Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Review Tour & Excerpt:5 Stars for Out of Love by Jewel E. Ann

 

I could love the monster or leave the man. 

Out of Love by Jewel E. Ann is now live! 

Conspiracies. Corruption. Serial killers.

You name it--I'm fascinated by it. My mom always blamed my overly curious and highly suspicious mind on my dad.

My incredibly overbearing dad.

Mr. No One Is Good Enough For My Daughter has been terrifying my dates since I turned fifteen.

College is my chance to be free from his control and date any guy I want.

I'm absolutely certain he would hate Slade Wylder--almost as certain as I am that I do too.

Since when have I shied away from trouble?

Slade fascinates me. He lives in a house I'm certain is haunted. His dog is trained as well as any guard I've ever seen. Rumor on campus is that he deals drugs. It would explain a lot.

But it doesn't explain why he saves me from my darkest moment.

It doesn't explain why I can't stop thinking about him.

And the explanation I finally discover is far more dangerous than any rumor.

  Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3mF4w6N

Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/OutOfLove    

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2E0ltHb

Excerpt

Out of Love - Excerpt 

After their kissy-huggy greeting ended, they walked toward the house with Jericho in tow. I waited for him to glance back at me. He saw me. There was no way he passed me a few seconds earlier on the street and didn’t see me. Yet, he made no attempt to acknowledge me. 

Until … 

My boy Jerry stopped abruptly and turned like he caught whiff of my scent. All the warm fuzzies filled my chest. A dog gave me more feels than any man had given me in a long time. Maybe ever. 

Jericho liked me. Hell, maybe he loved me. 

He protected me. 

He smiled when he saw me—tongue out, tail in a low wag. I continued my way up the sidewalk, feigning surprise when he trotted toward me in spite of Slade barking his own command. 

“Hey, Jerry.” I squatted down to give him double the love Miss Sophisticated gave him … and I had a treat in my pocket because part of me anticipated—hoped for—a chance encounter. “Oh, buddy … I love you too.” I closed my eyes and turned my face side to side while he showered me with kisses.

Slade cleared his throat. 

I opened my eyes—noticing his friend must have gone inside. “Sorry.” I stood, sliding a treat into Jericho’s mouth along the way. “I know it’s hard for you to know he likes me more.” On a shrug, I bit my lips together to keep my shit-eating grin under control. 

“Inside,” he said to Jericho while looking at me. 

Jericho turned and headed to the back door. 

“If you have a job to do … Jerry can hang with me tonight. I’m alone this evening.” 

“Jericho. And he doesn’t need a babysitter.” 

“Maybe I do.” 

His brow tensed a fraction, contemplation settling into a slight frown for a few seconds, before he whistled and Jericho came running. “Send him home when your friends get back.” 

Why was the only word that sat on the tip of my idle tongue? Why protect me? 

“What are you going to do?” Okay, apparently “why” wasn’t the only word on the tip of my tongue after all. Six other words were in line first. 

“Does it matter?” 

Letting my gaze settle over his shoulder to the firehouse and images of Miss Sophisticated waiting for him, I lifted a single shoulder. “No. Just curious. Is she your girlfriend?” 

“Does it matter?” 

“I hate you.” I rolled my eyes. “Worst communication skills ever.” 

“Good. Hate me. I prefer it.” 

I recoiled. I didn’t really hate anyone. It wasn’t my personality to be hateful, vengeful, or hold grudges. Why did Slade Wylder want me to hate him? It was a joke. I hated his lack of sharing information. 

“If you’re selling her some shit that will ruin her life, may I suggest you rethink that? Not cool, Wylder.” 

“Noted.” 

Tipping my chin up, I gave him several tiny nods. “Okay then. I’ll take Jerry to my house and spoil him. Maybe he comes back to you … maybe he doesn’t.” 

Slade let his gaze slide down my body, a slow and easy trip. He didn’t do that when we met. Somewhere along the way, he decided it was okay. I wasn’t sure what reaction he desired from me. 

Maybe nothing. 

Maybe he did it out of pure selfish desire. 

“I’m only allowing this because I love Jerry.” 

Curious eyes met mine, slightly squinted. 

I smirked. “Stripping me with those eyes of yours.” 

Moments … 

I collected moments in my mind, my heart, my soul, like Aubrey collected rare coins—my mom dying, my dad spending a few years thoroughly drunk. Mostly bad moments—permanent scars. 

That moment I tucked into my memory forever as one of the first truly great moments.  

Wylder …

The corners of his mouth quirked into pure sin. If Satan was hot as fuck, his name would have been Slade Wylder, and I would have been in a whole helluva lot of trouble. 

What I thought about Out of Love

Wow. Another story from Jewel E. Ann based in the Jack and Jill world. If you haven't read that series and like a good, twisty unconventional suspenseful romance, you really want to start with reading that series, but you can also jump into Out of Love since it works as a standalone as well. 

Like most of the books I've read from Jewel E. Ann, I can't really get into the plot beyond the blurb since it will spoil all the wonderful twists and turns and surprises along the way. The author does a great job of pulling on the heart strings and revealing things at exactly the right time. Put that together with characters that are unique and interesting and you have a book that I just couldn't put down. 

I was totally sucked into this story right away and then proceeded on the edge of my seat as the little bits and pieces are revealed. Jewel E. Ann does an amazing job here, she knows just how and when to reveal the juicy information! I will say this is enemies to lovers with a slow burn which I really liked. Livy and Slade are perfection. The romance between these two is terrific. The twists and reveals are perfectly timed.  I loved everything about this.

An ARC was provided. This is my honest review.


Meet  Jewel E. Ann


Jewel is a Wall Street Journal & USA Today best selling author a with a quirky sense of humor. When she's not saving the planet one tree at a time, you can find her role modeling questionable behavior to her three boys, binge-watching Netflix with her husband, and writing mind-bending romance. 

Connect with Jewel

Website: https://www.jeweleann.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7505427.Jewel_E_Ann

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jewel-E-Ann/e/B00IJYHDIG/

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

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/485996228236493

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JewelE_Ann

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jewel-e-ann

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jeweleannauthor/

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Release Day 5 Star Review: Rifts & Refrains (Hush Note #2) By Devney Perry

 

Rifts and Refrains by Devney Perry is now live! 

From the moment Quinn Montgomery sat behind her first snare and cymbal set, she was destined for fame and glory. As Hush Note's infamous female drummer, she sets the rhythm for the band's chart-toppings hits. When people tap their feet to their music, it's to her pulse.

Quinn is content to live in a world away from her family and the cage of her youth. Her only regret is leaving Graham Hayes behind without a goodbye. No matter how many sold-out stadiums she plays, no matter how many crowds sing her songs, his voice haunts her when the music stops.

When a family tragedy forces her to return home to Montana, she plans to leave the second she's paid her respects. But seeing Graham again turns her life upside down. As a boy, he wasn't able to make her stay. As a man, he might be her future.

If they can mend their rifts and find solace in the refrains.

Download today on Amazon, Nook, Kobo, Apple!

Amazon | Apple | Nook | Kobo 

Add to Goodreads

What I thought about Rifts & Refrains

Hush Note drummer Quinn Montgomery gets some bad news regarding a beloved relative which forces her to return to her family home in Bozeman Montana which is the last place she wants to go. It's been nine years since she's been home, and she didn't leave under the best circumstances.

And then there's Graham, her first love who she left behind all those years ago. He's still angry (as are a lot of people, poor Quinn) that Quinn left without looking back. It's a very difficult reunion for all, especially Quinn who just wants to get through the week.

But there's a lot to be said between Quinn and her family and Graham. The week provides that opportunity and the more Quinn and Graham talk, the more she realizes her true feelings although they both protect their tender hearts since Quinn will be leaving to go back on the road with the band.

I thought this romance was terrific!  It didn't rush to the good part, but instead let them gradually come back together.  No doubt the beginning of this story was a little sad and hard to take because Quinn's family, including Graham aren't very nice to her at first and I thought it captured the situation in a realistic way.

 Quinn and Graham are great together, but they'll have to work out how they can move forward with their relationship and she gets some help from Nixon, who's story is up next in this series.

I really loved this. I couldn't put it down and it was one of those books that was easy to devour in a couple of nights. The characters are interesting, including Quinn's family even though I wanted to yell at them at first. And there's a very sweet and tender moment with Jonas and Ethan, and it left me wanting Nixon's story.  Definitely recommended.

An ARC was provided for review.


Meet Devney


Devney is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in Washington with her husband and two sons. Born and raised in Montana, she loves writing books set in her treasured home state. After working in the technology industry for nearly a decade, she abandoned conference calls and project schedules to enjoy a slower pace at home with her family. Writing one book, let alone many, was not something she ever expected to do. But now that she's discovered her true passion for writing romance, she has no plans to ever stop.

Connect with Devney

Website: www.devneyperry.com

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2kncXnb.

Amazon: https://geni.us/nAXkP

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/devneyperrybooks

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/324585607979213/

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/devneyperry

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/devneyperry

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2v1Hr7t

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/devneyperry

Teaser Reveal: Muses & Melodies (Hush Note #3) by Rebecca Yarros

 

MUSES & MELODIES (Hush Note #3)
by Rebecca Yarros
Release Date: October 6th  

 

PREORDER MUSES & MELODIES TODAY!!
 
   
 
 
 

 Blurb:  
If I can keep Hush Note’s leading guitarist, Nixon Winters, on the straight and narrow for the next six months, I’ll finally get my own band to manage—assuming we don’t kill each other first.  

The egotistical, irritating rock star is fresh out of rehab, but it’s obvious his demons followed him home—and now I’m sleeping down the hall. I’ve watched him self-destruct every summer, and with album deadlines and tour dates looming, I can’t let it happen again.

My career is in his hands.
But tattoos can’t cover every scar, and I’m starting to see through his trademark, irresistible charm to the damage beneath. Everyone wants the rock star. I’m falling for the man. If he doesn’t let me in, he’ll never break the cycle— And when these six months are up, I might be the one left broken.

  

 
 
 About the Author
 
 

Rebecca is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of over fifteen novels, and is always ready to bring on the emotions. She's also the recipient of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence for Eyes Turned Skyward from her Flight and Glory series. 
 
 She loves military heroes and has been blissfully married to hers for eighteen years. She’s the mother of six children, ranging from kindergarten to law school, and is currently surviving the teenage years with two of her four hockey-playing sons. 
 
When she’s not writing, you can find her at the hockey rink or sneaking in some guitar time. She lives in Colorado with her family, their stubborn English bulldog, and a feisty chinchilla. 
 
Having fostered then adopted their youngest daughter, Rebecca is passionate about helping children in the foster system through her nonprofit, One October. 
 
 Visit her website at www.RebeccaYarros.com for more!     
 
Connect w/Rebecca:  
 

Jingle Those Balls! 20 Rom-Coms for Testicular Cancer Awareness

 Jingle those balls! 


It's release day for JINGLE BALLS!

Now you can get this super fun set of sexy holiday stories and support a wonderful cause, the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation.

20 rom-coms.
99 pennies.
1 great cause. 
Get your copy today!
 

Monday, September 28, 2020

Review Tour & Excerpt: The Love Study by Kris Ripper

 


Title: The Love Study
Author: Kris Ripper
Length: 336 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Imprint: Carina Press (Carina Adores)
On-Sale: September 29, 2020
Format: Trade Paperback
(also available in eBook and audiobook formats)

Price: $14.99
ISBN: 9781335943194

Book Description: What happens when the search for the perfect date goes perfectly wrong? Don’t miss this charming romantic comedy from critically acclaimed author Kris Ripper.

Declan has commitment issues. He’s been an office temp for literally years now, and his friends delight in telling people that he left his last boyfriend at the altar.

And that’s all true. But he’s starting to think it’s time to start working on his issues. Maybe.

When Declan meets Sidney—a popular nonbinary YouTuber with an advice show—an opportunity presents itself: as part of The Love Study, Declan will go on a series of dates arranged by Sidney and report back on how the date went in the next episode.

The dates are…sort of blah. It’s not Sidney’s fault; the folks participating are (mostly) great people, but there’s no chemistry there. Maybe Declan’s just broken.

Or maybe the problem is that the only person he’s feeling chemistry with is Sidney.

Carina Adores is home to highly romantic contemporary love stories featuring beloved romance tropes, where LGBTQ+ characters find their happily-ever-afters.

A new Carina Adores title is available each month in trade paperback, ebook and audiobook formats.

·       The Hideaway Inn by Philip William Stover (available now!)

·       The Girl Next Door by Chelsea M. Cameron (available now!)

·       Just Like That by Cole McCade (available now!)

·       Hairpin Curves by Elia Winters (available now!)

·       Better Than People by Roan Parrish (available now!)

·       The Secret Ingredient by KD Fisher (available October 27)

·       Just Like This by Cole McCade (available November 24)

·       Teddy Spenser Isn’t Looking for Love by Kim Fielding (December 29)

 

Buy The Love Study by Kris Ripper

IndieBound | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Apple | Google | Kobo
 
 
Excerpt

“I don’t date people,” Sidney said.

I hid my disappointment relief by forcing a laugh. “Oh, me neither. Mostly. Well. Not for a long time. Like…” I focused on the gentle sweep of their hair back from their face as if it would introduce a new topic of conversation. It didn’t.

“See, that sentence seemed like it was going to be followed by another thought.”

“Um, sorry, I realized I was basically spilling my guts to a stranger. You are totally not obligated to listen to me ramble. Only my oldest friends are contractually bound to deal with me being a hot mess.” Cue self-deprecating smile.

“You don’t seem like a hot mess to me and I don’t feel obligated. What were you going to say?”

What the hell. “Just, for a long time my not-dating policy worked? But lately it’s kind of getting…old. I’ve thinking maybe I should…at least try again. With the dating thing.” I wrinkled my nose. “Then I think that’s a horrible idea because oh my god where do you even start? Apps? Bars? I have no idea where people meet to date instead of hook up.”

Their eyes were light brown behind their red-framed glasses and I felt a bit exposed under their gaze, like maybe the glasses had a filter that could read my thoughts. Right when I was starting to shift uncomfortably, they cleared their throat. “I have an idea. It might be a bit obscene, though.”

I batted my eyelashes at them. “I enjoy the obscene.”

“Would you be interested in coming on my YouTube channel? It’s an advice show. I do one livestream and one pre-taped show each week.”

“Er…”

“An interview would be cool, but what if we did a series? You could come on once a week and talk about your recent dating adventures. I could find you the dates if you wanted, since you’d be supplying me with content.” Now their hands sort of danced in explanation. “And if you’re trying to get back into the dating thing anyway, maybe it’s two birds with one stone.”

My brain flooded with words and images—everything from danger, Will Robinson to a vision of Sidney and I shaking hands for the camera at an awards show where we’d just won for “Spectacular Advances in Dating Advice”—but I couldn’t seem to speak.

“Yeah, you’re right, it’s a terrible idea.” Their eyebrows were now a straight line behind their red frames. “Excuse my shameless desire to exploit your emotional turmoil for views.”

“Oh, no, I didn’t…I didn’t think that at all. I mean, I guess yes on the exploiting thing, but that doesn’t bother me. I was more…processing.”

“If it makes it any less gross, if I dated, I would absolutely mine my dating experiences for views.” They frowned. “Okay, no, that doesn’t make it less gross. Sorry. This is a nonideal first impression.”

“I like your glasses,” I blurted. “Just, that was my first impression. Well, actually I thought, Those better not be fucking fashion glasses, and then when I saw they weren’t I was impressed. They look really good on you. Not everyone can pull off red frames.”

“Oh. Um.” They straightened their shoulders. “Thank you.”

 What I thought about The Love Study

Poor Declan.He left his last boyfriend at the altar. To say he has commitment issues is an understatement.  He's not looking for anything permanent. When he meets Sydney, a nonbinary Youtuber with an idea for The Love Study, he ends up signing on to help.

The idea is that Declan will be the case study for The Love Study and as Declan and Sydney investigate just what Declan is looking for they become friends.

There's no insta love here, but a gradual building of friendship that grows into something more.  Only Declan's insecurities cause some major angst.  I don't want to spoil it for you, so that's all I will say.

This was a very sweet and romantic story of two people who find they need each other. I really liked both of the main characters and found them interesting.  It took a bit for me to get used to the pronouns during reading this, but I liked that about the story. It's good to normalize them / theirs. 

Their friends bring some levity and fun to the story, even though they can come off a bit immature since they are in their late twenties, but that didn't really bother me. The story was a bit wordy in spots and that took me out of the story in a few places, which is why I didn't rate this five stars.

Overall, a cute story that deals with twenty-somethings and their dating ups and downs. I really liked Declan and Sydney and their story.
 
An ARC was provided. This is my honest review.


About Kris Ripper


Kris Ripper lives in the great state of California and zir pronouns are ze/zir. Kris shares a converted garage with a kid, can do two pull-ups in a row, and can write backwards. (No, really.) Ze has been writing fiction since ze learned how to write, and boring zir stuffed animals with stories long before that.

 

Connect with Kris Ripper

www.krisripper.com

Twitter.com/Kris_Ripper

www.Facebook.com/groups/rippersirregulars

www.Instagram.com/krisripper

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8053438.Kris_Ripper

Review: Hott Take (Hott Springs Eternal, #2) by Serena Bell

    The hard part isn’t acting like we’re falling for each other. It’s pretending we’re not. Shane: My grandfather’s will has me betwee...