COVER REVEAL: Easy Nights (Boudreaux #6)

A Note from Kristen:

Hello, readers!

I’m so excited to finally be able to share the new cover for Easy Nights with you! We’ve all been waiting a long time for Ben and Savannah’s story and it’ll be in your hot little hands on June 27th. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that Ben and Van are two of my favorite characters of all time, and saying goodbye to the Boudreaux clan hasn’t been easy. Thanks for taking this journey of three years with me!

Don’t forget, you can preorder NOW! And be sure to keep an eye on my newsletters and social media in the next two months for sneak peeks and news.

With love,

Kristen

Easy Nights (Boudreaux #6), by Kristen Proby
Publish Date: June 27, 2017
Publisher: self-published
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

(Synopsis) No one said change was easy…

Savannah Boudreaux knows what it is to hurt. To bleed. To be afraid that the man she’s promised to be true to until “death do us part” might in fact separate them far sooner than anyone had ever anticipated. But Van also knows what it is to survive. To move on. To live life to the fullest. With five brothers and sisters and a loving mother as her constant source of strength during the pain and the healing, Van realizes there is little else she needs.

But some things never change…

Benjamin Preston sat on the sidelines of the Boudreaux family for years, in love with a woman he couldn’t have. As the best friend of the Boudreaux brothers since childhood, Ben has seen both tragedies and joys in the family. And as a former MMA fighter and Krav Maga expert, Ben’s used to fighting for what he wants—and winning. His hands were tied when Savannah married her high school sweetheart not long after graduation, but now two years have passed since Ben found Savannah broken in her own home.

Sometimes what you need most has been right in front of you the whole time…

Van’s convinced that happiness isn’t in the cards for her, no matter how right it feels to be in Ben’s strong arms—and his bed. Ben is determined to win her heart and fight for her trust. He’s promised to protect her, to be her friend. But more than anything, he wants to finally make her his, and this is one fight he’s not willing to lose.

And don’t miss the first standalone titles in the Boudreaux Series!

EASY LOVE-FREE for a limited time only

EASY CHARM-$.99 for a limited time only

EASY MELODY-$1.99 for a limited time only

EASY KISSES

EASY FOR KEEPS: A Boudreaux Novella

EASY MAGIC

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle and Love Under the Big Sky series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong, humorous characters with a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves.

Kristen lives in Montana, where she enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.

Learn more about Kristen --> Website**Facebook**Twitter**Newsletter Sign Up

COVER REVEAL: Royally Endowed (Royally #3)

Thank goodness it's almost time for another masterpiece from Emma Chase, because I'm going through withdraw. Check out the cover for her next Royally awesome book!

Royally Endowed (Royally #3), by Emma Chase
Publish Date: August 14, 2017
Publisher: self-published
Genre: adult contemporary romance

(Synopsis) Logan St. James is a smoldering, sexy beast. Sure, he can be a little broody at times—but Ellie Hammond’s willing to overlook that. Because, have you seen him??

Sexy. As. Hell.

And Ellie’s perky enough for both of them.

For years, she’s had a crush on the intense, protective royal security guard—but she doesn’t think he ever saw her, not really.

To Logan, Ellie was just part of the job—a relative of the royal family he’d sworn to protect. Now, at 22 years old and fresh out of college, she’s determined to put aside her X-rated dreams of pat-downs and pillow talk, and find a real life happily ever after.

The Queen of Wessco encourages Ellie to follow in her sister’s footsteps and settle down with a prince of her own. Or a duke, a marquis…a viscount would also do nicely.

But in the pursuit of a fairy tale ending, Ellie learns that the sweetest crushes can be the hardest to let go.

***

Logan St. James grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, in a family on the wrong side of the law. But these days, he covers his tattoos and scars with a respectable suit. He’s handsome, loyal, brave, skilled with his hands and…other body parts.

Any woman would be proud to bring him home to her family.

But there’s only one woman he wants.

For years he’s watched over her, protected her, held her hair back when she was sick, taught her how to throw a punch, and spot a liar.

He dreams of her. Would lay down his life for her.

But beautiful Ellie Hammond’s off-limits.

Everybody knows the bodyguard rules: Never lose focus, never let them out of your sight, and never, ever fall in love.

Emma Chase is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the hot and hilarious Tangled series and The Legal Briefs series. Emma lives in New Jersey with her husband, two children and two naughty (but really cute) dogs. She has a long-standing love/hate relationship with caffeine.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | NEWSLETTER | TWITTER | GOODREADS | READER FAN GROUP

COVER REVEAL: Illegal Contact (The Barons #1)

Oh, Santino Hassell. you're so mean to make me wait to read ILLEGAL CONTACT. Especially when the cover looks like this...

Illegal Contact (The Barons #1), by Santino Hassell
Publish Date: August 15, 2017
Publisher: Intermix
Genre: adult m/m contemporary romance

(Synopsis) New York Barons tight end Gavin Brawley is suspended from the team and on house arrest after a video of him brawling goes viral. Gavin already has a reputation as a jerk with a temper on and off the field—which doesn’t help him once he finds himself on the wrong side of the law. And while he’s been successful professionally, he’s never been lucky when it comes to love.

Noah Monroe is a recent college grad looking for a job—any job—to pay off his mounting student debt. Working as Gavin’s personal assistant/babysitter seems like easy money. But Noah isn’t prepared for the electrifying tension between him and the football player. He’s not sure if he’d rather argue with Gavin or tackle him to the floor. But both men know the score, and neither is sure what will happen once Gavin's timeout is over…

Santino Hassell was raised in Brooklyn by a strict Catholic family, but he was anything but traditional. He grew up to be a smart-mouthed, school-cutting grunge kid, then a transient twenty-something, and eventually transformed into an unlikely romance author.

Santino writes queer romance that is heavily influenced by the gritty, urban landscape of New York City, his belief that human relationships are complex and flawed, and his own life experiences.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW & EXCERPT: Arranged (Masters & Mercenaries #13.5)

Check out my review and an excerpt for ARRANGED, a Masters & Mercenaries novella by Lexi Blake!

Arranged (Masters and Mercenaries #13.5), by Lexi Blake
Publish Date: April 25, 2017
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts, Inc.
Format: e-ARC, provided by the author
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon

Rating: 4.5 STARS

(Synopsis) Kash Kamdar is the king of a peaceful but powerful island nation. As Loa Mali’s sovereign, he is always in control, the final authority. Until his mother uses an ancient law to force her son into marriage. His prospective queen is a buttoned-up intellectual, nothing like Kash’s usual party girl. Still, from the moment of their forced engagement, he can’t stop thinking about her.

Dayita Samar comes from one of Loa Mali’s most respected families. The Cambridge-educated scientist has dedicated her life to her country’s future. But under her staid and calm exterior, Day hides a few sexy secrets of her own. She is willing to marry her king, but also agrees that they can circumvent the law. Just because they’re married doesn’t mean they have to change their lives. It certainly doesn’t mean they have to fall in love.

After one wild weekend in Dallas, Kash discovers his bride-to-be is more than she seems. Engulfed in a changing world, Kash finds exciting new possibilities for himself. Could Day help him find respite from the crushing responsibility he’s carried all his life? This fairy tale could have a happy ending, if only they can escape Kash’s past…

I love a good royal story. Throw in a second-chance angle and some time spent in a sex club, and, well, there's no way you can lose with a story like that. Especially when it's penned by Lexi Blake. 

Kash is king. No really - Kash is the ruler of a small island and his mother is putting her foot down. He must marry or dissolve the monarchy. And his mother even hand-picked his bride. She is Dayita Samar, a girl Kash used to have a major thing for ten years earlier. But, she faded from his life in a haze of grief and duty and meaningless sex. This is Kash's second chance with her, and this time, it's guaranteed to be forever. It can even be happy, so long as they get on the same page and stay alive. 

There are so many wonderful things going on in this brief novella set in Lexi Blake's Masters & Mercenaries world. First, we have royalty. Kash is rich and he's the king and there's a royal wedding - I love those stories. There's something awesome about someone with so much power giving it up to someone he loves. 

And that's the other awesome thing going on here. Day has spent the past ten years getting to know her sexual side. And that side is a Domme with a capital 'D'. She senses Kash's inner submissive nature, and knows that they could be amazing together. She's never stopped caring about him, nor he about her. As far as arranged marriages go, both could've done far worse. They have a chance at a real happily ever after. But, first Kash needs to understand and accept his submissive nature in the bedroom. And for a man who is a powerful ruler, that is not an easy thing. 

Certainly, both Day and Kash make some big mistakes. And those mistakes broke my heart. I could tell they truly cared for one another. But, Kash's adamant refusal to acknowledge his inner nature, and then his instinct to lash out at Day for wanting to bring it out in him, is very damaging to their relationship. Add in the fact that someone is trying to kill him, and the stress for this newlywed couple is overwhelming. 

We get to see many of our favorite Masters & Mercenaries couples as Day and Kash make their way to Texas for protection from extremists. And in the club where many of them have found love, Day and Kash get one last chance to find out if they can make it together. 

Arranged was an awesome addition to the M & M lineup. The story went super fast for me - I could've read about Day and Kash for much longer. I hope we get to see them in future books. 

“Are we a happy couple?”

“I don’t think we’ve had time enough to be sure of that yet, but I know we were once.” She’d thought it through in a way she never had before. She had a much different view of those months with Kash in England. “You were courting me back then, weren’t you? You wanted me to be your girlfriend.”

He sat down in the plush chair that dominated the sitting area portion of his bedroom. Normally they stayed in the living room, but he’d wanted more privacy. This was the only place in his suite that wasn’t covered by CCTV, the only place where they could truly be alone. Everything about the space was masculine and decadent, including the man himself. With his hair disheveled and his chest on display, it wasn’t hard at all to see him as a primal male.

One she’d dearly enjoy taming.

“I don’t think you realized it at the time.”

She was willing to admit her faults. “I didn’t. I had my nose in a book most of the time back then and I had little experience with men. No, I had no idea you were interested in me beyond copying my notes from class when you slept in.”

“It would surprise you to know that I often thought about sleeping in with you.” His voice had gone low and gentle. “I was crazy about you back then, Day. I find myself in the same position today, but I don’t want to scare you. I know you think we should take this slow and I will honor your wishes, but I want this marriage to work. You see me as a playboy, but I don’t want to be some forty-plus player who trades on his money to keep young girls around him. I think it might be time for me to find out if I can be the king my father would have wanted me to be.”

It was all she needed to hear. If he wanted to try, she was ready. Despite his reputation, she’d fallen right back into a peaceful friendship with him. He’d been the old Kash, supporting her when she needed it. He’d asked her questions about her work with the education department and then gave her ideas on how to handle the parliament. He hadn’t told her what she should do. He’d suggested, debated.

“I think you’ll find me less averse to giving this marriage a real try than you think. I was planning on talking to you about using the Palm Ceremony to begin to explore what we could be as a couple.”

He frowned. “I’m not sure what that means. You want to talk? Or have counseling? Because that sounds terrible.”

“I was talking about sex, Kashmir. I thought we could use this time to see if we’re sexually compatible.”

He popped up out of his chair like an eager puppy. “Yes. I think that is a brilliant idea. We should start now. Don’t worry. I intend to be gentle with you.”

She didn’t move at all. “Like you are with your lovely flowers?”

“Women deserve a man’s care,” he said quietly. “Day, I can’t erase my past.”

“I don’t want you to.” He misunderstood her problems with his statement. “But I do need you to understand that I’m not one of those flowers. I’m not here to sit at your side and bat my eyelashes in the hopes that you’ll buy something for me. I don’t work like that. I don’t care about your money.”

“That is easy for you to say. You’re about to have access to all of it, aren’t you?”

He had a point. “Even if I wasn’t, that wouldn’t be why I would want you, Kash. Sit down. We have some things to talk about before we get started. Come here close to me.”

He moved to the chaise she was sitting on, lowering himself down with a sullen frown. “I knew there would be talking.”

She was fairly certain his lovely flowers did very little talking, but he would get used to it. “Why did you want me back then?”

“I liked you. I liked talking to you. I liked being around you. I rather liked who I was when I was around you.” His expression softened. “I don’t think you knew how alluring you were to someone like me. You didn’t understand how beautiful you were, so you didn’t use it against me. Most women do.”

“Well, that happens when you surround yourself with women who are mostly valued for their looks. I don’t blame them. They’ve been told their beauty is the only thing worthy about them. If you want to meet women who don’t feel that way, you should probably expand out of models and actresses.”

“Well, you would be surprised how many gorgeous, sexy physicists turn me down because I’m not smart enough for them.”

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

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

RELEASE DAY REVIEW: Sin With Me (Bad Habit #3)

This book. THIS. BOOK. Check out my review, then go read this series, because, holy crap, it's good.

Sin With Me (Bad Habit #3), by J.T. Geissinger
Publish Date: April 25, 2017
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Format: e-ARC, provided by the publisher and Inkslinger PR
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 5 STARS

(Synopsis) The past she can’t remember. The secret he hides. And a love that’s worth risking it all.

After a devastating car crash stole both her family and her memory, Grace Stanton was left with no past and an uncertain future. Now Grace likes to keep things simple. No sleepovers, never date a guy more than a month, and never, ever fall in love. Which is exactly why Grace avoids Bad Habit’s lead guitarist, Brody Scott, at all costs. The green-eyed, sexy-as-hell musician has “trouble” tattooed all over him, and Grace isn’t taking any chances with her heart.

Brody knows he doesn’t deserve an amazing woman like Grace—her creamy skin, red hair, or that smart mouth that fuels his every fantasy—but there’s something between them that’s more than chemistry. Something real. He’ll just have to convince Grace that he’s worth the risk—and hide the secret that haunts his worst dreams. But when fate plays a cruel hand, Brody’s darkest sin suddenly threatens his last chance at redemption…and the life of the woman he loves.

I stumbled upon the Bad Habit series kind of by accident one day when I was looking for a new audiobook on Audible. It seemed like another rock band romance series, which I do love. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. This series packs an incredibly emotional punch, and J.T. Geissinger saved the best for last. 

Grace has always been the cynic. She is the relationship therapist that doesn't believe in love. Even though she's now seen her two best friends fall completely into it, she still doesn't believe it's real or that it's out there for her. Instead she seeks out meaningless sex wherever she can get it, and whenever he seems to be getting too attached, she bails. 

But, ever since Grace's friends have gotten into relationships with band mates Nico and AJ, they've all been hanging out together. Which means Grace has been hanging out with guitarist Brody a lot as the still unattached ones. And Brody is done just being Grace's friend. Of course, Grace isn't thrilled with his newfound determined attitude. She keeps people at arm's length for a reason, and Brody is the one man that she knows can destroy all of that. 

I built those walls over years, painfully, brick by brick, stone by stone, with a thick layer of mortar to hold it all together, and Brody Scott just tore them all down with a single kiss.

I thought Nico was my favorite. And then I met AJ, and he became my new favorite. And then I met BRODY. This guy - he is so amazing. Grace is not an easy woman to love. She's abrasive and hardened and kinda sad. For good reason. She has probably one of the best reasons I've ever heard. But, Brody doesn't care. She tells him why she refuses to get close to any man, and he takes it in, and keeps pursuing her. He's kind and good to her. He takes care of her even when she doesn't want him to. How could she NOT fall in love with a guy like that? 

J.T. Geissinger's writing blew me away. The story was fast paced with never a dull or slow moment. She has this way of bringing all the characters together for different reasons that seemed completely organic, but it gave us good excuses to catch up with the other two couples. But, the dialog - wow. Grace, Chloe and Kat have always played off each other in the most fun ways. But, Grace and Brody took it to a whole new level. Their funny banter was sweet and made me laugh out loud. I loved how it turned from playful to sexy to utterly and completely romantic, all in the blink of an eye. And that epilogue? Wow. The writing in Sin With Me was flawless. 

"Love isn't something you choose, Angelface. It chooses you. And even if it only lasts a little while, it's worth it. Even if it ends in flames, it's worth it. Even if it cuts out your heart and leaves you a bruised, bloody mess, it's worth it."

Sin With Me is about Grace coming to terms with the circumstances of her life and making the decision to actively live it anyway. And about Brody forgiving himself for things in his past that were outside of his control. Neither is easy to do, especially alone. But, together, these two are incredible.

J.T. Geissinger is an award winning and best-selling author of dark, sexy romance.

She is the recipient of the Prism Award for Best First Book, the Golden Quill Award for Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, and was a finalist for the prestigious RITA© Award from the Romance Writers of America. Her work has also finaled in the Booksellers’ Best, National Readers’ Choice, and Daphne du Maurier Awards.

She lives in California with her husband, on whom all her heroes are based.

Connect with J.T. Geissinger:
Website: http://www.jtgeissinger.com/
Newsletter: https://www.facebook.com/JTGeissinger/app_100265896690345
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Instagram: https://instagram.com/jtgeissingerauthor/

RELEASE DAY BLITZ: Ride Rough (Raven Riders #2)

Laura Kaye's second Raven Riders book, RIDE ROUGH, is here! Check out this excerpt and enter the giveaway!

Ride Rough (Raven Riders #2), by Laura Kaye
Publish Date: April 25, 2017
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

(Synopsis) Maverick Rylan won’t apologize for who he is—the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club Vice-President, a sought-after custom bike builder, and a man dedicated to protecting those he loves. So when he learns that the only woman who has ever held his heart is in trouble, he’ll move heaven and earth to save her.

Alexa Harmon thought she had it all—the security of a good job, a beautiful home, and a powerful, charming fiancé who offered the life she never had growing up. But when her dream quickly turns into a nightmare, Alexa realizes she’s fallen for a façade she can’t escape—until sexy, dangerous Maverick offers her a way out.

Forced together to keep Alexa safe, their powerful attraction reignites and Maverick determines to do whatever it takes to earn a second chance—one Alexa is tempted to give. But her ex-fiancé isn’t going to let her go without a fight, one that will threaten everything they both hold dear.

Pre-order RIDE ROUGH by May 1, fill out this form, and receive a bonus story about Beckett from Hard Ink via e-mail!

“What am I going to do? My entire life is wrapped up in him. My job. Where I live. My car. Where Mom lives. Everything. Oh, God. This is going to be a nightmare, isn’t it?”

Maverick grasped Alexa’s hands. “One thing at a time. You’re out. You can stay here as long as you need to. I have plenty of room. I’ll help you through it. That’ll give you time to figure out what it is you want. There’s no rush.”

“Okay,” she said. “Okay. God, thank you.” A shiver raced over her skin.

“You don’t have to thank me. I’m so relieved for you that I might fall the fuck over,” he said, his thumb rubbing over her knuckles. She almost managed a little smile. “Your hands are like ice, Al. I shouldn’t have made you stand her all this time when you’re soaking wet.”

Alexa shook her head. “It felt good to get it out, Maverick.”

“Glad to hear it. Would a hot shower make you feel better? I can find you a T-shirt and a pair of boxers to change into while your clothes dry.”

All the TLC and understanding he was giving her reached right inside her chest. When was the last time someone had taken care of her this way?

The last time you were with Maverick. The truth of that thought made her breath catch. “Yeah. I’d like that,” she managed.

He gave a tight nod and stepped back, and she missed his heat immediately. “Uh, good. That’s good. You remember your way around?”

“Of course,” she said. How much time had she spent here over the years? Even before they dated? At one point, Maverick’s place had practically been a second home.
“You okay?” he asked, watching her.

She pushed off the door. “I don’t know yet,” she said, coming to him. “But what I do know is how grateful I am to you. For everything. For being there when I told you not to. For listening. For just . . . being you.”

“Always.” He crossed his big arms and ducked his chin, like something about the exchange made him uncomfortable.

“I mean it,” she said, and then she pressed onto tiptoes and kissed his cheek, his stubble tickling her lips. “You saved me tonight.”

“No,” he said, eyes flashing, one brow arched. “You saved yourself, Al. I was just your getaway driver.”

Staring into one another’s eyes, the tender moment stretched out, morphed, suddenly flashed hot. Being so close to him set her body on fire, and finally she could actually consider acting on it. Need roared through her, a living, breathing thing. “Maverick,” she whispered.

“Fuck, Alexa, I think you better go take that shower,” he said, his jaw ticking. “Now.”

She released a shaky breath and nodded. He was right. Of course, he was.

So, showering. She could handle that. Afterward, God only knew what she was going to do.

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty books in contemporary romance and romantic suspense, including the 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. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and monster puppy, Schuyler, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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RELEASE WEEK REVIEW: Ride Rough (Raven Riders #2)

Ride Rough (Raven Riders #2), by Laura Kaye
Publish Date: April 25, 2017
Publisher: Avon Books
Format: e-ARC, provided by the publisher via Edelweiss
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 4.5 STARS

(Synopsis) Maverick Rylan won’t apologize for who he is—the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club Vice-President, a sought-after custom bike builder, and a man dedicated to protecting those he loves. So when he learns that the only woman who has ever held his heart is in trouble, he’ll move heaven and earth to save her.

Alexa Harmon thought she had it all—the security of a good job, a beautiful home, and a powerful, charming fiancé who offered the life she never had growing up. But when her dream quickly turns into a nightmare, Alexa realizes she’s fallen for a façade she can’t escape—until sexy, dangerous Maverick offers her a way out.

Forced together to keep Alexa safe, their powerful attraction reignites and Maverick determines to do whatever it takes to earn a second chance—one Alexa is tempted to give. But her ex-fiancé isn’t going to let her go without a fight, one that will threaten everything they both hold dear.

Laura Kaye gives good second-chance romance, especially with these strong, alpha motorcycle men. Ride Rough is the second book in her Raven Riders series, and with the way it's going, I can only assume that the third book is going to blow me away, because so far things are just getting better and better. 

We caught a very brief glimpse into Maverick and Alexa's story in book 1 of this series when she comes to him for help after getting bloodied by her fiance. It was obvious then that these two had some serious history together, but the fact that she was engaged to someone else was curious. Why would she be with some other douche bag who has no problem causing her harm when she could have someone as awesome as Maverick?? 

Maverick wanted to fucking belong to someone. Well, to someone who wanted to belong to him, too. Fact was, someone had owned him for years.

Needless to say, there is of course a sad backstory for these two, and now five years later, they are brought together again after her fiance strikes again. This time, they both have the opportunity to right the wrongs they both made and maybe make a new path for themselves, as long as Alexa can get free from the grasp of her ex. 

Laura Kaye has created an MC that is the perfect blend of good and bad. For the most part, the club and its members are very good. The club protects battered women and provides legitimate entertainment for their town in the form of a race track. But, if one of their own needs help, the club is not above going outside the law to give it. 

I think it's that loyalty that makes me love them so much. Even though Alexa and Maverick didn't part on good terms, his club knows that he still has lots of feelings for her. So, when she needs help, and Mav asks the club to band with him to give it to her, they don't hesitate. Their brotherhood is fierce and loyal and solid. We should all be so lucky.

Alexa is familiar with the club life, since her brother used to be a member. She slips back into the life very easily, and is welcomed back by Dare's girlfriend Haven and her BFF Cora, as well as the other female members of the club that knew her from before. Alexa goes about trying to make amends for her part in the break-up with Maverick with all the members of the club, which I thought was pretty humble and awesome of her. 

Her tears scalded him with guilt and regret, but he'd take every one. For her. 

Maverick has always regretted parting ways with Alexa, so when the opportunity comes along for him to have her back, he grabs it with both hands and doesn't let go for a second. That man is amazing. He offers Alexa his love and protection, which also extends to her ill mother. And they need both from him, since Alexa's ex is a real piece of work who will stop at nothing to make her pay for breaking up with him. 

Alexa and Maverick's connection reforms quickly, as does they sizzling heat. Ride Rough is told in dual POV, which means we get both sides of their story. We also get hints as to what the next book in this series will be about, and it's one I've been wanting ever since the beginning. Slider and Cora will be next, and it's sure to be incredible. 

REVIEW: The Dead List

The Dead List, by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publish Date: April 25, 2017
Publisher: self-published
Format: e-ARC, provided by the author
Genre: young adult horror/suspense
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 4.5 STARS

(Synopsis) It's Ella's senior year of high school and she and her best friend Linds plan to make it the best year ever. At Brock Cochran's end of summer pool party, the girls vow to have as much fun as possible before they head off to different colleges next fall. But when Ella is mysteriously attacked on her way home from the party, everything changes. Ella's carefree senior year plans disintegrate as she finds herself at the center of an attempted murder investigation.

Ella tries to move on, but her attacker isn't done yet. He shows himself in the form of horrifying signs and symbols: a clown mask strewn on her bed, a dead bird in her backpack, a shadow moving past her window in the night. And as the weeks pass, it turns out that Ella isn't the only one being tormented.

With the help of an old flame, Jensen Carver, and her friends and family, Ella tries to attain some sense of normalcy, but she can't seem to shake the feeling that there's a dark pattern hidden in the killer's every move. Suddenly, even those in her innermost circle seem suspicious. In her seemingly safe West Virginia town, Ella starts to wonder who she can trust.

Suspense and horror lovers - have I got a book for you. The Dead List is all that and more. Originally released on Wattpad last year a few chapters at a time, it's now coming out for the first time in paperback, and if you haven't yet experienced how well Jennifer Armentrout can make you afraid, now is the perfect time to do it. 

I didn't read The Dead List when it first came out. I'm glad now for that. I don't know how anyone could read just a few chapters at a time, and then wait to see what happened next. This is a book that catches you up in the backstory and the twists and turns and, yes, the romance, so that you don't have a prayer of putting it down until you know EVERYTHING. 

Seventeen-year-old Ella was once best friends with Jensen before a tragedy rocked their young world and they grew apart. Now, they're reconnecting over the fact that some lunatic in a clown suit tried to kill Ella a few nights before her senior year starts. It soon becomes clear that she's still not safe, and Jensen vows to protect her until the killer is caught. 

The Dead List was a perfect blend of horror, suspense and romance. Nothing seemed forced or unbalanced. The main point of the story is the killer in the clown suit and what he may or may not have to do with the events that drove Ella and Jensen apart four years earlier. That remains the driving force through the entire book. The side stories of Ella's former relationship with Gavin and her current relationship with Jensen don't cause you to lose focus, but rather give you moments to take a breath before the suspense and terror pick up again. 

I always need at least a little romance in my books, and Ella's budding relationship with Jensen gave me butterflies. Jensen was heroic and romantic and utterly perfect. I loved them together.

"I want to be that guy - the one that when your phone rings, you hope it's me. The one who holds your hand in the hallway and at lunch. The guy who gets to hold you. I want to be the one who gets to touch you," he whispered against my cheek. "I want to be yours."

To say there were twists, turns and questions everywhere is a gross understatement. I thought I had it all figured out through most of the book, but in the end I was blindsided, which I absolutely loved. 

The Dead List is another winner from Jennifer Armentrout, but you might not want to read it late at night when you're home alone. 

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Cut & Run (Cut & Run #1)

Cut & Run (Cut & Run #1), by Abigail Roux and Madeline Urban
Publish Date: September 30, 2008
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Format: audiobook, purchased
Genre: adult m/m crime suspense
To Buy: Amazon

Rating: 4 STARS

(Synopsis) A series of murders in New York City has stymied the police and FBI alike, and they suspect the culprit is a single killer sending an indecipherable message. But when the two federal agents assigned to the investigation are taken out, the FBI takes a more personal interest in the case.

Special Agent Ty Grady is pulled out of undercover work after his case blows up in his face. He's cocky, abrasive, and indisputably the best at what he does. But when he's paired with Special Agent Zane Garrett, it's hate at first sight. Garrett is the perfect image of an agent: serious, sober, and focused, which makes their partnership a classic cliche: total opposites, good cop-bad cop, the odd couple. They both know immediately that their partnership will pose more of an obstacle than the lack of evidence left by the murderer.

Practically before their special assignment starts, the murderer strikes again this time at them. Now on the run, trying to track down a man who has focused on killing his pursuers, Grady and Garrett will have to figure out how to work together before they become two more notches in the murderer's knife.

I've had my eye on this book for a very long time, but just never found the time to get to it until now. I love a good crime suspense novel, and the m/m romance angle was an even bigger plus for me. I finally pulled the trigger on the audio version of Cut & Run so that I could finally experience this book that I've heard so many talk about while taking my springtime walks around my neighborhood. 

On the whole, I really enjoyed Cut & Run. It centers around an unlikely partnership of two salty FBI agents as they team up to try and figure out who a nasty serial killer is in New York City. Both men come to the partnership with their own respective demons and rather large chips on their shoulders. In the beginning, they're combative, angry, insulting and all that results in them being mostly unproductive as they try to solve the case. 

I knew from talking to friends that, eventually, these two men got together, and honestly for the first 30% or so of the book, I couldn't imagine how it would happen. Ty and Zane didn't even remotely like one another. I wouldn't say there was a slow burn, because there really was no flame at all that I could tell. The beginning was spent laying the groundwork for the case and listening to Zane and Ty trade insults. 

But, as I always say, passion takes many forms. In Zane and Ty's case, it manifests in open hostility for awhile before it absolutely erupts into some toe-curling sex. After that, things take off - the murders pick up, the sexual tension increases and the danger to both men reaches critical levels. 

The pace of Cut & Run ebbs and flows along with Zane and Ty's relationship. There are times when the story speeds along, and other times when it sort of stalls a bit - almost like the book is taking a breather before gearing up for something big. There's no doubt that the ending was crazy exciting as the serial killer is revealed and Zane and Ty fight for their lives for the hundredth time. 

The audio version of Cut & Run wasn't my favorite that I've listened to. I thought that the narrator, Sawyer Allerde, sounded a bit like a newscaster. He read mostly in a monotone voice and there wasn't much inflection in his voicing of different characters. Although his performance wasn't what I would've liked, Cut & Run was a long book, so I had plenty of time to get used to it. And I did. Although, I think that when I get into the next book in this series, I may just read it instead of listen to it. And I do intend to continue with the series - something tells me that although Zane and Ty aren't even close to romantically inclined, I have a feeling there's a lot more coming for them, and I want to see where it goes. 

BLOG TOUR REVIEW & EXCERPT: Mixed Up

This enemies-to-lovers rom-com from Emma Hart was GOLDEN. Check out the excerpt below for a little taste as to why...

Mixed Up, by Emma Hart
Publish Date: April 18, 2017
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) Hiring my brother's best friend was not on my to-do list.
Neither was he.

Expanding my dirty cocktail bar into food was supposed to be easy, except finding a chef in my little town of Whiskey Key is anything but.

Until Parker Hamilton comes home--bringing his Michelin starred chef's hat with him.
He has no work. I need someone like him in my new kitchen.
There's just one problem: I hate his cocky, filthy-mouthed, sexy-as-hell guts.
Even if I might want him. Just a little...

Working for my best friend's sister? Not on my to-do list.
She's another story.

Whiskey Key was supposed to be a relaxing vacation, except I haven't reached the heights I have by lying in a hammock drinking cocktails. So when Raven Archer is desperate for a chef, I offer up my skills.

I'm bored. She needs what I can give her.
Except there's a problem: I've always hated her.
Her and her big, blue eyes, sassy mouth, and killer curves.
If only I didn't want her.

I love enemies-to-lovers stories, because the one thing they all seem to have in common (at least the good ones do) is PASSION. The two MCs focus so much of their emotions into hating each other, until one day all that emotion bubbles over and crosses the line from hatred into something else. Those moments are the best parts of these types of books. It certainly was my favorite part of Mixed Up. 

I truly loved both MCs in Mixed Up. In one corner you have feisty half-Greek spitfire Raven Archer, a bar owner and master mixologist who has passionately hated her brother's BFF for most of her life. She's decided to start offering food at her establishment on the Florida Keys, but is having trouble finding a chef that's up to snuff. In a final act of desperation, she asks the bane of her existence - who happens to be a Michelin-star chef - to help her out.

Then, this curveball happened. Now, I'm forced into spending more time with him than I'm truly comfortable with, and every time he switches that dumb little smile onto me, I'm not gonna lie, I get... tingly. 

Parker Hamilton was looking to spend the summer taking a break at his parents' house in the Keys. He didn't expect Raven to have matured so beautifully or professionally. Working for her was absolutely not a part of his summer plans. But, before he knows it, she's his boss and things are complicated. Because he actually finds that he... respects and admires her.

I had no place wanting her. She was so many different kinds of forbidden it wasn't even close to funny. My best friend's sister, my boss, the person I'd hated by whole life.

That passion I talked about earlier - these two have it in spades. They loathe each other so vehemently in the beginning. They're caustic banter was actually pretty funny and pretty consistent. But, there were a few moments where real conversation took over, and you could see there was something else there, if they could just forget about how much they were supposed to hate one another. 

Maybe it was because ever since I'd come back and laid eyes on her, I'd been unable to shake her. I wanted to know how much it would take for my lips to wipe that glossy, red lipstick off hers. I wanted to know how hard I'd have to kiss her before she'd be whimpering in my mouth. 

I loved the bar and restaurant setting. There was lots of talk of food and cocktails, which was awesome. The drink names are ridiculously obscene, and made me wish there was a real Dirty somewhere so I could go there. Raven's big Greek family is funny and meddling and wonderfully close. And the passion between Raven and Parker was so sexy and tension-laden. I loved every minute of their angry foreplay. 

Of course, the fact that Parker is Raven's brother throws another wrench into any relationship plans. As we've all seen time and again, the big-brother's-best-friend-loves-the-little-sister situation is never an easy one. As if Parker and Raven didn't already have enough roadblocks in their way, that one just adds to the total. 

Mixed Up was such a fun book. The dialog is witty and the story, told from both Raven's and Parker's POV, is fast-paced. It's also hot and sexy and pretty sweet and romantic in spots. It's the perfect book to spend an evening with - especially if you have a drink in your hand. 

I knew I was making a mistake. After what Raven said last night at dinner, I had the strongest urge to find out what her cocktail menu was. With names like Dirty Screw and The Slutwhisperer, what other gems did she have hidden on there?

Shit, what gems were hidden inside her apparently filthy mind?

I had no place to be thinking that. She was Ryan’s sister and the bane of my goddamn existence. I didn’t give a shit what was inside her head or how she came up with a filthy cocktail menu.

I was going to believe that she’d spent stupid amounts of time on the Internet coming up with those kinds of names. Seeing her in that damn short dress yesterday had already affected me enough—not to mention the fact that she’d changed since I last saw her.

I didn’t know people could change so much in only three years, but Raven Archer had. She was no longer post-grad, trying to seriously figure out what she wanted to do with her life, uncertain and serving burgers to people to make money.

She was grown-up, in more ways than just her age. She was even hotter-headed that she was back then. She seemed stronger and more stubborn, and her tongue was so sharp I probably have scars from how quickly she cut me with her words.

She was taller and fucking curvier, too.

Her lips were fuller. Her eyes were brighter. And the general air that hung about her, that hint of sass and sexiness, the very same thing that made me insult her whenever I opened my mouth almost made me want her, too.

And that was exactly why I couldn’t sit and think about what went on in her mind—filthy or otherwise.

No matter what she looked like or how fucking hot she was, she was my best friend’s sister. Nobody was more off-limits than she was. That wasn’t a new development. It had always been that way.

Thank fucking god I was only here for the summer, and only because my mother had guilted me into it.

As soon as the summer was over, I’d go for my next challenge.

I could get through a few weeks of being in the same town or two as Raven—because after today, avoidance was at the top of my life.

Otherwise, I’d go fucking insane.

Dirty was right on the seafront, only meters away from a small, sandy bay. It’d only taken me a few minutes to walk here from where I’d parked downtown, and despite the music coming from inside the bar, I could still hear the gentle crashing of the waves as they crawled up the sand. The water was right out, and I stared out at the water as I headed up the hill to the bar.

Fairy lights twinkled along the underside of the roof that jutted out over the sidewalk. It was like a goddamn princess castle from the outside, but the beachy vibe was evident. Different sized and colored shells covered the pillars that held up the balcony that jutted out over the front doors.

I pushed open the door. Cold air blasted into me, and so did the heavy bass beat of the music that blared out from the speakers just above my head. There were more fairy lights inside, but they were strung all beneath the bar, across the beams on the ceiling, and over the back wall where the spirits were on the wall. There wasn’t much else in the way of lighting, but what there was was effective enough in holding the entire space into a balance between bright and dusky.

The inside of Raven’s bar was like being outside at the moment the sun set.

I cast my gaze over the rest of the bar. The solid, wood tables and stools that lines the walls and filled the space to my left all had tiny vases of fresh flowers in. Even those were surrounded by fairy lights.

Fucking hell, did she let a class of little girls in here to decorate?

No matter what I felt about the fairy lights, it looked good. Damn good.

I stepped up to the bar and leaned forward on it. Raven was at the other end of the bar, wearing jeans and a tight tank top that tucked beneath the waistband. Strappy, silver heels on her feet glinted off the under-bar lighting, and it was all too easy for me to drop my eyes there then slowly drag my gaze up the length of her entire body.

Light bounced off the chrome cocktail shaker in her hand as she shook it. She popped off the top with one slick of her thumb, and without spilling a drop, poured the pink-red liquid into two martini-style glasses. With her other hand, she reached back to the register and jabbed at it.

Seconds later, she was handing them back their change. It all happened in a flash.

How did such she go from lost to…this…so quick?

“Raven!” A dark-haired woman sitting a few stools away from me with her friend yelled. “There’s a hot guy staring at you!”

I laughed loudly as Raven jerked around. Her gaze landed on me with what felt like a snap, and I swore she mouthed, “Motherfucker,” before she stalked to this end of the bar.
Her hands slapped on the bar in front of me. “What are you doing here?”

“I told you I was coming to check out your menu.”

“He was checking out more than the menu,” the woman’s friend giggled.

Raven held her finger up to them, and with her other hand, slapped a smooth, laminated menu in front of me. “Did you drive?”

“No, I walked all the way from Key West.” I picked up the menu. “Of course I drove.”

“Pick one,” she said, moving away. “I’m not serving you anymore than that. Make it a good choice. What can I get for you?” she asked someone else, cutting me off before I could say a word.

I raised my eyebrows.

“She runs a tight ship,” the first woman said. “Three days ago, there was a guy in here spiking drinks. She caught him and bashed him in the balls with her cocktail shaker so he couldn’t run from the security guard.”

Could my eyebrows go up any higher? “That doesn’t surprise me in the slightest. I’ve seen her do worse.”

The second woman’s eyes narrowed. “You have? You know her?”

The first woman rolled her eyes. “Of course he does, Cam. When have you seen her react to a customer like that? He obviously pissed her off in a past life or something.”

“I should be so lucky.” I smirked. “More like all in this life.”

“Her brother’s friend, right?” She tilted her head to the side. “Yeah, she mentioned she hated you.”

She’d talked about me?

“She didn’t say you were hot, though,” the second woman said.

“Camille!”

Ahhh.

The best friends.

“What?” Camille said. “I’m just saying.”

“No more Slutwhisperers for you,” the other woman—the one I presumed to be Lani—said, reaching for her glass.

Camille leaned over and slurped the last of the drink through the straw.

That explained the name of the cocktail.

“What are you doing?” Raven asked, stopping in front of them. “Cam? Your glass is empty. Let me refill that for you.” She winked to the other girl as she turned around.

What was she doing?

She put her back to her friends and grabbed the tequila bottle. She tipped it over a cocktail shaker without actually pouring anything into it. My lips quirked up as she put together what was some pink juice or something and blended it with raspberries.

She poured the mixture into a glass with some vigor in front of Camille.

She’d made her a placebo.

“Made your choice?” Raven turned to me, holding onto the shaker.

“No.” I spun the menu to face her. “What do you think I should have?”

Completely straight-faced, she said, “The Blue Balls.”

By day, New York Times and USA Today bestselling New Adult author Emma Hart dons a cape and calls herself Super Mum to two beautiful little monsters. By night, she drops the cape, pours a glass of whatever she fancies—usually wine—and writes books.

Emma is working on Top Secret projects she will share with her followers and fans at every available opportunity. Naturally, all Top Secret projects involve a dashingly hot guy who likes to forget to wear a shirt, a sprinkling (or several) of hold-onto-your-panties hot scenes, and a whole lotta love.

She likes to be busy—unless busy involves doing the dishes, but that seems to be when all the ideas come to life.

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COVER REVEAL: Daddy's Best Friend

When I learned of the creation of London Hale and the smexy novellas the BFF duo were writing, I was super excited to read them for myself. The first story - DADDY'S BEST FRIEND - is due out May 2, and today I get to show you the cover!

Daddy's Best Friend, by London Hale
Publish Date: May 2, 2017
Publisher: self-published
Genre: adult erotic romance novella
To Buy: Amazon

(Synopsis) She’s temptaion personified

Nathan had always been more than just my dad’s friend. I never thought he’d see me as an adult, especially not after avoiding me for so long. But one hug, one moment feeling every inch of him against me, shattered that illusion. Consequences no longer mattered—I was eighteen, and I was willing to risk everything for my shot with him.

He’s not going to resist anymore

I never should’ve seen Eve as more than my best friend’s daughter. As a cop, I knew it was wrong. It was my job to protect her from guys like me. Chasing her could cost me my career—not to mention the only family I’d ever known—but I couldn’t hold back another second. One taste, and I wanted her. To hell with the fallout. 

London Hale is the combined pen name of writing besties Ellis Leigh and Brighton Walsh. Between them, they’ve published more than thirty books in the contemporary romance, paranormal romance, and romantic suspense genres. Ellis is a USA Today bestselling author who loves coffee, thinks green Skittles are the best, and prefers to stay in every weekend. Brighton is multi-published with Berkley, St. Martin’s Press, and Carina Press. She hates coffee, thinks green Skittles are the work of the devil, and has never heard of a party she didn’t want to attend. Don’t ask how they became such good friends or work so well together—they still haven’t gured it out themselves.

Learn more about London --> Website ** Twitter ** Facebook

Click on the Rafflecopter link to enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card! Ends April 18 at 12:01 a.m.

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/22b294fa7/

REVIEW: Fly With Me (Wild Aces #1)

Fly With Me (Wild Aces #1), by Chanel Cleeton
Publish Date: May 3, 2016
Publisher: Berkley Romance
Format: paperback, purchased
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 5 STARS

(Synopsis) U.S. Air Force fighter pilot Noah Miller—call sign Burn—loves nothing more than flying hard and fast. When he meets a gorgeous and sassy woman while partying in Las Vegas, he immediately locks on to her.

Jordan Callahan owns a thriving clothing boutique, but her love life is far less successful. Her luck changes when six feet, two inches of sexy swagger asks her to dance and turns her world upside down.

One scorching weekend becomes an undeniable chemistry that they can’t leave in Vegas. But the long distance relationship and their different lives threaten to ground their romance. And when the dangers of Noah’s job become all too real, Jordan learns being with a fighter pilot means risking it all for a shot at love…

Chanel Cleeton is making every girl's Top Gun fantasies come to life in her Wild Aces series. No matter how many times main character Noah Miller tells Jordan that Top Gun was Navy and he's Air Force, it doesn't matter. While reading Fly With Me, I had images of Maverick engaging bad guys in his fighter plane and making love in the sunset. 

Not that Fly With Me isn't hot enough on its own. It totally is. Noah and Jordan have incredible chemistry right from the beginning. On top of that, both MCs are so likable. Noah is truly an honorable, good man. Once he commits to Jordan, he's in it for the long haul, and he's always honest with her. Jordan is a strong woman who bravely takes a chance on love and follows her heart, even when it's the tougher road. 

Noah and Jordan meet in Vegas, make an incredible connection, and decide to do the long distance thing. I've been there - it's hard. Fly With Me was so much more emotional than I thought it would be. The long distance relationship and how challenging it was for both of them made my heart hurt.  The military life seems extra hard given the danger and the moving around. Chanel Cleeton is such a great writer. I felt everything Noah and Jordan felt. It brought tears to my eyes.

I really loved Fly With Me. As soon as I was done, I moved on to book 2 because I couldn't wait to find out what happened to other members of Noah's inner circle of friends. And because every girl could use even more Top Gun fantasy fodder. 

REVIEW: Live Wire (Nashville's Finest #1)

Live Wire (Nashville's Finest #1), by Caisey Quinn
Publish Date: March 7, 2017
Publisher: Intermix
Format: e-ARC, provided by the publisher
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Rating: 4.5 STARS

(Synopsis) HE’S NOT AFRAID OF ANYTHING… 

Explosive ordinance disposal specialist Chase Fisk never breaks a sweat defusing even the most complicated of explosives. So when a homicidal maniac threatens to set off military-grade IEDs during Nashville’s largest music festival, Chase is the man to take him down. But with the reappearance of a woman he thought was long dead, everything he thought he knew is blown away.

EXCEPT LOSING HER AGAIN.

FBI operative Vivien Montgomery is an enigma to everyone around her. So when a deadly threat lands her in Nashville and paired up with the only man she’s ever loved, she isn’t looking forward to an emotional reunion. She’s only here to get the job done and get out. But when the madman behind the chaos targets her for death, the one man she left behind might be the only person she can count on to save her life...

The story laid out in Live Wire was started in a novella that I read several months ago. It blew me away, especially the end when Vivien Montgomery was killed and her boyfriend Chase was left devastated by the loss. I remember reading the end and thinking, "That can't be it."

Thankfully, that was not it. 

Live Wire picks up four years later, as we learn that Vivien in fact did not die, but was taken in by the feds and put undercover to bring down some really bad people. When she was done her assignment, she was too afraid to go back to Chase in case he was so angry she lied to him he wouldn't speak to her. But now her hand is being forced and she is about to come face-to-face with the man she never stopped loving. And she has no idea how he's going to take it.

Needless to say, Chase doesn't take her return from the dead well. My heart absolutely broke for both of them. Chase was obviously feeling horribly betrayed because she never told him she was alive. Vivien is a mess because Chase is being so openly hostile toward her. I can understand both points of view. Neither Viven nor Chase are completely innocent of wrong. 

I knew that Vivien's return was going to be emotional, but I was surprised by all the feels. Caisey Quinn did a wonderful job connecting me with both main characters. I was right in the story with them as they tried to figure out a way to work together again amidst all their past baggage. 

To make matters even more complicated and stressful, there's someone after Vivien and Chase automatically steps in to protect her. Thankfully, they don't spend the entire book being hateful with one another, so there's still plenty of sexual chemistry and hot times between the sheets. 

We get to spend a bit more time with Chase's fellow bomb squad members and get to know them in advance of their own books coming out. I'm really loving what I'm seeing and can't wait to see what their stories will bring. Because this one? Chase and Vivian's story? It was pretty epic.   

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 Eight Most Unique Books I've Ever Read

1. Cinder, by Marissa Meyer

Fairy tale retellings are all the rage now, but making Cinderella a cyborg queen? That's just the start of all the wildly creative and unique parts of this epic story about love, betrayal and 

2. Wings, by Aprilynne Pike

There are tons of fae books out there, but not a ton where the fae are actually plants. Sort of. It took a book or two for me to get on board with that, but by the final book in the series, I was hooked. 

3. White Hot Kiss, by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I may not have liked how the whole thing ended, but there's no denying that the concept of gargoyles who come to life in order to protect humanity from demons is pretty awesome. I loved White Hot Kiss before the love triangle fully came to light because of the incredible mythology created in this world. 

4. Unholy Ghosts, by Stacia Kane

This is one of the darkest series I've ever read, but also one of the most compelling. The Downside Ghosts series is this combination of dystopian and paranormal where our heroine is a strung-out witch named Chess and the hero is an uneducated bouncer named Terrible who looks like Elvis. And despite their flaws, you will root for them every step of the way.

5. Shade, by Jeri Smith-Ready

The Shade series is not merely a ghost series. It's a series about young love and letting go. And being able to see and talk to ghosts. There's that too. 

6. Fire and Flood, by Victoria Scott

It's like the Hunger Games meets Survivor when a group of teens is dropped off in the middle of a jungle with nothing but a weird egg and a faceless voice in their ears. But, what develops is an awesome story of friendship, love and survival. And those eggs turn out to be the best part of the whole thing. 

7. Poison Study, by Maria V. Snyder

Poison Study started my love of all things Maria V. Snyder, because it's a really cool story about how a lowly criminal becomes a leader's food tester and then she ends up becoming a sort of leader in her own right as she taps into her hidden power and forms relationships with awesome people. 

8. The Naturals, by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

I loved this book about a group of teens who are so brilliant and have such honed abilities that the FBI hires them to try and solve cold cases. I wish they would make a TV show around this book. I bet it would be a big hit.