Early Review: Taking the Score by Kate Meader

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Taking the Score by Kate Meader
Series: Tall, Dark, and Texan #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: February 15th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

His office temptation is now his full-blown fantasy…

Paying down her sister’s debts has left personal assistant Emma Strickland with little more than the thrift store suit on her back. And as if the suckfest couldn’t get worse, she’s forced to get a second job as a waitress to support herself and her cat. At a strip club. Her uptight, sexy-as-hell boss Brody Kane can never find out.

Texas property tycoon Brody Kane hired Emma for her spreadsheet skills, but her prim and proper demeanor sealed the deal. There’s no room in his life for a sexy distraction…and yet, he can’t stop lusting after the delicious Ms. Strickland.

But then he takes an important client to a Chicago strip club and gets the worst lap dance in adult entertainment history. From Emma.

Now that he knows his office good girl has a naughty streak, Brody makes it his mission to uncover her secrets, one illicit, over-the-desk encounter at a time. But Emma is hiding more than her side job, and her final secret could end up destroying them both.

I’ve only read one other book by Kate Meader, but I freaking LOVED it (and the alpha male) so I was excited to read another book by her! Plus, this is an office romance between a boss and his assistant, a trope I adore, so Taking the Score is pretty much just pure fun and sexiness. If you love your books hot and filled with chemistry, with a dash of humor, you need to get your hands on this book! Brody and Emma rocked my socks off in Taking the Score.

He had always enjoyed puzzles, working things out, moving pieces around until it made sense. Ms. Strickland did not make sense.
He would learn her.

Brody Kane has been having fantasies about his prim and proper assistant, despite the fact that she never wears form-fitting clothes or even offers a hint of desire back to him. So to say Brody is shocked to see Emma working at a strip club where he’s entertaining a client… well, it’s an understatement, to say the least. Never has he seen her so sexy and revealing, and all he wants to do is unveil every part of her, starting with her clothes.

Emma Strickland has taken on her sister’s debt and is paying it off at a strip club, where it just so happens she gets found out by her boss. As embarrassing at is it, this is also the one time where she can show who she really is to Brody and act on the craving she’s had for him for months. But the last thing she expects is for their sexual relationship to continue, and for her heart to start falling for her gorgeous, rich boss.

“You won’t way it, then I’ll say it for you.” He slammed into her. “Me inside you. This is the truth, your truth. Not what you were before.” He withdrew and stroked again. Long, thick, consuming. His mouth, set to torture, claimed hers and destroyed every last barrier. “It’s this honesty you show me when I’m inside you. Nothing else matters. Just this.”

I loved Brody and Emma. These two are fantastic, unique characters, even if the boss/assistant trope is clichéd. They have some wicked sexy banter and Brody has the dirtiest mouth on him. Kate Meader knows how to write alpha-males, but what I loved most about Brody was his nerdiness. He’s a bonafide glasses-wearing, Star Wars-loving, Doctor Who geek, and I LOVED IT!! I just don’t read enough sexy nerdy heroes, so Brody is such a refreshing change. And Emma herself is a head-strong, intelligent, independent woman. She doesn’t let Brody and his slightly overbearing ways run all over her, and instead gives as good as she gets. The two of them make a wonderful couple that I enjoyed reading about so much.

Taking the Score is the perfect read if you’re in the mood for something light-hearted yet crazy steamy. I had so much fun reading this quick, sexy book, and I’m definitely looking forward to more in the series.

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: Tall, Dark, and Texan series

#1 ~ Even the Score: Ebook • Goodreads
#2 ~ Taking the Score: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ One Week to Score: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

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10Feb2016

Blog Tour + ARC Review & Giveaway: Searching for Mine by Jennifer Probst

Posted in 4 hearts, Blog Tours, Giveaways, Reviews by Lacey

Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for Searching for Mine by Jennifer Probst!

Searching for Mine by Jennifer Probst
Series: Searching For #4.5 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: February 9th 2016

The Ultimate Anti-Hero Meets His Match…

Connor Dunkle knows what he wants in a woman, and it’s the three B’s. Beauty. Body. Boobs. Other women need not apply. With his good looks and easygoing charm, he’s used to getting what he wants—and who. Until he comes face to face with the one woman who’s slowly making his life hell…and enjoying every moment…

Ella Blake is a single mom and a professor at the local Verily college who’s climbed up the ranks the hard way. Her ten-year-old son is a constant challenge, and her students are driving her crazy—namely Connor Dunkle, who’s failing her class and trying to charm his way into a better grade. Fuming at his chauvinistic tendencies, Ella teaches him the ultimate lesson by giving him a special project to help his grade. When sparks fly, neither of them are ready to face their true feelings, but will love teach them the ultimate lesson of all?

Buy Links:
Amazon Ebook • Amazon Paperback

The Searching For series is a series that I adore, and when I heard that Nate’s brother Connor would be getting his own story, I couldn’t wait to read it! Searching for Mine is the perfect blend of sexy and sweet. Even though it’s a novella, it’s a fully satisfying story that will have you smiling throughout it. I love when former manwhores get smacked by love and fall head over heels for their women, and Connor does exactly that. If you’re a fan of the series, this latest installment doesn’t disappoint!

In Nate’s book, we saw Connor as that womanizer who never took relationships or women seriously, but he’s made a big change in his novella. At 38, he’s no longer satisfied with his usual hook-ups. He’s enrolled in college, taking his career seriously… except there’s only one thing getting in the way of his degree, and that’s Professor Ella Blake’s class.

Ella is a recently-divorced mom whose main focus is her young son and her job at the local Verity College. She has no patience for students who don’t do their assigned reading and try to charm their way in class, so when Connor tries to butter her up for a better grade, she shoots him down, no matter that he’s as sexy and good-looking as he is.

It turns out that the two of them are new next door neighbors, and when Connor helps Ella’s son out with some bullies, he finds himself wanting to help Ella and Luke out more and more. And becoming more attracted to the gorgeous single mother. As the three of them spend more quality time together, Ella finds herself seeing Connor in a new light. He’s a man who’s hard-working, dedicated, and sacrificed his younger years to support his younger brother. The two of them discover each other in new ways, but is it possible for a relationship to work between them when Connor has been anti-relationship for so long?

“You’re an incredible woman,” he said softly. “You deserve… everything.”

Searching for Mine is another sweet, charming addition to a series a love. It’s a quick read, but it packs a punch with the wonderful writing and characters. Jennifer Probst writes the best contemporary romances – I can’t wait to read more from her!

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: Searching For series

#1 ~ Searching for Someday: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Searching for Perfect: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2.5 ~ Searching for You: Ebook • Goodreads
#3 ~ Searching for Beautiful: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Searching for Always: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4.5 ~ Searching for Mine: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4.6 ~ Searching for Disaster: Ebook • Goodreads (Oct. 10, 2016)

Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master’s in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again.

She makes her home in Upstate New York with the whole crew. Her sons keep her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean.

She is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, was ranked #6 on Amazon’s Best Books for 2012. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases and her street team at www.jenniferprobst.com.

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads

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9Feb2016

Audiobook Review: Easy Melody by Kristen Proby

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Easy Melody by Kristen Proby
Series: Boudreaux #3 (full reading order below)
Audiobook Publication Date: February 2nd 2016
Length: 7 hours and 31 minutes
Narrated by: Sebastian York & Rachel Fulginiti
Links: Audible • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review

Callie Mills never intended to return to New Orleans and the life she left behind more than a decade ago. There was no need to open old wounds when she had the life she’d worked hard for in Denver. But when she’s fired from her awesome job in Colorado and her father dies, she has no choice but to return home to run the derelict bar left to her in the heart of the French Quarter. Callie must not only face bad memories but turn The Odyssey into something she can be proud of. And who better to help bring in crowds of people than Declan Boudreaux?

Declan is a sought-after musician who knows he’s good at what he does and loves doing it. Known to pack the house, he also loves women and doesn’t expect to be knocked back a step by the beautiful new owner of The Odyssey. Callie is sharp, gorgeous, and funny and makes him yearn for something he never has before…commitment.

But when Callie’s able to turn the business around with renovations, making it one of the hottest bars in the Quarter, will she sell out and leave her past behind once and for all, or will Declan be able to convince her that’s she’s where she needed to be all along…in his arms?

Sebastian York is probably my favorite male narrator ever, so every time I listen to an audiobook he narrates, I know I’ll enjoy myself. His and Rachel Fulginiti’s narrations were fantastic in Easy Melody, easy to listen to and distinguishable between dialogues, so I had a great time with this audiobook. Kristen Proby’s story is sweet and sexy, so overall Easy Melody is a well-rounded audiobook that I highly recommend!

Callie Mills has come back to New Orleans, a place she never wanted to return to, in order to take care of the bar her late father left her. The Odyssey is pretty much in shambles, but Callie isn’t one to easily give up and soon enough turns the bar into something much more successful. But she never could have done it without tall, dark, and handsome Declan Boudreaux.

Declan is a musician whose skills and fame help Callie attract customers to The Odyssey. But Declan also has skills in the bedroom, and he’s determined to get the sexy bartender to go out with him. Callie doesn’t give in easily, since Declan has a bit of a reputation, but the sparks between them can’t be ignored and the chemistry between them grows hotter than ever when they fall into bed.

What I loved most about Callie and Declan’s relationship was the way they also built a friendship along with their intimate relationship. They really got to know each other as they fell in love, so I wasn’t bothered by the insta-lust. Kristen Proby’s books are always perfectly sexy and sweet, with charming heroes and strong, independent heroines. If you’re looking for a romance that’s light-hearted, sexy, and fun, I definitely recommend Easy Melody, especially since the narrators are amazing as well!

Reading Order: Boudreaux series

#1 ~ Easy Love: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Easy Charm: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Easy Melody: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Easy Kisses: Goodreads (June 21, 2016)
#4.5 ~ Easy for Keeps: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (May 24, 2016)

Here’s an audio excerpt from Easy Melody!

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8Feb2016

Early Review: To the Stars by Molly McAdams

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

To the Stars by Molly McAdams
Series: Thatch #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: February 9th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

In the second standalone book in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Molly McAdams’ Thatch series, Knox Alexander must convince his long-time love Harlow Evans that they’re meant to be together.

He promised to wait for her.
She told him he was wasting his time.
Not waiting for him ended up being the biggest mistake of her life.

When they were younger, Knox Alexander swore to Harlow Evans that he would wait for her to turn eighteen so they could be together. But that was two and a half years away, and Harlow couldn’t ask him to give up all the fun and thrills of going away to college for her. As the years passed, Knox remained a constant in her life but when her eighteenth birthday came around, Harlow’s heart belonged to someone else.

Every day for the last four years, Harlow has been haunted by that fateful choice. And though he may appear unaffected by what happened in their past, Knox has always tried to fill the void Harlow left. But when he comes stumbling back into her life and refuses to leave, will Harlow finally let him into her heart…?

“One day, Harlow Evans, you will be mine. I will wait for you.”

What a heart-wrenching, emotionally-charged story. I honestly did not expect to read what I did in To the Stars, but it definitely took me on an emotional journey. I started reading this one morning and finished in a few hours, that’s how glued to the pages I was. If you’re expecting this book to be light-hearted and fluffy, which you might think from the cover… well, it’s not. To the Stars is an intense, at times painful read that will have you holding your breath and biting your nails. It’s about domestic abuse – about how one woman experiences it, survives it, and eventually overcomes it.

To the Stars is the standalone sequel to Letting Go, so you don’t need to read the previous book to read this one. To the Stars is Harlow and Knox’s story – these two met and fell in love seven years ago, but Harlow was underage at the time, so Knox promised to wait to be with her until she turned eighteen. But when Harlow became of age, she chose to be with another man, a man she had no idea would bring such pain, fear, and sorrow into her life. She is now married to a man who abuses her, who threatens her and her family if she ever tries to leave him. It seems like there’s no hope for her at all, until she’s reunited with Knox, her one and only love, who has never stopped loving her back and wants to help her.

“How much do you love me?”
That perfect, crooked smile flashed at me before he dropped his forehead to mine and whispered, “To the stars, Harlow. Always to the stars.”

My heart absolutely broke for Harlow and her situation. It hurt to read the abuse she goes through, and Molly McAdams certainly doesn’t hold back with the violence. Add in the devastation of Harlow and Knox’s lost relationship, I just wanted to shrivel up within the pages. But as much pain as there is in the book, there’s also so much hope that Knox and his love give to Harlow. Their love for each other is a once-in-a-lifetime thing – I could really feel the intense connection between them that has never weakened after so many years. Knox is the absolute SWOONIEST with Harlow – he’s not perfect, but he’s sweet, loving, supporting, patient, and just a GOOD man. Molly McAdams writes the BEST heroes who are just so romantic and head-over-heels in love with their women.

“No matter what happens in our lives, I will love you with everything that I am for the rest of mine, and I will make sure you know every day what it’s like to be loved to the stars.”

To the Stars is a beautiful love story, but in a broader sense, it’s also eye-opening to an issue many women face. Reading this book is like going through an emotional journey, and though I didn’t particularly connect with Knox or Harlow, but I enjoyed their story nonetheless, all the good, the bad, and the ugly. This is not an easy read, but the author handles the portrayal of abuse perfectly, all the while weaving a heart-melting romance around it. I highly recommend it!

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: Thatch series

#1 ~ Letting Go: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ To the Stars: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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5Feb2016

Blog Tour + Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: Happily Ever Ninja by Penny Reid

Posted in 4 hearts, Blog Tours, Giveaways, Reviews by Lacey

Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for Penny Reid’s Happily Ever Ninja!

Happily Ever Ninja by Penny Reid
Series: Knitting in the City #5 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: January 19th 2016

There are three things you need to know about Fiona Archer… I would tell you what they are, but then I’d have to kill you.

But I can tell you that Fiona’s husband—the always irrepressible and often cantankerous Greg Archer—is desperately in love with his wife. He aches for her when they are apart, and is insatiable when they are together. Yet as the years pass, Greg has begun to suspect that Fiona is a ninja. A ninja mom. A ninja wife. A ninja friend. After fourteen years of marriage, Greg is trying not to panic. Because Fiona’s talent for blending in is starting to resemble fading away.

However, when unexpected events mean Fiona must take center stage to keep her family safe, her response stuns everyone—Greg most of all. It seems like Greg’s wish has come true.

Except… not.

When all is said and done, can Greg handle this new version of his wife? Will his irrepressible cantankerousness push her away? Or can the couple find a way forward without either being forced to step back into the shadows?

This is a full length, 100k word novel, and is the 5th book in the Knitting in the City Series. All books in the series can be read as a standalone except book #1.5

Buy Links:
Amazon • Amazon UK • Barnes & Noble • iTunes • Kobo

Each marriage is a living thing, just as complex as the two individuals within it.

I became of huge fan of Penny Reid’s ever since reading her Elements of Chemistry series last year, and honestly, I just can’t believe I hadn’t read her books sooner. I’m obsessed with her writing and her brilliant, intelligent characters. In Happily Ever Ninja, Greg and Fiona Archer are just… wonderful. They’re not perfect, and their marriage certainly isn’t, but this is a couple who will do anything and everything for each other and their children. The respect and love they have for each other is beyond anything I’ve ever read, and Fiona and Greg will forever be a couple I look up to.

If you’ve read Ninja at First sight, then you know how Fiona and Greg met and fell in love. Well, Happily Ever Ninja takes place a marriage, two kids, and 18 years later. Fiona is currently a stay-at-home mom, and Greg’s work takes him around the world for long periods of time. Fiona has been raising Jack and Grace nearly alone, but she keeps her burdens hidden so they won’t strain her marriage. She’s not about to complain about Greg leaving to do what he loves and support his family, but the stress and fatigue of being a mom, wife, friend, and practically a ninja have taken their toll on her.

“You shouldn’t let people walk all over everything you believe, take advantage, or discount your feelings. If you don’t prioritize your feelings, no one else will.”

Greg and Fiona’s marriage is put to the ultimate test when Greg is kidnapped while working in Nigeria, and Fiona has to use the skills she honed at her previous job (I’m so not spoiling that for you) and unleash her inner badass to save her husband and love of her life. And holy hell, is Fiona one badass chick. I LOVED Fiona. I was #TeamGreg in Ninja at First Sight, but I was completely #TeamFiona in Happily Ever Ninja. Who knew this badass mom had even more badassery inside her!?

A lot of things took my by surprise in this book, and while I wouldn’t say it was bad, some of the things were just unexpected. I was expecting Happily Ever Ninja to be straight-up contemporary romance, about a married couple working through their marriage troubles, but it ended up being a lot more romantic suspense. There was sometimes too much action that took me out of the story, because all I really wanted to read about was Fiona and Greg and their marriage. Still, even though the story went in a completely different direction than I expected, I was still able to thoroughly enjoy and appreciate the way Penny Reid portrayed Fiona and Greg’s marriage.

“I love you wildly, madly, completely, Fiona Archer,” he growled, then groaned on a broken breath. “I love you always.”

I am not married and I don’t have kids. Yet Penny Reid and her magical ways were able to make me completely connect with Fiona and her frustrations. There aren’t a lot of books that feature a married couple, so I loved this introspective look on marriage – and what I learned is, bottom line, marriage is hard. Greg and Fiona experience stress, hardships, sacrifice, and plenty of other strains, but they never once give up on each other or their marriage. Even through the ups and downs, at the end of the day, these two could make each other smile.

“My heart keeps discovering new ways to love you,” he whispered, like it was a secret. A magnificent, beautiful, perfect secret.

Greg is my dream husband. Yes, he makes mistakes like any other person, and I got frustrated with him along with Fiona, but when it boils down to it, this man is utterly and completely devoted to his wife and family. So yeah, I loved Greg. I loved Fiona. I loved the way that even after 14 years of marriage, their relationship is ever changing and developing.

This book really had it all. Humor, excellent writing, unique characters, action, a romance to root for. I’m definitely going to go back and catch up on the series because I just can’t get enough of Penny’s books!

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Now here’s an excerpt from Happily Ever Ninja! ❤

“What are you doing?”

“What do you think I’m doing?” He unbuttoned his pants and unzipped them.

Perhaps it didn’t make any sense, but I didn’t want Greg to see me naked. Not when I was still furious with him. Not when he was angry with me. Even though we’d been together for eighteen years, married for fourteen, and made two children together, when we were arguing I didn’t like the vulnerability of bare skin.

“Oh, no. No, no, no.” I sat forward in the tub, hiding my nakedness. “We haven’t talked through everything yet. I’m angry with you, and I know you’re still upset with me.”

He shrugged. “Then we’ll have angry intercourse.”

“We’re not having intercourse.”

“Then I’ll give you angry cunnilingus.”

Damn him, but that made me laugh.

Greg’s eyebrows bounced once on his forehead and he grinned, his pants falling to the ground.

“I don’t want any of your angry oral sex, thank you very much.” I crossed my arms over my chest, endeavoring to keep my expression stern . . . and failing.

“Of course you do. Angry oral sex is the best kind of oral sex. And we are so rarely angry with each other. We should take advantage of this opportunity.” His thumbs hooked into his boxers with the intent of pulling them down.

“Do not take off your boxers.”

Greg didn’t remove his boxers, but he didn’t withdraw the threat of his thumbs either. “You know, I’ve heard it’s a good idea to fight while naked. I think I read that in a very important medical text book written by Albert Einstein’s cousin, Dr. Olga Einstein.”

Reading Order: Knitting in the City series

#1 ~ Neanderthal Seeks Human: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#1.5 ~ Neanderthal Marries Human: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Friends Without Benefits: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Love Hacked: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Beauty and the Mustache: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4.5 ~ Ninja at First Sight: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Happily Ever Ninja: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

SEX! It all started with sex, between my parents. Personally I don’t like thinking about it, but whatever works for you is a-ok with me. No judgment. The sex happened in California and much of my life also occurred in that state until I moved from the land of nuts (almonds), wine, silicon… boobs, and heavy traffic to the southeast US. Like most writers I like to write, but let’s get back to sex. Eventually I married and gave birth to 2 small people-children (boy-6, girl-4 as of this writing).

By day I’m a biomedical researcher with focus on rare diseases. By night I’m a knitter, sewer, lino block carver, fabric printer, soap maker, and general crafter. By the wee hours of the morning or when I’m intoxicated I love to listen to the voices in my head and let them tell me stories. I hope you enjoy their stories.

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Category Archives: 4 hearts

Early Review: Taking the Score by Kate Meader

Reading Order: Tall, Dark, and Texan series

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