BLOG TOUR: Sticking to the Script by Stella Weaver

Sticking to the Script, an all-new standalone in the romantic comedy Cipher Office series, from Stella Weaver is available now!

Steven Thompson had a bad year. A string of mean, kinky (the alarming kind, not the good kind), and crazy dating debacles combined with a boss who appears to be experiencing male-prenatal-psychosis means Steven’s stress levels are high. They’re so high, he’s decided to quit dating and focus instead solely on his job.

Until he meets Dr. Ken Miles.

Doctor Ken Miles is having a fantastic year. His hard work is paying off in a big way . . . professionally. But his social life? Not so much.

Until he meets Steven Thompson.

Steven isn’t so sure about Dr. Miles, but Ken is one hundred percent certain about Mr. Thompson. And even though both men know full well that the key to getting what you want out of life is hard work, they can’t seem to make them—together—work.

Will they ever get on the same page? Or just keep sticking to the same old script?

'Sticking to the Script' is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book#2 in the Cipher Office series, Knitting in the City World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

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Excerpt

“He asked you to a movie?” She blinked, nonplussed. “Who are we talking about?” Nico asked, leaning around Elizabeth to look at me. His green eyes held a mischievous twinkle, no doubt eager to hear a new chapter of farce and lunacy in Steven’s Big Book of Dating Disasters. “Ken Miles,” I replied. Nico’s twinkle and dimple disappeared. Whether Elizabeth disliked Ken or not, I was sure Nico loathed the man. I couldn’t blame him; it was his prerogative to hate men who used to lust after his wife. He arched one raven eyebrow and asked, “How’d that come about?” “Yeah,” Elizabeth said. “How, Steven?” Her tone was curious, but I thought I detected a little tinge of disapproval that I didn’t like. Not wanting to make an issue of anything, I replied with an easy nonchalance. “I ran into him at Buzzy’s. We started talking about Mystery Science Theater 3000—” “That show’s a riot,” Nico asserted, reaching for his fritter. “The reboot is pretty good, too.” “That’s what I told DKM.” I took Nico’s lead and grabbed my own heavenly pastry. “Then, when he found out the movie was playing at the Music Box,” he asked me if I wanted to see it. So, we went.” I shrugged. “There’s a movie?” Nico asked. “How did I not know this?” I mumbled around my fritter bite, “You’re not missing much.” “Stinker, eh?” “Little bit.” I shrugged again. That had been two, overly casual shrugs in just a few seconds and I worried I was playing it too cool. Elizabeth’s powers of observation surpassed my own. If I wasn’t careful, she’d have me giving her every last detail of the evening. “So,” she broke in. “Are you thinking this might have been like, you know, a date?” Her brows were drawn together in concern, her words tentative. I tilted my head in stern exasperation. “Puh-leeze. The man didn’t know who McSteamy was. I got the memo that he’s straight.” “Who’s McSteamy?” Nico asked. I pursed my lips together, raised my eyebrows and gestured to Nico. “I rest my case.” Elizabeth laughed. “I’m sorry, I just didn’t want you getting the wrong idea or anything. He’s”—she looked at her husband in apology—“he’s very good-looking, and I could see how asking you to a movie could get your hopes up.” “Nah,” I waved dismissively. “I know what’s up. But I think we could hang out,” I volunteered without thinking. I instantly regretted my slip. “Good luck with that,” Nico said with a laugh. “We had a good time. He’s kind of funny,” I defended. “Not possible,” he declared. Nico was a comedian, and a very successful one at that. He knew what was funny and wasn’t about to give the odious Dr. Miles any benefit of the doubt where humor was concerned. Inexplicable annoyance spurred me to continue. “I think I might make hanging out with him a regular thing.” “I don’t think a stiff like that knows how to have fun.” Elizabeth grimaced at her husband’s uncharacteristic snark, then issued me a sympathetic smile. “Well, it will be good for Dr. Ken Miles. He’s not the most colorful person in the city, that’s for sure. Maybe you’ll broaden his horizons.”

(My review HERE)

About Stella Weaver

Stella Weaver is a reader, writer, sloppy crafter and family-woman. She’s a native of coastal northern California who now lives on the Texas Gulf coast. She’s won the much coveted #1 Mom of the Year Award and has the coffee mug to prove it.

Connect with Stella Weaver

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Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

BLOG TOUR: Beard with Me (Winston Brothers, Book 6) by Penny Reid

“This is Penny Reid at her finest.” -- L.B. Dunbar, author

Beard With Me, an epic and breathtaking story from New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Penny Reid, is available now!

No one is better at surviving than Scarlet St. Claire and making the best out of circumstances beyond her control is Scarlet’s specialty. In an apocalyptic situation, she’d be the last person on earth, hermitting like a pro, singing along to her CD Walkman, and dancing like no one is watching.

Scarlet is clever, Scarlet is careful, and Scarlet is smart . . . except when it comes to Billy Winston.

No one is better at fighting than Billy Winston and raging against his circumstances—because nothing is beyond his control—is Billy’s specialty. In an apocalyptic situation, he’d be the first person on earth to lead others to safety, overcome catastrophe, or die trying.

Billy is fearless, Billy is disciplined, and Billy is honorable . . . except when it comes to Scarlet St. Claire.

‘Beard With Me’ is the origin story of Billy Winston and Scarlet St. Claire (aka Claire McClure) and is just the beginning of their epic love story.

.

Download your copy today!

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Enter the giveaway for a signed paperback set of The Winston Brothers Series!

http://bit.ly/2mGr64Q

Excerpt

*Scarlet* “Do you want me to leave?” Yes. That would be best, a wise voice said between my ears. So of course I inhaled deeply and said as calmly as I could manage, “I thought we were going to go get firewood.” “Okay. Good.” “But then,” I blurted, flustered and irritated with myself for not speaking wisdom, “You should go. You can’t tell me carting firewood back and forth between your house and here is how you want to spend the last of your Thanksgiving weekend.” “I didn’t say it was.” He began making his way up the incline. “But you just said—” “How about we make a deal.” Billy dropped the kindling next to my little woodpile, dusting his hands off on his pants. “I’ll cart the firewood, and you sing.” “You want me to serenade you while we carry firewood?” He smiled, slow and easy as he walked to me and reached out his hand. On autopilot, I accepted it and allowed him to help me up. As soon as I was standing, his gaze moved from my hairline down to my nose, lips, and then chin, saying quietly, “I’ll take a serenade from you anytime.” Thunk ka-thunk. That was my heart. It had been doing the thunk ka-thunk quite a lot around him. I ignored it, because what else could I do? “And you’re not carrying the wood.” He tugged on my hand, pulling me out of my daze and past my tent. “I will too carry wood.” Struggling to find my bearings, I stumbled after him. “I can carry logs just fine.” “You’ll carry a log.” Billy fit his fingers between mine, pressing our palms together and grinning at me like he was waiting for me to argue and he couldn’t wait. Snapping my mouth shut, I glared at him. “Nothing to say?” Maintaining my glare, I walked next to him. I wasn’t being led anywhere I didn’t wish to go. Not anymore. He wasn’t talking me into anything else. “That’s an awfully mean look, Scarlet.” His grin grew, his brutally attractive eyes glowing happily as he peered down at me. “Well, you deserve it. Always trying to tell me what I can and can’t do. I’m not arguing with you about this. I’m carrying as much wood as I want and you can take your stupid, chauvinistic opinions and shove them up your pretty-boy ass.” Goodness. Where had that come from? Billy’s steps faltered and his mouth fell open, his eyebrows rising high on his forehead. He stared at me, looking shocked as hell. And then in the next moment, he threw his head back and laughed. But he did not let go of me, instead bringing my knuckles to his chest as his deep, rumbly laughter filled the empty spaces between the trees, surrounding us. Crushing me. Yes. I was well and truly crushed as I could only watch Billy Winston laugh, desperately basking in the image of him so delighted and relaxed. I had the odd sense that his laughter also filled the empty spaces inside of me, the neglected, vacant rooms, and even a few places that felt brand-new, like he’d created them. All that noble honesty he carried around like a boulder abruptly lifted, revealing him. Just him. Carefree and young and happy. Someone he might’ve been if his burdens hadn’t been so heavy, his responsibilities so broad. It lasted only a minute, maybe two, maybe less, but I had the sense of being caught afterward. Billy’s laughter had receded, but he’d spun a web while I’d been staring at him, holding his hand. His grin became smaller and he bit his bottom lip, his gaze dropped to my mouth. “You think I’m pretty?” “You know you’re pretty,” I said, bizarrely out of breath, rattled, needing to anchor my focus to a tree beyond him and waging war against the heat climbing up my neck to my cheeks. Oddly, my eyes stung. I blinked. His attention was still on me. I felt it, but I didn’t dare look at him. I couldn’t handle one of Billy Winston’s intense stares right now. He’d probably use my scattered wits to his advantage, talk me into something I shouldn’t want to do, and then I’d be kicking myself later. “What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice deep with concern, all trace of his earlier humor gone. I huffed, trying half-heartedly to steal my hand back from him. He didn’t let it go, instead taking my tugging as a signal to step closer, filling my vision. “Scarlet—” “Are you ever going to teach me how to play the guitar?” I closed my eyes. He didn’t answer right away, and I felt him hesitate, his mind work before he muttered, “It’s only been a week.” A quality to his voice made me think he wasn’t answering the question I’d asked, but rather he was reminding himself that it had only been a week since we’d struck the deal. Was that only last week? Why does it feel like so much has changed? Then he said, “Don’t be angry.” “I’m not angry.” I was muddled, my head and heart hurt, I was incredibly confused, but I wasn’t angry. The air shifted and I felt him move closer. A second later, the fingers of his free hand were at my ear, tucking my hair behind it, his fingertips lingering at my neck, sending wave after wave of goose bumps every which way. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t swallow. I couldn’t think. Every nerve in my body strained toward him and I didn’t understand it. What is happening? “Have you ever been kissed, Scarlet?”

(My review HERE)

Meet Penny Reid:

Penny Reid is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best Selling Author of the Winston Brothers, Knitting in the City, Rugby, and Hypothesis series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she just writes books. She’s also a full time mom to three diminutive adults, wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja.

Connect with Penny:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennyReidWriter/

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2lakzsD

Twitter: @ReidRomance

Mailing List: http://pennyreid.ninja/newsletter/

www.pennyreid.ninja

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

BLOG TOUR: Nine: The Tale of Kevin Clearwater by TM Frazier

"Nine was just as hilarious as it was dark and violent. Just as deep and emotional as it was smoking hot. NINE stars!!!"- BB Easton, bestselling author

Nine: The Tale of Kevin Clearwater, the highly anticipated new standalone from USA Today bestselling author T.M. Frazier is available now!

Nine lives.

Nine inches.

One chance to make her his.

Preppy's brother is about to live up to the family legacy in more ways than one.

This is the story of Nine, The Tale of Kevin Clearwater.

Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2CWvzF7

AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2HZ2zka

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/N9NE

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Kobo: http://bit.ly/2TWFXma

Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2H5IXJN

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Excerpt:

I look up into his dark eyes. “This is a dangerous game of cat and mouse we’re playing.” “More like a game of cat and bird,” he corrects. I straighten my posture, my nipples grazing his hard chest. “And we all know how that turns out in the end. The cat eats the bird.” Nine lightly scrapes his nails over my bare arms before pressing them into my skin. I gasp at the slight bite of pain. “No, the pretty bird swoops down from nowhere and sinks her sharp talons into the cat, marking him for life.” There’s no sarcasm in his voice. I don’t know how to begin to process what it is he’s saying. It takes all of my concentration to get out my next few words. “And...and then what?” Nine picks me up off the floor in one quick motion, flipping me back onto the bed. He crawls over my body, hovering above me, pinning my wrists to the mattress. He grazes his teeth over the sensitive spot behind my ear. He lowers his voice to a deliciously deep rumble that has me vibrating with his every word. “And then he eats her.”

Review:

RATING:

First, that cover!!!! That alone deserves half-rating, if not a full one, in my books. No?!?! kjfhjtjsvlcn!!!!! Holy smokes!!!

This is Nine's story. Kevin's. Preppy's brother!!! If you're a fan of the series like I am, this is much anticipated. Am I right, or am I right? So whatever else I say from hereon, take it with a grain of salt. Yes, this can standalone, just to clarify, but definitely best if you read the previous books in the series. 

Nine first made a brief appearance in Preppy's book. With a brother like Preppy, how can you not be intrigued by this young fella! Nine's every bit of a Clearwater, yum! Just like his brother but also different. Preppy is after all in a league of his own. Oh, but he sure fits that circle of Logan Beach fellas. And he's worthy to be in that circle. 

Lenny is your typical TM heroine, and that's a good thing. They may be young but they have lived twenty lives enough to break some people but never TM's heroines. They come out even stronger. With all of Lenny's handicap, she's smart, funny and quite resilient.

Put these 2 together and you get an electric connection. Holy sizzle!

The story will keep you glued. There are bad men out there. These boys live dangerous and violent lives after all and they will do everything to protect their women. Nine is no exception. 

Now the rating itself... umm... hmmm... how should I put this... I'm not quite liking myself right now, quite frankly. I truly wish I can say I love this book... sigh...

Loved the prologue, but I feel moving the timeline ahead after didn't help. I didn't have enough time to fully buy into the feelings, unfortunately, sad sigh... Maybe if it was longer? That could be it, I suppose. I've been spoiled by TM and have a gotten at least 2 books for each boys in the past. Wishful thinking... o well...

(runs away to duck)

About the Author

T.M. (Tracey Marie) Frazier never dreamed that a single person would ever read a word she wrote when she published her first book. Now, she is a five-time USA Today bestselling author and her books have been translated into numerous languages and published all around the world. T.M. enjoys writing what she calls sexy‘wrongside of the tracks romance’ with morally corrupt anti-heroes and ballsy heroines. Her books have been described as raw, dark and gritty. Basically, what that means, is while some authors are great at describing a flower as it blooms, T.M. is better at describing it in the final stages of decay. She loves meeting her readers, but if you see her at an event please don’t pinch her because she's not ready to wake up from this amazing dream.

Connect with T.M. Frazier

Facebook: http://bit.ly/TMFRAZIERBOOKS

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Stay up to date with T.M. by signing up for her mailing list: http://bit.ly/TMFrazier 

Website: http://www.tmfrazierbooks.com

For Text Alerts: TEXT “TMFRAZIER” TO 77948 

  *Standard text messaging rates apply*

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

BLOG TOUR: Jersey Six by Jewel E Ann

“Jewel E. Ann has once again crafted a flawless story that is utterly unique and unforgettable. Hands down my favorite book of 2019!”

-- Aly Martinez, USA Today bestselling author

Jersey Six, an all-new “intriguing, gut wrenching and raw” romantic suspense from Jewel E. Ann, is available now!

How far would you go for revenge?

A hit-and-run accident leaves Jersey Six orphaned and homeless on the streets of Newark, shattering her dreams of school dances, pink nail polish, and a diploma.

Eight years later, a burn victim with amnesia wanders into Jersey’s barely-existent life. She resists his efforts to form a friendship until he reveals knowledge of the person responsible for derailing her future. Through their unusual friendship, she discovers a way to avenge the deaths of her foster parents.

All she has to do is destroy the world’s biggest rock star.

In the ultimate game of sex, lies, and manipulation, can Jersey discover the truth? Or will she be blinded by attraction, deceived by love, and destroyed by her past?

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2EXNz3c

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/JerseySix

Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2WIS8nR

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2UTqCIj

Excerpt:

“We ate at the hotel.” Her lips twisted to the side. “Mind if I stick some stuff in my bag for later?” A tiny wrinkle formed between Ian’s eyes, just below the long sweep of his black bangs. “There will be lots of food available later too. But…” he shrugged, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees “…take whatever you want.” Jersey glanced over her shoulder at the food and the three other men in the room. She decided to wait a little while before shoving as much as possible into her bag like a free-for-all. “Thanks.” Jersey returned her attention to Ian. “So … you’re a singer. Like … are you a big deal?” Every word she spoke seemed to feed his level of happiness. “Well …” He rubbed his chin, twisting his lips. “We play music. People like to listen to our music. But no … it’s not a big deal. We’re not saving lives or anything like that.” She eyed him with suspicion for a few seconds. That smile of his didn’t feel worthy of complete trust. “Um … what exactly do you need me to do? What’s my job? They already took Chris. Will that big, bearded guy come for me too?” Jersey couldn’t remember his name. “No.” Ian stood, pushing his elbows out from his shoulders, twisting side to side. “Tonight you are just going to watch the concert from backstage. Tomorrow night you’ll sell merchandise.” “Drugs. You mean drugs, don’t you?” Ian paused his stretching, letting his arms fall limp to his sides. “Merchandise—T-shirts, posters, keychains, phone cases, hats, guitar pics …” “To who?” “Fans.” Ian grinned. “Okay. I might have understated all of this to you … can you name a famous singer? Old or new. Doesn’t matter. Just a famous singer.” “I had a foster parent who used to listen to Josh Groban.” Jersey gnashed her teeth, still feeling so much anger. Dena wasn’t just a foster parent; she was Jersey’s friend. “Okay. Well, Josh has sold millions of records, and he’s a huge star in his genre of music. Thousands of people pack venues all over the world to see him sing live in concert. And they sell merchandise of his at those concerts.” Jersey gazed unblinkingly at Ian as he scratched his jaw. “Well, I sing a different genre of music, but I, too, travel the world, singing to sold-out concert venues, andI have people who sell my merchandise at these concerts.” Jersey dropped her bag to her feet and planted her fists on her hips. “Listen, Coop. Stop talking down to me. I’m not an idiot. I know what a concert is. But earlier today you didn’t say what you did or what the job was you were offering. You bought a homeless person a hot dog and offered her a job. Of course, I’m going to think something sketchy might be involved.” Tipping her chin up, she held her breath to puff out her chest, pretending the recent revelation of Ian Cooper being a famous singer didn’t faze her one bit. Inside, Jersey’s heart hammered into her ribcage, and her mind reeled trying to figure out the day’s events. “Coop?” His lips twitched into a tiny grin. “It’s short for Cooper.” “Clearly.” Ian chuckled. “But my name is Ian. Everyone calls me Ian.” “I busted the nose and jaw of a kid named Ian. He tried to stick his c0ck in my a$$. I’ll call you Tom, Dick, or Harry, but I’m not calling you Ian because that makes me want to physically harm you.” Ian’s eyebrows shot up his forehead as his head whipped back a few inches. “Coop it is.”

Review:

RATING:

Jewel has done it again. Given me a book with a cryptic enough blurb, one that’s unique, full of emotions and jaw-dropping moments. Dunno why this didn’t occur to me before. After reading this book, I now dub Jewel queen of complicated romance. I have a few titles accorded some authors in my head. Jewel officially now has a title in my head.

As well, after having read this book, I realized I haven’t read Jewel in a while and it occurred to me that my Jewel well is parched and needed refilling. Am I glad to have refilled that well with this book? Frankly, I don’t know. It feels quite different from the past Jewel reads, but then again, when has she given me the same stuff. I almost see this as emo dark romance with suspense. I’m all for dark romance. And when you add emo, it does add gravity to the emotions that’s harder to shake off.

This book has dark themes. It’s not an easy read. I personally feel it should have content warning. It may not be for everybody. Jersey’s past is harsh. She has a lot of rough edges, as in a lot. Hard to love her at times even with her best intentions. She’s as human as can be.

Next to Jersey, Ian is practically perfect. And turns out he is, even with his greatest secret, I’d say.

One thing I’m also realizing now is the PTSD-inducing feeling that Jewel books is evoking out of me. Not to trivialize the real condition, but the more Jewel books I read, the more I find the need to brace myself because I honestly don’t know what kind of emotions Jewel will evoke out of me. From the first page, I’m already wondering when the other shoe will drop. In this case, I was constantly wondering what moves Jersey will make. I was constantly wondering why Ian does what he does and feels what he feels. I was constantly wondering why other people’s motives matter as much. I was constantly wondering why other people are being helpful. That’s how anxious she made me feel. Does that take away something from fully enjoying the ending? A tad, but then it gives me a good excuse to go back and see things from a different light, I suppose.

One thing I didn’t wonder about is Jersey’s motives. In as much as I don’t agree with half the things she said and did, I understood it as best I could. Her past shaped her; can anyone really blame her? The growth in her is a sight though in the end.

And as far as Ian is concerned, after all that’s said and done, my heart simply cracked. No two ways about it… sigh…

If there’s anything, I just wished that some things were revealed sooner to give me more time to enjoy the pleasurable parts rather than constantly questioning things in my head. In my head, I started asking myself if this is really romance that I’m reading. But that’s more on me.

Jewel, what are you doing to me?!?!?!

(PS. Hope I can ask her that face-to-face soon enough. Maybe? If the book and travel gods convince Jewel that she can spare time for a fan in a coffee shop over cinnamon rolls. Maybe? *crossing fingers* HAHAHAHAHA)

Enter Jewel’s giveaway for a signed paperback and swag!

https://www.jeweleann.com/jersey-six-giveaway

About Jewel

Jewel is a free-spirited romance junkie with a quirky sense of humor. With 10 years of flossing lectures under her belt, she took early retirement from her dental hygiene career to stay home with her three awesome boys and manage the family business. After her best friend of nearly 30 years suggested a few books from the Contemporary Romance genre, Jewel was hooked. Devouring two and three books a week but still craving more, she decided to practice sustainable reading, AKA writing. When she’s not donning her cape and saving the planet one tree at a time, she enjoys yoga with friends, good food with family, rock climbing with her kids, watching How I Met Your Mother reruns, and of course…heart-wrenching, tear-jerking, panty-scorching novels.

Connect with Jewel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjeweleann/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JewelE_Ann

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorjeweleann/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jewel-e-ann

Stay up to date with Jewel by joining her mailing list:

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http://www.jeweleann.com

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

BLOG TOUR: Written with You by Aly Martinez

“Aly Martinez is one of the best in the business. You have to read her books.” --Meghan March, New York Times Bestselling Author

Written With You, the emotional and highly anticipated conclusion to The Regret Duet from USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez, is available now!

When I was fifteen, a single bullet changed my life. I spent the next decade trying to outrun the devastation of my past, building an empire that would shield me from whatever life could throw at me.

But all the money in the world couldn’t help me when I found a screaming newborn abandoned on my doorstep.

I’d never wanted to be a father. Passing the sludge that ran through my veins down to an innocent child seemed like a tragedy. But there she was—pink cheeks, red hair, and mine.

Somehow, against all logic, that little girl became the best thing that ever happened to me. It was impossible to stay lost in the past when I was the only one who could protect her future.

Which is exactly why, when her mother came back four years later, I was ready for battle.

If only I could stop myself from falling in love with her during the war.

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2VMEV1Z

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Start the duet today with Written With Regret

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Every little girl dreams of the fairytale. The one where the white knight rushes in to save her from the clutches of evil. They fall in love, have babies, and live happily ever after.

By that definition, my life should have been a fairytale too.

When I was eight years old, Caven Hunt saved me from the worst kind of evil to walk the Earth. It didn’t matter that I was a kid. I fell in love with him all the same.

But that was where my fairytale ended.

Years later, a one-night stand during the darkest time imaginable gave us a little girl. It was nothing compared to the pitch black that consumed me when I was forced to leave her with Caven for good.

At the end of every fairytale, the happily-ever-after is the one thing that remains consistent. It wasn’t going to be mine, but there hadn’t been a night that passed where I hadn’t prayed that it would be hers.

I owed Caven my life.

However, I owed that innocent child more.

And that included ripping the heart from my chest and facing her father again.

Review

RATING:

This picks up right where 1^st book ended. Things are starting to unravel. Secrets are slowly coming out. I’m definitely happy to see Aly giving me so much more of their history because it explained a lot of things in order for me to let go of previous misgivings (o ye of little faith) and made me just love these characters some more.

If the first book gave me details of the event, this gave me the feelings behind it, and o boy did I feel it! My eyes just kept leaking at certain moments, I wasn’t sure how much they were gonna break me. So much feelz!!!

A majority of the book is about the MC’s working on how to move forward with the kind of history they have and knowing what they know. It made total sense, but it did make me a tad impatient.

The last 15% or so totally caught me off guard. I did not see that coming at all! So I really appreciate Aly giving the readers that extended epilogue. What a journey it has been… sigh…

And if I wasn’t clear in my review of the first book, I want to be clear here. Rosalee, the daughter, definitely deserves a star of her own!

About Aly

Originally from Savannah, Georgia, USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez now lives in South Carolina with her husband and four young children.

Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, mystery leggings, and olives. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person.

She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.

Connect with Aly

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAlyMartinez/

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Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

BLOG TOUR: Written with Regret by Aly Martinez

Written With Regret, the first in an all-new emotional duet from USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez, is available now!

Every little girl dreams of the fairytale. The one where the white knight rushes in to save her from the clutches of evil. They fall in love, have babies, and live happily ever after.

By that definition, my life should have been a fairytale too.

When I was eight years old, Caven Hunt saved me from the worst kind of evil to walk the Earth. It didn’t matter that I was a kid. I fell in love with him all the same.

But that was where my fairytale ended.

Years later, a one-night stand during the darkest time imaginable gave us a little girl. It was nothing compared to the pitch black that consumed me when I was forced to leave her with Caven for good.

At the end of every fairytale, the happily-ever-after is the one thing that remains consistent. It wasn’t going to be mine, but there hadn’t been a night that passed where I hadn’t prayed that it would be hers.

I owed Caven my life.

However, I owed that innocent child more.

And that included ripping the heart from my chest and facing her father again.

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Excerpt:

Life had never been easy for me. Chaos had been following me like a dark cloud, looming and hovering, casting its shadow far and wide despite how bright the path in front of me should have appeared. After growing up the way I had, where happiness had been more of a privilege than a choice, I knew better than to believe that that moment would be anything other than fleeting.

And one second later, the universe proved me right.

I opened the door to see who had rung the bell—a cursory check revealed an empty hallway.

And that’s when I heard it: the sound that changed not only my entire life in the present, but my life for all future days to come.

At first, it was just a grunt, but as if that baby could feel my gaze, the minute my eyes made contact, it let out a sharp cry.

Confusion hit me like a lightning bolt, sending me back a step. I used the door frame for balance as I took in the yellow blanket with a hole only big enough to reveal a pale-pink face.

“What the f*ck?” I breathed. Glancing around the hall, I waited for someone to jump out and start laughing. When no one spoke up to issue a punchline, I took a step closer and repeated, “What the f*ck?”

I was utterly unable to process the absurdity in front of me.

Of course, I knew the facts.

It was a baby.

On my doorstep.

Alone.

But the why in that equation was glaringly absent.

“Uhhh,” Ian drawled, peering over my shoulder. “Why is there a kid at your door?”

“I have no idea,” I replied, staring down at the squirming and now-screaming bundle. “It was just there when I opened the door.”

Ian shoved me to the side so he could stand beside me. “You’re sh!tting me, right?”

“Does it look like I’m sh!tting you?”

He looked from me to the baby, then back again. “How did it get there?”

We were two incredibly smart men who had created a technology empire out of nothing. But, clearly, a baby was too big for either of us to wrap our minds around.

I swept an arm out and pointed to the kid. “I have no clue, but I’m assuming it didn’t catch a cab.”

A light of understanding hit his eyes. He moved first, stepping over the crying baby and hurrying down the hall, searching around the corner near the elevator before returning alone.

The party continued behind me, but even with the door open, the loud chatter was no match for the ear-piecing cries happening in that hallway.

Veronica suddenly appeared beside me, her body going solid as she stammered out. “Is that…a baby?”

“Back up,” I urged, throwing my arm out to block her path as though the infant were going to suddenly morph into a rabid animal. And let’s be honest, I knew nothing about babies. Anything was possible.

Ian dropped to his knees, scooping up the wailing child. Meanwhile, I stood there like a gawking idiot, paralyzed by a weight I didn’t yet understand.

“Call the pol—” He stopped abruptly and reached into the top of the child’s blanket. “Oh sh!t,” he whispered, his wide, panic-filled eyes flashing to mine.

“What?” I asked, stepping toward him to get a better look at the kid. Only it wasn’t that tiny baby cradled in his arms that made my heart stop and bile rise in my throat.

There, in my best friend’s hand, was a folded piece of notebook paper that had been tucked into the child’s blanket. From the looks of it, the paper was unremarkable in every sense of the word. Blue lines, white spaces, hanging remnants from where it had been haphazardly ripped from a spiral bound notebook. Even the crease was crooked. But it was my name scrawled on the outside in messy, black ink that made it the most remarkable paper in existence.

I snatched it from his hand and, with blood roaring in my ears, opened it.

Caven,

I’m sorry. I never meant for this to happen. This is our daughter Keira. I’ll love her forever. Take care of her the way I can’t.

Written with regret,

Hadley

The hall began to spin, my head feeling like every ounce of blood had been drained from my body. The thundering in my ears faded and the loud chatter of my guests, who were suddenly aware that something was happening at the door, roared to life.

And then the chaos finally found me all over again—the past playing out in my head like my life flashing before my eyes.

I sucked in a deep breath and looked at the baby in his arms. The blanket had fallen off its head just enough to reveal a patch of fine hairs, more orange than its mother’s red.

“Call the police,” I declared, turning on a toe and walking back into my apartment, leaving Ian standing in the hall with Hadley’s child.

Shoving through the crowd of concerned onlookers, I headed straight to the bottles of liquor lining the counter. I didn’t bother with ice or even a glass. I threw back that bottle of vodka, hoping like hell the burn of the alcohol could numb the panic coursing through my veins.

Through it all, that baby never stopped crying.

Pre-order the stunning conclusion, Written With You, today!

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REVIEW

RATING:

Here we go, here we go, here we go again... what's my weakness? Aly's men! *giggles*

Another story from Aly full of heart-wrenching, and ereader-squeezing moments. Gotta hand it to Aly to give me unique stories with this being no exception.

Their history comes from such a dark place. My heart was pounding just as much as they were going thru their past experience. Interspersed with the present, I was just as nervous.

One word that really did it for me with this book, Caven. Simple as that. Caven has my heart right from the get-go. I love even more being in his head. It felt so genuine, and I love his humor.

Hadley was just as witty and authentic. My gripe was with the timing of some of her actions. I think it's because I've just gotten really protective of Caven.

Now the ending will leave you 'say wut'-ing. If that ending doesn't bury its hook on you, I say good on you LOL because it definitely left me with mouth agape.

Book 2, where are you?!?!?!

About Aly

Originally from Savannah, Georgia, USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez now lives in South Carolina with her husband and four young children.

Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, mystery leggings, and olives. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person.

She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.

Connect with Aly

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAlyMartinez/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlyMartinezAuth

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2We92eT

BookBub: http://bit.ly/2V32S4B

GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2UKGUOM

Facebook Reader Group: http://bit.ly/2DEpPAh

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoralymartinez/

Website: https://alymartinez.com/

Stay up to date with Aly by signing up for her mailing list today:

https://alymartinez.com/subscribe-to-my-newsletter/

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

BLOG TOUR: Marriage of Inconvenience (Knitting in the City, Book 7) by Penny Reid

Marriage of Inconvenience, an all new romantic comedy standalone in the USA Today bestselling, Knitting in the City Series by Penny Reid, is available NOW!

There are three things you need to know about Kat Tanner (aka Kathleen Tyson. . . and yes, she is *that* Kathleen Tyson): 1) She’s determined to make good decisions, 2) She must get married ASAP, and 3) She knows how to knit.

Being a billionaire heiress isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. In fact, it sucks. Determined to live a quiet life, Kat Tanner changed her identity years ago and eschewed her family’s legacy. But now, Kat’s silver spoon past has finally caught up with her, and so have her youthful mistakes. To avoid imminent disaster, she must marry immediately; it is essential that the person she chooses have no romantic feelings for her whatsoever and be completely trustworthy.

Fortunately, she knows exactly who to ask. Dan O’Malley checks all the boxes: single, romantically indifferent to her, completely trustworthy. Sure, she might have a wee little crush on Dan the Security Man, but with clear rules, expectations, and a legally binding contract, Kat is certain she can make it through this debacle with her sanity—and heart—all in one piece.

Except, what happens when Dan O’Malley isn’t as indifferent—or as trustworthy—as she thought?

Excerpt:

Staring at his chin, because I couldn’t quite lift my eyes any higher, I cleared my throat. “Should we get ready for bed?” “Sure,” he said, his voice a rumble. Dan’s eyes were on me, I felt the weight of them. My hands came to the hem of my skirt and I hesitated, feeling winded for some reason. Sneaking a glance at him, I immediately wished I hadn’t. His gaze was watchful, but it was also unmistakably hot in a way that seemed at once both avaricious and accusatory. The vice tightened around my lungs. Kiss him! Just freaking kiss him! You want numbered steps? Fine. You kiss him- check. He kisses you back- check. Then you make out- check. Check the boxes. I licked my lips, balling my hands into fists at my sides again, preparing to follow my hasty list. But then he said, “Undress me.” My breath caught. On instinct, my eyes lifted and collided with his in much the same way our bodies had collided at the top of the stairs just moments ago. Jarring. Startling. Thrilling. This time I couldn’t look away because this time I was falling. He made no move to catch me. “What? What did you say?” His eyes narrowed, which served only to increase the intensity of his gaze from smolder to inferno. “Take my clothes off.” I stared at him, licking my lips again, and shaking my head. That wasn’t one of my steps. Lifting my chin, I moved to kiss him. He leaned to the side, evading me even as his eyes dropped to my mouth. “Take off my shirt and I’ll give you a kiss.” He’d used his naughty-secret voice. An explosion of heat erupted in my belly, and now I was hot all over. I couldn’t figure out if the heat was embarrassment or arousal or both. He didn’t give me a chance to figure it out. His hands lifted and he undid his cuffs; then they moved to the top button of his shirt. “You better take over,” he said darkly, “or else you’re not getting that kiss.”

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REVIEW

RATING:

Here we are at the end(?) of the series... sigh... I suppose all good things must come to an end... or should it?... My only consolation, I actually started this series almost at the end, so just the thought of going thru the older books in the series makes me feel better already <grins>

Kat is the perfect example of "walk a mile..." It's so easy to judge her with her #firstworldproblems. But you know what, like my grandma used to say, small money, small problems, big money, big problems. Only a (very) small percentage of society might go thru what Kat went thru, but in the end, whether you're in that strata of society or not, it's not hard to understand that at the end of the day, Kat is just Kat. A woman who has to deal with family crisis, tackle mental health issues, just want to be a good friend and find love with the right man.

Dan couldn't be more perfect. Perfect for Kat, perfect book boyfriend. He's such a well-rounded character. He had his own insecurities. He overcame his challenges. And most importantly, at the end of the day, he was able to love Kat the way she needed to be loved. He was good with his family. He was a good friend. Dan... is the MAN! Sigh...

"He felt like a life raft. Like a strong, steady, safe harbor in the tempest of the last twelve hours. Or maybe in the chaos of my entire life."

It's delish to see how things unfolded for these two. Yes, Kat might challenge you a bit with her inner thoughts, well at least for me, but luckily, we got Dan's POV to balance things out. And of course, since this is Penny, you're def in for a few chuckles. Oh, oh, oh, I'll be totally remiss if I don't bring up their first kiss. One of the best I've read, I'm telling you!

If you're familiar with the series, then you know that friendships play a big part. After all, each book in the series feature each of the women in this tight-knit circle (did I just make a pun there?). If I didn't fully appreciate it in the first book I read in the series, then here, I fully got it. Just thinking about the friendship these women have, it reminds me of the women in my life who I called friends, friends I've known for like half my life or longer. And with that thought, it made me appreciate more how Penny worked it in. So far that alone, I thank you, Penny.

Now if you're not familiar with the series and you're a fan of romcom with a touch of nerd and a whole lotta' heart, you definitely cannot skip this series. 

PS. Shout out to Dan's mom, that is all:D

Enter the Giveaway for a complete signed set of the USA Today bestselling Knitting in the City Series!

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Meet Penny Reid:

Penny Reid is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Winston Brothers and Knitting in the City series. When she’s not immersed in penning smart romances, Penny works in the biotech industry as a researcher. She’s also a full time mom to three diminutive adults, wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja.

Connect with Penny:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennyReidWriter/

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2lakzsD

Twitter: @ReidRomance

Newsletter: http://pennyreid.ninja/newsletter/

www.pennyreid.ninja

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie