Blog Tour + Early Review & Giveaway: Fair Game by Monica Murphy

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

Fair Game by Monica Murphy
Series: The Rules #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: May 12th 2015

When your boyfriend bets YOU in a poker game, you better know when to run…

Bad enough Jade Frost’s boyfriend drags her to a boring poker game. Even worse that he actually threw her into the betting pot during an intense round…and lost. Talk about the perfect excuse for Jade to make him her ex-boyfriend.

Now she supposedly belongs to the ultra rich, extremely gorgeous Shep Prescott. He could have anything he wants yet he seems to be in hot pursuit of her. No matter how rude, how snarky, how impossible she acts, it doesn’t stop him. More like her horrible behavior seems to make him want her more.

When she finds herself starting to fall for him, Jade’s confused. There’s more to Shep than the carefree rich charmer he portrays. No way could he want a serious relationship with her…or could he?

Buy Links:
Amazon • Amazon UK • Amazon CA • iTunes • Kobo • B&N

Monica Murphy knows how to write sexy books, but Fair Game is adorably sweet AND sexy! I really enjoyed Shep and Jade’s story – it’s a charming new adult book with endearing characters, some hot chemistry, the occasional humor sprinkled in, and the perfect amount of angst to hit you right in the heart. I highly recommend this for Monica Murphy fans!

When Jade goes with her boyfriend to an illegal poker game hosted by Shepard Prescott and his rich friends, Jade is not a happy camper. She doesn’t want to be a part of some illegal gambling and she definitely doesn’t want to have to look at Shep, who’s playing against her boyfriend… no matter how good the rich, pompous playboy looks.

“Even his name makes him sound like an asshole. And his nickname is stupid too. Shep.” I grimace. All rich dudes have stupid nicknames. I swear. “Sounds like a dog’s name. ‘Here boy. Here Shep. Mommy’s got a treat for you’,” I sing song then roll my eyes. “Ridiculous.”
“I’ll just bet Mommy’s god a treat for him,” Kelli says, her droll voice dripping with sarcasm.

Even worse, Jade is infuriated when her boyfriend (soon to be ex) throws her into the betting pot without her permission. One thing leads to another, Jade’s (ex)boyfriend ends up losing, and Jade ends up owing a date to Shep Prescott himself.

“I hate to break it to you, Jade. But you’re my prize. And I plan on collecting.” I lean in close to her, so close I can feel her warm breath waft across my face, see the way her eyes widen the slightest bit. Her lips part, her tongue appears, touching the very center of her upper lip and my skin tightens. “How about a victory kiss for starters?”

Jade is an awesome character who takes no shit from anyone, least of all Shep. I totally admired this girl and her sassiness. At the start of the book, Jade REALLY doesn’t like Shep – he’s that rich manwhore on campus who gets anything and everything he wants, and he and his arrogance do not amuse her. I actually really loved that Jade very nearly despises Shep, because I was so looking forward to seeing how Shep would change her mind about him. And he really does. We get both Jade and Shep’s perspectives in this book, and through Shep’s POV we learn how throughout his whole life, everyone only sees him for his looks and money. And Jade is the only one who sees through to the real him. Slowly, Shep breaks down Jade’s defenses around her heart and before they both know it, they want to spend more time together, and not because of the stupid bet.

It was so much fun getting to know Jade and Shep and their story. They’re so perfect for one another and they match each other so well, despite not having much in common. Jade is not easily swayed by Shep and his natural charm, so he has to actually make an effort for her to give him the time of day. Shep has never had to lift a finger to get a girl to notice him and he’s never wanted to, but something about Jade is different from any other girl he’s met. This book is definitely not an insta-love story, though both are insanely attracted to one another from the start. I could see and feel their relationship grow, and I loved that they took the time to get to know each other better. They’re just so, so sweet together!

“You own every piece of me, baby. Just like I own every piece of you.”

I can’t forget that this book is seriously HOT! Shep has one dirty mouth on him. But as much as I loved the sexiness in Fair Game, the best part of this book was definitely the relationship development between Jade and Shep. I was able to feel them falling for one another in a real, believable way. Fair Game is a refreshing take on the typical new adult college story, and I’m so glad to have experienced Shep and Jade’s.

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

Reading Order: The Rules series

#1 ~ Fair Game: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ In the Dark: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Slow Play: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite with her husband and three children. She’s a workaholic who loves her job. When she’s not busy writing, she also loves to read and travel with her family. She writes new adult and contemporary romance and is published with Bantam and Avon. She also writes romance as USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson.

Website • Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads • Amazon Page

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7May2015

ARC Review: Two of Hearts by Christina Lee

Posted in 3 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Two of Hearts by Christina Lee
Series: Golden Arrow #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: May 5th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

A gripping standalone adult contemporary romance about finding yourself while taking a second chance at your first love…

Dakota Nakos was always the resilient, strong-willed achiever. But when her father dies and she’s entrusted with the family’s casino, she feels vulnerable, scared, and more than a little emotional — not exactly the best time to see an old lover she’s never really gotten over.

Dakota once meant the world to Shane Garrity. Then suddenly he left town to train as a U.S. Marshal, and their love for each other crashed into a memory. Now he’s come home for her father’s funeral, and one look at the girl he left behind stirs up both memories and regrets, and reignites a fire he feared he’d lost forever.

Dakota may be the same driven girl she always was, but she’s also changed in ways neither could have anticipated. She’s not just a young woman searching for own identity in the Native American community in which she was raised, but one questioning her new life outside her father’s shadow. Above all she wonders if Shane can push past her weakened defenses to rekindle what they once had, or whether the intense blaze between them will ultimately reduce her heart to ashes.

Two of Hearts is the first book I’ve read from Christina Lee. I’d really been looking forward to this one when I read the blurb since I LOVE second chance romances. I found Two of Hearts fairly enjoyable, but sadly, the romance and plot were a bit underwhelming. Still, I really liked the underlying sense of family and friendship tied with the Indian culture that’s portrayed heavily in this book.

Dakota and Shane were each other’s first loves, but when the time came for them to fight for their love, they instead let each other go. They reunite under unfortunate circumstances, at Dakota’s father’s funeral. Dakota and Shane have grown to their full potential in their separated years, but the chemistry between them hasn’t faded for a second. But while Dakota is hesitant to start something again with the boy who broke her heart, Shane recognizes that Dakota is the only girl meant for him and he fights for them and their relationship.

“Don’t you know how much I’ve thought of you over the years? Wondered how you were doing, if you were okay? Whether you still thought of me, too?”

I really would have liked the romance to take center stage, but the book focuses a lot on the casino that Dakota is running. Dakota and her family are being attacked for inheriting an Indian casino but not being fully Indian. There’s a suspenseful angle to this novel, with suspicious characters that Shane, as a U.S. Marshal, is investigating. I found the suspense a bit boring, so I couldn’t enjoy this book as much as I wanted to.

What I liked about Shane and Dakota was how when they separated, they were able to fully grow and follow their ambitions. They didn’t hold each other back, and once they became the people they wanted to be, they found each other again. Even though I didn’t connect with the main characters, I found their story to be sweet and sexy.

This was a good, but not great, read. I was bored during the middle of the book, at least until the suspense finally picked up. If you’re a fan of second chance romances, you should give this a try.

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

Reading Order: Golden Arrow series

#1 ~ Two of Hearts: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Three Sacred Words: Ebook • Goodreads

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5May2015

Release Day Review: The Friend Zone by Kristen Callihan

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

The Friend Zone by Kristen Callihan
Series: Game On #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: May 5th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

Gray doesn’t make friends with women. He has sex with them. Until Ivy.

The last thing star tight-end Gray Grayson wants to do is drive his agent’s daughter’s bubblegum pink car. But he needs the wheels and she’s studying abroad. Something he explains when she sends him an irate text to let him know exactly how much pain she’ll put him in if he crashes her beloved ride. Before he knows it, Ivy Mackenzie has become his best texting bud. But then Ivy comes home and everything goes haywire. Because the only thing Gray can think of is being with Ivy.

Ivy doesn’t have sex with friends. Especially not with a certain football player. No matter how hot he makes her…

Gray drives Ivy crazy. He’s irreverent, sex on a stick, and completely off limits. Because, Ivy has one golden rule: never get involved with one of her father’s clients. A rule that’s proving harder to keep now that Gray is doing his best to seduce her. Her best friend is fast becoming the most irresistible guy she’s ever met.

Which means Gray is going to have to use all his skills to win Ivy’s heart. Game on.

(HOT DAMN!!! THAT COVER!!!!!!)

Holy mother of god… Gray’s book was absolutely phenomenal!! I had such high expectations for The Friend Zone after reading and loving The Hook Up, one of my favorite reads of last year, and The Friend Zone went above and beyond what I expected! I fell for this book – for Gray – hook, line, and sinker. I completely ADORED Gray and Ivy’s book… maybe even more than Drew and Anna’s. I seriously loved every single thing about this book – the humor, the friendship, the banter, the combustible chemistry. The friends-to-lovers trope is one of my favorite tropes and I’ve read so many books about it that sometimes they all seem to blur together. But The Friend Zone is one of the few that stands out to me and truly made me feel. I got that warm, fuzzy feeling in my heart, I couldn’t stop smiling, I wholeheartedly loved the main characters… This book is just perfection!

“The fact is, Ivy, for me, there is one absolute truth. The sum of my existence equals you.”

When star football player Gray Grayson borrows his agent’s daughter’s bubblegum pink car, the last thing he ever expected was to form a friendship with a girl who would soon become one of the most important people in his life. We get to see Gray and Ivy bond over hilarious, heartwarming texts and become each other’s closest and dearest friend. But when Ivy comes home and these best friends finally get to meet each other in real life, things start to get a little complicated. Because beneath their friendly touches, their banter, their friendship, lies an intense attraction they’ve never felt with anyone before. Though both Ivy and Gray are hesitant to risk their friendship, they quickly realize that the once-in-a-lifetime love growing between them is worth… everything.

But what hits me the most is the way just seeing him makes me feel as though night has turned to day. Everything around me feels brighter, fresher. Gray is my joy. I know this now.

I loved loved loved the slow burn romance between Ivy and Gray. It’s perfectly paced with just the right amount of tension that keeps you wanting more. These two characters… they’re absolute perfection together, and being best friends adds such a great depth to their relationship. Gray and Ivy are MEANT to be together – their love comes across so clearly off the pages. The characters themselves are fantastically written as well. I’m a sucker for a reformed manwhore, and Gray is the perfect example of one. The things he says and does for Ivy… I’m so in love with him. It’s just so clear how much he belongs to and with Ivy that you can’t not root for them! And I adored Ivy as well. She’s an awesome heroine who I was able to connect with right away. The Friend Zone is a romance, but it’s also so much more. Alongside the love story is a journey of self-discovery, and I loved every single page of it.

“I’m crazy about you, Ivy. You have to know that. I’m so lost in you, I don’t ever want to find my way back.”

The Friend Zone is a stunning, beautifully written friends-to-lovers romance that everyone needs to read. I felt so much while I was reading, and I almost didn’t want the book to end. I loved this book SO FREAKING MUCH!!!! I loved Drew from The Hook Up, but GRAY…. he completely stole my heart. Fans of The Hook Up are going to LOVE Gray and Ivy’s book!

5 perfect hearts!

“I’m so fucking glad I borrowed your car,” he chokes out, his hand gripping my calf, rubbing it as if I’m precious. “The thought of you not being in my life tears me up. I… You are the happiness I never realized I needed.”

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

Reading Order: Game On series

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

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5May2015

Blog Tour + ARC Review & Giveaway: Heat by Penny Reid

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

Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for Elements of Chemistry: Heat by Penny Reid!

Heat by Penny Reid
Series: Elements of Chemistry #2 (full reading order below)
Release Date: April 30th 2015

Four days left.
Private beach (…and boat).
Not so invisible girl.
And maybe less of a jerk-faced bully than originally thought.
What’s the worst (or the best) that could happen?

Kaitlyn is finding life outside of the science cabinet of obscurity to be quite illuminating …and so are her pants.
When things heat up between Kaitlyn Parker and Martin—previously known as the jerk-faced bully—Sandeke, she places her trust in the one person she never thought capable of earning it, let alone keeping it safe. Fortunately or unfortunately for Kaitlyn, where she gives her trust she can’t help but also give her heart.

But how will the world beyond the sanctuary of their newfound connection react to their relationship? Soon senators, chinless billionaires, and elements beyond Martin and Kaitlyn’s control want to weigh in on the young couple’s future.

Navigating the chaotic inferno of new love might be more than Kaitlyn bargained for, and much, much more than her trust—or her heart—can handle.

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

WOW. Wowowow!!!! I freaking loooove Kaitlyn and Martin! Penny Reid blew me away AGAIN with this second installment of the Elements of Chemistry series. Heat was so deliciously hot and sexy… It’s title is very apt for the stuff that goes on between Kaitlyn and Martin in this book. I was a little disappointed how there wasn’t as much heat as I wanted in the first book… but I should’ve known I spoke too soon, because ALL that sexiness goes down in Heat. And while I loved the hot and heavy stuff, what shines in this novel is the incredible character development and relationship growth for Kaitlyn and Martin. Penny Reid is a fantastic writer who’s able to capture the wonder and passion of true love, as well as its hardships and downfalls.

“Maybe you’re right, maybe I don’t know how to treat people. But I meant it when I said that I… fucking hell, I want you. I like you. I’m all in. I’m not a liar and I’m doing my best here. You need to meet me part way.”

I loved getting to know more about Kaitlyn and Martin and getting to see how their relationship expanded and developed. These two are meant to be together, and they’re trying to find a way to make their relationship work and survive once they’re back in the real world. The chemistry amps up in Heat, but so do the frustrations. Kaitlyn and Martin are both highly intelligent people, but they’re not perfect. Despite their flaws, I still loved these two characters. I’m a bit addicted to them and their story. They have so many beautiful, tender, sweet moments that it’s hard not to fall in love with them.

“I don’t think you understand how badly I want you.”

I was utterly swept away by this book. Falling in love is a completely new concept for Kaitlyn and Martin and being in love changes how they view themselves and each other. Kaitlyn has always been a cautious person, guarding her heart, but with Martin, she’s able to open up and trust another person with her heart. Martin is completely head-over-heels in love with Kaitlyn and willing to do almost anything for her, when in the past he was very much a selfish person. Their romance is one that is unique, heartfelt, honest, and real.

“Why do people care about each other? What is attraction? I can’t give you a list of reasons why I react to you like I do. This isn’t an equation to balance. You’re the one I’m always thinking about. It’s you. It just is.”

Both Kaitlyn and Martin were a little frustrating in this book, so that’s why I can’t give a full 5-heart rating. Still, if you loved Attraction, you are going to LOVE Heat. Penny Reid just continues to amaze me with the incredible amount care she puts in the depth and growth in her characters. This book – this series – is well-written, witty, and so much fun to read.

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

Reading Order: Elements of Chemistry series

#1 ~ Attraction: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Heat: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Capture: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#1-3 ~ Elements of Chemistry Bundle: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

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.

Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

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4May2015

ARC Review: Broken Juliet by Leisa Rayven

Posted in 2 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Broken Juliet by Leisa Rayven
Series: Starcrossed #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: April 28th 2015
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

How do you fix a love that’s been broken beyond repair?

For years, Cassie Taylor tried to forget about Ethan Holt. He was the one great love of her life, and when he failed to return her love, a part of her died forever. Or so she thought. Now she and Ethan are sharing a Broadway stage, and he’s determined to win her back. Claiming to be a changed man, he’s finally able to say all the things she needed to hear years ago, but can she believe him? What makes this time different from all his other broken promises?

Ethan knows he can’t change their tumultuous past, but if he’s going to have any chance of being with the woman he loves, he’ll need to convince Cassie that her future belongs with him.

Don’t miss this stunning conclusion to the unforgettable love story that captivated over two million fans online.

“Let me prove I can love you the way you deserve.”

Less than impressed by Bad Romeo, I went into Broken Juliet with low expectations. I really hoped I would like the characters more since I really disliked them in Bad Romeo. So while I can say that I didn’t hate Broken Juliet, I still didn’t like the book, or the characters, very much either.

“What do you want?”
I want him. Can’t want him. Need him. Hate needing him.
“I don’t know,” I whisper.
“I do,” he says, leaning forward. “Invite me in. I promise, I’m here to stay this time.”

Broken Juliet picks up right after the end of Bad Romeo, with Cassie deciding whether or not to finally give Ethan another chance. In Bad Romeo, we know that Ethan broke Cassie’s heart twice, and here we finally get to know the details. Through the flashbacks, we discover the repetitive hurt and anger that make up Cassie and Ethan’s tumultuous relationship and the reasons why Ethan could never commit. He loved her, but his reasons for leaving her were so shallow and eye-roll worthy, I couldn’t like or understand him.

Past-Ethan was such a moody asshole. (FYI: Being an asshole doesn’t make you a bad boy – being an asshole makes you an asshole.) I found myself skimming a lot of the flashback chapters. They were incredibly repetitive and full of angry and/or angsty sex. Past-Cassie was a doormat, and even worse, a horny one at that. She kept giving in to the lust she felt for Ethan that I wanted to shake some sense into her. They had such an unhealthy relationship that I couldn’t get behind it or support them at all.

Thankfully, present Cassie and Ethan have grown up. Well, Cassie still rightfully harbors anger, hate, and hurt, but Ethan, thank god, has finally changed. Still, it took SIX YEARS for them to finally arrive where they are in Broken Juliet. I wouldn’t say I loved the new Ethan, but I was definitely looking forward to the ways he would prove his love for Cassie once and for all. Still, I would have enjoyed the present timeline much more if it weren’t for the many awful flashbacks full of bad decisions being made over and over and over again.

This series had so much potential, but the flashbacks just ruined it for me. I hated the Ethan and Cassie of six years ago so it was hard to like them in present day even though they weren’t as awful. Leisa Rayven’s writing, though, was a definite perk to reading this series, but it just wasn’t enough to let me fully enjoy reading. I really wish the flashbacks had taken a step back so that present day Cassie and Ethan could shine more.

I don’t think I ever fully understood before what a profound ability humans have to change, especially with the right motivation. We’re capable of remarkable evolution. Not just physically, but mentally.
Emotionally.

All in all, I had a difficult time with Broken Juliet. I can see fans of Bad Romeo enjoying Broken Juliet since they are pretty similar angst- and character-wise. I really wanted to love this series since so many people seem to enjoy it, but I can’t see how or why. I’m a big fan of the author’s writing, so I’m hoping her other upcoming books will have characters with much healthier relationships.

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

Reading Order: Starcrossed series

#1 ~ Bad Romeo: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Broken Juliet: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Wicked Heart: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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