Tag Archives: contemporary

ARC Review: Looking Inside by Beth Kery

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Looking Inside by Beth Kery
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: November 1st 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

The New York Times bestselling author who brought you Glow, Glimmer, and The Affair is back with a new novel that will have you leaving the curtains open.
 
Are you just going to stand there and watch?
 
Eleanor Briggs just can’t help herself. The sight of the man in the high-rise across the street is driving her wild. She longs to feel his touch up close and personal. To win him over, she’ll need to shake off her wallflower sensibilities and become the seductress she never imagined she could be. The only trouble will be finding the perfect way to meet him…
 
Or are you going to join in?

Sex is easy for millionaire entrepreneur Trey Riordan. Finding something of substance, however, seems impossible. That is until a simple night of reading at a local coffee shop becomes something far steamier when a beautiful brunette comes by and leaves a note telling him to look out his bedroom window at eleven o’clock. But when the time comes, neither of them will be truly ready for what follows…

Looking Inside took me by surprise in the best way possible. Going in, I was expecting just a steamy erotica with an exhibitionism/voyeurism theme, but it turned out to be so more more than that! I don’t believe I’ve read any of Beth Kery’s books before, but if they’re as incredible as this one was, I’ll definitely have to get on that. I love her writing and I loved the main characters of Looking Inside. Trey and Eleanor were so much fun to read about – I would highly recommend this book to erotica lovers!

For months, Eleanor Briggs has been looking out her window to catch a glimpse of the gorgeous man in the high-rise across the street. She’s seen him a total of seven times, but six of them were of him having sex, and every time Eleanor imagined that it was herself underneath him and experiencing all the kinky things he’s inclined to. One day, she gets the chance to meet the one and only Trey Riordan and transforms herself from her quiet, boring librarian self to a confident, sexy, sultry woman she wishes she truly was. The moment they meet in person, the insta-lust goes haywire – I loved the chemistry between these two!

Trey is an absolute sweetheart. For all the money he has, he’s very down-to-earth, though he does have alpha tendencies. He’s been burned enough times by women who only want him for his money, so he’s put his romantic life on the back-burner, but the second he meets Eleanor, he wants her bad. Along the way, though, he starts falling for her, too – but he’s the kind of man who values honesty and trust, and he’s been falling for a version of Eleanor that’s only a persona… or is it?

I’m not the biggest fan of BDSM, but Looking Inside was just the right amount of kinky that I really enjoyed. It wasn’t too much or too little – Beth Kery knows how to balance out the steam and the story, which I definitely appreciated. The main characters were a delight to read about, and I’m not just talking about their chemistry. Their romance was sweet and genuine, even as they explored their exhibitionist/voyeuristic sides. I seriously adored this book and am definitely looking forward to more from this author!

4 hearts
lacey

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Blog Tour + Review: Mr. President by Katy Evans

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Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for Mr. President by Katy Evans!

Mr. President by Katy Evans
Series: White House #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: October 31st 2016
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He’s won the hearts of millions. But is he willing to lose his?

I met the president’s son when we were both young. Matthew Hamilton was handsome, polished, and intelligent. I’d never met a guy like him.

He promised me that he’d never run for president. I promised that if he did, I’d be by his side.

Three terms later, an invitation to join Matthew Hamilton’s campaign is the most exhilarating opportunity I’ve ever experienced. I’m determined to make a difference; he is determined to win.

Focused on his goal, Matt is steadfast, ruthless, and disarming. All eyes are on him and his popularity is surging. But soon, the next possible president of the United States is possessing me in more ways than one—and despite the risks, I’m helpless to resist.

We’re stealing touches, stealing moments, and stealing away at night. But our chemical connection is quickly becoming dangerously combustive, putting not only my heart, but Matt’s chance at the presidency on the line.

Winning will take everything. Walking away will be the hardest thing of all.

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

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If you know me, then you know I utterly ADORE Katy Evans and her alpha heroes. So when I heard she’d be releasing a new book in November, I was ECSTATIC because I know she never disappoints! And seriously, Matt and Charlotte completely stole my heart in Mr. President and I never want it back. These two were the epitome of delicious chemistry, and I’m dying for more of them. If you’re a fan of Katy Evans, you won’t want to miss this latest release of hers.

“One day I’ll do all the things I need to. And she’ll be mine. Mark my words.”
“Does she know this yet?” I ask, quietly.
“I just told her,” he says.

A Senator’s daughter, Charlotte Wells has lived her life surrounded by politics but has never really wanted to have a career related to it. She’s currently feeling unfulfilled in her life though – but everything changes when Matthew Hamilton, a former president’s son whom she met eleven years earlier, extends an invitation for her to join his campaign for the presidency. Both are determined and ready to make a difference in the world one step at a time, but with the simmering attraction between them, can they risk having an affair that could cost Matt his chances of becoming president?

What we’re doing is risky, but how can it be wrong when it feels so right?

If I had to describe Mr. President in one word, it would be TENSION. Katy Evans’ masterful build-up of the sexual tension and chemistry between Matt and Charlotte had me on the edge of my seat, biting my nails as I was waiting to see what would happen with their relationship. There was surprisingly very few explicitly sexual scenes – most of the story is built off of the growing desires between the main characters. The passion they have – both for each other and for politics – comes off the pages so clearly. I am always in awe of how Katy is able to infuse such passion in her romances!

She grounds me.
She obsesses me.
She fuels me.
This woman not only makes me want to be a great man, she makes me want to be the best goddamn president that ever lived.
She’s what I never knew I wanted and have discovered that I need.

I’m so greedy for more Matt and Charlotte. I’ll admit, I’m not a big fan of books where I don’t know whether it’s a standalone or not, but I’m lenient when it comes to favorite authors because I know I won’t be disappointed. That being said, I hate that I have to wait for Commander in Chief! January seems like an awful long wait – but I’ll wait with bated breath because I adore these characters and can’t wait see how it all ends!

4 hearts
lacey

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

Reading Order: White House series

#1 ~ Mr. President: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Commander in Chief: Goodreads (Jan. 11, 2017)

about the author button

Katy EvansKaty Evans is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her debut REAL shot to the top of the bestselling lists in 2013 and since then 9 of her titles have been New York Times bestsellers. Her books have been translated into nearly a dozen languages across the world.

Website • Email • Facebook • Twitter

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Audiobook Review: Stay by Riley Hart

Posted in 3 hearts, Reviews by

Stay by Riley Hart
Series: Blackcreek #2 (full reading order below)
Audiobook Publication Date: September 27th 2016
Length: 7 hours and 14 minutes
Narrated by: Luke Itzvic
Links: Audible • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review

Wes Jensen just lost the sister who raised him, and gained custody of his niece. The last thing he needs to add to his full plate is dealing with Braden Roth, the one-night-stand who continues to try to push his way into Wes’s life. He has a kid to raise now, and Wes isn’t great at getting close anyway.

Braden has never had a woman or a man sneak out on him the morning after. From the start, Wes intrigues him, and Braden isn’t one to deny himself something he wants. And he wants Wes. The more time he spends with Wes and the little girl who constantly keeps them on their toes, the more Braden realizes this isn’t just about getting the guy who walked away.

As their lives intertwine more and more, Wes discovers Braden isn’t as shallow as he thought. But after everything Wes lost in his life, he isn’t sure he can risk his heart, and truly want Braden to stay—and if he did, would Wes’s quiet life be enough for Braden?

I’d been excited for Wes and Braden’s story ever since listening to Collide! They were such an interesting couple – I couldn’t wait to see how the man raising his sister’s daughter and the consummate playboy would fall for each other and make a relationship work out. This book was surprisingly sweet, especially with the adorable Jessie. I didn’t fully connect with the story, but I appreciated that there was so much heart in the romance and characters. I enjoyed listening to Stay, but I do think I liked the first book a little more.

Wes Jensen lost his beloved sister, but gained her daughter instead. Getting custody of Jessie was never in his plans, but he’ll do anything to care for and protect his niece. She’s his number one priority at the moment, which means his personal – and romantic – life has to take a step back. But Braden, his one-night-stand, won’t stop trying to push himself into Wes’s life. Can Wes believe that Braden truly wants more with him, or will he keep his heart forever guarded against this man?

I adored Braden and how hard he tried to make Wes see that he genuinely wanted more with him. This playboy fell hard and fast, and it warmed my heart to see him act in such a caring way with Wes and Jessie. Wes’s struggles and his back and forth with Braden were understandable but frustrated me a little. Overall, this story was a pretty mellow listen with little drama, which I appreciated. Luke Itzvic once again did an incredible job with narrating the two male characters, and I would definitely listen to other audiobooks he narrates Even though I didn’t love Stay, I’m still looking forward to listening to the rest of the series!

STAY is now available on Audible: http://amzn.to/2eeCkGZ

3 hearts
lacey

Reading Order: Blackcreek series

   

#1 ~ Collide: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Stay: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Pretend: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3.5 ~ Return to Blackwater Creek: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Here’s an audio excerpt from Stay!

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Audiobook Review: Collide by Riley Hart

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Collide by Riley Hart
Series: Blackcreek #1 (full reading order below)
Audiobook Publication Date: September 27th 2016
Length: 7 hours and 44 minutes
Narrated by: Luke Itzvic
Links: Audible • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review

At ten years old, Noah Jameson and Cooper Bradshaw collided mid-air when they dove for the same football. For three years, they were inseparable…until one day when Noah and his parents disappeared in the middle of the night.

Noah and Cooper never knew what happened to each other. Now, seventeen years later, after finding his boyfriend in bed with another man, Noah returns to Blackcreek looking for a fresh start. And damned if he doesn’t find his old friend grew up to be sexy as sin. Coop can’t believe Noah—the only person he trusted with the guilt over his parents’ death—is back. And gay… Or that Cooper himself suddenly wants another man in his bed for the first time.

There’s no denying the attraction and emotion between them, but can they overcome the ghosts of their pasts to have a future together?

Collide is the first M/M audiobook romance I’ve listened to, and I totally adored it! I love friends-to-lovers romances too, so Noah and Cooper’s story was pretty much the perfect listen for me. It was surprisingly sweet, with heaps of sexy to balance it out. If you’re a fan of M/M romances, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a listen!

Cooper and Noah were childhood best friends, until Noah and his family disappeared from town. Now, seventeen years later, they’re reunited, but Cooper is in for a shock when he finds out that his childhood best friend is actually… gay. It throws Cooper off, but it doesn’t stop him from offering Noah a place to stay at his house. But when Cooper sees Noah getting intimate with another man, he struggles with the jealousy that arises in him. Cooper knows he’s straight… right? So why doesn’t he like the idea of Noah with another man?

What starts off as a tentative sexual exploration for Cooper turns into so much more. For Noah though, he’s always been in love with him best friend, and he’s happy to take whatever Cooper can give. But what happens when Cooper still wants to keep his sexuality – and their relationship – in the closet? Will it be enough for Noah anymore?

Collide was a great mix of angsty, sexy, sweet, and heartwarming. I loved Noah and totally felt for him. Cooper was frustrating at times but he won me out by the end. The story is told in alternating third person, and Luke Itzvic was the perfect narrator for Noah and Cooper. I was hoping he would be able to distinguish between the two male characters’ voices, and he did just that, so I have no complaints. I’m so excited to listen to the rest of the Blackcreek audiobooks!

COLLIDE is now available on Audible: http://amzn.to/2eeHkeO

4 hearts
lacey

Reading Order: Blackcreek series

   

#1 ~ Collide: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Stay: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Pretend: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3.5 ~ Return to Blackwater Creek: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Here’s an audio excerpt from Collide!

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Blog Tour + Review & Giveaway: Beard Science by Penny Reid

Posted in 4.5 hearts, Blog Tours, Giveaways, Reviews by

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

Beard Science by Penny Reid
Series: Winston Brothers #3 (full reading order below)
Release Date: October 11th 2016
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Make a deal with the devil and you might get what you want, but will it be what you need?

Jennifer Sylvester wants one thing, and that one thing is NOT to be Tennessee’s reigning Banana Cake Queen. Ever the perpetual good girl and obedient daughter, Jennifer is buckling under the weight of her social media celebrity, her mother’s ambitions, and her father’s puritanical mandates. Jennifer is officially desperate.

And desperate times call for Cletus Winston.

Cletus Winston is a puzzle wrapped in a mystery covered in conundrum sauce, and now he’s in a pickle. Despite being convinced of his own omniscience, extortion by the exalted Banana Cake Queen of Green Valley has taken him completely by surprise. So… what’s a maniacal mastermind to do?

Likely, the last thing you expect.

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

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I had such high expectations for Beard Science ever since first meeting Cletus and being utterly intrigued by him. He was unlike any other character I’d ever come across, and now that I’ve read his story, I can still say he’s one of the most unique characters I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. Seeing him fall in love was something I never knew I wanted, but Penny Reid gave me this wonderful experience that I totally adored. If you’re a fan of Penny Reid or wonderfully quirky characters you can’t help but love, I highly recommend this book!

I felt hushed. I felt smothered. I felt suppressed and . . . ignored. Not just by my parents and their expectations, but also by me. I’d been ignoring myself. I’d been ignoring my own wishes and hopes.
So indeed, I decided to feel motivated, determined, ready, and . . . excited.
I was excited, ready to find my spirit.

Jennifer Sylvester is known as the Banana Cake Queen… and she hates her title. She’s always followed her parents’ rules and has never truly done anything for herself, but she’s ready for a change. And the perfect opportunity comes in the form of Cletus Winston – she blackmails the king of blackmail to get him to find a suitable man for her to settle down and start a family with.

“You’ll know one day, Cletus. You’ll discover what it’s like to find the other part of yourself. You’ll know it’s her, only her, always her. Maybe not right away, but eventually you’ll know. She’ll be your beginning, middle, and end. And your intentions won’t matter. Love brings its own intentions, and all other plans, hopes, and dreams fade to insignificance in the face of love.”

Cletus, my love! Cletus is totally up there with Jethro as one of my favorite Winston brothers. He’s just so unexpected and unique – there’s no one quite like Cletus. He made me laugh, smile, swoon… Penny Reid definitely didn’t disappoint with his character. And his heroine, Jennifer, was perfect for him! The two of them don’t have the best first impressions of each other, but after spending time thanks to Jenn’s blackmail causes them to develop feelings they’ve never felt before. It’s a bit of a slow burn romance with neither of them recognizing what they’re feeling for each other, but once they do… it’s the most romantic thing ever.

“You want to know what you are to me? Fine. You’re my beginning, middle, and end.”

I loved Jenn and Cletus individually. Jenn’s transformation from pushover to a woman who goes for what she wants was so impressive and admirable. Cletus is, well, Cletus. His falling in love humanized him a bit more, so to speak, and I love him even more for doing so. Theirs is a relationship that is supportive, respectful, sweet, and sexy as hell. Just saying, Cletus is a man who knows what he wants, and he GOES FOR IT.

She was so beautiful, my Jennifer. And not because of her eyes, or face, or any other outward attributes. The person she was held me transfixed. How could I have disregarded her? How could I have looked at her with anything but wonder and respect and desire?

Beard Science is another wonderful installment to the Winston Brothers series. I loved getting to know Jenn, Cletus, and the rest of the brothers even more. I felt so many emotions as I read this book – I was so hooked, I couldn’t put it down. Now I’m seriously dying for the remaining brothers’ stories, especially Billy and Claire’s. I have a feeling that one will be an agonizing one.

4.5 hearts
lacey

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

Reading Order: Winston Brothers series

Truth or Beard by Penny Reid Grin and Beard It by Penny Reid Beard Science by Penny Reid

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

about the author button

Penny ReidSEX! 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

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Prize Pack from Penny Reid

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