REVIEW: One Hot Italian Summer by Karina Halle

A writer looking for inspiration in Tuscany. 

One hot Italian single dad. 

This summer is going to be a scorcher.

One Hot Italian Summer by New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling author, Karina Halle is now live! 

After the death of her best friend and writing partner, Grace Harper is struggling both with grief, and with her next novel, the first one she’ll have to write alone.

Fortunately, her new powerhouse agent, the formidable Jana Lee, has a solution for her. She can stay at her villa in Tuscany for a month, soak in the sunshine, relax, and find her confidence again. After all, Jana has a lot riding on Grace’s next book, and the last thing she wants is for her reputation as a “super-agent” to be tarnished.

At first the villa is a dream come true for Grace – that is until Claudio Romano shows up one day with his ten-year old son, Vanni, in tow. Turns out, this is Claudio’s house, and Claudio happens to be her agent’s ex-husband from long ago. Thanks to their annual father and son bonding trip being cancelled, Claudio and Vanni are here to stay.

So is Grace.

With the three of them sharing the same house, Grace’s writing plans are thrown out the window. But even if she’s not pounding the keyboard, she’s still finding beauty and inspiration... in none other than Claudio. He's unlike any man Grace has met before. He’s smart, charming, and wickedly sexy, plus a great father to Vanni. He’d be the perfect summer fling – if only he wasn’t completely off-limits.

But as the hot Italian summer wears on, Grace and Claudio are destined to succumb to the heat, no matter how hard they try to resist each other. One steamy encounter with Claudio could affect Grace’s chances of starting her career over.

Or he could be exactly what she needs.

OUR REVIEW:

If One Hot Italian Summer isn't the perfect summer read, I don't know what is. This novel is so swoony and lush that you can't help but feel completely fulfilled and satisfied when you put it down. 

The love story of Grace and Claudio begins with one hell of a meet cute and it just is filled with smiles from that point on. Karina Halle writes Claudio as someone who is the epitome of heart, strength, vulnerability, and hot Italian man. SIDE NOTE: If I weren't married and we weren't in the midst of a global pandemic annnnd I had all the time and money in the world, I'd be jumping on the next plane to Italy to find my own Claudio. GAH. He was that wonderful. And with Grace? Well, a writer writing about a writer couldn't be more perfect. She captures the anxiety of trying to produce under a deadline when your muse isn't showing up...and then the blur of time that passes when she does and you're words are practically shooting out of your fingers. Grace was complex with her grief and her fear and her kindness and quiet but strong spirit--I really liked how she was written. I felt her grief and anxiety and I felt like I understood her fear and when she let herself let it all go? The wooosh of happy emotions were such a great payoff.

In addition to being a love story of Grace and Claudio, it was a love story of Italy. I've never wanted to visit a country more than I do now. I felt like I could feel the hot air, smell the roses and citrus, taste the pasta and wine, and see the world in shades of vibrant colors all because of Karina Halle. I swear one day she just needs to write a travel guide because she always makes me fall in love with the settings she writes about. 

A final random note, am I the only one picturing Karina Halle and her cutie poo husband as these characters? Not in a creepy way but in a tribute to how much they love each other. I could totally see Karina in her beautiful dresses and her husband concocting a delicious cocktail for her with Italy as their backdrop. If you don't believe me just go peep on her Instagram and you'll get it, I promise.

I'll end as I started: this really is a fantastic, sexy, swoony romance. It's the perfect summer escape--so grab a cocktail and prepare to fall in love.

  Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

   Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2X37Gpy

Amazon WW: http://mybook.to/OHIS

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/OHItalianSgr

Meet Karina

Karina Halle is a former travel writer, music journalist & screenwriter, and The New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling author of over 55 bestselling novels, ranging from horror and suspense to contemporary romance. She lives on an island off the coast of British Columbia with her husband, and her adopted pitbull Bruce, where she drinks a lot of wine, hikes a lot of trails and devours a lot of books.

Halle is represented by the Root Literary Agency and is both self-published and published by Simon & Schuster, Hachette & Montlake. Her work has been translated and published in 20 languages. 

Hit her up on Instagram at @authorHalle, on Twitter at @MetalBlonde and on Facebook. You can also visit www.authorkarinahalle.com and sign up for the newsletter for news, excerpts, previews, private book signing sales and more.

Connect with Karina

Website: https://authorkarinahalle.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4785031.Karina_Halle

Amazon: https://amzn.to/31HMztJ

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkarinahalle/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/912577838806567/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorhalle/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetalBlonde

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/karina-halle

REVIEW: Flock by Kate Stewart

FLOCK, book one in The Ravenhood Duet from best-selling author, Kate Stewart, is 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄! Get ready for a sinfully 𝐇𝐎𝐓, 𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐒𝐓𝐘, 𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋, and 𝐓𝗪𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐃 love story filled with suspense, a little action, and 𝐀𝐋𝐋. 𝐎𝐅. 𝐓𝐇𝐄. 𝐅𝐄𝐄𝐋𝐒! ⁣⁣

FLOCK (The Ravenhood Duet, book 1) by Kate Stewart

Cover designed by: OkayCreations

Add to your GOODREADS TBR:

𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤- (The Ravenhood #1)-https://bit.ly/3dwgXN8⁣⁣
𝐄𝐱𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐬- (The Ravenhood Book #2)-https://bit.ly/2XUONVC⁣⁣

OUR REVIEW:

Shel: OHMYGODTHATENDING. 
OMG.

Court: There is not a better gif to describe that ending, for real.

Shel: I need book two RIGHT NOW, KATE STEWART. I thought I was ready for what was coming and now I'm just desperate to find out what the hell is going to happen next. GAHHHH.

Shel: LOL.
This novel was so much fun to read. I'll be honest--the prologue felt a little too abstract and prosaic to me, like it was trying really hard but I put that aside (because prologues can be hit or miss with me) and within pages of the first chapter I was posting on Instagram that I wouldn't sleep until I was finished. I was completely hooked by all of the hints dropped, the dynamic between Dom, Sean, Cecelia and the rest of the crew, and all the mystery that surrounded these characters.

Court: There was so much mystery! I finally just started texting Shel begging for information because for some reason I hit my head and thought she might give me some, which was a negative...we all knew that...but the writing definitely only gave us a teeny bit of information at a time. It was perfect because I was right in there with Cecelia though...falling in love, and wondering what was too good to be true right there with her. Kate Stewart created a huge secret world that I am still thinking about. Shelley told me it would slay, and it did not disappoint.

Shel: We promised that we'd make this a spoiler free review, so no spoilers...not even a hint. I'll just say that this novel is one of those rare duets that has my complete attention and will have me counting down the days until I get to the next book. Court: Thankfully we do not have to wait long...because NEXT WEEK Y'ALL! But, still .... 100% agree...this is a great story, and the mystery and build up doesn't disappoint either. I am always impressed with the thought involved when a story is weaved so well, and I cannot wait for more.

Shel: If you're a fan of Kate Stewart and a steamy hot (HOT!!!!) read that will leave you dying for the second book and what happens next, THIS IS YOUR NOVEL!!! Grab it. Court: YES! It is hot and sexy, and now one of my favorites of this year!

𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2X0r5ra

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2P5eQoM

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/39xwKtY

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2Eni1pL

Blurb:
Can you keep a secret?

I grew up sick.

Let me clarify.

I grew up believing that real love stories include a martyr or demand great sacrifice to be worthy.

Because of that, I believed it, because I made myself believe it, and I bred the most masochistic of romantic hearts, which resulted in my illness.

 When I lived this story, my own twisted fairy tale, it was unbeknownst to me at the time because I was young and naïve. I gave into temptation and fed the beating beast, which grew thirstier with every slash, every strike, every blow.

Triple Falls wasn’t at all what it seemed, nor were the men that swept me under their wing. But in order to keep them, I had to be in on their secrets.

Secrets that cost us everything to keep.

That’s the novelty of fiction versus reality. You can’t re-live your own love story, because by the time you’ve realized you’re living it, it’s over. At least that was the case for me and the men I trusted my foolish heart to.

Looking back, I’m convinced I willed my story into existence due to my illness.

And all were punished.⁣⁣

---

Release Event Sign ups: https://forms.gle/sd8bEXebZowV1X3P7
Join Kate's Asskickers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/katesasskickers/
The Ravenhood Duet Spotify Playlist: https://spoti.fi/38Y1FiU
Kate's Newsletter-Get a FREE book!: https://www.katestewartwrites.com/contact-me.html

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author and Texas native, Kate Stewart, lives in North Carolina with her husband, Nick, and her naughty beagle, Sadie. She pens messy, sexy, angst-filled contemporary romance, as well as romantic comedy and erotic suspense. Kate's title, Drive, was named one of the best romances of 2017 by The New York Daily News and Huffington Post. Drive was also a finalist in the Goodreads Choice awards for best contemporary romance of 2017. Her works have been featured in USA TODAY, BuzzFeed, and translated in five languages.

Kate is a lover of all things '80s and '90s, especially John Hughes films and rap. She dabbles a little in photography, can knit a simple stitch scarf for necessity, and on occasion, does very well at whiskey.

Website Facebook Group Facebook Author Page Newsletter signup Twitter Instagram

NOW AVAILABLE: Inked in Lies by Giana Darling

Inked in Lies, an edgy, ultra sexy standalone MC romance from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Giana Darling, is available now!

He moved in next door. Handsome as sin, older in a way that meant forbidden. He had tattoos on his hands and wickedness tucked in his grin. I was a goner as a girl to a man they called Casanova for a reason. He would never love me, at least not the way I needed him to. I tried to move on. But I couldn’t turn my back on him or The Fallen MC. So when they needed me most, I offered the only thing of value I could use to help them. My body. And when helping them meant putting my life on the line, Nova had to decide just how much he was willing to do to get me out alive.

Download your copy today! Amazon: https://amzn.to/3hX8O5Y Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/InkedinLies

Add INKED IN LIES to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2MGWpG1

About Giana Giana Darling is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Top 40 Amazon bestselling Canadian romance author who specializes in the taboo and angsty side of love and romance. She currently lives in beautiful British Columbia where she spends time riding on the back of her man’s bike, baking pies, and reading snuggled up with her cat Persephone.

Connect with Giana Website: gianadarling.com Facebook: http://bit.ly/2tKhTKO Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2CFNVsK Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2J5Evtq Amazon: https://amzn.to/2E5LPRW Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2lI2UNn Instagram: http://bit.ly/2eNG8Bp Twitter: http://bit.ly/2uXVF84 Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/b0qnPr

REVIEW: Play It Safe by Kristen Ashley

OUR REVIEW:

So here's the deal, I'm about to start a new semester and I knew I wanted to read a book that would have a strong heroine and give me that 'never say die' oomph that I always need to get me in the right mindset to take over the world (or in this case, the school year). Who better to do that for me than Kristen Ashley?!

As usual, Kristen Ashley didn't fail me. She gave me Ivey--a young woman who begins to find her way only to have her journey be forced into a huge and time consuming detour. Ivey was so easy to love and admire in her strength and loyalty and her ability to love so deeply and passionately despite all of the crap that she deals with (through really no fault of her own). She's the kind of woman anyone would want in their life--as a friend or a spouse. 

Kristen Ashley also gave us one of the best cowboys I've read in ages. Gray Cody is an interesting version of the 'alpha male'. He possesses many of the qualities you've probably come to love in KA's heroes but in someways he seems to be a kinder, gentler version. Don't get me wrong--he can be a badass to end all badasses but he's so controlled and calm and easy going. I loved him with Ivey.

I got exactly what I was looking for when I picked up Play It Safe--badass characters, funny situations and witty banter, great friendships, idiot bad guys, and an example of what love could be when you pair a cowboy and an ex-pool hustler. Thanks, Kristen Ashley, for helping me start my year off right!

BUY IT: http://amzn.to/2aFkn2v

SYNOPSIS:

No connections. Play it safe. These were the rules Ivey lived her life by.

Until she hit Mustang, Colorado, a perfectly imperfect town where the citizens were welcoming and one of them included the tall, beautiful, macho man rancher cowboy, Grayson Cody.

On the run for a decade, Ivey knew she was supposed to play it safe. But she was tired of being on the run. She wanted a normal. She wanted real. She wanted a home.

And she wanted Grayson Cody.

And Grayson Cody wanted Ivey.

No one who looked at them couldn’t see they belonged together. There was one man in this world for Ivey and one woman in this world for Grayson Cody.

So they fell in love.

But just as quickly as they fell together, they were betrayed and torn apart. Separated for years, Ivey was certain her life would not include her rancher cowboy. Until the town of Mustang reached out to her when Gray was in trouble. Even though she thought he broke her heart, she charged in to help. Then Gray and Ivey discovered they were betrayed and, not only that, Gray had an enemy who would stop at nothing to defeat him.

REVIEW: Engagement and Espionage by Penny Reid

 

Engagement and Espionage, an all-new quirky and swoon-worthy romantic comedy featuring fan favorites Jenn and Cletus Winston from New York Times bestselling author Penny Reid is available now!

OUR REVIEW:

It's been a rough couple of months for some of us, hasn't it? I know for my household it's been a roller coaster of life events so when I come across a novel that can sweep me away from all of my worries, it's only right that I share that with everyone, right? Right.

Engagement and Espionage was the perfect escape from all the craziness of the outside world. I mean who better than Cletus and Jenn to completely amuse and distract us all with their own craziness? And let me remind you, where there is Cletus, there is craziness. I loved every second of it. I only thought I loved the first book with Cletus and Jenn but this book ....being in his head...*chef's kiss* it was perfect. He's one of my all time favorite characters; I love everything about him--his quirks, his machinations and manipulations, and his complete adoration and respect for Jenn are just a few of the reasons why I love him. And Jenn and the way she loves? I love her heart. I love how she loves and cares of all of the people in her orbit. 

Separately they are fun; together they're nearly impossible to stop reading. Their longing for each other and the constant interruptions, the way this novel shows us how they began to align their lives after the fell in love, how their families fit into it all, and of course, the various mysterious happenings had my complete attention until I reached the last two words: "The End". I swear I tried to slow down my reading of this novel but I was completely powerless to the charm of Cletus and Jenn.

This novel just felt like the humorous cozy mystery I didn't even know I needed in my life. The cast of characters and their trademark reactions to each other had me smiling and starved for more. Luckily for me, this is book one of four. I can't wait to see what these guys get up to and into next.

Jennifer Sylvester made her deal with the devil . . . and now they’re engaged!

But all is not well in Green Valley. A chicken choker is on the loose, 61 dead birds most "fowl" need plucking, and no time remains for Jennifer and her devilish fiancé. Desperate to find a spare moment together, Jenn and Cletus’s attempts to reconnect are thwarted by one seemingly coincidental disaster after another. It’s not long before Cletus and Jenn see a pattern emerge and the truth becomes clear.

Sabotage!

Will an undercover mission unmask the culprit? Or are these love-birds totally plucked?

'Engagement and Espionage' is the first book in the Solving for Pie: Cletus and Jenn Mysteries series, is a full-length cozy mystery, and is a spin-off of Penny Reid's Winston Brothers series. This novel is best read after 'Beard Science,' Winston Brothers #3.

Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3auZzqI Apple Books: https://apple.co/33ONMAK Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/engagementespionage Nook: https://bit.ly/3dvV8hf Kobo: https://bit.ly/2wxWreY Google Play: https://bit.ly/3aqIT3h

Add ENGAGEMENT AND ESPIONAGE to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2UoVpea

Excerpt:

“Don’t stop.” She reached for my belt again, this time completely undoing it, the button of my pants, and my zipper at world-record speed. Her phone buzzed. Then it chimed. Then it buzzed and chimed two more times. Then it rang again. Reba. Cursing, Jenn pulled the phone from her pocket, once again her face illuminated, murderous rage in her eyes. Her finger moved to the power off button. She blinked, hesitating. Her eyes widened, her body stiffened, and she gasped. “Cletus!” Something about her tone, like she was horrified, and maybe a little afraid, cut through the heavy haze of lust inertia, and my hands stilled. Shaking myself, it took me a few moments to realize she was showing me the phone screen, and another few to bring the content of the text messages into focus. Momma: Jennifer Anne Sylvester, pick up your phone. If you’re with Cletus, I need his help. Please. Momma: ALL THE CHICKENS AND ROOSTERS ARE DEAD! PICK UP YOUR DAMN PHONE! Momma: I’m calling you in a second, pick up the phone. Mr. Badcock’s chickens are dead. All of them. I got here and he’s running around, deranged, yelling about his dead chickens! I called the police and they’re on their way. Please, please, please pick up the phone! At some point, I must’ve taken the phone from Jenn and stepped away, because I glanced up upon reading the messages for the third time, finding the phone in my hand and Jenn fixing her skirt. “This is nuts.” Her big eyes searched mine imploringly. “Who could have done this?” I shook my head, having not yet managed to fully shift head gears—you know, from that head to the one on my neck—and my gaze dropped to the wet patch on the front of her dress just visible in the swath of light. My erection throbbed. So we’re . . . not having sex? “Why? Why would they do it? And WHO?” She snatched her phone back, her tone bewildered, distracted, and distraught. She was distraught because of the dead chickens, like any normal person would be. I was distraught also, but my distress had nothing to do with farm animals. “We have to go.” Jenn grabbed my hand and began walking toward the direction of the hall. Meanwhile, it took me until her hand found the door handle to realize my zipper and belt were still undone. “This is crazy.” She paused as I zipped up, her tone halting and distracted. “Poor Mr. Badcock. And those poor chickens.” A sound of distress escaped her throat. “This is terrible.” It was terrible. And I was going to hell. Because all I could think was, Talk about a cock block.

Meet Penny Reid: Penny Reid is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best Selling Author of the Winston Brothers, Knitting in the City, Rugby, and Hypothesis series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she just writes books. She’s also a full time mom to three diminutive adults, wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja.

Connect with Penny:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennyReidWriter/ Amazon: http://amzn.to/2lakzsD Twitter: @ReidRomance Mailing List: http://pennyreid.ninja/newsletter/ www.pennyreid.ninja

REVIEW: Making Up by Lucy Parker

OUR REVIEW:

Making Up is another fun Lucy Parker novel. This series of interconnected novels are just a pleasure to read. I love getting the behind the scenes (in the theater) feel that her characters and plot provide. In the case of Making Up, we have Trix--an aerialist--and Leo --a special effects make up artist--go from enemies to lovers. They're biting sarcasm and snipes at each other make their falling for each other that much more fun. 

Lucy Parker has such a perfectly light touch in the way that she blends humor and romance.Her dialogue and pacing keep the novel moving and her diverse cast of characters always keep me coming back for more. Anytime I see a Lucy Parker novel available to review I snatch it up because I know I'm in for a good time.

BUY IT: https://amzn.to/2SOtSlU

SYNOPSIS: 

Once upon a time, circus artist Trix Lane was the best around. Her spark vanished with her confidence, though, and reclaiming either has proved…difficult. So when the star of The Festival of Masks is nixed and Trix is unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight, it’s exactly the push she needs. But the joy over her sudden elevation in status is cut short by a new hire on the makeup team.

Leo Magasiva: disgraced wizard of special effects. He of the beautiful voice and impressive beard. Complete dickhead and—in an unexpected twist—an enragingly good kisser.

To Leo, something about Trix is…different. Lovely. Beautiful, even though the pint-size, pink-haired former bane of his existence still spends most of her waking hours working to annoy him. They’ve barely been able to spend two minutes together for years, and now he can’t get enough of her. On stage. At home. In his bed.

When it comes to commitment, Trix has been there, done that, never wants to do it again. Leo’s this close to the job of a lifetime, which would take him away from London—and from Trix. Their past is a constant barrier between them.

It seems hopeless.

Utterly impossible.

And yet…

REVIEW: Varsity Tiebreaker by Ginger Scott

We're celebrating the release of Varsity Tiebreaker!  Take a peek inside the book and one-click yours today!

Varsity Tiebreaker (The Varsity Series Book 2) by Ginger Scott

Cover Designer: Ginger Scott

PURCHASE HERE

Varsity Tiebreaker
Amazon US https://amzn.to/2zluA2u
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/30zRPQ9
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2WKCHyi
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2Bnapmc

Goodreads TBR: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53602753-varsity-tiebreaker

REVIEW:

Shel: Reading the sneak peek of this novel at the end of Varsity Heartbreaker had me so very eager to see how in the world Ginger Scott was going to make this work. I MEAN!!!! Twin brothers both going after the same girl are you even kidding me right now? HOW WILL SHE MAKE IT RIGHT?!! That was what I had to know and I wasn't sure if she could pull it off because ...brothers + the same girl?! HOW?!!!! So I started reading and I knew this was going to suck so hard for all of these characters at some point (which translates to it making me have a case of the angsty-sads) and I was ALL IN. Court: RIGHT! I was like...oh my goodness, I am so scared and I have a love hate relationship with love triangles and these boys are closer than best friends and I will die if they get their heart broken...but Ginger Scott is a wordsmith genius, so I was moderately justified in my angst, ya know.

Shel: I mean seriously poor Tory. That first chapter was such a testament to him. His love for his brother and the grace in which he handled it all. Still, though. Gahh. Then, the whole family split up because of his mother's affair and yeeesh. What a mess. Court: It was a mess. But so raw and real. The longer we went on and got invested in the story, the more raw and real it got. Each character is going through things, and we definitely did not get a sugar coated version for these kids...no sirree, but again this is why I love Ginger Scott so much. She makes us feel, and get through hurts all at the same time while enjoying a beautiful story.

Shel: And then there was Abby and the conflict she was feeling about all of this and the situation seemed untenable. She was walking a tightrope between the twins--trying to avoid all the missteps while also trying to handle some seriously messed up stuff with the garbage human being who was her father. :/ Needless to say, but I will anyway--she's got a lot going on but is as cool as a cucumber to anyone who takes a glance at her, which made me feel for her. The burdens she carried, when she should've never had to, felt so heavy. Court: YES! She's the fun, happy, crazy friend and didn't like to be a burden to anybody. And she's got some things she's working through. And still remains the most loyal best friend. I was very curious about her in the first book and this one just melted my frozen heart.

Shel: So as I stated, I was curious as to how in the world Ginger Scott would be able to make this all okay. Shocking to no one (who has read her books, at least), she did. She not only managed to make it all work but she did it in a way that felt perfectly right for all those involved. Court: Total genius, like we say right? I love her ability to create her world, create amazingly perfect first kisses (what she's known for) and make us have these deep characters who are navigating their youth and also happen to be falling in love. I love that both are equally important to the story. 

Shel: Varsity Tiebreaker was another great mature YA from Ginger Scott--with a quick look at previous characters and a hint of another story to come out of this series. A story of love, family, and all of the complications that can come when you throw that all together. Court: The best kind. I really enjoyed this book, and am so glad we read it. We give it our highest recommend!

Varsity Tiebreaker

Book 2 in The Varsity Series by Ginger Scott

Abby Cortez is a girl with goals, on the verge of turning eighteen and on the brink of stardom. Falling in love isn't just something she doesn't have time for, it's something she doesn't really believe in. Her rule? Date but never, ever fall.

Tory "Salvatore" D'Angelo loves falling in love...just not for real. The star basketball player at Allensville Public High gives his heart away one girl at a time then takes it back when he's ready to move on. No serious feelings, no serious pain.

They’re both good plans until Abby’s jaded heart gets all tangled up with Tory’s hopeless one. A friendly rivalry grows into friendship, and long talks start to blur the lines.
Just one problem—Abby’s current boyfriend is Tory’s twin brother, Hayden.

This is book 2 in The Varsity Series by Ginger Scott. You can start this series of stand-alone mature YA sports romances now with Varsity Heartbreaker. Book 3, Varsity Rulebreaker, releases in October.

Excerpt – Varsity Tiebreaker by Ginger Scott

Tory D’Angelo
I’m not sure if she realizes she’s trembling, but she is, so to stop her from digging any deeper in a place so public and so filled with the fumes of microwave pizza and Coke machines, I reach forward and rest my hand on top of hers. We both freeze immediately, and I’m pretty sure my palm is already sweating. Her gaze lifts to meet mine, but I don’t let go of her hand just yet. I don’t make this touch a big deal, even though it sort of is. That’s not why I did it, and I don’t want to cheapen it. With our eyes locked on one another, I let the air fill with the touch of silence just long enough for a ragged, emotional breath to fall from her lips.

“You have every right to feel the way you do,” I say.

“And how’s that?” she fires back. Her hand shifts under mine, but she doesn’t pull it away.

“You feel like your dad sees a business opportunity where he should see his daughter.”

She swallows and keeps her gaze on mine for a beat before finally leaning back, pulling her hand away and glancing off to her side. With a snort sniffle, she runs the sleeve of my brother’s hoodie across her eyes, erasing the tiny break that she let herself have.

I’m suddenly not hungry. I don’t think I have ever not been hungry, but I couldn’t eat the rest of my burrito now if I were forced at gunpoint. It’s not that I feel sick, but more that I feel…envious. I was fooling myself thinking that Abby was a passing crush I could dismiss easily. Two months of riding shotgun with her through all things June and Lucas was just long enough for me to get hooked on having her around. But while it’s my advice she’s listening to right now, it’s my brother’s fucking sweatshirt she’s dabbing her tears with.

“So, see you at the game?” I know my move to leave is abrupt, especially after she just bared part of her soul. If I stay, though, I’m going to say things I don’t mean just out of sheer self-preservation. This is precisely why I don’t do relationships, I just do flirting and hookups. Feelings…well, they fucking feel.

“What, did you change your mind and suddenly decide that nine-eighty bare-minimum wasn’t good enough?” Her nose wrinkles after her insult, but I think I get where it’s coming from. She just hit me with a major share, and now I’m bailing. Better to lash out. Her and I aren’t so different.

“Something like that,” I say, holding up my lunch trash as a wave goodbye.

Abby’s face shifts slightly, her wrinkled mouth and dimmed eyes morphing from the snarky expression that accompanies her tease to the look of a girl who just lost her brand new balloon to the sky.

“That hoodie…” I say as I walk backward, pointing toward the center of her chest. “Looks good on you.” I leave things there with a tight-lipped smile and a nod, a truce of sorts, not that Abby even knew we were in a battle. Hell, we weren’t. I’m the only one in a conflict, and it’s with my own damn self.

I manage to turn my back to her and toss my trash out without pausing to get one more little jab in to fully take things back to our version of normal. I think for now, I’d like to leave things nice. I wasn’t counting on her wanting to leave things that way, too, though.

“I’ll be sure to cheer for you, even if I’m wearing Hayden’s number,” she shouts.

I spin on my feet and give her a thumbs up, but keep moving away from her because if I turn around, I’ll keep trying to win her over. And she’s not mine to be won.

PURCHASE NOW

Varsity Heartbreaker

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★☆★Read FREE w/Kindle Unlimited★☆★

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Varsity Rulebreaker - https://amzn.to/3bgh7pN

About the Author:



Ginger Scott is an Amazon-bestselling and Goodreads Choice Award-nominated author of several young and new adult romances, including Waiting on the Sidelines, Going Long, Blindness, How We Deal With Gravity, This Is Falling, You and Everything After, The Girl I Was Before, Wild Reckless, Wicked Restless, In Your Dreams, The Hard Count, Hold My Breath, and A Boy Like You.

A sucker for a good romance, Ginger’s other passion is sports, and she often blends the two in her stories. (She’s also a sucker for a hot quarterback, catcher, pitcher, point guard…the list goes on.) Ginger has been writing and editing for newspapers, magazines and blogs for more than 15 years. She has told the stories of Olympians, politicians, actors, scientists, cowboys, criminals and towns. For more on her and her work, visit her website at http://www.littlemisswrite.com.

When she's not writing, the odds are high that she's somewhere near a baseball diamond, either watching her son field pop flies like Bryce Harper or cheering on her favorite baseball team, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ginger lives in Arizona and is married to her college sweetheart whom she met at ASU (fork 'em, Devils).

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Website: http://www.littlemisswrite.com

REVIEW: One Small Thing by Erin Watt

OUR REVIEW:

As with many other Erin Watt titles, One Small Thing got under my skin and stayed there the entire time I read. The characters and relationships were so frustratingly life-like that I found myself cringing and rage-reading -- because I, unfortunately, know that there are people in the world like the students of Darling High School (and like Beth's parents)-- and couldn't stop until I found out if Beth and Chase were going to find some relief from their situations, or not. If you've read any Erin Watt novels you know that the relief you're going to get is not going to come easy or quickly--One Small Thing definitely follows that formula. The characters made me crazy and angry and frustrated and just arggghhhhhh. Their story of grief and guilt and love and loss was a quick read, albeit one that had me wanting to reach in and throttle any one of them at some point--which just goes to show you how great this writing duo is that I'm that invested in what the heck these characters are up to.

BUY IT: https://amzn.to/35qcDdo

SYNOPSIS:

Beth’s life hasn’t been the same since her sister died. Her parents try to lock her down, believing they can keep her safe by monitoring her every move. When Beth sneaks out to a party one night and meets the new guy in town, Chase, she’s thrilled to make a secret friend. It seems like a small thing, just for her.

Only Beth doesn’t know how big her secret really is…

Fresh out of juvie and determined to start his life over, Chase has demons to face and much to atone for, including his part in the night Beth’s sister died. Beth, who has more reason than anyone to despise him, is willing to give him a second chance. A forbidden romance is the last thing either of them planned for senior year, but the more time they spend together, the deeper their feelings get.

Now Beth has a choice to make—follow the rules, or risk tearing everything apart…again.

COVER REVEAL: Exodus by Kate Stewart

EXODUS, book two, is the explosive conclusion in The Ravenhood Duet from best-selling author, Kate Stewart, is coming August 6th! Get ready for a sinfully 𝐇𝐎𝐓, 𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐒𝐓𝐘, 𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋, and 𝐓𝗪𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐃 love story filled with suspense, a little action, and 𝐀𝐋𝐋. 𝐎𝐅. 𝐓𝐇𝐄. 𝐅𝐄𝐄𝐋𝐒! ⁣⁣

EXODUS (The Ravenhood Duet, book 2) by Kate Stewart

Cover designed by: OkayCreations

Add to your GOODREADS TBR:

𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤- 7/30 (The Ravenhood #1)-https://bit.ly/3dwgXN8⁣⁣
𝐄𝐱𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐬- 8/6 (The Ravenhood Book #2)-https://bit.ly/2XUONVC⁣⁣

Blurb:

Can you live a lie?

It’s a ghost town, this place that haunts me, the one that made me.

It’s clear to me that I’ll never outgrow Triple Falls or outlive the time I spent here.

I can still feel them all, my boys of summer.

Even when I’d sensed the danger, I gave in.

I didn’t heed a single warning. I let my sickness, my love, both rule and ruin me. I played my part, eyes wide open, tempting fate until it delivered.

There was never going to be an escape.

All of us are to blame for what happened. All of us serving our own sentences. We were careless and reckless, thinking our youth made us indestructible, exempt from our sins, and it cost us all.

I’m done pretending I didn’t leave the largest part of me between these hills and valleys, between the sea of trees that hold my secrets.

It’s the reason I’m back. To make peace with my fate.

And if I can’t grieve enough to cure myself in my time here, I’ll remain sick. That will be my curse.

But it’s time to confess, to myself more so than any other, that I’d hindered my chances because of the way I was built, and because of the men who built me.

At this point, I just want to make peace with who I am, no matter what ending I get.

Because I can no longer live a lie.

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About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author and Texas native, Kate Stewart, lives in North Carolina with her husband, Nick, and her naughty beagle, Sadie. She pens messy, sexy, angst-filled contemporary romance, as well as romantic comedy and erotic suspense. Kate's title, Drive, was named one of the best romances of 2017 by The New York Daily News and Huffington Post. Drive was also a finalist in the Goodreads Choice awards for best contemporary romance of 2017. Her works have been featured in USA TODAY, BuzzFeed, and translated in five languages.

Kate is a lover of all things '80s and '90s, especially John Hughes films and rap. She dabbles a little in photography, can knit a simple stitch scarf for necessity, and on occasion, does very well at whiskey.

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REVIEW: The King by Tiffany Reisz

REVIEW:

It's been a little while since I've been in the world of the Original Sinners but as always, when I do find myself in it, I wonder how I waited so long to come back. The characters feel like family and you can tell that Tiffany Reisz loves and cares for them by the way she crafts their narratives. 

It's in The King that we get deeper into the story of Kingsley Edge. We knew about his boyhood from previous novels in this series and now we get to see some of those missing years between his service in the French military and his life as an established figure..ahem, King...in the NYC underworld of all things kink. Truth be told, I wasn't sure how I felt about King prior to this novel. In previous novels I liked him, felt for him, or was ambivalent towards him but it was in this novel that I truly fell for him. I felt like I understood him so much better; that I understood the dynamic between him and Soren and Nora in way that I don't know I always really got. I loved the story of his club and how he attained it as well as reading his meeting with Soren for the first time in eleven years. 

I know for some, even me, at times, knowing so much about these characters ahead of times makes you wonder what's left to know, what could possibly happen, what mysteries are left to uncover? And perhaps it's that line of questioning that turns some people off from grabbing the next book in the series? But for me, this series isn't so much about solving a mystery at the end, it's more about seeing the depth of their relationships, their entanglements, and seeing all the 'behind the scenes' stuff that you don't know when you only know the end point but not the journey it took to get there. These novels, now, are more about the journey for me--not so much the end. 

Every time I pick up a book of Tiffany Reisz I wonder why I didn't pick it up sooner and I remember just how much I love the worlds she creates. 

BUY IT: https://amzn.to/3jnriOC

SYNOPSIS:

Revisit the sixth book in Tiffany Reisz’s fan-favorite Original Sinners series, where only cunning, sex and pure nerve can raise him to his rightful place as ruler of Manhattan’s kink kingdom.

Bouncing from bed to bed on the Upper East Side--handsomely paid in both bills and blackmail fodder--Kingsley Edge is brilliant, beautiful and utterly debauched. No carnal act or chemical compound can relieve his self-destructive apathy--only S¿ren, the one person he loves without limit or regret. A man he can never have, but in whose hands Kingsley is reborn to attain even greater heights of sin. He plans to open the ultimate BDSM clubÂ: a dungeon playground for New York’s A-list that’ll change the scene forever.

The club becomes Kingsley’s obsession--and he’s enlisted some tough-as-nails help. His new assistant Sam is smart, secretive and totally immune to seduction (by men, at least). She and Kingsley make a wicked team. Still, their combined--and considerable--expertise in domination can’t subdue the man who would kill their dream. The enigmatic Reverend Fuller won’t rest until King’s dream is destroyed. It’s one man’s sacred mission against another’s....

“Reisz’s Original Sinners series just keeps getting better!” —RT Book Reviews

Originally published in 2014

REVIEW: Bounty by Kristin Ashley

When will I learn that I should NEVER start a Kristen Ashley book during the work week? Apparently, I won't ever learn? I started Bounty late one Wednesday night, stayed up until 1 AM, tried to go to sleep and couldn't, picked the book back up at 2 AM, finally threw in the towel at 3 AM only to wake up for work at 5:30 AM. You'd think that'd deplete me but nope, as soon as I could get back to Bounty I did. Fast forward to the weekend when I neared the end, decided to stretch out my reading as long as I could, then couldn't because I HAD TO KNOW WHAT WOULD HAPPEN and here I am now longing for KA's next book. 

I knew from the very beginning that this one was going to hurt (that prologue!) and I wasn't wrong. Many times along the way I felt my heart filled with sadness and trepidation (why must you be so stubborn Deke?!!!) but just as many times I laughed and felt an immense amount of hope for these two. I think I always feel a special connection to the characters in Kristen Ashley's books--and maybe it's because this is the most recent of hers that I've read--but this one felt extra special. Maybe it was that I loved Justice's boho vibe. Maybe it was that she had a poet's soul and heart, something I feel like I have. Maybe it was how comfortable in her skin she was? Or maybe it was her connection to the people she loved. I don't know what it was but I just felt so connected to her and her heart and the way she observed and appreciated the world around her and her honesty--she was just a beautiful character. I also loved that KA wrote Deke as this stubborn mountain man who wasn't afraid to admit when he was wrong. He was so gruff but tender and had an equally beautiful vibe. 

In addition to including all of our favorite characters from previous books, Kristen Ashley also captured me with her musical choices, her vivid description of Colorado (I seriously want to go back NOW), and I want ALL of the food and beverages mentioned in these pages (I made pancakes this morning, for pete's sake!). 

Loved Bounty and what the title represented. Loved Deke and Justice. Love this series and am eager for whatever she has for us next.

Want to know more? BUY IT: http://amzn.to/1ptM7dK 

Here's the synopsis:

Justice Lonesome has enjoyed a life of bounty.

Even so, she’s inherited the curse of the Lonesome. A poet’s soul. Which means she’s still searching for something. Searching for peace. Searching for the less…that’s more.

And when the foundation of her life is pulled out from under her, grieving, she goes to the mountains to find her oasis. She hits Carnal, Colorado and decides to stay.

REVIEW: Verity by Colleen Hoover

OUR REVIEW:

Admittedly, I haven't read all of Colleen Hoover's novels (something I intend to remedy), but I've read several and I know they are nothing like Verity. It's kinda nuts to think about how very different this is. The writing is more stripped down--bleak and stark--and the emotional connection I usually feel for her characters was replaced by my intense curiosity and horror at what I was reading. The entire situation...novel...went from wow, that's fucked up to holy shit that's really really really super fucked up. It was intense and freaky and hard to read and hard to put down. The one thing I can say that Verity had in common with everything I've ever read from Colleen Hoover was how consumed I was by the plot and characters--I was glued to my Kindle until I finished reading it; and like her other novels, it was hard to shake the thoughts I had when I finished. 

Kudos to Colleen Hoover for switching things up, trying new things, and keeping us readers on our toes.

BUY IT: https://amzn.to/36nRyBL

SYNOPSIS:

Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish. 

Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity's notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn't expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity's recollection of the night their family was forever altered. 

Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing its contents would devastate the already grieving father. But as Lowen's feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife's words. After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue to love her. 

Due to graphic scenes and mature content, this book is recommended for readers 18+.

REVIEW: Star Bright by Staci Hart

It's finally here!! Star Bright, the first in Staci Hart's brand new Bright Young Things series, is available now. Grab your copy of Star Bright from your preferred online book retailer today!

Amazon | B&N | Kobo |AppleBooks | Goodreads

OUR REVIEW:
Honestly, when I saw the first teaser for Star Bright I knew this book had to be mine. The image + the blurb had me making grabby hands.

Fortunately, I was selected to be an early reader and after my family binged Hamilton, I settled in to start Star Bright. The protagonists, Levi and Stella, immediately had my attention and it was only when my eyes refused to stay open that I put their story down. ...only to pick it up first thing this morning and finish it by noon today. To say I was completely enthralled doesn't even begin to describe how engaged I was in what was happening. Levi and Stella were interesting characters, for sure, but the thing that really stole the show for me was the entire premise of the secret society, the Bright Young Things, and the parties they participated in. The imaginative, lux environment and the sense of warmth and community had me longing for something I never even knew I'd want. Staci Hart created a setting that I could not ever even dream of and she did it so vividly that I would occasionally just stop my reading and close my eyes and let myself imagine the most fantastical over the top parties with the most beautiful people.

Getting back to Levi and Stella, their instant chemistry and their complete like-ability had me rooting for them. And, I adored all of Stella's roommates and am already imagining which ones will get their own stories (all of them, please?!). Oh and Levi and Billy and Ash? All such good stuff going on with all of these characters that I truly hope we'll see them all again when we get future installments of this series.

Kudos to Staci Hart for creating such a unique premise and then following through with interesting characters, a sweet love story, and a plot point that promises to show up in the future...one where I can't wait to see where she goes with it!

Stella Spencer has one enemy—her secrets.

The world’s obsession with the Bright Young Things is real. Every lavish party thrown by the most exclusive group in New York is a spectacle, stalked not only by the media, but by the police commissioner, who’s declared war. He’s out to ruin everyone’s good time, starting with uncovering the mysterious benefactor leading the group, thus answering the question on everyone’s lips.

Who is Cecelia Beaton?

And no one knows it’s Stella.

If society finds out the truth, her plans will unravel. And with one smoldering look from a stranger, her carefully ordered world catches fire.

Levi Hunt has one plan—get the story.

His future at Vagabond magazine depends on his ability to do the one thing no one can: infiltrate the Bright Young Things. If he can find out who Cecelia Beaton is, he’ll earn enough notoriety to permanently secure his career.

His dreams are at his fingertips, so long as he doesn’t blow his cover. But one night with the brightest, most brilliant young thing of all, and he knows he’ll have to make a choice.

The job he loves or the woman of his dreams.

Secrets and lies. Love and laughter. And two people with something to hide and everything to gain.

Welcome to the party.

Staci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life -- a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can't forget that. She's also been a mom, with three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She's been a wife, though she's certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She's also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she's been drinking whiskey. When she's not writing, she's reading, sleeping, gaming, or designing graphics.

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