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Book Review: The Randy Romance Novelist by Meghan Quinn

We’re celebrating the release of The Randy Romance Novelist by Meghan Quinn!

Check out my review and giveaway!


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THE RANDY ROMANCE NOVELIST by Meghan Quinn
Scheduled to release: April 12, 2016
Romantic Comedy

Cover designer: Meghan Quinn

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BLURB: 
It finally happened, I lost my virginity. Cue applause and cheers.
For a while life was all rainbows and kittens prancing in a sky full of cotton candy clouds…that was until the demands of the real world set in.
My best friend is getting married and she asked me to be her maid of honor. She’s not worried about flowers, or the dress, or the food at the venue. No, she’s worried about the bachelorette party, what kind of penis crown she will wear, and the nipple size of the stripper who will be attending.
I’m in way over my head trying to balance life with a boyfriend, planning a penis party, and writing my romance novel. Something is bound to give.
This is my life after my happily ever after… 

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Book Review

 

*This was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.* 

The Virgin Romance Novelist is one of the funniest books I have ever read. When I heard Meghan Quinn was continuing Rosie’s story I was elated. Rosie is quirky, eccentric and all sorts of naïve, but in all honesty that’s what made her such an endearing character. Her quirks, her often absurd and sometimes bizarre quandaries are a big part of why I loved her story. She found herself in ridiculous situations and often. Through all the drama, predicaments and laughs she is truly a lovable character. She is someone you will cheer for on the sidelines hoping she won’t embarrass herself again, but instead find that happily ever after…or at least a happy medium. 
 
The Randy Romance Novelist is everything I expected it to be and then some. It was hilarious, there were times when I was in tears from laughing so hard other times I would laugh out loud, much to the dismay of those around me. Oops….just a day in the life of a voracious reader…it’s not wholly unexpected. Meghan Quinn writes with an authenticity and wit that reminds me of reading a Tara Sivec novel. Not to compare the two, but they are two of the funniest authors I’ve ever read and both produce unforgettable reads. I’m talking laugh out loud, tears in the eye…maybe a run to the bathroom…hey, don’t deny that’s happened to you at least once from laughing so hard. Meghan Quinn has a way with words and if you enjoy racy, unpredictable often amusing antics then this is a great read for you. I only warn you that you will laugh and often. 

 

This story is a continuation of The Virgin Romance Novelist, so if you haven’t read that book yet, you should. It’s hilarious and will make you fall in love with not only Rosie, but a whole host of integral characters that I will not name in order to avoid spoiling these stories for anyone who hasn’t read the first book. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry…mostly from laughing, but you will also fall in love with the sweet side of these characters and their love for one another. I may have forced a guy friend to read The Virgin Romance Novelist (he is definitely not a romance reader) and he laughed so much he recommended it to some of his girl friends so with that said I truly believe anyone will enjoy this read, but if you’re a fan of Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy or New Adult you’ll especially enjoy it . Check it out, read it with a friend, loan it to a friend…you won’t be disappointed. 
 
~ Happy Reading Lovelies ~


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Purchase THE VIRGIN ROMANCE NOVELIST HERE!
 
Her bosom heaved at an alarming rate as his rough hand found its way down to her soft, yet wiry briar patch…
Can you say briar patch in a romance novel? What about meat sword? That’s what it is…a meat sword, right, all meaty and sword like, slaying through the inner dungeons of a woman’s dark desires. What about breasts? Do bosoms really heave?
God, I have no idea what happens when private parts touch.
I’m a virgin trying to write a romance novel and can’t seem to write past a sex scene thanks to my lack of experience.
My two best friends encourage me to drop the pen for a while and gain some real life practice through multiple dating facets such as blind dates, online profiles, and random hookups.
But losing my virginity is proving to be tougher than expected…

 

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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!

 

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Launch Day Blitz: PERFECT KIND OF TROUBLE (Finding Fate, #2) by Chelsea Fine

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PERFECT KIND OF TROUBLE by Chelsea Fine (February 3, 2015; Forever Trade Paperback; $12.00)

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Sometimes when perfect falls apart, a little trouble fixes everything . . .
Twenty-one-year-old Kayla Turner has lost everything. After spending most of her life taking care of her ailing mother, she just wants to spot a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. So when her late father-a man she barely knew-leaves her an inheritance, she finally breathes a sigh of relief . . . until she learns the inheritance comes with strings. Strings in the form of handsome playboy Daren Ackwood, her father’s protégé. To see any of her inheritance, she’s forced to team up with him. From his expensive car to those sexy dimples, Kayla’s seen his type before. But Daren isn’t who he seems to be . . .
Struggling to make amends for his family’s mistakes, Daren has a life more Oliver Twist than Richie Rich these days. He’s beyond grateful that James Turner included him in his will, but working with Turner’s princess of a daughter to fulfill his cryptic last wish is making Daren wonder if being broke is really so bad. Still, she’s just as beautiful as she is stubborn, and the more time he spends with Kayla, the less it feels right being without her. Soon Daren and Kayla begin to wonder if maybe the best gift Kayla’s dad could have left them . . . was each other.

EXCERPT

“So this is where you work?” She gestures at the closed kitchen door behind me as she approaches.
I step back so she can enter the courtyard then glance over my shoulder. “It’s more like the place where I help out in the kitchen, occasionally,” I say. “I like to cook so sometimes the owner, Jake, let’s me jump on the line.”
She tilts her head. “I wouldn’t have pegged you as the cooking type.”
“No?” I arch a brow. “What type am I?”
“Well the professional lover type, obviously.”
I grin. “That too.”
The teasing in her eyes along with the lightness of her smile does something soft to my insides. This is a different Kayla than the one I was sitting next to at the bar. That girl was stressed and burdened, but this girl… this girl is hopeful and happy.
The only reason I can think of for the change in her tone is the inheritance. Does the idea of getting money please her so much that she’s suddenly this cheerful person? Does it please me that much?
I remember Jake’s comment earlier, about my being happy, and realize with a sinking feeling that yes, the idea of an inheritance has made me happy. Money would alleviate some of my problems and, therefore, it gives me a security in my future that pleases me.
I’m not sure how I feel about money having so much control over my contentment. It makes me sound an awful lot like my dad.
“So what is this place?” she asks, nodding to the courtyard around us.
I look up at the small twinkle lights strung above the area. “Right now it’s just storage space. But Jake wants to make it into a dining patio. You know, so people can rent it out for private parties or whatever.”
“It’s cute.” She walks around, checking out the rose bushes that line the fence and the Tuscany-inspired mural painted against the back wall.
“So where you off to?” I step closer so we’re both beside the painted wall. “Back to your humble abode at the Quickie Stop?”
She scoffs. “Humble indeed. But yeah.”
I glance at the dark parking lot beyond the fence and the even darker streets that lead to the edge of town, and frown. “By yourself?”
She faces me with a cocked eyebrow. “Yeah. I’ve got my own driver’s license and everything.”
I smile at the ground. “Okay, that’s fair.” I glance at the dark streets again. “I’m just a concerned citizen that wanted to make sure you got home safely. That’s all.”
She nods. “How very kind of you, citizen. Would you rather I be going back to the Quickie Stop with someone?”
The idea of Kayla going home with someone—anyone, other than me—rakes down my spine like nails on a chalkboard. I don’t know when I got so possessive of this girl but holy hell. My veins are on fire.
How very unexpected. And somewhat annoying.
            I don’t get possessive of women. Ever. Sure, I care about Amber and Pixie but that’s different. I care about them like sisters. I’m protective of them. I couldn’t really give a damn who they, or any other female in this town, go to bed with.
But Kayla?
Hot jealousy darts through my veins.
How very annoyingly unexpected.
I set my shoulders back in a casual manner. “Not particularly,” I say coolly. “I just wasn’t sure if you had a ride or not.”
“Oh.” She runs a finger over her lips. “And what, you were going to offer me a ride?”
I watch the tip of her finger skim over the pink fullness of her bottom lip and my breath hitches. She can’t say things like “give me a ride” and touch her mouth at the same time. That’s just not fair.
“Well I might have offered you a ride,” I say, inwardly cursing as I remember sweet, precious Monique, “except I’m pretty sure you’re not supposed to take rides from strangers. And since that’s what you and I are…” I sigh dramatically. “It would have just been a waste of time to ask you.”
She smiles behind her moving fingers and I start to wonder if she’d let me kiss her. My guess is, yes. Maybe.
I want to kiss Kayla. Badly. But the idea of kissing her, of touching her at all, also makes me a little nervous. And I’m never nervous when it comes to women.
Goddammit. Everything about this girl is unexpected.
“You’re so obsessed with us not being strangers,” she says, and her eyes shine. “That can’t be healthy.”
I probably shouldn’t kiss her. We have an inheritance to claim tomorrow. We have shit to follow through with. Kissing her is a bad idea. A very bad idea.
“No. Probably not.” I step closer so we’re only inches apart. “But I can’t seem to let it go.”
She doesn’t move away. She doesn’t break eye contact.
Yes. She’d definitely let me kiss her. I’m sure of it.
My heart pounds and it’s all I can do to keep my nonchalant demeanor in place.
“Is that what we are, Kayla?” I lower my voice with a crooked grin. “Strangers?”
She meets my crooked grin and raises me a tipped chin. Her eyes are steel and sure, not giving anything away, and I suddenly feel unsure.
I lean in.
She doesn’t react. But she also doesn’t back away.
Kissing her is a bad idea.
Her lips part, ever so slightly, a thin seam of wet flesh forming between the soft skin of her pretty lips, and all my reservations vanish.
 

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About Chelsea Fine:
Chelsea lives in Phoenix, Arizona, where she spends most of her time writing stories, painting murals, and avoiding housework at all costs. She’s ridiculously bad at doing dishes and claims to be allergic to laundry. Her obsessions include: superheroes, coffee, sleeping-in, and crazy socks. She lives with her husband and two children, who graciously tolerate her inability to resist teenage drama on TV and her complete lack of skill in the kitchen. 
Connect with Chelsea:
Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads

 

 


Finding Fate Series by Chelsea Fine
BEST KIND OF BROKEN (Finding Fate, #1) 

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RIGHT KIND OF WRONG (Finding Fate, #3)


 

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Book Review: Temper For You (For You, #3) by Genna Rulon

Temper For You ebook cover

Temper For You

For You Series, book #3

By Genna Rulon

Synopsis:
 
“Life is messy. Love is messier.” – Catch and Release
Meg Adeio has led a life of isolation—not by choice, by necessity—until one act of heroism forces her out of seclusion. Despite a past shrouded in mystery, Meg is “adopted” by an eclectic group of friends that become the family she never had. Life was good for the first time in…ever.
Or it was until Westly Black reappeared on her doorstep. She knew he was the last man any woman should give her time to—only good for one thing—yet a temptation no woman could deny. Wes might make her life messy, but Meg’s eyes were wide open and she had it under control. At least she thought she did.
When past and present collide, loyalties are tested, forcing Meg to sacrifice her future to protect those she loves.
Temper For You is a gripping story of regret, deception, and redemption – filled with raw emotion, sarcastic wit, intrigue, and love’s propensity to forgive.

• Though Temper For You is a part of the For You Series, it can be read as a stand alone
• This story is appropriate for readers 18+

 

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REVIEW 

Wow. Just W-O-W….
I don’t even know where to begin. As I sit writing this I have come to the conclusion that the For You series is probably one of my favorite series and Genna Rulon has expertly weaved her way into my heart as one of my favorite authors! Temper For You, if you are familiar with the series is Meg’s story. If you are not familiar with the For You series, I urge you to get acquainted with these characters. You will adore them and cherish them just as I do. Although this can be read as a standalone I highly recommend reading the books in order. It just allows you to better connect with the characters and follow references from the past two novels. I don’t know that I can truly rank the books in any specific order as I feel Genna Rulon has undoubtedly stolen my heart every single time. I do believe I am a fan for life. She has an impressive ability to weave words in such a way that allows the reader to step into the book and experience every emotion with these characters. Her expert writing and flawless satire is incomparable to any author I’ve ever read. The closest comparison I can give is that her descriptive abilities are similar to that of Colleen Hoover and her humor close to that of Alice Clayton, however, she is truly unique when it comes to her sarcasm and no one in my opinion has come close to matching the quick wit of her characters.
 
We meet Meg in Pieces For You and immediately we know she’s hiding things. We learn that she has endured some struggles, but her honesty remains questionable. In Temper For You we learn why. Her shrouded past has caused her great pains and she has managed to steer clear of love and friendship. That is until she meets Ev, Sam, Griffin and Hunter. They as Genna claims “adopt” her into the family, and although she adores them, her past still has a tight hold on her. She is sure that she will eventually lose them. She is waging an internal war and although she appears fine on the surface she won’t allow anyone close enough to break through those walls. She knows the dangers of allowing anyone to get too close. So she remains guarded, that is until Westly Black re-enters her life and here begins the struggle. There is an undeniable attraction between these two and their chemistry is off the charts causing a surge of emotions that will forever alter the two. When Meg’s past collides with her present her future seems nothing more than a bleak prospect. Will her newfound family and potential romance allow her to break free from the chains of her past or will she be forced to lose everyone and everything she’s come to know and love?
 
Temper For You is told in dual perspectives. You will get to experience both Wes and Meg’s POV – which I absolutely loved. Wes is a man that on the surface appears to be nothing more than a pompous asshole, but as I read and learned more about his own story, I realized I might not have given him a fair chance. I, like Meg, had not allowed myself to look beyond whom we met in Pieces For You. When I was able to look past the little I knew of Wes I was enamored by this man and his many layers. My only advice to the reader is that you go into this judgment free…give him a chance as I did, you won’t be disappointed.
 
I was so deeply enthralled by this book that I forewent sleep just to finish it. Yes, it is that good!!! I’m not going to lie, there were moments where I wanted to grab Meg and shake her, but most of the book I spent curious and let’s just say her story is quite unlike anything you’d expect. It is quite a compelling read and while each of the characters in this series has experienced their share of struggles and hurdles, Meg’s story touched me in a different way. I felt for her and wanted her to have a happy ending despite the obstacles. I wanted to know more about her past and hoped she’d be able to find a future she deserved, but most of all I wanted her to realize her potential and worth. This story is magnetic. It draws you in and tugs at your heartstrings. You will hope and wish for the best outcome for these two despite the odds.
This book also gets incredibly steamy.  I seriously thought my kindle was going to explode from the chemistry! Talk about passion.The descriptive language also caused me to blush a few times! Temper For You has the perfect blend of romance, drama and humor. Hot, dramatic, sexy, raw,  intense, inspiring and of course witty. I loved everything about this book and now I must buy all three books in print. These are books you need in your library! I highly recommend this to all new adult, romance, contemporary romance, omg who am I kidding, I recommend this to ALL readers (at least those 18 and older…due to the…ahem…content. haha) 

*This was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.*


 EXCERPT

“Look…Sam is ever-so-slightly insane.  It may be a new form of Tourette’s, but I’m waiting to hear back from the Psych department for confirmation.  Despite her best intentions, she has an astounding propensity to embarrass me.  You are just one in a series of cringe-worthy moments so don’t think you’re anything special, and whatever you do, don’t read too much into anything she said.  Nothing is going to happen between us.”
She was so certain, I almost believed her—almost.
I grabbed the edges of her stool and spun until we were face-to-face, the change of position creating the illusion of privacy and removing the deliberate need for her to speak to me over her shoulder.  I expected a protest but was pleasantly surprised when the only reaction I received was a raised brow.
“That’s better.  Now, was Sam telling the truth?  Are you interested in a no strings…friendship?  Because I can promise I am a very accommodating friend.  And you won’t find anyone less capable of strings than me,” I finished with a salacious smile full of carnal promise.
She leaned into me, her body already buying what I was selling.  It was a moment of weakness I needed to capitalize on.
Splitting the distance between us, I locked my eyes onto hers, my mouth mere inches from her pouty lips.  It was my last chance and I damn well knew it.  Time for the most persuasive closing argument of my life.
“There aren’t many things I’m truly exceptional at.  I’ll never be husband material.  I’m a shit friend most of the time.  I believe the ends usually justify the means.  My moral fiber is questionable, at best.  I will never be the person you call when you’re in a bind or need a shoulder to lean on.  I don’t express my feelings, mostly because I don’t have any that aren’t shallow.  I don’t like animals as a general rule, and children—no, just no,” I paused, asking myself what the hell I was saying as the same question echoed in her eyes.  Too late now—in for a penny, in for a pound.  “The only steadfast rule I have is I do not sleep with someone else’s woman—ever.  Other than that one display of principles, I have few redeeming qualities.  There are two areas I excel, the law and sex—and when I say I excel, I mean I’m a fucking god.  You will forget your own name because all you’ll be able to do is scream mine…over and over again.  You want no-strings, mind-blowing sex?  There is no one better qualified.”
Her eyes were wide as saucers and her mouth slightly open, which I took as an invitation.  Without warning, I closed the gap between us, brushing my lips against her silky pink ones.  I took advantage of her shock and slid my tongue inside, tasting and teasing.  It was a kiss meant to entice, not conquer—that would come later.  I gently nipped her plump lower lip with my teeth and was rewarded with a sharp inhale of desire.  She was so close to surrender I could taste it—sweet and hot, with a hint of vanilla and cranberry.
Her resistance collapsed, marked by the alluring breasts suddenly pressed against my chest—victory.  I grasped her hips, pulling until she was pressed firmly against me, undoubtedly able to feel the steely effect of her kiss.  As I subtly rocked my hips against her core, warm fingers twined through my hair, tugging me closer, causing a groan of pained pleasure to escape from my mouth into hers.
Unwilling to continue my exploration with a bar full of witnesses, I attempted to pull away—an attempt met with unintelligible protests.  I couldn’t risk giving her an opportunity for second thoughts, so I did what any sane man would do.  I slid my hands down to cup her lush ass, lifting until her legs wrapped around my waist, and without breaking the kiss, I carried her out of the bar.  Perhaps I was more of a gentleman than I’d given myself credit for.

 

Westly (cast) Meg (cast) 

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Genna 2 hAbout the Author:
Genna Rulon is a contemporary romance author with a passion for blending comedy, tragedy, suspense, and hope to create her “book babies.”
During her 15 years in the corporate world, Genna—inspired by her love of reading—fantasized about penning her own stories.  Encouraged by her favorite authors, many of whom are indie writers and self-published, she committed to pursue her aspirations of writing her own novels.
Genna was born in California and raised on Long Island in New York, where she still resides, surrounded by the most amazing family and friends.  She’s married to a wonderful man who patiently tolerates her ramblings about whichever book she is currently working on—even feigning interest relatively convincingly!  Genna is blessed with two little boys who do their best to thwart mommy’s writing time with their hilarious antics and charming extrapolations.
All of Genna’s books are brought to you courtesy of coffee and Disney Junior.

 

You can find Genna online at:
 Website   |   Twitter   |   Facebook   |   Goodreads   |   FB Fan Page (Rulon’s Roadies)   |    Email Genna

 

For more breaking news, exclusive excerpts, and special contests, join Genna’s fan page on Facebook: 
FB Fan Page (Rulon’s Roadies)

 

Genna would love to hear from you, and will personally respond to all messages! 
You can contact her via email HERE 

 

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Part-time Princess (Ladies in Waiting #1) by Pamela DuMond

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Part-time Princess by Pamela DuMond 
(Ladies in Waiting #1) 
Publication date: Spring 2014

Synopsis

 

Two Princes are in love with her. Too bad she’s an imposter…
Hold tight to your tiara, grab your scepter and be prepared for the New Adult hilarious, modern-day romantic-comedy ride of your life!
Rated PG-13 and mildly R for:
Sexual innuendo.
Hot Guys.
Hot Guys who are Princes.
Flirting.
Romance.
The occasional naughty word.
The occasional naughty royal fantasy.
The occasional naughty deed.
Romance.
Castles.
Ladies-in-Waiting.
Parties!
Cocktails.
A puppy.
Gowns.
Intrigue.
Chocolate.
Champagne.
A Royal Wedding!
Comedy.
Sexiness.
More Romance.
And—a Happily-Ever-After Ending (Just not the way you expected it!)
Lucy Trabbicio’s a down-on-her-luck, young, American, former biker-bar cocktail waitress desperate to find a job. Lady Elizabeth Billingsley hires Lucy to travel to Fredonia, the tiny jewel of a country in the Alps, for ten days ‘tops’ to impersonate her.
Say what? How the heck is that going to happen?
In the mother of all makeovers, Elizabeth’s people teach Lucy how to dress, walk, talk, eat, be coiffed and even get naked like a European Lady.
The goal?
To keep Crown Prince Cristoph Timmel interested in Elizabeth until she finishes her unexpected, pressing personal business in the States.
But fate intervenes… Lucy meets and is wildly attracted to sexy, bad-boy Nick on the oh-so-long flights to Fredonia. Unfortunately for Lucy—Nick and Elizabeth have a hot sexual history, which Nick wants to immediately resume.
Prince Cristoph proposes marriage. What’s an imposter girl to do? Elizabeth insists that she’ll make it back home in time for the wedding. Lucy accepts Cristoph’s proposal and is on the fast track to becoming a Princess but continues to fall for the wrong Prince of Fredonia—Nick. When another tiny glitch arises—someone’s trying to kill her.
The only folks helping Lucy are her wild, party hard, take-no-prisoners Ladies-in-Waiting.
When the real Lady Elizabeth decides she’s not marrying Cristoph and never returning to Fredonia, Lucy’s faced with an uncomfortable decision—continue her deception, marry the prince she’s not in love with and live a dream life albeit without Nick, her dream guy? Or tell the truth and return to poverty and oblivion?
A modern day sexy fairy tale with romance, twists and turns, LOL moments, a few tears and an empowering ending.
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 Excerpt 

We noshed on sandwiches in my bedroom and the Ladies drank champagne from crystal flutes. I turned down the bubbly—I didn’t want to meet Cristoph’s family for the first time (for real) even a bit tipsy.
I encouraged Cheryl and Joan to invade Elizabeth’s closet, rifle through her clothes and pick the crucial meeting-the-royal family-outfit. I sat on the floor, leaned back against my bed and downed the last of that lamb/venison Fredonia sausage. It was freaking delicious.
“The key word here is—” I said, “—informal. I’ve already met Cristoph’s family so many times in the past.”
I could practically feel my nose growing.
“And yes, my sleep has sucked for the past three nights.”
Make that the past three weeks since I’d taken this part-time job.
“Every night Carolina brings me herbal tea before I go to bed. She’s so sweet,” I said. “Such a lady! What a catch for Elizabeth’s Da-I mean Papa. But I still toss and turn. And every morning Helga brings me fresh coffee. But it never really wakes me up. I don’t feel like myself. I think it’s all the stress.”
Maybe it was all the lying. Or maybe I missed Nick. I hadn’t heard boo from him since that day in the park.
“What stress?” Cheryl asked. “You’re engaged to a hot Prince, you’ll want for nothing ever again and all you really have to do to cement the deal—post-wedding of course—is pop out an heir someday. I delivered two. Hubby is quite content with his little Ladies who adore him. Of course he travels five days out of the week and only has daughter duty on weekends. Sign me up for a boob lift, a tummy tuck, a ten-pack of facial peels and valerian root tea.”
“Oh cut the crap, Cheryl,” Joan said. “It’s called Xanax.”
“I’d like to see you handle two little ones under the age of five who already snark at each other like high school mean girls,” Cheryl said. “Xanax, valerian, reikki, yoga, watching too much tennis on TV—love that Rafa—whatever it takes to keep my sanity, I’ll do it. Mommy Makeover here I come.”
“I read an article in Euro Cosmopolitan that said getting engaged was right up there on the top twenty list of major life stresses,” I said. “I come by my eye circles the old-fashioned way—too much stress.”
“Or perhaps your lack of sleep is from all the clandestine sex you’re finally getting.” Esmeralda waltzed into my bedroom. “Great job you’re doing with Elizabeth’s under eye circles, Joan. You’re gifted.” She threw herself onto her back on my bed. “Can someone pour me a glass of champagne?” She propped herself up on her elbows and held out one hand. “Por favor?”
“What do you mean, ‘clandestine sex?’” I poured a glass of Perrier Whatever and passed it to her.
“What do you mean ‘finally getting?’” Joan asked. “Good Lord, Elizabeth’s been getting more than her share for years. I’m a single barrister and I work a forty-hour week. When do I have time to meet men, let alone date?”
“You meet men all the time,” Cheryl said.
“I meet men ‘all the time’ who are married, incarcerated or married and soon to be incarcerated. My ‘getting’ pool is in the shallow end,” Joan said.
“Trust me, all the clandestine sex will be screeching to a stop after Elizabeth gets married and pumps out two heirs. Color me happy if we have sex once a week.” Cheryl guzzled what remained in her glass and held it out. “And even then it’s usually in front of the TV during a soccer match. Top me off, please.”
Clandestine, Joan. Secret. Not out in the open. On the QT,” Esmeralda said.
Nothing’s happening on the QT,” I said.
“You’re engaged to a royal, darling,” Esmeralda said. “The good citizens of Fredonia assume you’re doing the horizontal hokey-pokey, and while most of them fantasize about it, everything still must remain hush-hush for etiquette’s sake. Excuse me while I multi-task as we chat. I have a date tonight. Yoga keeps me limber.” She downed the champagne and handed me back the glass. “Gracias.”
“You’re welcome. Can I get you another—”
“I’m good.” She widened her legs high up in the air over her head, clasped onto her big toes with her thumbs and forefingers and stretched her thighs wide apart.
Joan winced and then squinted up at the ceiling. “Esmeralda! I see London, I see France. I see that you need underpants!”
I glared at the smart-mouthed Lady-in-Waiting, rolling all over my bed like a kitten in heat. And I wondered how much dry-cleaning a down comforter in Fredonia would cost in euros.
“You’re going commando again, aren’t you?” Cheryl frowned. “I thought those days were over.” She sighed.
Esmeralda rocked from side to side as she displayed almost everything but her private half-Spanish parts. “I just follow Elizabeth’s lead. She’s always been the trend setter in our group.”
“Me?” I sputtered. “I’ve never been big on trends. And I always wear undies.”
That was kind of a lie but sounded appropriate and somewhat chaste. Besides, who would call me on it?

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PamelaAUTHOR BIO
Pamela DuMond is the author who discovered Erin Brockovich’s life story, thought it would make a great movie and pitched it to ‘Hollywood’.

She writes romantic comedic mysteries, romantic YA time travel and New Adult romance.

Her book The Story of You and Me was a Quarterfinalist in the Amazon Breakout Novel Award (ABNA) 2014 in Romance.

Cupcakes, Pies, and Hot Guys was a Quarterfinalist in ABNA 2013 in Mystery .

She’s addicted to TV shows — The Voice and Reign. The movies Love Actually and The Bourne trilogy (with Matt Damon — not that other actor guy,) make her cry ever time she watches them. (Like — a thousand.)

When she’s not writing Pamela’s also a chiropractor and cat wrangler. She loves reading, the beach, working out, movies, TV, animals, her family and friends. She lives in Venice, California with her fur-babies.

She likes her coffee strong, her cabernet hearty, her chocolate dark, her foods non-GMO and she lives for a good giggle.

Website   |   Goodreads   |   Facebook   |   Twitter

 


Giveaway

$20 Amazon Gift Card
3x eBook copy of Part-Time Princess
2x eBook copy of The Messenger
2x eBook copy of The Story of You and Me

 

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Book Review: Scoring Wilder by R.S. Grey

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Synopsis:

What started out as a joke— seduce Coach Wilder—soon became a goal she had to score. 

With Olympic tryouts on the horizon, the last thing nineteen-year-old Kinsley Bryant needs to add to her plate is Liam Wilder. He’s a professional soccer player, America’s favorite bad-boy, and has all the qualities of a skilled panty-dropper.

• A face that makes girls weep – check. 
• Abs that can shred Parmesan cheese (the expensive kind) – check. 
• Enough confidence to shift the earth’s gravitational pull – double check.

Not to mention Liam is strictly off limits . Forbidden. Her coaches have made that perfectly clear. (i.e. “Score with Coach Wilder anywhere other than the field and you’ll be cut from the team faster than you can count his tattoos.”) But that just makes him all the more enticing…Besides, Kinsley’s already counted the visible ones, and she is not one to leave a project unfinished.

Kinsley tries to play the game her way as they navigate through forbidden territory, but Liam is determined to teach her a whole new definition for the term “team bonding.”

**Recommended for ages 17+ due to language and sexual situations.** 

 

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I needed him to step back. His cologne was practically hijacking my ovulation cycle and I had to fight the urge to let my face collapse onto his shirt and inhale. 


Liam kept his distance as I went to join the group, but that didn’t stop me from peeking at him from beneath my lashes. His soccer shorts hung low on his hips and I could see a sliver of his boxer briefs. Calvin Klein, of course. A shiver ran down my spine and I had to shove my gaze away before I started awkwardly panting. Dear Mr. Klein or should I call you Calv, it’s me again, Kinsley. Thanks so much for designing your underwear line. If you ever need a focus group for future designs, I’d like to be included. I’m a very good package inspector with excellent attention to detail. Attached you will find my list of references. 


He’s my coach. My off-limits coach. He’s like chocolate and I’m like pickles. They shouldn’t be mixed…unless…chocolate-covered pickles? No. They shouldn’t be mixed. Damnit.


Review

Scoring Wilder is incredibly funny. I am still laughing at the witty and playful banter. This is a sweet, sexy and romantic read that will leave you feeling warm and tingly inside (and maybe out hehe). R.S. Grey paints a vivid picture of the life of an athlete and life in the public eye while building budding romances among multiple characters that will leave you swooning. I am so incredibly head over heels for Liam. I heart him and I swooned hard…still am. Kinsley you lucky bitch! haha.

I also have to mention the friendships in this book. They are amazingly depicted. I wanted Becca and Emily to be my friends. They are fun, witty and remind me of my own inner circle. These relationships made me connect well with the story and the characters. The romance is sweet, humorous and intense at times.

Scoring Wilder is hot, hilarious and utterly engaging. I spent one night reading this book and couldn’t stop laughing or smiling. This is a great beach read and a fantastic summer pick. Add it to your list if you’re looking for a sweet, and at times steamy, romance! Go on my one-click crazed friends and buy it now!!! This is a must read. Happy Reading!!!

 

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Book Review: Your Perfect Life

YOUR PERFECT LIFE
a novel by
Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke 

 

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Release Date June 10, 2014
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Synopsis
With “a delicious, page-turning premise, and sweet and surprising insights” (New York Times bestselling author Jen Lancaster), Your Perfect Life (Atria Books; On-Sale June 10, 2014; $15.00) perfectly illustrates that old adage: Sometimes, you have to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes to see what’s in her heart.

Best friends since childhood, Casey and Rachel couldn’t lead more different lives. While workaholic Casey rubs elbows with celebrities daily as the host of Gossip TV and comes home nightly to an empty apartment, stay-at-home mom Rachel juggles an “oops” baby, two fiery teenagers, and a husband who barely seems the man she fell in love with two decades before. After an argument at their twentieth high school reunion, Casey and Rachel throw back shots to get the night back on track. Instead, they get a life-changing hangover.

Waking up in each other’s bodies the next morning, they must figure out how to navigate their altered realities. Rachel is forced to face the broadcasting dreams she gave up when she got pregnant in college, and Casey finally steps out of the spotlight to face the real reason why she’s alone. And they soon discover that they don’t know themselves—or their best friend—nearly as well as they thought they did.

Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke bring their “witty, winning style” (Sarah Pekkanen, author of The Best of Us) to every page of this novel that is sure to please fans of In Her Shoes and The Opposite of MeYour PerfectLife is a story of humor and heart about two best friends, what they didn’t know about each other, and how, by switching lives, each learns to appreciate her own. 

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Review 

*This was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.*

Wow. I was completely blown away with this book.  After reading a blurb, I just knew I had to read it. Sometimes in life, we become so engulfed with our routines that we often forget to live. We often forget that others may be going through their own issues, fears or waging a battle you can’t even begin to fathom, even those closest to us. We tend to focus on what’s wrong with our lives rather than what’s right. Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke take the reader on a journey that will change the way you view others as well as yourself. They reinforce the powerful adage, “the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.” This book is the perfect blend of wit, humor and insight. It will make you laugh, cry and reflect on your own life and that even you may be guilty of taking something in your life for granted.

 

Your Perfect Life tells the story of two women, Rachel and Casey, who have been friends since the 7th grade. They’ve stood by one another through every major milestone and accomplishment, yet they don’t know the innermost fears each harbor. Their twenty year high school reunion brings a few issues to the surface and Rachel and Casey get into an argument over success and lack thereof. Rachel feels like she gave up all her dreams to become a stay-at-home mom and Casey feels she’s given up on love choosing her career above all. With the help of a magical drink their bartender assists in bringing these two closer than they’ve ever been….so close, they actually switch lives and bodies, but can they get back to their old lives or will they want to once they walk a mile in the others shoes? Resentment, regret and fear cause a divide, but experiencing life through the others eyes allows them an opportunity to see all the things they’ve taken for granted. Has everything they’ve ever needed been right in front of them the entire time and will they ever be the same again? This story is wildly hilarious, heartwarming and unforgettable.

 

Five stars, two thumbs up and all ten toes 😉
This is an entertaining and insightful book and I recommend this to anyone who likes a good tearjerker. Contemporary, Women’s fiction and chick lit fans will love this book. 

 

About the Authors:
Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke have been best friends for 25 years and survived junior high, high school and college together. Liz lives in San Diego, CA with her husband and two children. Lisa, a former talk show producer, now lives in Chicago, IL with her husband, daughter and two bonus children. Your Perfect Life is their first novel. 

 

Connect with the Authors
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Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke’s Appearances for YOUR PERFECT LIFE

Sat/Sun June 7-8 Printers Row Lit Fest
Chicago
Monday, June 9, 7pm ET BOOKTALKNATION
Virtual booksigning via Google Hangout
with Allison Winn
Booktalknation.com
Tuesday June 10, 7pm LAKE FOREST BOOKSTORE
Vernon Hills at Sullivan Center
A conversation with Jen Lancaster
635 Aspen Drive
Vernon Hills, IL
Wednesday, June 11, 7pm ANDERSON’S BOOKSHOP
Naperville A conversation with Tracey Garvis Graves
123 W. Jefferson
Naperville, IL
Thursday, June 12, 7pm BOOK CELLAR
Chicago 4736-38 North Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL
Monday, June 16, 7pm BARNES & NOBLE
Huntington Beach 7881 Edinger Ave. #110
Huntington Beach, CA
Tuesday, June 17, 7pm PAGES BOOKSTORE
Manhattan Beach 904 Manhattan Ave.
Manhattan Beach, CA
Thursday, June 19, 7:30 pm WARWICK’S BOOKSTORE
San Diego 7812 Girard Ave.
La Jolla, CA
Friday, June 20, 6pm LAGUNA BEACH BOOKS
Laguna Beach A conversation with Anita Hughes
1200 S. Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA
Sunday, June 22, 2pm LAGUNA NIGUEL LIBRARY
Laguna Niguel A conversation with Anita Hughes
30341 Crown Valley Parkway
Laguna Niguel, CA

 

For Real Book Review & Tour

ForReal

Synopsis

Two people. One fake relationship. What could go wrong? When virgin Shannon Travers gets fed up with her friends demanding that she find a boyfriend, she enlists the help of tattooed, mohawk-rocking graphic design student Jett. He’s more than happy to play along with their Fake Relationship, including the Ten Rules of Fake Dating that control-freak Shannon comes up with. Even if he likes to violate them. Repeatedly. But what happens when Fake Dating starts to feel… not fake anymore? Will Shannon be willing to let go and embrace the first thing in her life that’s ever felt REAL? 

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Review 

Chelsea Cameron’s For Real is a short and sweet read about two people who commit to fake dating so their friends will get off their backs. Shannon Travers is dedicated to school and laying low when it comes to dating. Her “friends” (and I use the term loosely) are constantly nagging her to give up her V card. I despised her so called friends, but there comes a point in the book where Shannon stands up for herself and I really enjoyed that. 

Jett Nguyen is a design student, complete with mohawk, tattoos and a penchant for origami cranes, he agrees to help Shannon out and play her fake boyfriend. Both have been pushed by their friends to “get out there.” In order to avoid their overeager, sometimes annoying friends they agree to fake date for a period of 30 days, but when both Jett and Shannon begin to enjoy each others company, the line begins to blur. Will these two end up hurt and alone or will they own up to their growing feelings? 

I really enjoyed this story. Shannon and Jett’s story is sweet and humorous. Shannon often struggles with her feelings and her inner monologues are hilarious at times. I couldn’t stand her friends for a good portion of the book and felt they were immature and their advice was often horrible. I had a problem with their meddling and cattiness, but by the end that is also resolved and you also understand them a bit more. This is a quick and enjoyable read and by the end I actually want to know more about two of the secondary characters and if there will be a book dedicated to their stories. I don’t want to give away much more, but I would definitely recommend this book to my new adult readers and although there are mature moments I’d even recommend it to mature young adults. 

*This book was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.

  

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ChelseaCameron About the Author  Chelsea M. Cameron is a YA/NA New York Times/USA Today Best Selling author from Maine. Lover of things random and ridiculous, Jane Austen/Charlotte and Emily Bronte Fangirl, red velvet cake enthusiast, obsessive tea drinker, vegetarian, former cheerleader and world’s worst video gamer. When not writing, she enjoys watching infomercials, singing in the car and tweeting (this one time, she was tweeted by Neil Gaiman). She has a degree in journalism from the University of Maine, Orono that she promptly abandoned to write about the people in her own head. More often than not, these people turn out to be just as weird as she is. Her New Adult Contemporary Romance titles include My Favorite Mistake, which has been bought by Harlequin along with a sequel, Deeper We Fall and Faster We Burn (April 20, 2013)  Her Young Adult books include Nocturnal, Nightmare and Neither, the first three books in The Noctalis Chronicles. The fourth and final book, Neverend will be out in 2013. Whisper, the first in The Whisper Trilogy is also available, with the second book in the series, Silence and the final book, Listen coming out in 2014.

Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Goodreads

 

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GIVEAWAY

Grand prize winner receives a $100 Amazon Gift Card and Crane bracelet. 5 Runners up receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card and Crane bracelet. US Only!

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Funny Business Blog Tour

Funny Business -FINAL COVER

Publisher: Monarch Moments
Publication Date: October 24, 2013

Synopsis

Artie’s been carrying a torch for Marie since she first repaired his car at Smitty’s garage. Too bad she hates cops. You could write a novel about it. Actually, Artie did. He even published it online. It’s a little cheesy, but his pen name Desiree Robb is developing a fan base.

Out of the blue, the book takes off, igniting an avalanche of sales. Desiree Robb is approached by a major publisher- they’re offering millions!

But Desiree has to show her pretty face for promotions. Guess who Artie asks to be Desiree?
Marie signs on- for a price. It’s easy money, but things get complicated. Artie’s driving her batty. Or is there something more? During preparations for a live TV broadcast, a sweet romance tentatively begins.
More complications ensue. The mob gets involved. These guys mean business- so what if they still live with their parents? Then there’s the hot for cops VP, a popular talk show, and the FBI. It all fuses into a laugh out loud cluster chaos as tangled as a New York City rush hour. 

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Des Torres

About the Author
A former New York City cop, Desmond X. Torres will neither confirm nor deny his ownership of a blonde wig and pink bathrobe.

He always wanted to be an astronaut, but the closest he ever got was being called a space shot.

In his spare time, he enjoys mixed martial arts, motocross racing, and base jumping from tall buildings. He has a great cable TV package. And beer. He loves beer. And nachos. He really loves nachos. He’d better say he loves K.D. McLean too or she’s going to brain him.

He has been writing since he can remember. It started in primary school. Penmanship has always been important to him – it’s a lost art. 

His motto for life is – “I’m going to live forever.” So far, so good.

Connect with Desmond:
Blog  |  Facebook  |  Goodreads 

 

GIVEAWAY 

Desmond is giving away the following prizes at the end of the tour:

Grand Prize: Amazon Gift Card for $25.00, Tales of Pandora eBook Collection (by KD McLean) and an eBook of Funny Business.

First Runner Up: Tales of Pandora eBook Collection (by KD McLean) and an eBook of Funny Business

Second Runners up: 3 winners will get an eBook of Funny Business

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Mandatory Release Book Tour, Review & Giveaway

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Synopsis

With appeal for fans of Jonathan Tropper, Tom Perrotta, and Laurie Notaro, this snarky mashup of Girls and Oz is so painfully honest you might think you’re reading a memoir—except the author isn’t a smart-ass guy in a wheelchair who works in a prison.

Recently paralyzed in a car accident, thirty-year-old Graham Finch spends his days trying to rehabilitate a caseload of unruly inmates and his nights on one bad date after another, attempting to rehabilitate his heart—until his high school crush Drew Daniels walks through the prison gates one hot summer morning. On the run from a painful past that’s nearly crushed her faith in love, Drew is a new teacher at Lakeside Correctional. Graham, smitten all over again, tries to redirect his unrequited feelings. But when your heart keeps looking back, it’s not easy to turn it forward.

Amidst escalating violence at work, Drew is forced to confront her secrets, find a way to forgive old sins, and learn how to listen to her heart and her head when it comes to men. Graham must also learn to make peace with his own past. Together they realize that if you’re going to save yourself, sometimes the best way to do it is by saving someone else first. If only finding their way to one another was easier than working with convicted felons.

Loaded with twisted humor and pathos, Mandatory Release is a darkly comic, unexpectedly sexy love story about broken people putting themselves back together. People who learn that no matter what you lock up—a person, a secret, or your heart—sooner or later, everything must be released.

OR, in 25 words: Lad lit meets chick lit in this dark comedy about broken people who work in a dangerous place, finding hope where they least expect it.

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My Thoughts

This was the first book I’ve read by Jess Riley and I fell in LOVE with this novel. She has just gained a faithful fan! I don’t know how to adequately describe my feelings after reading this book but I will try my best… 

Graham and Drew were friends in high school. Back then, Graham had it bad for Drew but she was always unavailable. With Drew’s return and her new job in such close proximity to Graham’s his old feelings resurface. Can Drew look past the man in the wheelchair, and remember the man before the injury? The one who makes her laugh, the one she feels utterly and completely comfortable with, the one she can talk to, could he be more than a friend?

This book is filled with witty and playful banter, comical inner monologues and general humor. Drew and Graham have some hilarious moments but it never distracts the reader from the intensity of the novel. The book touches on some pretty heavy topics but the focus remains primarily on how these two broken people help each other find their way back to happiness and open their hearts to the possibility of more…

Prison.

A topic not usually associated with a novel of this caliber. (Romance/Contemporary Romance) I felt that the author delivered exceptionally well given the topic. Her accurate descriptions/experiences bring you into a world that makes you question everything you’ve ever thought or experienced. How easily could you end up on the opposite side of the law? To what extent would you feel compassion towards inmates like those described in this book? Were your initial views skewed? What constitutes a criminal? I have my own views on this topic but I found myself pondering some of these questions. When an author can make me think that much while still enjoying a novel, I’d say mission accomplished! 

 There were times when I felt I had time warped to my early existence, with cleverly crafted reminders of the 80s and 90s…like Lisa Frank Trapper Keepers, Punky Brewster and honorable mention of bands/artists that didn’t suck! I highly recommend this book for everyone. It touches upon some heavy issues while bringing you back to earth reminding you of simple things we take for granted. This is an edgy, heartfelt romance. I highly recommend…will be added to my must read list!

Buy Mandatory Release for Kindle  |  Paperback

*This book was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.*

Happy Reading!

About the Author

Jess Riley’s experiences teaching in a medium-security prison inspired the novel Mandatory Release. Her debut novel (Driving Sideways, now in its fourth printing) was published by Random House in 2008. She lives in Oshkosh, Wisconsin with her husband and nutty Cairn Terrier in a 130-year-old money pit farmhouse. When she’s not writing novels, she’s a Grant Writer for school districts nationwide.

Blog  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads 

Tour Giveaway:

Up for Grabs…

A chance to win one of the following:

(2) Print Copies of Mandatory Release – US/Canada

(5) eBook Copies of Mandatory Release – International

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