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One minute, I’m a woman trying to find her way in the world, and the next, I’m the sender of six of the most embarrassing text messages that have ever been sent in the history of time—or the cell phone.

Whatever.

My Brother’s Billionaire Best Friend, a hilarious romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Max Monroe, is available now!

Mabel “Maybe” Willis died a virgin at the very young age of twenty-four.

She leaves behind her parents, Betty and Bruce, her brother, Evan, a laptop filled with one too many Jason Momoa memes, and a Kindle library with more books than one human being could ever finish in a lifetime.

Cause of death: a text message.

Okay. So, I didn’t die.

But I may as well have.

One minute, I’m a woman trying to find her way in the world, and the next, I’m the sender of six of the most embarrassing text messages that have ever been sent in the history of time—or the cell phone. Whatever.

We’re talking code red, send a flipping mayday, the apocalypse is coming kind of texts.

And I didn’t just send them to some random person I’ll never see again.

No. That would be too easy.

I sent them to Milo Ives.

The man who played a starring role in all of my teenage fantasies—and my brother’s lifelong best friend.

And, boy oh boy, has he grown up.

He’s hard-bodied, blue-eyed, jawline-of-stone handsome, crazy successful, and has more money in his bank account than my brain can fathom.

Deflower me, please? I said.

Yeah. Send help.

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

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My Review

After reading Maybe and Milo’s story, I can’t decide which one I have more of a crush on because I’m a sucker for a quirky, intelligent, and self-aware heroine, but I also can’t get enough of hero who is more than swoon worthy, not because of the size of his bank account or the success of his business, but the fact that he’s a charming and humble gentleman who may be one gorgeous guy but it’s his personality that makes him everything a girl could want.

Deflower me, please? I said.

Those are probably not the best words to text to someone, especially when that someone is your brother’s best friend as well as the guy you’ve had a crush on since you were 11. But even though Maybe feels extremely embarrassed and quite a bit humiliated, her awkward text messages open up a dialogue between her and Milo that probably would have never happened without those impulsive text messages. And, I also thinks it’s the perfect avenue for Maybe to ask questions, ones she would never ask Milo face to face, about sex and all that comes with it.

I love how Max Monroe used texting to show just how attracted Maybe and Milo are to each other while also allowing them to say things and inquire information from each other that they, especially Maybe, would never bring up in mixed company or without the protection of a phone.

It was only a matter of time before these two gave into their electric chemistry and attraction because there’s only so many times they can deny what they want, especially when they’re constantly together and want the same thing. But while things between them do progress, it’s not something that can happen instantaneously because there are other people to consider as well as the high stakes that are involved if something other than friendship happens between them.

And while Milo did frustrate me a bit at times because of his mixed signals and hot/cold demeanor, I understood his struggle…his hesitancy when it came to his growing feelings for Maybe and just what those feelings might do, not only to his relationship to his best friend’s little sister, but to his best friend as well.

My Brother’s Billionaire Best Friend is another hilarious romcom from the comedic minds of Max Monroe. It’s a sweet, feel good read that has a great blend of witty exchanges, comical scenes, and a cast of quirky, sassy, and spirited characters that will have readers both laughing and cringing at what comes out of their mouths. And while I absolutely loved seeing cameos from some of my favorite Max Monroe characters, the one that intrigued me the most is Caplin Hawkins, and because he’s reminds me of Thatch in some ways. I’m so ready for Cap to be handed his ass by his leading lady!

4.5 Poison Apples

Excerpt

Maybe

Here I rest, you guys.

I. Mother-flapjacking P. to me.

And now, I’m coming to you live from what I believe is the afterlife.

Just think of this as that morning show with Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest, Live with Kelly and Ryan.

Only, change the name to DEAD with Maybe, take away the celebrity guests, and fill the audience with people who don’t mind witnessing a full-on embarrassment-fueled emotional breakdown.

Good God, if I would’ve known I was going to kick the bucket right before I reached twenty-five, I sure as shit wouldn’t have spent the last six years of my life slaving away at Stanford for a bachelor’s and master’s degree in English Lit.

I would’ve partied in college rather than studying until my eyeballs bled.

I would’ve danced on bars. Flashed some nip for beads at Mardi Gras. Actually gone to Mardi Gras.

I would have indulged in unlimited pasta night at the Olive Garden instead of counting carbs, and I wouldn’t have stopped binge-watching Game of Thrones on season flipping six.

I would have tongue-kissed loads of guys and spread my legs like a contortionist for any of them who seemed reasonably adept.

You know, a little bam-bam in my ham-ham.

Some not-too-big, but not-too-small P in my V.

A good old-fashioned pants-off dance-off…

Sex, you guys. I’m talking about sex. And if you haven’t picked up what I’m putting down from my delirious ramble, I’ll lay it out for you.

I’ve yet to be sexed up by anyone.

That’s right. I have officially bought myself a one-way ticket to the afterlife as a virgin for-freaking-eternity.

And now, I guess I’ll never know how it feels to have an actual penis rub up against my G-spot because, you know, I’m dead. And I’m pretty certain God probably frowns upon people flashing their boobs at the angels and public displays of leg-spreading and definitely the unchaste actions of a desperate-to-bone but unwed woman. No way. Heaven’s strictly G-rated.

I put it all off. I figured I had time. I mean, I thought I’d at least get to see The Office do a reunion special before I went lights out for good.

Although, my parents’ flower shop feels more like purgatory than heaven, and I thought for sure I’d be wearing something other than jean shorts and Converse when I headed to meet the Big Guy upstairs.

Honestly, the afterlife feels eerily like real life, and I’m not one to be dramatic, but I have to be dead, you guys. Seriously. Because no one could live through what I did.

I’m talking a 10.0 on the Richter Scale of embarrassing and awkward.

A Category 5 hurricane of humiliation.

A twisting, catastrophic EF5 tornado of comedic disaster.

No freaking way I survived that…right?

Okay. Fine. So, I can be a little dramatic sometimes…

And maybe, just maybe, I’m exaggerating things a bit here, but I’m doing it in the name of self-preservation.

Because, trust me, if you did what I did, you’d let yourself mentally pretend to be dead for a little bit too.

Because if I’m not dead, I’m going to have to face the consequences of my awful, humiliating, cringeworthy actions.

I’m going to have to face him.

Milo Ives—a tall, handsome, unbelievably sexy drink of water.

A man I’ve known since I was a prepubescent girl.

A man I’ve basically been crushing on my whole damn life.

A billion-dollar-empire kind of successful man who just so happens to be my brother’s best friend.

I’ll say it again for the folks in the back.

Milo Ives is my brother’s billionaire best friend.

And I’m in way over my head.

About Max Monroe

A secret duo of romance authors team up under the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling pseudonym Max Monroe to bring you sexy, laugh-out-loud reads.

Max Monroe is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of more than ten contemporary romance titles. Favorite writing partners and long time friends, Max and Monroe strive to live and write all the fun, sexy swoon so often missing from their Facebook newsfeed. Sarcastic by nature, their two writing souls feel like they’ve found their other half. This is their most favorite adventure thus far.

Connect with Max Monroe

Website: https://www.authormaxmonroe.com/

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Infinite (Book Two in the Indefinite Duet)

Release Date: July 22, 2019

Synopsis

I was right. I never should’ve fallen back in love with Quinn. I always knew we wouldn’t make it. And to make matters worse, not only did I lose my soulmate—I lost myself as well.

Everything was stripped away, leaving me bare and unable to breathe. No one told me it could hurt this much. I was unprepared for this level of agony from the horrible weight of grief.

I planned to love him infinitely. But what is infinity, when love always ends?

Amazon: https://geni.us/InfiniteZon

Apple Books: https://geni.us/InfiniteAB

Barnes & Noble: https://geni.us/InfiniteBN

Kobo: https://geni.us/InfiniteKobo

Google Play: https://geni.us/InfiniteGP

Goodreads Link: https://geni.us/InfiniteGR

Catch up with Indefinite (Book One): https://corinnemichaels.com/indefinite

About Corinne

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Corinne Michaels is the author of ten romance novels. She’s an emotional, witty, sarcastic, and fun loving mom of two beautiful children. Corinne is happily married to the man of her dreams and is a former Navy wife.

After spending months away from her husband while he was deployed, reading and writing was her escape from the loneliness. She enjoys putting her characters through intense heartbreak and finding a way to heal them through their struggles. Her stories are chock full of emotion, humor, and unrelenting love.

Connect with Corinne

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Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/2W1f4T5

Fighting Absolution by Kate McCarthy

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publishing date: September 10, 2019

At fifteen, Jamie Murphy finds herself broken and alone, convinced she doesn’t need anyone.

Until she does.

Bear is the boy behind the fence, the one who was there for her when no one else was.

Until he’s not.

Left with nothing, Jamie joins the army hoping it will give her purpose. The last thing she expects is the best friend from her past to reappear in the dusty plains of a war-torn country. No longer the boy she once knew, Bear is now a man: big, bearded, and SAS—one of the army’s elite.

Soon Jamie finds herself not only fighting against her enemies, but her feelings for a man who left her once before. Can she risk losing him all over again?

Fighting Absolution is a friends to lovers romance and features characters from Fighting Redemption, but is written as a standalone.

Pre-order your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2YkqAtT

Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/FightingAbsolution

Apple Books: https://apple.co/2Sqlff6

Nook: http://bit.ly/2O9bgwq

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About Kate

Kate McCarthy is a USA Today Bestselling author who resides in Brisbane, Australia, a city in the

state of Queensland where she works full time on her writing.

She has two children, two dogs, and a pile of friends and family dotted all over the world that help

keep her sane.

When she’s not busy running after naughty kids, filthy dogs, and writing books, you can find her

curled up in bed in the early hours of the morning reading new books and re-reading old favourites.

Connect with Kate

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KMacinOz

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

Website: https://katemccarthy.net/

“I LOVED both Cosy and Griffin! This story was ABSOLUTE PERFECTION!”- Kendall Ryan, New York Times bestselling author

Making Up an all-new laugh-out-loud romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting is available now!

Cosy Felton is great at her job—she knows just how to handle the awkwardness that comes with working at an adult toy store. So when the hottest guy she’s ever seen walks into the shop looking completely overwhelmed, she’s more than happy to turn on the charm and help him purchase all of the items on his list.

Griffin Mills is using his business trip in Las Vegas as a chance to escape the broken pieces of his life in New York City. The last thing he wants is to be put in charge of buying gag gifts for his friend’s bachelor party. Despite being totally out of his element, and mortified by the whole experience, Griffin is pleasantly surprised when he finds himself attracted to the sales girl that helped him.

As skeptical as Cosy may be of Griffin’s motivations, there’s something about him that intrigues her. But sometimes what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas and when real life gets in the way, all bets are off. Filled with hilariously awkward situations and enough sexual chemistry to power Sin City, Making Up is the next standalone in the Shacking Up world.

Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2GEt63s

AppleBooks:https://apple.co/2Xay1UJ

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/MakingUp

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

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

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2GFTD0b

Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/2xNImqw

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/MakingUpHH

My Review

Griffin Mills and Cosy Felton’s hilarious meet-cute is a whole lot awkward with a good amount of embarrassment, and its setting is definitely not a place most would go to find unless they were looking for a kinky someone who would love to use any of the sex toys that fill the shelves of Cosy’s place of employment, Sex Toy Warehouse.

And, let me tell you, the sales mask that Cosy wears along with her required ‘uniform’ enable her to ‘sell sexy toys like nobody’s business,’ even if she doesn’t have a lot of experience in the actual act of sex. So the fact that Griffin drew the short straw and had to venture into a adult toy store to pick up the necessary gag gifts for a bachelor party is actually quite fortuitous because Cosy and Griffin never would have met if he didn’t have to embarrass himself by venturing into Sex Toy Warehouse and learning about the many different types and sizes of dildos.

The best thing about Griffin and Cosy is how much they seem to own their awkwardness and make fun of themselves as they try to figure out exactly what’s between them. And, the fact that they are opposites in almost every facet of their lives, but still find a common ground and extremely enjoy being in each other’s company prove that age is just a number, baggage can be let go of, and that life doesn’t always have to be planned out – spontaneity might actually make their lives fuller. 

Cosy was my girl from the start – I adored her quirks, her wanderlust, her easy going spirit, and the fact that she lived her life according to her own dictates, no one else’s. She’s quite an amazing heroine, and while she’s not into staying in one place too long, moving on to her next adventure on a whim, as well as living as uncomplicated a life as possible, there’s something about Griffin that makes her want to be where he is, giving into a lifestyle that she’s never had and a plethora of surprises, which she never enjoyed.

Griffin, just like the other Mills men readers have met, is totally swoon worthy, and even though he’s a bit jaded and has quite a bit of baggage due to his previous relationship, it’s clear that his an upstanding guy who deserves to be happy and despite their age difference, the fact that he lives in New York, and Cosy’s need for things to be uncomplicated, Griffin can’t help but love spending time with her and like who he is with her, which means that when his time in Vegas is over, he’ll have to hope Cosy isn’t afraid of complicating things.

Making Up is a sweet, steamy, and humorous read with a bit of drama in the mix as well, which is exactly what I’ve come to expect from Helena Hunting’s stories and characters, making her one of my absolute faves!

4.5 Poison Apples

Excerpt

We’re a couple of minutes away from my apartment, which also means we’re almost at the end of our date. End-of-date protocol often means a goodnight kiss.

And I’ve eaten onions. Lots of them. What the hell was I thinking? I feel around in my shorts pocket, hoping I have a random stick of gum. I find a tiny square packet and pull it out, along with an old tissue. I shove that back in my pocket and sigh with relief as I carefully open the Listerine Pocketpak. There’s one strip left. I pop it in my mouth, wishing I had water since my mouth is dry and I’m suddenly super nervous.

Griffin pulls up in front of my apartment building. I swallow a bunch of times, trying to get the strip to dissolve on my tongue and glance out the tinted window, seeing it from his perspective. I don’t live in a bad part of town, but I sure as hell wouldn’t leave this car sitting out here for any length of time unless I wanted it keyed or stripped down.

Griffin shifts into park and turns to me, one hand resting on the back of my seat near the headrest. “I had a great time, Cosy.”

“Me too, thanks for dinner.” I tried to fork over my share, but he was quick on the credit card draw.

“It was my pleasure.” He leans in the tiniest bit, a nonverbal cue that he’s going in for a kiss.

I mirror the movement, giving him the go ahead. My stomach flutters in anticipation. I exhale slowly through my nose. Even though the Listerine strip should be doing its job to mask the onions, I don’t want to ruin the moment by breathing that in his face.

His fingertips skim my jaw, and I close my eyes. And then his lips brush my cheek. I wait for them to move a couple of inches to the right, but after what feels like a lot of seconds—and is probably only a few—I crack a lid.

Griffin is still close, a wry smile on his lips and a smolder in his eyes.

“Seriously, that’s it? A kiss on the cheek?”

His smile widens, making his eyes crinkle at the corners. He’s nothing like the guys I usually end up on dates with. College boys don’t take things slow. If I were out with one of the guys from school, I’d be sitting in a beat-up Civic with some stupid music playing, and he’d be all over me with his tongue halfway down my throat, copping a feel.

“I thought all the onions you ate were the equivalent to garlic for vampires.” Griffin fingers my hair near my shoulder. I’d really like him to finger something else. Wait. I mean I’d like to feel his hands on me. Not in my pants. Okay, maybe I’d like them in my pants, but not after date number one.

“I wasn’t thinking, and I really like onions. A lot. In hindsight, it’s not a great date food. I feel kinda dumb. And I guess at first I wasn’t so sure about you. How was I supposed to know you’d actually be kind of normalish?”

“Normalish?”

“Well, you drink club soda on purpose, so you can’t be all there.” I tap his temple.

Griffin circles my wrist with his fingers and drops his head, lips brushing over my knuckle. “We can’t all be perfect, now, can we?”

“I suppose not, and perfect is boring.”

“That it is.” He hums against my skin, and I feel it through my entire body. “I would like to try that kiss again, if you’re still interested.”

About Helena

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She’s writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.

Connect with Helena

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Diary Of A Bad Boy on Audio!!

Release Date: July 22nd

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Diary Of A Bad Boy is now available on AUDIO! Meghan Quinn is so excited to bring you Diary Of A Bad Boy narrated by John Hartley and Lauren Ezzo!!

This sassy and sweet romance about an Irish rebel who falls in love with the wrong girl will leave you with a happy heart and a smile on your face.

Full of witty banter and swoony moments, it’s the perfect romantic comedy to listen to!

Blurb

Dear Diary,

I might have gotten myself into a wee bit of trouble – and I’m not talking about the “court mandated community service”, or “therapy sessions from bashing a bloke in the head” kind of trouble.

I wish it were that simple.

Nope. I’m talking about the “falling in love with one of my client’s daughters”, kind of trouble…The kind of problem I can’t talk my way out of when the truth gets out.

How I ended up with her phone is a long story – and when she called to get it back, I took things a bit too far. One innocent exchange wound up leading to so much more.

Fun, new, and totally immune to my charm, Sutton is different. And I had no idea she was the daughter of Foster Green.

Blame it on the dark colored stout running through my veins, pushing me toward one bad decision after another. Pushing me toward her even though I know right from wrong; even though she’s my client’s daughter.

Dating her might be the best or worst decision I’ve ever made. Only time, whiskey, and one more roll around the mattress with her will tell.

Roark

Grab your copy here: https://amzn.to/2JQaTRZ

 

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.

Connect with Meghan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meghanquinnauthor
Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7360513.Meghan_Quinn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormeghanquinn/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorMegQuinn
Website: http://authormeghanquinn.com
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/meghan-quinn
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2LitE4x

Lies, a steamy, fast paced standalone filled with the perfect blend of heat and humor from New York Times bestselling author Kylie Scott, is available now!

Betty Dawsey knows that breaking things off with Thom Lange is for the best. He’s nice, but boring, and their relationship has lost its spark. But steady and predictable Thom, suddenly doesn’t seem so steady and predictable when their condo explodes and she’s kidnapped by a couple of crazies claiming that Thom isn’t who he says he is.

Thom is having a hellish week. Not only is he hunting a double agent, but his fiancé dumped him, and thanks to his undercover life, she’s been kidnapped.

Turns out Thom is Operative Thom and he’s got more than a few secrets to share with Betty if he’s going to keep her alive. With both their lives on the line, their lackluster connection is suddenly replaced by an intense one. But in his line of work, feelings aren’t wanted or desired. Because feelings can be a lethal distraction.

Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Mpws0a

AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2Z7eEIE

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/LiesKS

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

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2Z3ME8X

Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/2XzZz1O

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/31cAz3h

My Review

Lies destroy lives. They break trust. They paint a picture that isn’t reality.

And, unknowingly, this is Betty Dawsey’s life in Kylie Scott’s newest release, LIES, and while after hearing the truth of who her fiancé truly is, she might reconsider wanting the truth because her life literally explodes and she’s left figuring out how to stay alive while also dealing with all the lies that are revealed about the man she thought she knew.

The fact that Betty’s once boring and average Thom turns out to be someone else entirely does a number on her head and her heart is completely understandable, and the maelstrom of feelings that she has to sort through when everything is revealed can’t be an easy feat, especially when her life continues to be threatened and the one person she’s supposed to trust has just been found to be a liar. I would be just as upset with not only the lies but also with the reason Thom chose her as part of his cover story. I credit her for wanting to change the dynamics of her life at the beginning of the story because she doesn’t seem to be a priority to Thom, and I also like the fact that she was strong and came through when it mattered most.

I have to be honest…I couldn’t get a read on Thom for most of the story. I understand the need to live a double life, but I didn’t like how he made Betty feel like she didn’t matter. It’s clear that he has a certain skillset that makes him an excellent covert operative, but it’s his personal life that needs some work, but if Thom can keep himself and Betty alive, they just might stand a chance because as the saying goes, there is always some truth in lies, and when it comes to how he sees Betty and wants to protect her just might win her back.

Amidst trying to work through Betty’s feelings of betrayal as well as her truly learning who her fiancé is and why he’s been living a lie, professionally, Thom is in even more danger than his fiancee’s wrath because there’s a double-agent among his team and if he can’t stop this person from picking off his team one by one, he may not have a chance to make amends.

There is  suspense and action involved in every part of the story line, which keeps the plot moving forward as a steady pace. Betty and Thom’s relationship is quite a slow burn, but it makes sense given the circumstances and what he’s willing to do to keep his fiancee safe.

I enjoyed Kylie Scott’s romantic suspense; it’s not the author’s typical type of story, but I love authors who step outside their usual writing bubble and show just how multifaceted they are as writers.

4 Poison Apples

Excerpt

“You’re going to break his heart.”

“No, I’m not,” I say. “That’s sort of the whole point. If I really thought leaving him would break his heart, then I probably wouldn’t be leaving him in the first place.”

My best friend, Jen, does not look convinced.

Boxes fill a good half of the room. What a mess. Who knew you could accumulate so much junk in only twelve months? At least we weren’t together so long that I can’t remember who owns what. One year is about the sweet spot for this issue in relationships, apparently.

“The fact of the matter is, we’re not in love. We have no business being engaged, let alone getting married.” I sigh. “Have you seen the packing tape?”

“No. He’s just such a nice guy.”

“I’m not debating that.” I climb to my feet, then head up the stairs to the second bedroom. Thom’s unofficial workout room/home office. Not a room I normally go into. But it only takes a bit of rummaging to find what I’m looking for. Whatever else might be said about them, insurance assessors are organized. The bottom drawer of Thom’s desk has a neat stash of stationery. I grab a couple rolls of thick tape.

“And leaving him this way…” Jen continues as I head back down.

“How many times have I told him we need to talk? He’s always putting it off, saying it’s not a good time. And now he’s away again. I’ve been messaging him for the last week and he barely replies.”

“You know he has to drop everything once a job comes up. I realize he’s not the most exciting guy, Betty, but—”

“I know.” I smack down a line of tape with extra zest, sealing the lid of the last box. In this Operation Abandon Ship Posthaste, I know I’m definitely slightly the bad guy. But not totally. Say sixty/forty. Or maybe seventy/thirty. It’s hard to tell to what degree. “I do know all of that. But he’s always busy with work or away on some business trip. What am I supposed to do?”

A sigh from Jen.

“When you realize you’ve made such a monumental mistake, it’s hard to sit and wait to fix things. Nor is it fair on either of us to keep up the pretense.”

“Guess so.”

“And the fact that he’s yet again made no effort to prioritize our relationship and make a little time for me in his busy schedule is just further proof that I’ve made the right choice in ending this now before it gets any more complicated. End of rant.”

Nothing from her.

“Anyway, you’re supposed to be on my side. Stop questioning me.”

“You wanted to get married and have children so badly.”

“Yeah.” I sit back on my heels. “I blame it all on playing with Ken and Barbie’s dreamhouse when I was little. But it turns out that being in a relationship with the wrong person can be even lonelier than being alone.”

Jen and I have been friends since sharing a room in college. We’ve witnessed the bulk of each other’s dating ups and downs. For some reason, I’m the type of girl who guys will go out with, but don’t tend to stick with. Apparently, I’m fuckable—just not girlfriend material. Maybe it’s my smart mouth. Maybe it’s the whole not fitting current societal expectations of beauty i.e. I’m fat. Maybe I was born under an unlucky star. I don’t know; it’s their loss. Like anyone, I have my faults, but all in all, I’m awesome. And I have a lot to give. Too often in the past few months, I’ve had to keep reminding myself of this fact.

“There are just so many jerks out there,” Jen says. “I was happy that you’d found a good one.”

“I think I’d prefer a jerk who was genuinely into me than a nice guy phoning it in.

Honestly, I’d rather go adopt a dozen cats and settle into old age and isolation than be with someone who treats me as if I’m an afterthought.”

She looks at me for a long moment, then nods slowly. “I’m sorry it didn’t work out.”

“Me too.”

“Time to start filling up the cars. Boy, do you owe me.”

I smile. “That I do.”

Jen stands and stretches before picking up one of the boxes labeled kitchen. “I just didn’t want you to do something you’d regret, you know?”

“I know. Thank you.”

Alone in the two-bedroom condo, everything is silent. My parting letter sits waiting on the coffee table with his name written on the front. A slight bulge in the envelope betrays the shape of my engagement ring. It’s a sweet, simple ring. One small diamond perched on a band of yellow gold. My hand feels wrong without it. Naked. They say there are different love languages and you have to take the time to learn your partner’s needs. It’s like he and I never quite got there. Or maybe I’m just crappy at relationships.

The bridal magazines I’d collected are in the trash. Perhaps I should have taken them into the florist shop where I work so someone could get some use out of them. But this feels more symbolic, more definite. My family are a couple of states away, and I have only a few of what I’d classify as good friends. Being an introvert makes it hard to meet people. A boyfriend, a husband, would mean I’m no longer alone. Someone cares about me and puts me first. At least part of the time. Only Thom doesn’t any of the time, so here we are.

I tighten my ponytail of long dark hair. Then, in a rare display of dexterity that my yoga instructor would be proud of, I stack three boxes in my arms and head outside into the hot afternoon sun. Jen’s Honda Civic is parked at the curb, the trunk standing open as she moves things about inside. My old Subaru sits in the driveway waiting to be filled. Birds are singing and insects chirping. It’s your typical mild autumn day in California.

That’s when the condo blows up behind me.

About Kylie Scott

Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013, 2014 & 2018, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet.

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Lies, a steamy, fast paced standalone filled with the perfect blend of heat and humor from New York Times bestselling author Kylie Scott, is available now!

Betty Dawsey knows that breaking things off with Thom Lange is for the best. He’s nice, but boring, and their relationship has lost its spark. But steady and predictable Thom, suddenly doesn’t seem so steady and predictable when their condo explodes and she’s kidnapped by a couple of crazies claiming that Thom isn’t who he says he is.

Thom is having a hellish week. Not only is he hunting a double agent, but his fiancé dumped him, and thanks to his undercover life, she’s been kidnapped.

Turns out Thom is Operative Thom and he’s got more than a few secrets to share with Betty if he’s going to keep her alive. With both their lives on the line, their lackluster connection is suddenly replaced by an intense one. But in his line of work, feelings aren’t wanted or desired. Because feelings can be a lethal distraction.

Download your copy today!

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My Review

Lies destroy lives. They break trust. They paint a picture that isn’t reality.

And, unknowingly, this is Betty Dawsey’s life in Kylie Scott’s newest release, LIES, and while after hearing the truth of who her fiancé truly is, she might reconsider wanting the truth because her life literally explodes and she’s left figuring out how to stay alive while also dealing with all the lies that are revealed about the man she thought she knew.

The fact that Betty’s once boring and average Thom turns out to be someone else entirely does a number on her head and her heart is completely understandable, and the maelstrom of feelings that she has to sort through when everything is revealed can’t be an easy feat, especially when her life continues to be threatened and the one person she’s supposed to trust has just been found to be a liar. I would be just as upset with not only the lies but also with the reason Thom chose her as part of his cover story. I credit her for wanting to change the dynamics of her life at the beginning of the story because she doesn’t seem to be a priority to Thom, and I also like the fact that she was strong and came through when it mattered most.

I have to be honest…I couldn’t get a read on Thom for most of the story. I understand the need to live a double life, but I didn’t like how he made Betty feel like she didn’t matter. It’s clear that he has a certain skillset that makes him an excellent covert operative, but it’s his personal life that needs some work, but if Thom can keep himself and Betty alive, they just might stand a chance because as the saying goes, there is always some truth in lies, and when it comes to how he sees Betty and wants to protect her just might win her back.

Amidst trying to work through Betty’s feelings of betrayal as well as her truly learning who her fiancé is and why he’s been living a lie, professionally, Thom is in even more danger than his fiancee’s wrath because there’s a double-agent among his team and if he can’t stop this person from picking off his team one by one, he may not have a chance to make amends.

There is  suspense and action involved in every part of the story line, which keeps the plot moving forward as a steady pace. Betty and Thom’s relationship is quite a slow burn, but it makes sense given the circumstances and what he’s willing to do to keep his fiancee safe.

I enjoyed Kylie Scott’s romantic suspense; it’s not the author’s typical type of story, but I love authors who step outside their usual writing bubble and show just how multifaceted they are as writers.

4 Poison Apples

About Kylie Scott

Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013, 2014 & 2018, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet.

Connect with Kylie Scott

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2XujcZh

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Website: https://kyliescott.com/

 

 

Dax (Arizona Vengeance, Book #4)

Sawyer Bennett

Release Date: July 9, 2019

The Arizona Vengeance is killing it on the ice. But one player can’t seem to keep his eye on the puck—all thanks to the woman he just married to save her life.

My name is Dax Monahan and hockey is my passion. And if you want to succeed in this sport you have to bust your ass 24/7. I’ve never had a hard time focusing on my career, but when my past comes knocking, no amount of training can prepare me for what lies on the other side of the door.

Regan Miles was always like a sister to me. When a shared tragedy brings us face to face after several years, I’m shocked to see just how much she’s changed. Gone is the shy, awkward little girl that always used to chase me and her brother around. Instead, I’m faced with a gorgeous woman who makes it damn hard to concentrate on anything but her.

Turns out, she’s in trouble, and the only way out is to get married.

I surprise myself when I tell her to marry me. Order her, actually. And most shocking of all, she doesn’t even hesitate before saying yes.

So it’s settled. We’re getting hitched and she’s moving to Arizona with me. All platonic, of course.

The catch?

I never knew I’d fall so hard for my best friend’s little sister.

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My Review

Readers familiar with Sawyer Bennett’s Arizona Vengeance, who have been with the the players and the author since Bishop was released know quite a bit about Bennett’s newest leading man, Dax Monahan. In fact, because Dax and Regan’s story occurs pretty much concurrently with Legend and Pepper’s book, some of the groundwork has already been laid when it comes to how Dax finds himself a married man and what his future could potentially look like if he has anything to say about it.

Despite Dax’s player status, once he committed himself to helping Regan and then started to understand that she was no longer a little girl or Vance’s younger sister, but a beautiful woman who has had more heartache than a woman her age should have to deal with, so if he can make things easier on her, support her in the ways that she needs, he can honor Regan’s brother while perhaps realizing he is, in fact, husband material.

Regan’s a fighter; she’s had to be since her teens when she lost both of her parents, but now she’s truly fighting for her life, and while she’s used to doing things on her own and feeling the loneliness that comes along with not being surrounded by family who love her, but that’s no longer the case, and while Dax may be a bit too alpha and domineering at times, it’s clear that she’ll never have to worry with him by her side.

The progression of Dax and Regan’s relationship – from family friends to husband and wife to lovers to something both exhilarating and confusing – at times, seems seamless, even though the marriage is supposed to be fake because it’s clear that deep feelings exist between these two; they just need the courage to see where their new feelings will take them.

Dax and Regan’s book not only focuses on witnessing these two acclimate to their new normal, to their new feelings for each other, to their way of coping with the changes as Dax works to understand what he wants and needs as a man and as a husband, but readers also gain a deeper understanding of just how much Tacker continues to struggle with grief and guilt and what hitting rock bottom means for the captain of the Vengeance.

I appreciate the fact that Sawyer Bennett didn’t add anymore unnecessary drama to what is already an overwhelming situation for both Regan and Dax as well as the Arizona Vengeance, and while I was frustrated and disheartened at times, I knew that even though everything didn’t follow a linear path and there were far reaching obstacles, Dax and Regan knew that the struggle was worth it if it meant that they could be the couple they were meant to be.

Aiden Snow and Virginia Rose were fantastic narrators; they voiced Dax and Regan’s perspectives with passion, conveying the emotions of the hero and heroine and providing a voice to everything the characters were thinking throughout the course of the story. 

4 Poison Apples

 

About the Author
Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released multiple books, many of which have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists.

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

Sawyer likes her Bloody Marys strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active daughter, as well as full-time servant to her adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or even better, both.

Sawyer also writes general and women’s fiction under the pen name S. Bennett and sweet romance under the name Juliette Poe.

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FEAST OF SPARKS (Thorchapel #2) by Sierra Simone

Release Date: August 1st

Cover Designer: Hang Le

Photographer: Regina Wamba

Add to Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44434266-feast-of-sparks

Blurb

I’m an outcast and a loner, named for death itself. Fate wasn’t supposed to have plans for me.

But then she came back—the girl I once kissed in a thorn-covered chapel in the woods. She came back, and I could no more resist her than I could pry out my own heart. And by some trick of fate, she wants me as much as I want her. The only problem? She also wants the man who owns Thornchapel, Auden Guest.

And so do I.

Eight years ago, I did something to Auden, something terrible. He hurt me back the only way he knew how, and so here we are: our hatred seasoned with pain and my loneliness seasoned with longing. The only thing we can agree on is Proserpina Markham, and she wants us to find a way to be together—all three of us.

If Auden wants to earn her as his submissive, then he has to earn me as well.

But with the discovery of bones behind the altar and the carnal revel of Beltane fast approaching, it’s becoming clear that Thornchapel’s secrets are much deeper and older than any of us could have ever guessed. And no matter how bright and merry a feast of sparks may be, it’s always followed by ashes.

And darkness.

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About the Author

Sierra Simone is a USA Today Bestselling former librarian (who spent too much time reading romance novels at the information desk.) She lives with her husband and family in Kansas City.

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Synopsis

Would you tell your husband everything?

Every torrid thought? Every twisted fantasy? The forbidden images that slink into your mind in your most vulnerable moments?

I shouldn’t have. I hesitated to. But I did.

And my husband? He gave them all to me.

Amazon Purchase Link: https://smarturl.it/FilthyVows

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My Review

I don’t think I’ve ever read a love story about a married couple quite like the one that Alessandra Torre just released. In some ways, it feels like a marriage case study, analyzing and illustrating the evolvement of Easton and Elle’s relationship, taking readers back to the couples’ beginning and then focusing on their present struggles as well as delving into Elle’s sexual desires and what they meant for their marriage and their future.

I will admit that it took me a bit to get into the story, partly because I couldn’t see the connection of the title to the content presented early on but also because even though I understood why the flashbacks needed to occur, it slowed the plot line now a bit, leaving me impatient to get to the heart of the story’s conflict.

Every time I read an Alessandra Torre romance, I’m never quite sure the path the story will take or the dynamics that she’ll put into play when it comes the main characters’ journey. And while there were typical marital issues that Easton and Elle needed to contend with, especially their individual insecurities, it was beyond clear that love and passion were not concerns for these two, but that didn’t mean they had the perfect marriage; it just meant that they were willing to work, willing to communicate, willing to compromise in order to stay together.

By the time I reached the end of Easton and Elle’s story, I felt like there was more to tell about these two and where their lives together were headed, so I’m hoping that the whispers of a follow-up are true and that Torre plans to continue examining their marriage and perhaps even give the supporting characters their own story, offering further details about who they are and how their relationships work.   

Filthy Vows is an intriguing and sexy story that allows readers an intimate look into the ups and downs and highs and lows of a marriage, illustrating that even a solid marriage can have its issues, but as long as honesty takes precedence and they’re both willing to give and take and give their partner their heart’s desire, any obstacle can be overcome and even the deepest desires can be told and maybe even explored.

4 Poison Apples 

About the Author

Alessandra Torre is an award-winning New York Times bestselling author of twenty-one novels. Torre has been featured in such publications as Elle and Elle UK, as well as guest-blogged for the Huffington Post and RT Book Reviews. She is also the Bedroom Blogger for Cosmopolitan.com.

In addition to writing, Alessandra is the creator of Alessandra Torre Ink, a website, community, and online school for aspiring authors.

Learn more about Alessandra on her website at http://www.alessandratorre.com, or you can find her on Twitter (@ReadAlessandra) or her Facebook fanpage.

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