I’m banished to Vermont for a scandal that wasn’t my fault, and broke because my famous father cut me off. And did I mention my roommate stole my boyfriend? Yeah, I’m loving my Moo U experience.
Now I need a job, because this gel manicure won’t upkeep itself. The only available option is the last one I’d ever want–a job as the hockey team’s equipment manager. My plan is to do the bare minimum, get paid, and find my way back into my father’s good graces.
I will not get involved with a hockey player, no matter how hot. They’re cocky. And obnoxious. I know their type, and I’m not willing to risk getting hurt again. Until Lex Vonne glides into my life looking like sin on a stick.
He thinks I’m a spoiled brat. I think he’s using me to get ahead. But the fire I feel when we’re together is like a slapshot to my heart…
Review
I was so excited to hear that there was a new hockey series coming out…Moo U. If you have not already guessed, I love hockey! Combine that with a good romance novel and this girl is one happy camper!!! 🙂 I absolutely loved Slapshot by Rebecca Jenshak! Rebecca has a similar writing style to Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy, two of my favorite authors. I loved the characters in this story. Lex and Kaitlyn were amazing characters! I loved the determination of both characters in their own lives. The determination to be who they were going to be regardless of what other people thought. I also loved the determination of each of the characters in their love lives. Both Lex and Kaitlyn knew what they wanted and then went for it! This is the first book that I have read by Rebecca Jenshak and I must say it made a great first impression. Rebecca wrote a story that was not only believable but also one that kept you turning the pages and wanting more after the story was done. I can’t wait to read more in the Moo U series and I can’t wait to read more by Rebecca Jenshak!
Rebecca Jenshak is a new adult romance author. A Midwest native transplanted to the desert, she likes being outdoors (drinking on patios) and singing (in the shower) when she isn’t writing books about hot guys and the girls who love them.
An emotional love story that follows the touch-and-go relationship of Hayden and Tenley; two young people who desperately want to love and be loved but are afraid to completely let go of their pasts.
As Hayden and Tenley navigate their newfound but slightly unstable relationship, they want to trust each other, but Hayden is hiding a dark and shameful past that he doesn’t ever want Tenley to find out about. And Tenley has secrets of her own that could make Hayden run away forever. When Tenley asks Hayden to put a beautifully elaborate tattoo across her back, the two form what they thought was an unshakeable bond. But when Tenley’s past shows up on her doorstep, will Hayden stand by her side…or run?
Synopsis – Inked Armor
In this follow-up to Clipped Wings, the emotional love story continues between Hayden and Tenley; two young people who desperately want to love and be loved but are afraid to completely let go of their pasts.
In the wake of losing Tenley Page, tattooist Hayden Stryker’s tumultuous past is haunting him. Plagued by nightmares about the murder of his parents, Hayden reaches out again to Tenley. Having run from the man she doesn’t believe she deserves, Tenley finally lays her guilt to rest. Despite their intense physical attraction, Hayden and Tenley struggle to repair their fragile emotional connection. As Hayden gets closer to the truth, he must find a way to reconcile his guilt over his parents’ death in order to keep the woman who finally cracked his armor, and found her way into his heart.
***These are books 1 and 2 of the Clipped Wings Series***Order of Books
Review
OH. MY. GOD!!! Why have I just discovered this series? I randomly stumbled on Book 0.5 — Cupcakes and Ink when I was searching for a different book to read. I listened to Cupcakes and Ink as an audiobook and I was HOOKED. I mean hook. line. and sinker hooked. I immediately headed to my library’s webpage so that I could reserve the books. They came in, I checked them out, and then they sat in my TBR pile (stupid move on my part). Then I realized they were due soon, so I picked up the first one yesterday and well…hook. line. and sinker!!! I read both of these books in a day and stayed up until 2am to finish the second one, even though I had to work the next morning. THEY WERE THAT GOOD. Helena Hunting has a way with words and storylines. In this case, both books were beyond EXCELLENT. Helena Hunting writes an emotional and heart-wrenching story about two lost souls – Tenley and Hayden. Both stuck in their own worlds of loss and grief, each clawing to find a way out, Tenley and Hayden meet by chance when Hayden’s aunt hires Tenley to work at her store. What I thought might be a glossed over version of grief and loss, turned out to be a story of heartbreak, courage, second chances, and finding a way to move on when the pain seems too heavy to carry any longer. There were so many layers to this book that were reveled in just the right way at just the right time. These are two books that will stick with me for a lifetime. Even though I checked these two books out from the library this time, they are now on my “to buy” list, so that I can read them over and over. I cannot say enough good things about these books. Simply AMAZING writing and storytelling.
Rating (for both books)
Order of Books
0.5 — Cupcakes and Ink
1 — Clipped Wings
1.5 — Between the Cracks
2 — Inked Armor
2.5 — Bleeding Ink
2.6 — Get Inked
3 — Fractures in Ink
About the Author
NYT and USA Today Bestselling author, Helena Hunting lives outside of Toronto with her amazing family and her two awesome cats, who think the best place to sleep is her keyboard. Helena writes everything from contemporary romance with all the feels to romantic comedies that will have you laughing until you cry.
Thank you to author Lorrain Allen for the gifted copy of this book and thank you to Silver Dagger Book Tours for allowing me to be part of this tour. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Synopsis
I gave her my heart, but she broke it, so now I’ll give her my rage.
I never considered the possibility of us crossing paths again.
When our gazes connect, an internal switch clicks on.
The last words she spoke to me whisper through my mind like a mantra, causing the sleeping beast to come roaring to life with a taste for her blood.
I need her to bend to my will, so I make her an offer she can’t refuse.
Once my desire has been fed, I’ll toss her away like a piece of garbage right after I destroy her, reducing her to nothingness.
She’ll regret the day she dared to betray me.
Her debt must be repaid in pain, and I will not rest until I have my pound of flesh.
Karma is a bitch that has finally come for her, and it’s hungry for retribution.
WARNING: Readers please beware. You are not dark enough for this ride if you need a trigger warning, please disembark immediately. For those of you who are interested in feeding your greedy dark soul, buckle your seatbelts, arms and legs must remain inside at all times. Please enjoy, you will reach your final destination shortly.
This is book 2 of a duet and cannot be read as a standalone.
Review
I have been waiting for this book ever since I read the first book…I am not sure what I was expecting, but this was not it. Don’t get me wrong, I still really enjoyed this book, however, but it was not the story line I was expecting. I can’t pinpoint why, but this book left me unsettled. I love Lorrain Allen‘s writing. I love that she writes dark romance. I love the characters that she has created. In this book we saw a different side of Art, one that I think no one expected to see. We saw things that we never, ever though Art would do. We also saw a different side of Cin…one that made me like her even more than I did in the first book. While this story line was not what I expected, it is one that I overall liked. The only think that I did not like about the book was the ending and I think that is what made me unsettled. I feel like things wrapped up to quickly and with a nice pretty bow. I wish there would have been more detail and more darkness than there was. Overall, Lorrain Allen is an author that I am so, so glad that I found. This and the first book in the series was my first taste of Lorrain’s writing, and I will be sure to pick up all of her other books!
Lorrain has enjoyed writing ever since she was a child and was also part of the poetry club in middle school. She loves to get away from the world and lose herself in a book. As a young adult, she became a romance book junky and was inspired to pen her first romance by the many creative authors whose books she’s read. She wants to provide her fans with a suspenseful read that has a twist at the end. The subject matters of her books are a little controversial, but life is boring without a little controversy.
Thank you to Heather Slade for the gifted copy of Riled. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Synopsis
He’s determined to protect her. She’s determined to tempt him. Together, things get RILED up.
RILE It’s a job, Only a job. I’m doing a favor for the Queen, But watching over this young, sexy, and incorrigible woman is frustrating, As she parades around half-naked without a care in the world.
My mind and body won’t agree. But when her life is threatened, My sixth sense kicks in. Saving her is my only mission. But everything about her has me all RILED up.
Kensington Suffocating, I’m nearly drowning in this life I’m trapped in.
But when he comes in to watch over me, Things are definitely looking up. He’s sexy and rugged as Hell. Tempting him becomes my favorite hobby.
Something’s holding him back, Something haunts him, or is it someone? I’m determined to help him get rid of his pain, Let go of his demons.
After all, this man’s got me all RILED up.
Review
This is the second book that I have read by Heather Slade and I am so happy that I found her as an author. I absolutely loved this book!!! Heather Slade writes a heart breakingly romantic book that has your emotions on a rollercoaster…and I loved every minute of it. Heather Slade’s characters were fantastic. I liked both Kenzie and Rile right away and grew to like them more and more as the book went on! Heather Slade has great descriptive writing, where you are able to imagine the scene that she is describing in your mind’s eye perfectly. The only “complaint” that I had is that there were so many different security people involved that I had a hard time keeping track of all of them. While minor characters compared to Kenzie and Rile, their names and jobs were mentioned a lot and it seemed as though as soon as I got a couple down, a few more would be introduced. Other than that minor dislike, the book was FANTASTIC!!!!! I can’t wait to read more by Heather Slade!
Rating
About the Author
I write stories set in places I love with characters I’d be happy to call friends. The women in my books are self-confident, successful, and strong, with wills of their own, and hearts as big as the Colorado sky. And the men are sublimely sexy, seductive alphas who rise to the challenge of capturing the sweet soul of a woman whose heart they’ll hold in the palm of their hand forever. I grew up an East Coast girl, and then spent half my life on the West Coast. Now my husband, our two boys, and I happily call Colorado home.
Thank you to Heather Slade for the gifted copy of Undercover Agent. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Synopsis
Resisting a cocky undercover agent is her mission impossible…
Lynx It was one night, A night of pure passion and desire, A night I will never forget. But she walked out, And I never stopped thinking about her. And now, she’s back Within reach. And again, she’s off-limits, Belongs to someone else, One of my men. Teaming up with her to take down Those who threaten our freedoms Seems like a perfect way to get close to her, But there’s more at stake than ever before.
Emerson I never forgot him. He was—is—everything. But the timing was off; I had more happening in my life than I could handle. And now, with him right there, I can feel how much I’ve missed: His touch, his scent, his taste. Except, there’s more on the line Than a love affair. We have to keep it professional. But can I do that when I need so much more from this undercover agent?
Review
I recently discovered both Heather Slade and The Cocky Hero Club novels, and boy am I glad that I did!! I absolutely loved the story. The characters were awesome…equal parts sass and steam from both Lynx and Emerson, which made for a page turning story that I just could not put down. Lynx, the cocky British undercover agent and Emerson a scientist with mad skills thrust together to save the world, while trying to fight the feelings they have for each other…what could go wrong?!? While this was a romance novel, there was also action, adventure, and mystery woven in, which I really enjoyed. Heather’s writing pulled me in at page one and before I knew it, I was done with the book. I loved her descriptive writing – describing the characters and the story in a way that sucked me right in and made me feel like I was part of the story…like I was walking alongside the characters living the same things they were. This story had equal parts romance and action/adventure and I loved every minute of it! While this was the first book I read by Heather Slide, you better believe that I will be picking up many more of her books in the future (more specifically the near future)!
Rating
About the Author
I write stories set in places I love with characters I’d be happy to call friends. The women in my books are self-confident, successful, and strong, with wills of their own, and hearts as big as the Colorado sky. And the men are sublimely sexy, seductive alphas who rise to the challenge of capturing the sweet soul of a woman whose heart they’ll hold in the palm of their hand forever. I grew up an East Coast girl, and then spent half my life on the West Coast. Now my husband, our two boys, and I happily call Colorado home.
Thank you Elle Kennedy for the gifted copy of The Dare. All options expressed here are my own.
Synopsis
Meet Taylor Marsh. College was supposed to be her chance to get over her ugly-duckling complex and spread her wings. Instead she wound up in a sorority full of mean girls. Taylor already has a hard time fitting in with the girls of her sorority, so when her Kappa Chi sisters issue her a challenge, really a dare, she can’t say no,
THE DARE: Seduce the hottest new hockey player in the junior class!!
Meet Conor Edwards. Coner is a regular at the Greek Row parties…and truth be told the Greek Row sorority beds! Coner is the kind of guy that ones falls for before you learn that guys like Coner do not give girls like Taylor a second glance. However, throwing Taylor for a loop, he actually lets her take him upstairs and pretend they are getting busy.
To Taylor’s surprise, Coner love games, and actually wants to keep pretending that they are together, as he thinks it is fun to pull the wool of the eye’s of Taylor’s frenemies. However, resisting Coner’s charm and surfer-boy hotness is pretty much impossible. And that is when Taylor realizes there is much more to Conor’s story that those in his fan club see.
The longer the silly ruse goes on, the more Taylor worries it will all blow up in her face!
**This is Book 4 in the Briar U series
Review
I have loved Elle Kennedy’s writing since the first time I read one of her books, and this book did not disappoint!!! Elle Kennedy has a way of writing that “plops” you right into the story (this is a good thing, trust me!!) and doesn’t let you out until you have reached the very end…and I loved every minute of it!!! While this was Book 4 in the series, it did not matter that I had not read the other 3. Elle writes with plenty of detail, so you don’t feel like you have missed a thing! I cannot begin to tell you how excited I was to have Taylor as a main character…someone with curves instead of the beautiful, stick thin characters that are in many other romance books that I have read. It was refreshing to read of a character who had an issue with their body (not that I wish anyone to have an issues with their body) and bring a real-life issue into a romance story, that many romance books do not touch on. I feel like there are so many people that can relate to this story line, and I was pleasantly surprised (in a good way) that body image was included in this book. Elle Kennedy is a FANTASTIC writer and I can’t wait to pick up another one of her books!! These are books that I defiantly get lost in and do not “surface” until I have read the entire book in one sitting! I hope you enjoy Elle’s writing as much as I do!!
Rating
Excerpt
“Thank you,” she breathes the moment we’re alone.
“No problem. Mind if I make myself comfortable?”
“Um, yeah. I mean, no. I don’t mind. Sit if you want. Or—wow, okay, you’re lying down.”
I grin at her visible nervousness. It’s cute. While I stretch out my six-foot-two frame amid the stuffed animals and decorative pillows on the bed, she remains the startled rabbit plastered against the door and breathing heavily.
“Gotta be honest,” I tell her, entwining my hands behind my head, “I’ve never seen a girl so unhappy to be locked in a bedroom with me.”
This has the desired effect of loosening her shoulders and even eliciting a shy smile. “I have no doubt.”
“I’mConor, by the way.”
She rolls her eyes. “Yeah, I know.”
“What’s the eyeroll for?” I ask, playing wounded.
“No, sorry, I didn’t mean anything by it. Just, I know who you are. You’re, like, campus famous.”
The more I watch her, hands braced at her sides against the door, one knee bent, dirty-blonde hair a little messy and draped over one shoulder, I can’t help picturing myself holding her arms above her head while I explore her body with my mouth. She’s got very kissable skin.
“Taylor Marsh,” she blurts out, and I realize I don’t know how long we were silent until then.
I scoot to the far side of the bed and put a pillow beside me as a divider. “Come on. If we’re going to be in here awhile, let’s at least make friends.”
Taylor laughs out a breath and with it she releases a bit more tension. She’s got a nice smile. Bright, warm. It takes a bit more coaxing, however, to get her on the bed.
“This isn’t like a move,” she tells me, lining up stuffed animal guards to patrol the pillow wall between us. “I’m not some sort of weirdo who tricks men into getting in bed with her and then mauls them.”
“Sure.” I nod with mock seriousness. “But a little mauling would be okay.”
A New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Elle Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a B.A. in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer, and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager.
Elle writes romantic suspense and erotic contemporary romance for various publishers. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!
Thank you to author Chiquita Dennie for the gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis
Antonio loves his life just the way it is. Money, cars, more women than he can count. He wants for nothing, except to not be forced to follow in his father’s footsteps. The mafioso lifestyle isn’t for him… at least, not yet.
With pressure mounting, he soon realizes he’s more like his father than he thought he was. That proves even evident when one of the many women in his life tries to pin a baby on him and force him to commit. That pressure pushed him over the edge and drives him to do something he swore he’d never do. Now he must live with what he’s done and who he has become.
Note: This is a short story that takes place before the Antonio and Sabrina Book 1. Adult content and explicit language.
Review
Chiquita Dennie has done it again! Pulled me in at page one and kept the pages turning until I was done with the book before I knew what hit me! I have only read a few books by Chiquita Dennie, but this prequel was enough to get me hooked and wanting to read the rest of the Antonio and Sabrina books in the series! Chiquita has a way of writing that captures you on page one and never lets you go. Her writing is so descriptive that it allows you to be a part of the story and experience what the characters of her book are feeling. I can’t say enough good things about Chiquita Dennie. I am so excited to pick up more of her books!
Rating
About the Author
Chiquita Dennie is an Author, Award winning filmmaker of 2017 for Best short film “Invisible” and Entrepreneur. Born in Memphis, TN, and a Los Angeles CA native. Her background in film/tv has taught and shaped her passion for writing with her debut romance novel Antonio and Sabrina Struck In Love. Since its debut, fans have embraced the unconventional love story of Sabrina Washington and Antonio De Luca making it a top Best Seller on kindle charts.
Working at LazLo’s custom motorcycle shop is more than just a job…
Welcome to LazLo’s Dream Machines, where the motorcycles are hot—and the men are even hotter! They’re not looking for love, but as things heat up (in more ways than one!), you never know what’ll happen…
Book 1: Mercury Falling
The biker club Kerry “Mercury” Dawson joined as a teen may have lived life on the dangerous side, but they were the first “family” Kerry ever had. Even with his new job at LazLo’s Dream Machines, the club is still a big part of his life—until the day he crashes a motorcycle he wasn’t supposed to be riding, and wakes up in Lucy’s emergency room.
Book 2: What Happens in Sturgis
The fact that Vince avoids kissing has never stopped him from getting what he wants from women. But now he’s shared a little too much with his new co-worker, Tori—and she’s made it her personal mission to change his opinion. Falling for each other is NOT in the plan. After all, what happens in Sturgis, stays in Sturgis. Or does it?
Book 3: CrossOver
Vaughn’s not thrilled when his boss asks him to work on a motocross bike. But what the bike’s owner, Gabby, lacks in height, she makes up for with her fierce competitive spirit—and mind-blowing kisses. Not everyone wants to see her succeed on the track, though, and Vaughn’s repair skills keep falling short. Is Gabby just not cut out for the big time, or is someone determined to get her off the race track permanently?
Book 4: Rumble
Shop owner Lazarus “Laz” Lowenstein keeps his past carefully concealed, and for good reason. When a friend calls in a favor, he finds himself perilously close to the life he left behind—and to fledgling reporter, Nora Carlton. Helping Nora research a story is one thing; exploring his desire for the sheltered single mom is a definite no-no. Can Nora restore his faith in people… and love?
*** PLUS Bonus Excerpts from MC Romance DIRECTING ZAC and TEACHING TREY! ***
Review
Y’all, this was such a fun series of novellas. At a total length of 162 pages, this was a quick read that I really enjoyed. Each story had a different synopsis that was real and plausible. The motorcycle men were all likable (and quite handsome from the way they were described) and the women were all completely different from them…think the complete opposite. I thought the stories were cute, however was a little put off that the characters met and within a week they were in love. It just seemed really, really, quick to me, especially with some of the men’s histories. Other than that, I loved reading these books. Tracey Cramer-Kelly’s writing flows so easily and creates a great story. I am definitely going to pick up some of her other books!!!
Many experiences influence Tracey’s writing, and she has been known to undertake unusual endeavors (such as firefighter training and learning to fly a helicopter) just for the sake of the experience. Being an Army-trained combat medic and a “biker chick” for over 30 years has had significant influence in her books, but even “ordinary” events have struck a chord or inspired a character or plot idea.
In 2018 Tracey returned to school to recertify as an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) and currently works at various sporting and music events when she’s not processing orders for the family business (Leader Motorcycle) or working at a substance abuse counseling center.
Tracey lives in small-town Minnesota with her husband, two kids, and two cats. They are a true “soccer family” (she even worked as a referee for two years). She enjoys downhill skiing and spending time at the family lake place. She has also owned and operated an MC business, Leader Motorcycle, for 17 years http://www.leadermotorcycle.com/
Thank you to Silver Dagger Tours and Stacy Eaton for the gifted copy of Cured (Heal Me Series Book 1). This book was provided to me for an honest review and all opinions are my own.
Synopsis
Meet Ember Greene. Ember and Trudy Parker met during their college years and on the night that they meet at Shot Therapy, a local bar, to reconnect, Embers’s life begins to change. For six years, Ember has closed off her heart, moving from one man to another, trying to feel something other than her own pain and guilt.
Meet Colt Barnes. Colt is a plastic surgeon who strives to give people a better quality of life, especially children. The night he watches Ember leave the bar with another one-night stand, he resolves to offer up a challenge to get her to view herself in a new light.
Little does he know that the challenge will change both their lives, but when Embers’s secret is exposed, will Colt be able to accept it and trust her, or will Ember go back to her old ways and leave Colt broken?
Review
Stacy Eaton is a new to me author and I am so glad that I was given the opportunity to read one of her books as part of this tour!! Stacy Eaton is a wonderful writer who describes the characters in such a way, that you can picture them in your mind’s eye in perfect detail and also feel like they are a real part of your life. This book was definitely not what I expected…and in a really, really good way!!! This book was full of twists and turns in the story that I never saw coming, which made this book all the more enjoyable to read. This book was not some generic romance novel with the same old characters and the same old plot. This book is filled with real life scenarios that the reader can relate to and experience right alongside the characters. This book was real and raw and I was so captured by the story that I read the book in one day! I am so pleased by the experience that I had with Stacy Eaton’s writing, that I will for sure be reading the rest of this series as well as be picking up other books by this author.
Stacy Eaton is a USA Today Bestselling author and began her writing career in October of 2010. Stacy took an early retirement from law enforcement after over fifteen years of service in 2016, with her last three years in investigations and crime scene investigation to write full time.
Stacy resides in southeastern Pennsylvania with her husband, who works in law enforcement, and her teen daughter. She also has a son who is currently serving in the United States Navy, and two grandchildren.
When Stacy is not writing, she enjoys photography and relaxing on the beach.
Thank you to author AJ Alexander for the gifted copy of Desolation. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis
des·o·la·tion /ˌdesəˈlāSH(ə)n/
noun 1. a state of complete emptiness or destruction. 2.anguished misery or loneliness.
Before La Famiglia gave me purpose, desolation ruled my existence. Pain was my constant companion until I met Francesca Giordano – the Boss’s daughter.
My mission is to protect her, at any cost.
With a price on her head, I will tear down heaven and hell to protect what’s mine.
Review
AJ Alexander is a new to me author and I am SO, SO glad that I discovered her!! In this book, AJ Alexander writes of a mafia princess and the man who is tasked with protecting her. Since this author was a new to me author, I had no idea what to expect walking into this story. However, at 84 pages, this novella did not disappoint. This book started with action and the action continued throughout. AJ Alexander pulled me in from page 1 and didn’t let go until page 84. I enjoyed the characters that AJ Alexander created and their interactions with each other. I also really liked how quicklyAJ Alexander explained the the history of the characters and then continued on with the meat of the story. AJ Alexander writes in a way that makes you believe that you are part of the action and adventure of the story and makes you like the characters instantly. I was actually sad that this book was so short, and would have loved for it to go on longer. I am so glad that I discovered AJ Alexander and can’t wait to read more of her books!!!
Lost in a Book after a Day of Social Work 