.ly/2b6hVkQ

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Blurb

A STANDALONE NOVEL that does NOT need to be read in conjunction with any other book.

From New York Times bestselling author, Penelope Ward, comes a friends-to-lovers story with sexy new characters.

After getting dumped, the last thing I needed was to move next door to someone who reminded me of my ex-boyfriend, Elec.

Damien was a hotter version of my ex.

The neighbor I’d dubbed “Angry Artist” also had two massive dogs that kept me up with their barking.

He wanted nothing to do with me. Or so I thought until one night I heard laughter coming through an apparent hole in my bedroom wall.

Damien had been listening to all of my phone sessions with my therapist.

The sexy artist next door now knew all of my deepest secrets and insecurities.

We got to talking.

He set me straight with tips to get over my breakup.

He became a good friend, but Damien made it clear that he couldn’t be anything more.

Problem was, I was falling hard for him anyway. And as much as he pushed me away, I knew he felt the same…because his heartbeat didn’t lie.

I thought my heart had been broken by Elec, but it was alive and beating harder than ever for Damien.

I just hoped he wouldn’t shatter it for good.

Author’s note – Neighbor Dearest is a full-length standalone novel. Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

 

Check out our 4.5 Smooches review HERE.

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Excerpt

Copyright © 2016 by

Penelope Ward

Looking tense, he placed his hands slowly into his pockets as he looked at me. “What exactly happened last night?”

“What are you talking about?”

Nice try dodging the question.

He moved in closer to me. “What am I talking about? You leaving me with a giant fucking basket of muffins and running off before I could even say anything? Ring a bell?”

“I thought you’d be alone. It caught me off guard.”

His eyes softened. “You were upset…”

“No, I wasn’t.”

“You’re a terrible liar, Chelsea. Fucking horrible at it. You don’t hide your feelings very well.”

“You think you know just about everything there is to know about me, don’t you?”

“Not everything. But it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to read you. It’s one of the things I like about you, though. You’re one of the least fake people I’ve ever met.”

“Then, tell me. Why do you think I was upset?”

“Honestly? I think you’re confused about me.”

“Confused…”

“Yes. I think you’re wondering why I opted not to have dinner with you and instead ended up with a woman I’d literally just met, someone who isn’t as sweet as you and sure as fuck isn’t as pretty as you. So, you’re wondering what the hell I was thinking. Am I right?”

That’s exactly what I was thinking.

He continued, “I know we haven’t known each other for very long, but I do feel a connection with you, okay? If you’ve sensed something, you’re not imagining it.”

“Well, if I wasn’t confused before…now I definitely am.”

“I feel like I need to say this now, because I can’t stand the thought of you thinking that I somehow find you undesirable when it’s exactly the opposite.”

I crossed my arms. “Again. Not following you.”

He closed his eyes as if to try to find the right words. “It’s just that I know for sure that I can’t ever be what someone like you needs in a boyfriend, in a partner. It’s not that we wouldn’t have fun or be great together at first. I’m just not good for you in the long-term—not marriage material. And the reasons are too complex to get into, except to say that it has nothing to do with you and everything to do with me. I can’t, in good conscience, start something with a girl like you.”

“A girl like me…”

“Yes. You’re not the kind of girl a guy takes home for a quick fuck. You’re the girl he keeps.”

Right. Just like Elec did.

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About the Author:

Penelope Ward

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Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor, before switching to a more family-friendly career. She is the proud mother of a beautiful 11-year-old girl with autism and a 9-year-old boy. Penelope and her family reside in Rhode Island.

Connect with Penelope Ward:

          Stalk Her: Facebook | Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Private Group

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Additional Books by Penelope Ward

RoomHate:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/294lIeT
iBooks: http://apple.co/1PgsvE7

Nook: http://bit.ly/1PLGnSL

kobo: http://bit.ly/1POvSnW

Stuck-Up Suit: (co-written with Vi Keeland)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1S3LnpZ

iBooks: http://apple.co/1Qbwy57

B&N: http://bit.ly/29vrQhV

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/stuck-up-suit

Cocky Bastard: (co-written with Vi Keeland)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1MvHLg2

iBooks: http://apple.co/1PffE2J

Nook: http://bit.ly/1EjxNpY
Kobo:  http://bit.ly/1UxCSUO

 

Sins of Sevin:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1F9tbc3

iBooks: http://apple.co/1K8mzGg

Nook: http://bit.ly/1hTKAKE

kobo: http://bit.ly/1OaGY3D

Stepbrother Dearest:

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/1mFNMeg

Nook: http://bit.ly/1taMFjG

iBooks: http://bit.ly/YER0mT

kobo: http://bit.ly/1fJaaBs

Jake Undone (Jake #1):

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1dJrHBC

Nook: http://bit.ly/1obAwJ6

iBooks: http://apple.co/1fJayQ8

kobo: http://bit.ly/1SPKl0M

My Skylar

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1obOG2F

Nook: http://bit.ly/SLO1qi

iBooks: http://bit.ly/SLNOTR

kobo: http://bit.ly/1kNrtAB

Jake Understood (Jake #2):

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1GFdves

Nook: http://bit.ly/1FwJC0z

iBooks: http://apple.co/1DQQwgC

kobo: http://bit.ly/1LQ7Fvk

Gemini:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1vgk1SE

Nook: http://bit.ly/1KfmLHD

iBooks: http://apple.co/1QTaONj

kobo: http://bit.ly/1BGJ2wu

GIVEAWAY

$50 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Neighbor Dearest by Penelope Ward Review

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4.5 Smooches

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Synopsis

After getting dumped, the last thing I needed was to move next door to someone who reminded me of my ex-boyfriend, Elec.

Damien was a hotter version of my ex.

The neighbor I’d dubbed “Angry Artist” also had two massive dogs that kept me up with their barking.

He wanted nothing to do with me. Or so I thought until one night I heard laughter coming through an apparent hole in my bedroom wall.

Damien had been listening to all of my phone sessions with my therapist.

The sexy artist next door now knew all of my deepest secrets and insecurities.

We got to talking.

He set me straight with tips to get over my breakup.

He became a good friend, but Damien made it clear that he couldn’t be anything more.

Problem was, I was falling hard for him anyway. And as much as he pushed me away, I knew he felt the same…because his heartbeat didn’t lie.

I thought my heart had been broken by Elec, but it was alive and beating harder than ever for Damien.

I just hoped he wouldn’t shatter it for good.

Review

‘I was developing a massive crush on this man. It felt like there should have been a warning alarm going off at the same time, though.’

Chelsea and Damien are a slow burn that explodes and I loved them. This went from a love / hate to a friends to lovers and I personally savored every moment with them. These two had instant chemistry and a banter that made the story flow marvelously.

“You’re not the kind of girl a guy takes home for a quick fuck. You’re the girl he keeps.”

Neighbor Dearest just got better and better. This first half of the book I struggled with how hung up on her ex-boyfriend, Elec, Chelsea was. I know this was needed but it made for a book I enjoyed reading but I was able to walk away when needed. Now, the second half of the book was a completely different story. I fell asleep reading the book at right around 50%. I happen to wake up at 2AM and thought I would read just a bit to help me fall asleep. Usually, when I do this I am back asleep within ten minutes. Not this time though, nope. Hours I stayed up completely entranced with this heartfelt story.

“There’s supposedly nothing more than a friendship going on between us, right? So, why does being around you hurt so badly, sometimes?”

Damien might just be one of the most perfect book boyfriends written. Equal parts sexy, sweet, kind, fun and when he is pushing her away, mean. I loved every minute spent with him and secretly have fantasies of him ripping on me too. While Neighbor Dearest is not as emotionally crippling as some other of my favorite reads by Penelope it is full of heart and hurt. Not all of it is easy going but it was all very captivating.

~miranda

Hero Of Mine by Codi Gary Review

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4.5 Smooches

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Synopsis

Danielle Hill used to live on the wild side, until a surprise pregnancy forced her to get her act together. Now her whole life revolves around her young son, and she will do anything to keep Noah’s heart protected, even if it means avoiding the Marine who makes her want to be oh so bad . . .

Tyler Best loves his family, his friends, and his life, and he plans on living it to the fullest after nearly losing it. But Tyler didn’t bank on running into a beautiful blond with blazing green eyes and temper to match his. Tyler always thought he wasn’t ready to settle down, but Dani and Noah make him rethink his playboy ways . . .

Only just as these two start to build something, a shadow from Dani’s past comes back to haunt them. But Tyler will do anything to keep her and Noah safe . . . anything.

Review

‘But the tiny, smiling little boy on her phone screen was like a big fat stop sign. He didn’t do single moms’

As a longtime fan of Codi Gary I was excited to get and start this new book in the Men In Uniform series. I enjoy her easy to read with just enough action plots and though third person is not my favorite style to read, hers doesn’t bother me. Like the previous book and novella in the series, this is a standalone about a Marine working at the Alpha Dog training facility and the woman who captures his attention.

‘But nothing had changed. He was the guy with nothing to lose, and she was a mom. Nothing simple or east, not where them hooking up was concerned.

Playboy Tyler has a few rules he NEVER breaks and single moms top that list. Growing up the son of a single mom himself he knows how important it is to only get involved in a kids life if he plans to stay there. So though he was incredibly attracted to Dani he walks away. Fate however had other ideas and constantly threw these two unlikely people together. Individually, I liked both Dani and Tyler and while at first her stubbornness and his refusal to get involved was frustrating it did not take long for me to be rooting for them. I spent a good part of the book convinced that I really liked it and as a simple low drama four star good book, where I thought that her being a single mom was all the only real issue we would encounter, I will say that the last 25% blew me away. So much happens and I couldn’t stop. I was delighted and surprised by the twists that happened and mad at myself for ever doubting that Codi could deliver.

‘Could ovaries really explode? Because Dani was pretty sure her just had.’

I am a sucker for a small town romance and at the heart of it all that is what this is. Sexy, sweet and surprising. I am most definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.

~miranda

The Season: Rush by Nicole Edwards Release Blitz

A single mom & a sexy hockey goalie. Sounds like a match made in a… PR stunt?

 

 

NOW AVAILABLE!

 

 GRAB IT FOR YOUR EREADER HERE:

 

“…it was everything I ever wanted in a sports romance and it was hot. …I have a new goalie that I’m in love with” ~Jackie W.


“I devoured this book yesterday…… RUSH by Nicole Edwards is a MUST read !!!!! You are going to LOVE Kingston and Ellie !!!!!!” ~H.P. Davenport

“Well, Nicole you did it again. Loved Rush and Ellie that women is amazing. I cannot wait for more.” ~Kathy A.

“…it’s a perfect mix of sport and sexiness the chemistry between the two main characters is off the chain it’s like the first half of the book is foreplay then BOOM seriously is there nothing this woman can’t do and do well.” ~Lisa W.

 

 

RUSH

The SEASON

​Coming August 16, 2016

Kingston Rush

Becoming a goaltender in the NHL is the only thing I ever wanted for myself.

Goal accomplished.

Two years ago, I was the best goalie in the league, for the third time. With our Stanley Cup win, the Austin Arrows were on top of the world. Nothing could possibly bring us down.

Wrong.

Turns out, even when you’re at the top, you can find yourself back at rock bottom.

But it gets worse.

Not only did the team fall from grace, then I did too. I was accused of something I didn’t do. And now I’m being forced to repair my tarnished reputation.

Only I don’t know how to do that.

When the suggestion is made for me to pull off this ruse for the media, I know what I’m getting into. I also know there’s only one right answer.

But it’s complicated, and I’m not the only one who could get hurt.

There’s only one major problem.

I can’t say no.

m/f contemporary hockey

*****Want more? Click HERE and scroll down!*****

 

Be sure to join us for giveaways today (August 16, 2016) in the Nicole & Colt FB Group!

 

Learn more about Phoenix, the owner of Rush’s Austin Arrows in Nicole’s standalone novel A Million Tiny Pieces

 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Nicole Edwards lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, their three kids, and four rambunctious dogs. When she’s not writing about sexy alpha males, Nicole can often be found with her Kindle in hand or making an attempt to keep the dogs happy. You can find her hanging out on Facebook and interacting with her readers – even when she’s supposed to be writing.

Nicole also writes contemporary/new adult romance as Timberlyn Scott.

Nicole would love to hear from you!

Midnight Soul by Kristen Ashley Release Blitz with Excerpt and Giveaway

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MIDNIGHT SOUL is here! This amazing fantasy takes place in our world and a parallel universe where fantasies are true…but perhaps not all you would expect. MIDNIGHT SOUL is the highly anticipated finale to Kristen Ashley’s bestselling Fantasyland Series. Be sure you check out the excerpt and giveaway below and order the final novel in this amazing series today!

Midnight Soul - RDL teaser 1

EXCERPT:

~Franka~

I remembered that look.

I relished that look.

Not only on my Antoine but any lover I’d had (but, obviously, getting it from Antione was far more rewarding).

It was a look I worked toward, putting great energy and imagination into it, losing myself in these endeavors, feeling free of my name, my history, my secrets, my responsibilities, and reveling in my success as if I’d scaled mountains.

It was my greatest talent outside, of course (as any good Drakkar would excel), honing in on any vulnerability and manipulating it for the greatest possible gain—coin, jewels, furs, favors, silence, information, or simply for amusement.

Seeing the look on Noctorno at that moment, I knew Circe too had performed well (admirably well, I might add, considering her dismal past).

I also recognized—focusing on it keenly—what Circe might have missed, or perhaps what Noctorno hid from her understanding, or simply just sensing, how she came to him.

He was not done.

Oh no.

If she had not given indication she wished him out of her bedchamber, he’d still be in it.

Indeed, he might be in it all night, and not to sleep.

He might have been in it, perhaps, for days.

As these thoughts flitted in my mind, I became aware he’d fully entered the room, was stopped not far from my chair, and was standing, chin tipped down, eyes regarding me with a scrutiny that I found so uncomfortable I actually shifted in my seat.

I ceased this reaction the instant I became aware of it, appalled at myself.

Giving something away so easily? Especially something like discomfiture?

You’ve ruined me, I snapped silently at Antoine.

My dead lover had no rejoinder.

“You okay?” Noctorno asked.

“Am I what?” I asked in return.

His head gave a slight twitch before he went on, “You okay? All right?” His voice lowered. “It’s been a tough day, babe, for all of us. Including you.”

I looked beyond him to the fire, lifting my wine to my lips but not sipping it until after I murmured, “I’m perfectly fine.”

“Yeah, right,” he stated, and the disbelief veritably dripping from his tone made my gaze flick immediately back to him.

This meant I watched as he sauntered right in front of me to the chair accompanying mine, threw his lengthy frame in it and reached for the wine at the table that separated our seats.

He also reached for the extra glass.

These were seats, I shall add, that were turned at corners to each other with a small, round table in between, so my knee was nearly touching his.

He poured.

It was on the tip of my tongue to share that I had not invited him to attend me.

Alas, I became distracted by his long fingers, and the words died in my mouth.

Midnight Soul - cover

MIDNIGHT SOUL Synopsis:

Against his will, Noctorno Hawthorne, an undercover vice cop, finds himself embroiled in magic, mayhem and parallel universes. Too late, he meets an amazing woman only to find she’s destined for his identical twin in another world.

And things aren’t going real great there.

Noc is recruited to help save that world.

What he doesn’t know is his destined love resides there.

Franka Drakkar wears a mask. A mask she never takes off to protect herself in a world of malice, intrigue and danger.

When Franka meets Noc and he discovers her secrets, convinced she carries a midnight soul, having shielded herself from forming bonds with anyone, she struggles with accepting his tenderness and care.

When Noc meets Franka, over wine and whiskey, her mask slips and Noc knows it’s her—only her—and he has to find a way to get her to come home with him.

And then make her want to stay.

Order MIDNIGHT SOUL here!

Amazon * Barnes and Noble * GooglePlay * iBooks* Kobo

Add it to your Goodreads Now!

Midnight Soul - RDL teaser 2

And Don’t Miss the First Books in the Fantasyland Series!

WILDEST DREAMS

THE GOLDEN DYNASTY

FANTASTICAL

BROKEN DOVE

Kristin Ashley - headshotAbout 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 accessorise 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.

WEBSITE * FACEBOOK * TWITTER * NEWSLETTER * GOODREADS * PINTEREST * INSTAGRAM

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Neighbor Dearest by Penelope Ward Release Blitz

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Neighbor Dearest is LIVE and on limited-time release sale for $3.99 (Changing to $4.99 after release. This will be the ONLY sale.) A sexy STANDALONE friends-to-lovers story that does NOT have to be read in conjunction with any other book.

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AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2bgzYaS

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2aUDxny

iBooks: http://apple.co/29iqvtJ

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2aT108M

Nook: http://bit.ly/2b6hVkQ

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Blurb

A STANDALONE NOVEL that does NOT need to be read in conjunction with any other book.

From New York Times bestselling author, Penelope Ward, comes a friends-to-lovers story with sexy new characters.

After getting dumped, the last thing I needed was to move next door to someone who reminded me of my ex-boyfriend, Elec.

Damien was a hotter version of my ex.

The neighbor I’d dubbed “Angry Artist” also had two massive dogs that kept me up with their barking.

He wanted nothing to do with me. Or so I thought until one night I heard laughter coming through an apparent hole in my bedroom wall.

Damien had been listening to all of my phone sessions with my therapist.

The sexy artist next door now knew all of my deepest secrets and insecurities.

We got to talking.

He set me straight with tips to get over my breakup.

He became a good friend, but Damien made it clear that he couldn’t be anything more.

Problem was, I was falling hard for him anyway. And as much as he pushed me away, I knew he felt the same…because his heartbeat didn’t lie.

I thought my heart had been broken by Elec, but it was alive and beating harder than ever for Damien.

I just hoped he wouldn’t shatter it for good.

Author’s note – Neighbor Dearest is a full-length standalone novel. Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

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About the Author:

Penelope Ward

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Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor, before switching to a more family-friendly career. She is the proud mother of a beautiful 11-year-old girl with autism and a 9-year-old boy. Penelope and her family reside in Rhode Island.

Connect with Penelope Ward:

          Stalk Her: Facebook | Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Private Group

Additional Books by Penelope Ward

RoomHate:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/294lIeT
iBooks: http://apple.co/1PgsvE7

Nook: http://bit.ly/1PLGnSL

kobo: http://bit.ly/1POvSnW

Stuck-Up Suit: (co-written with Vi Keeland)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1S3LnpZ

iBooks: http://apple.co/1Qbwy57

B&N: http://bit.ly/29vrQhV

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/stuck-up-suit

Cocky Bastard: (co-written with Vi Keeland)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1MvHLg2

iBooks: http://apple.co/1PffE2J

Nook: http://bit.ly/1EjxNpY
Kobo:  http://bit.ly/1UxCSUO

 

Sins of Sevin:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1F9tbc3

iBooks: http://apple.co/1K8mzGg

Nook: http://bit.ly/1hTKAKE

kobo: http://bit.ly/1OaGY3D

Stepbrother Dearest:

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/1mFNMeg

Nook: http://bit.ly/1taMFjG

iBooks: http://bit.ly/YER0mT

kobo: http://bit.ly/1fJaaBs

Jake Undone (Jake #1):

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1dJrHBC

Nook: http://bit.ly/1obAwJ6

iBooks: http://apple.co/1fJayQ8

kobo: http://bit.ly/1SPKl0M

My Skylar

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1obOG2F

Nook: http://bit.ly/SLO1qi

iBooks: http://bit.ly/SLNOTR

kobo: http://bit.ly/1kNrtAB

Jake Understood (Jake #2):

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1GFdves

Nook: http://bit.ly/1FwJC0z

iBooks: http://apple.co/1DQQwgC

kobo: http://bit.ly/1LQ7Fvk

Gemini:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1vgk1SE

Nook: http://bit.ly/1KfmLHD

iBooks: http://apple.co/1QTaONj

kobo: http://bit.ly/1BGJ2wu