New Release: Up in smoke by Kate Meader + Review!

 

 Release Date: February 22

Lives are on the line at Engine 6 … and so are hearts.

 

Newly-minted firefighter Abby Sullivan is exactly where she wants to be: Chicago Fire Department’s Engine 6, the station where her mom blazed a trail as one of the first female firefighters in the city. The first to fall in the line of duty, too. All Abby wants is to succeed, but that’s a tough proposition when people only see a feel-good story, a token woman failing at a man’s job, or the princess in need of protection. And the man tasked with watching her six? 

 

Lieutenant Roman Rossi, the one person she can’t let close. 

 

Having the daughter of his boss and nemesis under his wing shouldn’t be a problem for Roman—he’s a professional and can treat her like any other firefighter rookie. Except she happens to be the gorgeous woman he once shared a slice of cherry pie with, followed by the hottest, sweetest, most pulse-pounding kiss of his life. He didn’t know her name but he had planned to find out.

 

Now Roman knows exactly who Abby is: a threat to his self-control more dangerous than a five-alarm blaze. Lust has no place in the firehouse, and a distraction like Abby with her electric blue eyes, waves of flame-red hair, and freckles Roman wants to map with his tongue, is one he can ill afford. 

 

Because one wrong move … and it could all go up in smoke.

 

Up in Smoke is the first in the brand new Hot in Chicago Rookies series about firefighters navigating the trials of new jobs and sizzling romances as they find their place in the world and the love of a lifetime.

Grab Your Copy Here:

Amazon | Apple | Kobo | Nook 

Review:

3.5-3.75 stars

***

 This was a pretty good read. Up in Smoke is the first book in a new series from Kate Meader, Hot in Chicago Rookies, which is set in the same world as her other books. Roman is a single dad of a tween and just moved to town after a bitter divorce to take over as a new lieutenant for Engine 6. Abby is the daughter of two firefighters. Her mother died in the line of duty and her father is now the Commissioner. She has just graduated fire academy and is starting work at Engine 6, where her mother worked, despite her father's wishes. But before she starts her first day, she meets Roman in a diner. There are sparks right away. They share the last piece of pie and have an instant connection, with an exchange of numbers and both of them wanting to see each other again. Only, that gets derailed when Abby shows up to her first day of work at the fire house and finds our Roman is her new boss. A romance between them is off-limits now, but temptation is strong. Will their sparks burn into the flame of love?

I enjoyed this story and I liked Roman and Abby. Roman was a hot single dad and I enjoyed his relationship with his daughter. I did like Abby, but I felt she pushed Roman away a little too much for my taste in an effort to keep from getting hurt. I never felt she was all in with him and would have liked to see them together after she fully gave in to their love. I did think the book was a little slow burn for my taste. It took a long time for them to give in to their feelings for each other, because of everything at stake. But overall, the book was entertaining and I enjoyed it. It kept my attention and I wanted more at the end.

Overall, I liked Up in Smoke. I enjoyed Roman and Abby's story and was happy they got their happily ever after together. I enjoyed this new world and see lots of potential for this series. I look forward to it and more from Ms. Meader in the future!

Meet Kate Meader 

Originally from Ireland, USA Today bestselling author Kate Meader cut her romance reader teeth on Maeve Binchy and Jilly Cooper novels, with some Harlequins thrown in for variety. Give her tales about brooding mill owners, oversexed equestrians, and men who can rock an apron, fire hose, or hockey stick, and she’s there. 

Now based in Chicago, she writes sexy contemporary romance with big-hearted guys and strong heroines - and heroes - who can match their men quip for quip.

Connect with Kate Meader 

Newsletter | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads    BookBub | Reader Group | Amazon Author Page

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Blog Tour: Taking the Leap by Kristen Ashley + Excerpt!

 

He was made for her, all she had to do was take the leap…

Taking the Leap, the all-new beautiful and emotional contemporary romance from New York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley, is available now!

Read on for a peek inside this incredible love story.

Alexandra Sharp has been crushing on her co-worker, John “Rix” Hendrix for years. He’s her perfect man, she knows it.

She’s just not his perfect woman, and she knows that too.

Then Rix gives Alex a hint that maybe there’s a spark between them that, if she takes the leap, she might be able to fan into a flame This leads to a crash and burn, and that’s all shy Alex needs to catch the hint never to take the risk again.

However, with undeniable timing, Rix’s ex, who broke his heart, and Alex’s family, who spent her lifetime breaking hers, rear their heads, gearing up to offer more drama. With the help of some matchmaking friends, Rix and Alex decide to face the onslaught together…

As a fake couple.

Fall in love with Rix and Alex!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3BR8VKs
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/TakeLeap
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3l7nhQb
Nook: https://bit.ly/3jWRxOw
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3tr6xHf
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3lbw6sp
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/3yRqmZn

Excerpt:

.

What kind of coffee drink do you like?

I could have lied, and when I saw him at the office, said I was driving when I got the text and that was why I didn’t answer.

But there was a part of me that was so excited to get my very first text from Rix, and that part was strong.

So strong, that thought didn’t even occur to me before I texted back with oodles of curiosity, Why?

Because I’m buying you a coffee, babe.

Another babe.

That was three.

Highly inappropriate, even infantilizing.

I said not one word about the “babe.”

Instead, I texted, Iced Chai.

Once I sent that, I texted, Mocha latte, iced or hot.

And on its heels, I sent, For just hot, flat white. 

Then I got nervous that I might be sounding like a goof.

So nervous my thumbs couldn’t seem to stop tapping letters, and I therefore texted, I assume you want to know what I want right now, rather than all that I like. So just to say, I tend to be a coffee explorer, since I like coffee. And caffeine on the whole. That means the list is kinda long. But if you’re asking for right now, which you are, because it’s chilly this morning, flat white.

After I sent that, I realized that I was absolutely sounding like a dork in sending it, all of it, including the three before. As such, I watched in agony as Rix’s three dots cycled and cycled and then they did it some more.

Until I got, How much coffee have you already had?

This would have been funny if it wasn’t so mortifying.

Just one, I responded miserably.

Try to cycle down cuz you’ll have another when you get to work. Later.

I decided I’d texted enough, so I let that lie.

It didn’t lie for long.

Rix showed at my desk at River Rain (which wasn’t going to be my desk at River Rain for very long, it’d be my desk at Trail Blazer since we were moving the next day, Judge’s office furniture, mine, and some unused stuff they had sitting around was all going to the new offices for temporary use because the telephones and Internet were being hooked up that day and it was time to occupy Trail Blazer).

Rix set my flat white down while I valiantly attempted not to blush, he made no attempt whatsoever to hide he totally did not miss I failed at this endeavor, smiled a smile that I wanted to think was friendly, but instead it seemed sexy, this thought being exacerbated when he muttered under his breath so I almost couldn’t hear it, “Only you could make a rambling coffee order adorable.”

I sat frozen.

Rix winked at me and said in his normal voice, “Bottoms up, Alex.”

With that, seeing as he was in his chair that day, he wheeled away.

Since there was a lot going on with packing for the move and tech hookups and such, I only had to deal with Rix in passing for the rest of Monday.

However, Tuesday morning, I was shoving stuff into my bag at home, preparing to head down the mountain to dig into the move, when my phone chimed.

OK, I have ten minutes, explain today’s coffee order.

Yes.

Another text from Rix.

A startled laugh escaped from me because he was being funny.

I then texted back, You don’t have to buy me coffee.

To which he texted, I know I don’t.

Then I sent, I’m just saying, we’re good. We had a blip last week. But now we’re great.

We’re great?

Damn.

Why did reading those two words texted by him make my breasts swell?

Good. Great. I mean, things are fine. You don’t have to butter me up with coffee.

So coffee is a way to butter you up?

Oh God.

What was that?

Was it flirty?

Or was it just being funny and friendly?

Or was it just a kind of getting-to-know-you, valued co-worker, but in a jokey fashion?

Tell him what you want and stop texting, Alex! I admonished myself.

I did not stop texting.

Well, yeah. Kinda. Like I said, I like coffee.

You did say that, so maybe you’ll tell me what kind you want this morning.

Time to get beyond this.

Iced Chai.

That’s tea.

Oh my God!

Flirty?

Or jokey?

I’m feeling tea today, I replied.

Right. And then he sent, That only took five minutes. I’d fill the other five by asking you what kind of donuts you like, but we got a lot to get accomplished today. I’m sure I’ll enjoy your dissertation on that, but I’d prefer to sort out my office so I can start doing the shit I’m getting paid to do.

He one hundred percent did not need my views on donuts then.

Therefore, I noted, Good call. 

He sent a smirk emoji, which shared the impossible.

Rix could even make emojis sexy.

Add Taking the Leap to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3yY4ifE

About Kristen Ashley

Kristen Ashley is the New York Times bestselling author of over sixty romance novels including the Rock Chick, Colorado Mountain, Dream Man, Chaos, Unfinished Hero, The ’Burg, Magdalene, Fantasyland, The Three, Ghost and Reincarnation, Moonlight and Motor Oil and Honey series along with several standalone novels. She’s a hybrid author, publishing titles both independently and traditionally, her books have been translated in fourteen languages and she’s sold over three million books.
Kristen’s novel, Law Man, won the RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award for best Romantic Suspense. Her independently published title Hold On was nominated for RT Book Reviews best Independent Contemporary Romance and her traditionally published title Breathe was nominated for best Contemporary Romance. Kristen’s titles Motorcycle Man, The Will, Ride Steady (which won the Reader’s Choice award from Romance Reviews) and The Hookup all made the final rounds for Goodreads Choice Awards in the Romance category.

Connect with Kristen

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FyJg18
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3hl0A7e
Instagram: https://bit.ly/33o8nfv
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2ZtoKGz
BookBub: https://bit.ly/3bYcTFl
Twitter: https://bit.ly/35Kg6rh
Pinterest: https://bit.ly/3mftcCt
Website: https://www.kristenashley.net
Stay up to date by subscribing to her mailing list: https://bit.ly/3mjJiLd

For More information about Blue Box Press, visit:

Facebook: https://bit.ly/37fl0uT
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Website: https://bit.ly/2AIIr3A
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New Release: The Player Hater by Sara Ney + Review!

 

Release Date: February 15

The Player Hater by Sara Ney is now available!

I would do anything for my best friend.

 

Well. Almost anything.

 

When she begs me to come on a weekend getaway so I can bond with her new boyfriend, I can’t say no—no matter how badly I want to. After all, who will keep an eye on the guy; he’s your stereotypical, professional football player (emphasis on PLAYER) and I don’t trust him with my friends heart.

 

Worse? He has the nerve to bring his single best friend Davis on the trip, too. Davis is too handsome, so funny and smart he can’t possibly be human. Grandma’s, babies and kittens all fall for his smile.

 

In fact, everyone adores but me **narrows eyes** What’s he hiding?

 

I refuse to fall for his act; at some point he’ll will drop the Good Guy act and show his true colors: he’s a player, too. He must be.

 

You know the saying: if he seems too good to be true, he probably is.

Grab Your Copy Here:

Amazon | Apple | Kobo | Nook

Review:

3.25-3.5 stars

***

 This was a pretty cute book. This is Juliet and Davis's story. Juliet's best friend, Mia, is dating an NFL player. Mia wants Juliet to get to know her boyfriend, but she is afraid he is just a manwhore and is playing her friend. So Mia invites her on a weekend trip to get to know him and his best friend, Davis, comes along. The trip turns out to be a camping trip, which is not Juliet's cup of tea. While Mia is all coupled up, Juliet has no one to hang out with but Davis, who is a former NFL player himself. She soon can see that she has misjudged him and they start to like each other. 

I liked this story. I wasn't sure at first if I would like Juliet. She comes off as judgemental at first, but she did get better as the book went on. She and Davis were a cute couple. I didn't feel a lot of chemistry between them, but they seemed like they were both ready to settle down and found a nice person in each other to do that with. Still I didn't feel any sparks or that they would be heartbroken without each other. Both were a little awkward and there were a few too many random internal thoughts that took me out of the story somewhat. While I enjoyed this book, it felt a little short and unfinished. The couple decides to start dating at the end of the book and I prefer a more firm relationship to be established by that point. Still, while I did think the book overall was a little slow moving, there are some cute moments in there and I was glad that Juliet and Davis were happy together. 

Overall, I liked Juliet and Davis and was glad they found each other to be happy with, even if this was not my favorite Sara Ney book. I am still a fan though and I look forward to reading more from her in the future. 

Meet Sara Ney

Sara Ney is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the How to Date a Douchebag series, and is best known for her sexy, laugh-out-loud New Adult romances. 

Among her favorite vices, she includes: iced lattes, historical architecture and well-placed sarcasm. She lives colorfully, collects vintage books, art, loves flea markets, and fancies herself British. 

Connect with Sara Ney

Newsletter | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Book+Main | Pinterest | Goodreads    BookBub | Ney's Little Lattes

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New Release: Taking the Leap by Kristen Ashley

 

"Are you a different man?" she asked softly.

"I don't fight fires."

"You're fighting one for me."

Taking the Leap, the all-new emotional and steamy fake relationship contemporary stand-alone romance the River Rain series from New York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley, is available now!

Alexandra Sharp has been crushing on her co-worker, John “Rix” Hendrix for years. He’s her perfect man, she knows it.

She’s just not his perfect woman, and she knows that too.

Then Rix gives Alex a hint that maybe there’s a spark between them that, if she takes the leap, she might be able to fan into a flame This leads to a crash and burn, and that’s all shy Alex needs to catch the hint never to take the risk again.

However, with undeniable timing, Rix’s ex, who broke his heart, and Alex’s family, who spent her lifetime breaking hers, rear their heads, gearing up to offer more drama. With the help of some matchmaking friends, Rix and Alex decide to face the onslaught together…

As a fake couple.

Fall in love with Rix and Alex!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3BR8VKs

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/TakeLeap

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3l7nhQb

Nook: https://bit.ly/3jWRxOw

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3tr6xHf

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3lbw6sp

Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/3yRqmZn

Add Taking the Leap to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3yY4ifE

About Kristen Ashley

Kristen Ashley is the New York Times bestselling author of over sixty romance novels including the Rock Chick, Colorado Mountain, Dream Man, Chaos, Unfinished Hero, The ’Burg, Magdalene, Fantasyland, The Three, Ghost and Reincarnation, Moonlight and Motor Oil and Honey series along with several standalone novels. She’s a hybrid author, publishing titles both independently and traditionally, her books have been translated in fourteen languages and she’s sold over three million books.
Kristen’s novel, Law Man, won the RT Book Reviews Reviewer’s Choice Award for best Romantic Suspense. Her independently published title Hold On was nominated for RT Book Reviews best Independent Contemporary Romance and her traditionally published title Breathe was nominated for best Contemporary Romance. Kristen’s titles Motorcycle Man, The Will, Ride Steady (which won the Reader’s Choice award from Romance Reviews) and The Hookup all made the final rounds for Goodreads Choice Awards in the Romance category.

Connect with Kristen

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FyJg18
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3hl0A7e
Instagram: https://bit.ly/33o8nfv
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2ZtoKGz
BookBub: https://bit.ly/3bYcTFl
Twitter: https://bit.ly/35Kg6rh
Pinterest: https://bit.ly/3mftcCt
Website: https://www.kristenashley.net
Stay up to date by subscribing to her mailing list: https://bit.ly/3mjJiLd

For More information about Blue Box Press, visit:

Facebook: https://bit.ly/37fl0uT
Instagram: https://bit.ly/2Y7uBQp
Website: https://bit.ly/2AIIr3A
Stay up to date on all 1001 Dark Nights releases, join their mailing list today! https://bit.ly/2zgxaHu

New Release: Souls by Brynne Asher + Review!

 

Souls by Brynne Asher is now available!

From USA Today Bestselling Author Brynne Asher, a forced proximity romantic suspense about a woman on the run and a tortured soul.

The princess and a dead man.

They say money makes the world go round.
They’d be wrong.
Sure, power can be bought, but you can gain a hell of a lot more with knowledge. With knowledge comes fear.
I’ve seen it.
I’ve caused it.
I’ve even been the brunt of it.
But when a stowaway princess barrels into my life like a runaway train, I throw patience out the window—the same one I jump out of, taking her with me.
Now I’ve got more problems than any contract killer deserves.
That includes Aliyah Zahir—an internationally coveted socialite, a true royal, and a social media sensation. Returning to the lion’s den, she ends up in harm’s way—all for a mirage.
She’s chasing a ghost.
But instead, she finds a dead man.
I’m done being patient. It’s my turn to administer fear for a change, and no one is better equipped to fix Liyah’s problems than me.
And I’m never giving her back.

Links:

Available on KU! 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09H3HZBY1?geniuslink=true

Review:

4-4.25 stars

****

This book was really good! Souls is book six in the Killers series and is definitely one of my favorites. This is Liyah and Ozzy's story. Liyah's parents were the queen and king of Morroco. But when her father died, his brother/her evil uncle takes over the country. Liyah's mother sent her to boarding school abroad to escape him and she is now a college student in the USA. When her mother goes missing, though, Liyah attempts to return to Morroco, without her uncle finding out, to find her. On her way there, she runs in Ozzy on a train. We met Ozzy in previous books in the series. He is one of Crew's men and a mercenary. He has a secret past of his own, along with some inner demons. But when Liyah and Ozzy meet, something happens and they are thrown together on the run. They feel a connection and Ozzy commits to helping Liyah on her quest and keeping her safe, and they fall in love along the way.

I really enjoyed this book. Liyah and Ozzy were a great couple. I liked both of their characters a lot and found them to be a great match. They had really great chemistry and there was so much good couple time together. There was a well-earned, hard fought for HEA and lots of resolution. This book was very safe and I really enjoyed reading it. Just writing this review makes me want to reread it right away.

Overall, Souls was a really good read. I enjoyed Liyah and Ozzy's romance a lot and I hope there is more to come to from this fun series. It is spicy, romantic suspense at it's best. I look foward to whatever Ms. Asher comes up with in the future!