Audiobook Review: Where We Belong by J. Daniels

Where We Belong by J. Daniels
Series: Alabama Summer #3.5 (full reading order below)
Audiobook Publication Date: July 27th 2016
Length: 4 hours and 12 minutes
Narrated by: Stella BloomEric Michael Summerer
Links: Audible • EbookPaperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review

Ben and Mia Kelly can’t seem to catch a break.

Grueling night shift and opposing schedules have left the passionate couple geared up and ready for some much needed alone time. There’s only one thing standing in their way.

Parenthood.

With two curious boys who have mastered the art of cock-blocking roaming the house, Ben and Mia, sexually frustrated beyond reason, quickly resort to surprise sexcapades and naughty little trysts whenever and however they can get them.

Who said anything about keeping things legal?

Assume the position. Things are about to heat up in the south.

So I may have knowingly gone into listening to the Where We Belong audiobook as a standalone, without having read the rest of the Alabama Summer series. It’s probably best to read the series before starting this, but honestly, I enjoyed it entirely as a standalone, and I didn’t feel lost or confused about the characters. For those of you who keep track of the series, Where We Belong is a continuation of Ben and Mia’s story from Where I Belong.

Post-HEA for Mia and Ben isn’t as perfect as they thought it would be – parenthood mainly consists of Mia taking care of their sons, Ben working long night shifts, and neither of them being able to satisfy their needs for one another. Two children make the most amazing cock-blockers, but Ben and Mia are determined to work out some alone time. We follow them along as they get interrupted time and again, but the love they have for each other is just as strong and passionate as it was when they first fell in love.

Where We Belong is such as short and sweet audiobook! It was pure fun to listen to, and it was pretty amusing to see Mia and Ben getting cock-blocked over and over again. Stella Bloom once again nails the part of the heroine’s narration and Eric Michael Summerer does an incredible job of voicing Ben. This is the first time I’ve listened to his narration, but it definitely won’t be my last. And I also may have to go back and check out the previous Alabama Summer series, because I’m so intrigued by the other characters! If you have or haven’t read the series, either way, Where We Belong is the perfect short and steamy listen in audio.

WHERE WE BELONG is now available on Audible: http://amzn.to/2aszIAC

4 hearts
lacey


Reading Order: Alabama Summer series

 
  

#1 ~ Where I Belong: Ebook • Paperback • AudibleGoodreads
#2 ~ All I Want: Ebook • Paperback • AudibleGoodreads
#3 ~ When I Fall: Ebook • Paperback • AudibleGoodreads
#3.5 ~ Where We Belong: EbookPaperbackAudibleGoodreads
#4 ~ What I Need: Goodreads (release date TBA)
#5 ~ Say I’m Yours: Goodreads (release date TBA)

Here’s an audio excerpt from Where We Belong!


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Release Day Review: To Have and to Hold by Lauren Layne

To Have and to Hold by Lauren Layne

To Have and to Hold by Lauren Layne
Series: The Wedding Belles #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 26th 2016
Links: EbookPaperback • Goodreads
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

USA TODAY bestselling author Lauren Layne is the “queen of witty dialogue and sexy scenes” (Rachel Van Dyken)! Now, Sex and the City meets The Wedding Planner in The Wedding Belles, her sizzling brand new contemporary romance series about three ambitious wedding planners who can make any bride’s dream come true…but their own.

Discovering her fiancé is an international conman just moments before they exchange vows devastates celebrity wedding planner Brooke Burke’s business—and breaks her heart. Now a pariah in Los Angeles, she seeks a fresh start in New York City and thinks she’s found it with her first bridal client, a sweet, if slightly spoiled, hotel heiress. Then she meets the uptight businessman who’s holding the purse springs.

Seth Tyler wishes he could write a blank check and be done with his sister’s fancy-pants wedding. Unfortunately, micromanaging the event is his only chance at proving Maya’s fiancé is a liar. Standing directly in his way is the stunning blonde wedding planner whose practiced smiles and sassy comebacks both irritate and arouse him. He needs Brooke’s help. But can he persuade a wedding planner on a comeback mission to unplan a wedding? And more importantly, how will he convince her that the wedding she should be planning…is theirs?

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Lauren Layne is my go-to author for fun and flirty contemporary romances. She pretty much never disappoints, and she delivers another winner with To Have and to Hold! This book is the first in the Wedding Belles series, featuring wedding planners who witness not only others’ HEAs, but their own as well. I freaking adored this book, and I have no doubts the series will keep on getting better. If you’re a contemporary romance lover, you have to check this one out! I had so much fun reading it – Seth and Brooke’s way to their HEA is utterly sweet and romantic, with the perfect amount of steam to round it off.

After the wedding fiasco where her con-man groom gets arrested at the altar, Brooke’s wedding planner days in Los Angeles are over. Luckily she gets the chance to start again in NYC with the Wedding Belles, one of the most popular and top-notch wedding planning businesses there is. Her first client is a hotel heiress named Maya – but it’s Maya’s older brother who will prove to be a pain in Brooke’s side. Seth and Brooke get off to a rough start, mainly because Seth is nowhere near agreeable with his sister’s fiancé, so with every meeting there are lusty glares and a simmering tension between the two. Their chemistry is my absolute favorite part of the story – I was seriously hooked onto it and just waiting for when these two characters would finally act on their desires.

Lauren Layne had me glued to the pages as she builds up the romance and tension. Brooke and Seth are two wonderful characters, both strong, independent, yet vulnerable, and I loved reading how they broke down each others’ walls. And there’s also so much going on with Maya’s wedding as well that there’s really never a dull moment in this book. To Have and to Hold is entertaining from start to finish, and with a sweet romance that’s both intense and heartwarming, what’s not to love about it?

If you’re a fan of the author, you won’t want to miss this new series. There are weddings and love and romance and everything that makes for the perfect, sweet summer read. I’m already so excited for the rest of the Wedding Belles series – I have crazy high expectations for the next two books, and I know LL won’t let me down!

4 hearts
lacey


Reading Order: The Wedding Belles series

 To Have and to Hold by Lauren Layne For Better or Worse by Lauren Layne

#0.5 ~ From This Day Forward: My Review • EbookGoodreads
#1 ~ To Have and to Hold: EbookPaperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ For Better or Worse: My Review • EbookPaperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ To Love and to Cherish: EbookPaperback • Goodreads (Oct. 18, 2016)


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Audiobook Review: With You by Nashoda Rose

With You by Nashoda Rose
Series: Tear Asunder #0.5 (full reading order below)
Audiobook Publication Date: June 21st 2016
Length: 2 hours and 19 minutes
Narrated by: Mackenzie Hart
Links: Audible • EbookPaperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review

Do not listen if you are sensitive to disturbing scenes, as the next novel, Torn from You, is a very dark romance.

Sculpt is an illegal fighter.
He’s also the lead singer of a local rock band.
No one knows his real name.
And from the moment I met him, he made me forget mine.

In order to convince Sculpt to give me self-defense lessons, I had to follow his one rule: no complaining, or he’d walk. I didn’t think it would be a problem. I could handle a few bruises. What I hadn’t anticipated was landing on my back with Sculpt on top of me and my entire body burning up for him.

I tried to ignore it. I failed, of course. And having a hot, tattooed badass on top of me week after week, acting completely immune to what he was doing to me – it was frustrating as hell, so I broke his rule. I complained. Then he kissed me.

Author’s note: This novella is a prequel. Listening to it before Torn from You is not required but is highly recommended.

Warning: huge cliffhanger. Like huge! However, With You is released on the same day as Torn from You the novel.

I love listening to the audio versions of books I previously loved reading, and the Tear Asunder series is one of the few dark romance books I enjoy, so I was excited for the audiobooks! Listening to With You didn’t disappoint – if you love audiobooks and dark romances, I highly recommend this novella – and series!

With You is the prequel novella to the Tear Asunder series, and tells the story of how Emily and Sculpt meet. Emily needs someone to teach her how to protect and defend herself, since she was attacked by a man recently, and Sculpt, while not the ideal man, is perfect for the job. But when Emily asks Sculpt to teach her how, he’s rude and a complete jerk, in that usual domineering, alpha-male way. But Emily is a tough girl, and she won’t back down from Sculpt, so he finally relents and agrees to help her out, starting them down a path towards a fierce, passionate love. But while it seems that these two are on their way to a happily ever after, everything changes one dark night.

Mackenzie Hart didn’t quite fit how I thought Emily’s voice would sound – it’s a little more mature than I expected, but I did appreciate the way she narrated this novella, and I’m definitely looking forward to her narration again in Torn from You. With You ends with a cliffhanger, but luckily, Torn from You is also out in audio! I really enjoyed listening this novella – and highly recommend it before starting Torn from You. The ebook is currently free, so if you get that you can also get the audiobook for $1.99. Fair warning though, this series is DARK and you’ll encounter some disturbing scenes. If that doesn’t turn you off, then you definitely need to start this series!

WITH YOU is now available on Audible: http://amzn.to/29TWAhr

4 hearts
lacey


Reading Order: Tear Asunder series

 
  

#0.5 ~ With You: Book ReviewEbookPaperbackAudibleGoodreads
#1 ~ Torn from You: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • AudibleGoodreads
#2 ~ Overwhelmed by You: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • AudibleGoodreads
#3 ~ Shattered by You: Ebook • Paperback • AudibleGoodreads
#4 ~ Kept from You: Goodreads (Dec. 5, 2016)

Here’s an audio excerpt from With You!


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Release Day Review: Cream of the Crop by Alice Clayton

Cream of the Crop by Alice Clayton
Series: Hudson Valley #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 12th 2016
Links: EbookPaperbackAudible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Alice Clayton brings her trademark blend of funny and sexy to this second contemporary romance in the brand-new Hudson Valley series!

Manhattan’s It Girl, Natalie Grayson, has it all: she’s a hot exec at a leading advertising firm, known industry-wide for her challenging and edgy campaigns. She’s got a large circle of friends, a family that loves her dearly, and her dance card is always full with handsome eligible bachelors. What else could a modern gal-about-town wish for? The answer, of course, is…cheese.

Natalie’s favorite part of each week is spending Saturday morning at the Union Square Farmer’s Market, where she indulges her love of all things triple cream. Her favorite booth also indulges her love of all things handsome. Oscar Mendoza, owner of the Bailey Falls Creamery and purveyor of the finest artisanal cheeses the Hudson Valley has to offer, is tall, dark, mysterious, and a bit oblivious. Or so she thinks. But that doesn’t stop Natalie from fantasizing about the size of his, ahem, milk can.

Romance is churning, passion is burning, and something incredible is rising to the top. Could it be…love?

I’ve loved Alice Clayton since Wallbanger first came out, and her newest books in the Hudson Valley series are just as fun and entertaining as her first book. This author does rom-com like no other, so if you’re a fan of funny, sexy books, you’ll want to get your hands on this series! These books will have you laughing with delight and also have you blushing like crazy the next. Cream of the Crop is another winner from Alice Clayton — Nuts is still my favorite Hudson Valley book, but this one was pretty unique and I absolutely adored the heroine!

We first met Natalie in Nuts as one of Roxie’s best friends, and we know that Natalie has got a bit of a crush on a certain dairy farmer. Normally, Natalie’s the most confident, self-assured woman there is, but every time she’s within the vicinity of Oscar Mendoza, her brain fries and she’s literally only capable of saying two words to him. It’s hilarious and endearing – Natalie is seriously one of my favorite heroines ever! I just love her confidence (when she’s not shy around Oscar) and I love how empowered she is. She owns every one of her curves and I really couldn’t admire her more.

When she gets the chance to visit Hudson Valley for a job, Natalie jumps at the chance not only to see her best friend, but also to see Oscar in all his dairy glory. There’s a hot chemistry between these two characters despite how frazzled she is around Oscar, but once she gets over it, holy crap do sparks fly. These two are crazy hot together – there might have been a litttle too much sex, but otherwise I really enjoyed the way they were together.

Cream of the Crop is pure, light-hearted fun, and the perfect drama-free summer read. The romance was simple and uncomplicated, and the setting of Hudson Valley is gorgeous and homey. It’s seriously such a fun read – and I already can’t wait to read more of the series!

4 hearts
lacey


Reading Order: Hudson Valley series

Nuts by Alice Clayton 

#1 ~ Nuts: My Review • EbookPaperbackAudible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Cream of the Crop: EbookPaperbackAudible • Goodreads


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Blog Tour + ARC Review: Deep Redemption by Tillie Cole

Deep Redemption Tour

Welcome to today’s stop on the tour for Deep Redemption by Tillie Cole!

Deep Redemption by Tillie Cole
Series: Hades Hangmen #4 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 12th 2016
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ONLY THROUGH BLOOD CAN THE DEEPEST REDEMPTION BE FOUND…

He was born to ascend.
He was destined to lead.
He was never meant to fail.

Prophet Cain lies broken and defeated on the floor of his cell. A cell he has been thrown into by the one person who was supposed to stand by his side until the end. His flesh and blood, his only companion. His beloved twin brother.

Cain has sacrificed everything for his people. He left the safety and security of his life of study to infiltrate the infamous Hades Hangmen. He lived with them, rode with them, and then betrayed them. All in the name of a faith he can now feel slipping away from him. Like everything else he once held dear…

But then his isolation is broken. Another prisoner is brought to the cell next to his. A woman fighting her own demons and fears. A woman who Cain understands needs him, as he needs her.

As the connection between them grows, so does Cain’s resolve. He will right the wrongs he has done. He will atone for the evil acts carried out in his name. He will save the one he loves…

… Even if the battle takes him to the gates of hell itself.

Contemporary Dark Romance. Contains explicit sexual situations, violence, sensitive and taboo subjects, offensive language, and mature topics. Recommended for age 18 years and up.

Buy Links:
Amazon US • Amazon UK • Amazon AU • Amazon CA • iTunes • B&N • Kobo

review button

Deep Redemption has been an anticipated read of mine since Rider first appeared in the first Hades Hangmen novel. I was extremely curious to see how Tillie Cole would play out Rider/Cain’s book, and now that it’s here, I really couldn’t see it playing out any other way than it did. This book is… intense. Graphic. Raw and uncensored. It’s not an easy read, but if you’re a fan of the series, you’ll probably want to get your hands on this book. SO many things happen, and all I can say is that I’m glad this isn’t the end of the Hades Hangmen yet!

I had been two men in my life. I was beginning to understand that neither of them were real. They were both the ultimate pretenders. Rider pretended to be a Hangman, but always stood on the outside, looking in. Cain pretended he was a prophet, outwardly faking strength, yet drowning in fear underneath. But if both of these men were a ruse, then who the hell was I? Who was the real me?
I had absolutely no idea.

Rider, aka Prophet Cain, has been led to believe one thing his entire life, but after some shocking and horrifying revelations about his religion and cult, he’s questioning everything – including himself. He’s been marked a traitor of his people and his own twin has thrown him in prison. Day in and out he is punished, beaten for his betrayal. There is no hope for him… until a beautiful girl is thrown into the cell next to him, and they form a bond unlike anything else. Harmony herself has been marked a Cursed Sister of Eve and is sentenced to a marriage with a cruel man. Will they ever find a way out of the dark? Will they be free to love each other? And who exactly is Harmony?

“A pure soul always finds love. Even through hate, they will always find the ability to claim love.”
“I’m not good,” he argued. “I don’t believe that.”
I smiled. Pressing my forehead to his, I said, “Then I will believe it for you.”

I wasn’t one of those readers who totally hated Rider, so his whole redemption wasn’t the main focus for me, but the romance between him and Harmony was. They are so freaking sweet together – I wish we’d gotten more romance instead of all the cult-related things. Honestly, the things that went on in Rider’s cult turned my stomach, and I had to skim some parts because I was just too disgusted to read some of what happened. For those of you who are curious about Rider’s redemption though, IMO Tillie Cole redeemed him very well. In the end, I just felt so bad for him, so I thought he deserved any chance at happiness he could get.

In the end, she had been the greatest blessing I could ever have prayed for.
A sin for the ultimate sinner.

I didn’t entirely love Deep Redemption (Heart Recaptured will still be my favorite Hades Hangmen book) but this book kept me on the edge of my seat and hooked on the story. I was biting my nails, terrified for Rider and Harmony, wanting them to get their HEA. It’s a raw, gritty, unfiltered novel, and fans of the series will more than likely enjoy this newest installment. If you’re new to the series, I highly recommend reading the books in order – though they’re about different couples, the over-arcing storyline continues throughout the story, so you might be a bit lost if you start in the middle. This is one of the best dark MC series I’ve read, and I’m dying to get more already! The next book will be AK and Phebe’s – I can’t wait for it!

4 hearts
lacey

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

Reading Order: Hades Hangmen series

It Ain't Me, Babe by Tillie Cole Heart Recaptured by Tillie Cole Souls Unfractured by Tillie Cole 

#1 ~ It Ain’t Me, Babe: EbookPaperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Heart Recaptured: My Review • EbookPaperback • AudibleGoodreads
#3 ~ Souls Unfractured: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Deep Redemption: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#5 ~ Damnable Grace: Goodreads (release date TBA)
#6 ~ Crux Untamed: Goodreads (release date TBA)
#7 ~ Darkness Embraced: Goodreads (release date TBA)

about the author button

Tillie ColeTillie Cole hails from a small town in the North-East of England. She grew up on a farm with her English mother, Scottish father and older sister and a multitude of rescue animals. As soon as she could, Tillie left her rural roots for the bright lights of the big city.

After graduating from Newcastle University with a BA Hons in Religious Studies, Tillie followed her Professional Rugby player husband around the world for a decade, becoming a teacher in between and thoroughly enjoyed teaching High School students Social Studies before putting pen to paper, and finishing her first novel.

Tillie has now settled in Austin, Texas, where she is finally able to sit down and write, throwing herself into fantasy worlds and the fabulous minds of her characters.

Tillie is both an independent and traditionally published author, and writes many genres including: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Young Adult and New Adult novels.

When she is not writing, Tillie enjoys nothing more than curling up on her couch watching movies, drinking far too much coffee, while convincing herself that she really doesn’t need that extra square of chocolate.

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Instagram • Goodreads


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