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To Wed an Heiress by Karen Ranney(review post)

Published March 28, 2019 by bookbesties

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Rebellion drove Mercy Rutherford to Scotland to escape the possessive grip of her fiancé. But it’s fate that lands her in the crumbling highlands castle of Lennox Caitheart. A dreamer with visions of inventing airships, he’s most certainly mad. Handsome beyond words, he’s also causing an irresistible flutter in her stomach beyond reason. When Gregory arrives to see their arranged marriage to its bitter end, Mercy desperately turns to Ross with an offer of her fortune—and her hand in marriage.

The Earl of Morton has a reputation for being a daredevil eccentric, but even he is hesitant to engage in such a rash proposition—no matter how utterly beguiled he is by the wildly independent American heiress. And yet, with so much at stake, how can he possibly say no? But when their unconventional union grows into a passionate and inseparable love, more than Gregory’s obsession threatens them. Now, Lennox and Mercy will have to risk more than their hearts to save it.

This book has such an exciting beginning that turns into the dramatic meeting of the leading characters that made me gasp, laugh, and have an anxiety attack all in the first chapter. This book was so much fun to read. Every chapter had me eager to reach the next.

On an errand to see her Aunt and Grandmother in Scotland the last thing Mercy Rutherford expected was to have the roof of her carriage ripped off by a “dragon”, or to fall in love with the insane Scotsmanshe saw riding it.

When Lennox Caitheart launched his airship from the side of a mountain the last thing he expected was to have to rescue an American women whose carriage was in the middle of his landing path. Less than that he never expected to be attracted to her.

I enjoyed this book for so many reasons, the biggest was the references to the innovations and scientific exploration in engineering of the era. Add to that its Romeo and Juliet style romance and it has earned a place on my 2019 favorites list.

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Danielle

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The Infamous Duchess by Sophie Barnes(Review Post)

Published March 28, 2019 by bookbesties

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A woman with a shocking past…

Branded a money-hungry con artist for marrying the elderly Duke of Tremaine days before his death, Viola Cartwright has found refuge in her work at St. Agatha’s Hospital. No one must know the painful reason behind her marriage. She steers clear of attachments—until Henry Lowell, heir to the Viscount Armswell, lands on her operating table after a duel. Charming and wickedly handsome, Lowell is one of London’s most inveterate scoundrels. Yet he may not be all that he appears.

And the man who can promise a future filled with love…

Posing as an unrepentant rake has helped Lowell avoid women pursuing him only for his title. But now that duty has finally called on him to marry, he finds himself entranced by the mysterious, independent-minded Viola. Then her late husband’s son returns from overseas, contesting Viola’s inheritance. Lowell longs to help her and sets out to convince Viola that a strategic union may be the best way to save all she holds dear. But can he also persuade her to take a chance on love…?

It feels like I have been waiting for—-ev—er to get my hands on this book! And as always Sophie Jordan’s ability to create an incredible story around a strong leading lady made this book irresistible! Watching this story unfold was a pure joy and I hope you all like it as much as I did.

Viola Cartwright, Duchess of Tremaine works hard as proprietress St. Agatha’s Hospital to make sure every patient receives the quality care no matter who they are. As a widow she has devoted her life to her work and has no aspirations for love or the social life of the ton. But when a certain brother of her business partner requires her devoted medical care she may just have to change her mind.

Henry Lowell has been known as “a proper scoundrel” who is “always flirting with one woman or another.” And it is no wonder that he found himself in a hospital bed at his brother’s hospital with a bullet wound in his shoulder.It’s in that hospital bed that he meets the one woman who makes him want to change his ways. Too bad he is a Duke and he is required to marry someone with noble blood and she is merely a nurse…. Or is she?

I loved reading this book and how these characters work together to make incredible things happen. I want all of you to love it just as much as I do.

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Danielle

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This Scot of Mine by Sophie Jordan(Review Post)

Published March 28, 2019 by bookbesties

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From USA Today bestselling author Sophie Jordan comes the next heartstopping romance in her beloved Rogue Files series.

A daring deception…

Desperate to escape her vile fiancé, Lady Clara devises a bold lie—that she’s pregnant with another man’s child. With her reputation in tatters, Clara flees to Scotland to live out her days in disgrace, resigned to her fate as a spinster…until she claps eyes on the powerful and wickedly handsome Laird Hunt MacLarin.

She’s the answer to his curse…

Laird of an ancient clan, Hunt needs an heir, but he comes from a long line of men cursed to die before the birth of their firstborn. When the Duke of Autenberry approaches him with a proposition—marry my ruined sister—it seems the perfect solution. Even better, the defiant lass stirs him to his very soul.

No escaping the truth…

Except marriage cannot set them free. No matter how much Hunt desires her. No matter how much Clara burns for him. Soon she is falling for her husband, but is love enough to end the curse? Or is the tragic history of the MacLarin Clan doomed to repeat itself?

I adore Sophie Jordan and I adore this book! As with most Historical Romance books I read this book brings the couple together due to social scandal, but unlike most of the books in its genera it’s a curse that gives this book its dramatic flair.

Lady Clara Autenberry has been shipped to her brother’s house in Scotland after her reputation was destroyed by her own self preservation efforts. On the road to sanctuary she has chance run in with the spectacular faced Highland Laird.

Hunt MacLarin is the newest Laird in his family to be faced with “the curse”, who on a chance meeting with the “ruined” sister of his neighbor the Duke of Autenberry finds new hope for a future he never dreamed possible.

This book has a very happy ending but on the way it has quite a few twists and turns that will keep you eager to see what happens next.

P.S. I MET SOPHIE JORDAN AT APOLLYCON 2019!!!!! Be on the lookout for a possible give away.

Danielle

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Advice from a Jilted Bride by Piper Rayne(Review Post)

Published March 21, 2019 by bookbesties

What’s a girl to do after being ditched at the altar by text message? That’s right. Text. Message.

How does she pick up the pieces and move on? I’m no Dear Abby but here’s a little free advice…

Advice #1 – First, purge your apartment of all things him—by tossing his belongings off the balcony.

Advice #2 – Do not, I repeat do not, throw anything out into the hallway because you’ll injure your hot new neighbor.

Advice #3 – When said neighbor brings over Chinese Food do not let him stay and keep you company. It’s awkward when you realize he’s your boss.

Advice #4 – Accept his offer to help you with your side business but think twice before using a date to his sister’s wedding as collateral.

Advice #5 – Investigate who your mystery neighbor really is. Don’t trust his word even if he’s the world’s best kisser.

If you listen to nothing else, pay attention to that last one. It’s the most important and will save you a lot of heartache.

Xo,

LOVESICK IN LAKE STARLIGHT

This is book 2 in this series and technically can be read without reading the first, Lesson From A One Night Stand but its better after having read the first.

This is another great read from the PR Duo and it does not disappoint. First I will say that this story was a switch up from the author because it was a slow burn and friends to lovers in the sense the characters marinated for awhile with their attraction. But, as always, Piper Rayne did it well!

From the first book, we all know that Brooklyn’s fiance was not liked by the family and we see why in the opening of this story. On her 2nd most crappiest day she(Brooklyn) meets her new neighbor. Wyatt is not looking for any distractions and is ready to get in and out of this little town in Alaska so he can prove himself to his dad who owns a chain of hotels. He must learns the different jobs there and he goes undercover. Brooklyn is heart broken and now trying to navigate out of the fog. Her and Wyatt have cute banter and the attraction is definitely mutual. I liked the way the bond develops slowly between these two. It will have you turning the page and rooting all the way! Again cant say enough that you add the dynamic of the Bailey family(introduced in the first book) and there are non stop laughs! You get all the great feels with Brooklyn and Wyatt! Cant wait for the next sibling in the Bailey family!!

ADD TO GOODREADS

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Piper Rayne, or Piper and Rayne, whichever you prefer because we’re not one author, we’re two. Yep, you get two USA Today Bestselling authors for the price of one. Our goal is to bring you romance stories that have “Heartwarming Humor With a Side of Sizzle” (okay…you caught us, that’s our tagline). A little about us… We both have kindle’s full of one-clickable books. We’re both married to husbands who drive us to drink. We’re both chauffeurs to our kids. Most of all, we love hot heroes and quirky heroines that make us laugh, and we hope you do, too.

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Damaris

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Like us on INSTAGRAM

Published March 19, 2019 by bookbesties

We finally caved and joined instagram…I’m not sure why I(Vonetta) fought it for so long, but I did and with slight pressure from the blogosphere I caved. Follow us on there for teasers of books we are currently reading and upcoming books as well!!

Click on the image and see you there!!

Vonetta

Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout(Review Post)

Published February 18, 2019 by bookbesties

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From the #1 New York Times, USA TODAY and internationally bestselling author of the fantastical Dark Elements and the Lux series comes a new novel set in a world of gargoyle protectors, rising demons and one girl with an explosive secret.

Eighteen-year-old Trinity Marrow may be going blind, but she can see and communicate with ghosts and spirits. Her unique gift is part of a secret so dangerous that she’s been in hiding for years in an isolated compound fiercely guarded by Wardens—gargoyle shape-shifters who protect humankind from demons. If the demons discover the truth about Trinity, they’ll devour her, flesh and bone, to enhance their own powers.

When Wardens from another clan arrive with disturbing reports that something out there is killing both demons and Wardens, Trinity’s safe world implodes. Not the least because one of the outsiders is the most annoying and fascinating person she’s ever met. Zayne has secrets of his own that will upend her world yet again—but working together becomes imperative once demons breach the compound and Trinity’s secret comes to light. To save her family and maybe the world, she’ll have to put her trust in Zayne. But all bets are off as a supernatural war is unleashed…

I did a re-read(And I’m glad I did) and so I was well versed in this world and it picks up 7 months after the event’s of the last book.
Trinity is a (human) living amongst Warden’s, her mother bought her there when she was younger because she befriended the leader of that Clan.
Trinity has never left the confines of the compound and no one visits because, its not safe for her because Trinity isn’t just a normal human.

Zayne make a visit to her Clan and immediately the two are inexplicably drawn to each other and when things start to pop off(Masked wardens and Demon’s attacking, kidnappings and bloodshed) Zayne offers his aid and Trinity is whisked away from her home to DC to find answers.
Throughout her journey, Trinity get’s closer to Zayne but Zayne keeps her pretty much at arms’s length, even though he is drawn to her as well and well, he is still nursing wounds that happened seven months prior that left a huge mark on him and his personality.
Their relationship is a sweet slow burn and as always with this world was filled with action, witty humor and, or course swoon enduing acts.

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I was never a fan of Zayne to begin with but going in I had an open mind and while I still prefer a certain dark haired demon prince(Who is in about 30% of the book, so that made me happy) I found myself not NOT liking Zayne by the end of this.
He is strong willed, sweet and loyal, but to a fault and found myself wanting to just slap him and yell GET OVER IT ALREADY! And just when you think things are settling you are left with more questions but not in a cliffhanger type of way but more like ‘Oh-crap-what’s-going-to-happen-in-the-next-book’ type of way.
Jennifer is really, really really good at mixing the light, the funny, the snark and romance and she excels in this one hands down. I can’t wait to find out what happens to this unlikely gang in the next book!

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Vonetta

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SOUL IN DARKNESS(REVIEW POST)

Published February 12, 2019 by bookbesties

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People travel from afar to the small isle in the Aegean Sea hoping for a single glimpse of Princess Psyche. Their adoration for the mortal woman is so all-consuming that citizens begin to shower her with the very gifts and offerings they once left at the alter of Venus, goddess of love and beauty.

But gods are known for their jealousy.

Cupid, the god of love, takes pleasure in causing strife and mischief in the lives of humans. He uses love as a weapon, humoring in the weakness of people at the whims of their feelings. When his mother Venus approaches him about punishing the human girl who dares to steal her offerings and affections from the people, Cupid gladly accepts.

Psyche’s punishment is to be given to a mysterious creature who only comes to her in the dark of night under the pact that she will never lay eyes on him. She is terrified of this stranger, who the oracle described as a serpent. Her mate, however, is masterful in his dealings with his bride. He takes his time, morphing her fears into different sensations completely.

Based on the Roman/Greek mythology of Cupid and Psyche from Lucius Apuleius, New York Times bestseller Wendy Higgins brings the tale to life, weaving layers that show exactly how a sacrificial lamb can be enchanted by an unseen monster.

OUT NOW!!!

Where to start! This book was such r roller coaster and a fun one at that!

I knew going in it was a Greek Mythology story, but didn’t really know the main characters,(because I wanted it to be a surprise to me) So, I went in blind, but knew since it was Greek Mythology it would be interesting(because those Gods were cray).

We Meet Psyche, the most beautiful girl/woman on her small island and adored by all. Her small island of people adored her so much, they forgot about the adoring the Gods, with offerings. The gods, namely one is NOT HAPPY and sets out on a plan to teach the girl who dare set herself up as GOD to worshiped buy her people a lesson. But Psyche isn’t the girl whom the Gods think she is. She hates the attention and wants nothing more to marry off like her sisters and build a family, full of love and warmth.

The gods punish her by punishing her island and people and in order to fix it, she agrees to marry a ‘monster'(Cupid) that she cannot see or touch and live in his land away from everything and everyone that she knows and love. But her ‘Monster’ husband turns out to not be that big of a monster and just when she thinks its going to be okay and lets her guard down and starts to love her invisible husband, BAM craziness ensues.

Psyche is put to the test when the GODS decide this is unaccepted and the fight to prove herself and her love is on!

What a ride! first, you are drawn into this amazing and sweet, and warm love story told in a way that if you are like me, had no idea about, sucked you in to the point it made you smile when they smiled. And then you are taken for a ride along with Psyche on these impossible to win task! I loved this story and they way Wendy told it was in a way that is sucked you in so much you wind up looking at the clock and realizing it’s 3 in the morning and you have to get up and got to work in 4 hours, well at least it did for me!

This story was packed with sweetness, action, humor and

EPICNESS!

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VONETTA

WICKED with THE SCOUNDREL(REVIEW POST)

Published February 11, 2019 by bookbesties

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After ten years of adventure, Colin Smith, the bastard son of a viscount, returns to the place he most despises ––London. But only until he can sell off some of his treasures. He has no use for the stifling rules of the ton, but he’s more than happy to play the game if it gets him what he wants.

Lady Claire, daughter of a marquess, is everything Colin loathes about the ton, but she is determined to win him over. Her life is a catalogue of dances and evening gowns, and thanks to an eidetic memory, she can remember every blasted, boring second of it. A treasure hunt for the Cleopatra Emerald promises adventure, but Claire wants more. If she can convince Colin Smith to take her with him as he travels the world, then she’ll have the life she’s always dreamed of. There’s just one problem, he doesn’t seem to like her much.

But Lady Claire loves a good challenge and the intellectual beauty may be on her way to the grandest adventure of all.

Each book in the Wicked Secrets series is STANDALONE:
* Twice As Wicked
* Lady Gone Wicked
* Wicked With the Scoundrel

This book is so much fun!! I love the adventure in this story!! I love the characters in this story!!! I love the unlikely romance in this story!!! Basically I love this story!!

Lady Claire Harrisonis the daughter of the Marquis of Chatwell, who is an avid collector of Egyptian artifacts. On behalf of her father Claire attends an exhibition of the very artifacts her father hoards. At the expedition she meets the explorer who uncovered the artifacts and it is love at first sight… at least on her side.

Colin Smith despises London and its’ high society is only good for the money they invest in his expeditions. It’s in the interest of his next expedition that he makes a deal with the Marquis of Chatwell to help his adventurous daughter find a treasure. Little does he know that by the end of this adventure he will have found a true treasure.

Again this book was so much fun to read and it had me laughing out loud quite a few times. I can’t wait to read the next book from Elizabeth Bright to see what new adventure awaits.

DANIELLE

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PASSION & INK(REVIEW POST)

Published February 11, 2019 by bookbesties

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Blackballed from my job.

Moved back to my hometown with my tail between my legs and family issues crushing my back.

Slinging drinks in a dive bar.

Yes, the past year has been hell. So when a man who’s temptation wrapped in golden skin and sin offers me one night of no-holds barred, dirty sex, I’m all in. I deserve it.

But now those few unforgettable hours have me facing blackmail from my own father: He’ll pay for my mom’s medical bills, but only if I never again touch the man who has quickly become my obsession.

Because the man? My obsession?

He’s my stepbrother.

OUT FEB 18TH!!

Each book in the Sweetest Taboo series is STANDALONE:
* Sin and Ink by Naima Simone
* Passion and Ink by Naima Simone
* The Scandalous Diary of Lily Layton by Stacy Reid

The cover is hot I mean who doesn’t like a delicious body with art tattooed everywhere. The story itself is a bit taboo and shows you that life and love can be messy at times.

“Ro” first meets Jay at the dive bar that she works at and at first sight he leaves her speechless! Jay is having a rough week but is taken by her at first glance. One night is all they are giving in to until “Ro” has to go to her dad’s house who she has not spoken to in forever. Low and behold she runs into her stepbrother, and it’s her one night stand Jay! they find out that Jay is a nickname for Jude and Ro is short for Rowena her middle name.

The same man that gave her so much pleasure! They both feel the pull is there but they are ‘family’ now and it has to remain platonic. There were a lot of sexy scenes and great chemistry throughout and it was great to meet the crew from the Hard Knox tattoo shop! Great characters and really enjoyed the story.

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DAMARIS

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LESSONS FROM A ONE NIGHT STAND(REVIEW POST)

Published February 7, 2019 by bookbesties

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If you’re a guy like me, and you find yourself having banged your sexy new boss—the school principal—in the back of your Jeep one drunken night, here’s a few takeaways based on my experience…

Lesson One: Always get her FULL name.

Lesson Two: Consider asking what she does for a living.

Lesson Three: Find out why she’s moved to town. Get details. Details are crucial.

Lesson Four: Don’t alter her bio in front of an auditorium of high school students unless you know she has a sense of humor for that sort of thing.

Lesson Five: If you ignore Lesson Four, apologize instead of flirt when you’re sent to the principal’s office.

Lesson Six: NEVER sleep with her again.

Lesson Seven: Pay attention to this one—it’s the most important of them all.
Don’t fall for your one-night stand.

Class dismissed.

Out NOW!!!

This author is well known to me and I was super excited of course!! This is a start to a new series and we are introduced to the clan called The Bailey’s! I always think to myself wow this was a great series cant wait for the next and it always amazes me how the next series just gets better and better!

You are introduced to a family that is real and relatable! Austin is the older brother who comes back to town after college because his parents died and him and his sister Savannah had to raise the rest of his siblings. Now Austin has the last two siblings about to graduate and he is hoping he can get back to his dream about being a baseball coach for college, even though he currently teaches and coaches at the local high school. He gets the task of introducing the temporary principal who happens to be the one night stand he just had a couple days ago! Oops!

Holly is in Alaska temporarily but has a secret of her own. The emotions that Austin stirs up within her has her acting a little unlike herself. Austin is sexy, sweet, caring and responsible. The sparks between these two are magnetic! They try to keep a low profile but somehow the Lake Starlight buzzfeed has their relationship front and center. Holly knows she shouldn’t get in to deep with Austin but the more time they spend together it seems like a losing battle! What happens if Austin gets to follow his dream outside of Lake Starlight? What if Holly wants more? These are all the things you think while reading and more!

Piper Rayne has a great way of pulling you in and making you feel like you are a neighbor! Real characters and wonderful plots are always a win for me. After reading one book they know how to get you excited for the next one! Well done ladies this was a great start to the series!!!

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