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BABY MINE By Kennedy Fox(REVIEW POST)

Published April 23, 2019 by bookbesties

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I saw her first.
Blonde. Gorgeous. Feisty.
I was smitten.

But it didn’t matter because she chose him and he was my best friend and roommate. I’d never be able to compete with that, so I pushed her away instead. It was easy when she lived hours away, and I didn’t have to see her every day, but then she moved in with us.
Now, I’m screwed.

To her singing in the shower every morning, dancing in the kitchen while she makes coffee, and doing yoga in our living room, I can’t stop thinking about her in all the wrong ways. She’s not mine and never will be, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting to push her against a wall and claim her mouth.

She’s constantly on me for making messes, bringing chicks home every weekend, and being a smartass when their PDA gets on my nerves. Considering neither of them know how I feel, it’s not fair for the way I act toward them. I should move out so I can get over her for good; however, the selfish part of me can’t let go.

And then the unthinkable happens…
When my best friend dies in a motorcycle accident, the two of us are left to grieve our loss together. Instead of pushing her away, I pull her closer.

Just as we come to terms with our new reality, she finds out she’s pregnant with his baby.
And I’m left to make the hardest decision of my life.

**BABY MINE is an angsty, emotional, slow-burn romance wrapped up in a heartbreakingly delicious love story. It’s book 1 in the Hunter & Lennon duet of the Roommate Duet Series and must be read first.** de441-kflogo-nametitle

I had so many mixed emotions when I read the synopsis for this duet and I was so nervous because it seemed like a love triangle and I tend to shy away from those.

Hunter meets Lennon and feels a connection right away, except he finds that his best friend, Brandon beats him to the punch. What’s a best friend to do other than step aside and let the two be happy, all the while longing to be the one to make her smile and laugh right? But when the best friend dies leaving behind a a tone of grief and feelings unsaid, what now? Hunters swoops in with the intentions of helping his grief and Lennon’s so they can lean on each other, but when they both find out a life changing event, the vows to be more than just a shoulder to lean on.

The banter between these two is filled with emotions and it’s breaks my heart for Hunter because you can really feel the restraint in him and the hurt that is left behind along with the guilt he feels about his feelings about his best friends girlfriend.

Kennedy Fox is so good at giving us real situations and sometimes they are not the textbook ones you want to see but it is real. In life we want everything cookie cutter and packaged in a bow, and this is not that books. It’s raw and emotional and honest. This book will tear you apart and leave your emotions all over the place. Great first book for Hunter and Lennon! Original, real, angst and surprises is what you will find with this book. I can’t wait to see what happens with these two because the tension keeps you guessing and classic KF, there is a book two coming that I know that they will soothe that slow burn they built in Baby mine, but they will make us suffer a little longer until, hopefully an HEA.

Damaris

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Fumbled by Alexa Martin(Review Post)

Published April 19, 2019 by bookbesties

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One of Amazon’s Best Romances of the Month
One of Apple’s Best Books of April

A second chance doesn’t guarantee a touchdown in this new contemporary romance from the author of Intercepted.

Single-mother Poppy Patterson moved across the country when she was sixteen and pregnant to find a new normal. After years of hard work, she’s built a life she loves. It may include a job at a nightclub, weekend soccer games, and more stretch marks than she anticipated, but it’s all hers, and nobody can take that away. Well, except for one person.

T.K. Moore, the starting wide receiver for the Denver Mustangs, dreamt his entire life about being in the NFL. His world is football, parties, and women. Maybe at one point he thought his future would play out with his high school sweetheart by his side, but Poppy is long gone and he’s moved on.

When Poppy and TK cross paths in the most unlikely of places, emotions they’ve suppressed for years come rushing back. But with all the secrets they never told each other lying between them, they’ll need more than a dating playbook to help them navigate their relationship.

Who doesn’t love a good sports romance? If you think,”me,” then this is not for you. Sexy players in their tight uniforms and they tend to be a little alpha mixed with sweet,w hat’s not to love? Aside from that, I really enjoyed Fumbled. Alexa is a new to me author and I will definitely read other books by her!
At first I thought wow a lot of chapters( a lot of chapters can sometimes intimidate me) but the writer does well to make sure the story does not get away from her and not a lot of story gets lost in words!
Poppy is a single mom working in a cabaret at night as a cocktail waitress when a VIP group comes in and she is surprise when she comes face to face with her childhood sweetheart TK Moore who is The Mustangs bad boy football player! Sparks fly and old emotions come to the surface. But Poppy has a 9 yr old secret and TK is about to find out. TK is sweet but jaded sometimes. Watch the ride between this second chance romance that is a sure touchdown! This story had me rooting for both sides at times. Very enjoyable and a must read.

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DAMARIS

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A Duke in Disguise(Review Post)

Published April 16, 2019 by bookbesties

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One reluctant heir

If anyone else had asked for his help publishing a naughty novel, Ash would have had the sense to say no. But he’s never been able to deny Verity Plum. Now he has his hands full illustrating a book and trying his damnedest not to fall in love with his best friend. The last thing he needs is to discover he’s a duke’s lost heir. Without a family or a proper education, he’s had to fight for his place in the world, and the idea of it—and Verity—being taken away from him chills him to the bone.

One radical bookseller

All Verity wants is to keep her brother out of prison, her business afloat, and her hands off Ash. Lately it seems she’s not getting anything she wants. She knows from bitter experience that she isn’t cut out for romance, but the more time she spends with Ash, the more she wonders if maybe she’s been wrong about herself.

One disaster waiting to happen

Ash has a month before his identity is exposed, and he plans to spend it with Verity. As they explore their long-buried passion, it becomes harder for Ash to face the music. Can Verity accept who Ash must become or will he turn away the only woman he’s ever loved?

Another strong leading lady by Cat Sebastian! To say I am in love with Verity is an understatement. She is strong, self-aware, independent, and witty- everything I love in a heroine. Ash is the hero of my dreams. His sense of personal honor and duty endeared him to my heart. The dynamic of deep friendship turned romance, lends to a playful yet intense relationship that has become one of my favorites of the year.

Verity Plum’s world revolves around her business and keeping her brother out of jail for treason. John “Ash” Ashby is an illustrator/ engraver who is best friends with Verity and Nate Plum. Upon his return to London, a side illustrator job crosses his path with Lady Caroline Talbot who turns his whole world upside down. Meanwhile an attempt to keep Nate out of trouble pushes Ash and Verity to face their feelings for each other. What is to come of their budding romance when Ash accepts his new world?

I enjoyed these characters, their romance, and this story so much!

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Danielle

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An Accidental date with a Billionaire(Review Post)

Published April 16, 2019 by bookbesties

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Samantha Matthews turned her back on her wealthy family to focus on social work. Those who know her think she’s the heart of kindness. Those who know her really well know she’s in a never-ending battle to make up for the harm her family’s companies inflict on the world. Which is how she finds herself at a charity bachelor auction of all places.

But oops, she was supposed to bid on her bff’s brother as a favor and accidentally bid on the wrong guy. Sue her for not being able to tell one stick-in-the-mud CEO from another.

Backstage, she goes to tell him not to worry about having to go through with a date or anything, but the oafish billionaire cuts her off dismissively. Looks her up and down, hands her a card with his assistant’s contact details, and reminds her that sex is definitely off the table.

Oh, she’ll call the assistant all right and have her make sure he wears jeans and comfortable shoes and to pick her up at seven a.m. The only “hammering” this guy is going to be doing is at Habitat for Humanity.

Too bad he turns out to be nothing like she expected.

This was a new author to me.
Samantha is at the charity auction to help her friend Izzy and agrees to bid on Izzy brother. She is surrounded by a crowd that used to be her scene before her parents had some indiscretions. Now she works to redeem herself by working as a social worker and agreed to do a favor for her friend. Taylor is a wealthy businessman who has worked hard to get where he is at and agrees to this charity auction. Samantha can’t believe she didn’t bid on the right one and is immediately put off by Taylor’s attitude. At first both parties judge each other without giving each other a chance. I did have a hard time connecting with the book and its H and h. While the banter between the two was good and parts of it did drag a little fore me. I did find Samantha was a bit stubborn but, that didn’t take away from the story line. In all it was an ok read.

3 and a half

Damaris

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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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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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Lady Derring Takes a Lover by Julie Anne Long(review Post)

Published February 26, 2019 by bookbesties

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A mistress. A mountain of debt. A mysterious wreck of a building.

Delilah Swanpoole, Countess of Derring, learns the hard way that her husband, “Dear Dull Derring,” is a lot more interesting—and perfidious—dead than alive. It’s a devil of an inheritance, but in the grand ruins of the one building Derring left her, are the seeds of her liberation. And she vows never again to place herself at the mercy of a man.

But battle-hardened Captain Tristan Hardy is nothing if not merciless. When the charismatic naval hero tracks a notorious smuggler to a London boarding house known as the Rogue’s Palace, seducing the beautiful, blue-blooded proprietress to get his man seems like a small sacrifice.

They both believe love is a myth. But a desire beyond reason threatens to destroy the armor around their hearts. Now a shattering decision looms: Will Tristan betray his own code of honor…or choose a love that might be the truest thing he’s ever known?

This is one of those that you get hooked on because you know all the back story for the characters and you can’t wait to see how it affects the relationship between all of them. This book has it all; loss, betrayal, law breaking, strong leading ladies, and steamy romance!

After the loss of her unfaithful husband, Delilah Derringthought she was left with nothing but betrayal and debt. Until she received the only inheritance left to her that couldn’t be claimed by creditors, a building that was probably a brothel before it was abandoned. Partnered with her late husband’s mistress (yeah they went there) Delilah turns her building into a successful boarding house.

Captain Hardy is on the hunt for a cigar smuggler on behalf of the king. His search for the culpritleads him to The Grand Palace on the Thames, the boarding house owned by Delilah.While he takes a room with the intention of uncovering its connection to the criminal, he makes a love connection with Delilah in the process.

This was a fun read and I can’t wait to see what is next from this author.

Danielle

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A Wicked Reputation by Liana LeFey(Review Post)

Published February 26, 2019 by bookbesties

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Betrayed by her fiancé and her best friend, Lady Diana Haversham’s reputation is left in ruins, and she is unjustly cast out by her family. Left with little choice, she agrees to pretend to be a courtesan to protect her benefactor’s secret. What she didn’t count on was meeting temptation in the form of one Lord Lucas Blackthorn.

Lucas is fascinated by the shameless Diana, whom his friends claim is his perfect counterpart. He can’t stop thinking about her sultry smile and captivating eyes, but what draws him most is the sharp mind she reveals—and the certainty she’s hiding something.

When Lucas learns the scandalous truth, Diana will have to make a life-and-death choice.

Each book in the Once Wicked series is STANDALONE:
* To Love a Libertine
* Once a Courtesan
* A Wicked Reputation

This book had me hooked from line one! The plot twist has made this book one I will always hold close to my heart. This book is an emotional roller coaster and I loved every minute of the wild ride!! Lady Diana shows so much strength and loyalty it has endeared her to me in so many ways I can’t even begin to list them all. Seeing her get her happy ending consumed my life while I read this book.

Diana Havershamhas been jilted by her best friend and her fiancé and disowned by her family. With no other options she becomes the widely coveted, and well taken care of, mistress of Lord Harrow. Her entire existence hinges on her relationship with Harrow and her unrelenting desire for Lucas can ruin it all.

Lucas Blackthorn is a rogue with a wicked reputation for doing whatever it takes to get what wants. And right now he wants the one woman everyone says he can’t have. Will the ends be worth the means for Lucas as he pursues another man’s notorious mistress?

A fun book that I couldn’t put down, with characters that I am crazy about. I’m very excited to see who Liana LeFay introduces me to next

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Danielle

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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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