Spotlight Read & Review - Cement Heart by Beth Ehemann

Today's spotlight read is Cement Heart by Beth Ehemann. If you're familiar with Beth's Cranberry Inn series, then you've met Viper. This is his book and what a book it is! 

Lawrence Finkle, known simply to his die-hard Minnesota Wild fans as Viper, isn’t used to hearing the word "no." He lives his whole life just a little on the reckless side. After all, life is just one big game, right? 

Wrong. 

When what was supposed to be an innocent bet goes horribly wrong, he’s left to deal with the aftermath—and the guilt. In an effort to make things right the best way he can, he ends up falling for the one person on the planet he never should have. 

The old saying goes that two wrongs don’t make a right . . . or do they?

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When I get a new book by an author who is on my automatically buy list, I usually go in without knowing too much about it. I rarely read the synopsis, I don’t often read excerpts or teasers and I never read reviews before I read a book. All I knew about Cement Heart going in was that it was Viper’s book. Beth completely blew my mind. At first I wasn't sure where the story was going, but then it took a twist that I wasn't at all expecting! I sat there reading in disbelief as it played out. Cement Heart had me alternately laughing and crying. It’s definitely one emotional ride that will have you feeling all over the place. Viper’s story wasn't what I was expecting, but it ended up being so much more, if that makes any sense. I like when an author can surprise me in that way and Beth certainly did that. 

Beth Ehemann lives in the northern suburbs of Chicago with her husband and four children. When she's not sitting in front of her computer writing, or on Pinterest, she loves reading, photography, martinis and all things Chicago Cubs. 

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Spotlight Read & Review - Better When He's Bold by Jay Crownover

Today's spotlight read & review is Better When He's Bold by Jay Crownover. Jay is a favorite of my guest reviewer, Misha, and she's written a fab review for you today! 

There’s a difference between a bad boy and a boy who is bad. . . . Welcome to the Point. In a dark and broken kingdom, a ruler has be fearless to control the streets and the ruthless people who run them. Race Hartman is just bold enough, just smart enough, and just lost enough to wear the crown. Places like The Point will always have bad things and bad people, but the man in control of all that badness can minimize the devastation. Race has a plan, but can he prevent total annihilation without destroying himself?Brysen Carter has always seen the real Race—a guy too pretty, too smooth, and way too dangerous. Basking in his golden glow is very tempting, but Brysen knows she’ll eventually get burned. She has enough problems without the risky danger and mayhem that comes with a guy like Race. Too bad Brysen faces a threat close to home that might be more dangerous than anything The Point has ever produced.. And the only person interested in keeping her safe is the one man she can’t allow herself to have. Sometimes being bold is the only way to stay alive. But can she let Race save her life . . . if it means losing herself to him?

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Review by: 

Each time I read one of Jay Crownover’s books I find myself wanting to shout from the rooftops about how much I loved it.  Better When He’s Bold was most certainly no exception.  While I will always have a soft spot for the guys in her Marked Men series, it is her boys from The Point and their raw edginess that makes my heart race.  I love the grit and realness of this series.  Race and Brysen’s story was full of suspense, steam, and intensity.  Crownover is skilled in creating dangerous bad boys and feisty heroines who never fail to draw me in and keep me on my toes in anticipation of what is to come.

Race Hartman is a smooth criminal walking a fine line.  Highly intelligent and full of natural charisma, Race has both the power and plan to keep control of The Point and minimize the destruction.  He is bold, brave, and knows what he wants.  Brysen Carter is his younger sister’s best friend.  Although she is drawn to him, she knows getting involved with Race could lead to serious trouble, especially while she is carrying the entire weight of her family on her shoulders.  However, when Brysen finds herself in danger, Race may be the only person who can help her.  The question is whether or not he is worth the risk.

Having made some questionable choices in Better When He’s Bad, I was eager to learn more about Race and see how he operates.  Even though he was involved in illegal activities, Race actually had good intentions and was trying to do what was best for The Point.  I have always loved how protective Race was of Dovie, and I liked seeing that side of him with Brysen, too.  She brought out a softness in him that was quite endearing.  What I especially liked about Race was that he was upfront with his feelings for Brysen.  He wasn’t going to change who he was for her, but he cared about keeping her safe and happy.

My heart went out to Brysen concerning her family situation and the responsibility she shouldered.  She was an intelligent girl and much stronger than she realized.  It was difficult to see how much she had given up for everyone else.  Brysen needed someone to share her burden and to take care of her.  She complimented Race very well, and I enjoyed watching her give into her feelings for him.  Their chemistry was explosive, but I also enjoyed the tenderness between them.  It was refreshing to see two characters who did not play games.  They shared a real connection that I loved.

Better When He’s Bold was full of suspense and intrigue.  It was great seeing more of the dynamics of The Point and the tenuous balance at work.  It is a dark and scary place, yet also quite fascinating.  Of course Bax and Dovie each played an important role in the story, and I enjoyed their interactions with Race and Brysen (just don’t give Bax a hug).  Crownover definitely piqued my curiosity regarding Titus and Nassir, and I can’t wait until their books are available.  This book was full of solid writing, likeable characters, and a fantastic plot.  I am in love with The Point and the guys and girls in it.

Being native Coloradan is a source of pride if you ask Jay. She loves all the things her home has to offer, and that is why she set her books in this familiar place. Writing about what she knows is why her stories feature plenty of rock and roll and body modification.

Jay has been a bartender since she was in college, spending over forty hours a week watching interactions between men and women.  This 9 to 5 job offered great insights into relationships - how they start and how they evolve in a social setting.

This cutting-edge author likes to write New Adult novels because she remembers being in her early twenties and thinking she had it all figured out, only to be proven wrong time and time again. When she looks back, she see's that those years defined who she is today, and, good or bad, those decisions ultimately set her current path.

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Spotlight Read & Review - Forever With Me by Kristen Proby

Today's spotlight read and review is Forever With Me by Kristen Proby. This is the final book in Kristen's With Me In Seattle series. If you haven't read this series yet, I urge you to go pick up book 1, Come Away With Me, which is currently free on Amazon. 

From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the With Me in Seattle Series comes the end of a saga… 

Dominic Salvatore seemingly has everything a man could want. He’s found a new relationship with his father and the entire Montgomery family. His vineyard, Coppa di Vita, is a success. There’s only one thing that eludes him: a certain driven, intelligent, sexy as hell blonde named Alecia. 

Alecia works tirelessly building her event planning business. It’s the most important part of her life. Despite the beautiful, lavish weddings she organizes, Alecia is convinced that the idea of true love is a myth. While Dominic is a sexy, intriguing man, welcoming the handsome Italian into her bed, and her life, is a risk she’s not so sure she’s willing to take. 

However Dominic isn’t used to taking no for an answer, and it’s not long before these two are burning up the sheets and discovering a connection that neither can deny. But will it be strong enough to last forever? 

“I’m going to eventually make you understand how amazing you are, tesoro.” – Dominic Salvatore 

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Review by: 

As excited as I was to read the final installment of Kristen Proby’s With Me series, I must admit that I put off reading Forever With Me for a few days.  I was not ready to say goodbye to one of my all-time favorite casts of characters.  However, all good things most come to end, and so I dove into Dominic and Alecia’s story with a mixture of excitement and sadness.  Proby did not disappoint.  This was a lovely conclusion to series, full of the humor, steam and heart I have come to expect and adore.

Just like every other man in the series, Dom stole my heart.  There is something very attractive about a successful, confident and kind-hearted man.  It was obvious how sincerely he appreciated the way the members of the Montgomery family had opened their arms to him and embraced him as if he had always been a part of their family.  I loved the way he interacted with both the guys and the girls.  Their easy banter and genuine affection for one another made me smile and laugh over and over again.

Alecia was one tough cookie.  Time after time she stubbornly refused Dom’s advances.  Given the way she was raised and her romantic past, it was understandable why she did not believe in love.  I hurt for her knowing that she had never been treated the way she deserved.  She had a wonderful and fulfilling career as an event planner and was content with that life until sexy and persistent Dom came along and started to breaking down her walls.  They had fantastic chemistry, but more than that I loved the emotional connection they shared.

I appreciated the way Dom didn’t hide his feelings for Alecia.  He was always honest with her about the way he felt and his intentions.  I was also really impressed with the way Alecia stood up for herself and faced her past.  As usual, there were plenty of family moments and antics that had me alternately laughing and crying.  The icing on the cake was the fabulous epilogue that made my heart so happy.  It is so bittersweet to see this wonderful series come to an end.  I can honestly say that I have loved every minute spent with every character.

For a chance to win a Kindle Copy of Forever With Me, comment below and tell me who your favorite Kristen Proby hero is and why? Winner will be announced on Monday.

Spotlight Read & Review - Deceived by Stella Barcelona

 

Today's spotlight read & review is by Stella Barcelona. Deceived is Stella's debut romantic suspense novel and was released earlier this year.

 

 

 

Taylor Marlowe Bartholomew carries three of the most notable names in New Orleans society. She hoped to forge her own path in the world as an Assistant District Attorney, but that dream is dying as obligations pull her into the family shipbuilding business. In Taylor’s final days in the DA’s office, she receives a murder assignment that could unravel her perception of reality.

Brandon Morrissey is haunted by demons that force him to keep his life simple and detached. He pours all of his energy into his thriving legal practice, until, overnight, he becomes the single father of an infant. For the sake of his son’s future, Brandon searches for a killer and faces the truth about his family’s unfortunate past.

Someone is willing to kill to use the past for their own ends. Thrust together, Brandon and Taylor have different views of their families’ intersecting histories. As they confront a sea of uncertainty, one thing is sure…no one is safe until they discover where the truth lies.

Their destinies have been set in motion by their ancestors.

Ghosts of the past shadow every step they take.

Together they have to find the truth…before it’s too late.

 

Read an Excerpt | Buy On Amazon

 

When it comes to romantic suspense books, I have my short list of must-buy favorites that I love. It’s been quite a while since I’ve added a new author to that list. After reading her debut novel, Deceived, Stella Barcelona joined the list. Stella's story was recommended to me by a friend and I'm glad to have taken her suggestion. The story, the characters, the intrigue, everything about Ben and Taylor’s story kept me hooked page after page wanting to know what was going to happen next. I am looking forward to more from Stella in the future and can't wait to see what she has in store for her next book. If you enjoy a little suspense and intrigue with your romance, I would definitely add Deceived to your reading list. Stella Barcelona is a great new voice in romantic suspense!

 

 

Stella Barcelona, author of romantic suspense novels, has always had an active imagination, a tendency to daydream, and a passion for reading romance, mysteries, and thrillers. From her early days of reading, when she first escaped reality through the pages of a well-written novel, she knew that her daydreams needed an outlet, and she knew that her outlet would be writing.

In day to day life, Stella is a lawyer and works for a court in New Orleans, Louisiana. Currently, Stella lives minutes from the French Quarter, with her husband of sixteen years and two adorable papillons who believe that they are princesses. Stella loves to hear from readers on her Facebook page and can also be contacted through her website, www.stellabarcelona.com, where there's information on appearances, her next release, and exciting contests that you won't want to miss! While she doesn't have a lot of free time with her legal and writing careers battling for her every minute, she does enjoy any chance she and her husband get to go out on their boat. In addition, she attends conferences, workshops, and retreats for writers. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and the Southern Louisiana Chapter of the Romance Writers of America.
  

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Spotlight Read - It's In His Kiss by Jill Shalvis

 

As today's spotlight read, I bring you It's In His Kiss by Jill Shalvis. This is book 10 in Jill's Lucky Harbor series and features Sam and Becca. If you've never read any of Jill's books, I would definitely recommend starting with the Lucky Harbor series. It's funny, sexy and chock-full of yummy men. :)

 

 

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ONE KISS CAN LAST FOREVER

Becca Thorpe has uprooted her life and escaped to the beach. Now's her chance to get away from city living, throw caution to the ocean winds, and live in the moment. Especially if the moment includes the deliciously sexy surfer she meets shortly after arriving in Lucky Harbor. Something about the dark intensity of Sam's eyes and the thrill she gets at his touch convinces her to stay awhile.

Boatbuilder and investment genius Sam Brody is a self-made man who knows how dangerous it can be to mix business and pleasure. But he can't resist offering Becca a job just to hear her laugh and have her near. Yet when her brother comes to town asking for help, will he tempt her back to her glamorous life in the city? Or do Sam and little Lucky Harbor have a chance to win Becca's heart?

 

I’m never disappointed when I read a story by Jill Shalvis. It’s In His Kiss is no exception. In the latest installment to her Lucky Harbor series, Jill introduces us to Sam & Becca. Becca is new to Lucky Harbor and is looking for a new beginning. Sam aka “sexy grumpy surfer” runs Lucky Harbor Charters with his friends Cole and Tanner. Drawn to each other, it’s not long before they are unable to resist the pull of attraction. But when Becca hires on as office manager for Lucky Harbor Charters, Sam insists that he doesn’t get involved with employees. Jill has done it again. I couldn’t put It’s In His Kiss down. From the first page, it grabbed me and kept me hooked and wanting to know what was going to happen next. Sam is every inch the sexy grumpy surfer that Becca decides he is and it just makes you love him more. I definitely recommend Becca and Sam’s story to anyone who loves their romances filled with sexy men, laughter, small town gossips and great story.

New York Times Bestselling author Jill Shalvis wrote RESCUE MY HEART and FOREVER AND A DAY, along with many other romance novels including her acclaimed Lucky Harbor series. The Rita winner and 3-time National Readers Choice winner makes her home near Lake Tahoe.

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Spotlight Read & Review - Sharing You by Molly McAdams

 

If ya'll have been following me for any length of time, then you probably know I'm a HUGE fan, supporter, stalker etc of Molly McAdams. Her latest book, Sharing You, is today's Spotlight Read. Read on for details, review and a giveaway!

 

 

 

 

Sensational New York Times bestselling author Molly McAdams breaks bounds with this emotionally wrenching, heartbreakingly real New Adult novel of love, passion, guilt, honor, and infidelity.

 

Twenty-three year old Kamryn Cunningham has left behind a privileged, turbulent past for the anonymity of small-town life. Busy with her new bakery, she isn’t interested in hook-ups or fix-ups. Then she meets the very sexy, very married Brody. Though she can’t deny the pull between them, Kamryn isn’t a cheater and she’s not good at sharing.Twenty-six year old Brody Saco may be married, but he isn’t happy. When his girlfriend got pregnant six years ago, he did the right thing . . . and he’s been paying for it ever since. Now, his marriage is nothing but a trap filled with hate, manipulation, and blame—the remnants of a tragedy that happened five years earlier. While he’s never broken his vows, he can’t stop the flood of emotion that meeting Kamryn unlocks.Brought together by an intense heat that is impossible to resist, Brody and Kamryn share stolen moments and nights that end too soon. But is their love strong enough to bear the weight of Kamryn’s guilt? And is Brody strong enough to confront the pain of the past and finally break free of his conniving wife?
 

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Through the glimpses of Brody’s life that we got in Molly’s Capturing Peace, I just knew that Sharing You was going to be one emotional read. I was not disappointed. It’s really hard to put into words everything that I felt when I was reading it. Brody is married to crazy, AKA Olivia, who blames him for everything that has gone wrong in their marriage since they were hit with the worst tragedy you can imagine. Brody is just existing day-to-day and trying to make up for his feelings of guilt. Then he meets Kamryn. Kamryn is running from a life mapped out for her by her parents and boyfriend. She settles into small-town life in Jeston, Oregon. When she meets Brody at a party, she is undeniably attracted to him. While they do their best to stay away from each other, before long they are unable to resist the draw. Sharing you had my emotions all over the place­– crying, laughing, heartache. I don’t know how Molly does it, but she gets me every time with her books. Sharing You ranks at the top of my list of 2014 must reads and I definitely recommend you add it to your reading list!

 

 

Molly grew up in California but now lives in the oh-so-amazing state of Texas with her husband and furry four-legged daughters. When she's not diving into the world of her characters, some of her hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, traveling, and long walks on the beach … which roughly translates to being a homebody with her hubby and dishing out movie quotes. She has a weakness for crude-humored movies and fried pickles, and loves curling up in a fluffy comforter during a thunderstorm ... or under one in a bathtub if there are tornados. That way she can pretend they aren't really happening.

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Spotlight Read & Review - Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover

 

 

I can't say enough great things about this spotlight read. Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover is one of my favorite books I've read this year. Not only is it a fantastic book, it's got a pretty awesome soundtrack by Griffin Peterson that was created for the book. If you haven't read or listend yet, you're definitely missing out! Also, be sure to check out the Maybe Someday website for bonus features. Read on for more info as well as my review and links to everything. :)

 

 

 

 

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover, a passionate tale of friendship, betrayal, and romance.

At twenty-two years old, Sydney has a great life: She's in college, working a steady job, in love with her wonderful boyfriend, Hunter, and rooming with her best friend, Tori. But everything changes when she discovers Hunter's cheating on her--and she is left trying to decide what to do next.

Sydney becomes captivated by Ridge, her mysterious neighbor. She can't take her eyes off him or stop listening to the passionate way he plays his guitar every evening out on his balcony. And there's something about Sydney that Ridge can't ignore, either. When their inevitable encounter happens, they soon find themselves needing each other in more ways than one...

 

Amazon Kindle

Amazon Paperback

 

 

 

 

 

Living a Lie
Something
A Little Bit More
Maybe Someday
I'm In Trouble
It's You
Hold On To You
Let It Begin

 

Buy Soundtrack on Amazon

 

 

 



Reviewed By Stephanie

When I started reading Maybe Someday all I knew going in was two things: 1) It was a Colleen Hoover novel and 2) It had a soundtrack by Griffin Peterson that I absolutely loved. I was completely blown away by the characters, the story and the integration of the music. I’ve had a really hard time writing this review because I just wanted to write “I Love Ridge” over and over again. If you’ve read it, you know that Ridge is a unique Colleen Hoover hero. I was totally not expecting him and he won the spot as my favorite Colleen book boyfriend (but I still love you, Will!) A book with a soundtrack created for it and the way it all fits together is a unique and exciting reading experience. From someone who has read their whole life, that is pretty awesome. Maybe Someday has everything you could possible need, stupid exes, funny roommates, passion, angst. Seriously, move it to the top of your reading list if you haven’t yet. You won’t regret it!

 

 

With Griffin Peterson and Colleen Hoover
Portland, Oregon
Maybe Someday Release Party 03.22.2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spotlight Read & Review - Searching For Perfect by Jennifer Probst

 

 

I am happy to feature Jennifer Probst's Searching for Perfect as a spotlight read. If you haven't read her, I would definitely recommend both her Searching For series and her Marriage To A Billionaire series!

 

 

The highly anticipated second novel in the new Searching For series from Jennifer Probst, "one of the most exciting breakout novelists" (USA TODAY)—a spin-off of the bestselling Marriage to a Billionaire series—featuring a sexy matchmaker, and the rocket scientist who becomes her special project…

 

The up-and-coming matchmaking agency Kinnections is the hottest thing to hit Verily, New York—just like Kennedy Ashe, social director for the service she owns with her two best girlfriends. A coach, consultant, and cheerleader rolled into one super-sizzling package, Kennedy creates dream dates, encourages singles to shine, and never refuses a challenge—not even Nate Ellison Raymond Dunkle, rocket scientist, nerd extraordinaire, and Kennedy’s newest client. Kennedy vows to work her magic and transform this hot mess in a lab coat with a disastrous relationship track record into the most wanted man on the Verily dating scene. If only she could turn the wand on herself…though she radiates confidence and sex appeal, Kennedy harbors deep-seated insecurities from a tormented past and lifelong struggle with weight issues. When she realizes she and Nate are cut from the same cloth and might be perfect together, can Kennedy learn to let her heart lead the way? Or will her fears sentence her to the sidelines as Nate finds love—with someone else?

 

 Amazon | B&N

 

 

 



Reviewed By Stephanie

Every book I read by Jennifer Probst just gets better and better. Searching for Perfect is no exception. I knew when I read Searching for Someday, that Kennedy's story was going to be a good one. I wasn't wrong. Kennedy comes off as a strong, put together woman but underneath she is vulnerable, insecure and afraid to put herself out there for fear of being hurt. Nate is freakin' adorable. I loved his awkwardness, his research for getting ready for the dates, his relationship with his brother and just everything about him. Searching for Perfect is a great read full of fun, laughter, passion and hope. I definitely recommend it as well as any of Jennifer Probst's books if you're looking for something to add to your reading list.

 

 

 

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Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master’s in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again.

 

She makes her home in Upstate New York with the whole crew. Her sons keep her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean.

 

She is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, was ranked #6 on Amazon's Best Books for 2012. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases and her street team at www.jenniferprobst.com.