Romance

All posts tagged Romance

The Protector by HelenKay Dimon(Review Post)

Published July 23, 2018 by bookbesties

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Salvation, Pennsylvania. The commune located in the small town was advertised as a modern Utopia: a place to live, share, and learn with other like-minded young people. Cate Pendleton’s sister was one of them. Now she’s dead—and Cate won’t rest until she finds out who killed her. Stonewalled at every turn, she approaches a DC Fixer for help and ends up with Damon Knox, a mysterious man with a secretive past. But Cate soon discovers that she not only needs Damon, she wants him, which isn’t good—for the attraction brewing between them will only lead to complications that can turn into danger . . .

Damon has tried to erase the hellish memories and the evil that happened in Salvation ever since he left a long time ago. Still, he can’t turn his back on Cate. As Damon works with Cate to uncover her sister’s killer, he finds himself drawn to her more and more. But how will she feel about him when she learns about his connection to the place?

Joining forces to uncover the truth, they must stay one step ahead of a cunning killer who’s bent on not being exposed.

OUT JULY 31ST(CLICK ON COVER FOR LINK)

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Cate Pendleton is determined to find out the truth about her sister’s accident. In her quest for justice she seeks the help of the Quint Five. There is only one person who can get her into the compound where her sister was murdered. Damon Knox, has been avoiding the Compound where he was raised for more than a year. For him, Salvation is anything but Salvation. They come up with a plan, a fake relationship, to get into the Compound. They go under the premise that Damon is trying to convince Cate that her sisters accident really was an accident and that Sullivan has nothing to hide.

Troubles arise between Cate and Damon when she learns secrets at the school where her sister was murdered. The head of the school is determined to prove that this is a straight-laced school now and welcomes Cate and Damon with open arms. Damon is determined to prove otherwise and unable to keep up the idea that he believes that the school is innocent.

As their investigation progresses, their connection grows. Soon they find themselves forgetting that this is supposed to be a fake relationship. While they get closer to each other, the danger that Cate is in raises. A series of attacks, fires, and kidnapping takes place where eventually, the head of the school has to truly open his eyes to see what is really happening at the school. When Cate is put in even more danger she learns that what happened to her sister and just how far Damon’s feelings for her go.

Okay, this is the second book in the series that I have read and reviewed. After reading the second book, I can tell you the plot of the remaining two books. Both of the books I read followed the same plot. A member of the Quint Five is sent to a location to protect the female from whatever dangers they will encounter and then they fall in love. These are good books if you read them as stand alone. I really enjoyed the first one that I read. I enjoyed this one as well but it is pretty predictable if you have read another part of the series. You don’t know who did what but you do know the path that the story will take it.

stars 4

Tiffani

The Duke Buys a Bride: The Rogue Files(Review Post)

Published July 17, 2018 by bookbesties

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A bride wasn’t in his plans . . .

The last thing Marcus, the Duke of Autenberry, expects to see after sleeping off a night’s drunken shenanigans is a woman being auctioned in the village square. Before he can think about the ramifications, he buys her, thinking he’s winning the girl her freedom. Instead, he discovers he’s bought a wife.

A duke wasn’t in hers . . .

Alyse Bell is almost rid of the shackles that bound her in a name-only marriage, but the day her friend promised to purchase her in a wife auction, he vanishes, leaving her to face a mob of unsavory bachelors intent on owning her body and soul. But the appearance of a wicked, wealthy stranger changes her path forever.

The road to ruin . . .

Marcus doesn’t know what to do with the impertinent chit who clearly isn’t duchess material! Insisting their marriage isn’t legitimate, they leave for his estate in Scotland, hoping to devise a plan to get rid of each other. However, on a journey fraught with misadventure, their attraction grows and Marcus realizes he’ll do anything to keep this fiery woman for his own.

OUT July 24th!(Click on cover for link)

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This is book number 2 for me in this series and by this author.  I will admit I was expecting a completely different story based off of the title of this book, but I am not at all unhappy about the story I got.  This book has humor and adventure and a strong-willed woman in difficult situations beyond her control, all things that make for a great historical romance novel.  I love how in the ending of the book the author hints to a scandal with one of the Duke’s sisters and left me curious and eager for the next book. 

star pink

Danielle

A Gentleman Never Keeps Score(Review Post)

Published July 10, 2018 by bookbesties

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Once beloved by London’s fashionable elite, Hartley Sedgwick has become a recluse after a spate of salacious gossip exposed his most-private secrets. Rarely venturing from the house whose inheritance is a daily reminder of his downfall, he’s captivated by the exceedingly handsome man who seeks to rob him.

Since retiring from the boxing ring, Sam Fox has made his pub, The Bell, into a haven for those in his Free Black community. But when his best friend Kate implores him to find and destroy a scandalously revealing painting of her, he agrees. Sam would do anything to protect those he loves, even if it means stealing from a wealthy gentleman. But when he encounters Hartley, he soon finds himself wanting to steal more than just a painting from the lovely, lonely man—he wants to steal his heart.

This is my second M/M historical romance and the first book I have read by this author.  I really liked how the author made sure to be historically accurate with the dangers that homosexual couples faced in 1817 England as well as the societal stigmas faced by black citizens.   The fact that this couple is very diverse is something I found very intriguing.  Witnessing Hartley find himself and overcome his past was both inspiring and heart -warming.  I am very glad that the author did not use Hartley’s troubled history as a means to explain his attraction to men and that in spite of his trauma related quarks he was able to find acceptance and love.  I would love to read more of this author’s work and hope I get that opportunity soon as this was such a great read!

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Danielle

Playing Hurt by Kelly Jamieson(Review Post)

Published July 2, 2018 by bookbesties

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He’s playing hurt. She’s laying low. And they’re both flirting with disaster.
 
“Kelly Jamieson is my go-to author for hockey romance.”—Jami Davenport
 
Chase: The last thing I’d ever want to do is let my team down. After overcoming my bad-boy reputation, I was dominating on the ice. But things aren’t going so well this season, and even my parents think I’m partying again. Now I’m really worried about my career. The only bright spot in my life is the Twitter flirtation I’ve struck up with pop princess Jordyn Banks. Turns out she’s a huge hockey fan—and she’s willing to wager a date on her favorite team. . . .
 
Jordyn: Even though I’m an L.A. fan now, I’ve always had a soft spot for the Aces, since I grew up in Chicago. Then I lose a bet to Chase Hartman, and suddenly I’m up close and personal with a pro athlete who’s anything but soft. Not only is Chase the hottest guy I’ve ever met, he’s secretly super sweet. As if I had time for a relationship . . . yeah, right. But when I suddenly have nothing but time on my hands, he’s the only one who understands. Now, with both of our careers at stake, Chase is tempting me to put my heart on the line too.
 
Kelly Jamieson’s USA Today bestselling Aces Hockey series can be read together or separately:
MAJOR MISCONDUCT
OFF LIMITS
ICING
TOP SHELF
BACK CHECK
SLAP SHOT
PLAYING HURT
 
Don’t miss any of Kelly’s alluring reads:
The Bayard Hockey series: SHUT OUT | CROSS CHECK
The Last Shot series: BODY SHOT | HOT SHOT | LONG SHOT
The standalone novel: DANCING IN THE RAIN
 
This ebook includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

OUT JULY 17TH!(CLICK ON COVER FOR LINK)

I love a good Hockey romance and I have read books from the Aces series before. and loved them, and this was a winner for me! Jordyn is a famous musician and Chase is a starter for the Aces! Chase can’t believe when Jordyn and him start a banter on Twitter, after all he has had a crush on her for a while. After date number 1 Jordyn knows that her feelings for Chase will be more than a one time thing. Chase and Jordyn are such a cute pair! Between injuries and daily stress and then mix in some miscommunication and their relationship is on shaky ground! The banter between these two is exhilarating and fun! This was an new way of starting off a romance and, for me, this book had it all; a Twitter battle, some hockey and music all swirled into one to make this book a hit! This was a great read for me and can’t wait for the next in this series!

4stars white

Damaris

Release Blitz: MOONLIGHT SEDUCTION by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Published June 26, 2018 by bookbesties

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Moonlight Seduction: A de Vincent Novel, from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout is LIVE!

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The de Vincent brothers are back—and so is the intrigue that surrounds them—in New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout’s sizzling new novel . . .

Nicolette Bresson never thought she’d return to the de Vincents’ bayou compound. It’s where her parents work, where Nikki grew up . . . and where she got her heart broken by Gabriel de Vincent himself. Yet here she is, filling in for her sick mother. Avoiding Gabe should be easy, especially when so much of Nikki’s time is spent trying not to be stabbed in the back by the malicious hangers-on who frequent the mansion. But escaping memories of Gabe, much less his smoking-hot presence, is harder than expected—especially since he seems determined to be in Nikki’s space as much as possible.

Gabriel spent years beating himself up over his last encounter with Nikki. He’d wanted her then, but for reasons that were bad for both of them. Things have now changed. Gabe sees more than a girl he’s known forever; he sees a smart, talented, and heartbreakingly beautiful woman . . . one who’s being stalked from the shadows.

Now, Gabe will do anything to keep Nikki safe—and to stop the de Vincent curse from striking again.

Watch the Trailer:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/embed.animoto.com/play.html?w=swf/production/vp1&e=1523992158&f=68tr6CJfhPy1JH2zkvX2HQ&d=0&m=p&r=360p+480p+720p&volume=100&start_res=720p&i=m&asset_domain=s3-p.animoto.com&animoto_domain=animoto.com&options=autostart

https://video214.com/play/68tr6CJfhPy1JH2zkvX2HQ/s/dark
Trailer by: Jillian Stein

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Available Now!
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2GiWCeo
Amazon Universal: http://mybook.to/MoonlightSeduction
iBooks: https://apple.co/2p38gCM
Nook: http://bit.ly/2Dn6v7B
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2p4hHlm
Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2FBrHIW

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Start the Series Today!
Moonlight Sins (de Vincent series, book 1)
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2v8VLen
Amazon Universal: https://mybook.to/moonlightsins

Nook: http://bit.ly/MoonlightSins-Nook
iBooks: http://bit.ly/MoonlightSins-iBooks
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2EHHQLQ
Audible: http://amzn.to/2DJB1JZ

About Jennifer L. Armentrout

# 1 New York Times and # 1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Charles Town, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing, she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. In early 2015, Jennifer was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of rare genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and death of cells in the retina, eventually resulting in loss of vision, among other complications. Due to this diagnosis, educating people on the varying degrees of blindness has become a passion of hers, right alongside writing, which she plans to do as long as she can.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Tor, HarperCollins Avon and William Morrow, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her Wicked Series has been optioned by PassionFlix. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including the 2013 Reviewers Choice Award for Wait for You, the 2015 Editor’s Pick for Fall With Me, and the 2014/2015 Moerser-Jugendbuch- Jury award for Obsidian. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA. Her adult romantic suspense novel TILL DEATH was an Amazon Editor’s Pick and iBook Book of the Month. Her young adult contemporary THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER is a 2017 RITA Award Winner in Young Adult Fiction. She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

She is the owner of ApollyCon and The Origin Event, the successful annual events that feature over hundred bestselling authors in Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult Fiction, panels, parties, and more. She is also the creator and sole financier of the annual Write Your Way To RT Book Convention, a contest that gives aspiring authors a chance to win a fully paid trip to RT Book Reviews.

JLA- Credit Franggy Yanez Photography

Connect with Jennifer L. Armentrout:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferLArmentrout
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JLArmentrout
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer_l_armentrout/
GoodReads: http://bit.ly/1DiIjR

Stay up to date with Jennifer by joining her mailing list today: https://bit.ly/2qBce5m

https://jenniferlarmentrout.com

 

MOONLIGHT SEDUCTION(REVIEW POST)

Published June 25, 2018 by bookbesties

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Moonlight Seduction: A de Vincent Novel from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout is LIVE!

The de Vincent brothers are back—and so is the intrigue that surrounds them—in New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout’s sizzling new novel . . .

Nicolette Bresson never thought she’d return to the de Vincents’ bayou compound. It’s where her parents work, where Nikki grew up . . . and where she got her heart broken by Gabriel de Vincent himself. Yet here she is, filling in for her sick mother. Avoiding Gabe should be easy, especially when so much of Nikki’s time is spent trying not to be stabbed in the back by the malicious hangers-on who frequent the mansion. But escaping memories of Gabe, much less his smoking-hot presence, is harder than expected—especially since he seems determined to be in Nikki’s space as much as possible.

Gabriel spent years beating himself up over his last encounter with Nikki. He’d wanted her then, but for reasons that were bad for both of them. Things have now changed. Gabe sees more than a girl he’s known forever; he sees a smart, talented, and heartbreakingly beautiful woman . . . one who’s being stalked from the shadows. Now, Gabe will do anything to keep Nikki safe—and to stop the de Vincent curse from striking again.

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2GiWCeo

Amazon Universal: http://mybook.to/MoonlightSeduction

iBooks: https://apple.co/2p38gCM

Nook: http://bit.ly/2Dn6v7B

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2p4hHlm

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2FBrHIW

Start the Series Today!

Moonlight Sins (de Vincent series, book 1)

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2v8VLen

Amazon Universal: https://mybook.to/moonlightsins

Nook: http://bit.ly/MoonlightSins-Nook

iBooks: http://bit.ly/MoonlightSins-iBooks

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2EHHQLQ

Audible: http://amzn.to/2DJB1JZ

You guys, after reading Lucian’s book, In Moonlight Sins I have waited so long for Gabe’s book and I must say it didn’t disappoint. To say he’s more sexier than Lucian hurts my heart but its true! 

Gabe and Nikki semi grew up together and after a summer filled with Nikki flaunting herself at Gabe, one drunken night was all it took to break Nikki’s heart and for Gabe to hate her. Flash forward years later and Nikki is back at the mansion, working in her mother’s place while trying to avoid Gabe at all cost and ignore the evil that is Sabrina and her brother and all the strange things that keep happening to her in that house. That doesn’t stay the case for long as Nikki has run in after run in with Sabrina and her creepy as crap brother Parker and after a fall down some stairs Nikki is super focused on just doing her job and getting out as quickly as possible.

Gabe is finding it hard to keep away form Nikki, after years of thinking he hurt her and being angry at her she’s back and her presence is doing something to him. He tries to be her friend at first but finds he wants more than that. When Gabe catches Parker sniffing around Nik he goes into super protective mood especially when he sees her on date. After that, all bets are off and he knows he should stay away but he can’t and finds little moments to steal to have some super hop sexual encounters, man O man they were hot. Someone has been stalking Nikki and causing little things here and there, and when Gabe finds out, he is determined to save her, and also tell her the one secret he thinks will ruin what they have building.

I loved this story, I obviously hated more of Sabrina and Devlin, that bastard, but I am intrigued about his book. I would have love to seen more of Gabe’s “secret” earlier on aside from the small mention in the beginning but I loved how it all came together and I have a feeling that the hotness factor will be turned up with Dev’s book and as much as I dislike the guy I can’t wait to read it. Well done Jenn, with each book of this series I say “its my fav” so it just keeps getting better and better! 

star pink

Vonetta

Knocked Up by Stacey Lynn(Review Post)

Published June 5, 2018 by bookbesties

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First comes love. Then comes marriage. Then comes baby in a baby carriage. Just not necessarily in that order. . . .
 
Braxton: I should probably be dead or in jail right now. Instead, thanks to some tough love, I worked my ass off and now I own a string of tattoo parlors throughout the Pacific Northwest. And yet the one thing I’ve always wanted—a family—still seems out of reach. When my best friend gets married, I’m just hoping to blow off some steam with the super-hot maid of honor. But after Cara Thompson tracks me down to tell me she’s pregnant, she’s more surprised than I am when I tell her I’m all in.
 
Cara: For the first time in my life, I’m living for myself—not for my parents and their ridiculous expectations. I gave up on my MBA, dropped out of the Ivy League, and moved to Portland to pursue my dream of becoming an artist. And what’s the first thing I do? Get knocked up. For a tatted-up sex god, Braxton Henley seems way too eager to “be there for me.” Is this guy serious? Maybe. He sure is patient. Because he won’t back down until I admit what I know in my heart: that our one night standmight’ve led me to the one.
 
Advance praise for Knocked Up

“Stacey Lynn always knows how to perfectly balance sexy and sweet, and has a modern writing style that makes all of her stories feel fresh and fun.”—New York Times bestselling author Lauren Layne

“A broody alpha hero with heart . . . I fell madly in love with Braxton from the very first page. Prepare to pull and all-nighter with Knocked Up.”—USA Today bestselling author Stacey Kennedy
 
“Braxton is your ultimate tattooed father-to-be—sweet and ever so sexy.”—Stina Lindenblatt, author of the Pushing Limits series

The steamy standalone novels in Stacey Lynn’s Crazy Love series can be read together or separately:
FAKE WIFE | KNOCKED UP
 
And don’t miss her passionate Fireside series:
HIS TO LOVE | HIS TO PROTECT | HIS TO CHERISH | HIS TO SEDUCE
 
This standalone ebook includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

OUT JUNE 12th!!!(Click on cover for link)

FIRST: Can I say I am in love with Braxton?
This is the first book from this author that I have read and I was glad because it was a hit for me! While accidental pregnancies are more of a other’s on my blog type of book, I thought I’d give this a try and I was VERY glad I did! Braxton is at his best friends wedding where he meets the bride’s best friend, Cara. One night of letting go and the next morning Cara is feeling embarrassed. Welllllll…….what’s a night of recklessness without a small surprise? Yep Cara is preggers! This story follows two people who now are going to raise a baby together and they now need to get to know each other. Braxton is a sexy, tatted and an alpha so what more could you mant? Cara is insecure at times but I loved the relationship that blossomed between these two! This was a win for me all the way!

4stars white

Only because the cover model does not match Braxton

Damaris

Runaway Heiress:A Dare to Defy novel(Review Post)

Published June 4, 2018 by bookbesties

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OUT JUNE 12TH!(CLICK ON COVER FOR LINK)

When a runaway heiress runs into trouble, she may end up exactly where she belongs… 

Brainy and college-educated, American heiress Alexandra Atherton will do anything to avoid marriage to the English peer her mother has chosen for her–even abandon the life of privilege she’s always known. But as her escape goes horribly wrong, Alexandra must invent a new identity to gain the help of a handsome stranger.

Thomas Carlyle, the Earl of Longford, sweeps in and out of London disguised as a humble artist, earning just enough to keep his ancestral Cornwall estate afloat. When Alexandra crashes into his life, she awakens feelings and desires that he vows will stay buried. Despite himself, he needs this beautiful newcomer, for his sisters have run off another governess.

Alexandra is surprised to find she thrives in her new position at Longford’s home. But as she grows closer to Thomas and his sisters, and her relationship with the emotionally guarded earl unleashes their hidden passions, the truth Alexandra’s been forced to hide may end up coming between her and the only man she’s ever loved. 

I could not put this book down!!!  This book is all about desperate times and even more desperate measures and the consequence of both is an incredibly sweet romance.  I found myself inspired by the determination of both the leading male and female characters to remedy their situations at all costs.  I feel like this story focuses more on the support relationships and supporting details than it does on the romance between the leading characters and I LOVE IT!!!  Because the story isn’t soley focused on the romance factor of the story it allows the romance to happen naturally and I really like that in a romance novel.   This is my first book by this author and if this is her writing style for all of her work I can’t wait to read more of her work.

star pink

Danielle

Illegal Contact (The Barons)

Published August 15, 2017 by bookbesties

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The rules of the game don’t apply off the field in this first Barons novel. 

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…

OUR FIRST M/M REVIEW!(OH, MY)

Although a first for the blog, this is not my first time reading M/M romance but it is my first time reviewing it, and this book was a wonderful way to start!  I really like that although one of the main characters is a football star this wasn’t a sports romance.  Both characters were relatable and well built, to the point where I can see myself being friends with Noah in real life.  I really enjoyed this book and watching as Gavin and Noah fell in love.  I like seeing the softer side of “rough” characters and watching how exposing their sensitivities makes them grow. From page 2 I was cheering on this romance before just based on the contrasting personalities of Gavin and Noah.   This book gave me everything I expected and more.  It was a fun read that I finished in one sitting because I was so drawn in.

4stars white

BOOKBESTIES– Danielle