contemporary romance

Review: Rock Chick Reawakening by Kristen Ashley

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daisy
Daisy and Marcus are proof that fairytales do come true and princes are real.

When I think of Rock Chicks, most people would think of Indy or Alli, but I think of Daisy. She was the original, even before Rock Chicks were Rock Chicks. Even before we had her story, I knew it was going to be just as emotional and heart squeezing as the others. And I was sooo right.

This will be spoiler free, so no worries.

If you’ve read the Rock Chicks books, you know all about Daisy. The sweet tinkling bell laugh, the Dolly Parton physique and her love of all things sparkly, are the first things you think of. You know some of her past and know that her husband, Marcus, loves her more than life itself, but that’s just the tip of what makes her her.

Daisy hasn’t had a very good life. In fact, I want to cry for what this poor girl lived with. She was a southern princess just waiting for her prince to rescue her. She suffered over and over, just waiting for him, but she eventually gave up. Little did she know that her prince was looking for her as well.

“You’re the dream a girl like me never thought she could dream.”

From the very first moment Marcus laid eyes on Daisy, he was hooked. And not just on her looks. Daisy has a aura about her and he realizes that that’s what’s been missing in his life. The best part is, Daisy disagrees. She’s a stubborn princess. That’s what makes this story so great. He slowly chips away and heals her of all her past hurts and makes her realize that there is nothing wrong with her. She has done everything right in her life and he’s determined to make the rest of her life easier. There will still be heartaches and troubles, but with Marcus by her side, she can get through anything.

“You know every step of your life was leading you right here. You’re the woman for me, which means, darling, I’m the man for you. And you didn’t tell me to leave because you know that just the same as me.”

I loved seeing glimpses of the Hot Bunch before the Rock Chicks came into their lives. I knew they were friends with Marcus before, but I never knew how it happened. They’re complete opposites, but they’re really not. And of course, in true KA fashion, she had me crying as I read that darn epilogue. It’s not as if I wasn’t crying already, but she saves it up and blasts us with full on emotions, right at the very end. Gah! I still get choked up when I think if it. This series was so much fun and anytime KA takes us back to them, I am so there.

~Melpomene

Grab Rock Chick Reawakening HERE.

Read about all the Rock Chicks HERE.

Review: Franco by Kim Holden

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francoThis is a book about love, determination, friendship and family. The Bright Side family is the best family out there. In fact, I wish I was a part of this family. I want people in my life like this. They know when to joke, when to give advice and when to just be there. Gah! This story was filled with the full range of emotions. Plus, I loved seeing Gus and how he’s doing. I love him.

SYNOPSIS

Franco Genovese is the drummer for world renowned American rock band, Rook. He’s got it all. A killer smile. Tattoos. Talent. Razor sharp wit and humor. And a heart as big, and generous, as they come.
Life is good. Steady. Uncomplicated. Just the way he likes things.
Until one night at an unassuming L.A. bar changes everything.
Enter Gemma Hendricks.
She’s a successful young architect from Northern England with an adorable smile, sarcasm for days, and an unparalleled trusting heart.
The attraction is instant.
So is their friendship.
It’s also temporary because they’ll both be heading home, thousands of miles apart from each other, in a few days.
Or is it?
There’s something Gemma wants more than anything else.
And when Franco propositions her to provide what she’s looking for, everything changes.
Will it transform friendship into love, or will it be their ruin?

From the moment I was inside Franco’s head, I loved him. What attracted me to him was his attitude toward women and his friends. Seriously. He knows what he likes and isn’t shallow in his feelings. Immediately I was hooked and I wanted to see who he was going to end up with. Every girl should want a Franco in their life. And when he thinks about his friends, he embraces their differences and quirks and loves them for it. I want a Franco in my life.

Gemma was the absolute best. THE BEST. I want to meet her and be her friend. She is strong and resilient. She makes me think of Kate and how, no matter what life throws at her, she takes it head on and keeps going. I wanted to reach in a hug her so many times. She is going through something so difficult, I can’t even imagine how she’s hanging on. I don’t know if I could be that strong.

“Do you think dream are better left as dreams because they still hold possibility and wonder and there’s no room for failure.”

“No. I believe that dreams fuel life. And it’s when you’re chasing them that you’re most alive. There’s no reward in settling for status quo.”

Franco and Gemma’s connection was instant. Their relationship was both sexy and sweet. I had a blast watching them grow together and experience what life had in store for them. They were made for each other. The best of friends that grew into more.

She’s my other half. Like for the first time in my life, I know what being unquestionably whole feels like.
And I realize that the notion that my heart beats for me alone is a lie.
It beats for us.

This is one of those books that’s hard to review without saying to much. What I can say is that I woke up at 3:30 am to finish this book before I had to wake up my kids. I needed to know what happened. I laughed and cried and squealed at one certain part. You’ll know it when you read it, if you know me at all. It was so exciting. This story had my heart overflowing until it was a puddle on the floor.

~Melpomene

You don’t need to read Bright Side or Gus to fully enjoy this book, but I really wish you would. Your heart will thank you. Trust me.

Buy Franco HERE
Buy Bright Side HERE
Buy Gus HERE

Review and Giveaway: For All The Evers by Debra Anastasia

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for-all-the-evers-ebook-cover For those who know me well, know that I don’t normally read blurbs of books. I feel it gives too much away, so I stay away. But when I saw this cover and heard snippets of what the story was about, I had to read the blurb, and once I did, I knew this book was going to be a winner. And I was right. See for yourself.

Synopsis
Fallen Billow should be in college like most of her friends, but instead she’s raising her brother and working as a housekeeper at a vintage local hotel. It’s back-breaking work, but not nearly as challenging as fending off unwanted advances from the hotel’s owner.

Thomas McHugh is fighting for our country, across the globe and decades before Fallen Billow was even born. So there’s no way they’re soul mates. There’s no way he can be desperate to see her, hold her, kiss her. Except there is.

Is it a dream when he inks his name on her skin? Is it a delusion when she puts her hands on his face and says she loves him? Nothing has ever felt more real.

Fate has etched paths for Thomas and Fallen that even time cannot touch. A Purple Heart proclaims Thomas’ valor and bravery. And his death. But Fallen dares to dream of the impossible. She wants Thomas to stay. Just stay.

A tribute to all who have served our country, this novel honors the impossible beauty of love and the endless power of hope. Come open your heart and celebrate the many facets of bravery with Fallen and Thomas.

This book I picked up and read in one sitting. I was completely sucked in from the very first chapter. For all the Evers held my attention and completely had me on pins and needles the entire time. It has a fantasy feel at times, but yet it was so real. It was very tense and heart twisting, and breaking, all at the same time. There were times I needed to step away and get control over myself. I was a mess. A full range of emotions ran through me. And I loved every moment of it. In fact, as I reread my notes, I’m getting all choked up again. So emotional.

“If you loved me, you’d stay.”

“Dream girl…I love you enough to die for you.”

The connection between Fallen and Thomas was instant and addicting. I never wanted to look away. Fallen has had such a hard time lately and seeing her find a bit of happiness in Thomas, even if it was only in her dreams. She needed those moments to get her through her real life.

Debra wrote this book in honor of her late great Uncle Thomas, who died in WWII and I think she did a magnificent job. It’s been a while since she dragged these emotions out of me. I think she’s been saving up all the tension and let it all loose on this story.

~Melpomene

By For All The Evers HERE

Enter the giveaway HERE

Excerpt:
“I bet you were adorable.” He put his knuckle under her chin and encouraged her to lift her head. She rolled back over and settled against his shoulder.

“I don’t want to be adorable. I want to be impossible.”

“How do you mean?” He kissed her forehead.

“I want to be impossible for you to forget, impossible for you to keep your hands off of.” She leaned up for a kiss.

“You’re my impossible then. Have no fear.” He tenderly reminded her he was her impossible, too, with his lips.

She put her hand against his stomach and snuggled in. “This is my spot. Right here. With you—it’s home.”

He swallowed before talking to the ceiling. “My heart was like a fist. Where I am? It’s not a place you plan to survive. I’ve been there for years, and it’s not about skill; it’s not even about luck. You get strapped into a machine, and fate’s driving. You can’t get out even if you want to. So you submit to it. You harden your soul. You get ready to die.”

He shifted, rolling on top of her. She sighed in contentment. Being beneath him made her feel safe and secure.

He kissed her lips, then the tip of her nose, before continuing. “But with you, it’s like my heart’s opening up, and I’m terrified to feel, after all this time. Yet I don’t have a choice. No matter where I am, I draw your face whenever I get a scrap of paper.”

He laughed a little. “We found a puppy, and I named it Fallen, just so I could say your name over and over. The guys think I’m crazy—such a strange name for a dog. But I don’t care. I’m gasping for you every moment I’m awake. And I’m making choices to keep me alive through the week.”

His eyes searched hers. “What if I’m not as tough as I was in the beginning? God, I hope no one is affected by my distraction with this. But in the end there’s you. Only you. Do what you have to to get back to me when you’re awake. You have to. I need you more than air, more than life right now. The softness of you, the tenderness in your eyes when you see me. I’m trying to force fate to throw me in your direction. To hurl me at you somehow. I don’t know if it will work. But I’m praying for it.”

Fallen touched his face, then his neck. “I will do everything I can to find you.”

Cover reveal: Until It Fades by K.A.Tucker

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I am so excited to show you the cover of K.A.Tucker’s newest book, Until It Fades. She’s going back to her contemporary romance roots with this one. I’m so in love with the cover myselg. This one will definitely be going on my shelf.

until-it-fades
Release Date: May 2, 2017
Published by: Atria Books

SYNOPSIS
Twenty-four-year-old truck stop waitress and single mother Catherine Wright has simple goals: to give her five-year-old daughter a happy life and to never again be the talk of the town in Balsam, Pennsylvania: population three thousand outside of tourist season.

And then one foggy night, on a lonely road back from another failed attempt at a relationship, Catherine saves a man’s life. It isn’t until after the police have arrived that Catherine realizes exactly who it is she has saved: Brett Madden, hockey icon and media darling.

Catherine has already had her fifteen minutes of fame and the last thing she wants is to have her past dragged back into the spotlight, only this time on a national stage. So she hides her identity. It works.

For a time.

But when she finds the man she saved standing on her doorstep, desperate to thank her, all that changes. What begins as an immediate friendship quickly turns into something neither of them expected. Something that Catherine isn’t sure she can handle; something that Catherine is afraid to trust.

Because how long can an extraordinary man like Brett be interested in an ordinary woman like Catherine…before the spark fades?

Preorder it here:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon CA
BN
iBooks
KOBO
BAM
Indigo

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About K.A. Tucker:

K.A. Tucker writes captivating stories with an edge.

She is the USA Today bestselling author of 14 books, including Ten Tiny Breaths and Burying Water, and her latest Adult Suspense novel, He Will Be My Ruin. Her books have been featured in national publications including USA Today, Globe & Mail, Suspense Magazine, and Publisher’s Weekly.

K.A. Tucker currently resides in a quaint town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and a Chug.

Where to find K.A.Tucker:
Website ** Twitter ** Facebook ** Novel Goodreads ** Author Goodreads ** YouTube ** Pinterest ** Instagram

Review: Womanizer by Katy Evans

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womanizer-v2-ebook “I’m the millionth woman in the universe who’s found her flame and realized she’s just this tiny, fragile little moth, helpless to fly away from it.”

SYNOPSIS
You’ve seen the headlines: Womanizing billionaire player! Watch out! Stay away!

We were just two strangers. Facing a forbidden attraction, a chemical connection. Neither of us expected or wanted it to amount to more.
But I had never been drawn to a guy the way I was drawn to this one: my brother’s best friend, and CEO of the company where I interned.
Even knowing I should stay away, I proved to be too human, after all.
The chemistry was amazing.
The laughs were incredible.
I opened up to him in more ways than I’d opened up to anyone before.
But sex was as far as I’d go.
Just sex because he was too irresistible.
Just sex because I wouldn’t be falling for him.
Just sex because I’d leave in three months, and I’d like for my brother not to kill me, and for nobody to find out he was my wicked little secret.
He wasn’t the One.
He was just a womanizer.
But for a time, he would be mine.

Sexy and romantic. That’s all you need to know. I had a few preconceived idea as to how I thought this book was going to be. I mean, c’mon, with the title like that, you have a few ideas, right? I was so wrong. Womanizer was so much more than I could imagine.

Olivia was going to do a three month internship and then go back home and find a job. Easy, right? The only thing she had to remember was to stay away from her bother’s best friend. That’s it. Easier said than done. A chance meeting turns into a whirlwind romance that she doesn’t want to end, but she knows it must.

Callan falling for his friend’s sister was not in his plans. He was happy with the multitude of unattached women parading in and out of his bedroom. But once he sets his eyes on this woman on the rooftop garden, his entire world shifted. Gone was the womanizer.

I adored this story. Watching these two fight their connection and lose the battle was super fun. Their chemistry was magnetic. For me, I was quite happy that this book didn’t have the same ending as so many other “womanizer” type books have. You know what I’m talking about. The 75-80% where the unnecessary actions happen. Those always make me mad. I know I’m clear as mud, but trust me. Katy Evans knows how to write romance. She knows how to write heroes that get under your skin and makes you wish for one of your own.

Womanizer is part of the Manwhore series but can be read as a standalone.

~Melpomene

Buy Womanizer http://amzn.to/2gZjGSV

Review: Mr. President by Katy Evans

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pres Matt Hamilton for President. That is all. Really. I wish I could just leave it at that, but that would be a crazy review, right?

Matt Hamilton never wanted to run for president. But life doesn’t always work out the way we want it to. So when he finds himself running, he remembers receiving an intriguing letter from a girl eleven years ago and her promise to help him win if he ran. Little did he know this girl would have him questioning everything he believed.

Charlotte has zero desire for the spotlight of politics. She prefers working behind the scenes and living a quiet life. But when she receives an invitation to work for Matt Hamilton, she really wants to say, but something has her changing her mind. That something is Matt himself. He is powerful and he can win and she wants to help him do just that.

Matt remembers when his dad was president and how his job came before his family, so he is determined to run and win and not have one. Charlotte is the wrench in his plan. Their chemistry is combustible. No matter how hard they try, they can’t stay away from each other. But will his feelings of family keep them from being together? If he wins, what will happen to them? Will he let her go?

We’re a perfect couple, in the most imperfect situation.

I will admit, my nerves were twisting throughout this story. I wanted them together, but I knew they couldn’t be. Watching them sneak around had me on his alert. His passion for this job was noble. I would vote for him in heartbeat. No joke. I can’t wait for the next installment. I need to know what happens with these two!

~Melpomene

Buy Mr. President HERE

Review: Just Friends by Monica Murphy

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just-friends-amazon Have you ever read a book so crazy insane with angst that you wanna set it down and walk away, but you JUST CAN’T DO IT? Well, that is how I felt read Just Friends. My word… Teenage drama to the nth degree. Seriously.

Just Friends is about…well, friends. Friends and enemies. Frenemies really. The characters were so insane with teenage drama and feelings, I thought my head was going to explode. At one point I hated every single character. None of them were making good choices. They only cared about hooking up, which is true for most teenagers, but my word… Selfish, emotional and so over the top wishy washy. He likes her, but she doesn’t know if she likes him. But the he hooks up with someone else. But he really likes her, even though she doesn’t know if she can be with him. All of that and more. Teenage drama.

Now I say all of that, but in reality, I was sucked in from the very first chapter. I couldn’t take my eyes off the page. I needed to know what happens and who “really” like who, and why is she acting this way. GAH!!!!

If you stepped into your local high school, you would probably hear lots of the same conversations that were in the book. Ms. Murphy nailed the inner feelings and actions of teenage girls. Supremely. Not to mention that the boys were realistically stupid as always. Sex and sports.

I haven’t read an angst filled NA book in quite some time, so I wasn’t sure what my reactions were going to be. But it’s safe to say, there was a lot of yelling and “What are thinking?’ being shouted.Again, teenage drama. I know the characters are in high school, but they are doing lots of grown up things that I can’t label YA. This book will get your heart racing and tugging. Your heart will hurt and twist at the same time. So much fun.

And that ending? I need more NOW.

~Melpomene
Buy Just Friends HERE

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Cover reveal: Womanizer by Katy Evans

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Womanizer-v2-Ebook
So excited to see that Katy has a new book coming out soon! Sounds like right up my angst filled alley.

Synopsis:
You’ve seen the headlines: Womanizing billionaire player! Watch out! Stay away!
We were just two strangers. Facing a forbidden attraction, a chemical connection. Neither of us expected or wanted it to amount to more.
But I had never been drawn to a guy the way I was drawn to this one: my brother’s best friend, and CEO of the company where I interned.
Even knowing I should stay away, I proved to be too human, after all.
The chemistry was amazing.
The laughs were incredible.
I opened up to him in more ways than I’d opened up to anyone before.
But sex was as far as I’d go.
Just sex because he was too irresistible.
Just sex because I wouldn’t be falling for him.
Just sex because I’d leave in three months, and I’d like for my brother not to kill me, and for nobody to find out he was my wicked little secret.
He wasn’t the One.
He was just a womanizer.
But for a time, he would be mine.

Release day: December 5, 2016
Add it to your Goodreads shelf: http://bit.ly/2bow1h3
Pre-order it today

Amazon: HERE

BN: HERE

KOBO: HERE

iBooks: HERE

Review: The Matchmaker’s Playbook by Rachel VanDyken

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01 amatWhat if the villain turns out to be less villainous and more hero?

When Gabi starts to work for Wingman, she is forced to start get closer to her nemesis, Lex. She needs to be trained in the art of seduction and unfortunately that means she needs to be trained from the head villain himself.

Lex has always been the villain in this story, but somehow the more times he spends with Gabi, the more time he realizes that she just may be what he’s been looking for.

I love enemies to lovers. There’s a certain amount of angst involved that keeps the story going. I mean, the guy’s name is Lex. Of course he’s gonna be the enemy of the story! But even the villains can have soft spots for the heroine.

Watching these two interact was making me smile. I enjoyed the texts and banter so much. I loved the way that Lex cared, even though he didn’t want anyone to know. Deep down, he was a good guy who needed a good girl to bring it out of him.

“And the damsel fell in love with the villain. Write that, Disney.”

~Melpomene

Buy The Matchmaker’s Playbook HERE.

Review: Up in Flames by Abbi Glines

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01 aa3 I had so many preconceived ideas about how I thought this book was going to go and I was COMPLETELY wrong. From the very first page this book had me guessing.

Nan deserved a hea. Heck, everyone does!! But true to form, Nan doesn’t do things the normal way. She goes all out and makes sure it drama filled. I was never an official Nan hater, but I didn’t really like her. As we’ve seen her actions, in the past few books, we begin to realize that there’s more her than she lets on. And when this book was announced, I was so totally excited and curious as to who was going to tame this crazy girl. HA! As if she could be tamed.

To say that this had twists and turn would be an understatement. So without too much, I’ll say this, Hold on tight.

Nan had become a part of me even before I touched her for the first time.Watching her, I’d slowly started feeling things for the beautiful woman who was so alone yet so tough. The small things no one saw I began to cherish.

I never read the synopsis until after I wrote this review. I didn’t want any influence or ideas, so I had no clue what is was about except that it was finally Nan’s turn to shine. So, to say that this shocked the crap outta me, would be an understatement. But why did I ever expect Nan to do anything the easy way. As you come to expect, the drama queen of Rosemary Beach closes out this series with a bang.

I have been a fan of Abbi’s since July of 2012, when I happened to stumble upon The Vincent Boys and then immediately into the Sea Breeze books and from then on, I was hooked. She was officially an auto buy author. I enjoy her books as they have a way of making the world calm down. While they may be emotional at times, I look forward to the break they give me, from all the angst I read. So now we say goodbye to these characters and call me crazy, but I don’t think I’m ready to let go. But I’m still crossing my fingers that she surprises us with a little something in a few years.

Thank you, Abbi, for giving us such wild and crazy characters that made me laugh, cry and swoon.

~Melpomene

Buy Up in Flames

Get caught up with the whole gang, so you can fully enjoy the ride.

Fallen Too Far
Never Too Far
Forever Too Far
Rush Too Far
Twisted Perfection
Simple Perfection
Take a Chance
One More Chance
You Were Mine
Kiro’s Emily
When I’m Gone
When You’re Back
The Best Goodbye