Synopsis:
Nine lives.
Nine inches.
One chance to make her his.
Preppy’s brother is about to live up to the family legacy in more ways than one.
This is the story of Nine, The Tale of Kevin Clearwater.
Synopsis:
Samantha Brooks stands onstage as the curtain rises. Her dreams are coming true. She doesn’t know that her nightmare is coming, too.
CONCERTO is the second book in the North Security Trilogy about the violin prodigy. OVERTURE is out now!
Sarah’s Musings…
5 TAKE MY HEART CROWNS
I was warned. I was told of the triggers, but sometimes the best love stories come from the darkest parts of humanity, and ACHE by SM Soto is certainly one of those stories.
Bea. Sweet Bea. My heart broke, shattered into a tiny million little pieces for her. The degradation she suffers, the violence and humiliation left me breathless, but my God, how she is strong. She exemplifies in every way that there is strength in the ability to endure, strength in protecting those you love. Like several of the secondary characters I wanted to wrap her up and whisk her away, implore people to open their eyes and see, but Bae’s HEA is hers to win and hers to fight for. Her happiness is one of the most hard fought and well earned endings I’ve ever read, so although my heart broke and there are moments that gutted me, her story is ultimately one of hope.
Liam is so incredibly sweet as a boy and a man. His compassion and care with all things radiates off of him. They way he handles Bea with care and protects her is everything. He has his moments where readers want to scream at him, where they want to be angry with him, but it is clear that he lives this woman with the way he fights for her and tries to save her.
The way SM Soto tells this story is brilliant. By moving readers between the past and the present she allows readers to see the beginning filled with happiness mixed with the horrifying deeds to come, with certain scenes being much more poignant with the juxtaposition between the present and the past. So, well played SM Soto for tearing my heart to shreds. At least she has the wherewithal to piece it back together, allowing us to heal along with Bea as she does with the help of the secondary characters.
Some may read Ache and see the horrifying deeds that are left unpunished for so long, but I see a journey of a survivor, someone who comes alive and fights for her HEA. I see our story that is so much more than a romance. It is story that exemplifies even the most broken can find love, even those who seem defeated can rise, and that through it all love can prevail, making ACHE by SM Soto a top read of 2019!
BETA READ
Sarah’s Musings…
5 RED AISLE CROWNS
MEET CUTE by Helena Hunting is a breath of fresh air, and maybe that is because it doesn’t really fit into a trope. Meet Cute is its own entity. It has a splash of romcom, a dash of drama, and a sprinkling of reflection.
What readers can expect, as one does with Helena Hunting, is a cast of characters to love and adore. Dax, child star turned lawyer, is just too much for words. From the time readers meet him in college to we see him again as a grown man, readers will find him utterly charming. He is laid back and kind, and his compassion for his sister Emme certainly helps in the swoon department. By seeing him through the eyes of our heroine, Kailyn, readers get to see a man struggling with loss and new responsibilities with complete grace and heart. God, I love him.
Kailyn is the perfect Helena character. She is a bit adorkable with her fan girl status, but I love the confidence she has with it. She isn’t ashamed of it, and I love how it became a part of their relationship. Kailyn also has a huge heart that is filled with compassion because of her past, and her philanthropic endeavors just makes her an even more amazing heroine. She brings a calm and reflective aspect to Dax, and they complement each other in the best way.
Meet Cute was just pure entertainment with reflective moments to really make you consider what matters in life. It is filled with characters who are finding it out for themselves, and characters who are willing to pick the parts and people of life that matter most. As a couple, they are fun, and their moments together a mixture of sweet and sexy. The plot itself is predictable in spots, the conflict easily identifiable, and normally this is a negative for me, but I didn’t care with Meet Cute because of my love for the resolution and the EPILOGUE (one of the best I’ve read in some time) and more importantly my love for Dax and Kailyn. I was swept away by them.
Meet Cute is more than a romcom. It is a bit of everything all rolled up into one must read romance that will have you laughing out loud, swiping away some tears, and wearing the biggest grin at the end of their journey. One of my favorite Helena books.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review Continue Reading
Synopsis:
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The horror that rocked my small town last winter also brought Noah Wilkes into my life. The first almost broke all of us, but the second changed everything.
He stomped into my classroom all angry scowls and rudeness, the big-shot lawyer who was always too good for this small town. But the moment his smile softened toward his niece, it was me that melted.
The heartbreak that brought him back also brought me closer to him, to the man he hides from the world behind his swagger and aggression. The man I couldn’t help but fall for.
But life has a way of throwing a curveball when you least expect it, and this one could cost me everything–even him.
Turned out, our fates were written in the sky before we ever met—
Before we fell.
Cover Designer: Letitia Hasser, RBA Designs ♦ Model: Austin Victoria
Synopsis:
We were supposed to be best friends
But turned out to be worst enemies…
Penn
They say revenge is a dish best served cold.
I’d had four years to stew on what Daria Followhill did to me, and now my heart is completely iced.
I took her first kiss.
She took the only thing I loved.
I was poor.
She was rich.
The good thing about circumstances? They can change. Fast.
Now, I’m her parents’ latest shiny project.
Her housemate. Her tormentor. The captain of the rival football team she hates so much.
Yeah, baby girl, say it—I’m your foster brother.
There’s a price to pay for ruining the only good thing in my life, and she’s about to shell out some serious tears.
Daria Followhill thinks she is THE queen. I’m about to prove to her that she’s nothing but a spoiled princess.
Daria
Everyone loves a good-old, unapologetic punk.
But being a bitch? Oh, you get slammed for every snarky comment, cynical eye roll, and foot you put in your adversaries’ way.
The thing about stiletto heels is that they make a hell of a dent when you walk all over the people who try to hurt you.
In Penn Scully’s case, I pierced his heart until he bled out, then left it in a trash can on a bright summer day.
Four years ago, he asked me to save all of my firsts for him.
Now he lives across the hall, and there’s nothing I want more than to be his last everything.
His parting words when he gave me his heart were that nothing in this world is free.
Now? Now he is making me pay.
Synopsis:
Greyson East left his mark on me.
As the young girl who first fell for him, I didn’t know much about life. I did know about his smiles, though, and his laughs, and the strange way my stomach flipped when he was near.
Life was perfect…until it wasn’t, and when we were forced to go our separate ways, I held on to our memories, let go of my first crush, and wished for the day I’d find him again.
When my wish came true, it was nothing like I imagined.
I couldn’t have known when I took the nanny position that it would be his children I looked after, that my new boss would be that boy I used to know, that boy who was now a man—a cold, lonely, detached man.
The smile and laugh I had loved so much were gone, now distant memories. Every part of him was covered in a fresh pain.
When he realized who I was, he made me promise to do my job and my job only.
He made me promise not to try to get to know him, not to recall the memories I’d treasured all this time.
But, sometimes, I saw the boy I’d once known in his stormy eyes. I saw the Greyson who smiled and laughed, who had stolen a young girl’s heart, and there was no doubt in my mind that this boy was worth fighting for.
I was given a second chance with the one who’d left his mark on me. All I hoped was that somehow I’d leave a mark on his soul, too.
THE FALLEN: GENESIS (A Deadly Virtues Prequel)
IN THE BEGINNING…
They told them they were evil.
They told them they were possessed by demons.
They told them that darkness ran in their veins.
Holy Innocents Home for Children is a haven for orphaned boys who have nothing and no one. The priests watch over them, educate them, raise them in the family of the church.
Except for some.
Seven of the orphans are no ordinary boys. They attract the attention of the priests for their acts of violence, of bloodlust. The priests realize these boys are drawn to the darkness.
And the priests are no ordinary priests. They are the Brethren, a secret sect who believe themselves on a divine mission to seek out evil in the boys in their care. Seek it out, and then drive it out.
The seven have fallen from God’s grace. And the Brethren will cleanse their blackened souls…
Dark Contemporary Romance novella. Contains sexual situations, violence, sensitive and taboo subjects, offensive language and topics some may find triggering. Recommended for age 18 years and up.
My most anticipated releases of the week are here! Make sure you check them out, add them to your TBR, and pre-order as soon as possible. They are must reads!
Check back throughout the week in order to see my reviews and other book news, and make sure you head over to my Facebook page for your chance to win an e-book copy of one of the many new releases being published this week!
Also, don’t forget to comment on any post throughout the week in order to enter to win any ebook from your own TBR ($5.99 Limit). Each comment is an entry, so make sure to comment multiple times.
LIVE EARLY
Sarah’s Musings…
Brittainy C. Cherry is one of my favorite authors, not just because of her stories, but her writing is beautiful. The stories are emotional and suck me in, and I always feel like I learn something through the journey of her characters.
FULL REVIEW TO COME THIS WEEK
Synopsis:
Greyson East left his mark on me.
As the young girl who first fell for him, I didn’t know much about life. I did know about his smiles, though, and his laughs, and the strange way my stomach flipped when he was near.
Life was perfect…until it wasn’t, and when we were forced to go our separate ways, I held on to our memories, let go of my first crush, and wished for the day I’d find him again.
When my wish came true, it was nothing like I imagined.
I couldn’t have known when I took the nanny position that it would be his children I looked after, that my new boss would be that boy I used to know, that boy who was now a man—a cold, lonely, detached man.
The smile and laugh I had loved so much were gone, now distant memories. Every part of him was covered in a fresh pain.
When he realized who I was, he made me promise to do my job and my job only.
He made me promise not to try to get to know him, not to recall the memories I’d treasured all this time.
But, sometimes, I saw the boy I’d once known in his stormy eyes. I saw the Greyson who smiled and laughed, who had stolen a young girl’s heart, and there was no doubt in my mind that this boy was worth fighting for.
I was given a second chance with the one who’d left his mark on me. All I hoped was that somehow I’d leave a mark on his soul, too.
Another awesome reading week is upon us. The following list indicates the top romance books being released this week. Check out my #soontodrop post to see which books being released this week I am most excited about sharing with you.
Make sure you head over to my Facebook page for your chance to win an e-book copy of one of the many new releases being published this week! Also, don’t forget to comment on any post throughout the week in order to enter to win an ebook from your own TBR ($5.99 Limit). Each comment is an entry, so make sure to comment multiple times.
Synopsis:
Wanted: one hot guy with rock-hard abs and a big stick
Broke and desperate, Sugar Ryan has no use for arrogant, bad boy athletes . . . until she’s forced to bargain with the cockiest of them all.
If only he knew she was alive.
Her mission? Get on this hockey player’s radar any way possible.
Zack Morgan is the king of the ice and the bedroom—but nothing prepares him for the mystery girl who shows up everywhere he does—frat parties, his favorite bar, and finally his front door with an offer he can’t refuse. The only rule in her boyfriend bargain: no falling in love.
But after one (um, two) smoking-hot hookups, he’s done with pretending and vows to make their fake relationship real. Too bad she can’t trust a player with a reputation for breaking hearts.
Will this hockey star score his forever girl or will their Boyfriend Bargain end in heartbreak?
Synopsis:
He’s a notorious crime lord, a kidnapper, and an artist.
Scarification is his outlet, and he just captured a new canvas.
Kate refuses to surrender beneath his blade or the cruelty in his beautiful eyes.
But she’s drawn to the man inside the monster. A man who makes her ache with his touch. Who owns her with his kiss.
A man who worships her as deeply as he hurts her.
She can run, but there’s no escape from a bond carved in scars.
THE DATING PROPOSAL is a witty, clever new standalone romantic comedy from #1 NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely. And, wait for it, this will be Lauren’s first book to release live into Kindle Unlimited! But don’t worry — you can get it everywhere else first!
Photography by Wander Aguiar ♦ Cover Design by Helen Williams
About THE DATING PROPOSAL:
One woman on a dating quest. One man in need of a relationship guru. One wild proposal neither can resist.
Watch out world — I’m ready to date again.
The seven years I invested in my ex left me with nothing but scorch marks from the way he peeled out and left me at the altar. I’m not looking to put my heart into a relationship any time soon.
What I am looking for? To have some freaking fun. My best friends can’t wait to set me up with suitable single guys, and soon I’ve got three promising prospects. Then I bump into Chris….
Clever and funny, with a sexy surfer’s bod and a brilliant nerd brain, he has just the right screwdriver to fix my hard drive. (Yes, the one for my computer.)
I wouldn’t mind dating him. The trouble is he just proposed to me—to be the new dating guru on his TV show—and I said yes.
***
Don’t get your honey where you get your money.
I’d make a sign or put that mantra on a tattoo, except I’m not likely to forget it, given that the last time I mixed business with pleasure, it almost tanked my career. Now? I play by the book.
That hasn’t been a problem until McKenna. She’s engaging and fun, quick with a snapback or a sensitive, sensible reply—perfect for my TV show. Too bad she’s also perfectly kissable.
But I lock my feelings down. We’ve both worked too hard on our careers to let our connection go further than some sexy banter…and, okay, one impulsive, fantastic kiss—no matter how much our boss, our fans, and our friends propose we make our on-screen chemistry an off-screen romance.
What happens when you meet the right person at the wrong time?
Note: Back in the day, Lauren wrote a book called TROPHY HUSBAND, and though it’s no longer available for sale, the characters of Chris and McKenna seemed to demand another chance in the spotlight. THE DATING PROPOSAL is a complete reimagining of their romance, with 85 percent brand-new material, a fresh plot, and vastly expanded characterizations so you can come to know and love Chris and McKenna like Lauren does. Enjoy!
THE DATING PROPOSAL is just 99 cents while on pre-order at your favorite retailer now! But grab it at this amazing price NOW because the price will be going up to $3.99 on release day and it will ONLY be on other retailers for a few days after that! THE DATING PROPOSAL will be a LIVE RELEASE on Amazon in Kindle Unlimited on May 6th! It will be 99 cents for a limited time only! Don’t miss picking it up at the retailer of your choice!
Synopsis:
With only three days left until the predicted apocalypse, the small town of Franklin Springs, Georgia, has become a wasteland of abandoned cars, abandoned homes, abandoned businesses, and abandoned people. People like Rainbow Williams.
Rain isn’t afraid of dying. In fact, she’s looking forward to it. If she can just outrun her pain until April 23, she’ll never have to feel it at all.
Wes Parker has survived every horrible thing this life has thrown at him with nothing more than his resourcefulness and disarming good looks. Why should the end of the world be any different? All he needs are some basic supplies, shelter, and a sucker willing to help him out, which is exactly what he finds when he returns to his hometown of Franklin Springs.
As society crumbles, dangers mount, and secrets refuse to stay buried, two lost souls are thrust together in a twist of fate—one who will do anything to survive and one who can’t wait to die.
Perhaps, together, they can learn how to live.
Before their time runs out.
Another awesome reading week is upon us. The following list indicates the top romance books being released this week. Check out my #soontodrop post to see which books being released this week I am most excited about sharing with you.
Make sure you head over to my Facebook page for your chance to win an e-book copy of one of the many new releases being published this week! Also, don’t forget to comment on any post throughout the week in order to enter to win an ebook from your own TBR ($5.99 Limit). Each comment is an entry, so make sure to comment multiple times.
ENTHRALLED (THE ENSLAVED DUET #1) BY GIANA DARLING
Release Date: March 29, 2019
Blurb:
It was the biggest day of my life.
I know most people say that about something joyous; a graduation, a wedding ceremony, the birth of their
first child. My situation was a little different.
Sure, it was my eighteenth birthday, but it was also the day that I was sold.
Sold to a man with hair like a crown of gold and eyes blacker than the darkest pits of Hell.
He bought me to own me, to control me, and to use me as a means to an end.
I was his tool and his weapon.
And through it all, somehow, I also became his salvation.
Synopsis:
Divorced. Single dad. Traded to a losing squad.
Cheated on, betrayed, exposed.
My perfect life blew up in my face and I’m still picking up the pieces.
The last thing I need is her.
A wildflower. A storm. A woman I can’t resist.
Lotus DuPree is a kick to my gut and a wrench in my plans
from the moment our eyes meet.
I promised myself I wouldn’t trust a woman again,
but I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want Lo.
She’s not the plan I made, but she’s the risk I have to take.
A warrior. A baller. The one they call Gladiator.
Kenan Ross charged into my life smelling all good, looking even better and snatching my breath from the moment we met.
The last thing I need is him.
I’m working on me. Facing my pain and conquering my demons.
I’ve seen what trusting a man gets you.
Don’t. Have. Time. For. This.
But he just keeps coming for me.
Keeps knocking down my defenses and stealing my excuses
one by one.
He never gives up, and now…I’m not sure I want him to.
Savior by Fiona Cole (Standalone)
Release Date: March 28, 2019
Blurb:
Sweet Fate (Dirty Sweet #2) by Laurelin Paige
Release Date: March 26, 2019
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Sarah’s Musings…
5 Kismet CROWNS
This book epitomizes what I love about a Laurelin Paige book. Dylan and Audrey just have that chemistry. It’s electric and HOT, and the connection follows them outside of the bedroom.
Dylan and Audrey do not change much from book one, but their is growth in their relationship, particularly Dylan’s viewpoint on love and relationships. In Sweet Lies, there was a heavy emphasis on these two getting down and dirty, and, yes, there were feelings under the surface but nothing of real substance. With this story, the substance comes. We see their feelings develop, we see Aubrey go after the future she wants, and we see Dyland grapple with his preconceived notions of romance and relationships.
What will really endear readers to this couple is the way Dylan loves Audrey. He cares for her and wants for her happiness. Even when you want to smack him in his head for his dumb decisions, readers can see that his feelings for her and his love for her drives it all.
The pacing and story telling was perfect for book two as well. Laurelin Paige takes her time developing a real connection between these two. We get to see them become friends and lovers over the course of this book. While the conflict is expected, I enjoyed the way it unfolded and was resolved by the characters. I liked Audrey’s part in it all. It brought the whole story full circle.
The conclusion to this duet makes this one of my very favorite Laurelin Paige stories. She consistently provides me with heat and heart, the perfect makeup for any romance!
P.S. I also listened to the audiobook, and I am in LOVEEEEEE! The narrators did an amazing job!
ARC received in exchange for an honest review. Continue Reading
Synopsis:
Reagan Reynolds…
Water polo god.
Owner of a face that belongs under Wikipedia’s definition of drop dead gorgeous.
Too charming for his own good.
But most importantly––the worst driver on the planet.
No, really, I’m pretty sure his blind nana taught him how to drive.
I had no idea who he was until he almost ran me over. And frankly, I kind of wish I still didn’t because then I wouldn’t have a sprained ankle to show for it. And my leg wouldn’t resemble a boa constrictor that’s swallowed a feral pig.
Yeah, it’s that bad.
I’ve spent years saving every penny I’ve ever earned to be able to transfer to Malibu University. And now my entire future––including my scholarship––is in jeopardy.
So I either accept the help he insists on giving me, or lose everything I’ve sacrificed for.
In the meantime, I’m going to ignore the fact that we’re becoming friends.
And I’m definitely going to pretend he’s not turning into the object of my…umm, dirty fantasies.
That’s not happening.
Not even a little.
Because the minute I clapped eyes on him I knew he was nothing but trouble.
