Release Day Review: Cream of the Crop by Alice Clayton

Posted in 4 hearts, Giveaways, Reviews by Lacey

Cream of the Crop by Alice Clayton
Series: Hudson Valley #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 12th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Alice Clayton brings her trademark blend of funny and sexy to this second contemporary romance in the brand-new Hudson Valley series!

Manhattan’s It Girl, Natalie Grayson, has it all: she’s a hot exec at a leading advertising firm, known industry-wide for her challenging and edgy campaigns. She’s got a large circle of friends, a family that loves her dearly, and her dance card is always full with handsome eligible bachelors. What else could a modern gal-about-town wish for? The answer, of course, is…cheese.

Natalie’s favorite part of each week is spending Saturday morning at the Union Square Farmer’s Market, where she indulges her love of all things triple cream. Her favorite booth also indulges her love of all things handsome. Oscar Mendoza, owner of the Bailey Falls Creamery and purveyor of the finest artisanal cheeses the Hudson Valley has to offer, is tall, dark, mysterious, and a bit oblivious. Or so she thinks. But that doesn’t stop Natalie from fantasizing about the size of his, ahem, milk can.

Romance is churning, passion is burning, and something incredible is rising to the top. Could it be…love?

I’ve loved Alice Clayton since Wallbanger first came out, and her newest books in the Hudson Valley series are just as fun and entertaining as her first book. This author does rom-com like no other, so if you’re a fan of funny, sexy books, you’ll want to get your hands on this series! These books will have you laughing with delight and also have you blushing like crazy the next. Cream of the Crop is another winner from Alice Clayton — Nuts is still my favorite Hudson Valley book, but this one was pretty unique and I absolutely adored the heroine!

We first met Natalie in Nuts as one of Roxie’s best friends, and we know that Natalie has got a bit of a crush on a certain dairy farmer. Normally, Natalie’s the most confident, self-assured woman there is, but every time she’s within the vicinity of Oscar Mendoza, her brain fries and she’s literally only capable of saying two words to him. It’s hilarious and endearing – Natalie is seriously one of my favorite heroines ever! I just love her confidence (when she’s not shy around Oscar) and I love how empowered she is. She owns every one of her curves and I really couldn’t admire her more.

When she gets the chance to visit Hudson Valley for a job, Natalie jumps at the chance not only to see her best friend, but also to see Oscar in all his dairy glory. There’s a hot chemistry between these two characters despite how frazzled she is around Oscar, but once she gets over it, holy crap do sparks fly. These two are crazy hot together – there might have been a litttle too much sex, but otherwise I really enjoyed the way they were together.

Cream of the Crop is pure, light-hearted fun, and the perfect drama-free summer read. The romance was simple and uncomplicated, and the setting of Hudson Valley is gorgeous and homey. It’s seriously such a fun read – and I already can’t wait to read more of the series!

Reading Order: Hudson Valley series

#1 ~ Nuts: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Cream of the Crop: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

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11Jul2016

Blog Tour + ARC Review: Deep Redemption by Tillie Cole

Posted in 4 hearts, Blog Tours, Reviews by Lacey

Welcome to today’s stop on the tour for Deep Redemption by Tillie Cole!

Deep Redemption by Tillie Cole
Series: Hades Hangmen #4 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 12th 2016

ONLY THROUGH BLOOD CAN THE DEEPEST REDEMPTION BE FOUND…

He was born to ascend.
He was destined to lead.
He was never meant to fail.

Prophet Cain lies broken and defeated on the floor of his cell. A cell he has been thrown into by the one person who was supposed to stand by his side until the end. His flesh and blood, his only companion. His beloved twin brother.

Cain has sacrificed everything for his people. He left the safety and security of his life of study to infiltrate the infamous Hades Hangmen. He lived with them, rode with them, and then betrayed them. All in the name of a faith he can now feel slipping away from him. Like everything else he once held dear…

But then his isolation is broken. Another prisoner is brought to the cell next to his. A woman fighting her own demons and fears. A woman who Cain understands needs him, as he needs her.

As the connection between them grows, so does Cain’s resolve. He will right the wrongs he has done. He will atone for the evil acts carried out in his name. He will save the one he loves…

… Even if the battle takes him to the gates of hell itself.

Contemporary Dark Romance. Contains explicit sexual situations, violence, sensitive and taboo subjects, offensive language, and mature topics. Recommended for age 18 years and up.

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

Deep Redemption has been an anticipated read of mine since Rider first appeared in the first Hades Hangmen novel. I was extremely curious to see how Tillie Cole would play out Rider/Cain’s book, and now that it’s here, I really couldn’t see it playing out any other way than it did. This book is… intense. Graphic. Raw and uncensored. It’s not an easy read, but if you’re a fan of the series, you’ll probably want to get your hands on this book. SO many things happen, and all I can say is that I’m glad this isn’t the end of the Hades Hangmen yet!

I had been two men in my life. I was beginning to understand that neither of them were real. They were both the ultimate pretenders. Rider pretended to be a Hangman, but always stood on the outside, looking in. Cain pretended he was a prophet, outwardly faking strength, yet drowning in fear underneath. But if both of these men were a ruse, then who the hell was I? Who was the real me?
I had absolutely no idea.

Rider, aka Prophet Cain, has been led to believe one thing his entire life, but after some shocking and horrifying revelations about his religion and cult, he’s questioning everything – including himself. He’s been marked a traitor of his people and his own twin has thrown him in prison. Day in and out he is punished, beaten for his betrayal. There is no hope for him… until a beautiful girl is thrown into the cell next to him, and they form a bond unlike anything else. Harmony herself has been marked a Cursed Sister of Eve and is sentenced to a marriage with a cruel man. Will they ever find a way out of the dark? Will they be free to love each other? And who exactly is Harmony?

“A pure soul always finds love. Even through hate, they will always find the ability to claim love.”
“I’m not good,” he argued. “I don’t believe that.”
I smiled. Pressing my forehead to his, I said, “Then I will believe it for you.”

I wasn’t one of those readers who totally hated Rider, so his whole redemption wasn’t the main focus for me, but the romance between him and Harmony was. They are so freaking sweet together – I wish we’d gotten more romance instead of all the cult-related things. Honestly, the things that went on in Rider’s cult turned my stomach, and I had to skim some parts because I was just too disgusted to read some of what happened. For those of you who are curious about Rider’s redemption though, IMO Tillie Cole redeemed him very well. In the end, I just felt so bad for him, so I thought he deserved any chance at happiness he could get.

In the end, she had been the greatest blessing I could ever have prayed for.
A sin for the ultimate sinner.

I didn’t entirely love Deep Redemption (Heart Recaptured will still be my favorite Hades Hangmen book) but this book kept me on the edge of my seat and hooked on the story. I was biting my nails, terrified for Rider and Harmony, wanting them to get their HEA. It’s a raw, gritty, unfiltered novel, and fans of the series will more than likely enjoy this newest installment. If you’re new to the series, I highly recommend reading the books in order – though they’re about different couples, the over-arcing storyline continues throughout the story, so you might be a bit lost if you start in the middle. This is one of the best dark MC series I’ve read, and I’m dying to get more already! The next book will be AK and Phebe’s – I can’t wait for it!

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

Reading Order: Hades Hangmen series

$Souls Unfractured by Tillie Cole$

#1 ~ It Ain’t Me, Babe: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Heart Recaptured: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Souls Unfractured: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Deep Redemption: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#5 ~ Damnable Grace: Goodreads (release date TBA)
#6 ~ Crux Untamed: Goodreads (release date TBA)
#7 ~ Darkness Embraced: Goodreads (release date TBA)

Tillie Cole hails from a small town in the North-East of England. She grew up on a farm with her English mother, Scottish father and older sister and a multitude of rescue animals. As soon as she could, Tillie left her rural roots for the bright lights of the big city.

After graduating from Newcastle University with a BA Hons in Religious Studies, Tillie followed her Professional Rugby player husband around the world for a decade, becoming a teacher in between and thoroughly enjoyed teaching High School students Social Studies before putting pen to paper, and finishing her first novel.

Tillie has now settled in Austin, Texas, where she is finally able to sit down and write, throwing herself into fantasy worlds and the fabulous minds of her characters.

Tillie is both an independent and traditionally published author, and writes many genres including: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Young Adult and New Adult novels.

When she is not writing, Tillie enjoys nothing more than curling up on her couch watching movies, drinking far too much coffee, while convincing herself that she really doesn’t need that extra square of chocolate.

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Instagram • Goodreads

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11Jul2016

Release Day Review: One Week to Score by Kate Meader

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

One Week to Score by Kate Meader
Series: Tall, Dark, and Texan #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 11th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

He’s the man she loves to hate…

Olivia Kane’s wedding day has just imploded spectacularly. Shots lined up at the bar? Bring it. Hot stranger on the hook? Come on down. What this party does not need is six feet and change of home-grown Texas cockiness in the form of her brother’s best friend, the man who broke her heart seven years ago.

She’s the woman he has to have…

Flynn Cross won’t stand by while Liv finds sensual solace in the arms of a stranger, not when his own hard-for-her body is more than up for the task. For one week, he’ll make her honeymoon-for-one a sizzling party for two.

Breaking the rules, one steamy night at a time…

But the taboo they’re breaking is only the beginning…and Flynn’s part in Liv’s wedding debacle could bring about their end.

Kate Meader never disappoints with her hot and fun contemporary romances! One Week to Score is really the perfect steamy, summer read – it’s got fun characters, a scorching hot chemistry, and an amazing enemies-to-lovers romance you can’t get enough of. It’s quick, light-hearted, and did I mention sexy? So yeah, if you’re in the mood for something to escape to for a little while, this book would be it.

Olivia Kane used to have a huge crush her brother’s best friend, Flynn Cross, and they were good friends… until Flynn up and dumped her and never talked to her again. Years later, Olivia’s about to walk down the aisle to another man – except it turns out her fiancé is a lying cheat. Humiliated and angry on her wedding day, Olivia flies out to her honeymoon with the plan to sleep her way out of her misery. Any gorgeous man will do… but what happens when her former crush and friend, who she now hates, shows up?

“You were off-limits then for a whole host of reasons but now, I’m taking what belongs to me.”

Flynn has always known he’s never been good enough for Olivia. She was the only woman he ever cared about, but he chose to stay away from her when they were younger. Now, things are different, and Flynn’s not about to let Olivia have a fling with a random stranger when he’s there and perfectly willing to let her use him to her heart’s content. But this is Olivia, and despite all the years apart, Flynn finds himself falling fast and hard for her all over again. What happens when the seven-day honeymoon is over and they have to return back to reality?

“You slay me, Liv. Into little pieces. Always have.”

I had SO much fun reading One Week to Score. It was entertaining from start to finish – I LOVE enemies-to-lovers romances, and this was one I didn’t want to put down. Both main characters were well-written and the tension and banter between Flynn and Olivia really had me going. I almost wish the book were longer, because the story went by so fast! If you’re a fan of the author, or the older brother’s best friend/enemies-to-lovers tropes, then I highly recommend giving One Week to Score a try!

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

Reading Order: Tall, Dark, and Texan series

#1 ~ Even the Score: Ebook • Goodreads
#2 ~ Taking the Score: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ One Week to Score: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

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8Jul2016

Audiobook Review: Wildest Dreams by Kristen Ashley

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Wildest Dreams by Kristen Ashley
Series: Fantasyland #1 (full reading order below)
Audiobook Publication Date: June 21st 2016
Length: 18 hours and 49 minutes
Narrated by: Tillie Hooper
Links: Audible • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an audiobook in exchange for an honest review

Seoafin “Finnie” Wilde was taught by her parents that every breath was a treasure and to seek every adventure she could find. And she learns this lesson the hard way when they perish in a plane crash. But she never forgets and when she discovers there is a parallel universe where every person has a twin, she finds a witch who can send her there so she can have the adventure of a lifetime.

But upon arrival in the Winter Wonderland of Lunwyn, she realizes she’s been played by her twin and finds herself walking down the aisle to be wed to The Drakkar.

Thrown into inauspicious circumstances, with years of practice, Finnie bests the challenges and digs into her adventure. But as Frey Drakkar discovers the woman who is his new wife is not Princess Sjofn, a woman he dislikes but instead, his Finnie, a free-spirit with a thirst for venture just like him, without her knowledge he orders his new bride bound to his frozen world, everlasting.

But at the same time Frey plunges Finnie into a web of political intrigue that includes assassination plots, poison, magic, mystery and… dragons.

I absolutely LOVED Wildest Dreams!!! This might be my favorite audiobook from Kristen Ashley that I’ve listened to. Tillie Hooper’s narration is PERFECT, and the story is so epic and incredibly well-written. Wildest Dreams is my first non-contemporary book from KA, but I know it won’t be my last. For some reason, I was hesitant to read this book, but I’m so glad I got to experience it as an audiobook instead. I finished this 18+ hour long audiobook SO fast, because I just couldn’t stop listening! If you love a fantasy romance that will sweep you away on an epic adventure, get – this – audiobook!!

When Finnie discovers there’s a parallel universe where everyone has a twin and the twins of her parents are still alive, she doesn’t hesitate to find someone with the power to send her there. But when she arrives in Lunwyn, not everything has gone according to plan – her own twin has tricked her into switching places, so Finnie is now forced to marry Frey Drakkar, a fierce, savage warrior with the power to call upon dragons… and he hates Finnie on sight. So on top of navigating through this strange, fascinating world filled with magic, dragons, and elves, she has to make her new husband not hate her as much, and survive killers who want her dead.

Wildest Dreams really had it all. A well-developed world, characters that KA brought to life, and an epic romance that made me swoon. For a savage warrior, Frey was surprisingly sweet. Every time he mentioned Finnie being his ‘wildest dream’, my heart seriously fluttered. I adored the romance, the slow development of feelings, and I loved that even though Finnie and Frey are so different, they are so right for each other. I loved them together!

Tillie Hooper, the narrator, made what was an incredible book even better. I was so impressed with the way she was able to change her voice to fit each character’s dialogue, so no one person ever sounded the same. And props to her for being able to pronounce all the names in this book, because I know I wouldn’t even have tried to. She’s a brilliant narrator, and I know she narrates the second Fantasyland book as well, so I’m hoping the rest of the series will be narrated by her.

I will more than likely do another listen of Wildest Dreams, despite its long length, because it’s THAT good. I was sucked into this magical world KA created and I fell head over heels for the romance. Add in a flawless narration, and this audiobook was pretty much perfect for me. I can’t recommend this enough – if you have an extra credit, you NEED to use it on Wildest Dreams!

WILDEST DREAMS is now available on Audible: http://amzn.to/29TUBVM

Reading Order: Fantasyland series

#1 ~ Wildest Dreams: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ The Golden Dynasty: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Fantastical: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Broken Dove: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#5 ~ Midnight Soul: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Here’s an audio excerpt from Wildest Dreams!

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5Jul2016

Release Day Review: Into the Blue by Chanel Cleeton

Posted in 5 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Into the Blue by Chanel Cleeton
Series: Wild Aces #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 5th 2016
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Eric Jansen—call sign Thor—loves nothing more than pushing his F-16 to the limit. Returning home to South Carolina after a tragic loss, he hopes to fix the mistake he made long ago, when he chose the Air Force over his fiancée.

Becca Madison isn’t quick to welcome Thor back. She can’t forget how he shattered her heart. But Thor won’t give up once he’s set his sights on what he wants—and he wants Becca.

Thor shows Becca that he’s no longer the impulsive boy he used to be, and Becca finds herself irresistibly drawn to him. But will Thor be able to walk away from his dream of flying the F-16 for their love or does his heart belong to the sky?

I loved loved LOVED THIS BOOK!!! Into the Blue was the PERFECT second chance romance/military romance for me. I’m usually a bit picky about these two tropes, and put them together? I was terrified about how it would play out, but holy hell, did I adore Eric and Becca’s second chance at love. I couldn’t have imagined a better story for these two characters. And omg Eric – can you say SWOON!? He was utter perfection as a hero. Seriously, I loved this book so much! Into the Blue is the second book in the Wild Aces series, though it can be read as a standalone (you can check out my review for book one here). If you loved Fly with Me, get ready to get your hands on Into the Blue – it’s an absolute must read.

I’d been an idiot before and thrown away the best thing that had ever happened to me, but there was no way I was making the same mistake again.

Ten years ago, Becca and Eric had been in love, engaged, and ready to begin a new chapter in their lives. Becca thought they were happy, but apparently not, because Eric just up and left her behind to join the US Air Force. The past ten years have been filled with bitterness, anger, and hurt, so understandably, when Eric comes back home for the first time in a decade, Becca wants nothing to do with him. I felt for this girl so hard. I was angry on her behalf, even though I knew her heart has only ever been his. My heart broke for the way hers broke, and I wanted nothing more than for her to kick Eric’s ass and show him what he’s been missing, and thankfully, she delivers. I loved Becca wholeheartedly, because I could connect with her so well. She’s got a huge heart capable of so much love, but the hurt Eric caused only made her grow stronger. And this time, she’s not about to let him in that easily. I was so happy with the way she kept making Eric prove his love to her – Becca ROCKED as a heroine.

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.

The one thing that describes Eric? Regretful. He has so many regrets in life, but none does he regret more than leaving Becca, the love of his life. THIS is the kind of hero I adore reading about in second chance romances. The hero who never forgot about his lost love, the one who knows he effed up and can admit his mistakes. The kind of hero who’s not afraid to put his heart on the line again, and once he’s back in his woman’s life, he’s going to do everything he can to stay there permanently. Ten years ago, Eric gave up Becca for F-16’s – but this time around, he knows he’s not going to make the same mistake again. Will he be able to prove his love and devotion to her and win her heart again?

I’d never felt this way about anyone before. Wasn’t sure I’d even felt this way about her before. Maybe it took losing her to realize just how much I needed her, the contrast between my life with Becca and my life without never clearer than in this moment.

Eric and Becca were beautiful together. They might have loved each other back then, but they are so meant for each other even more now. Into the Blue made my heart ache in all the right places – the angst is so well done, but the love is what totally swept me away. Chanel Cleeton did such an amazing job with this story – it’s already become one of my favorite books of the year. Fly with Me was a fantastic read, but Into the Blue went above and beyond my expectations.

If you haven’t read the Wild Aces series yet, you are missing out. It’s an amazing military romance series – and if you love second chance romances too, Into the Blue will be perfect for you. This series only seems to be getting better and better, so I can’t even imagine how the third book will turn out, but I know I’m dying to read Easy’s story. I can already feel the heartache from On Broken Wings – January 2017 can’t get here fast enough!

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

Reading Order: Wild Aces series

#1 ~ Fly With Me: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Into the Blue: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ On Broken Wings: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads (Jan. 3, 2017)

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