December 29, 2016

2017 READING CHALLENGES

I sometimes hesitate to join a reading challenge. I tend to read what I feel like reading, and don't want to feel pressured into reading something else just so that I can check a box.

HOWEVER...

Adult contemporary romance has been my go-to genre for a few years now. I really do love them, and I admit that they will probably continue to be my bread and butter. But, there are other genres that I've dabbled in or genres that I used to read a lot of but got away from them. I'd like to make time in my reading schedule for those books, and I think a challenge is the perfect way to give me that nudge. So, here are the 2017 reading challenges I've accepted...


Level: Visountess (6-15 books)

I'm a current Avon Addicts member. Avon publishes a lot of different romance genres, and many of my favorite authors - Laura Kaye, Jeaniene Frost, Megan Erickson, Jamie Shaw - have books already published by them or planned to be published by them in 2017. But, let's face it - Avon is probably best known for its historical romances, and they have some powerhouse authors with them like Lisa Kleypas, Sarah Maclean and Tessa Dare. I haven't read many historical romances, but the ones I have read I liked. I have a ton of paperbacks on my shelf that will fit perfectly with this challenge, so I'm eager to get started! To sign up for this challenge too, visit I Heart Romance & YA.



My Personal Level: 10 books

YA used to be all I read, and of the YA that I read it was all either fantasy or paranormal. As I've gotten older, I've fallen away from YA, and that makes me sad. It hasn't stopped me from buying the books - my YA shelf is just as big as my romance shelf. I just never get around to reading all those beautiful books I've collected. I read five or six really amazing YA fantasy books in 2016 (can anyone say The Winner's Trilogy??), and there are a bunch on my radar for 2017. If you want to sign up for this challenge too, visit either Alexa Loves Books or Hello, Chelly.



Level: Grand Slam (21+ books)

I know, I know - this is cheating. Since already 90% of the books I read fall into the contemporary romance category (and I read 250 books in 2016), this one really is not a challenge. However, I linked up with this one so that I could participate in the monthly wrap-ups and see what everyone else is reading. That is the other part of joining up with these challenges that appeals to me - seeing how everyone else is doing and what they've been reading. This year, the challenge is hosted by Andi's ABCs



Level: Marathoner (Look Ma, No Hands) (50+ books)

This is the one challenge that is a repeat for me. In fact, this will be the third year I've participated in the Audiobook Challenge. I've discovered that audiobooks make chores like exercising, folding laundry and grocery shopping a lot more pleasant. I even listen to a book when I go to the dentist. It seriously helps so much! I barely got past the 50 audiobook line in 2016, having listened to 52. So, we'll go for it again, and see what happens. If you're an audiobook lover or always wanted to try them, but were afraid you wouldn't like them, this is a great way to push you. Link up with the challenge at either Caffeinated Book Reviewer or Hot Listens.


Do none of these challenges inspire you? Are you looking for something different? I found this awesome compilation of many of the 2017 reading challenges. Many thanks to girlxoxo.com for putting it together!

So, what do you think about reading challenges? Do you do them? Are there any others you think I should link up with?

December 28, 2016

TEASER REVEAL: Any Time, Any Place (Billionaire Builders #2)

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Today I'm showing off some teasers from ANY TIME, ANY PLACE by Jennifer Probst. This is the second title in the Billionaire Builders series. The book will be released on January 24th and it is currently up for pre-order everywhere.


Purchase in Paperback
 
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Any Time, Any Place (Billionaire Builders #2), by Jennifer Probst
Publish Date:
January 24, 2017
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: adult contemporary romance

(Synopsis) HGTV’s Property Brothers meets The Marriage Bargain in this second volume in the Billionaire Builders series, an all-new heart-wrenching and sexy contemporary romance from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst.

When she was a teen, Raven Bella Stratton’s father was killed in a horrible car crash. The bigger shock was the discovery of a woman with him—Diana Pierce—and their two fully packed suitcases with airline tickets to Paris. Devastated by her father’s betrayal, Raven went to live with her aunt, never truly overcoming the traumatic event. When she discovers that the mysterious woman had a family with a husband and three boys, Raven vows to leave the memory of her father behind.

Until Dalton Pierce visits one night and suddenly her past challenges her future...

Leaving his life in California behind to run Pierce Construction with his two older brothers, Dalton Pierce has enjoyed returning home and studying his passion of woodworking. But when he visits the local bar with his brothers one evening, he’s immediately drawn to the smart-mouthed, badass, sexy bartender who sets his body on fire. Unfortunately, she doesn’t seem as intrigued by him, and his multiple advances are met with rejection. When he offers to restore the bar back to its original glory, he begins to work with her on a daily basis, and falls harder. His plan of seduction slowly weaves a web around them both, until they are caught up in the spell. But Dalton doesn’t know the secret that can either destroy them both...or finally mend two broken hearts.





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Everywhere and Every Way

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Jennifer ProbstJennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master’s in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again.

She makes her home in Upstate New York with the whole crew. Her sons keep her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean. She is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, was ranked #6 on Amazon's Best Books for 2012. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases and her street team at www.jenniferprobst.com. 

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December 27, 2016

TOP TEN TUESDAY


Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This is one meme I can get on board with - I LOVE lists! I'll show you mine if you show me yours!

Top 10 Best Books of 2016

Are you kidding me???? Narrowing it down to only 10 is going to suck. 


Talk about an impossible relationship - The Bachelor Presidential Candidate chose a horrible time to fall in love with a childhood acquaintance. But, that underlying tension made for a fantastic book. I have total faith in Katy Evans - I know Matt and Charlotte will find their HEA. But the rock road to get there has made for an awesome story so far.


2. Sweet Cheeks, by K. Bromberg
Out of all the second-chance romances out there that I've read (and it's one of my favorite tropes, so I've read a lot of them), Sweet Cheeks is my favorite. There was an awesome foodie aspect to it, several interesting settings, a celebrity-regular girl pairing, and the absolute best grand gesture I've ever seen in any book. EVER. 


3. Royally Screwed (Royally #1), by Emma Chase
I love Emma Chase like I love doughnuts (that's A LOT). Everything she writes is perfect, but seriously, nothing that's come before has been more perfect than Nicholas and Olivia's story in Royally Screwed. It was so brilliant. I laughed (of course I did - it' Emma Freaking Chase), I cried, I fanned myself, and I swooned HARD. 


The Winner's Trilogy was one of the few YA fantasy books I read in 2016, but I read all three books back-to-back-to-back. They are all rich and colorful and set in this amazingly-created world. But the characters - Kestrel and Arin especially - captured my heart. 


5. Overexposed (In Focus #4), by Megan Erickson
I HAD to put a Megan Erickson book on this list. In 2016, I've read them ALL. And loved them ALL. I guess there was just something about Levi and Thad and their story that happened on the Appalachian Trail (which runs right behind my house). It was sweet and sexy and full of so much emotion. I loved every second of it.


6. Torn (A Wicked Saga #2), by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Oh. My. Heart. Torn nearly killed me, but in all the best ways. Ren and Ivy went through so much in this book, and I don't think I've ever rooted for another couple's HEA the way I'm rooting for theirs. I'm also in awe of Jennifer Armentout's genius ability to create the vilest villains ever, and the one in this series is the worst of the worst. 


7. Ride Steady (Chaos #3), by Kristen Ashley
I listened to the audiobook version of Ride Steady, and WOW. It was incredible. Not only was the narration spot-on, but the story was captivating and amazing. Joker was the absolute best hero ever. He's this badass biker who loves babies and his woman. I DIED. 


8. Sutphin Boulevard (Five Boroughs #1), by Santino Hassell
Suphin Boulevard was easily the most emotional book I've read in 2016, and truly, one of the best friends-to-lovers books I've EVER read. It was REAL and raw and sexy and sweet. I've reco'd it many times since reading it a few months ago.


9. Bedmates (American Royalty #1), by Nichole Chase
I've been all about the "royal" reads in 2016, and I absolutely loved the American royalty aspect in Bedmates. Not to mention the yummy Jake and his leftover challenge from war and the feisty Maddie - they were PERFECT for each other.


10. Titans, by Victoria Scott
SO unique - Titans were heartfelt and exciting and completely unexpected. I loved the relationships formed in this book. They were complex and emotional and so sweet. This is one I will have my daughter read, and I know she'll love it as much as I did.

December 23, 2016

EARLY REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Satisfaction (Lawless #2)



Satisfaction (Lawless #2), by Lexi Blake
Publish Date:
January 3, 2017
Publisher: self-published
Format: ARC, provided by the publisher
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 5 STARS


(Synopsis) Brandon Lawless is a man on a mission: obtain the information that will clear his father’s name. He’s willing to do whatever it takes—even seduce his enemy’s personal assistant, the beautiful and innocent Carly Hendricks. But with her beguiling smile and captivating intelligence, Brandon soon realizes he doesn’t want to deceive Carly, he wants to win her over—both in the boardroom and the bedroom. 


Then a twisted crime leaves Carly vulnerable and Brandon finds himself reeling. The stakes of his mission are now life or death—Carly’s life. And Brandon realizes he’s lost his heart to an amazing woman and his plan must succeed, because the stakes are no longer just revenge, but a once in a lifetime love.

OMG, this book was CRAZY! I love where Lexi Blake is going with this story and these siblings, and based on what I've seen so far, I'm guessing the final book is going to blow my mind. 

Satisfaction focuses on the youngest Lawless sibling. There's no doubt that Brandon got the short end of the stick when his parents were murdered and the four kids ended up in the system. Being the youngest, he spent the most time in foster care. It was a long time until his oldest brother Drew came for him, and Brandon's been harboring a lot of feels over that. 

After seeing how Ellie felt after everyone lied to her in Ruthless, Brandon was determined to not go down the same path, even if that meant giving up the vendetta they all have been nursing for the past decade. When Drew set his sights on the assistant to their next target, Carly Hendricks, Brandon steps in and takes over. And tells her the truth. He trusts a stranger to do what's right. 

Carly doesn't know what to think when Brandon comes to her and lays his cards on the table. She knew her boss was a horrific person, but she had no idea the depth her sins go. And now she has even more incentive to take her down. She wants to help Brandon and his siblings right the wrongs done to them when they were kids. And if Brandon can help her out of a jam created by her horrible ex-husband, then that's even better for her.

Although Carly is determined to resist Brandon's charms and focus on what needs to be done, he proves impossible to ignore. She doesn't get it - doesn't understand why he finds her so special or interesting. But, she knows there's definitely something about him that compels her to help him, despite his claim that he can't love anyone or that he's too damaged by what happened to him when he was young.

Like in Ruthless, there's a lot revealed regarding what happened to their parents, and it's far more interesting than you ever imagined. The ending was incredible and fulfilling and completely shocking. I love Lexi Blake's writing and how it builds upon events in each chapter and each book. The wait for the final book will be so hard, based on the new revelations and the fact that stoic Drew will finally get the girl. I can't wait.


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December 22, 2016

APOLLYCON 2017 AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Lexi Blake/Sophie Oak


An author I discovered in 2016 and who quickly became a one-click author for me is none other than the amazing...

Lexi Blake/Sophie Oak

...and she's going to be at Apollycon 2017 (along with another 70 or so incredible authors)! Best. News. EVER. One thing Lexi Blake does so SO well is ROMANTIC SUSPENSE. And she's also super good at the crazy hot sexy times. Okay, so that's two things. But, they kinda go together. Because while our heroes and heroines are figuring out dastardly plots and getting into car chases and getting shot at, they're making sweet, dirty love. And really - what more could you want than that explosive (sometimes literally) combo?

If you haven't started it yet, you need to check out the Perfect Gentlemen series that Lexi Blake is writing with Shayla Black...


I am so in love with this series about a mystery surrounding five childhood friends who all grew up to be rich and powerful - but lonely - men. 

Lexi's newest series is a spin-off from her Masters and Mercenaries series and follows three brothers as they try to solve the mystery of their parents' murders. 


The Lawless series has been amazing so far. I just finished up Satisfaction a few days ago (check out my review tomorrow - it comes with a giveaway of the paperback ARC copy I have!), and WOW. Revenge doesn't come out until June, and I'm telling you, the struggle is REAL waiting for it. 

I would guess that Lexi Blake's most well known series is her Masters and Mercenaries series, and although that's one I haven't yet tried, I've already pegged Apollycon as the place for me to start my collection. 

Some of you may know Lexi Blake by her alter ego, Sophie Oak, author of the erotic series Nights in Bliss, Colorado and Texas Sirens. I've read her standalone Away From Me, and holy hotness, Batman. So good. 

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 Lexi Blake and get ready to meet her - I know I am!

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. She likes to find humor in the strangest places. Lexi believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome or foursome may seem.


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December 21, 2016

BLOG TOUR REVIEW, GUEST POST & GIVEAWAY: More (The Body Works Trilogy #4)


Sierra Kincade is back with... more from her Body Works series. MORE was an incredible follow-up story about side characters from the original trilogy Mike and Amy. And it was EVERYTHING. Check out my review and a guest post from Sierra Kincade! Don't forget to enter the giveaway!


More (The Body Works Trilogy #4), by Sierra Kincade
Publish Date:
December 1, 2016
Publisher: self-published
Format: e-ARC, provided by the author and Jean Book Nerd
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 5 STARS


(Synopsis) Amy has kept her distance from men after her sleazy ex took everything from her—everything but her daughter, Paisley, whom Amy would do anything to protect. She’s learned to keep her guard up, but it’s getting harder and harder to do around a man like Mike, whose penetrating gaze leaves her speechless. Mike is unlike any man Amy has ever met. He’s patient, kind, a loving father, ripped, and, amazingly, seeming way into her. Still, Amy makes it clear that she has no intention of the two of them being more than friends. But when threats from her past put Paisley in danger, Amy finds that more with Mike just might save her life…and her heart.

Do you have any idea how excited I was when I found out that Sierra Kincade was going to continue her Body Works trilogy so that Mike and Amy's story (which had been hinted at in the original trilogy) was going to finally be told?


And their story was absolutely everything I needed it to be. When the book opens, Amy and her young daughter Paisley are still living in Mike's house with him and his young daughter Chloe, even though the events and the danger that landed them there have passed. The girls love being near each other, and Amy has become comfortable with the living situation. But, the constant sexual chemistry between Mike and her are stressing her out, and Amy's considering moving back to her own place. 

I get why Amy is hesitant to start a relationship with Mike. He, of all people, would be the most dangerous to her. Because if things didn't work out, it wouldn't be only Amy's heart that would take the beating, but her daughter would feel the effects too. And Mike is more than just her roommate. He's her best friend next to Anna. There's a lot at stake, and Amy's not too trusting when it comes to relationships after her last two have been not only disastrous, but dangerously violent. They've not only literally beaten her down, but they've also squashed her self-esteem and Mike seems determined to help her find it again.

Life was hard, and frightening, and sometimes cruel, but she'd endured. And for the first time in a long time, she didn't consider whether or not she was worthy of him. She considered whether he was worthy of her. And he was.

When Sierra Kincade described Mike, I had this picture in my head of Luke Cage:


Talk about hotness on a stick. And on top of that, he's smart (he's going to law school), he's brave and he's good with his hands. Like, REALLY good. Not only that, but he's an amazing dad. And let's face it - that's one of the sexiest parts about him. He's determined to prove to Amy that he is nothing like the last two losers she's involved herself with. It's an uphill battle, but he's patient and focused.

I loved Mike in the first three books because he's a really good friend to Alec and has proven to be loyal. But, in More, my feelings for him moved way beyond love. Seriously, this guy is damn near perfect. But, he has just enough tarnish - because of his former wife - to make him real. And, even though he doesn't show it well, he's carrying some baggage that might threaten the good thing he and Amy could have.

Sierra Kincade does many things well, but creating realistic suspenseful situations that cause our characters to reach inward for strength they didn't know they had - that's her specialty. Although it's not as dark and dangerous as what happened to Anna and Alec, Amy still manages to find herself in some trouble, which is a different sort of tension altogether from what she feels with Mike.

Speaking of Anna and Alec, they show up, and prove to be the best babysitters EVER. Alec having a tea party with a bunch of little princesses is just as swoon-worthy as Mike putting the little girls to bed. Seriously - guard your ovaries, ladies. They're in danger of combusting while you read More.

Amy and Mike's story needed to be told. It wasn't always easy for them, especially given the two precious children in their lives. But, it was SO worth all the trials that they both went through to get to the other side.


What sort of research do you typically do for your books? Specifically for MORE - there are a lot of jobs represented: hair stylist, construction worker, law student, masseuse, single parent. How did you manage to get all the details just right?

Hi Krista!

Research is actually one of my favorite parts of writing a book. In order to make characters authentic and believable, an author needs to be able to imagine them as real people. It’s not just their decisions and reactions that make them real, but the things they encounter in their day-to-day life, like work.

In MORE, Amy’s a hairstylist, and a pretty dang good one. Because the book is from her point of view, I needed to make sure that I got the details of her occupation as close to correct as possible because the reader wouldn’t just see her cutting hair, they’d be in her head as she’s thinking about cutting hair—what to do, how to do it, etc. I believe the best research comes from talking to people, so I interviewed my hairstylist and took notes. She taught me about the different shears she uses, how she applies dye, what beauty school was like, and the logistics of her work, like how she gets paid and uses her station. All of this went into Amy’s character, hopefully not in an overbearing way, but with enough detail to make her job seem legitimate and not fabricated.

The same principles were applied for the other occupations in the book. I interviewed a masseuse for the Body Works series, and even had several massages to get the details right (I know, feel so sorry for me). I interviewed a lawyer friend about her experiences with law school. And though I’m not a single parent, I am a parent, and I see how hard my single parent friends work to provide everything they can for their kids. I hope I captured some of their amazingness in this book, because they impress me every day!

Research is just one of the many parts that goes into writing a book, but it’s one of my favorites. It (hopefully) makes the characters not just real to me, but to you, the reader, too.

Thanks for checking out MORE! Hope you enjoy it!

Sierra Kincade lives in the Midwest with her husband and son. When she’s not writing naughty books, she loves eating chocolate cupcakes, binge-watching cable series, and singing loudly in the car. She wholeheartedly believes that love stories are real, and you should never choose a partner who doesn’t make you laugh.

A few of Sierra’s favorite things:

Bad boys with dirty mouths – English Breakfast tea with two packets of Sugar in the Raw – any movie or show with a choreographed dance routine – cinnamon toast – kids who say funny things – friends who raid her pantry without asking – bootleg jeans – making lists – old Garth Brooks songs – and of course, massages.

WEBSITE: http://www.sierrakincade.com/
TWITTER: @SierraKincade
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7877331.Sierra_Kincade
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/SierraKincade.author

* 3 Winners will receive an E-copies of The Masseuse by Sierra Kincade
* 1 Winner will receive a Swag Basket (Contains 3 Paperbacks - The Masseuse, The Distraction, and The Confession).

Giveaway is open internationally. Must be 13+ to enter.

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December 20, 2016

MIDWINTER'S EVE GIVEAWAY HOP: Win Your Choice of $20 Worth of Books


It's that time again - can you believe it? Like in past years, I'm so busy trying to finish my shopping and wrapping that I just don't have it in me to be terribly creative. Of the nearly 250 books I read this year, it's impossible to pick a favorite or even a few favorites for you to pick from. My favorites might not be your favorites. And if you're like me, you have a bookish Christmas list a mile long. So, let me help you out with that.


My prize is a shopping spree at The Book Depository up to, but not exceeding $20. The savvy shopper that I am, I could eek out at least three books with that. :) This is open internationally, as long as the Book Depository delivers to you.

Good luck, and Happy Holidays to you and yours.


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TOP TEN TUESDAY

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This is one meme I can get on board with - I LOVE lists! I'll show you mine if you show me yours!

Ten Books That Were On My Christmas List

In 2017, I'm planning to attend several book events that will feature TONS of authors. Of course, you want to get around to all of them to meet them, shake their hand, pick up some swag, and have a book signed. But, when each event has well over 50 authors in attendance, that's A LOT of books you have to buy. So, my Christmas list this year contained books that I not only am excited to read, but also included books by authors I'm planning on meeting next year. 


1. Bad Blood (The Naturals #4), by Jennifer Lynn Barnes








5. Steadfast (True North #2), by Sarina Bowen






8. The Goal (Off-Campus #4), by Elle Kennedy


9. Off Base, by Tessa Bailey and Sophie Jordan
(Got this one already!! Thanks, Anna!)