Tag Archives: Penny Reid

Blog Tour + Review & Giveaway: The Cad and the Co-Ed by L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid

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Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for The Cad and the Co-Ed by L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid!

The Cad and the Co-Ed by L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid
Series: Rugby #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: February 14th 2017
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Keeping a secret this big is going to take lots of balls. Specifically, rugby balls.

THE CAD
Bryan Leech is a cad.
Or, he *was* a cad.
No one is quite certain.

Once the quintessential playboy, Bryan claims he’s done with wild parties and weekend benders. No more one night stands leading to mornings he can’t remember; no more binges and blackouts; no more exploits plastered all over the tabloids and rag sheets. According to Bryan, he’s cleaning up his act.

The only problem is, no one believes him.

THE CO-ED
Eilish Cassidy never thought she’d be a mother at nineteen or still in college at twenty-four. Cut off from every member of her family except her favorite cousin, she’s finally managed put her life back together. Stronger and wiser, Eilish enters her last semester of university determined to stand on her own. Now she just needs to find an internship.

The only problem is, her best option—by far—places her directly in the path of her son’s father, and he doesn’t remember her at all.

THE PLAN
Bryan is determined to prove he’s changed. Eager to settle down with the right woman, he’s got his sights set on the gorgeous redhead who seems terribly familiar.

Eilish is determined to hide her secret. She’ll do anything to keep her child safe, even if that means ignoring her own wishes and desires.

But what happens when Bryan starts to remember? And what will it take for Bryan to convince the girl he forgot that she’s unforgettable?

Buy Links:
Amazon US • Amazon UK • Amazon CA • Amazon AU

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I love Penny Reid and L.H. Cosway – individually, they’re such unique authors, but together, they make magic! They write the most endearing, quirky characters that are easy to love. After the snippet of The Cad and the Co-Ed in the previous Rugby book, I was DYING to read Bryan and Eilish’s story. I wasn’t sure how the authors would redeem Bryan and the awful way he treated Eilish, but I trusted them. And thankfully, they didn’t disappoint! Eilish and Bryan, despite their rough start, had the sweetest romance ever. They’re so weirdly adorable, which made for such a fun reading experience. If you’re a fan of the series or either authors, I highly recommend The Cad and the Co-Ed!

If you’ve read The Player and the Pixie, then you’ll know that when Eilish Cassidy was a naive nineteen-year-old, she fell for Bryan’s charms and gave up her virginity to him. She had stars in her eyes and thought they would have a future… but it turns out Bryan Leech was a cad, through and through. He was drunk during their one-night-stand, couldn’t even remember her name the next morning, and promptly kicked her out. He leaves Eilish with a broken heart… and a baby he’s never known about.

Fast forward five years, and Bryan has been through rehab to fix his drinking and partying ways. He’s a changed man… or is he? When Eilish sees Bryan again for the first time in years, she realizes that he doesn’t even recognize her or their one night at all. She’s not sure that she can trust that Bryan is sober now and safe to be around their son, Patrick. Can Bryan show Eilish that he’s there to stay and win the heart of the woman he forgot? And what will happen when he finds out about their secret baby?

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, still touching me, shifting his weight from one foot to the next.
“What for?” The question was out before I could catch it.
“For so many things. … Mostly for ever making you think you are anything other than magnificent and unforgettable.”

I thought that The Cad and the Co-Ed would be an angsty read, but it turned out to be so much sweeter and funnier than I expected! Eilish is hilarious and adorable, a great mother and a strong heroine. She definitely makes Bryan work to win her trust and heart. I loved her! And another surprise was how easily Bryan won me over with his changed ways. He’s done a 180 from drinking and partying 24/7 to sipping tea in his robe and wanting his neighbors to keep quiet at 10 P.M. He’s such a riot, and the way Sean, his rugby teammate and Eilish’s cousin, rags on him is SO funny.

This book is too freaking sweet. L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid make such a fantastic writing duo. Only they would be able to redeem a huge jerk from the previous Rugby book and make me love him. Eilish and Bryan have a slow, swoony romance that I adored. I’m really hoping there will be more in this series (Will!!!) because I can’t get enough of it! And I definitely have plans to go back and finally read the first book in the series!

I’d never forget that look.
I’d never forget seeing her like this.
I’d never forget another moment with her for the rest of my life.

4 hearts
lacey

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

Reading Order: Rugby series

The Hooker and the Hermit by L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid  

#1 ~ The Hooker and the Hermit: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Player and the Pixie: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ The Cad and the Co-ed: Ebook • Goodreads

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L.H. CoswayL.H. Cosway 

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favorite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.

She thinks that imperfect people are the most interesting kind. They tell the best stories.

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Pinterest

Penny ReidPenny Reid

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.

Website • Goodreads • Facebook • Twitter • Newsletter

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Enter to win a signed paperback of Royal Marriage Market, Beg Tease Submit, Letters in White, Love Walks In, Hooker and the Hermit, Player and the Pixie, Wasted Words and Changing Course!

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Best Books of 2016!

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2016 has been one crazy year, and I can barely believe it’s already over. I don’t know if it’s just me, but time is seriously flying by so fast. It’s already been a year since the last time I made the “Best Books of 2015” post – which means it’s been another year filled with incredible books! And I apparently read over 300 of them 😂 So here are my top 16 reads of 2016 (in no particular order, except for the first), books I highly recommend everyone read if they haven’t already. These are the unforgettable books, the ones that have stuck in my head and stayed in my heart. What have been your favorite reads of the year?

1. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

THE HATING GAME!!! It was a tough decision, but my absolute top favorite read of 2016 is The Hating Game. I was SO impressed with this debut novel – it was everything I wanted in a romance and more. It’s funny, romantic, adorable, sexy, and did I mention funny? This is probably the book that has made me laugh the most I’ve ever laughed while reading. It’s an enemies-to-lovers office romance that is H I L A R I O U S. It was a pure joy to read this novel, and I’m dying to see what else Sally Thorne has in store for us. P.S. JOSH TEMPLEMAN IS EVERYTHING!!!

“I hope it’s not too forward of me to say, but your eyes are incredible, Lucy. I die when you blink.”

2. The Wall of Winnipeg and Me & Wait for It by Mariana Zapata

The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata 

TWoWaM: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Wait for It: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

OBVIOUSLY I had to include Mariana Zapata, my new favorite author ever. Winnie is a close second to The Hating Game (though neither have been able to surpass the ultimate fav, Kulti). This is sports romance at its finest, so if you love anything in that genre, especially football romances, Winnie is your thing. And, if you’re a fan of the fake marriage trope, READ THIS! Aiden is the perfect grumpy hero and Vanessa is such a relatable, genuine heroine. Mariana Zapata never ceases to amaze me with her stories, and Winnie was a total winner in my book.

Like football and art, like anything that anyone in the world has ever wanted, love was a dream. And just like a dream, there were no assurances behind it. It didn’t grow on its own. It didn’t blossom without food to feed it.
It was the greatest in its subtleties.
It was the strongest in its selflessness.
And it could be forever with someone who wasn’t afraid to never give up on the possibilities it presents.

And then there’s Wait for It – which only cemented Mariana Zapata as a favorite author of mine and the queen of slow burn. It was beautiful, heart-wrenching, and everything in between. I loved all of the characters, especially the kids. I honestly don’t know what to say about Wait for It besides the fact that it was an unforgettable read I loved so damn much and that everyone needs to read it.

There was a lot of things about love that you could only learn after you’d faced the real kind. The best kind wasn’t this soft, sweet thing of hearts and picnics. It wasn’t flowery and divine. Real love was gritty. The real kind of love never quit. Someone who loved you would do what’s best for you; they’d stand up for you and sacrifice. Someone who loved you would face any inconvenience willingly. You didn’t know what love was until someone was willing to give up what they loved the most for you. But it was also never letting them make that choice, either.

3. Unbreak My Heart by Nicole Jacquelyn

My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Unbreak My Heart is probably my most reread book of 2016. This book is the literal definition of angst, and it was one of the few books this year to make me cry. I don’t even have the words to describe the tumultuous emotions the author wrung out of me while reading this. It was an experience, to say the least, and one everyone has to try. You’ll probably hate the hero (like me, lol) but even so, it was totally worth the read.

It had always been Kate. My hands shook as the truth seeped into my pores. It had been her since I was just a stupid kid.

4. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Rhysand aka THE LOVE OF MY LIFE! This book destroyed me in the best way possible. I honestly don’t know why I ever held back on reading the ACOTAR series, but I’m so glad I finally succumbed because it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. This series alone is the reason why I’ve gotten back in YA fantasy, and even into NA fantasy. The writing, world-building, and characters is beyond fantastic. But now I’m DYING for the third book!

“To the people who look at the stars and wish, Rhys.”
Rhys clinked his glass against mine. “To the stars who listen—and the dreams that are answered.”

5. The Original Sinners series by Tiffany Reisz

The Saint by Tiffany Reisz The Angel by Tiffany Reisz The Prince by Tiffany Reisz The Mistress by Tiffany Reisz

The Siren: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
The Angel: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
The Prince: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
The Mistress: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

If there’s one series that has messed with my mind completely and I wouldn’t change a thing, it’s the Original Sinners series. Tiffany Reisz changed my entire outlook on BDSM and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Y’all, these books are unforgettable masterpieces, so beautifully yet simply written I bow down to TR. If you’re not afraid to step out of your comfort zone, I highly recommend reading this series (and yeah, I know I’m totally late to the game with these books, but I’m just glad I finally read this). Nora is my all-time favorite heroine – I kinda wanna be her when I grow up.

“I know people think erotica is just a romance novel with rougher sex. It’s not. If it’s a subgenre of anything, it’s horror.”
“Horror? Really?”
“Romance is sex plus love. Erotica is sex plus fear.”

6. The Player by Kresley Cole

The Player by Kresley Cole

My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

The Master was one of the best books I’d read in 2015, so to say my expectations were high for The Player would have been an understatement. But thankfully, Kresley Cole didn’t disappoint and I got another alpha, heroine-obsessed Russian billionaire hero to fall head over heels for. The con artist heroine couldn’t have been more different than the hero, but together they were explosive. This was such an addicting read – if you were a fan of The Master, trust me, you’ll love The Player.

“Imagine a pitch-black room with a single candle lit in the center,” he said, his voice gone low. “The room is the world. You are the candle.”
A shaky breath escaped my lips. “How can you be so sure about me?”
He leveled his spellbinding gaze on my face. “When you’ve been in the dark as long as I have, moy ángel, there is no mistaking the light.”

7. My American Duchess by Eloisa James

My Review • Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

This is one of my all-time FAVORITE historical romances ever! It was my first Eloisa James book but judging by how much I loved it, it for sure won’t be my last. The duke hero is beyond perfection – the way he adores his American duchess made me swoon madly. And the heroine herself is so quirky and adorable (I totally fell for her myself). If you love historical romance (and even if you don’t – I’ve made a lot of non-HR readers read this book), you absolutely must read My American Duchess!

“You are my American duchess,” Trent said gruffly, his finger tracing the shape of her cheek. “You pour milk into tea at the wrong time, but you do everything else the right way. I love the way you speak. And I love what you say. I’ve never met another woman who is as fascinating.”

8. Beast in Shining Armor by Cassandra Gannon

Ebook • Goodreads

A friend on Twitter rec’d this book to me, and I’m beyond glad she did. The A Kinda Fairy Tale series a humorous twist on fairy tales, and Beast in Shining Armor focuses specifically on Beauty and the Beast. This book is stinkin’ hilarious – it’s up there as one of the top books that have made me laugh the hardest. The hero is just so sardonic and sarcastic, and the stuff that happens is the laugh-out-loud kind of ridiculous that I love. Also, the hero is a “Bad” prince who’s been in love with the heroine since kindergarten, but they’ve also been enemies since kindergarten (long story) and she’s currently usurped his throne yet he’s trying to win her heart. Swoon, right!?

“I have longed for you my whole life. There is nothing in this world or any other that I want more than to be with you, Belle.”

9. Bittersweet by Sarina Bowen

My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

This is one of those books that made me so HAPPY while I was reading. It was charming, hilarious, sexy, and utterly heartwarming – and it’s about farmers! Apple farmers!! Ugh, I loved this book so much, especially Griffin. He is so adorable and all big, sexy, protective, and caring. He and Audrey made such a cute couple. And hello, do you see that cover!? You need this book for that alone (but I promise, the inside is just as good as the outside 😉 )

Whether it was convenient or not, Audrey and I just fit. We’d always been good together. It’s just that I’d never allowed myself to imagine a future where we shared everything. A bed. A home.
A name.
Hell. That got me panting. I wanted everything. There was nobody else who got under my skin like she had. To think of her as mine seemed like an impossible luxury.
It’s the only luxury I’ve ever been greedy for.

10. Into the Blue by Chanel Cleeton

My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

This is the PERFECT second chance romance/military romance! I’m usually picky about both tropes, but Into the Blue hit all the right buttons for me. There’s some good angst, good grovel, and the hero is desperate to win back the only woman he’s ever loved. I love this series SO much – if you’re ever in the mood for some good military romances, the Wild Aces series is a must read!

You couldn’t fake what we had. Couldn’t duplicate it. We were so fucking lucky to have found each other once, and even as I’d always suspected it, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that letting her go was the biggest mistake of my life.
Now I needed to fix it.

11. Fast Connection by Megan Erickson & Santino Hassell

Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Fast Connection surprised me in the best way, because I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about one of the heroes. He was a total dick in the first book, but he was completely redeemed in this one. The romance gave me all the squishy feels – I felt so much for Dominic and Luke. The authors write seamlessly well together and the characters blew me away. The silver fox and his adorable (former) player made me laugh and swoon. I totally need more Megtino books!

“He’s completely complicated. And lost. And frustrating. But we do something for each other.” I intertwined my fingers. “We fit. We need each other.”

12. Next to Never by Penelope Douglas

Ebook • Goodreads

I know this book doesn’t come out until 2017 but I read it this month so I’m counting it! And it’s only a few weeks away from release 😉 Reading this novella made me realize how much I’ve missed the Fall Away characters. Next to Never was the perfect way to introduce the second generation of characters while still rewarding fans of the Fall Away series with cameos of the original characters. Honestly, there’s so much to love about this novella – Quinn, Lucas, Jared (aka my love) but now I’m dying for more!

13. Managed by Kristen Callihan

My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

This book was so much better than I expected, especially after the okay first VIP book, but Kristen Callihan upped the ante in Managed. I loved the endearing characters, the sweet romance, the delicious chemistry, everything! Sophie is a sweetheart of a heroine, and uptight, closed-off Gabriel has definitely met his match in her. This was the perfect opposites-attract read, and there’s the added bonus of sexy rock stars to make things more fun 😉

“I’ve lived my whole life denying myself what I truly want. And yet I cannot turn from you. Haven’t you realized it yet? I am yours. I will always be yours, whether I touch you or not.”

14. The Fallen World series by Laura Thalassa

  

#1: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

I got SUPER into NA fantasy this year, which I’m so happy about. I need more books in this genre! Laura Thalassa had been on my tbr for a while and I finally got to her Fallen World series, which I pretty much read back-to-back, non-stop. I was utterly addicted to the post-apocalyptic world the author created, with the hero as a villain and the heroine who hates him, sent to marry him for peace. The story is unlike any other that I’ve read – it’s dark and violent, but such a gripping read! I also highly recommend Laura’s newest book Rhapsodic, which is another fantastic NA fantasy romance!

Once upon a time we were innocent, and then we were not.

15. Grin and Beard It by Penny Reid

My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Has there been a Penny Reid book that I haven’t enjoyed? She always writes such smart, adorable romances. Grin and Beard It charmed the pants off me – it’s a sweet, slow-burn romance between a Latina celebrity actress and park ranger Jethro Winston. Jethro has no idea who she is and some mad flirting and banter ensues. This was such a fun, light-hearted read with adorable MCs.

Pleasing her—my woman—cherishing her, loving her had no comparison. Satisfaction, desire, fulfillment were woefully inadequate words. So responsive. So incredible. So . . . mine.

16. Duke of Sin by Elizabeth Hoyt

My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Elizabeth Hoyt is becoming one of my favorite historical romance authors! I’ve only read a few of her Maiden Lane books, but I love the series so much already. Duke of Sin is the best I’ve read so far – it has the perfect anti-hero duke who falls for his tough, proper housekeeper. The story is wicked, funny, sexy, complex… the MCs are able to match each other intellectually, which made for some fun reading.

“This is who I am, Séraphine. Naked, with blade and blood. I am vengeance. I am hate. I am sin personified. Never mistake me for the hero of this tale, for I am not and shall never be. I am the villain.”

I hope everyone has a fantastic New Year’s and an even better 2017!

lacey

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

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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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Blog Tour + Review & Giveaway: Grin and Beard It by Penny Reid

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Grin and Beard It tour

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

Grin and Beard It by Penny Reid

Grin and Beard It by Penny Reid
Series: Winston Brothers #2 (full reading order below)
Release Date: May 31st 2016
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Sienna Diaz is everyone’s favorite “fat” funny lady. The movie studio executives can’t explain it, but her films are out-grossing all the fit and trim headliners and Hollywood’s most beautiful elite. The simple truth is, everyone loves plus-sized Sienna.

But she has a problem, she can’t read maps and her sense of direction is almost as bad as her comedic timing is stellar. Therefore, when Sienna’s latest starring role takes her to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park she finds herself continually lost while trying to navigate the back roads of Green Valley, Tennessee. Much to her consternation, Sienna’s most frequent savior is a ridiculously handsome, charming, and cheeky Park Ranger by the name of Jethro Winston.

Sienna is accustomed to high levels of man-handsome, so it’s not Jethro’s chiseled features or his perfect physique that make Sienna stutter. It’s his southern charm. And gentlemanly manners. And habit of looking at her too long and too often.

Sienna has successfully navigated the labyrinth of Hollywood heart-throbs. But can she traverse the tenuous trails of Tennessee without losing her head? Or worse, her heart?

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

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Oh, my heart!!! Jethro and Sienna have stolen my heart and I never want it back. Seriously. I don’t think I’ve ever read a more charming book. Jethro and Sienna’s mad flirting skills have charmed my pants off. Grin and Beard It is for sure my favorite adult romance of Penny Reid’s so far. This sweet, slow-burn romance swept me away and had me giggling, swooning, and smiling like a lunatic. I truly never wanted this book to end.

“BY MOTHRA’S NIPPLES! I FUCKING HATE THIS MAP!”

Celebrity actress Sienna Diaz may be talented at comedy, but she sucks at reading a map. On her way to a site to film her new movie, she gets lost in the national park in Green Valley, Tennessee. Lucky for her, Park Ranger Jethro Winston is there to save the day. Even luckier for her, he doesn’t seem to know who she is. His gorgeous looks, bearded face, and charming manners stun her, but she gives as good as she gets in terms of flirting – and boy, are they good at flirting. They form an instant connection with each other, but what starts off as something light-hearted and fun turns into more heated glances and prolonged touches as they want each other more and more. Jethro’s the first man who’s ever made Sienna tingle inside, but no matter how much she wants him, once he finds out the truth about her… nothing will be the same.

Jethro is the oldest Winston sibling, and a reformed man. In his younger, wilder years, he was a huge player, and even got himself involved in some dangerous schemes with a biker gang. But he’s managed to change his ways – he regrets his past, but every day of his present is spent making up for the mistakes he made and the hurt he inflicted on his family. There couldn’t be a better man than the one Jethro is now – he’s utterly sweet, charming, and ready to banter with Sienna ever time he sees her. And he wants to see her a lot. She’s the only woman to tempt him in his five years of celibacy, and he knows that she’s a one-of-a-kind woman, one he sees so many possibilities with in his future. But what happens when the truth of who she is revealed?

Pleasing her—my woman—cherishing her, loving her had no comparison. Satisfaction, desire, fulfillment were woefully inadequate words. So responsive. So incredible. So . . . mine.

I adored this book so hard. The romance is slow and sweet, but the pages flew by for me. I fell so hard for Sienna and Jethro and the rest of the Winston family. I’ve got a HUGE crush on Sienna and Jethro, to be honest. Sienna is that kickass, hilarious, amazing, independent woman we all want to be friends with, and Jethro is a kind-hearted, reformed, family-loving man. These two are a match made in heaven, and every time they were together on the pages, it was magical. The banter, the chemistry, the love… everything about this romance was so well-written. Penny Reid simply blew me away with this gem of a read. I love love loved it!!!

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: 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)

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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.

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Blog Tour + Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Player and the Pixie by L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid

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

The Player and the Pixie tour

Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for The Player and the Pixie by L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid!

The Player and the Pixie by L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid
Series: Rugby #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: April 12th 2016
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THE PIXIE
Lucy Fitzpatrick doesn’t like rugby.
As the little sister of Ireland’s most infamous rugby player, Lucy can’t seem to escape the championship-sized shadow cast by her big brother, or her mother’s frequent attempts to micromanage her future. Her rainbow hair is as free-spirited as her quest for inner peace, yet overbearing expectations keep bringing her down. And when she’s down, her compulsive little problem lands her in seriously big trouble.

THE PLAYER
Sean Cassidy is a cold-hearted brute… or so he’s been told. Frequently. By everyone.
His blonde locks, baby blues, and rock hard bod make ladies the world over drool with desire. As the rugby world’s second most infamous player, he should be basking in his success. But Sean has never been content settling for second place, and his frequent confrontations with Lucy’s big brother leave him cold. And when he’s cold, his compulsive little problem lands him in the lap of Lucy Fitzpatrick.

THE PLAN
Sean has a problem only Lucy can solve. Lucy has a problem only Sean can fix. The solution seems obvious: you scratch my back, and I’ll bail you out of jail. But when their business arrangement unexpectedly leaves Sean scorching hot and Lucy on the precipice of inner peace, can they convince the world—and Lucy’s big brother in particular—that this is the real deal?

Either way, both the Player and the Pixie are about to teach each other some pretty monumental lessons about family, life, but most importantly, love.

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

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I love L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid as individual writers, but I’d never had the pleasure of reading a collaboration of theirs until now. The Player and the Pixie is the second book in the Rugby series but can be read entirely as a standalone, which is what I did. I’m already looking forward to reading the first book, that’s how much I enjoyed this one. Sean and Lucy were an absolute delight to read – they were sweet, utterly endearing, and overall just so much fun to read about. If you love sports romances with realistic characters and a unique spin to them, I highly recommend The Player and the Pixie!

Sigh.
Why were the beautiful ones always such pricks, huh?

Sean Cassidy is the black sheep of his rugby team – everyone thinks he’s an unfeeling jerk, and he’s not about to prove them otherwise. Lucy is the younger brother of Ireland’s most infamous rugby player, who is also Sean’s captain. She’s sweet and everything good… except for her compulsive problem/habit/coping mechanism of stealing small things from stores. These two couldn’t be more different, but I loved how contrasting they are. When they meet, they’re so wonderfully antagonistic – Sean hates Lucy because of her brother and Lucy hates Sean because of what he did to her brother. Still, they can’t help but be intrigued by each other, and after a failed blackmailed dinner date, Sean can’t help but want to get under Lucy’s skin as much as she’s under his.

Lucy Fitzpatrick was my drug of choice, and has quickly become a necessity. I had no desire to contemplate rehab.

Lucy and Sean are such well-developed characters. There’s so much more to them than meets the eye. I have to admit, I totally believed Sean to be the shallow, spoiled man everyone thought he was at first, but the authors did a wonderful job of opening him up in my eyes and making me see the hidden depth to him. Lucy herself is a unique character – I’m not sure I’ve ever read about a character who has the compulsive problem she does. The authors portrayed her hidden shame in an honest way that really made me feel for her. Both of these characters deal with a lot of insecurity and problems with self-acceptance, and I absolutely loved the growth of their characters and the way they become so much confident in themselves thanks to each other.

“The moment you walk into a room you brighten it, Lucy Fitzpatrick, and I for one feel like the luckiest bastard in the world for having known you.”

The Player and the Pixie is so, so sweet. I fell for Lucy and Sean and their slowly blooming romance. There were so many unexpected things I loved about the book – my favorite was how Sean had pretty much no skills in bed. Only L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid would make an incompetent hero funny and endearing – but don’t worry, Sean has an excellent teacher in Lucy and he more than makes up for his deficiencies soon enough. 😉 Overall, I highly enjoyed reading this book. It’s entertaining as hell and the characters are written spectacularly. It’s not your typical sports romance, and I loved that. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

4 hearts
lacey

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

Now here’s an excerpt from The Player and the Pixie! ❤

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*Sean*

I didn’t know what I was doing.

Requests, things I wanted, words I would never speak or allow myself to think were now uncontainable.

It’s the sex, I reiterated. Again. I’d used this explanation, now on repeat, as a simple justification for the complex cacophony of my mind.

“Be with you?” Her long, dark lashes fluttered, beating like distressed butterfly wings against warming pink cheeks.

I licked my lips, tasting her there. “Yes.”

She stared at me, confused. I was also confused. And oddly frightened.

Because it wasn’t the sex.

Several seconds ticked on as we studied each other in breathless silence. She found her voice before I did. “What does that—”

“Lucy?” Annie’s voice was paired with a soft knock on the bathroom door. “Are you okay?”

I opened my mouth to whisper a clarification to the question Lucy hadn’t quite posed, because I was compelled to tell her it wasn’t the sex. We didn’t have to have sex. We could just . . . talk. Or play cards. Or touch. Or look at each other from across the room.

We could merely be together.

But she covered my mouth with her hand. Her features arrested with unmistakable panic.

“Yes. I’m fine! I just . . . started my period is all. Made a mess in my jeans, like a crime scene.” Lucy hollered in response then grimaced. She immediately mouthed I’m sorry to me. Her cheeks flushed red.

I lifted an eyebrow. She rolled her eyes, ducking her head with obvious embarrassment. I pressed my lips together so I wouldn’t laugh.

Issuing me a quelling look, Lucy released me and skittered out of the stall, whispering, “Stay here and count to three hundred.”

“Oh! Do you need anything?” Annie’s voice was less muffled and I surmised she’d opened the bathroom door.

“Ah, no. Have it all sorted now. Thank God Tom has these nice absorbent napkins instead of those troublesome hand driers. Although I feel like I’m wearing a nappy. They’re bad for the environment, so I should talk to him about replacing the napkins. Maybe make a few available for emergencies . . .”

Lucy’s anxiety-riddled chatter faded as the bathroom door clicked shut.

I released an audible exhale. My heart was beating as though it might leap from my chest. I needed to catch my breath. Neither had anything to do with being caught.

What the fuck were you doing?

It was the sex. She’s phenomenal in bed. You’ve never had that before. It was just sex.

I nodded, reiterating the logic of my justification for the uncharacteristic behavior. If I repeated it enough, perhaps I would believe it.

I didn’t count to three hundred as instructed. I counted to one hundred and twenty-three, then realized what I was doing.

“You’re mad, Sean,” I muttered, shaking myself and promptly leaving the ladies’ room. I checked the cufflinks on my dress shirt—a nervous habit—and strolled back to the table, eyeing the assortment of eejits gathered.

Reading Order: Rugby series

The Hooker and the Hermit by L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid  

#1 ~ The Hooker and the Hermit: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Player and the Pixie: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ The Cad and the Co-ed: My Review • Ebook • Goodreads

about the authors button

L.H. CoswayL.H. Cosway 

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favorite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.

She thinks that imperfect people are the most interesting kind. They tell the best stories.

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Pinterest

Penny ReidPenny Reid

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.

Website • Goodreads • Facebook • Twitter • Newsletter

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Prize Pack (Signed Paperback Giveaway)

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