Release Day Review: Tonic by Staci Hart

Posted in 3 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Tonic by Staci Hart
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: October 13th 2016
Links: Ebook • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

Joel Anderson doesn’t take anything seriously.

Not his relationships, which have been few and far between since his brutal divorce. Not the drama of working in a tattoo parlor, which seems to be around every corner. When things get him down, he smiles and cracks a joke. But he’s not the kind of man you cross, or you’ll find yourself at the wrong end of his fists.

Annika Belousov takes everything seriously.

Like her job as a reality television producer, given that she typically has something to prove. Or her love life, which is defined by a series of requirements — affluent, ambitious, accomplished, to name a few. Definitely her family, who worked their whole lives to afford her every opportunity, a sacrifice she doesn’t take lightly. When she’s tapped to produce a reality show at Joel’s shop, she doesn’t think twice, just goes in for the kill, as if there were any other way.

The second Annika walks into Joel’s shop, he makes it his mission to crack her open, but she’s not having it. He’s all wrong — too crass, too hairy, too un-serious. But it doesn’t take her long to find out there’s more to him than smirks and tattoos. And what she finds could put her career and his heart on the line.

Not that Joel cares. Because for the first time in a long time, he’s found his tonic.

I was excited for Tonic mainly because of Joel – he was so intriguing in Wasted Words, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on his story. It wasn’t quite what I expected though – I didn’t love Tonic or hate it. It was very meh for me, to be honest, and I just wasn’t feeling the romance or story at all. The romance was too superficial and not fleshed out enough for me, and the story dragged too much. That being said, it’s not a bad book. I’d say if you’ve been a long-time fan of the author and her writing, then you’ll probably enjoy Tonic.

Joel and his brother are tattoo shop c0-owners, and they’ve just signed on with a TV producer to film a reality show based off their tattoo shop, Tonic. Joel is reluctant to have anything to do with being part of a reality show, so he’s not going to make it easy for the producers to film. But when he meets Annika Belousov, he might not like her job, but he’s definitely intrigued by her as a woman. He can’t stop thinking about her, taunting her… trying to get her into his bed.

Annika is the total opposite of Joel – while he’s laid-back and relaxed, she’s uptight and serious about everything she does. She has an incredible work ethic, though they don’t call her an ice queen for nothing. But what happens when Joel starts to melt the walls around her heart? Can she choose between the man she’s falling for or the career she’s worked so hard to achieve?

While I enjoyed Tonic on a surface level, there were things that prevented me from connecting with the book on a deeper level. Some parts felt too forced and a little awkward – the author tried to fit in too many references to pop culture that it got old fast. I really only cared about Joel and Annika, but these two took too long to sort their problems out and used sex as an avoidance tactic too often. Joel annoyed me in the second half of the novel – he doesn’t seem to know when to take responsibility and likes to blame other people for mistakes that he’s a part of. His character also didn’t feel like a 38-year-old man – he seemed a lot younger and immature, which was not a good thing.

Tonic wasn’t a bad book, but’s it’s definitely one of my least favorites from Staci Hart. I’m hoping that I’ll be able to connect with her future novels more – I still have hope that she’ll write another book as good, or even better than, Chaser!

Tonic is a standalone spinoff of Wasted Words. Joel first appears here in this book!

Wasted Words: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Tonic and Wasted Words are a standalone spinoffs of the Bad Habits series, a series of standalones with characters featured in the spinoffs!

Reading Order: Bad Habits series

#1 ~ With a Twist: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Chaser: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Last Call: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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4Oct2016

Blog Tour + Release Day Review & Giveaway: Thief of Hearts by L.H. Cosway

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Blog Tours, Giveaways, Reviews by Lacey

Happy Release Day to L.H. Cosway – Thief of Hearts is live!

Thief of Hearts by L.H. Cosway
Series: Hearts #5 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: October 4th 2016

Seduce the teacher.
Meet the cousin.
Make a deal.
Steal the painting.

Andrea Anderson has no clue of the thoughts churning around in the dark and dangerous ex-con’s head as he enters her classroom. In fact, she’s momentarily lost for words. Not in her entire teaching career has she had a student who looked quite like Stu Cross.

A widow at just twenty-eight, love is something Andie hasn’t considered a part of her life for a very long time. However, when lingering touches turn to whispered words and hot, searching stares, she begins to wonder if maybe she should take a leap of faith.

But Stu is in her class for a reason, and it has nothing to do with love. He’s there to burrow his way into her life and repay a debt, otherwise his family will suffer. Andie is the first person to show him true kindness since he left prison, and though he doesn’t want to mislead her, he doesn’t have another choice.

Before long, Stu can’t tell whether or not he’s acting anymore, and his feelings for Andie could throw all of his carefully crafted plans into complete and utter disarray.

Buy Links:
Amazon • Amazon UK • Amazon CA • Amazon AU
iTunes • Barnes & Noble • Kobo • Smashwords

I’ve adored every book in L.H. Cosway’s Hearts series, and though Thief of Hearts isn’t quite my favorite, it’s still a great addition to the series, and one that fans of the author should definitely read. This is the eldest Cross brother’s story, and we get to experience this ex-con fall for his teacher. A delicious forbidden love, a dirty-minded alpha, and a painting heist all made for one entertaining read.

Andrea Anderson may have been a widow for four years, but she hasn’t been able to let go of her husband and high school sweetheart. She works day to day at an adult school, barely making ends meet, and in serious hospital debt back when her husband was ailing. Things seem bleak until a mysterious, gorgeous bad boy enrolls in her class. Stu Cross is everything she should stay away from, but he’s the one man who’s been able to make her forget her troubles. She sees in him the intelligence and potential everyone seems to glance over – and can’t help falling for him because of it. But when he ropes her into helping him steal a painting, things start to get complicated. Can Andie really trust Stu’s feelings for her, or is he just using her for the painting?

Stu Cross made me feel alive. So much so that it took him coming into my life to make me realise I hadn’t been living. I’d been imprisoned in the past, hiding behind a future that was lost to me.

L.H. Cosway has such a quirky way of writing – I can’t say that I love it, but it’s different and a little refreshing to read. Andie was a sweet, adorable character I really felt for. Stu is a swoony hero – loyal, caring, and willing to do whatever it takes to protect his family. And he certainly knows how to use his mouth, the dirty talker. Their romance was seriously the sweetest thing – I was rooting for them from the start, though their story is certainly not the least bit easy. The plot with the blackmail and painting made things way more complicated, and I sadly didn’t find myself caring that much about it. All I really wanted to focus on was the romance, which was good enough for me.

Overall, Thief of Hearts is a great installment to the series, and though it can be read as a standalone, I do recommend reading at least the book before it, Hearts of Blue, which is where the Cross family is first introduced. Right now, I’m dying to read the final Cross brother’s book – I love friends-to-lovers romances, and I can’t wait for Trevor and his best friend Reya to get their story!

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

Reading Order: Hearts series

#1 ~ Six of Hearts: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Hearts of Fire: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ King of Hearts: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4 ~ Hearts of Blue: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#5 ~ Thief of Hearts: Ebook • Goodreads
#6 ~ Hearts on Air: Goodreads (2017)

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 favourite 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 • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads • Amazon Page

1st prize:
A collection of signed books by a number of different authors (Kristen Ashley, Samantha Young, Penny Reid, Mariana Zapata, Amy Harmon) including signed copies of the entire Hearts series and a selection of L.H. Cosway swag
2nd prize:
A signed paperback copy of Thief of Hearts, signed swag and a $15 Amazon gift card
3rd prize:
A kindle copy of Thief of Hearts and a $5 Amazon gift card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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27Sep2016

Release Day Review: Outsider by Olivia Cunning

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Outsider by Olivia Cunning
Series: Exodus End #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: September 27th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

Reagan Elliot should be living her dream…

She’s touring with Exodus End as their new rhythm guitarist and gaining more notoriety and fame than she ever imagined possible.

She’s earned the devoted love of not only one, but two spectacular men. Her committed threesome with sexy guitarist Trey Mills and her hunky bodyguard Ethan Conner is stable, loving, deep, and satisfying for all involved.

But sometimes the world sees things differently and is determined to destroy what it doesn’t understand.

Can Reagan’s relationship with Trey and Ethan survive the cruel backlash of the media, her family, and a bigoted public? Or will the talented musician lose everything she holds dear in the face of her own burgeoning doubts?

Olivia Cunning is my rock star/erotica queen. I absolutely adore her Sinners on Tour series, and I’m loving the spinoff series, Exodus End. You don’t necessarily have to read Sinners before Exodus End, but I highly recommend it. For Outsider, I definitely suggest you read at least Double Time, since that is Reagan, Trey, and Ethan’s first book. Their story continues in Outsider – and if you loved them in the first place, get ready for more smokin’ hot threesomes with them!

Reagan’s life was forever changed when she was chosen to be Exodus End’s new rhythm guitarist – and got into a polyamorous relationship with Sinner’s rhythm guitarist, Trey Mills, and her bodyguard Ethan. Both are bisexual men, so you can expect some crazy hot M/M, M/M/F, and M/F/M scenes. But with fame and fortune comes a cost – Reagan can’t come out to the public with her unconventional relationship for fear of heavy backlash. But keeping secrets only hurts Trey, who wants the world to know and accept the love they share for each other, and Ethan, who is kept in the sidelines and can never show affection with them in public. Can their love last in secrecy or will the truth come out and change their relationship forever?

Outsider is another fabulous read from one of my favorite erotica authors. I honestly don’t know how she does it, but Olivia Cunning creates her menage scenes so perfectly sexy, even when they’re over-the-top. And obviously, since it’s Trey, you know they’re going to be over-the-top. I did feel like the book was a bit too long though – the story dragged out way longer than it could’ve been, especially regarding Reagan’s decision to come out or not. Her wishy-washiness kind of turned me off, so I was definitely more a fan of Ethan and Trey in this book. Nevertheless, I did enjoy this book overall – how could I not when the chemistry and sex were divine, as expected from the author?

I’m so looking forward to more Exodus End books. I loved seeing more of the rest of the bandmates and Toni – every scene with all of them always cracks me up. Steve, the drummer, is next, and though I’d prefer getting Dare (because, DARE!), I still can’t wait to get my hands on Steve’s book.

Reading Order: Exodus End series

#1 ~ Insider: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Outsider: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Staged: Goodreads (2017)

The Exodus End series is a spinoff of the Sinners on Tour series. Outsider is a continuation of Double Time, book #5 in the Sinners on Tour series.

Reading Order: Sinners on Tour series

#1 ~ Backstage Pass: Ebook • Paperback • Mass Market Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Rock Hard: Ebook • Paperback • Mass Market Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Hot Ticket: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Wicked Beat: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Double Time: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#6 ~ Sinners at the Altar: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#7 ~ Take Me to Paradise: Ebook • Goodreads
#8 ~ Almost Paradise: Ebook • Goodreads

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26Sep2016

Release Day Review: The Goal by Elle Kennedy

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

The Goal by Elle Kennedy
Series: Off-Campus #4 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: September 26th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

She’s good at achieving her goals…

College senior Sabrina James has her whole future planned out: graduate from college, kick butt in law school, and land a high-paying job at a cutthroat firm. Her path to escaping her shameful past certainly doesn’t include a gorgeous hockey player who believes in love at first sight. One night of sizzling heat and surprising tenderness is all she’s willing to give John Tucker, but sometimes, one night is all it takes for your entire life to change.

But the game just got a whole lot more complicated

Tucker believes being a team player is as important as being the star. On the ice, he’s fine staying out of the spotlight, but when it comes to becoming a daddy at the age of twenty-two, he refuses to be a bench warmer. It doesn’t hurt that the soon-to-be mother of his child is beautiful, whip-smart, and keeps him on his toes. The problem is, Sabrina’s heart is locked up tight, and the fiery brunette is too stubborn to accept his help. If he wants a life with the woman of his dreams, he’ll have to convince her that some goals can only be made with an assist.

“I hate to tell you this, Sabrina. But you’ve made a big mistake.”
“What? Why?”
His fingers draw my thong tight, the fabric cutting into my swollen lips. “Because I’m going to ruin you for all future guys. I apologize in advance.”

I’ve been DYING to read this book after the epic reveal at the end of The Score. Tucker is going to be a father – and Sabrina is the mother! The anticipation for The Goal was killer, but the wait was totally worth it, because we get to experience the wonder that is John Tucker and his dirty, dirty mouth. Tucker might be my new favorite of the boys (sorry, Logan!) – he is literally the dream guy. Can you tell I loved him? He is what makes this book shine, and I promise, when you pick this book up, you will fall for him too.

Sabrina James has had her sights set on law school and getting a well-paying job right after since she was capable of dreaming. She won’t allow any deviation to her plans – though the occasional romp in the sack does well to relieve stress. And who better to do that with than hockey player John Tucker? Sabrina’s got a prejudice against hockey players (cough, Dean), and luckily (or not so luckily) when Sabrina rejects his advances, he knows a no means a no. But Tucker isn’t a man who can easily be forgotten or ignored.

I think you’re the most fascinating guy I’ve ever met.
I think you’re amazing in bed and I want to fuck you again.
I think if I was capable of having my heart broken, you’d have the power to break it.

Oh, Tucker. This glorious, incredible, beautiful man with his wicked mouth. He was not at all the kind of character I expected him to be, and this was the best kind of surprise. I adored how gentlemanly he was (he really does know what a no means) but that in no way affected how alpha he was. He’s completely confident in who he is, and when he’s got his sights on winning the woman of his dreams, he’ll go into that fight with his whole heart. Sabrina doesn’t make it easy, but Tucker is beyond patient (at least way more patient that I could ever be). He’s got a heart and soul of gold – I absolutely adored him!

You’re the only one for me.
My sun rises and sets on your smile.
My heart beats because yours does.

The Goal isn’t quite my favorite of the series, but it’s still another incredible installment to this fantastic new adult sports romance series. Fans of the series won’t want to miss this – The Goal has more of Elle Kennedy’s wonderful writing, witty humor, and cameos of all the characters in the previous books. AND, the best part about this book? Tucker’s filthy, glorious mouth! I honestly still can’t get over Tucker’s dirty talk – it was seriously divine. I had some problems with Sabrina, namely how long it took her to accept her love for Tucker and his love for her, but if you’re a patient reader, you should have no problem with his.

So yeah, The Goal is another win from Elle Kennedy. But I’m praying this won’t be the end of Off-Campus – I need more! So much more. Namely, Fitzy – I’m hoping we get his story eventually! Honestly, I’ll take anything as long as this isn’t the end of the series!

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

Reading Order: Off-Campus series

#1 ~ The Deal: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Mistake: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ The Score: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4 ~ The Goal: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

Check out the new covers of the series!

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20Sep2016

Release Day Review: Billionaire on the Loose by Jessica Clare

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Billionaire on the Loose by Jessica Clare
Series: Billionaires and Bridesmaids #5 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: September 20th 2016
Links: Ebook • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

The New York Times bestselling author of the Billionaire Boys Club novels is back with a sexy, sweet romance that proves opposites definitely attract…

Taylor is a genius when it comes to computers, but understanding the opposite sex is beyond her. Because she always fumbles her flirtations, she needs help in finding her Prince Charming. So when her friend, Gretchen, sets her up as a tour guide for a new guy in town, she says yes despite her misgivings.

She just doesn’t expect Mr. Charming to actually be royalty…

A faction in his country wants him to be king, but Loch has no intention of taking the crown. To keep from being named as the next successor, he hatches a scheme to marry a totally unacceptable American woman. Quirky Taylor seems like the perfect person for the job, until Loch realizes he likes more about her than her ability to keep him off the throne.

When Loch’s secret schemes come out, his chance of happiness with Taylor are blown—unless he can find a way to get the nerdy object of his affection to believe she’s truly the queen of his heart…

I’m a sucker for Jessica Clare’s billionaire books! I’d been excited for Billionaire on the Loose since reading The Billionaire’s Favorite Mistake and being introduced to Taylor and Loch. A romance between a computer genius/online gamer nerd and one of the heirs to the crown of Bellissime – how could I say no to that!?

Normally women fell into his lap. The one time he was the one pursuing? He couldn’t get her to leave her damned apartment.

Becoming king of Bellissime sounds like a nightmare to Loch, so to stay out of the media and prevent gaining any popularity, he hides away in New York. He plans on meeting up with his cousin, but the last person he expects to keep him company is a clumsy, gorgeous girl he can’t keep out of his mind. The chemistry between them blows his mind, and he knows he wants more of her – and she’d be the perfect American candidate for becoming his wife and thus losing his spot as heir to the throne. He has a hard time getting Taylor to give him the time of day though – but what happens when feelings start to develop and the truth of his intentions come out?

The heroine is definitely the highlight of this novel for me – Loch was slightly forgettable, but that was forgivable when I focused more on Taylor. I love when characters challenge gender norms, and Taylor is the perfect example of that. She’s a female gamer and who is totally unapologetic about who she is and what she does – I LOVED that about her. She’s also slightly awkward and clumsy, especially around men, but that only endeared her to me. Taylor and Loch are total opposites – he’s a smooth, handsome player while she has no social skills – so if you love the opposites-attract trope, this book is for you!

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: My Review • Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Billionaire on the Loose: Ebook • Goodreads

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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