Audiobook Review: The Allure of Julian Lefray by R.S. Grey

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

The Allure of Julian Lefray by R.S. Grey
Series: The Allure #1 (full reading order below)
Audiobook Publication Date: June 7th 2016
Length: 7 hours and 40 minutes
Narrated by: Renee Givens & BJ Pottsworth
Links: Audible • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review

From: JosephineKeller@LLDesigns.com
To: LilyNBlack@gmail.com
Subject: Justin Timberlake Nudes!

Lily, you predictable perv. I knew you’d open this email faster if I tempted you with a glimpse of JT’s “PP”. Well, put your pants back on and grab some bubbly because I have much better news to share.

I GOT A JOB!

As of tomorrow, I’ll be the new executive assistant at Lorena Lefray Designs. I am SO excited, but there’s one itty bitty problem: I won’t be Lorena’s assistant. I’ll be working for her older brother, Julian.

I know what you’re thinking- “But Jo, what’s the problem?”

Google him. Now. He’s the man in the fitted navy suit whose face reminds you that there’s hope yet for this cruel, ugly world. Keep scrolling…Do you see those dimples? Yup. That’s the Julian Lefray I will be reporting to tomorrow morning.

Lord, help us all…

XO,
Jo

I adored reading this rom-com of R.S. Grey’s, but I enjoyed it just as much, if not a little more, as an audiobook! I’m totally the type of listener who likes to get audiobooks of books she’s already read and loved, so The Allure of Julian Lefray was right up my alley. It’s a sweetly romantic listen, with tons of laugh-out-loud moments and main characters who have great chemistry. Renee Givens and BJ Pottsworth were wonderful narrators for Jo and Julian – I’d definitely listen to them again!

Josephine Keller is a fashion blogger who has just moved to NYC in the hopes of making a career in the fashion industry. Landing a job is her first priority, as she’s practically broke and all alone in NYC, but she’s lucky enough to score a job working not for famous fashion designer Lorena Lefray, but Lorena’s very attractive brother Julian. Julian himself is highly intrigued by and attracted to his new assistant, though he knows he shouldn’t feel the way he does about her. A romance between is pretty forbidden, so they become close friends instead, trying to ignore the underlying chemistry. Jo can’t risk losing her job if she enters into a relationship with Julian, her boss, but they spend so much time together that their friendship quickly, genuinely turns into something more.

I loved Renee Givens’s narration! She does a really good job not just voicing Jo and her narrative, but also the different accents of people Jo encounters in NYC. BJ Pottsworth has a deep voice that’s easy to listen to and fits perfectly for Julian. Whoever chose the narrators for this audiobook were spot on!

A great narration and a fun story made The Allure of Julian Lefray a fantastic listen. It’s a feel-good office romance that is sweet and hilarious. If you’re in the mood for an quick, fun, sweet audiobook, you should definitely spend a credit on this one!

THE ALLURE OF JULIAN LEFRAY is now available on Audible: http://amzn.to/28QILxe

Reading Order: The Allure series

#1 ~ The Allure of Julian Lefray: Book Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Allure of Dean Harper: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Here’s an audio excerpt from The Allure of Julian Lefray!

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23Jun2016

ARC Review: Stealing His Thunder by Sparrow Beckett

Posted in 3 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Stealing His Thunder by Sparrow Beckett
Series: Masters of Adrenaline #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: June 21st 2016
Links: Ebook • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

From the author of the Masters Unleashed series, Sparrow Beckett revs things up with two lovers on a collision course in the first Masters of Adrenaline novel.

Nothing gives Addison Kennedy a rush like stealing cars. The Lexus was the perfect target, but before she can get its engine purring, she’s cold-cocked unconscious. When she comes to, she finds herself on a bed with a blonde, tattooed god standing over her.

Fox Larson is shocked to discover the thief he knocked out is actually a hot girl. Bringing her home may not have been the smartest move, but he wasn’t about to leave an unconscious and defenseless woman in a parking garage. Besides, if she’s part of an auto theft crew infringing on his territory, he needs to pump her for information.

However, Addison has personal drive that won’t be denied and she’s desperate to prove Fox’s group needs her skills. Submitting to his kinks in the bedroom is a hot yet complicated bonus. When a big job goes bad, and Addison finally gets her chance, will she succeed in stealing his thunder?

I recently binged on the Original Sinners series, so I’d been in a BDSM mood when I picked up Stealing His Thunder. This is the first book I’ve read by Sparrow Beckett, and I don’t usually pick up new-to-me authors these days unless they’re highly recommended to me, but I’d been excited to read Stealing His Thunder nonetheless. It ended up being a good read, though not anything particularly special or unique. It’s a surprisingly light-hearted read, given the BDSM and car-stealing theme – so if you’re in the mood for something quick and hot, I’d recommend giving this book a try.

Addison is just a normal girl going to college… except for her extracurricular activity of stealing cars. She’s new at it but incredibly skilled, until one night she’s knocked unconscious and wakes up in an unfamiliar man’s bed. That man is Fox, and it turns out she was stealing a car HE was meant to steal. Fox is the leader of a ring of car thieves – stealing cars is his livelihood, and now Addison wants in so she can support her parents and grandparents. If there’s a hot chemistry between them, well, that’s an added bonus. So begins a dance of taunts and flirts and dares as Addison and Fox play with the attraction between them and enter an erotic relationship.

Addison and Fox felt pretty one dimensional to me. The attraction was hot, sure, but I never really connected with their characters, nor did I feel anything as their romance played out. The kink was fun, but nothing I’d never read before. I really enjoyed the first part of the book, with Addison meeting Fox and getting to know him and his car-stealing ways, but things flatlined a bit when sex was involved, because then it became ALL about the sex. I had to skim over quite a bit of the sex scenes because the story just wasn’t moving forward fast enough for me. I really wish that we could’ve focused more on the story and romance rather than the kink and lust.

All in all, Stealing His Thunder wasn’t a bad book, but it wasn’t something I fell in love with either. I probably wouldn’t continue with the series, but that’s not to say no one would enjoy the series either. Again, if you’re looking for something chock-full of steam and not too serious, then Stealing His Thunder just might be for you!

Reading Order: Masters of Adrenaline series

#1 ~ Stealing His Thunder: Ebook • Goodreads
#2 ~ Fueling His Hunger: Ebook • Goodreads (Oct. 18, 2016)

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22Jun2016

Audiobook Review: The Fire Between High & Lo by Brittainy C. Cherry

Posted in 3 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

The Fire Between High & Lo by Brittainy C. Cherry
Series: Elements #2 (full reading order below)
Audiobook Publication Date: June 19th 2016
Length: 9 hours and 3 minutes
Narrated by: Graham Halstead & Emily Woo Zeller
Links: Audible • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review

There once was a boy, and I loved him.

Logan Francis Silverstone and I were complete opposites. I danced, and he stood still. He was quiet, while I ran my mouth. He struggled to find a smile, and I refused to frown.

The night I saw the darkness that truly lived inside of him, I couldn’t look away.

We were broken together, yet somehow whole. We were wrong together, but always right. We were the stars that burned across the night sky, searching for a wish, praying for better tomorrows.

Until the day I lost him. He threw us away with one hasty decision–a decision that changed us forever.

There once was a boy, and I loved him.

And for a few breaths, a few whispers, a few moments, I think he loved me, too.

I’d been excited for The Fire Between High & Lo to come out in audio after listening to The Air He Breathes, and I was hoping to get the same narrators, but the two narrators for The Fire Between High & Lo turned out even BETTER than those in the previous book! I absolutely LOVED listening to Graham Halstead and Emily Woo Zeller – they voiced and embodied Logan and Alyssa perfectly. I really hope they narrate more books together, they were that amazing.

The story of Logan and Alyssa though… I didn’t love quite as much as the narration. We begin the story with them as teenagers and becoming best friends, and then eventually something more – this was definitely my favorite part of the story. The connection and deep friendship between them warmed my heart, especially since even though they’re both a little broken, when they’re together, nothing can bring them down. And the slow burning romance that develops makes everything even better. These were two characters I couldn’t help but root for a HEA, or at least SOME happiness, because they both deserved it.

Then tragedy strikes, because the hand they’ve already been dealt with isn’t bad enough. My heart broke for both Alyssa and Logan, but at the same time, I didn’t like the way they handled the tragedy, Logan especially. He becomes someone a little bit despicable, so he ruined the story for me. Alyssa becomes a doormat, unfortunately, so things quickly go downhill in the second half of the story.

The Fire Between High & Lo had such promise, especially with the fantastic narrators – I’d give them a 5 star rating alone. But the story just didn’t work out for me, but I’m sure I’m in the minority for this. If you loved either one of the Elements books, then I highly recommend you give the audiobook of The Fire Between High & Lo a try, because I have a feeling you’ll love it. The story wasn’t for me, but the narration was – I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more audiobooks narrated by Graham Halstead and Emily Woo Zeller!

THE FIRE BETWEEN HIGH & LO is now available on Audible: http://amzn.to/28XpgSY

Reading Order: Elements series

#1 ~ The Air He Breathes: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Fire Between High & Lo: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ The Silent Waters: Goodreads (release date TBA)

Here’s an audio excerpt from The Air He Breathes, book 1 in the Elements series!

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21Jun2016

Release Day Review: The Billionaire’s Favorite Mistake by Jessica Clare

Posted in 4.5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

The Billionaire’s Favorite Mistake by Jessica Clare
Series: Billionaires and Bridesmaids #4 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: June 21st 2016
Links: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

A hot one night stand between friends might spark true love in the latest Billionaires and Bridesmaids novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Billionaire Takes a Bride.

Greer has always been there for Asher, but she wishes she could break through her shyness and show how much she truly loves him. But after a steamy, mindless fling at Hunter and Gretchen’s engagement party, Greer finds herself tossed aside and forced to admit that you can’t love someone who doesn’t acknowledge you exist.

It’s a shame he got her pregnant.

After his fiancée betrayed him and tanked his business in one fell swoop, Asher has spent his time trying to rebuild his wealth and forget the past. But he doesn’t understand why Greer blew him off after their night together—until he catches a glimpse of her belly.

Now Asher is willing to do whatever it takes to convince Greer she belongs with him. And he’s very skilled at the art of persuasion.

I love groveling books, guys. Love love looove them. Give me a redeemable guy who effs up and dedicates everything to fixing what he did wrong, and I’m so there. Jessica Clare writes some fantastic grovel, and The Billionaire’s Favorite Mistake gave me exactly what I was looking for and hoping for. It’s the perfect kind of angsty yet humorous read that make my heart race and flutter. This billionaire hero messes up big time, but his devotion to his woman is beyond words, and he’s ready to make up for what he did. If you’re a fan of the series, or love devoted heroes, this book is for you!

Asher and Greer’s book is the fourth standalone in the Billionaires and Bridesmaids series, though I do recommend reading the series in order. The timelines overlap, and there’s a great build-up of tension for future couples. I’d been dying to read this couple’s story ever since the first Billionaires and Bridesmaids book, and I wasn’t disappointed. Honestly, I never am with Jessica Clare! Her billionaire reads are the perfect indulgence for me, and I’m so happy that she’s got so many stories to tell.

Greer has been in love with her old friend Asher for years, but she’s never told him her feelings – until now. Except when Greer does confess, Asher is drunk off his ass, and when they have sex… well, it’s not the most fun experience Greer’s ever had. In fact, it’s one of the worst experiences she’s ever had, and she couldn’t be more disappointed with Asher’s performance, really. Unfortunately, the hits don’t stop there. Asher’s one-pump-chump ended up in a pregnancy – and now Greer is so over him, she never knew what she ever saw in him.

She was just a naive idiot. Show Asher her love? She should show him a boot to the ass.
He was a selfish asshole. Why had she wasted so many years pining after him?

Asher is such a jerk, but it’s hilariously played, so I didn’t get too annoyed at him. It also helped that the moment he realized he messed up and that the best thing that ever happened to him was right under his nose all along, he was determined to win back Greer’s love. Oh, Asher totally stole my heart with his fierce dedication and relentless pursuit for Greer’s love. It’s the only thing that matter to him, her and their baby, and he’s going to do whatever it takes to make amends and win her heart.

There was no turning back for him now. Any thought of giving up on Greer and moving on with his life? Utterly vanished. She was his. This sweet, giving mouth? His. This timid, eager tongue? His. The passionate woman in his arms? All his. With every coaxing flick of his tongue, he was letting her know that she belonged to him.

Of course, it’s not a Jessica Clare book without some humor! I was dying of giggles at how many times Greer just shoots Asher down, but my heart also ached at how he never gives up. I adored these two! They’re absolutely meant to be, and I couldn’t be happier with how things worked out between them. The author did a wonderful job at balancing the romance, angst, and humor in this novel. It’s one of my new favorite reads from Jessica Clare – I still love Hunter and Gretchen the most, but Greer and Asher are a close second in my heart!

“All I want is you.”
Greer looked up in surprise, her face soft.
“It’s true,” he told her. “You may not believe me yet, but that’s fine. I’m good with waiting.” You’re it for me and I don’t care how long it takes.

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: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ The Billionaire Takes a Bride: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ The Billionaire’s Favorite Mistake: 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
#6.5 ~ Beauty and the Billionaire: The Wedding • Ebook • Goodreads (Nov. 15, 2016)

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20Jun2016

Blog Tour + Review & Giveaway: Raw Redemption by Tessa Bailey

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

Click the banner to follow the tour.

Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for Raw Redemption by Tessa Bailey!

Raw Redemption by Tessa Bailey
Series: Crossing the Line #4 (full reading order below)
Release Date: June 13th 2016

Loving her might cost him everything…

Disgraced cop Henrik Vance is having a shit year. Banished to a derelict undercover squad, he’s been tasked with hunting down the daughter of Chicago’s most dangerous criminal. His obsession with saving the beautiful girl destroyed his career. And this time, it might cost his life.

Ailish O’Kelly doesn’t need a hero. She’ll save herself from her father’s violent criminal dynasty, thank you very much. Unfortunately, the sexy as sin cop who crashes her hideout isn’t hearing reason—especially not after the kiss that becomes much more.

His boss wants her as an informant. Ailish wants Henrik to keep whispering filthy things against her skin. But she knows too well the evil they’re up against, and when it comes down to protecting the man who owns her body and soul, she only has one choice…

Buy Links:
Amazon • Amazon UK • B&N • Kobo • iBooks

Calling all Tessa Bailey fans!! Henrik Vance is going to be your new upcoming favorite dirty-talking alpha hero! Gah, I totally adored him. I don’t know how the author does it, but with every book, she’s able to write such a fabulous romance with the HOTTEST dirty talk and steamy scenes ever! I loved Raw Redemption, but I am sad that the Crossing the Line series is now over. I’ve loved this series since Bowen was first introduced in Risking It All, and I’ve fallen in love more and more with every misfit character introduced. Thankfully, Tessa Bailey ends the series with a bang – Raw Redemption is a romantic, suspenseful, enchanting read I couldn’t put down. It’s a fantastic romance between a fallen-from-grace cop and and a mafia boss’s daughter – what could be better than that!?

We were first introduced to Henrik in Boiling Point, and I’d honestly never been so excited for a character to get his story! Love at first sight has nothing on Henrik Vance. If you’re not a fan of instalove, this probably won’t be for you, but if you have no problem with it, Henrik is your man. Here, we have a disgraced cop who ruined his career on purpose by getting rid of evidence that would put his woman in jail. Nothing and nobody touches Ailish O’Kelly… except for Henrik, of course. 😉 Now, an ex-cop, he’s forced to join an undercover unit of criminals who use their skills for good. A new case pops up that involves Ailish – and now nothing’s going to stop him from going after her, protecting her, and claiming her.

The landscape of his insides shifted, like two fault lines parting and relocating after an earthquake. This girl. She was either going to be his reason for living or the reason he died. It was all right there, shining in front of him like a spotlight.

Ailish may be the daughter of a criminal, but she wants nothing to do with the underworld of crime. Her father kept her in a metaphorical prison, never allowing her to do anything she wanted. She’s now escaped from that life, and she’ll do whatever it takes to survive even as her father is looking for her. What she doesn’t expect is a gorgeous, alpha, protective man to show up at her doorstep, get under her skin, and into her heart.

“I passed need weeks ago. Need is just a word. I am my starvation for you, Ailish. It rules me.”

Raw Redemption is instalove at its finest. I totally LOVE when alpha heroes go head-over-heels for their woman, and you don’t get any better than Tessa Bailey’s heroes. Henrik is absolutely heart-melting, and Ailish is perfect for him. I adored them together, and the chemistry between them? Over-the-roof hot. The suspense plot of the story wasn’t quite as good as the romance or as memorable, but I really had no problem with that, because I loved Henrik and Ailish too much. Raw Redemption is an incredible conclusion to this unique, sexy series. I’m sad to see it end, but also glad I got to experience it. If you haven’t read the Crossing the Line series, you are missing out! It’s one of Tessa Bailey’s best series, and if you love sexy, dirty reads with some suspense mixed it, you definitely need to start it!

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

Reading Order: Crossing the Line series

#0.5 ~ Riskier Business: Ebook • Goodreads
#1 ~ Risking it All: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Up in Smoke: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Boiling Point: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4 ~ Raw Redemption: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

Tessa Bailey is originally from Carlsbad, California. The day after high school graduation, she packed her yearbook, ripped jeans and laptop, driving cross-country to New York City in under four days.

Her most valuable life experiences were learned thereafter while waitressing at K-Dees, a Manhattan pub owned by her uncle. Inside those four walls, she met her husband, best friend and discovered the magic of classic rock, managing to put herself through Kingsborough Community College and the English program at Pace University at the same time. Several stunted attempts to enter the work force as a journalist followed, but romance writing continued to demand her attention.

She now lives in Long Island, New York with her husband of eight years and four-year-old daughter. Although she is severely sleep-deprived, she is incredibly happy to be living her dream of writing about people falling in love.

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads • Newsletter

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