Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Review// A Pretty Dose of Poison by Kelsey Clayton

If my parents had it their way, I’d be off at college. Instead, I’m drowning in secrets…

A Dose of Pretty Poison, an all-new angst-filled, brother’s best friend, new adult romance and the first book in the Pretty Poison Trilogy from USA Today Bestselling author Kelsey Clayton is available now!

If my parents had it their way, I’d be off at college. Instead, I’m drowning in secrets, every one of them involving my brother’s best friend.

Hayes Wilder is a walking red flag, warning me to stay away. And yet, all I can think about are his calloused hands on my skin. He’s a total player, on and off the ice, but right now, the only playing he wants to do is with me.

Sneaking around isn’t easy, especially when you live in a small town where nothing stays hidden. And when our secret ends up in the wrong hands, decisions and regrets come as a package deal.

I’ve got everything I’ve always wanted right in front of me. All my dreams lying at my feet. But I’m forced to decide if loving him is worth losing myself.

I wish someone would’ve told me that the prettiest of poisons are also the most lethal.

Start reading today!

Amazon: http://bit.ly/adoseofprettypoison  

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/adoseofprettypoison

Pre-order A Drop Of Pretty Poison, the continuation of Hayes and Laiken’s story!

Releases March 30th!

Amazon: http://bit.ly/adropofprettypoison

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/adropofprettypoison

Add A Shot Of Pretty Poison to GoodReads, the stunning conclusion to Hayes and Laiken’s story!

Releases April 13th!

http://bit.ly/ashotofprettypoison


Review//


This is my third book I've ever read by Kelsey Clayton and A Pretty Dose of Poison did not disappoint. A brothers best friend Book with all the angst and suspense you were hoping for! 

Hayes, Hayes, Hayes. My man. He was everything I wanted him to be. Except man, sometimes I wish he grew his backbone a little quicker. Laiken, that girl was sass and sweetness all wrapped in one fiery girl. 


I loved the tension, dynamic and all around feel of this group. And Cam and Mali, you know it's coming! This was such a fun book to read and of course the author left us hanging, wanting more! 


Book 2 releases soon! Don't wait! Dive in now! 

I place a gentle hand on Laiken’s face. Her attention immediately switches from him to me as a mix of fear and confusion fills her eyes. 

“I’m going to do something, and I need you to trust me, okay?

”She takes her bottom lip between her teeth and nods. “Okay.”

I don’t let myself hesitate for a single second as I pull her in and cover her mouth with my own. It’s supposed to be quick—soft and simple—but when she wraps her arms around my neck and arches up on her tiptoes to get closer, I can’t help myself. The hand that isn’t on her cheek moves to her lower back and holds her close as we both deepen the kiss. 

The second her tongue tangles with my own, the taste of strawberries and vanilla is all I can focus on. In this moment, we’re not in the middle of a party, she’s not my best friend’s little sister, and I’m not kissing her for the sole purpose of making her ex eat his words. 

No. 

In this moment, she’s mine. 

Wait, shit. 

The realization of what just went through my mind pours over me like a bucket of ice water, and I force myself to break the kiss. I rest my forehead against hers as the two of us catch our breath, and when I open my eyes, I see Laiken staring back at me.

Learn more about Kelsey Clayton and her releases by visiting her website: 

https://www.kelseyclayton.com

Friday, March 17, 2023

4 Star Review ~ The Games We Play by S. Cole



 Release Date: March 16

From USA Today best selling author Scarlett Cole, writing as S. Cole, comes an electrifying MC, forbidden lovers romance.

Iris:
As a woman born into an Irish crime family, I'm expendable.
It's why I've extricated myself from that life.
Only now, I'm wrapped up in another one when I witness the death of the president of a motorcycle outlaw club.
And the club's sergeant at arms has declared himself as my protector... Or stalker.
And I can't decide if he terrifies or excites me.

Spark:
Too many people have died on my watch in Kabul and New Jersey.
My conscience can't carry the weight of one more. Especially a pretty young thing with eyes that pierce my truths.
But her family is our enemy. One of many.
And she hates the things I pride myself in standing for.
Until she needs me to play her family's deadly game. A game to ruin us all.

Review:

Spark and Iris was introduced in the first book of the series, "The Sins we Hide" and this series just keeps getting better.

Spark, being an ex Marine, wants to protect everyone due to him feeling like he failed a mission. His desire to make sure everyone around him is safe shows the type of man he is but with Iris, the desire is strong.  

Iris wants nothing to do with her family and their ties to the mafia.  She would like to just be free and have a great life but Spark is drawing her into his world and she doesn't want that.  She can't let him go but can she handle what's next and the danger ahead?

Spark knows he should walk away but he can't and he won't.  He'll never allow anything to happen to Iris but what lies ahead may destroy them.  Can he protect her heart and soul? Will the future destroy them?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next in the series.

Grab Your Copy Here!





Meet S. Cole


The tattoo across my right hip says it all really. A Life Less Ordinary. Inked by the amazingly talented Luke Wessman at the Wooster Street Social Club (a.k.a. New York Ink). Why is it important? Well, it sums up my view on life. That we should all aspire to live a life that is less boring, less predictable. Be bold, and do something amazing. I’ve made some crazy choices. I’ve been a car maker, a consultant, and even a senior executive at a large retailer running strategy. 

Born in England, spent time in the U.S. and Japan, before ending up in Canada where I met my own, personal hero – all six and a half feet of him. Both of us are scorpios! Yeah, I know! Should have checked the astrological signs earlier, but somehow it works for us. We have two amazing kids, who I either could never part with or could easily be convinced to sell on e-bay.

 

I’ve wanted to be a writer for a really long time. Check through my office cupboards or my computer and you’ll find half written stories and character descriptions everywhere. Now I'm getting the chance to follow that dream.

 

I am represented by Beth Phelan at The Bent Agency, NY.


To learn more about S. Cole and her books, visit here



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Friday, March 3, 2023

4 Star Review ~ Toe the Line by Penelope Ward




Title: Toe the Line
Author: Penelope Ward
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance
Trope: Friends-to-Lovers
Release Date: February 27, 2023


BLURB

From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward comes a friends-to-lovers story spanning more than a decade…

At first, I thought I’d hate spending the summer with Archie Remington—the conceited son of my parents’ friends.
What I knew about Archie: he was gorgeous, pre-law, and had always treated me like I didn’t exist when we were younger.
When our families bought a house together on an island in Maine, he and I were forced to share a bathroom.
The boy I remembered was now a full-grown man—but with the same attitude.
After a rough start, Archie and I unexpectedly started getting along one day and eventually became friends. We shared secrets and bonded during our morning jogs. I discovered that Archie had a wild spirit and that he struggled to conform to his father’s expectations.
Things were cool until I had to go and ruin it, getting drunk one night, and blurting out my fantasy—involving him.
I took it back, but it was too late. Archie had heard me loud and clear. After that, we never quite knew how to toe the line.
When that summer came to an abrupt and shocking end, I headed back to college, unsure if anything would ever be the same again.
Across the miles over the years, he and I stayed in touch as friends, but fate and timing always kept us from becoming more.
You know the saying: If two people are meant to be, they’ll find their way back to each other?
Let’s just say Archie came back into my life in a way I would’ve never expected.
And this time, my heart would really be put to the test.

REVIEW

Archie and Noelle have a history that dates back to a summer visit.  Their families vacationed together and although Archie didn't have time for Noelle, they became friends and a little more that came to and end.  Archie and Noelle moved on with their lives, dated other people, but slowly made their way back to each other.

Archie has always had feelings for Noelle but as he "grew up", he knew he had to have her.  How could this work if the nothing ever aligns? How can he prove not only to Noelle but himself that he is enough for her?

Archie and Noelle's slow burn makes the story enjoyable although the length of time will drive you crazy. This time also made them stronger once they were together.  What struggles will bring them together? Is this the right thing for them?









PURCHASE LINKS


Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.

She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.

With over two million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over twenty novels. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.


AUTHOR LINKS



OTHER BOOKS BY PENELOPE WARD


AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU



AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU




AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU



Monday, February 27, 2023

Happy Release Day ~ Toe the Line by Penelope Ward




Title: Toe the Line
Author: Penelope Ward
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance
Trope: Friends-to-Lovers
Release Date: February 27, 2023


BLURB

From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward comes a friends-to-lovers story spanning more than a decade…

At first, I thought I’d hate spending the summer with Archie Remington—the conceited son of my parents’ friends.
What I knew about Archie: he was gorgeous, pre-law, and had always treated me like I didn’t exist when we were younger.
When our families bought a house together on an island in Maine, he and I were forced to share a bathroom.
The boy I remembered was now a full-grown man—but with the same attitude.
After a rough start, Archie and I unexpectedly started getting along one day and eventually became friends. We shared secrets and bonded during our morning jogs. I discovered that Archie had a wild spirit and that he struggled to conform to his father’s expectations.
Things were cool until I had to go and ruin it, getting drunk one night, and blurting out my fantasy—involving him.
I took it back, but it was too late. Archie had heard me loud and clear. After that, we never quite knew how to toe the line.
When that summer came to an abrupt and shocking end, I headed back to college, unsure if anything would ever be the same again.
Across the miles over the years, he and I stayed in touch as friends, but fate and timing always kept us from becoming more.
You know the saying: If two people are meant to be, they’ll find their way back to each other?
Let’s just say Archie came back into my life in a way I would’ve never expected.
And this time, my heart would really be put to the test.








PURCHASE LINKS


Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.

She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.

With over two million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over twenty novels. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.


AUTHOR LINKS



OTHER BOOKS BY PENELOPE WARD


AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU



AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU




AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU



Thursday, February 23, 2023

Excerpt Reveal ~ Toe The Line by Penelope Ward




Title: Toe the Line
Author: Penelope Ward
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance
Trope: Friends-to-Lovers
Release Date: February 27, 2023


BLURB

From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward comes a friends-to-lovers story spanning more than a decade…

At first, I thought I’d hate spending the summer with Archie Remington—the conceited son of my parents’ friends.
What I knew about Archie: he was gorgeous, pre-law, and had always treated me like I didn’t exist when we were younger.
When our families bought a house together on an island in Maine, he and I were forced to share a bathroom.
The boy I remembered was now a full-grown man—but with the same attitude.
After a rough start, Archie and I unexpectedly started getting along one day and eventually became friends. We shared secrets and bonded during our morning jogs. I discovered that Archie had a wild spirit and that he struggled to conform to his father’s expectations.
Things were cool until I had to go and ruin it, getting drunk one night, and blurting out my fantasy—involving him.
I took it back, but it was too late. Archie had heard me loud and clear. After that, we never quite knew how to toe the line.
When that summer came to an abrupt and shocking end, I headed back to college, unsure if anything would ever be the same again.
Across the miles over the years, he and I stayed in touch as friends, but fate and timing always kept us from becoming more.
You know the saying: If two people are meant to be, they’ll find their way back to each other?
Let’s just say Archie came back into my life in a way I would’ve never expected.
And this time, my heart would really be put to the test.








PRE-ORDER LINKS


**No Amazon e-book preorder. 
Will go live on/around release day





EXCERPT

Copyright © 2022 Penelope Ward

Mixing alcohol with nostalgia, it turns out, is not always the wisest choice.
When Archie and I returned to the house that night, we didn’t know what to do with ourselves. Neither of us was tired enough to sleep. But the alcohol from the beers at the beach and the wine he’d opened once we got back home was going to my head fast. I could no longer be trusted with my words.
Archie took out the chocolate cake he’d made earlier and placed it on the counter. We both began eating it—with our bare hands. It was a mess, and I likely had chocolate all over my face. So this is how it ends, huh? I suppose it could be worse.
“I had so much fun tonight,” he said with his mouth full. “You?”
“It was awesome. Reminded me of the old days.” I licked chocolate off the corner of my mouth.
Archie’s eyes fell to my lips. “Seven years ago sometimes feels like yesterday, and other times like forever ago, doesn’t it?”
When I felt my eyes starting to well up, I knew that was my cue. I never wanted to leave Archie’s side, but I needed this weekend to be over before I lost it in front of him. “Anyway, we’d better go to bed,” I told him. “We both have early flights in the morning.”
I hopped down from my stool and rushed over to the sink to wash my hands. I hadn’t intended to make eye contact with him again because I didn’t want him to notice my eyes. Then again, he was a little drunk, too, so not sure how perceptive he would be.
Then I felt his presence nearby.
“I have so many regrets,” he said from behind me.
I turned to face him and swallowed. “Regrets about what?”
He had chocolate cake on his face, but somehow he’d never looked hotter.
“Everything,” he whispered. “With you.” He paused. “What we did and what we didn’t do. The way that summer ended. Everything.”
“Why are you bringing this up now?”
“Because I’m fucking drunk, I guess. I don’t know.” He pulled on his hair. “You look so goddamn beautiful right now.” His eyes were hazy as he murmured, “It hurts to look at you.”
My tears felt ready to fall. I couldn’t let that happen. “Keep that shit to yourself,” I muttered.
“We never talk about it, Noelle. We talk about everything else except the massive elephant in the room—the things we did that summer, what almost happened before—”
“Stop.” I sniffled. “You’re only bringing it up because you’re drunk. This is not a healthy way to discuss anything.”
“Maybe.” Archie leaned against the center island and placed his head in his hands. He went silent for a long time. “You were with Shane for like…forever. I thought you were gonna marry that guy. And I thought you were happy. I never thought you’d break up with him.” He looked down at the floor. “I kept waiting and…”
Waiting? He was waiting for things to end between Shane and me?
“I’m sorry…” He shook his head. “You’re right. I need to stop.”
Nothing good could come of two people with a ton of unspoken baggage trying to work things out while drunk. I could’ve poured out all of my feelings. I could have chosen to complicate his already-complicated life—turned it into a goddamn soap opera. But I loved him too much. I loved him. So I wouldn’t do that.
“Goodnight, Archie. Get some sleep.”
I left him standing in the kitchen next to a chocolate cake that looked like it had been ravaged by wild animals.
Then I went to my room and cried myself to sleep.






AUTHOR BIO


Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.

She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.

With over two million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over twenty novels. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.


AUTHOR LINKS



OTHER BOOKS BY PENELOPE WARD


AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU



AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU




AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU



Wednesday, February 22, 2023

5 Star Review ~ Pretty Little Tease by AJ Merlin



Release Date: February 20

Synopsis:

It’s a harmless way for a college student to make extra money… until it isn’t.

I’m careful not to show my face, so why do I feel like I’m being watched when the camera turns off?

No one should know who I am or be able to find me, but they do, and things quickly spiral out of control.

The two unhinged men who fill my cam chat with all the deplorable things they want to do to me are closer than I think. To them I’m just a pretty little tease, and their obsession turns into something so much more than I bargain for.

I should have run away when they found me, because now it’s too late for me to be anything except theirs.

Pretty Little Tease is a 100k+ word dark romance standalone where the heroine never has to choose between her professor and classmate. It includes MMF, MFM, MM, and mature content. To see a full list of possible triggers, use the look inside feature of the book.

Review:

Blair is a college kid who needs the one thing all college kids need....MONEY!!

Blair didn't want the typical job, she wanted something different so she became a cam girl. She did well doing this job and attracted different people.

I loved Blair coming into her own. She was torn in both her work life and her real life. The dilemmas, the what ifs, the choices she must make pulls you into a world some would call tainted. The world both Oliver, a classmate and teacher, Rook has pulled her into is one that I wanted to be in the front row watching. If book 2 is anything like book 1, we are in store for another fantastic ride!!

Buy Your Copy Here:





Meet AJ Merlin

AJ merlin is an author, crazy bird lady, and rampant horror movie enthusiast. Her debut novel, A Little Wicked, is the product of being enamored with the paranormal and the need to hunt down all things that go bump in the night.

Born and raised in the Midwest United States, AJ is lucky to be right in the middle of people who support her and a menagerie of animals to keep her somewhat sane. Connect with her on Facebook or social media to see updates, giveaways, and be bombarded with dog, cat, and pigeon pictures.

Connect with AJ Merlin

For more information about AJ Merlin, visit: https://linktr.ee/AJMerlinAuthor

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Review// A Pretty Dose of Poison by Kelsey Clayton

If my parents had it their way, I’d be off at college. Instead, I’m drowning in secrets… A Dose of Pretty Poison, an all-new angst-f...