Release Day Blitz + Review: Anything You Can Do by R.S. Grey

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Reviews, Spotlight by Lacey

Happy release day to R.S. Grey – Anything You Can Do is live!
Check out my review of the book below!

Anything You Can Do by R.S. Grey
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: February 2nd 2017

Lucas Thatcher has always been my enemy.

It’s been a decade since I’ve seen him, but our years on opposite coasts were less of a lasting peace and more of a temporary cease-fire. Now that we’re both back in our small town, I know Lucas expects the same old war, but I’ve changed since high school—and from the looks of it, so has he.

The arrogant boy who was my teenage rival is now a chiseled doctor armed with intimidating good looks. He is Lucas Thatcher 2.0, the new and improved version I’ll be competing with in the workplace instead of the schoolyard.

I’m not worried; I’m a doctor now too, board-certified and sexy in a white coat. It almost feels like winning will be too easy—until Lucas unveils a tactic neither of us has ever used before: sexual warfare.

The day he pushes me up against the wall and presses his lips to mine, I can’t help but wonder if he’s filling me with passion or poison. Every fleeting touch is perfect torture. With every stolen kiss, my walls crumble a little more. After all this time, Lucas knows exactly how to strip me of my defenses, but I’m in no hurry to surrender.

Knowing thy enemy has never felt so good.

Buy Links:
Amazon US • Amazon UK • Amazon CA • Amazon AU

For those of you who love romantic comedies that are over-the-top and dramatic, Anything You Can Do is perfect for you. It’s ridiculous and hilarious, and if you’re in the mood for a feel-good romance that will have you laughing, this will hit all the right buttons for you. It’s not quite my favorite R.S. Grey novel, but it’s very reminiscent of her previous rom-coms, so fans of her books will definitely enjoy this enemies-to-lovers romance!

In light of the sheer longevity of our rivalry, people always want to know what terrible even had transpired to precipitate it all. The truth is, we’ve always been this way. I am the Annie Oakley to his Frank Butler and I firmly believe that anything he can do, I can do better.

Daisy Bell and Lucas Thatcher have been competitors since the moment they were born (which coincidentally was on the same day). They are rivals, arch-nemeses, enemies, and every synonym in between. Their houses were next to each other, they competed against one another in high school, moved across the country away from each other for college, and now, post-medical school and at twenty-eight, Daisy and Lucas have returned home… to work at the same small-town family practice.

Both Lucas and Daisy hilariously try to sabotage the other and make the other look bad so that their boss, Dr. McCormick, will choose only one of them to take over the practice. They do some crazy, exasperating shenanigans as if they were high schoolers all over again. It’s entertaining to say the least, though it doesn’t exactly move the story forward. A majority of the book is spent fighting between Lucas and Daisy, and what I really wanted was for the romance to develop. It’s a fine line between love and hate, but love finally takes over once they get over their denial of it.

“I love you, which seems crazy because up until about four days ago, I really thought I hated you. But when you think about it, love and hate aren’t so very different, right? To love someone is to strive to be a better person for them, and isn’t that what our hateful little competition has been about the whole time?”

There’s nothing crazy deep or emotional in this book – which was exactly what I expected and wanted. It’s pure enjoyable rom-com, the kind of read that will easy take your mind off reality for a short while and give you plenty of laughs and giggles. If you’re a fan of humor and enemies-to-lovers romances, you definitely need to give this book a try.

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

Also by R.S. Grey

Scoring Wilder: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Settling the Score: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Out of Bounds: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
With This Heart: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Chasing Spring: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
A Place in the Sun: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
The Allure of Julian Lefray: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
The Allure of Dean Harper: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
The Duet: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
The Design: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

I am a lover of books, chocolate, reality TV, black labs, and cold weather. Seriously, if I had it my way I would be curled up on the couch with all of those things… everyday.

I live in Texas where I spend my free time writing and reading. My favorite authors are Mindy Kaling & Jonathan Safran Foer. I’m a comedy geek and love all things “funny”. Women like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Mindy Kaling are definitely the biggest inspirations for my writing, though I think my work tends to skew a bit smuttier than theirs.

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads

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30Jan2017

Audiobook Review: Silver-Tongued Devil by Rosalind James

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Silver-Tongued Devil by Rosalind James
Series: Portland Devils #1
Audiobook Publication Date: January 6th 2017
Length: 12 hours and 24 minutes
Narrated by: Tanya Eby
Links: Audible • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review

No more wild rides. No more wild side.

Blake Orbison’s pro football career with the Portland Devils may have come crashing to an end, but not calling the signals anymore just gives him more time to devote to his business enterprises, including the latest and greatest: the opening of the Wild Horse Resort in scenic north Idaho. And that other one, too. Blake’s on the marriage track now, and he’s got a game plan. But when he runs into a trespasser leaping from his shoreline boulders into his lake, what’s a good ol’ boy to do but strip down and join her?

Dakota Savage is nobody’s temporary diversion, least of all the man responsible for her family’s semi-desperate circumstances. Some people may think she has a piercing too many, but she’s had more than enough of being called trash in this town. She’s come home to Wild Horse to run her stepfather’s painting business, and any extra time she has goes into creating her stained glass. An overpaid, entitled, infuriating NFL quarterback is no part of her life plan, no matter how sweet he talks. No matter how slow he smiles. No matter what.

This is my first time experiencing any book by Rosalind James and I have to admit, I liked it! The narrator was fantastic, and the romance was sweet and enjoyable. It’s a good start to a new series, one that I’ll probably continue with in audio, especially if Tanya Eby is narrating. If you’re a fan of well-narrated contemporary romances, I’d definitely recommend this audiobook!

Former NFL quarterback-turned millionaire businessman, Blake Orbison is in search of the perfect wife. The injury that caused him to quit football had him reevaluating life and what was most important: family. So he’s set off to create a family of his own, starting with a wife that has certain qualities he has in mind. But when he meets Dakota Savage, skinny dipping in his lake of all things, he finds that what he thought he wanted in a wife wasn’t really what he needed at all.

A stained glass artist, Dakota is the very opposite of what Blake wants in a wife – she’s wild, artistic, outspoken, just wonderfully more and complex with a difficult past. She wants to travel and never settle down. I loved the passion Dakota has inside her. She and Blake complemented each other really well, despite not expecting to find anything meaningful between each other. Their romance developed slowly and genuinely, and I really loved the way they were able to support, encourage, and lean on each other.

I wasn’t a big fan of the suspense regarding Blake’s resort – I more wanted this audiobook to focus more on the romance aspect. I did enjoy the dynamics of Dakota’s family and her relationship with her stepfather, which tugged a bit at my heartstrings. The beginning half of the this had me gripped to the story, but the second half kind of mellowed out a bit for me. I feel like it’s more of an “it’s me, not you” sort of thing, so I’d still recommend Silver Tongued Devil. It’s sweet, slow, if a little predictable, but if you’re in a mood for a feel-good contemporary romance, you should give this a try!

SILVER-TONGUED DEVIL is now available on Audible: http://amzn.to/2jeoxE9

Here’s an audio excerpt from Silver-Tongued Devil!

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4Oct2016

Blog Tour + Release Day Review & Giveaway: Thief of Hearts by L.H. Cosway

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Blog Tours, Giveaways, Reviews by Lacey

Happy Release Day to L.H. Cosway – Thief of Hearts is live!

Thief of Hearts by L.H. Cosway
Series: Hearts #5 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: October 4th 2016

Seduce the teacher.
Meet the cousin.
Make a deal.
Steal the painting.

Andrea Anderson has no clue of the thoughts churning around in the dark and dangerous ex-con’s head as he enters her classroom. In fact, she’s momentarily lost for words. Not in her entire teaching career has she had a student who looked quite like Stu Cross.

A widow at just twenty-eight, love is something Andie hasn’t considered a part of her life for a very long time. However, when lingering touches turn to whispered words and hot, searching stares, she begins to wonder if maybe she should take a leap of faith.

But Stu is in her class for a reason, and it has nothing to do with love. He’s there to burrow his way into her life and repay a debt, otherwise his family will suffer. Andie is the first person to show him true kindness since he left prison, and though he doesn’t want to mislead her, he doesn’t have another choice.

Before long, Stu can’t tell whether or not he’s acting anymore, and his feelings for Andie could throw all of his carefully crafted plans into complete and utter disarray.

Buy Links:
Amazon • Amazon UK • Amazon CA • Amazon AU
iTunes • Barnes & Noble • Kobo • Smashwords

I’ve adored every book in L.H. Cosway’s Hearts series, and though Thief of Hearts isn’t quite my favorite, it’s still a great addition to the series, and one that fans of the author should definitely read. This is the eldest Cross brother’s story, and we get to experience this ex-con fall for his teacher. A delicious forbidden love, a dirty-minded alpha, and a painting heist all made for one entertaining read.

Andrea Anderson may have been a widow for four years, but she hasn’t been able to let go of her husband and high school sweetheart. She works day to day at an adult school, barely making ends meet, and in serious hospital debt back when her husband was ailing. Things seem bleak until a mysterious, gorgeous bad boy enrolls in her class. Stu Cross is everything she should stay away from, but he’s the one man who’s been able to make her forget her troubles. She sees in him the intelligence and potential everyone seems to glance over – and can’t help falling for him because of it. But when he ropes her into helping him steal a painting, things start to get complicated. Can Andie really trust Stu’s feelings for her, or is he just using her for the painting?

Stu Cross made me feel alive. So much so that it took him coming into my life to make me realise I hadn’t been living. I’d been imprisoned in the past, hiding behind a future that was lost to me.

L.H. Cosway has such a quirky way of writing – I can’t say that I love it, but it’s different and a little refreshing to read. Andie was a sweet, adorable character I really felt for. Stu is a swoony hero – loyal, caring, and willing to do whatever it takes to protect his family. And he certainly knows how to use his mouth, the dirty talker. Their romance was seriously the sweetest thing – I was rooting for them from the start, though their story is certainly not the least bit easy. The plot with the blackmail and painting made things way more complicated, and I sadly didn’t find myself caring that much about it. All I really wanted to focus on was the romance, which was good enough for me.

Overall, Thief of Hearts is a great installment to the series, and though it can be read as a standalone, I do recommend reading at least the book before it, Hearts of Blue, which is where the Cross family is first introduced. Right now, I’m dying to read the final Cross brother’s book – I love friends-to-lovers romances, and I can’t wait for Trevor and his best friend Reya to get their story!

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

Reading Order: Hearts series

#1 ~ Six of Hearts: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Hearts of Fire: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ King of Hearts: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4 ~ Hearts of Blue: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#5 ~ Thief of Hearts: Ebook • Goodreads
#6 ~ Hearts on Air: Goodreads (2017)

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.

She thinks that imperfect people are the most interesting kind. They tell the best stories.

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads • Amazon Page

1st prize:
A collection of signed books by a number of different authors (Kristen Ashley, Samantha Young, Penny Reid, Mariana Zapata, Amy Harmon) including signed copies of the entire Hearts series and a selection of L.H. Cosway swag
2nd prize:
A signed paperback copy of Thief of Hearts, signed swag and a $15 Amazon gift card
3rd prize:
A kindle copy of Thief of Hearts and a $5 Amazon gift card

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26Sep2016

Audio Tour + Review & Giveaway: Lucian by Bethany-Kris

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Blog Tours, Giveaways by Lacey

Welcome to today’s stop on the audio tour for Lucian by Bethany-Kris!

Lucian by Bethany-Kris
Series: Filthy Marcellos #1 (full reading order below)
Audiobook Publication Date: August 17th 2016
Length: 13 hours and 26 minutes
Narrated by: John Thrust

Lucian Marcello is aware of the expectations following him as the oldest son of one of North America’s most infamous Cosa Nostra Dons. Family in his world is more than blood and sharing a last name. It’s the honor, respect, business, and the life. Being a Capo is just a stepping stone until it’s time for him to take on the role of underboss but a chance meeting with her could be the one thing he’d risk it all for.

She is exactly what he didn’t know he was looking for.

Jordyn Reese spends her time trying to stay under the radar of a man who wouldn’t think twice about killing her. Unwillingly affiliated with a dangerous MC gang, her life is dominated by the men surrounding her and her future rests solely in how useful she can be for them. The last thing she needs is some Mafioso gaining her more unwanted attention from the club.

He is everything she should stay away from but can’t.

Notoriously violent when it comes to getting what he wants, Lucian will stop at nothing to make the target on Jordyn’s back disappear. But sometimes the worst threats are the ones you can’t see until it’s too late. The truth behind Lucian’s history is about to take center stage in more ways than one, and it’ll either save him or kill him.

This world leaves everyone a little filthy.

Buy Links:
Audible • Ebook • Paperback • iTunes

It’s been a while since I dived into mafia romance, but Lucian was a great way to get back into one of my favorite kinds of romances! It was an intense, surprisingly sweet, audiobook I enjoyed listening to. The narrator did a great job of getting into the voices, especially those of the mafia. I would definitely recommend this to audio fans who love mafia romances on the lighter side.

Lucian is the oldest adopted son of the Marcellos, his father being the most powerful and dangerous of the Cosa Nostra Dons. He’s being prepared to take over his father as the underboss – and everything would go smoothly until he comes across a beautiful woman on the run from a deadly MC gang. Lucian takes it upon himself to get involved and save Jordyn, thus getting his mafia family involved as well. Jordyn soon becomes something precious to him that he won’t let go of – so how far will he go to protect her?

Lucian is an alpha hero through and through – but he was surprisingly more sweet than I expected. He dotes on Jordyn, would do anything for her and to protect her. Jordyn has had a rough life and can protect herself, though she does make some idiotic decisions that undermine her intelligence. Their romance is sweet, though I never really felt the connection between them or the chemistry. There was no spark, but that in no way means I didn’t enjoy their story, because I did! The mafia aspect was what shined in this book – I’d definitely say to give this a try if you like mafia romances.

The narrator, John Thrust, did a great job of narrating this book, especially with his slight accent that made the mafia part feel more authentic. If the other books in the series become audiobooks, I would definitely hope he continues narrating!

Here’s an audio excerpt from Lucian!

Bethany-Kris is a Canadian author, lover of much, and mother to three young sons, one cat, and two dogs. A small town in Eastern Canada where she was born and raised is where she has always called home. With her boys under her feet, snuggling cat, barking dogs, and a hubby calling over his shoulder, she is nearly always writing something … when she can find the time.

To keep up-to-date with new releases from Bethany-Kris, sign up to her New Release Newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/bf9lzD

Website • Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads • Pinterest • Mailing List • Amazon Page

2 Winners:
2 Signed paperbacks from the Filthy Marcellos series

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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23Aug2016

Release Day Review: Ravenous by M.S. Force

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Ravenous by M.S. Force
Series: Quantum #5 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: August 23rd 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

She wants a baby. He wants her. Simple enough, right?

Ellie Godfrey has kissed her share of frogs. So many, in fact, that she fears she won’t recognize her prince if and when he finally comes along. Tired of waiting for THE ONE, Ellie decides to have a baby on her own before it’s too late.

When Jasper Autry hears about Ellie’s plan, what else can he do but step in and offer to “contribute” to her project. Does that make him an opportunist? Whatever. He wants the perpetually out-of-reach Ellie Godfrey, and when he sees his chance, he takes it. That she’s the sister of his business partner and close friend Flynn gives him pause, but it doesn’t stop him from having what he wants.

As Jasper and Ellie embark upon their secret “project,” he makes it clear that for as long as they’re together, he’s in charge—in the bedroom anyway. After the hottest sex of her life, Ellie realizes she’s made a deal with the devil himself.

Ravenous is actually my first book by M.S. Force/Marie Force and it was a sexy, sweet read I enjoyed. I don’t particularly LOVE tropes that have anything to do with babies, nor am I a fan of BDSM romances all that much, but I thought I’d give this a try, and it turned out better than I expected! The characters were likable and the kink was not boring – I liked Ravenous enough that I’m definitely contemplating reading the rest of the series!

Ellie Godfrey’s biological clock is ticking at thirty-five, and since she really doesn’t want anything to do with men at this point, she decides to have a baby – on her own. But right before she decides to go to a clinic for some random sperm, her brother’s best friend offers to be the donor, but only if they conceive the baby the old-fashioned way. What’s a girl to do when the guy she’s always been attracted to but could never have wants to help her have a baby? Well, she obviously says YES.

British, wicked, and gorgeous, Jasper Autry has always wanted Ellie, but being best friends with her brother has kept him from ever pursuing her. He’s not cut out for a relationship, and a secret about his own heritage has him even more against relationships. But getting to be with Ellie, awakening her to his kinkier tastes of BDSM, particularly his dominance, has him wanting her more and more – until he’s not satisfied until he owns her, body, heart, and soul. Now he has to find a way to convince he wants everything with Ellie, and fight for their chance at a HEA.

Jasper is the absolute sweetest – almost too sweet at times that it got a little cheesy, I’ll admit. But I liked that he didn’t fight that hard against loving Ellie. Ellie is tough and independent – I didn’t connect with her all that much, but I still enjoyed her character. Jasper and Ellie’s romance had a few surprises I didn’t see coming, but I found myself enjoying their developing relationship and how hard they fought for their love. I would definitely recommend this book for those who like their BDSM on the lighter side and sweet, almost cheesy, romances.

Reading Order: Quantum series

#1 ~ Virtuous: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Valorous: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Victorious: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Rapturous: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Ravenous: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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