November 30, 2016

BLOG TOUR REVIEW: Ink Exposed (Montgomery Ink #6)


Welcome to my stop on the tour for this incredible book! Read on for my review, then go get it for yourself!


Ink Exposed (Montgomery Ink #6), by Carrie Ann Ryan
Publish Date:
November 29, 2016
Publisher: self-published
Format: e-ARC, provided by the author and Inkslinger PR
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 5 STARS


(Synopsis) Alex Montgomery lost his first love and then proceeded to leave himself in the bottle. Only he and his ex-wife truly know why he fell so hard and so fast down a path he never thought he’d take. Now he’s clean, out of rehab, and learning how to be a Montgomery once again—a task that isn’t quite as easy as some of his family assumes.


Tabby Collins is an honorary Montgomery and the organizational mastermind behind Montgomery Inc., the family’s construction company. She loves her planners, friends, and a certain dark-haired man who’s never given her a second glance.


Alex is slowly re-immersing himself back into the world, but the demons he faced before aren’t out of the picture, and he’ll have to learn to rely on others to make it out whole. When Alex discovers that Tabby’s life is in danger, he not only finds a way to help her but also learns the true woman behind the soft smiles he’s always seen. Their romance won’t be an easy one, but nothing this passionate and heart-pounding ever is.

Finally, FINALLY, we get Alex Montgomery's story. Since book one, he has been an absolute mess, drowning his troubles at the bottom of a bottle while his family watched helplessly. Since that very first book, Alex's story was the one I wanted the most. His was the one whose eventual HEA would be the most fulfilling and satisfying and well-deserved. I wasn't wrong. 

There's a lot of time that passes between Ink Enduring (Montgomery Ink #5) and Ink Exposed - 16 months, actually. It marks the amount of time that has gone by since Alex got out of rehab and got clean. Immediately you can tell the difference in him from how he was in the first five books in the series. Although he's still broody and troubled, he no longer has this seething anger under the surface of his barely-there composure. Alex is sad. And he made me sad too. 

His family loved him. He knew that. They were the ones who'd forced him to look at himself and had been there to pick up the pieces when he'd fallen apart. He hadn't been strong enough to do it alone, and while he didn't resent them for it, he did resent himself. 

Luckily, Tabby was waiting in the wings to help him. She's always been there, and only now is Alex in a position to be there for her too, even if he doesn't believe that's true at first. First, Alex had to come to a place where he believed he was both worth and capable of a relationship. And that process wasn't aways an easy one for either he or Tabby.

Alex has already gotten a hold on his addiction, and he's determined to never get addicted to anything ever again, be it alcohol, greasy food, or a woman. He's so determined to stand on his own two feet, that he takes his dedication a bit too far, refusing to eat even the tiniest bit of bad food, and refusing to acknowledge his attraction to Tabby for fear he could get addicted to her presence in his life. 

She deserved someone who hadn't carved his path through the world with a broken bottle. And he deserved... well, he wasn't sure what he deserved, but it wasn't her. It would never be her. 

Tabby has the patience of a saint, and is willing to wait until he figures his crap out. Alex was so frustrating at times! I get his logic, but with the truth in the form of sweet, capable, loving Tabby standing right in front of him, I wanted to shake some sense into him more than once. But, seeing his protective nature come out when Tabby needs him made it all better again. And then when the truth comes out about all his horrible, HORRIBLE ex-wife has done, I wanted nothing more than to wish him real so I could give him a hug. Truly - I've read a lot of books with a lot of despicable villains but what this woman did might just be the worst thing of all. 

It's fun watching the Montgomery clan continually grow and expand with spouses and children. They're all in Ink Exposed, along with the heads of the family. And the great thing is, there's still two brothers left who need a story...

November 29, 2016

REVIEW: Mr. President (White House #1)



Mr. President (White House #1), by Katy Evans
Publish Date:
October 31, 2016
Publisher: self-published
Format: paperback, purchased
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 5 STARS


(Synopsis) He's won the hearts of millions. But is he willing to lose his?


I met the president’s son when we were both young. Matthew Hamilton was handsome, polished, and intelligent. I’d never met a guy like him.


He promised me that he’d never run for president. I promised that if he did, I’d be by his side.


Three terms later, an invitation to join Matthew Hamilton’s campaign is the most exhilarating opportunity I’ve ever experienced. I'm determined to make a difference; he is determined to win.

Focused on his goal, Matt is steadfast, ruthless, and disarming. All eyes are on him and his popularity is surging. But soon, the next possible president of the United States is possessing me in more ways than one—and despite the risks, I'm helpless to resist.

We're stealing touches, stealing moments, and stealing away at night. But our chemical connection is quickly becoming dangerously combustive, putting not only my heart, but Matt's chance at the presidency on the line.

Winning will take everything. Walking away will be the hardest thing of all.

In the wake of all the presidential drama as of late that I am infinitely tired of, I wasn't sure if I could take on Katy Evans' new book about a man running for president. But, in the end, my love of her books, of which I've read many, won out over my desire to push all my political irritations under the rug. And, despite the strong political vibe of the book (and that's not a big surprise because, hello - MR. PRESIDENT), I really loved it. 

I loved it so much because I LOVE forbidden romances where the HEA seems completely elusive and impossible. And this was definitely that. Matthew Hamilton and Charlotte Wells met when she was just a kid, and neither forgot that meeting. More than a decade later, Matt is running for president  and Charlotte is trying to help him get there by joining his team. 

Matt is running as a 35-year-old Independent - something no one has ever done before. He's facing insurmountable odds, but he's charming and attractive and charismatic. And single. He's running as a bachelor, claiming that he doesn't need a First Lady in order to do a good job. And, when he does that, he effectively shoots any relationship he might have had with Charlotte in the foot. If he is seen dating her, it damages his credibility and weakens his image. And in this game - especially for him - his image is critical. 

It doesn't matter that he and Charlotte are very compatible. Or that their chemistry is amazing. Or that the moments they allow themselves to indulge in in secret are hot and sexy and meaningful. In another place, in another time, they would've been the perfect couple. But, here and now, Charlotte and Matt have to be content with stolen moments and sideways glances and feelings that they can't do anything about. Because it looks like Matt might win. And if that happens, the possibility of their HEA gets put on hold for four years. At least. 

This woman not only makes me want to be a great man, she makes me want to be the best goddamn president that ever lived. 

She's what I never knew I wanted and have discovered that I need.


I know full well I'm going to have to give her up soon - but I can't bring myself to give her up yet.

The angst level on this is high, but it's not like love triangle angst or anything like that. I mean, Charlotte is definitely competing for Matt's affections, but she's competing against every single American citizen. It's an impossible contest, and one she knows she'll lose. I felt her sadness, and her desperation, and her frustration. I felt FOR her, because I can't imagine loving someone like she does and having to see him every day, but not being able to act on her feelings. But, what made Charlotte so special is that she doesn't resent him. She believes in him and in his ability to do this job better than anyone else. And because of that, she's willing to sacrifice her own wants and needs. 

Mr. President ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. I can't see how Matt and Charlotte can make it. But, I totally trust Katy Evans, so I just KNOW these two will find a way. I'm sure it will be a great story too. 

November 28, 2016

APOLLYCON 2017 AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Joanna Wylde



Apollycon is getting closer and closer - are you as excited as I am?! I always get even more excited every time I think about the 75+ authors that will be there. I'm going to come face-to-face with authors that I never thought I'd get the chance to meet. Case-in-point... today's spotlight author:

Joanna Wylde

Joanna Wide is probably best known for her super sexy Reaper's MC series, where legit bad boys find their perfect matches amidst imperfect situations. I read Reaper's Property way back in the summer of 2013, and it was my first MC book. I had to read this book whose hero's name was Horse. And, as it turned out, Horse and Marie were my induction into this crazy awesome fandom.

Joanna, get your pens ready... I've got some books for you to sign!


I'm not the only huge Joanna Wylde fan - looks like there's LOTS of you out there! Because of that, Joanna's line at Apollycon is going to be one of 18 that are ticketed. Never fear - the tickets are free! They're simply for line control, because the organizers know these 18 authors lines are going to be pretty popular. To get your wristband for Joanna Wylde, fill out her form on the Apollycon Facebook page.

Check out the entire Apollycon Author Spotlight schedule and learn about all the authors and vendors that will be there. And today, learn more about Joanna Wylde and get ready to meet her - I know I am!



Thing you're most excited about for Apollycon 2017:
I’m the most excited to see my friends. Some of my favorite people will be there, both authors and readers. Orlando also holds a lot of nostalgia for me, because that’s where I did my first book signing and where I first met so many of those who make up my world in the book community in person. All my best friends will be there. I just can’t wait to see everyone!

Last book you read:
I’m in the middle of an advanced copy of Royally Screwed by Emma Chase. I love her sense of humor! I also recently finished Anti-Stepbrother, by Tijan. It was so good I read it in one sitting.

Favorite quote:
“To love another person is to see the face of God.” from Les Miserables

Best moment as an author:
I’m a big reader, and every time I start a book, I’m just hoping and praying that it’ll be The One. The next book that sweeps me off my feet and keeps me reading through night breathlessly. The one that will give me the book hangover to end all hangovers. The best moments I’ve ever had as an author are when readers tell me one of my books was like that for them.

Joanna Wylde started her writing career in journalism, working in two daily newspapers as both a reporter and editor. Her career has included many different jobs, from managing a homeless shelter to running her own freelance writing business, where she took on projects ranging from fundraising to ghostwriting for academics. During 2012 she got her first Kindle reader as a gift and discovered the indie writing revolution taking place online. Not long afterward she started cutting back her client list to work on Reaper's Property, her breakout book. It was published in January 2013, marking the beginning of a new career writing fiction.

Joanna lives in the mountains of northern Idaho with her family.

Learn more about Joanna --> Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads


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November 23, 2016

BLOG TOUR REVIEW, EXCERPT & GIVEAWAY: Fire in You (Wait for You #6)


Welcome to my stop on Jennifer Armentrout's blog tour for her final (*wipes tear*) Wait For You book, FIRE IN YOU. Read on for my review, check out the awesome excerpt from the book, and then enter the giveaway!


Fire in You (Wait For You #6), by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publish Date:
November 28, 2016
Publisher: self-published
Format: e-ARC, provided by the author and Inkslinger PR
Genre: new adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 5 STARS


(Synopsis) Jillian Lima’s whole world was destroyed in a span of a few hours. The same night her childhood love, Brock ‘the Beast’ Mitchell, broke her heart, her life was irrevocably altered by the hand of a stranger with a gun. It takes six years to slowly glue together the shattered pieces of her life, but Jillian is finally ready to stop existing in a past full of pain and regret. She takes a job at her father’s martial arts Academy and she’s going out on her first date since a failed relationship that was more yuck than yum. Jillian is determined to start living.


She just never expected Brock to be a part of her life again. But he’s firmly back in her life before she knows it, and not only is he older, he’s impossibly more handsome, more teasing and more everything. And when he sees Jillian, he’s no longer capable of thinking of her as the little girl who was his shadow growing up or the daughter of the man who gave him a second chance at life. He sees the woman who’d always been there for him, the one person who believed in him no matter what.


Brock knows she’s the one he should’ve made his, and what begins as a tentative friendship quickly turns to red-hot chemistry that sparks a flame that burns brighter than lust. Falling for Brock again risks more than her heart, because when the past sorrow-filled and guilt-ridden past resurfaces, and a web of lies threatens to rip them apart, the fallout could lay waste to everything they’ve fought to build together, and destroy the dreams of those they care most about.

I feel like I've been waiting years for this book. I fell in love with Jennifer Armentrout's Wait For You series immediately after reading the first book three years ago. I'm so sad to say goodbye to all these characters, but I'm so glad that Brock and Jillian's story was saved for the end. It all worked out perfectly. When Brock and Jillian were first introduced, Jillian was obviously still pretty young and not ready for Brock. But, six years has passed, which not only gave Jillian time to grow up, but it gave the rest of the couples we've fallen in love with to move through their lives and come to a comfortable and happy place. 

But those six years have been life changing for more than all the previous couples. Jillian is no longer the sweet daughter of the Lima Academy owner, chasing after Brock Mitchell with puppy dog eyes. Brock's blatant rejection, followed by a devastating attack have dimmed her light and driven her away. But, Jillian has come home to help run her father's MMA academy - to help Brock run it. 

The events of six years earlier are told a little bit at a time with the help of Jillian's flashbacks. It's obvious that the attack has had long-lasting effects on her, given some of her physical limitations now. But, what really struck me hard was Brock's rejection. Any girl who has ever loved a guy and not had him love her back - and even gone so far as to choose someone else and flaunt her in front of you - knows what I'm talking about. The hurt is incredible. Incredible enough to remove yourself from the other person's presence for, oh say, six years. 

But, old habits, and old crushes, die hard. When Brock and Jillian are together in the same room again, the sexual chemistry is there, only this time, it's felt on both sides. It's also obvious that things have changed with Brock in the past six years as well. He's had time to think on his life and the people in it. He also has had a lot of time to let his guilt over what happened to Jillian fester and grow. And now he's amazed at how drastically Jillian has changed from who she was when she used to pine over him. 

For once, Brock is doing the chasing, and I loved every second of that. It's a place he's not used to being in, but he messed up with Jillian once, and he's determined not to repeat past mistakes. Getting her to trust his intentions and actions this time around proves to be challenging, though. 

I've bee dying for Brock's and Jillian's story every since they were introduced, and Jennifer Armentrout didn't disappoint. It was sexy and so emotional and worth every minute I waited for it. Not only was Brock and Jillian's story incredibly gratifying, but catching up with every one of the previous couples who've met and fallen in love in this series was amazing. It's the only way to end a series, and it was perfect. 

Holy crap, this was like worse than a nightmare.

I had two options at this point.

Option one included me grabbing my purse, walking out of the office, whopping Brock over the head with the thing, and then driving straight to the unemployment office and then on to an epic job search. That option scared me, because hello, being jobless was not exactly a smart move, but having to see Brock five days a week also wasn’t a smart move. And his hard head would probably damage my purse.

Walking out of here meant no more wet food at all for Rhage.

Or new purses for me.

Option two required that I gain some lady balls and deal with the cards dealt, and I’d obviously done that before, to some extent. I was standing here today, and even though my life hadn’t panned out exactly like I’d expected it, I was a walking miracle. Dealing with Brock was by no means the hardest thing I’d had to stare down. I was finally where I felt like I needed to be.

I was finally starting to live outside the pages of my favorite books.

Brock had chased me out of my home, away from my family and friends, and out of my family business.

No, I told myself. That wasn’t exactly true. I made the decision to run from my home, away from my family and friends, and from my family legacy. That was all me.

Choosing to stay meant Fancy Feast for Rhage, a new purse or two for me eventually, and a job that would actually mean something to me.

But this option, staying here and working for Brock, terrified me. Not just because it truly forced me to move on from the mess that was our past, but also because it would inevitably require that I actually face it.

Obviously, I admittedly had a habit of not doing that.

There was a third option, I realized. I could stay and do this job while looking for a new one if being around Brock was just…well, too much.

Squaring my shoulders, I decided I was going to exist somewhere between option two and three and I walked around my desk and to the door, joining Brock.

“What?” I asked, my tone sharper than I intended.

One eyebrow arched. “Watching you in there, it seemed like you were deciding between toppling the desk and breaking a window or walking out here and staying, working for your family like you always wanted to.”

I sucked in an unsteady breath, split between wondering if I was as transparent as a glass door and being extremely uncomfortable with the reminder of how well Brock knew me.

“So,” he said, dipping his head slightly as he stepped in. He was so close I could feel the heat from his body. “What did you decide, Jillian?”
# 1 New York Times and # 1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. She spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including the 2013 Reviewers Choice Award for Wait for You, the 2015 Editor’s Pick for Fall With Me, and the 2014/2015 Moerser-Jugendbuch- Jury award for Obsidian. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA.

She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.



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November 22, 2016

RELEASE DAY REVIEW, EXCERPT & GIVEAWAY: Out of Bounds


My one-click wonder strikes again with a fantastic quickie sports romance! Check out my review and a sexy excerpt from OUT OF BOUNDS, then enter the giveaway!


Out of Bounds, by Lauren Blakely
Publish Date:
November 22, 2016
Publisher: Bloomsbury Spark
Format: e-ARC, provided by the author and Inkslinger PR
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 5 STARS


(Synopsis) My career is finally looking up, and I'm leading a new pro team down the field every Sunday. No way will I mess with that. But when I meet the most stunning and captivating woman I've ever seen, I tell myself one night will have to be enough.


But it's not. And now I can't get her out of my mind. Even when I'm playing. Even when I need to focus. Even when I’m on the hottest streak of my life.

And it turns out, she's not just some random woman I met. She works for the team. My team.

***


I only have one goal this season--do my part as the team's lawyer to keep them out of trouble. Help rebuild their reputation on and off the field. There's no room for error and certainly no room for a secret tryst with a player . . . even if he's the quarterback.

Right?

Out of Bounds was an enormous amount of fun and such an easy read. Books like this, with tons of characters that are easy to love, are ones I save for a rainy day and no distractions. 

Drew is the QB for one of two pro football teams in LA. A chance, hot meeting with a gorgeous woman at the beach stays with him for days after, and it turns out to be the worst kind of torture when he's traded to the other LA football team, and finds the girl from the beach is his new team's lawyer. Both Dani and Drew don't want to mix business with pleasure - Drew because he needs his focus, and Dani because she doesn't want any more scandal to rock her team than what already has. But, what started on that beach proves to be really, REALLY hard to deny.

Both Drew and Dani were awesome. They both proved to be stand-up people who wanted to do right by their employers. And, I understand their reticence to get involved once they discover that they work for the same company. Thank goodness their chemistry was off the charts awesome, because it made for some really good reading. 

They fight it and fight it, and thank goodness, they both lose. Reference the aforementioned crazy amount of sexual chemistry and tension. If only giving into it was the end of things. 

Out of Bounds is short and sweet. It's sexy and romantic. It has just the right amount of sports action and relationship drama, even though it's only 150 pages. 

“Be on your best behavior, Drew,” he says, a teasing tone in his voice.

“I always am,” I reply, and the fact is, that’s true. Clean-cut is my nickname.


“And text if you’re done early.”


“If I’m done early, I’m having a date with my mattress.”


He groans. “You are the definition of no fun.”


I grin. “That’s me. That’s why Qwench wants me now. Because I know how to get a good night’s sleep and stay out of the line of fire.”


When I hang up, I step out of the car, hand the keys to the valet, and thank him. Then I head inside, where Stuart greets me in the room reserved for the event, claps me on the back, and introduces me to several people. A photographer snaps shots the whole time, and I play the role that’s hardly a role—the outgoing, non-trouble-making, peace-loving quarterback who doesn’t throw punches or raise fists, like others before me have.

Don’t smoke, don’t do drugs, don’t have unprotected sex, and I also don’t speed. Squeaky clean indeed. Not even a traffic ticket on the record, and certainly no knocked-up teenyboppers with mini Drews baking in their bellies.


Stuart introduces me to the red-haired, freckle-faced guy who heads up this charity. “And this is Drew Erickson. He’s our new starter. We’re thrilled to have him on the team, especially since he’s already active with many wonderful charitable endeavors,” Stuart says to the ginger-haired guy.


We exchange small talk for a few minutes, then Stuart drops a hand on my shoulder and tells me there’s someone else he wants me to meet. “I’d love to introduce you to a sharp-as-a-tack woman who makes sure I don’t fumble,” he says, then winks in case I didn’t realize he was making a joke.


I smile to let him know I got it—fumbling humor and all—then my smile turns into a ruler-straight line when I turn on my heels and see my surfer angel.


Holy shit. She’s hot as sin in a red skirt, white blouse, and black heels. She holds a drink. Her blond hair is twisted on her head. Damn. The smoking-hot look is almost enough to make me forget she blew me off. My dick, the traitorous bastard, has already come down with amnesia. The fucker wants her.


“This is Dani Paige. She’s an attorney for the team,” he says, and I attempt to school my expression as I come face-to-face with the woman who ditched me.


And all I want to do is toss her on my shoulder, stalk to the bathroom, slam the door, and ask her why the fuck she didn’t call. Then when she tells me it was because she was too busy getting off to thoughts of me, I’d kiss the hell out of her until she melted in my arms and begged me to take her. I’d happily oblige. Hoist her up, hook her legs around my hips, and fuck her against the wall until she comes harder than she ever has before.


Instead, I shake her free hand. “Pleasure to meet you.” Then I whisper, just for her. “Jaws.”
Since self-publishing her debut romance novel CAUGHT UP IN US over three years ago, Lauren Blakely has sold more than 1.5 million books. She is known for her sexy contemporary romance style that's full of heat, heart and humor. A devout fan of cake and canines, Lauren has plotted entire novels while walking her four-legged friends. She lives in California with her family. With twelve New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than seventy times. Her bestselling series include Sinful Nights, Seductive Nights, No Regrets, Caught Up in Love, and Fighting Fire as well as standalone hit romances like BIG ROCK, MISTER O, WELL HUNG, and THE SEXY ONE which were all instant New York Times Bestsellers. In January she'll release FULL PACKAGE, a standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter.

Learn more about Lauren --> Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads


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November 21, 2016

GIVEAWAY: Rules of Contact and Play-by-Play Calendar

So, this week is going to be extra fun - it's Thanksgiving, which is always special because I spend it with my family eating too much and playing lots of games. Board, not video. We like to kick it old school

Also, said holiday means it's a short work week. BONUS.

And finally, my birthday is this week. Now, It's not really something I'm super excited about like I used to be, but it's still a good excuse to celebrate.


So, let's get to the celebrating part, huh? Today, for Jaci Burton fans, I have a really cool giveaway. Thanks to the amazing peeps at Berkley Publishing, I have an ARC of RULES OF CONTACT, which is due out on December 6, plus a copy of the amazing Play-by-Play calendar. This giveaway is open internationally too!


So, here's to a fantastic week for all of us. And best of luck to you!



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November 18, 2016

DUAL COVER REVEAL: Real Good Man & Real Good Love

 
I am SO excited to bring you from USA Today bestselling author Meghan March the covers for a sexy new duet. We've all had the bad boys, now it's time for a 

Real Good Man.

  realduetcovers   



Fall for a woman over text messages? No way in hell. Reality can never be as good at the fantasy, right? Wrong. It’s better. Banner Regent is smart, funny, and she’s so far out of my league, she might as well be royalty. I’m a mechanic from Kentucky. She’s a New York City party girl. We were never supposed to meet, but one text started something neither of us saw coming. How do you seduce the woman who already has everything? Show her what it’s like to be with a real good man. Real Good Man is book one of the Real Duet. Logan and Banner's story will conclude in Real Good Love, releasing January 17, 2017. Pre-order at Amazon | iBooks.


I’ve had my fair share of bad boys, but nothing prepared me for what it was like to be with a real good man. Logan Brantley changed everything. Somewhere along the way, what started as a fling became the best part of my life. He makes me want all the things I’ve never had, like forever and happily ever after, but nothing worth having comes easily. Everyone is betting on us to fail, but I’m ready to fight for this real good love. Real Good Love is the conclusion of the Real Duet and should be read following Real Good Man. Pre-order at Amazon | iBooks.

 


Meghan March has been known to wear camo face paint and tromp around in woods wearing mud-covered boots, all while sporting a perfect manicure. She's also impulsive, easily entertained, and absolutely unapologetic about the fact that she loves to read and write smut. Her past lives include slinging auto parts, selling lingerie, making custom jewelry, and practicing corporate law. Writing books about dirty talking alpha males and the strong, sassy women who bring them to their knees is by far the most fabulous job she's ever had. She loves hearing from her readers at meghanmarchbooks@gmail.com.

FACEBOOK | WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | TWITTER | PINTEREST

November 17, 2016

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: No Ordinary Billionaire (The Sinclairs #1)



No Ordinary Billionaire (The Sinclairs #1), by J.S. Scott
Publish Date:
March 31, 2015
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Format: audiobook, purchased
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 4 STARS


(Synopsis) Dante Sinclair never cared about his family’s money. All the young billionaire ever wanted was to be a cop; and now that he’s a homicide detective in Los Angeles, he’s a damn good one. But when he is injured and loses his partner in the line of duty, he returns to his vacation home in Amesport, Maine, to recover.


Sarah Baxter, a brilliant young doctor still struggling with her stifled upbringing, has recently moved from Chicago to sleepy Amesport to escape her past, hoping to find peace. When Sarah is assigned to Dante’s case, there’s an instant heat between them. They couldn’t possibly be more different, yet their igniting passion is impossible to ignore. As new feelings awaken within Sarah, her haunted past returns, threatening her once again. But can Dante overcome his grief and discover the secrets Sarah is hiding in time to protect and rescue her?

So, this was my first book by J.S. Scott. I know, I know - what's the matter with me?! Well, after No Ordinary Billionaire, I plan to rectify my J.S. Scott deficit.

Dante really is no ordinary billionaire. He certainly doesn't live like one. He works as a homicide detective in LA and lives in a modest apartment. But, when his partner is killed and Dante gravely injured in the line of duty, he's forced to take some time off, so he decides to do that at his large home near his brothers in Maine.

His medical case is transferred to Dr. Sarah Baxter in Amesport, but not for long. When she and Dante meet, their chemistry absolutely cannot be ignored, and being the professional she is, his case is transferred to another doctor so that they can see where things go. But, a ghost from Sarah's past shows up in the sleepy town and puts her and Dante in danger again.

Sarah was such a great character, and I loved the balance J.S. Scott gave her. Have you ever encountered a character who is supposed to be super smart, painfully awkward, tragically meek, and yet, when the clothes came off, she was a sex kitten in bed? I don't know about you, but that always bothers me, and makes the whole character seem trite, flat and unbelievable.

Wonderfully, J.S. Scott found a way to create this character who is brilliant, appropriately awkward, and not at all meek. She took charge of Dante's health and gave him a kick in the pants when he was being ridiculous. And best of all - I believed her. She's smart and a little shy, but she knows what she wants. So, when She and Dante finally give in to their attraction, it's smoking hot and totally believable.

Dante is a great hero. He doesn't seem like a billionaire, and I love that about him. He's down to earth, works a real job, doesn't have tons of servants or huge cars. I really dig his major alpha protective instincts, and he's SO good at protecting Sarah. And she seriously needs it, thanks to a crazy sociopath from her past.

This was a good introduction to the other unattached Sinclairs that I just know I'll encounter in future books. And since I loved the job Elizabeth Powers did of narrating both Sarah's and Dante's parts, I'll be checking those out in audio as well. It's a little unusual for me to experience a book written in dual POV, but narrated all by one female actor. Normally, I would say that I prefer to have two narrators, but in this case, Elizabeth Powers did such a good job with Dante's POV, that I barely noticed the difference. This was a really well done audiobook, and I can't wait to get the next one. 

November 16, 2016

COVER REVEAL: Mastering Her Senses (Blasphemy #2)



Today, I'm SO excited to bring you a cover reveal for the next book in Laura Kaye's super sexy new Blasphemy series, MASTERING HER SENSES. This book sounds so amazing - I can't wait to get my hands on it! And the cover goes perfectly with the story. Check it out...


Mastering Her Senses (Blasphemy #2), by Laura Kaye
Publish Date:
February 21, 2017
Publisher: self-published
Genre: adult erotic romance
Exclusive Pre-order: iBooks

(Synopsis) He wants to dominate her senses—and her heart…


Quinton Ross has always been a thrill-seeker—so it’s no surprise that he’s drawn to extremes in the bedroom and at his BDSM club, Blasphemy, where he creates sense-depriving scenarios that blow submissives’ minds. Now if he could just find one who needs the rush as much as him…


When an accident leaves Cassia Locke with a paralyzing fear of the dark, she’ll try anything to get help. Ready to fight, she knows just who to ask for help—the hard-bodied, funny-as-hell Dom she’d always crushed on—and once stood up.


Quinton is shocked and a little leery to see Cassia, but he can’t pass up the chance to dominate the alluring little sub this time. Introducing her to sensory deprivation becomes his new favorite obsession, and watching her fight fear is its own thrill. But when doubt threatens to send her running again, Quinton must find a way to master her senses—and her heart.
Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thirty books in contemporary and erotic romance and romantic suspense, including the Blasphemy, Hard Ink, and Raven Riders series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. Laura also writes historical fiction as the NYT bestselling author, Laura Kamoie. She lives in Maryland with her husband and two daughters, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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November 15, 2016

BLOG TOUR REVIEW: Sweet Cheeks



I want to give all the stars everywhere to SWEET CHEEKS by K. Bromberg. It's hard to put into words how much I loved it (but, of course, I will). If you can handle my fangirl flailing, read on for my review and then, for the love of cupcakes everywhere, please go buy it and experience it for yourself.


Sweet Cheeks, by K. Bromberg
Publish Date:
November 14, 2016
Publisher: JKB Publishing, LLC
Format: e-ARC, provided by the publisher via Netgalley
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 5 STARS


(Synopsis) It all started with the invitation. To my ex-fiance’s new wedding.

I should have ignored it.Thrown it away. Set it afire. But I didn’t. I replied.

With a plus one.

And then my assistant accidentally mailed it.

Enter Hayes Whitley. Mega-movie star. The man who has captured the hearts of millions. But I gave him mine years ago. He was my first love. He was my everything. Right until he up and left to chase his dreams without so much as a simple goodbye.


When he showed up out of the blue ten years later, I should have known to steer clear. I should have rejected his offer to take me to my ex’s wedding. I should have never let him kiss me.


But I didn’t.

And now we’re left wondering if the pieces of the life we once shared still fit together somehow. First loves are hard to forget. The question is, do we want to forget? Or do we risk the chance and see what happens next?

For those of you who know K. Bromberg from her Driven series, let me say this. This is not Driven. 

It's better. 

Now, before you cry blasphemy too loudly, hear me out. I gave the entire Driven series 5 stars. It introduced me to this incredible author. And Colton Donovan is so incredible. But Hayes Whitley absolutely destroyed me in all the best ways. Sweet Cheeks was sheer perfection. 

Sweet Cheeks is the best second-chance romance I've ever read. Ten years earlier, Hayes and Saylor were so in love. Then Hayes left her without a single word for the bright lights of LA. Saylor, although devastated, moved on and eventually opened her own cupcake shop and got engaged, only to break things off with her fiancé right before the wedding. Months later, her business is in trouble due to her fiance's powerful family blackballing it. And then, she gets invited to her own wedding. Except, she's been replaced by a different bride. 

Saylor does what we all would want to do - she accepts and says she's bringing a date. I mean, who wouldn't want to do that to the guy who's made your life difficult just because you were trying to be honest with yourself? Problem is, she doesn't have a date. Enter her meddling older brother who still happens to talk to Hayes all these years later, even though he's now an A-list Hollywood movie star. Hayes shows up and takes Saylor to the destination wedding, and those feelings she thought were gone fly to the surface with one look. One touch. But his job is still a barrier, as is an ex of his. And just when Saylor thought her life couldn't get more complicated - enter the paparazzi.

I ran the gamut of emotions while reading Sweet Cheeks. Reading about how Saylor's ex-fiance and his family have treated her and caused her business to stall, and then later in the book when they say awful things about her to her face and to the media, made me want to rage at them on her behalf. Saylor's and Hayes' thoughts on the demise of their relationship when they were teens brought tears to my eyes. Their antics and playful moments now as adults made me smile and laugh. and Hayes' efforts to win Saylor over for good at the end - I swear to you, I've never, EVER swooned harder before in my life. 

This is one of those books that I wish I could go back and read it again for the first time. I loved every second of Hayes' and Saylor's efforts to find their way back to each other again after all this time. I loved watching each of them realize in their own time that they never stopped loving the other. I loved every drop of sexual tension and every moment of uncertainty when they reflected on whether they could risk their hearts again.

I'm such a wreck. I'm over here turning a playful twirl in the moonlight into a kiss I don't want to want, to fantasizing how it would lead to my happily ever after.

The end is one of the best book endings ever for a romantic girl like me. It makes every moment of angst, every angry word, and every past deed disappear with the smash of a cupcake and a well-worded Tweet. This book makes you believe that true love really does conquer all, including time, distance and mean girls. 

Sweet Cheeks is written in dual POV, which was wonderful. I loved getting both Hayes' and Saylor's side of the story, especially regarding the past. This book also is not lacking in the hot, steamy sex department. Hayes and Saylor have an incredible connection borne out of time and experience, and that translates into a powerful physical presence together. K. Bromberg captured all of this so perfectly and more than delivered on her desire to deliver an outstanding story outside of the Driven world.

"You've always been there, Hayes. In my dreams. On my mind. In my hopes. Tattooed permanently on my heart." 
 

New York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy, and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines, and damaged heroes who we love to hate and hate to love. 

She’s a mixture of most of her female characters: sassy, intelligent, stubborn, reserved, outgoing, driven, emotional, strong, and wears her heart on her sleeve. All of which she displays daily with her husband and three children where they live in Southern California. 

On a whim, K. Bromberg decided to try her hand at this writing thing. Since then she has written The Driven Series (Driven, Fueled, Crashed, Raced, Aced), the standalone Driven Novels (Slow Burn, Sweet Ache, Hard Beat, and Down Shift), and a novella (UnRaveled). She is currently finishing up Sweet Cheeks a standalone novel out November 14th. 

Her plans for 2017 include a sports romance duet (2 books: The Player, The Catch) and the Everyday Heroes series (3 books: Cuffed, Combust, and Cockpit). She’s also writing a novella for the 1,001 Dark Night series that will be out in February 2017. 

She loves to hear from her readers so make sure you check her out on social media:

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

November 14, 2016

RELEASE DAY REVIEW: Sexy Lies and Rock & Roll



Sexy Lies and Rock & Roll, by Sawyer Bennett
Publish Date:
November 14, 2016
Publisher: Big Dog Books, LLC
Format: e-ARC, provided by the author
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 4 STARS


(Synopsis) When you’re a rock god, fame and fortune are your two best friends, but they can be fickle bitches. Everyone wants a piece of me and I have no clue how to deal with it all. I’m being sued, pressured to sign contracts, and fending off rabid women who want to steal my virtue.


Well, not that I really have any virtue, but still… my life has turned completely bat-shit crazy.


That’s why I need Emma Peterson. She got me out of a bit of a jam once, and I know she can do it again. The only problem is that sweet, prim and totally straight-laced Emma doesn’t want anything to do with me. Not professionally, and certainly not personally. 


It’s not that I want her in that way. Let’s be realistic… it would take a crow bar of epic proportions to get her to spread those legs for me.


No, I only want her legal expertise and for her to make sense of my crazy world. It’s a good thing I have just the leverage to make her do my bidding, because her refusal is not an option.

Sawyer Bennett's books are always a sure thing for me. I know that, no matter what characters or plot she chooses, I'll get a dirty-talking alpha male, a heroine who can stand on her own two feet, and a completely fulfilling HEA. So far, Sawyer has given us books with hockey players, lawyers, writers, surfers and military vets, just to name a few. With Sexy Lies and Rock & Roll, she gives us a rock god to add to the list, and Evan Scott fulfilled all my dirty-talking alpha male needs.

We've seen this trope before - confident, sexy, rich guy takes an interest in the boring, introverted work-a-holic girl and vows to bring her out of her shell. Call it predictable, but man - it does it for me every single time. Evan is indeed all those things. He's the hottest new rock star out there, but he's also being plagued by some legal issues. One of his former band mates was recently murdered, and the others are suing him for royalties and copyright infringement. He needs a good lawyer, and Emma's spitfire of a boss (who we know from Sawyer Bennett's Friction series) taps her for the job. 

This takes Emma WAY far out of her comfort zone, which is buried deep in legalese and contracts so thick, it would take a year to read every word. She's not comfortable handling murder raps, copyright law or hotness personified. She's definitely not good with the rock and roll scene of sex, drugs, noise and groupies. And yet, she's backed into a corner by both Evan and her boss, and is forced to see it all through in order to get a position that better suits her. 

My favorite part about this book is how Evan pursued Emma. From the first time he met her, and they clashed, he was intrigued by her and wanted to know her better. But, he's a smart guy, and knew that she's not like the women he's used to. He had to give her a purpose to be with him, and slowly use his affections and attention to woo her. And wow - he is good at the wooing. He is patient and kind. But, not too patient and too kind - he pushes Emma when she needs it and doesn't back down. And when he turns that sexiness on her full blast and her panties melted off, I was right there with her.

Even wallflowers can fall victim to expert wooing. I was glad that Emma wasn't so uptight to not recognize her feelings for what they were. I was not, however, thrilled with her reaction to the main conflict in the book, at the dreaded 75-80% mark. I knew what was going to happen long before it did, and until that point, I had really liked Emma. But, her reaction was disappointing. I wanted her to be better than that. But, her reaction caused Evan to go back to the wooing, which is never a bad thing. And that satisfying HEA that I mentioned earlier? It's here in spades. 

Sawyer Bennett will continue to be of one my one-click favorites if she keeps writing books like this. And I have every confidence that she will. 

November 11, 2016

REVIEW: The Strongest Steel (Second Circle Tattoos #1)



The Strongest Steel (Second Circle Tattoos #1), by Scarlett Cole
Publish Date:
July 7, 2015
Publisher: St. Martin's
Format: e-ARC, provided by the publisher via Netgalley
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 4 STARS


(Synopsis) Harper Connelly never expected to find herself outside of a tattoo parlor at one in the morning, summoning the nerve to take back her past. She's determined to forget her old life and is looking for an artist who can tattoo over the scars on her back.


Trent Andrews, local legend and owner of the Second Circle tattoo studio, has his own reasons for specializing in inking over scars. And in spite of her mysterious past and the difficult road ahead, he quickly realizes that Harper is funny, smart, and--under her ridiculously oversized clothing and SPF 100 sunscreen--totally hot. He's happy to take on the challenge of designing a meaningful and deadly full-back tattoo for her.


But when cryptic messages start appearing on Harper's phone, strange deliveries arrive at her door, and Second Circle is vandalized, Harper is convinced that her ex-boyfriend has tracked her down, and worse, that he knows about Trent. Running was the only thing that saved her last time, but now that she's started to put down roots in Miami, she'll have to decide if she can finally fight back instead.

I'm a sucker for the tattoo shop romances. You know - the brooding hero wears his life on his body in the form of colorful artwork, yet he's too emotionally unavailable to commit to any one girl. Until the perfect one walks right into his tattoo shop, and his world is turned upside down. So, when I saw the name of this book, I didn't even have to read the description to know it would be one I would love. 

Trent is unbelievably awesome. He specializes in tattooing over scars, which is just the coolest thing ever. He owns his tattoo shop - Second Circle Tattoos (named after the Second Circle of Hell in Dante's Inferno, which is lust - and how amazing is that?) - with his best friend Cujo, and he's something of a local celebrity in Miami. He's definitely loved by the ladies. But, on the night when Harper walks into his shop asking for a tattoo, something changes for him.

I think Harper's story affected him on a pretty big level. Trent seems to be a big protector, so when he learns of Harper's attack that left her scarred over her entire back and terrified of everything - including the touch of another human being - he can't help but want to help her. It doesn't hurt that she's beautiful too.  

Speaking of Harper's attack - wow. It was absolutely horrific, and I totally get why Harper ran away, changed her name, and lives in fear. But, it's still so sad that she's living this way. I loved that she faced her fears enough to get her tattoo. And I loved that it was Trent who helped her with that. 

Luckily, things with Trent and Harper progressed a little slowly. Harper's phobias and fears caused Trent to handle her with care, which only made me love him more. But, once he earns her trust, their relationship heats up. They were super hot together, and had lots of awesome chemistry. 

This was my first book by Scarlett Cole, and I really loved it. I also really loved the first book in this series, so suffice to say it won't be my last.

November 10, 2016

BLOG TOUR REVIEW: Dirty Wicked (Wicked Lovers #11.5)


I love ALL THINGS Shayla Black - especially the awesomeness that is her Wicked Lovers series. It's out now - check out my review, then check out this awesomely hot new novella!


Dirty Wicked (Wicked Lovers #11.5), by Shayla Black
Publish Date:
November 8, 2016
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts
Format: e-ARC, provided by the author and Inkslinger PR
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon

Rating: 5 STARS


(Synopsis) After being framed for a crime he didn’t commit, former private eye Nick Navarro has nothing but revenge on his mind—until a woman from his past returns to beg for his help. 


Beautiful widow Sasha Porter has been hunted by his enemies. Desperate, she offers him anything to keep her young daughter safe, even agreeing to become his mistress. The last thing either of them want are emotional entanglements but as they entrap the ruthless politician who arranged Nick’s downfall and passion sizzles between them, danger closes in.


Will he choose love over vengeance before it’s too late?

It amazes me how much story Shayla Black can pack into 120 pages. That's not a lot of space to tell a story, but yet not only does she do it, but she does it so, so well. 

In Dirty Wicked, Nick Navarro (who we met in Ours To Love, Wicked Lovers #7) is out of prison and ready to start righting some wrongs. He's not concerned with setting the record straight right away about his wrongful conviction and imprisonment. No - he's most concerned with hunting down Sasha Porter, the wife of his dead friend. But, Sasha finds him first when she and her young daughter need his help protecting them from the man that killed her husband more than a year earlier.

Not only does Dirty Wicked pack in a powerful romance between two people who needed each other so badly, but it also includes an awesome suspense angle, complete with an evil mastermind, his nasty henchmen and a clue to find missing evidence to put them away for life. Seriously, this book didn't read like or feel like a novella. This is a legit full-fledged novel in a condensed format. 

Nick's and Sasha's chemistry was awesome. There's a lot of apprehension on Sasha's part when she first meets Nick, and that's to be expected. He's an ex-con and she has a little girl. Not to mention, she's running for her life. So, of course they don't fall into bed together right off the bat. There's definitely insta-attraction here, but not insta-love. And it helped that Nick and Sasha had met several years before, too. Even though there weren't a ton of pages for their relationship to build, it never felt rushed or not believable. 

And Shayla Black found ways to insert some of our favorite characters in the story too. Of course since Nick was introduced in London, Javier and Xander's book, the three of them are in it. Brothers Logan and Hunter also show up, as they do when protection is needed. And I have a feeling I'll be seeing more of Nick in future Wicked Lovers books, due to his continued professional relationship with them. Which is just fine by me, because I loved how things were left with him, Sasha and her daughter. 

All-in-all, Dirty Wicked was a fantastic novella complete with a sexy romance, a suspenseful mystery and a dangerous chase that packed a lot of fun into a few short hours of my day.



Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty novels. For over fifteen years, she’s written contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances via traditional, independent, foreign, and audio publishers. Her books have sold millions of copies and been published in a dozen languages.

Raised an only child, Shayla occupied herself with lots of daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and realized that she could have a career publishing the stories spinning in her imagination. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America to pay the bills, her heart has always been with her characters. She’s thrilled that she’s been living her dream as a full-time author for the past seven years.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her teenage daughter, and a very spoiled cat. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

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November 8, 2016

BLOG TOUR REVIEW, EXCERPT & GIVEAWAY: Trust (Wrong #3)


The Jana Aston awesomesauce continues with TRUST, and I'm so excited for you to read it! Check out my review and an excerpt from the book, then enter the amazing giveaway!


Trust (Wrong #3), by Jana Aston
Publish Date:
November 8, 2016
Publisher: self-published
Format: e-ARC, provided by the author
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 4 STARS


(Synopsis) “Knock knock!”


“Um… Who’s there?”


Yeah. That was me, on my last date. Before you feel sorry for me you should know that I was the one telling the jokes. Jokes as in plural, because I didn’t stop with just one. Of course not.

Hi, I’m Chloe Scott. The most awkward single girl in the city. But I’m going to get it together. I am.

I’m going to learn how to date like a grown up. I’m going to have an orgasm not given to myself. I’m going to fall in love and live happily ever after.

Right after I get out of this interrogation room.

Remember how I said in my review of Fling that I love the awkward girls? Well, you haven't seen anything until you've met Chloe. Chloe is the Queen of Awkward and she's been having a really hard time finding a boyfriend. Luckily, Boyd is infinitely patient, and awkward seems to do it for him. 

We've met Chloe before - she's Everly's BFF, and in previous books, she's struck me as a quiet intellectual sort of girl. She's the yin to Everly's yang. We've also met Boyd before - he's Sophie's long-lost brother who works for the FBI. We haven't spent much time with him yet, but we get our chance in Trust, and I gotta say - he really does it for me. 

Chloe's watched all her friends and acquaintances pair off and find love, and she's ready for her turn. But, her extreme social anxiety causes each of her dates to crash and burn in epic fashion. After an... unconventional meeting, Boyd offers his help to Chloe to get over her dating problems, but he has ulterior motives. For some reason, Chloe fascinates him. After a long string of bimbos just after his money, Chloe is a refreshing change. She makes him laugh, and he never knows what she's going to do next. 

So, Boyd starts to date Chloe, but he tells her it's all under the guise of lessons so that she doesn't feel the enormous pressure that causes her anxiety to flare up. And, amazingly, it works. Chloe is able to relax enough around Boyd to be herself, and he gets to spend time with a woman who he genuinely enjoys being around. Due to her need to take things slow, things progress between them very slowly in the physical sense. Where Jana's other books have been pretty steamy, things between Chloe and Boyd don't heat up until well past the 50% mark. It definitely made sense in the story, but I was really missing the trademark Jana Aston dirtiness that I've come to love so much. 

There's very little angsty relationship problems in Trust, which was fine by me, since we're always wondering if Chloe will ever realize that Boyd's been dating her all along. And we know that, when she figures it out, she will lose her crap. That was enough drama for one book. 

And, while there were times when I found Chloe incredibly sweet and fun, there were other times when I just wanted to tell her to put her freaking big girl panties on, and get over it. I didn't care for the way she treated Boyd a lot of the time. He was an amazing guy who was willing to do what he needed to to make Chloe comfortable and to trust him. In return, she strung him along, pushed him away again and again, and sent him tons of mixed signals. She drove me crazy, honestly. 

I believe Trust marks the end of the Wrong world stories, and while I'll miss the characters we've met, I'm anxious to see what Jana Aston will come out with next. 

Boyd's cocky. And hot. And kinda nice, even though he's cocky. I'd be a nervous wreck around him if I'd met him on a dating site. Not that we're dating. I almost laugh at the idea. Definitely not a date, he doesn't even have confidence that I can dress myself for our fake date. Whatever. But this car ride has been nice. Not as awkward as I thought it would be, and we're making great time; it's only taken us ninety minutes to reach the Lincoln Tunnel. I wonder, if Boyd got pulled over for speeding, would he flash his badge and get out of it?

As we enter the tunnel and the car is submerged in darkness I wonder what the heck he's going to pick out for me to wear. It better not be too short, I think, giving him a quick glance. I bet he's used to women in short sexy numbers. Maybe I can fake sexy for a night? Wait, this reminds me...

"Am I supposed to pretend it's a real date next weekend? Or am I supposed to pretend I'm there as your friend?"

The tunnel whizzes past as he drives and even though the tunnel is lit, it's much darker in the car than it was a few moments ago. He looks over at me, his face shadowed by the darkness, but I don't miss the analytical look on his face.

"Are you anxious about a fake date?"

"No!" Maybe just a little. "I'm just, you know, clarifying, because you never said."

"It's a real fake date," he says, looking a little annoyed.

"Real fake," I repeat. "That is super confusing."

"Just pretend you like me."

"I don't dislike you," I offer helpfully. "You're okay."

He runs his tongue along his bottom lip and glances at me out of the side of his eye.

"What? I'm just agreeing that it won't be horribly hard to pretend to like you." He's sort of confusing, this guy.

"Great," he says as he slows the car as we exit the tunnel and roll up to a traffic light.

"Look, I'm sure you're not used to women faking it with you, but this fake date was your idea, not mine."

"You're right. I'm not used to women faking it with me." He smirks. He's not even looking at me, his attention on the road ahead of him, so I think he's smirking to himself. Asshole.

Jana Aston is the New York Times bestselling author of WRONG. She quit her super boring day job to whip up more books and is hoping that was not a stupid idea. In her defense, it was a really boring job.

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