Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Blog Tour Review- Beard in Mind (Winston Brothers, #4) by Penny Reid

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Beard in Mind, an all new standalone in the bestselling, romantic comedy Winston Brothers Series by Penny Reid, is available NOW!

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All is fair in love and auto maintenance.
Beau Winston is the nicest, most accommodating guy in the world. Usually.
Handsome as the devil and twice as charismatic, Beau lives a charmed life as everyone’s favorite Winston Brother. But since his twin decided to leave town, and his other brother hired a stunning human-porcupine hybrid as a replacement mechanic for their auto shop, Beau Winston’s charmed life has gone to hell in a handbasket.
Shelly Sullivan is not nice and is never accommodating. Ever.
She mumbles to herself, but won’t respond when asked a question. She glares at everyone, especially babies. She won’t shake hands with or touch another person, but has no problems cuddling with a dog. And her damn parrot speaks only in curse words.
Beau wants her gone. He wants her out of his auto shop, out of Tennessee, and out of his life.
The only problem is, learning why this porcupine wears her coat of spikes opens a Pandora’s box of complexity—exquisite, tempting, heartbreaking complexity—and Beau Winston soon discovers being nice and accommodating might mean losing what matters most.

 My Review 

☆ I received an ARC via Indiesage PR in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!! ☆

Shelly Sullivan is probably one of the more colorful characters I have ever come across.  She's blunt, snarky, and she's a flawed perfectionist.

Shelly, to me, kind of reminded me of my older sister.  They're both good looking, can easily offend people in a jiffy, and retain demons deep within themselves that yearn for something more.

Beau, oddly enough, is the actual name of my biological brother in real life so while comparing Shelly to my sister, Beau coincidentally also mirrored my sibling personality wise as well. Now, I know you may think it's odd that I'm comparing both the main protagonists to my family members since they obviously end up having non-sibling interactions, but---- for some reason it made it easier to relate more to these characters since I grew up with them and could understand where they were coming from.

Shelly reminds me of one of those thorny characters who will prick those who come near to protect themselves.  She's not at all a bad person, she just can't connect properly with others which tends to get her into hot water at times.

Where Shelly tries to keep others out, Beau, on the other hand is the polar opposite but comes to recognize the good qualities in Shelly after eventually coming to know her.  Hence, why I love him so much and why my actual brother with the same name is my favorite sibling.

Anyway, before I ramble on yet again about my family members, a great fourth addition to the Winston Bros series.  It retained that flawless wit that I've come to love from this series, along with, elements of love, family, friendhship, and the struggles that we face within ourselves as humans.
Kawehi

My Rating:

Excerpt:

She’d taken the sofa, in her own house, and given me the bed. That didn’t make a lick of sense. I crouched next to her, threading my fingers into the silky hair at her temples. “Honey.” “Mmm.” I bent to whisper, “Shelly.” “Hmm?” “I’m going to carry you to your bed. I’ll take the sofa.” “Mmm.” I grinned at her soft noises, at the untroubled expression on her face, and how her brow—even in sleep—still looked regal and stern. Sliding my arms under her legs and shoulder, I picked her up. And, unfortunately, that woke her up. She jerked in my arms. “What are you doing?” “I’m taking you to the bed.” “Don’t do that.” “I don’t mind, I’ll take the sofa.” Our mouths were just inches apart, and hers was distracting. She squirmed. “Put me down.” Sighing unhappily, I did. I set her on her feet next to the couch. The blanket pooled at her feet and I stepped back to give her some space. It was dark, but I could see her just fine, and that meant I had to force my eyes to remain above her neck. The woman was wearing two pathetic scraps of fabric as pajamas. A thin little tank top and shorts. That’s it. I set my jaw and turned to the side, waiting for her to walk past. “Where are you?” I glanced at her and realized she couldn’t see at all. She didn’t have a hand out, but the way her eyes were moving about the room gave away her blindness. “I’m here.” I didn’t touch her, because if I did, I wouldn’t want to stop. Shelly turned her head in my direction and took a deep breath. Still she didn’t reach for me. I didn’t know the specifics of what to expect after her Friday session, but I recalled Dr. West saying something about Shelly doing self-guided ERP exercises over this week. “Can you see?” She licked her lips, her voice sandpapery. “Because I can’t see at all. It’s so dark.” “I can see.” Unbidden, my eyes dropped to her body, to the swell of her breasts, the panel of bare stomach, the curve of her hips. Pinpricks of heat raised over my skin and I curled my hands into fists. She shuffled forward and I caught her before she bumped into me, setting my hands gently at her waist. “Let me take you to your room.” My voice was rough, for obvious reasons. Saying nothing, she brought her hand to my forearm, her body gently colliding with mine. And then her hand on my arm slid up my bicep to my shoulder. “Shelly.” I was running out of breath. “I like this.” “What?” “Touching you.” Oh fuck. I held still and endured her hands moving over my body, down the front of my shirt, stopping at the hem, then pushing it up. “Take this off.” I did. I pulled the T-shirt over my head and let it drop to the floor. We stood there, facing each other in the dark, not touching. Despite the session on Friday and the progress that had been made, I realized she wasn’t quite there yet. Dr. West was right, Friday was just a step, the first step. Shelly wasn’t able to initiate contact. Not yet. Her hands balled into fists and she swayed forward, her breath struggling little puffs. If anything was going to happen tonight, I had to initiate it. I had to be the one to touch first. God, how I wanted her. How I wanted her above me, beneath me, surrounding me. But how could I? “I know why I hesitate,” her voice was breathless, “but why do you hesitate?” “Lots of reasons.” “Give me one.” “I don’t want to you use you.” “I wish you would.” That pulled a laugh from me, just a small relief from the mounting tension. My eyes moved over her body, an undeniable impulse to devour the sight of her, her legs, stomach, chest, then up her neck to her lips. “You asked me on Saturday if sex was a big deal for me, or if it was you. The answer is both.” She held very still, and I got the sense she was holding her breath, straining to listen. “You are a big deal to me. I don’t want a fling. I don’t want a flirtation. I want promises.” “What can I promise you?” That you’ll love me. That I’ll be your priority. She shifted her weight from foot to foot. A spike of anxiety that she might leave me like this had me acting without forethought. I lifted my hands to her waist again and immediately, her fingertips skimmed over skin of my lower stomach in response, making my muscles tense in hot anticipation. She grew more assertive as she caressed my sides, abdomen, ribs, chest, shoulders, and then back down. Shelly stepped closer, a hint of thrilling contact between her breasts and my torso, and all the words and worries melted from my mind, died on my tongue, suffocated by the feel of her body, and the possibility of this moment. Her finger hooked in the waistband of my jeans. “Take these off.” Her hand turned, her fingers and palm cupping me over my zipper. Instinctively, I pressed myself into her touch even as I grabbed her wrist. “Beau, I promise—” She didn’t get to speak, because I kissed her, hard and wild, unbuttoning and unzipping my fly with one hand and bringing her palm inside my boxers with the other.

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Meet Penny Reid:

Penny Reid is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Winston Brothers and Knitting in the City series. When she’s not immersed in penning smart romances, Penny works in the biotech industry as a researcher. She’s also a full time mom to three diminutive adults, wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja.

PennyReid

Connect with Penny:

Twitter: @ReidRomance

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Release Blitz Review- Allerleirauh by Chantal Gadoury


Allerleirauh
Title: Allerleirauh
Author: Chantal Gadoury
Publication Date: August 22nd 2017 by The Parliament House 
Plot: Once Upon a Time…

In the kingdom of Tranen, a king makes a promise to his dying wife that he'll only remarry a woman who possesses her golden hair. In time, the king's eyes are turned by his daughter. Realizing her father’s intentions, Princess Aurelia tries to trick him by requesting impossible gifts: dresses created by the sun, moon and stars, and a coat made of a thousand furs. But when he is successful, Aurelia sacrifices her privileged life and flees her kingdom, disguised by the cloak and a new name, Allerleirauh.

She enters the safe haven of Saarland der Licht, where the handsome and gentle Prince Klaus takes her under his care. Hoping not to be discovered by her father’s courtiers, Allerleirauh tries to remain hidden under her new identity when she finds unexpected love with Prince Klaus, even though his arranged marriage to the princess of a neighboring kingdom approaches. Risking everything, Allerleirauh must face her troubled past and her fears of the future along her journey to self-acceptance in this triumphant retelling of the classic Grimm Fairy Tale. 



 My Review 

Not going to lie, when I first read that the plot revolves around a father trying to marry his daughter I was pretty darn disturbed.  I mean, even if he had made a promise to his dieing wife, after vying for other maidens who meet her request, I would never go as far as to court and breed my own daughter for an heir.  But then again, this man, as you read is no father, husband or ruler of the year (or ever) period.   He's in every definition and sense of the word: a monster.

As for the story protagonist, Aurelia's character was a likable one for me.  She starts off innocent and naive, but she's no dummy.  She knows she's a pawn stuck in a web of power and deceit and so when she discovers all of her hunches about her father are true, she derives a plan to escape and take control of her own life.  Even if it means going up against her very own father.

I also found Klaus, Mr. Prince Charming himself, to be likable as well.  Normally I feel like most authors tend to personify male royalty, particularly the young ones, as cocky and entitled but Klaus was the complete opposite which was both refreshing and intriguing.

Lastly again, back to the plot.  I heard others compare this to Brothers Grimm work, but as I have no idea which tale they're probably comparing this too, all I can say is that originality wise it was okay.  It wasn't particularly anything I hadn't heard of before, storywise, but all in all throughout I really enjoyed it a lot.  Especially the character growth in Aurelia.
Kawehi

My Rating:
 Excerpt 

“I won’t ever let them near you again, Aurelia. I swear it,” he promised as his grief-filled eyes met mine. “You must know I love you. It never mattered to me whether you were a princess or not. It matters not to me if you think you are soiled, because to me . . . you are more . . . You are more than what has happened to you, and you always shall be,” he said softly as his hand slid to my cheek. Carefully, his thumb wiped a tear away. “You are this wonderful, head-strong, and brave woman,” Klaus continued. “No one has any right to ever try to take such a thing away from you. It should only ever be admired and cherished.”
More tears began to spill over my cheeks as relief flooded me. Klaus would not turn me away; instead, he accepted me. I rested my forehead against his shoulder, as I felt his arms slowly wrap around me.
“Tell me what you wish for me to do, my sweet Aurelia, and I will do it.”      

 Teasers 

choices

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 About the Author 



Chantal Gadoury is a 2011 graduate from Susquehanna University with a degree in Creative Writing. Since graduation, she has published three novels, “Seven Seeds of Summer,” Allerleirauh” and “The Songs in Our Hearts.” Writing has always come naturally to her, beginning at the early age of seven. Her love of writing evolved from a passion to read and document everything about her life in journals. (A Real-Life Harriett the Spy, without the Spying!) While Chantal is pursuing writing avenues, she enjoys acrylic painting, watching Disney and romantic historical movies and spending time with her family. 

Author's Links:

 Buy Links 

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Monday, August 21, 2017

Review Blitz!- Drunk Dial by Penelope Ward


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    From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward, comes a new, sexy standalone novel. It seemed like a good idea at the time. Look up Landon Roderick, that boy from childhood whom I’d never been able to forget—even though he so easily forgot about me—and call him. Then again, anything sounds like a good idea when you’ve had a little too much wine before bed, right? It was supposed to be just a quick, meaningless, prank call. Instead, I went off on him—unloading thirteen years of pent-up emotions. I didn’t think he’d call me back. I certainly could never have anticipated the weeks of sexually tense phone conversations that followed as I got to know the man he’d become. Turned out, Landon had never really forgotten me, either. That special connection we had was still there. I opened up to him, but there were also things about me he didn’t know. And he had his own secrets. Over the countless hours we talked on the phone, I wondered what would happen if we actually saw each other. One night, I did something impulsive again. Only this time, I went to the airport and booked a ticket to California. We were about to find out if one phone call could bring two lost souls together or if my drunk dial really was all just a big mistake. A complete STANDALONE.

 My Review 


Personally, I've never drunk dialed anyone in my life but I have heard horror stories about it.
For Rana and Landon, perhaps, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.  Why, you may ask?  Well, they were once childhood acquaintences that later had a falling out and no longer are apart of the others' lives.  Now, with Rana's drunken rant, Rana and Landon find themselves reconnecting and on the verge to something that neither could have imagined.

I really enjoyed this read.  The synopsis alone reeled me in but it was the story that was intriguing itself.  Rana and Landon, woah, I really liked the rapport and growth between these two.  I mean, you never know when things can take off or fall apart.  That to me, is how Rana and Landon's past and present relationship progressed to where they ended up.  Things may have not worked out in the past but it was great to see them have a second chance at a real lost friendship and maybe love?

Anyway, a great read.


                            Kawehi
My Rating:

  Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today, and #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling author of thirteen novels. With over a million books sold, her titles have placed on the New York Times Bestseller list sixteen times. She is the proud mother of a beautiful 12-year-old girl with autism (the inspiration for the character Callie in Gemini) and a 10-year-old boy. Penelope, her husband, and kids reside in Rhode Island.   Connect with Penelope Ward Facebook Fan Group | Facebook | Website |Twitter | Instagram  

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Review Blitz!- Beneath The Truth (Beneath, #7) by Meghan March

      From USA Today bestselling author Meghan March comes the final sexy standalone set in the Beneath world of New Orleans. I used to believe there were lines in life you don't cross. Don't lie. Don't cheat. Don't steal. Until I learned people don't always practice what they preach. I turned in my badge and gun and walked away from everything. Then I got the call no one wants, and I’m back in New Orleans. What I don't expect is for her to be here too. Another line you don’t cross? Don't touch your best friend’s little sister. She's always been off-limits. Too bad I don't follow the rules anymore.  

 My Review 

So we've finally reached the conclusion to the Beneath Series and to say it didn't leave a bittersweet taste in my mouth would be wrong.  Hennesey, who's book I'd been waiting for for a while, did not let me down.  For a man who's always lived on the straight and narrow and by the law he was sworn to protect-- to go about losing it all, it has to leave a major scar upon oneself.  And it did.  For Hennesey inexplicably and entirely.

Now after turning in his badge, another shell shocking revelation has rocked his world upside down that he must get to the bottom of.

And with things going down the sh*%hole quickly, enter Ariel, his best friend's younger sister.  The girl he's always wanted but never acted upon.  Until now.

Sounds pretty complicated, right?

So in a jiffy, it sounds a little cliche in its set up, but the execution was phenomenal.  I really enjoy Meghan March's writing because it's always steamy, exciting, and to the point.  She knows how to lure readers in and is quite effortless at what she does.  It will be hard to say farewell to this wonderful series, but, as well all know even good things must come to and end.

Goodbye men and women of Beneath.

Kawehi
My Rating:

Amazon | iBooks | BN | Kobo

                Wham. My heart slammed against my ribs as it sped up about twenty beats per minute. The heat and delicious woodsy citrus scent radiating from his body did good things to me. Things that made me want to do very bad things to him. I wasn’t a seventeen-year-old virgin anymore. I knew my way around a man, but I had to admit, the hipsters in Cali had nothing on a homegrown Louisiana man like Rhett. When he spoke, he leaned in so close that I could feel his breath on my ear. “You missed that shot on purpose.” My gaze jumped from the sexy five o’clock shadow shading his jaw to his piercing green eyes. “Wha-what are you talking about?” I smacked myself mentally when my old stammer kicked in. Of course he would cause it. “That shot. You missed on purpose. I saw you adjust at the last minute. Why?” I swallowed the saliva pooling in my mouth and decided to take the safest exit from this situation. Lying. “Cue slipped.” His eyes narrowed on me. “You’re lying and you’re terrible at it, just like you’ve always been.” He reached up and pressed his thumb to my left eyebrow. “You get a twitch right here.” Oh my God. Rhett Hennessy is touching me. And what’s more . . . he knows my tell. He noticed me! The fifteen-year-old inside me did a terrible cartwheel at the realization. Okay, more of a round-off. With a tumble in the grass to finish. Whatever. But outwardly, I was trapped in that green gaze until he decided to let me go—or until I came to my senses. I cleared my throat and sidestepped him. “Whatever you say, hotshot. I need another drink.” Focusing on putting one four-inch heel in front of the other without biting it, I escaped to the table and reached for the whiskey glass I’d left behind, interrupting my brother and the waitress. They both stared at me as I chugged the contents. I’d always wondered what it would feel like to have Rhett’s attention, and now I knew. In a word, it was . . . unnerving. “How’s the game going?” my brother asked. “Fine.” Keeping my answer short meant he couldn’t tell that I was lying. Heath wasn’t nearly as observant as Rhett. “You winning?” Thanking the Lord that Heath obviously hadn’t been watching, I shrugged. “I guess.” He glanced toward Rhett and then back to me. “The sister I know and love doesn’t lose at pool. Ever. Even to Rhett Hennessy.” I lowered the glass to the table and straightened my shoulders. “Like they say, things change.” He nodded slowly. “That may be true about most things, Flounder. But you’re a pool shark and we both know it.” Before I could respond, Heath’s attention jumped back to the waitress. I took another ten seconds to gather myself, also known as drinking offensively in my mind, before I crossed the floor to face off against my former obsession. “You all right, Red?” Rhett asked. “Don’t call me that. And I’ve never been better.” His gaze dipped to my feet and dragged up my body. “I can agree with that statement.” Whoa. Who is this guy with the innuendo? A glance at his empty whiskey glass told me he was drinking heavily as well. Was this the booze talking? Or was Rhett Hennessy not just noticing me, but noticing me? Either way, I had to play it cool. Or at least pretend to play it cool, since it seemed I might fall short. “Your turn, hotshot. Better not miss, because I’ll clear the table next time,” I said, but my cocky attitude backfired. Rhett didn’t miss. He sank his balls and then the eight, ending the game almost as quickly as it started. He returned his cue to the rack and turned to face me, all traces of the earlier heat banked, his expression shuttered. “Game over.” What the hell just happened?        
meghanmarchpic
Meghan March has been known to wear camo face paint and tromp around in woods wearing mud-covered boots, all while sporting a perfect manicure. She's also impulsive, easily entertained, and absolutely unapologetic about the fact that she loves to read and write smut. Her past lives include slinging auto parts, selling lingerie, making custom jewelry, and practicing corporate law. Writing books about dirty talking alpha males and the strong, sassy women who bring them to their knees is by far the most fabulous job she's ever had. She loves hearing from her readers at meghanmarchbooks@gmail.com.