Release Day Review: Love and Always by Sophie Jackson

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Love and Always by Sophie Jackson
Series: A Pound of Flesh #1.5 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: August 3rd 2015
Links: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Orange Is the New Black meets Jennifer Probst’s New York Times bestselling Marriage to a Billionaire trilogy, in this e-novella of love and redemption in the sensational A Pound of Flesh series.

When prison tutor Kat Lane met arrogant inmate Wesley Carter in A Pound of Flesh, it was hate at first sight. Carter’s quick wit and reputation for being as dangerous as he was handsome kept her at a distance. But as they grew to know each other as teacher and student in the New York prison, Kat found there was much more to Carter than she thought.

In Love and Always, Kat and Carter’s story continues as they share the news of their engagement—which doesn’t go over well with Kat’s mother. On top of it all, Carter has a new role as CEO of WCS Communications, which adds more pressure to his new life outside prison. Trying to juggle family, a billion dollar business, and Carter’s best friend Max’s rehab stint doesn’t leave much time for the happy couple to enjoy each other. How will Kat and Carter handle the pressures of marriage, family, and work—and keep the passion alive through it all?

This is a quick, short, and super sweet novella following up on Kat and Carter from A Pound of Flesh. I adored these characters in their book (my review here), and I adored them once again in their novella.

“You’re everything to me.”
Kat nodded. “I know. That’s why I’m marrying you.”

Kat and Carter have just gotten engaged, but they’re not quite at their HEA yet. They need to break the news to Kat’s mother, who isn’t exactly supportive of their relationship. Plus, Carter’s dealing with his best friend Max, who’s been admitted into rehab. Still, despite these complications, Kat and Carter’s love is still unwavering and going strong. As long as they have each other, they can weather through anything.

I really enjoyed this novella. It’s a bit too short, and I really wish there was more, but I liked what I got. Carter is funny, sweet, and sexy as ever, and I loved seeing him and Kat together again. I really liked that this novella sort of leads us up to Max’s own book, An Ounce of Hope, which comes out early next year. I was incredibly excited for his book, and this novella only made me more excited.

Fans of A Pound of Flesh should definitely check out Love and Always. It’s not completely necessary to read it, but Kat and Carter are just too sweet for words in this novella. This was like getting a bonus glimpse at life after A Pound of Flesh for the two of them. I had a smile on my face the whole time I read it!

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

Reading Order: A Pound of Flesh series

#1 ~ A Pound of Flesh: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#1.5 ~ Love and Always: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ An Ounce of Hope: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2.5 ~ Fate and Forever: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ A Measure of Love: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (June 21, 2016)

FOLLOW BOOKLOVERS FOR LIFE ON:
✦ FACEBOOK • TWITTER • GOODREADS • PINTEREST • BLOGLOVIN’ ✦

Subscribe to Blog via Email

3Aug2015

Blog Tour + ARC Review & Giveaway: Truth or Beard by Penny Reid

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

Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for Truth or Beard by Penny Reid!

Truth or Beard by Penny Reid
Series: Winston Brothers #1 (full reading order below)
Release Date: July 21st 2015

Beards, brothers, and bikers! Oh my!

Identical twins Beau and Duane Winston might share the same devastatingly handsome face, but where Beau is outgoing and sociable, Duane is broody and reserved. This is why Jessica James, recent college graduate and perpetual level headed good girl, has been in naïve and unhealthy infatuation with Beau Winston for most of her life.

His friendly smiles make her tongue-tied and weak-kneed, and she’s never been able to move beyond her childhood crush. Whereas Duane and Jessica have always been adversaries. She can’t stand him, and she’s pretty sure he can’t stand the sight of her…

But after a case of mistaken identity, Jessica finds herself in a massive confusion kerfuffle. Jessica James has spent her whole life paralyzed by the fantasy of Beau and her assumptions of Duane’s disdain; therefore she’s unprepared for the reality that is Duane’s insatiable interest, as well as his hot hands and hot mouth and hotter looks. Not helping Jessica’s muddled mind and good girl sensibilities, Duane seems to have gotten himself in trouble with the local biker gang, the Iron Order.

Certainly, Beau’s magic spell is broken. Yet when Jessica finds herself drawn to the man who was always her adversary, now more dangerous than ever, how much of her level-head heart is she willing to risk?

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

I’ve kind of adored Penny Reid ever since reading her Elements of Chemistry series (one of my favorites of the year!). Her stories are just so compelling yet so down-to-earth – I love them! Truth or Beard was a highly anticipated read for me (because, hello, BEARDS!!!!) and Penny Reid didn’t let me down. Truth or Beard is a fun, sexy, hilarious read with an amazing cast of characters (those Winston brothers will be the death of me) and I can’t wait for more!

Jessica James has always had a crush on the friendlier, more charming of the Winston twins. When she was a girl, she had hearts in her eyes for Beau, all while saving her glares for the broodier, more annoying twin, Duane. But of course, Duane, in that classic way of pulling on the pigtails of your crush, has always loved Jessica James. But after a case of mistaken identity, Jessica questions her true feelings for Duane and whether or not she’s had a crush on the wrong Winston twin all along.

I was always running after her, but this time I wasn’t going to let her get away.

I adored Jessica and Duane. They were characters that felt so real to me. I felt for Jessica and her dreams of traveling the world. She has wanderlust, and she’s saving up for a few years until she can leave her small town and explore the world. Duane, even knowing the limited time he has with Jessica before she leaves, still decides to pursue the girl he’s loved his whole life. He keeps his heart guarded though, so that when the time comes for Jessica to leave, he won’t be left with a broken heart. But the two fall fast and hard for one another as they date and spend time together (kissing and doing other stuff…), so how can the two of them possibly continue their relationship when one is meant to travel the world and the other has an auto shop he has obligations to take care of?

Jessica wasn’t going to break my heart.
I was going to break hers.

Duane and Jessica have a time limit to their relationship, but that doesn’t stop them from steaming it up in the time they have together. They have some seriously sexy times that had me grinning and fanning myself. Duane is a hottie with a beard! BUT, he also says some awesomely sweet, amazing things to Jessica that had my heart swooning – Duane is honestly the perfect package!

“You’re a siren who doesn’t need to sing.”

Oh! Did I mention that this book is also so freaking hilarious? I was laughing so much while reading, most especially because of the Winston brothers. CLETUS! Oh my, Cletus is one special Winston brother. He’s the quirky, dorky nerd and so lovable – I’m keeping an eye out for his book. In addition to Duane, Beau, and Cletus, there’s also Jethro, Billy, and Roscoe. Six hot bearded brothers = book boyfriend heaven!

I’d once overheard my daddy tell my momma that the six Winston boys had inherited their father’s ability to charm snakes, the IRS, and women.

What brought this book down, though, and why I can’t give Truth or Beard five awesome hearts was because the whole other subplot about the local motorcycle club. The brothers have drama with some bikers that puts them and their loved ones in danger. This part of the book felt weak though, and I just wasn’t that into it. I felt kind of just ‘eh’ about it – it wasn’t badly written or anything, but it just didn’t get my heart my heart racing as much as I wanted it to.

In spite of weak biker subplot, Truth or Beard is still a fantastic read. You get to swoon over six sexy, bearded brothers, so what’s not to love? Of course, I can’t gloss over Penny’s fantastic writing, with her intelligent prose and witty dialogue. Her books are always described as ‘smart’ and I can’t argue with that. Overall, Truth or Beard was a book that was SO much fun to read. It made me laugh, swoon, ache – it’s the type of book that wrings emotions out of you, and I highly recommend it.

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

Reading Order: Winston Brothers series

#1 ~ Truth or Beard: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Grin and Beard It: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Beard Science: Goodreads (Oct. 2016)
#4 ~ Beard in Mind: Goodreads (2017)
#5 ~ Dr. Strange Beard: Goodreads (2017)
#6 ~ Beard Necessities: Goodreads (2017)

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.

Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

Signed Book Prize Pack from Penny Reid

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FOLLOW BOOKLOVERS FOR LIFE ON:
✦ FACEBOOK • TWITTER • GOODREADS • PINTEREST • BLOGLOVIN’ ✦

Subscribe to Blog via Email

28Jul2015

Release Day Review: Him by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Him by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy
Series: Him #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 28th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the authors in exchange for an honest review

They don’t play for the same team. Or do they?

Jamie Canning has never been able to figure out how he lost his closest friend. Four years ago, his tattooed, wise-cracking, rule-breaking roommate cut him off without an explanation. So what if things got a little weird on the last night of hockey camp the summer they were eighteen? It was just a little drunken foolishness. Nobody died.

Ryan Wesley’s biggest regret is coaxing his very straight friend into a bet that pushed the boundaries of their relationship. Now, with their college teams set to face off at the national championship, he’ll finally get a chance to apologize. But all it takes is one look at his longtime crush, and the ache is stronger than ever.

Jamie has waited a long time for answers, but walks away with only more questions—can one night of sex ruin a friendship? If not, how about six more weeks of it? When Wesley turns up to coach alongside Jamie for one more hot summer at camp, Jamie has a few things to discover about his old friend…and a big one to learn about himself.

Warning: contains sexual situations, skinnydipping, shenanigans in an SUV and proof that coming out to your family on social media is a dicey proposition.

I adored this book so hard, y’all. I mean, I had no doubt I would – I really enjoyed Sarina Bowen’s other M/M romance, The Understatement of the Year, and Elle Kennedy is now one of my FAVORITE authors because of her Off-Campus series. So the two of them writing a book together? Sweet perfection. Both of their writing styles meshed perfectly well together, and they’ve created a book that is pure goodness. And Him is so, so, so good. This was the best combination of sweet, funny, and sexy.

I love friends-to-lovers romances, and when you throw hockey in, I’m a goner. Wes and Jamie have been best friends since attending hockey camp each summer together. But after a naughty bet, lines are blurred and Jamie is cut off completely from Wes, never hearing from him for four years. Now in the midst of their hockey careers, they come into contact for the first time in years, and everything they used to feel for each other at camp – friendship, camaraderie, love – comes rushing back.

I have the same damn weakness I’ve always had. It’s still there as I stare up at the big screen. As I watch Jamie Canning stop another dizzying slap shot. As I admire the grace and deadly precision with which he moves.
My weakness is him.

I loved how Wes and Jamie clicked, both in the past and the present. They make the best of friends, and eventually the best of lovers. But it takes a while to get there – while Wes is an openly gay hockey player, Jamie doesn’t even realize his feelings for Wes have grown past friendship until he gets jealous over Wes flirting with another man. Soon enough, they can’t resist one another, and the chemistry between them flames hotter than ever.

Our mouths fit together so perfectly. Every time we kiss, I fall even more in love with him, and it has nothing to do with sex or lust. It’s him. His closeness and his scent and the way he soothes me.

I LOVED Wes right from the start. He’s hilarious and sweet, and my heart was aching for him and his unrequited love for Jamie. Jamie, though, I took a bit longer to warm up to. But once I witnessed the two of them together, everything fit. There’s just an incredible, solid foundation of friendship that love grew so naturally between them. My heart just wanted to burst with happiness whenever Jamie and Wes were together.

The best part of Him (besides the HOT M/M sex, of course) was the depth of Wes and Jamie’s characters. Wes has been in love with Jamie for years, and now he’s given the chance to show that love physically and emotionally, if not verbally. Jamie has his own journey of self-discovery, realizing things about himself he never even contemplated. He comes to terms with the fact that he enjoys both men and women, though that doesn’t diminish one bit of the feelings he has for Wes.

“Loved you every summer since I was thirteen years old. Love you even more now.”

Him was a simple and quite uncomplicated read. While it didn’t WOW me or make me feel any super intense emotions, I still loved it. It’s an easy, light, fun read with some crazy hot sexy times between two best guy friends. It’s a feel-good romance by two fantastic authors I really wish will write more books together. I’ll honestly read anything Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy write together, M/M or no M/M, because Him was so well executed with the dual POVs. I highly recommend this book for romance or M/M fans!

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

Reading Order: Him series

#1 ~ Him: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Us: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

FOLLOW BOOKLOVERS FOR LIFE ON:
✦ FACEBOOK • TWITTER • GOODREADS • PINTEREST • BLOGLOVIN’ ✦

Subscribe to Blog via Email

23Jul2015

Blog Tour + Early Review & Giveaway: Frisk Me by Lauren Layne

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

Click the banner to follow the tour.

Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for Frisk Me by Lauren Layne!

Frisk Me by Lauren Layne
Series: New York’s Finest #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 28th 2015
Publisher: Forever

After a photograph of Luc Moretti saving a tourist hits social media, he instantly becomes New York’s most famous and beloved cop. When a major network decides to run a special on the “American Hero,” Luc’s boss gives him no choice but to cooperate in the name of good exposure for the department. Luc doesn’t mind the celebrity status-what he does mind is the gorgeous brunette journalist who’s been assigned to follow his every move. Especially since she also happens to be the same knockout that rejected him rather publicly the week before.

Ava Sims is a woman who gets what she wants. And what she wants is to be CBC’s lead anchor-but to get there, she’ll need to nail the fluff piece on the playboy cop. Luc Moretti is everything Ava knows to stay away from: a stubborn charmer with a hero-complex. But the more Ava gets to know Luc and his oddball family, the more she realizes that beneath the swagger and the blue uniform is a complex man who makes her heart beat too fast. Soon, Ava’s doing the unthinkable, and falling for the best of New York’s finest …

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

It’s been a while since I’ve read a good man-in-uniform book, but Frisk Me, starring officer Luc Moretti, was an absolute delight to read. I was a big fan of Lauren Layne’s when I read one of her Redemption books, but Frisk Me only solidified to me how great of an author she is. This was a great first book in a new series (about some sexy men-in-uniform!) that I’m already looking forward to reading more of.

Luc has become a famous hero when he’s recorded doing something he feels any other compassionate person would do. The video becomes viral, and Luc is thrust into celebrity very unwillingly. All he wants is the media attention to go away, but he’s instead forced to let a TV reporter follow him around and write up a story about his life.

He was all over the place with her. Amiable one minute, prissy the next.
Kissing her one day.
Yelling at her the next.
A match made in heaven, they were not.

Luc’s moody brooding about his newfound celebrity was just… adorable. He’s normally a fun, charming guy, but Ava Sims, the reporter, gets under his skin. He’s annoyed with her, no matter how gorgeous she looks or how hot the chemistry between them is. Ava also doesn’t want to follow around the cop who gave her a ticket three years ago, but this ‘hero story’ will be the launch of her career. I loved that Frisk Me was a bit of an enemies-to-lovers romance – the banter between Ava and Luc is hilarious and I could definitely feel the hot chemistry between them!

Slowly, Ava and Luc start to warm up to each other as they get to know one another. Frisk Me was a heartfelt book, and though it was slow in the beginning, I was soon rooting for Luc and Ava’s HEA. They just meshed so well together, and it was easy to see that they were perfect for each other.

“I’d give up being everybody else’s hero, if you’ll just let me be yours.”

I also have to mention that the Moretti family is absolutely hilarious! I was laughing out loud at so many ridiculous things that Luc’s family says. Luc’s grandmother, Nonna, is a hoot. She has no shame in what she does, wears, or says. I loved her! I was also SUPER intrigued by Luc’s two older brothers, who will also be getting their books. I have a feeling I’m going to enjoy Anthony and Vincent’s books even more than I did Luc’s.

Frisk Me was overall just a great read. There was just enough drama and intensity to balance out the lighter, fun moments to make this a well-rounded book. I had so much fun reading Frisk Me and cannot WAIT for the second book!

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

Reading Order: New York’s Finest series

#1 ~ Frisk Me: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Steal Me: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Cuff Me: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Lauren Layne is the USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance.

Prior to becoming an author, Lauren worked in e-commerce and web-marketing. In 2011, she and her husband moved from Seattle to New York City, where Lauren decided to pursue a full-time writing career. It took six months to get her first book deal (despite ardent assurances to her husband that it would only take three). Since then, Lauren’s gone on to publish ten books, including the bestselling Stiletto series, with several more on the way in 2015.

Lauren currently lives in Chicago with her husband and spoiled Pomeranian. When not writing, you’ll find her at happy hour, running at a doggedly slow pace, or trying to straighten her naturally curly hair.

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads

$50.00 Amazon eGift Card
Signed Copies of FRISK ME, ONLY WITH YOU and MADE FOR YOU
(Print US/Ebook INTL)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FOLLOW BOOKLOVERS FOR LIFE ON:
✦ FACEBOOK • TWITTER • GOODREADS • PINTEREST • BLOGLOVIN’ ✦

Subscribe to Blog via Email

21Jul2015

Release Day Review: The Taming of the Billionaire by Jessica Clare

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

The Taming of the Billionaire by Jessica Clare
Series: Billionaires and Bridesmaids #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 21st 2015
Links: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

The New York Times bestselling author of The Billionaire and the Virgin returns with a tale of Shakespearean-style seduction…

Edie’s an overbearing cat behaviorist who’s not big on people. Magnus is a newly-rich game developer who likes to be in control. When the two of them meet at Gretchen and Hunter’s masquerade engagement party, the loathing is mutual. Unfortunately for them—and everyone else—they’re in the wedding party together and must deal with each other for the next few months.

But when Magnus’s younger brother falls for Edie’s sister, he begs for his brother’s help in concocting a plan to win her over. If Magnus can keep the prickly Edie occupied, his brother will have time to woo Edie’s sister. Of course, Magnus isn’t interested in the slightest, but Edie is…intriguing. And stubborn. And smart. And sexy. And they might have more in common than they thought.

Before long, it becomes a challenge between the two of them to see who will be tamed first. But how’s Edie going to react when she finds out that Magnus is using her? And how’s Magnus going to handle the fact that he’s fallen for a cat lady?

Jessica Clare’s Billionaire books are a total guilty pleasure of mine – I inhale them like candy because they’re just so good. They’re easy to enjoy and well-written with hilarious, endearing characters. The Taming of the Billionaire, the second book in the Billionaire and Bridesmaids series, is another win from Jessica Clare – I adored this warm-hearted, enchanting story of the cat lady and the billionaire!

“I thought I was going to tame the cat lady, and it seems that she’s tamed me.”

Edie is a cat behaviorist, otherwise known as a cat lady. She’s not the most friendly person, but hand her a cat and she’s the sweetest person you know. She has a leg injury that causes a limp, and she’s dependent on her sister Bianca, who’s pretty but manipulative. Edie a bridesmaid at her friend Gretchen’s wedding, and at the engagement party she meets Magnus, one of the groomsman – and they dislike each other at first sight. She thinks he’s a dick and he thinks she’s a bitch, which makes for some hilarious banter between them.

Magnus is a billionaire who got rich by developing video games and his latest project requires the help of his brother Levi. But Levi won’t work unless he can be with Edie’s gorgeous sister Bianca, so they make a deal: Magnus will spend time with Edie to distract her from Bianca so Levi can have Bianca to himself, and Levi will work on their gamer project. While Magnus expects to hate his time with Edie, he’s surprised by the sassy yet warm-hearted woman underneath her cat lady exterior. Before long, Magnus wants to spend time with Edie – and he wants her pretty bad, too.

Jessica Clare writes some fantastic chemistry between Magnus and Edie – they’re such unique characters and make an unexpected couple, but I loved them together. Not only is the sex between them HOT, the two are also hilarious together! I was giggling my way through this book with the banter and with how ridiculous they were. Edie and Magnus make the cutest couple ever and I adored them!

“I’m going to lick your pussy so hard you’re not going to be able to walk straight.”
“That’s not much of a threat for a girl like me, Magnus,” she teased. Her hand moved down the front of his chest, then landed at his waist.
“Then I’ll lick your pussy so hard that I won’t be able to walk straight,” he told her.

The Taming of the Billionaire is a hilariously fun, light-hearted read with just the right amount of angst to keep my heart invested. I looooved seeing Magnus fall so hard for his cat lady – he definitely makes a huge 180 in regards to his feelings towards Edie AND he becomes a total cat person himself. Edie was a great heroine too – she’s funny, relatable, and I connected with her from the start. I also loved seeing the characters from the Billionaire Boys Club series (I still have the BIGGEST girl crush on Gretchen)! This book is definitely a must-read for fans of the author – it’s a fun-filled, delightful read and I highly recommend it!

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

Reading Order: Billionaires and Bridesmaids series

#1 ~ The Billionaire and the Virgin: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Taming of the Billionaire: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ The Billionaire Takes a Bride: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ The Billionaire’s Favorite Mistake: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Billionaire on the Loose: Ebook • Goodreads (Sept. 20, 2016)

The Billionaires and Bridesmaids series is a spinoff series of the Billionaire Boys Club. Though it’s not necessary to read it prior to Billionaires and Bridesmaids, some recurring characters from the older series appear in the new series.

Reading Order: Billionaire Boys Club series

#1 ~ Stranded with a Billionaire: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Beauty and the Billionaire: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ The Wrong Billionaire’s Bed: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Once Upon a Billionaire: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Romancing the Billionaire: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#6 ~ One Night with a Billionaire: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

FOLLOW BOOKLOVERS FOR LIFE ON:
✦ FACEBOOK • TWITTER • GOODREADS • PINTEREST • BLOGLOVIN’ ✦

	Unlocking the Magic… on Review: A Promise of Fire by A…
	Lucas Middleton on Blog Tour // Review + Excerpt:…
	Van on Blog Tour + Release Day Review…
	Amber Elise @ Du Liv… on Audiobook Review: The Stand-In…
	daisyknox on Release Day Review: Tryst Six…

Booklovers For Life

Falling in love with romance one page at a time

Tag Archives: 4 hearts