Release Day Review + Giveaway: Beautiful Boss by Christina Lauren

Posted in 5 hearts, Giveaways, Reviews by Lacey

Beautiful Boss by Christina Lauren
Series: Beautiful Bastard #4.5 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: February 29th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

The ninth work in the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling series that started with Beautiful Bastard. In this e-novella, Will Sumner and Hanna Bergstrom (from Beautiful Player) find that a wedding and everlasting love were just the beginning.

One Player tamed. One nerd girl satisfied. And one more major life decision to make. When Will fell for Hanna, her quirky sense of humor and fierce dedication to her career were part of the attraction. (Not to mention her coy newbie attitude toward sex and her willingness to let him teach her everything.) But when the job offers start rolling in for her—and oh, they do—Hanna has trouble deciding what she wants, where they should live, and how much she should burden Will with the decision. Magic between the sheets is only one part of a relationship…getting on the same page is quite another altogether.

Y’all. Christina Lauren is the BOMB. Beautiful Boss was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, because I love anything and everything that has to do with Will Sumner, and CLo did NOT disappoint. Beautiful Player is one of my favorite books, if not THE favorite book, by this author duo, so to say I was happy there would be a novella sequel would be an understatement. Beautiful Boss was pretty much a delight to read – revisiting Will and Hanna and the rest of the BB gang just made me so incredibly happy. If you love Christina Lauren’s books and Beautiful Player, then you absolutely need to get your hands on this latest novella installment.

“There is no way to mess this up,” I said, right against her mouth. “Even if we didn’t get married tomorrow, you’re the love of my life. I’m with you until we both die, at the same time, when I am one hundred and you are ninety-three.”

Beautiful Boss centers around Will and Hanna’s upcoming wedding and the new chapter of their lives as husband and wife they’re about the start. Hanna has been visiting different schools around the country to get a feel for what job offer to accept, but she’s yet to make a decision. Will is supportive of her but is getting frustrated with the distance between them every time she leaves to visit a school. I don’t want to give away too much of the story, but trust me, this novella is just incredible. It’s sexy as hell, romantic, charming, and so, so funny. Hanna and Will are the biggest science nerds ever, and I love them even more after reading Beautiful Boss.

Christina Lauren fans won’t be disappointed with this novella. It’s got their wonderful writing, two lovable, kickass characters, aaand even a little man-on-man kiss that will have you in stitches. And oh my god, Will is as swoon-worthy as ever! He will forever reign as one of my favorite book boyfriends EVER. If you haven’t read Beautiful Player yet (or even the series), I highly recommend it if you love brilliantly written contemporary romances. Then you can get on reading Beautiful Boss and experience the wonder that is Will and Hanna’s married life.

Reading Order: Beautiful Bastard series

#1 ~ Beautiful Bastard: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#1.5 ~ Beautiful Bitch: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Beautiful Stranger: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2.5 ~ Beautiful Bombshell: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Beautiful Player: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3.5 ~ Beautiful Beginning: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3.6 ~ Beautiful Beloved: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Beautiful Secret: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4.5 ~ Beautiful Boss: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Beautiful: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (Oct. 4, 2016)

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9Feb2016

Release Day Review: Legend by Katy Evans

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Legend by Katy Evans
Series: Real #6 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: February 9th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Can love really conquer all?—Book Six in Katy Evans’s breakout New York Times bestselling series that began with REAL.

Maverick “The Avenger” Cage wants to rise to the top and become a legend in the ring. Though he keeps his identity well guarded, he’s known on the fighting circuit as the new kid with a chip on his shoulder and a tattoo on his back that marks him as trouble. He’s got a personal score to settle with the Underground’s one and only Remington “Riptide” Tate.

As Mav trains, he meets a young girl—the only other new person in the town—and sparks fly. When things get heated between them, he finds out she’s none other than Reese Dumas, the cousin of Remington Tate’s wife. A girl who’s supposed to root against him and a girl he’s supposed to stay away from.

But Mav fights for the woman in his heart and the monsters in his blood. The world’s eyes are on them, and the victor will go down in history as the ultimate fighting champion—the ultimate LEGEND.

“I want to be a legend.”

AHHHH!!!!! I’ve already found my favorite book of 2016 so far – Katy Evans’ Legend is BRILLIANT!! Just the PERFECT ending to a series I utterly adore. Katy wows me every time I read one of her books, but Legend just might be my favorite of hers yet. Seriously, I loved everything about Legend so. much. From the adorable heroine, to the alpha hero, to the epic ending… This book was everything I expected and more. If you’re a fan of the Real series, you absolutely need to get your hands on this final book!

For the summer, Reese Dumas is moving in with her cousin Brooke, Brooke’s husband Remy, and their son Racer. Reese is there to babysit Racer, but she’s also there to basically find herself. She has issues with self-esteem and confidence, so she wants to take the time with the Tates to work on herself, mentally and physically. And it’s at a gym where she meets Maverick, a fighter with whom she forms an indelible connection. He’s gorgeous, quiet, and a little mysterious, and all Reese wants to do is unravel every piece of him the way he does her.

He gives me this rebel vibe. Like he’d rather say I’m sorry than may I, and maybe not even the “sorry” at all. There’s a fierce passion in his features and a kindled fire in his eyes. I admire passionate people. People who burn out everyone around them, they’re so passionate, they want so much, they crave so much.

Maverick “The Avenger” Cage is on a mission of his own to fight in the Underground and work his way up to the top and become the champion. He wants to prove that he’s worth more than what he got from his neglectful father and that he’s an even better fighter than his father was. My heart fell for Maverick right from the start – he’s a little rough around the edges, but he’s got the biggest heart, and the determination and strength within him had me in awe.

Maverick and Reese. Reese and Maverick. I loved these two individually and I loved these two together. And heads up, they are utter PERFECTION together. Their powerful love story gripped my heart and didn’t let go even after I finished the book. Katy Evans knows how to write love in its most primal, raw, intense way – I was completely swept away by Reese and Maverick’s love for one another.

I’m memorizing her. It’ll take me forever, but I’m dedicated and I want to memorize every tiny inch and pore with my eyes and my fingers and my tongue.

I’m always such a sucker for Katy Evans’ alpha heroes, and Maverick is just breath-taking. I’m obsessed with him. Not only is he fiercely dedicated to becoming the champion, his love and devotion for Reese blow me away. When he falls, he falls so hard – Maverick is the sweetest alpha-male I’ve ever read!

“You’re priceless. Gold. Not gold, you’re the whole fucking mine to me. Do you know that?”

What surprised me in this book was the connection Maverick also forms with Remy. Remy is the current champion of the Underground, but Maverick is the only one to come close to Remy’s fighting level. As the two of them bond over their practice fights together, Remy becomes somewhat of a father-figure to Maverick. Every scene with the two of them together had me full-on smiling because there was just something wonderful and inspiring how they pushed each other to become the best fighter and man they could be.

We come full circle in the series with the epic ending in Legend. I honestly can’t imagine a more perfect ending for the series. This book is perfection – I swooned, I sighed, I gasped… I felt every word of Legend. If you’re a fan of the series, you’ll be happy to know there is lots of Remy, Brooke, and Racer, both from Reese and Maverick’s perspectives. And if you haven’t read the series yet, you’re missing out on some powerful love stories and swoony, sexy alpha-males. It’s a bittersweet ending for sure that the series is over, but only Katy Evans could have me finishing Legend with a giddy smile on my face.

Reading Order: Real series

#1 ~ Real: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Mine: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Remy: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Rogue: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Ripped: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#6 ~ Legend: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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2Feb2016

Release Day Review + Giveaway: Wicked Sexy Liar by Christina Lauren

Posted in 5 hearts, Giveaways, Reviews by Lacey

Wicked Sexy Liar by Christina Lauren
Series: Wild Seasons #4 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: February 2nd 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

For two people ambivalent about dating and love, they sure get naked around each other an awful lot . . .

London Hughes is very content to surf daily, tend bar, hang out with her group of friends, and slowly orient herself in the years after college. Everything’s going great and according to the non-plan.

But when a wave knocks her for a loop one morning, then Luke Sutter’s flirtatious smile knocks her for another that evening, she veers slightly off course…and into his path. Sure, he’s a total player, but the Why not—it’s only one night is a persistent voice in her ear.

For his part, Luke’s been on hookup autopilot for so long that he rarely ever pauses to consider what he’s doing. But after an amazing time with London, he realizes that he hasn’t been moving on from a devastating heartbreak so much as he’s been drifting to wherever—andwhomever—the current takes him. With London he wants more.

Every relationship involves two people…plus their pasts. And as much as she enjoys her fling with Luke, when London learns about his past—more specifically, who’s in it—everything becomes the brand of complicated she strives to avoid. It’s up to Luke then to change some things in order to try and ensure he’s not something she’ll outright avoid as well.

We finally get the fourth and final installment in the Wild Seasons series, which is Luke and London’s book! As bittersweet as I am to see this series end, Christina Lauren couldn’t have ended it with a more perfect book. I loved Wicked Sexy Liar. LOVED it!! I honestly couldn’t stop smiling the whole way through. Luke and London’s story was an absolute joy and pure fun to read. Once again, Christina Lauren has stunned me with another brilliant, intelligent, refreshing read – this time, about a girl and her friend’s… ex.

Following me with his eyes, he asks, “So is this no-dating-guys-you-meet-at-work thing, like, an actual rule?”
“Sort of.” I fold the bar towel and tuck it into the back of my apron, meeting his eyes.
“What if I promised I was absolutely worth it?”

We don’t know much about Luke or London in the previous books, and to be honest, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about them going into this book. But right from the get-go, I fell so hard for these two. They instantly captivated me with their honesty, depth, and realness. Christina Lauren has a magical talent at writing characters who feel so genuinely real to me – there are so many hidden layers to each and every one of their characters, and as you unravel each one, you can’t help but grow to love that character.

Luke was the one I expected to have trouble with, but there’s something so lovely and good about him that I couldn’t help but love him. He may be a manwhore, but Luke is also so much more. He’s genuinely a good guy, but he’s buried away his hurt from his ex-girlfriend to give off this easy-going vibe that no one sees through until he meets London. London’s also got a messy romantic past, so to say these two are wary of relationships is an understatement. But slowly, through a budding friendship and a deep sexual connection, the both of them chip away at the walls around their hearts until they find themselves completely immersed in one another.

Luke is managing to break down my walls one smile at a time. Being with him feels a little like letting go of the handlebars and racing down a hill. And it also feels like being wrapped up in the warmest blanket.
How can he feel both like an adventure and a comfort?

The slow burn in Wicked Sexy Liar is absolutely wonderful and the perfect pace for Luke and London. I was expecting the romance to include some crazy drama and angst, since Luke is London’s friend’s ex, but honestly, everything about this book was FUN. It’s flirty, sexy (so freaking sexy), sweet, funny, original, and just all around a feel-good read. I read this book in one day, that’s how totally INTO this book I was. And what I loved most about the romance was how much effort it took for Luke to win London’s trust, and eventually, her heart. Ahh, Luke just makes me SWOON!

It’s sex, but it’s not.
It’s sex, but it’s more.
There are so many ways to love this girl; good God, let me find each and every one of them.

This newest book of Christina Lauren’s only reaffirms how brilliant these two writers are and how they’ll forever be my go-to authors for some incredible contemporary romances. Luke and London’s romance blew me away and is definitely one of my top favorites from this author duo. I can’t recommend this book – and author – enough. Everyone who loves romance just needs to read this book and experience how wonderful Luke and London are!

Reading Order: Wild Seasons series

#1 ~ Sweet Filthy Boy: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Dirty Rowdy Thing: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Dark Wild Night: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Wicked Sexy Liar: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

A paperback of Wicked Sexy Liar (US Only)

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19Jan2016

Release Day Review + Giveaway: Appealed by Emma Chase

Posted in 4 hearts, Giveaways, Reviews by Lacey

Appealed by Emma Chase
Series: The Legal Briefs #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: January 19th 2015
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 of the Tangled books returns with the third romance in the Legal Briefs series, a collection of sexy novels about first crushes, second chances, and the final verdict of the heart.

When Brent Mason looks at Kennedy Randolph, he doesn’t see the awkward, sweet girl who grew up next door. He sees a self-assured, stunning woman…who wants to crush the most intimate—and prized—parts of his anatomy beneath the heels of her Louboutins.

When Kennedy looks at Brent, all she sees is the selfish, Abercrombie & Fitch catalogue–worthy teenager who humiliated her in high school in order to join the popular crowd. A crowd that made those years a living hell for her.

But she’s not a lovesick social outcast anymore—she’s a Washington, DC, prosecutor with a long winning streak. Brent is the opposing attorney in her next case, and Kennedy thinks it’s time to put him through a little hell of his own.

But things aren’t exactly working out the way she planned. Brent has his sights set on Kennedy, and every fiery exchange only makes him want her more—and makes her wonder if he’s as passionate in the bedroom as he is in the courtroom. In the end, they may just find themselves in love…or in contempt of court.

I’d been looking forward to Brent’s book ever since meeting him in Overruled, and I’m glad to say his story didn’t disappoint! Emma Chase once again delivers a fantastic, hilarious, fun-filled romance with lovable characters that I simply adored. Appealed is a wonderful finale to the Legal Briefs series, and I’m sad to see the series end.

Of the three friends, Brent Mason is the charming, laid-back, funny one everyone seems to love. Everyone except Kennedy Randolph that is. They were childhood friends, but a miscommunication back in high school tore their friendship apart, and Kennedy has avoided the man she hates ever since. But now that they’re working on opposite sides of a case, their close proximity brings back the feelings they had for each other years ago. But can Kennedy let go of her hate and let Brent back into her heart?

Because now that she’s back, here where I can see her and touch her, where I can talk to her and tease her, maybe even one day make her smile—there’s no fucking way I’m letting her go ever again.

I love stories where the main characters grew up as childhood friends, so this book was an absolute joy to read. Add in Emma Chase’s brilliantly funny writing and her wonderful male POV, you get a heart-warming, feel-good story you don’t want to miss. If you’re a fan of the series, you’re going to love Brent and Kennedy! Every single scene between them had me smiling so hard.

This beautiful, sweet, strong girl in my arms. She got to me forever ago—under my skin, into my heart—and she’s been there, waiting, ever since.

Brent is the absolute SWEETEST, and I loved how determined he is to win Kennedy’s heart. It was good to see him softer, romantic, and more vulnerable, especially since all we’d known of him was his cocky, confident side. Kennedy is the perfect match for him – she doesn’t back down from Brent and she certainly doesn’t give in to him easily. She makes him work for her trust and heart, and you can tell how much Brent treasures those two things.

We’re soul mates. Destined to be together, written in the stars, Bogie-and-Bacall perfect.
Kennedy doesn’t see it yet—but that’s all right. Because I’m patient. And relentless. When I set my mind on something, there’s nothing I can’t do.
And my mind’s on her.

Appealed is another winner from Emma Chase. She is probably my favorite author at writing the male POV, and I can only hope she never stops. Sustained is still my favorite of the Legal Briefs series, but Appealed is still a must read!

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

Reading Order: The Legal Briefs series

#1 ~ Overruled: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Sustained: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Appealed: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3.5 ~ Sidebarred: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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5Jan2016

Release Day Review + Giveaway: An Ounce of Hope by Sophie Jackson

Posted in 4 hearts, Giveaways, Reviews by Lacey

An Ounce of Hope by Sophie Jackson
Series: A Pound of Flesh #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: January 5th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

From the fanfic phenom whose debut A Pound of Flesh had over 4.5 million reads, this sequel, An Ounce of Hope, tells the passionate love story of Carter’s best friend, Max.

Max O’Hare can’t seem to let go of his past: his drug habit, the end of his relationship with Lizzie Jordan, the woman he knows he’ll never get over, and the loss of their unborn son.

After successfully completing rehab and learning to explore his deepest fears and dreams through painting, Max meets Grace Brooks. With her innate optimism, and her love of art and photography, Grace appears to be the perfect girl. Yet no one knows where she came from, or why she keeps her past so closely guarded. Over time, Max and Grace gradually allow each other in—but will he ever be able to fully let go of his past? Or will his heart remain closed forever?

I absolutely loved Sophie Jackson’s A Pound of Flesh last year (my review here), so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on more of the series! An Ounce of Hope is Max’s story, Carter’s best friend and a cocaine addict. I wasn’t particularly a fan of his in APoF, but I found myself rooting for him and hurting for him so much in his book. An Ounce of Hope is an intense, emotional romance between two broken people as they struggle to heal and build a new life for themselves. It was a little slow at times, but overall, it’s another stunning read from Sophie Jackson.

“Do you know what I see when I look at you?”
Max shook his head fervently. “I’d rather not know—”
“I see a man who wants so much to be better, who regrets the decisions he made, who wants to make amends and move on with his life. I see a man terrified to take a chance, to trust, but desperate to do so. I see a man who’s fractured, but trying, I see hope.”

The death of his unborn baby and loss of his fiancé had Max spiraling down into a dangerous coke addiction, but with the help of his best friend, Max is finally entering rehab and on the way to recovery. And with his therapist and art, Max has found a way to curb his addiction and rebuild his life once more. His heart is still broken over Lizzie, but when he meets Grace after leaving rehab, she seems to breathe life into him, even if he won’t allow himself to go through such heartbreak again.

Grace had an abusive ex-husband who left her physically and emotionally scarred. She’s terrified of men, unsure of so many things in her life, but the one exception seems to be Max. With Max, Grace can open up her bruised heart and see herself creating a new, better life for herself. The two of them become close friends, but when their relationship crosses over into something sexual, feelings start to develop – but can Max reciprocate them and be the kind of man Grace needs?

An Ounce of Hope is an emotionally exhausting story. It’s a tough journey for both Max and Grace, but you have high hopes for the both of them, because these are the kind of characters who deserve something good in their lives. They’ve been through such difficult times, but they come out of it even stronger. I really enjoyed their romance – it wasn’t easy to read, and sometimes it dragged it bit, but Sophie Jackson has woven a fantastic story about loss, healing, and recovery that I really recommend.

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: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ An Ounce of Hope: 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)

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