Temporarily Yours (Shillings Agency #1) by Diane Alberts/Jen McLaughlin

Temporarily Yours

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.

Kayla Moriarity is terrified of flying. She can't avoid it because she is in route to her sister's wedding.  She is also trying to come up with a plan on how to tell her family that the fictional boyfriend she created for them is not real.
When Copper Shillings meets Kayla in the most unconventional way and she makes him smile, he knows she can be the breeze of fresh air that he needs. Cooper is an ex-marine but has a few days before going on his first mission for his new job.
No one is more surprised than Kayla when Cooper ends up sitting next to her in first class. He also proves to her that he can distract her during the flight.
During the flight, Kayla reveals her ordeal and to her amazement Cooper is more than happy to play the part of a boyfriend and help her out.

“It felt right?” She threw her arms out to the side. “The knight in shining armor act was cute last night, and it was well-rewarded, I’d say.” She gestured to the rumpled bed. 
“But now, even with the booze out of your system…how can you be this…this…sweet? 
Seriously?”

The problem is that faking it is becoming harder than they thought.

I love the way they meet. I can picture it and I can't wait for people to read it too.
Diana humanizes Cooper. He has doubts about his future and the guilt he still carrying. He is a great hero and definitely a class act. He doesn't second guess his desire to help Kayla with her flight anxiety or with her family.
Kayla was funny with all those statistics she kept on coming up with.  It was nice to see the change in her from not wanting a relationship to thinking that if she didn't have one with Cooper it may be a huge loss.
In regards to the secondary characters, her father and uncle were funny in a scary way.

“I fought in a war against enemies with deadly weapons. I think I can handle inquisitive parents.” “You’ve never met mine.”

I do wish the book was a little bit longer and I felt sad seeing this characters disappear too soon.
I'm glad to report that there is NO cliffhanger.
One last thing- What an awesome cover!! I hope the second book in this series can match it.

“She needed a knight in shining armor, and I’ve always had a thing for a damsel in distress. We were the perfect fit.”

3.5/5 Fangs

Amazon

Kaleidoscope (Colorado Mountain #6) by Kristen Ashley

Kaleidoscope

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Jacob Decker is a PI. His friend Chace (Breathe) has called him on a case. He is back in Gnaw Bone but the last thing he expected was to meet his best friend after 9 yrs and wanting more from her.  It doesn't matter that she may be seeing someone or that she has changed in the years he's been gone.

"Emme. The new, beautiful, stylish Emme"

He knows he wants to rekindle their friendship and so much more.

“So, summin’ up, you got until Sunday to get your head together about McFarland. On Sunday, you scrape him off. On Sunday night, the boys are gone, you learn the true meaning of me callin’ you ‘baby.’ ” 

When Jacob is faced with the case and there is suspicion of Emme being involved, he won't rest until her name is cleared.

Emme can't believe that Jacob is back in her life. He was her best friend but when Jacob broke up with his girlfriend, he also cut ties to Emme, breaking her heart in the process. As a parting gift, she gave him a kaleidoscope, if only he had just turned the dial.

“This is cool, having this back. Having you back. Thanks for making it easy and taking us right back to where we left off.”

Emme does have a past that has makes it hard for her to open up and Jacob could be the only one who can make it happen.

This book as with all the Colorado books have suspense, an awesome alpha, great cameos from other lovable characters (Lee- I love you man!!) and an awesome great posse.

Emme was a strong woman. She is carrying some trauma from a prior experiences and it's painful to read how this has affected her life.  She is truly a nice person and she deserves happiness.

Jacob doesn't play games. Once he realizes that he had wasted too long to get Emme back into his life, there is nothing to stop him.  He is a man on a mission and it doesn't hurt that he owns a dog.

“Met you twelve years ago and we’re just gettin’ here. I don’t call that fast. I call that a waste of fuckin’ time I’m about to rectify.”

I never get tired of reading about these characters and their lives. Is also extremely rewarding to read where the couples of prior books lives are at and that their love for each other is only stronger.

“I really, really, really like you, Jacob Decker,” 
“I know,” 

Kristen - keep them coming. You are an expert and I am true fan.


4/5 Fangs

Seducing Cinderella (Fighting for Love #1) by Gina L. Maxwell

Seducing Cinderella

MMA fighter Reid Andrews is not happy he messed up his shoulder before his next competition for his title.  He is sent to get PT by his coach.  To his surprise his new physical therapist is none other than his best friend's little sister.  Reid is having a hard time remembering that he should not be attracted to her.
Lucinda "Lucie" Miller had a bad marriage.  She lost her self esteem with the divorce.  She wishes a certain ortho doctor would pay attention to her but is to shy to move forward. When Reid offers to help her with getting the doctor's attention in exchange for dedicated PT sessions she can't turn him down. In addition, Reid was her first crush.

“Strong shoulders. Solid chest. Forearms roped in muscle with just the right amount of veins to make them supersexy…”

Reid is a fighter and fighting is all he knows but fighting for love is what he is missing.  If he wins the fight he may end up with the best prize ever.

“Heart. Any fighter can win against any odds if he has more heart than his opponent.”

Love Reid.  He was smoking!  I loved books where the hero brings sexy back. Lucie needed someone who tells her how beautiful she is.  She needed to get her self confidence again and Reid made her feel special.

“You’re sexy as hell, Lucie, and I want to unwrap you to get to the decadent prize underneath. I want to learn your likes, your dislikes—to know your fears and your dreams—and I vow to peel back each beautiful layer until I discover everything about you.”

Very enjoyable book.  Can't wait to read Rules of Entanglement.

4/5 Fangs


Amazon

Finding You (By You #3) by Kelly Harper Cover Reveal

~ Synopsis ~

How far would you go?

When Sarah moved away from her hometown to go to college she thought she was doing it to be with her boyfriend Huck. But when she discovers he's a cheater out to get whatever he wants, she finds herself alone in a new city. Armed with only a few people she can trust, Sarah sets out to carve her place in the world.

Jeremy's life came to a stand still two years ago, but now he's trying to make something of himself. He heads off to college to put his past behind him and start something new. When he meets Sarah he knows he's in for a roller coaster ride. He hasn't felt this way about someone in a long time--he never felt like he'd feel this way, again.

As Sarah and Jeremy get to know each other, she realizes there's something special about him. Something she has never felt before. But there's something he's holding back from her, something he's keeping hidden. Can Sarah find a way to trust someone again, or will Jeremy's past reveal itself? And will she be able to handle it if it does?

Finding You is book 3 of The By You Series but can be read as a standalone novel.

~ Excerpt ~

"Jeremy," Sarah stammered, brushing a handful of her blonde hair out of her face. "You startled me."

She could kick herself. Of course she had to be in such a hurry to get home that she didn't even realize someone was trying to talk to her. Her day didn't look like it was going to be getting better any time soon.

"I was starting to think you were ignoring me," he said, grinning.

His crystal blue eyes locked onto hers in a way that made her forget what she was thinking. He had a backpack slung over one shoulder, and the muscles in his forearm twitched as he shifted its weight around.

"Sorry, I guess I wasn't paying attention. It's been a rough morning so far."

His mouth curled in a half-smile, though she couldn't figure out for the life of her what he was always smiling about.

"That's not what I was talking about," he said, with a quick shake of his head. "It's been weeks and you never called. I was starting to think you got abducted or something."

Sarah let out a small laugh while her stomach twisted into nervous knots.

"Oh, God no. No abductions for me, thank you." She shook her head. "I was going to--it's just that everything's been so crazy, lately. Classes are keeping me busier than I thought they would."

It was a lie, but she hoped that he couldn't tell. She hadn't lost his number or anything, she'd just been focusing on herself for the past few weeks. After everything that had happened, she wasn't very interested in making friends with the opposite sex anytime soon.

Jeremy clutched a hand to his chest and winced.

"I thought we had a good thing going," he said, his face twisted in mock pain.

Sarah let out another laugh. "Stop it, you know it's not like that."

The smile returned to Jeremy's face and she couldn't help but notice how his eyes looked her up and down. But the smile didn't last long before fading away.

"Don't worry, there's no hard feelings. I know you have a boyfriend and all, I was just hoping you were still interested in being friends."

Anger flared up in her at the mention of her boyfriend, but she reeled it in, quickly. She should just tell Jeremy the truth--that she and Huck were done--but she didn't want him getting the wrong idea. He'd already made it clear that he was interested in her, and he might think that he had a shot now that she was single.

But he was right. They had only seen each other a few times since they'd met, but they'd had fun. He was easy to talk to, and he had a way of listening to her like he actually cared about what she had to say. Maybe making a new friend wouldn't be the worst thing that could happen?

"It's not like that--I promise."

Jeremy studied her, his eyes narrowing with consideration. His cheek twitched as his lips pinched together, and he nodded as though he'd come to some conclusion.

"Fine, you're forgiven for blowing me off." The playful grin returned to his face and he took a step closer to her, leaning down to whisper something. "But, you're going to have to make it up to me."

Sarah's eyes widened as unwanted thoughts and images flashed in her head. Jeremy leaned away again and she hoped he didn't see the burning in her cheeks.

"Make it up to you?" she said.

"That's right. But don't worry, I'm a pretty fair guy, even when my ego has been trampled..."

"I didn't trample anything--"

He held up a hand, cutting her off. "Coffee, at three." He gave her another grin, and even winked, before adding, "Just as friends, of course. Don't be late--my ego can't handle being trampled twice by the same girl."

Without warning, he turned and started walking away from her. Sarah stared after him for a second, speechless.

"Hey, wait," she yelled. "Where are we meeting?"

Jeremy turned but kept walking backwards. He tilted his chin toward her. "You have my phone number still, right? Text me and I'll let you know."

He flashed her one more grin before turning away and picking up his pace. Sarah watched him until he disappeared between a couple buildings, flustered and confused by everything that had just happened.

Did she really just agree to go on a coffee date with him? She muttered and cursed at herself while she walked back to her dorm. She wasn't sure if she was more upset at herself for agreeing to meet up with him or because she didn't tell him that she was single. Either way, the day didn't look like it was going to be getting better any time soon.

~ About the Author ~

Like for many, life for Kelly didn't really begin until her 30th birthday. That was when she decided she was done with the corporate ladder and was going to start publishing some of her stories to see if people liked them. Fast forward a couple of years, and she's still amazed that she's able to spend her time doing something she's loved doing since she was a little kid.

Most of her free time is spent working in front of the computer at various coffee shops around Houston. But when she's not working on her next book, she's probably sitting in front of the TV with her eyes glued to whatever Netflix show she happens to be obsessed with at the time. Do we really have to wait this long for the next season of Orange Is The New Black?!

Follow her on Twitter, @harper_books, or head over to her Facebook page (http://on.fb.me/1fo0reU) and leave her a message. Her website is currently going through some construction, and will be up and running sometime in February.

~ Connect with Her ~

FACEBOOK / GOODREADS / TWITTER / WEBSITE

 

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Super Bowl Half Time Twitter chat, Cover reveal and Giveaway with author Julie Brannagh

Julie Brannagh, author of BLITZING EMILY, is taking over the Avon Books twitter account (@AVONBOOKS) on Sunday, February 2^nd, 2014 for a Super Bowl Half Time Twitter Blitz! Julie will be talking about all things love, football, books and more!

As if a conversation about all our favorite things AND a giveaway—that includes some hot Avon sports romances—isn’t enough, Julie will also be revealing the awesome cover of CATCHING CAMERON (the third book in her series)!

 Just in time for the Seattle Sea Hawks vs the Denver Broncos Super Bowl showdown (and the anticipation of her forthcoming title RUSHING AMY on- sale 2/11) Julie wants you to join in on the fun!  We’d love for you to stop by, chat, say hello. Just use the hashtag #LUVFOOTBALL during half time today!!

~ About the books ~

BLITZING EMILY 

All is fair in Love and Football…

A sexy football star tries to reform his image and his life by rescuing a klutzy and reluctant-to-love opera diva in the first book in Julie Brannagh’s irresistible new series

Emily Hamilton doesn’t trust men. She’s much more comfortable playing the romantic lead on stage in front of a packed house than in her own life. So, when NFL star and irresistible ladies’ man Brandon McKenna acts as her personal white knight, she has no illusions he’ll stick around. However, a misunderstanding with the press throws them together in a fake engagement that yields unexpected (and breathtaking) benefits.

Every time Brandon calls her “Sugar,” Emily almost believes Brandon’s playing for keeps, not just to score. Can she let down her defenses and get her own Happily Ever After?

RUSHING AMY

When Amy meets former-football-star-turned-analyst Matt at her sister Emily’s wedding she knows he will turn her world upside down, but is that necessarily a bad thing?  For Amy Hamilton, only three F’s matter: Family, Football, and Flowers. It might be nice to find someone to share forever with too, but right now she’s working double overtime while she gets her flower shop off the ground. The last thing she needs or wants is a distraction...or help, for that matter. Especially in the form of gorgeous and aggravatingly arrogant ex-NFL star Matt Stephens.

Matt lives by a playbook--his playbook. He never thought his toughest opponent would come in the form of a stunning florist with a stubborn streak to match his own. Since meeting her in the bar after her sister’s wedding, he’s known there’s something between them. When she refuses, again and again, to go out with him, Matt will do anything to win her heart... But will Amy, who has everything to lose, let the clock run out on the one-yard line?

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Beauty from Love (Beauty #3) by Georgia Cates Release Day Event

Beauty From Love (Beauty, #3)

By Bestselling Author Georgia Cates

Released January 30, 2014

An Adult Contemporary Romance

~ Synopsis ~

The epic romance between an all-American beauty and her Aussie continues in this final installment of The Beauty Series. Jack McLachlan is fulfilled by more than he dared to dream possible. He finds everything he never knew he wanted—or needed—in Laurelyn Prescott, his last and final companion. Life is beautiful with his beloved by his side but their post-wedded bliss is cut short when his dark past springs into their present happiness. He wants to shelter Laurelyn but keeping her untainted by his previous life proves impossible when  yesterday’s sins insist on returning to haunt him. Will it be possible for them to find happiness in their forever with a past like his? Beauty From Love is an adult contemporary novel and is not intended for younger readers due to mature content.

 ~ Buy Now ~

AMAZON | Barnes and Noble

~ About the Author ~

 Georgia resides in rural Mississippi with her wonderful husband, Jeff, and their two beautiful daughters. She spent fourteen years as a labor and delivery nurse before she decided to pursue her dream of becoming an author and hasn’t looked back yet. When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about writing. When she’s being domestic, she’s listening to her iPod and visualizing scenes for her current work in progress. Every story coming from her always has a song to inspire it.

~ Connect with Her ~

  Website | Facebook | Twitter

~ Excerpt ~

Chapter Five

Laurelyn McLachlan

My eyes are closed and I’m listening to the sound of the waves. I’ve only been awake for a few minutes but the resonance is hypnotic so I’m drifting back into slumber when the bed shifts. My eyes pop open when the bed sheet slides down my body and I feel Jack Henry’s kisses against the bare skin of my lower back. “Are you awake?”

“I am now.”

He runs his hand over the valley where my spine curves inward. “Have I ever told you how much I love this dip?” 

Is he kidding? Only like a bazillion times. “I believe you may have a time or two.”

His wet tongue glides upward and I bow reflexively, sending my bottom up from the bed, hitting him against his chest. My hair prickles as goosebumps spread from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. No matter how many times he does this, my body reacts the same. “Good grief. You’d think I’d become immune to that at some point.”

His palm slides up my thigh to my cheek and he rubs it in a circular motion. “Please don’t because I’ll never tire of seeing your body arch like that.”

I relax beneath his touch and his talented hands knead the muscles of my back as they make their way to my shoulders. I haven’t said anything but my body is rebelling after our frolic against the pole yesterday. A massage is very welcomed. “Mmm … you can stop doing that sometime next week.”

His fingers knead in circles and, again, my body erupts into chills. “So you like that, huh?”

“Mmm-hmm … just a little bit.”

“A massage is the least I can do since it’s my fault you’re sore.”

I lift my head from the pillow and peer over my shoulder at him. “I didn’t say I was sore.”

“You didn’t but your body speaks to me in other ways.”

Funny, I didn’t hear it say a thing. “How so?”

“It wasn’t your usual fuck-me-harder moan I heard when I pushed your legs back.” He leans down to kiss the side of my neck. “Your legs were guarded so I knew you were probably feeling the aftermath of our pole excursion.” He kisses the side of my face. “I’m sure it’s worse today so we’re taking a break from sex so you can recuperate.”

I recall how gentle and loving Jack Henry was last night while we christened our honeymoon bed. His whole demeanor was different, but he was that way before, possibly discerning how sore I was. “Is that why you were so gentle with me?”

“Partly.”

“What’s the other reason?”

“I wanted to make love to you.” He presses his nose against my hair and inhales deeply. “I’m boorish with you too often. I should be gentler.”

I roll, forcing him to move from my back. “Listen up, McLachlan.” He moves to his side and we’re face to face. “I love your gentle side but I’m not a porcelain doll. I love it when you fuck me hard.” I grab his chin and give it a squeeze. “Sometimes I need you to be a caveman. I crave it. Understand?”

He nods in agreement. “Yes, ma’am.”

~ Giveaway ~

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Nash (Marked Men #4) by Jay Crownover Cover Reveal

Title: Nash (Marked Men #4)

Author: Jay Crownover

Genre: New Adult/ Coming of Age

Publish Date: April 29, 2014

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks an imprint of HarperCollins

ASIN: B00FOPTO3A

ISBN-13: 9780062333032

ISBN-10: 0062333038

Goodreads

Will their past determine their future?

  Saint Ford has worked hard to achieve her childhood dream of becoming of nurse. Focused on her work and devoted to her patients, there’s no room for love. She doesn’t need a guy making waves in her calm, serene life—especially when he’s the unforgettable hottie who nearly destroyed her in high school. Dark, brooding Nash Donovan might not remember her or the terrible pain he caused. But he turned her world upside down . . . and now he’s trying to do it again.

Saint has no idea that Nash isn’t the cocky player he once was. Uncovering a devastating family secret has rocked his world, and now he’s struggling to figure out his future. He can’t be distracted by the pretty nurse he seems to meet everywhere. Still, he can’t ignore the sparks that fly between them —or how she seems so desperate to get away from him. But the funny, sweet, and drop-dead gorgeous Saint is far too amazing to give up on—especially since she’s the only thing in his life that seems to make sense.

When Nash discovers the truth about their past, he realizes he may have lost her heart before he could even fight for it. Now, Saint has to decide: is Nash worth risking herself for all over again?

Pre-Order Links:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books A Million | Indie Bound

  

About the Author

  

I'm supposed to share interesting details about myself so that my readers get to know me so here we go in no particular order: I'm an natural redhead even though I haven't seen my real hair color in years, I'm a big fan of tattoos and have a half sleeve on either arm and various other pieces all over the place, I've been in the bar industry since I was in college and it has always offered interesting insight into how men and women interact with each other, I have 3 dogs that are all crazy, I live in Colorado and love the snow, I love music and in all reality wish I could be a rock star not a writer or a bartender but I have zero talent so there is that. I love to write, love to read and all I'm interested in is a good story with interesting characters that make the reader feel something. Thanks for taking the time to check my stuff out...  

Connect with Jay:  Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads