Tag Archives: release day review

Release Day Review: Beauty and the Boss by Diane Alberts

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Beauty and the Boss by Diane Alberts
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: November 16th 2015
Links: Ebook • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Beauty is about to tame her beast…

Researcher Maggie Donovan has no luck with men, and it doesn’t help that she can’t keep her eyes off of her sexy boss – the one everyone else in the office calls The Beast. Relationships in the office are forbidden. So no one is more surprised than Maggie when she pretends to be his fiancée to save him during a difficult situation. Not only has she put her job on the line, but the future of the company.

Billionaire Benjamin Gale III doesn’t believe in love or romance, but the look on his mother’s face when Maggie tells her that she’s his fiancée is worth millions. Instead of firing her for her insubordination, he goes along with the ruse. In his arms–and in his bed–she’d be everything he could ever want…which is why he can’t have her.

But if he doesn’t let her go, they’ll lose everything…

I was first intrigued by Beauty and the Boss because of the fact that it’s a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast, my favorite fairy tale! Benjamin Gale III – the Beast – is a cold-hearted billionaire who doesn’t believe in love. Maggie Donovan – the Beauty – is one of Benjamin’s employees… but she thinks about her gorgeous boss a lot. The two of them couldn’t be more different, but when you bring them together, you get something sweet and sexy. I enjoyed Beauty and the Boss – I didn’t love it, but it was entertaining nonetheless. If you love your office romances, you should definitely give this a try.

When Maggie accidentally announces herself as Benjamin’s fiancée to save him from his manipulative mother, she has no idea what she’s gotten herself into. She and her boss may have some wicked chemistry together, but pretending to be in a relationship? And engaged? She doesn’t know how she can pull it off, but she won’t let Benjamin get thrown to the wolves. As long as she can keep her heart from getting involved, then she’ll have no problem pulling of the charade… right?

Never had he had something as sweet, or addictive, as Maggie Donovan. Pretending to love her would be a pleasure if it meant he got to kiss her. Hold her. Touch her.
Make her scream out his name.

Benjamin is a workaholic, with no time for relationships, and least of all, love. His company is his life, but when he and Maggie begin their charade, he starts to see that maybe there’s more to life than just work. Maggie is a sweetheart of a character, able to bring out the laughs and smiles out of Benjamin, which has rarely happened in the past few years. I really enjoyed the way their relationship progressed as they slowly fell for each other. It was sweet how they grew to trust each other and become friends, and the banter between them was fun to read.

“You make me… happy. I didn’t think I knew what that was, or if it was even a real thing, until you. But now I do, and I don’t want to let go of it. I don’t want to let go of you.”

Beauty and the Boss is fun and sweet, and a good way to pass the time. There isn’t anything particularly amazing that made me love this book, but it’s still a satisfying read with plenty of sexy times.

3 hearts
lacey

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

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Release Day Review: How to Lose a Bachelor by Anna Banks

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How to Lose a Bachelor by Anna Banks

How to Lose a Bachelor by Anna Banks
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: November 9th 2015
Links: Ebook • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Revenge was never this much fun…

When Rochelle Ransom auditioned for the dating show Luring Love, she had big plans for winning the prize money to help her favorite charity-and if she won the hot bachelor’s heart, even better. But at the last minute she finds out the hot bachelor is her ex-boyfriend, Grant Drake. Desperate to keep her distance from him, she’ll do anything-and everything-to get voted off.

Years ago, Rochelle broke Grant’s heart, and he’s out for revenge. There’s no way he’ll vote her off.

After all, vengeance is a dish best served red-hot…and on live television.

When her hilarious antics to get kicked off the show escalate, Grant’s reminded why he fell in love with her the first time. Now he isn’t sure which might be more fun… Seeing how far Rochelle is willing to go to get away or how far he will to keep her forever.

How to Lose a Bachelor is a super cute, quick, and fun second chance romance with a The Bachelor twist to it! I really enjoyed it – I adore second chance romances, so this was right up my alley. It’s hilarious yet sweetly romantic, and I loved all the crazy shenanigans that the heroine came up with on the reality show. If you’re a fan of light-hearted romances, or even second chance romances, I highly recommend this one!

She was going to be on TV. But more importantly, nothing was going to stop her from winning the grand prize money for her charity.
Oh yeah, and the bachelor’s heart or whatever.

Rochelle Ransom auditions for a reality TV show in order to try to win a bachelor’s heart… and the grand prize money that will help with funding her woman’s shelter. The last person she ever expects the bachelor to be is her ex, the former love of her life, Grant Drake. As much as she’d like to quit the show and get away from the man who broke her heart, Rochelle needs the money for the shelter. So she strikes a deal with the producer – if she agrees to stay on the show to add drama, then she’ll get double the prize money, regardless of whether Grant kicks her off the show or not. And so ensues her hilarious ways of trying her best to get kicked off the show and pay Grant back for breaking her heart.

Grant also wants revenge on the woman who abandoned him and their relationship. But seeing Rochelle again, being with her and getting glimpses of the woman he fell in love with ten years ago, quickly has him changing his plan from getting revenge to winning her back.

Rochelle needed some gentle coaxing, some delicate care, a lot of nurturing–and to know that he was still the man she loved. He knew she’d loved him before. And somehow, he had to find a way to make her love him again.

How to Lose a Bachelor was so much fun to read. In between the hilarious antics Rochelle comes up with to embarrass herself and get Grant to kick her out and Grant’s own ridiculous paybacks, I was giggling so much. The second chance romance was sweet – I really adored seeing Grant and Rochelle warm up to each other again, fall in love again. The two of them are likable, funny characters, and they’re wonderful together – I was rooting for them to get back together from the start. This is a fast-paced, satisfying book I easily read in one sitting. I will definitely be looking forward to more contemporary romances from Anna Banks!

4 hearts
lacey

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

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Release Day Review: Tough Enough by M. Leighton

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Tough Enough by M. Leighton

Tough Enough by M. Leighton
Series: Tall, Dark, and Dangerous #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: November 3rd 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

He’s a fighter who never loses, but is he tough enough to win her heart?

There was a time when I had everything–a wonderful family, a bright future. Love. But all that was taken away in a single night, torn from me like flesh from bone. Since then, I’ve hidden away in my second-choice job as a makeup artist. But I prefer it that way, actually. I’m comfortable in the shadows, where no one can see my scars.

Kiefer Rogan literally took my breath away the moment I met him. MMA champion-turned-actor, notorious playboy, charming to a fault—he’s everything I vowed to avoid.

But he just wouldn’t stop until I opened up and let him in. Maybe I should’ve tried harder to resist him. Maybe I shouldn’t have fallen in love with him. Because I, of all people, know that everyone has secrets. Scars. And that they’re usually ugly and painful and destructive to the people we love most.

I just never guessed that they could be deadly, too.

“Pugnare superesse. Vivere pugna. Fight to survive. Fight to live.”

Tough Enough is so, so, sooooo sweet!!!! I love Rogan so freaking much! He’s one of the sweetest heroes I’ve ever read, and I absolutely adored him. I actually wasn’t expecting this book to be as wonderfully romantic as it was, so it was such a great surprise to find out that Rogan is as sweet and heart-melting as he is sexy and alpha. He and Katie are perfect together – I simply adored their story. The romance in Tough Enough swept me away and had my heart swooning and sighing. I highly recommend this book for those who love romances!

“You think I don’t see you, don’t you? But I do. I see you. I could watch you and see you all day and never get tired of it.”

M. Leighton always writes the most wonderful heroes, but I have to say, Rogan is now my top favorite hero of hers. I LOVED HIM! Sweet, utterly smitten with Katie, but also powerful and dangerous. He may be a fighter, but he’s a lover at heart, and the second he sees Katie, he’s totally gone for her. But Katie has her own scars and an abusive past that prevents her from jumping into anything with Rogan, no matter how much she wants this man, who’s gorgeous inside and out. She’s the kind of girl I instantly related to – down-to-earth, sweet, self-conscious. She’s amazed that someone like Rogan could want her, and while I normally would’ve been annoyed by that attitude, it worked with her. I understood her so well and my heart broke at the painful past she has. But being with Rogan changes everything for her, and where she was once existing, he now makes her start to truly live.

“This . . . you are the closest I’ve come to living in a long time.”
“Then let me bring you back to life,” he whispers, brushing his lips over mine in a kiss even softer than his words. “Inch by inch, day by day, touch by touch.”

Katie and Rogan were both fantastic, dynamic characters that I grew addicted to reading about. And the chemistry between them is on fire! My heart grew invested in their characters and story because I loved them so much. I also enjoyed being in both their POVs. I especially appreciated the individual journey that Katie goes through. She learns to love herself and grow confident in herself, thanks to Rogan. Ah, I just want grab Katie and hug her, she’s such a sweetheart of a heroine!

The main reason I can’t give this book 5 stars is because I was expecting something… different. After reading Strong Enough, I thought Tough Enough would also have a strong romantic suspense theme, but this book is very much just straight-up contemporary romance with only the barest hints of suspense. If I’d known that going in, I’m sure this easily would’ve been a 5 star read, but since I was kind of looking forward to some action, I was a little let down. Still, I really did love this book – M. Leighton knows how to write romance, and she’s blown me away with Katie and Rogan’s heart-wrenchingly sweet love story.

4 hearts
lacey

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

Reading Order: Tall, Dark, and Dangerous series

Strong Enough by M. Leighton Tough Enough by M. Leighton Brave Enough by M. Leighton

#1 ~ Strong Enough: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Tough Enough: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Brave Enough: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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Release Day Review: The Game Plan by Kristen Callihan

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The Game Plan by Kristen Callihan

The Game Plan by Kristen Callihan
Series: Game On #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: November 1st 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

A beard-related dare and one hot-as-hell kiss changes everything.

NFL center Ethan Dexter’s focus has always been on playing football and little else. Except when it comes to one particular woman. The lovely Fiona Mackenzie might not care about his fame, but she’s also never looked at him as anything more than one of her brother-in-law’s best friends. That ends now.

Fi doesn’t know what to make of Dex. The bearded, tattooed, mountain of man-muscle looks more like a biker than a football player. Rumor has it he’s a virgin, but she finds that hard to believe. Because from the moment he decides to turn his quiet intensity on her she’s left weak at the knees and aching to see his famous control fully unleashed.

Fi ought to guard her heart and walk away; they live vastly different lives in separate cities. And Dex is looking for a forever girl. But Dex has upped his game and is using all his considerable charm to convince Fi he’s her forever man.

Game On

My god. I don’t know how Kristen Callihan does it, but each book in the Game On series (easily one of the best NA series I’ve ever read) gets better and better. I didn’t think I could love anyone as much as I loved Gray from The Friend Zone (my review here), but oh, how wrong I was. Dex is just… perfection. An absolute wonderful hero I’ve fallen so, so, sooooo hard for. AH, I can’t even fully describe how much I love him! And this series!!! This is truly one of the top NA series that I’d recommend to EVERYONE. The lovable, mature characters, the fantastic writing, the humor, the heartache… Kristen Callihan mixes all of these into a potent combination that will steal your heart and take your breath away.

I see Ethan Dexter; he shines for me. And I burn hotter than the sun when I’m in his orbit.

We previously met Dex and Fiona in The Friend Zone, and they were quite the opposites. Dex is quiet and reserved, the go-to guy when his teammates need advice. Fi is an out-going, feisty girl who doesn’t hold anything back. He’s a virgin and a football player; she’s open about her sexuality and hates dating football players. Fi doesn’t really notice Dex, but he’s had his eye on her since the moment they first meet. And for two years, Dex has kept to the shadows, always watching her from afar, but one dare and kiss changes everything, and this sexy lumbersexual is determined to fight for the one woman he wants.

“You’ve ruined me, Fiona. I’m not sure I know how to live without you anymore.”

I’m just a pile of melted goo now, after finishing this book. Dex makes my heart practically SING – he’s romantic, sweet, thoughtful, patient. He’s just the perfect man for Fi, and she’s the perfect woman for him. Fi gets Dex to open up and show his true self only to her, while Dex gives Fi an anchor, a foundation. God, I seriously loved this couple. The two of them truly bring out the best and most out of each other. You can’t read this book and NOT smile and clutch at your heart at seeing them interact with each other, at them being TOGETHER. Oh, and did I mention how freaking HOT this book is!? You will seriously need a fan because the chemistry between Dex and Fi is off. the. charts. And Dex’s dirty mouth… *flails* I loved it!

“Being with you. Loving you—You make me feel everything.”

I haven’t rated a book 5 stars in quite a while, but what better way to get me out of my book funk than with Dex and Fi!? The Game Plan is another brilliant, heart-wrenching, utterly romantic addition to this series that I will forever adore. Fi and Dex’s story isn’t perfect, as they have their ups and downs, but their story was written perfectly and I couldn’t imagine it better. I honestly never wanted this book to end. And, another plus, we get to see the other couples from the previous series, and the new NFL teammates! The banters, the bromances, and the camaraderie were all a joy to read. Gah, this book. Just thinking about it makes me smile. I loved it with my whole heart – I can’t recommend it enough!

“I love you. I don’t say that enough. Just know that whatever I do, wherever I am, it is a constant refrain in my heart. You color my world, Fi.”

5 hearts
lacey

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

Reading Order: Game On series

The Hook Up by Kristen Callihan The Friend Zone by Kristen Callihan The Game Plan by Kristen Callihan

#1 ~ The Hook Up: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Friend Zone: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ The Game Plan: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

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Release Day Review: Darkest Before Dawn by Maya Banks

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Darkest Before Dawn by Maya Banks

Darkest Before Dawn by Maya Banks
Series: KGI #10 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: October 27th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super-elite, top secret, family-run business.
Qualifications: High intelligence, rock-hard body, military background.
Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering. Handling jobs the U.S. government can’t…

The enigmatic Hancock has been both opponent and ally to the KGI teams for as long as they’ve known him. Always working a deep game, Hancock’s true allegiance has never been apparent, but one thing is for certain—he never lets anything get in the way of duty.

But now, his absolute belief in the primacy of his ultimate goal is challenged by a captive he’s been ordered to guard, no matter how much she suffers in her prison. She’s the only woman who’s ever managed to penetrate the rigid walls surrounding his icy heart, but will he allow his perplexing feelings for the beautiful victim to destroy a mission he’s spent years working to complete or will he be forced to sacrifice her for “the greater good.”

This is my first KGI book, though it’s not my first Maya Banks read. I was previously a big fan of the books I have read from her, so I was excited to read Darkest Before Dawn, and plus, I love a good romantic suspense. It wasn’t too difficult to get into this book, given that I haven’t read any of the other KGI books, but unfortunately, what prevented me from fully enjoying this was the insane amount of repetition. The premise of Darkest Before Dawn had great potential, but I would’ve enjoyed this book so much more if a ton of the narrative had been cut shorter.

Honor Cambridge is on the run from a terrorist organization out to kill her, trying to survive one day at a time in the Middle East. She’s a headstrong, fierce, honorable woman who’s been through so much yet still keeps her head held high. She’s close to freedom until Hancock intercepts her journey – she believes he’s there to save her, but little does she know that she’s a pawn on his chessboard.

Hancock is a mercenary – deadly, cold, unfeeling, and loyal to his duty to a fault. He and his men do things that no one else wants to do in order to help the ‘greater good’. Unfortunately, when that means sacrificing a sole person for the greater good, then that’s what he must do. Hancock’s objective is to take down Maksimov, an evil man who’s killed thousands of people, and the only way to get access to Maksimov is through Honor. So Hancock sets it up so that she believes he’s taking her to freedom, when in fact he’s leading her something worse than death. But what happens when he grows to care for his captive, and wants to make a life with her?

While I really enjoyed Honor’s character, Hancock was a miss for me. I got annoyed when he kept going on and on about the ‘greater good’ and trying to reason with himself that what he was doing to Honor would be worth it. Honor was the main reason I was able to keep reading, though the repetition of everything got old fast. I found myself skimming chunks of the book to get to the dialogue, because all the unnecessary details were just too boring.

I really wish this book could’ve been shortened, because I did enjoy the action and suspense. I liked the way the romance played out, that it wasn’t too rushed or too fast. Darkest Before Dawn was mainly an okay read – I wish I could’ve loved it more, but it was just too wordy for my taste.

3 hearts
lacey

Reading Order: KGI series

  
  
  
 Darkest Before Dawn by Maya Banks

#1 ~ The Darkest Hour: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ No Place to Run: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Hidden Away: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Whispers in the Dark: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~  Echoes at Dawn: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5.5 ~ Softly at Sunrise: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#6 ~ Shades of Gray: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#7 ~ Forged in Steel: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#8 ~ After the Storm: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#9 ~ When Day Breaks: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#10 ~ Darkest Before Dawn: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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