“How is it, that someone can make decision after decision attempting to get away from their past and somehow end up right back where they started?” 

 

I’m a sucker for a guy on a bike…want a juicy tid-bit to whet your appetite?

“You just can’t help yourself, can you? You’re bitchin’ at me about fifteen seconds ago, and now you’re dressing me like I’m Trix.” He shook his head. “So damn sweet, baby.”

My face was on fire. Fuck, this was embarrassing.

I was just dressing him like a five year old, and I didn’t even realize it.

“Why don’t you get undressed and get into bed,” he whispered as he grabbed ahold of my head with both hands. “I’ll get Trix to bed and come back and trace all of those parts I haven’t seen in so long.” He kissed my lips softly and then finished talking against my mouth, “Remember how good it was, baby? How sensitive you are on your thighs? That sweet spot right under your ass cheeks? Fuck, I can’t wait to taste you.” He gave me one last kiss, his tongue rimming my lips before he pulled open the door and went to Trix. I stood there for a second, my body on fire and my thoughts scrambling before I got it together. Twice in one night he’d made me want to climb him like a tree.

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Nicole Jacquelyn is a single mom of two little girls and a full time college student. She hasn’t watched television in well over a year, she still does things that drive her mother crazy, and she loves to read. At eight years old, when asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she told people she wanted to be a mom. When she was twelve her answer changed- to author. By the time she was eighteen, when people asked her what she wanted to do with her life, she told them she really wanted to be a writer- but the odds of that happening were so slim that she’d get her business degree “just to be safe”. Her dreams stayed constant. First she became a mom, then she went to college, and during her senior year- with one daughter in first grade and the other in preschool, she sat down and wrote a story.

Julie Walker thought she found true love with Jase. Until he betrayed her in the worst way, with one of her best friends. Devastated and heartbroken she runs away,leaving behind her family and friends. She starts a new life filled with secrets.
When Julie meets Dean, she thinks he is the answer to all her prayers, but Dean isn’t who she thinks he is.
Jase Gibson is a player. Even when he had the girl of his dreams, he still played. When he lost Julie, his life fell apart. He turned to whiskey and women, to fill the void. But, only Julie will ever make him whole.
Nine years later, Julie’s back home, but shes not alone. What will happen when all of Julie’s secrets are uncovered?  Jase vowed that if he ever got her back, he would do right by her and never let her go. Will he let Julie’s secret keep them apart?
When Julie’s ex-husband refuses to be her ex, Jase must choose to help her or hang on to his anger.  Jase and Julie have to find a way to give their whiskey lullaby a happy ending.

Expected Publication Date:    September 30, 2013

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Chase by Dawn Martens and Chantal Fernando eBook

Kade by Dawn Martens and Chantal Fernando eBook

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I’m Dawn. I co-wrote a two books(Chase and Kade) with fellow author Chantal Fernando, in the Resisting Love. We went solo on three of the books, she wrote Ryder, and she is writing James, and I’m writing Derek.  Also working on a book currently with my friend Isabella Bearden, called A Second Chance!  AND I’m currently writing a book with good friend Emily Minton called Whiskey Lullaby.  I drink too much, Swear too much, and Read too much. Yes I read too much. I don’t have a filter, and I tend to speak before I think.

I’m a beta reader for many authors, I’m on a few authors ARC list, because apparently I’m THAT awesome. 😉 And I also Edit. Not a professional, but I do help a few with that.  I have two children, 5 & 2, and have another on the way. They bug the shit outta me, but hey, that’s what kids are supposed to do. 😉 Married since 2007. He’s amazing, but he’s also a bigger pain in my ass than my kids are.I love to read. and I love being able to write stories that *I* want to read!  I couldn’t do this without the help of some very special friends!

I’m Emily.  I am the proud mother of two lovable but irritating teenagers. I have been married for over twenty years, but I would gladly trade my husband for Tatumn Jackson any day! If you are wondering who that is, you need to read Sweet Dreams by KA now. Kristen Ashley is my queen!  I love to read.  I am a complete mommy porn junkie!  I have more books on my kindle than most people could read in a lifetime, but I will get to them all eventually!  I am also a avid blogger.  I love to share my favorite books and pimp my favorite authors.  I am currently writing my first book with the amazing Dawn Martens. I hope you all enjoy Whiskey Lullaby!

Livie has always been the stable one of the two Cleary sisters, handling her parents’ tragic death and Kacey’s self-destructive phase with strength and maturity. But underneath that exterior is a little girl hanging onto the last words her father ever spoke to her. “Make me proud,” he had said. She promised she would…and she’s done her best over the past seven years with every choice, with every word, with every action.

Livie walks into Princeton with a solid plan, and she’s dead set on delivering on it: Rock her classes, set herself up for medical school, and meet a good, respectable guy that she’s going to someday marry. What isn’t part of her plan are Jell-O shots, a lovable, party animal roommate she can’t say ‘no’ to, and Ashton, the gorgeous captain of the men’s rowing team. Definitely him. He’s an arrogant ass who makes Livie’s usually non-existent temper flare and everything she doesn’t want in a guy. Worse, he’s best friends and roommates with Connor, who happens to fits Livie’s criteria perfectly. So why does she keep thinking about Ashton?

As Livie finds herself facing mediocre grades, career aspirations she no longer thinks she can handle, and feelings for Ashton that she shouldn’t have, she’s forced to let go of her last promise to her father and, with it, the only identity that she knows.

Have you read the other books in the Ten Tiny Breaths Series?

Kacey Cleary’s whole life imploded four years ago in a drunk-driving accident. Now she’s working hard to bury the pieces left behind—all but one. Her little sister, Livie. Kacey can swallow the constant disapproval from her born-again aunt Darla over her self-destructive lifestyle; she can stop herself from going kick-boxer crazy on Uncle Raymond when he loses the girls’ college funds at a blackjack table. She just needs to keep it together until Livie is no longer a minor, and then they can get the hell out of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

But when Uncle Raymond slides into bed next to Livie one night, Kacey decides it’s time to run. Armed with two bus tickets and dreams of living near the coast, Kacey and Livie start their new lives in a Miami apartment complex, complete with a grumpy landlord, a pervert upstairs, and a neighbor with a stage name perfectly matched to her chosen “profession.” But Kacey’s not worried. She can handle all of them. What she can’t handle is Trent Emerson in apartment 1D.

Kacey doesn’t want to feel. She doesn’t. It’s safer that way. For everyone. But sexy Trent finds a way into her numb heart, reigniting her ability to love again. She starts to believe that maybe she can leave the past where it belongs and start over. Maybe she’s not beyond repair.

But Kacey isn’t the only one who’s broken. Seemingly perfect Trent has an unforgiveable past of his own; one that, when discovered, will shatter Kacey’s newly constructed life and send her back into suffocating darkness.

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Owning a strip club isn’t the fantasy most guys expect it to be. With long hours, a staff with enough issues to keep a psych ward in business, and the police regularly on his case, twenty-nine year old Cain is starting to second guess his unspoken mission to save the women he employs. And then blond, brown-eyed Charlie Rourke walks through his door, and things get really complicated. Cain abides by a strict “no sleeping with the staff” rule. But being around Charlie challenges Cain’s self-control…and it’s been a long time since any woman has done that.

Twenty-two-year old Charlie Rourke needs a lot of money, really fast, in order to vanish before it’s too late. Taking her clothes off for men makes her stomach curl but Charlie tells herself that at least she’s putting her acting and dancing skills to good use. And though her fellow dancers seem eager to nab their sexy, sophisticated, and genuinely caring boss, she’s not interested. After all, Charlie Rourke doesn’t really exist—and the girl pretending to be her doesn’t need to complicate her life with romance.

 Unfortunately, Charlie soon discovers that developing feelings for Cain is inevitable, that those feelings may not be unrequited—but losing him when he finds out what she’s involved with will be more painful than any other sentence awaiting her.

So we were lucky enough to score a special feature with the amazing K.A. Tucker! We are both big fans and absolutely adore K.A. and her writing! We have something special in store for you. How would y’all like some Ashton in your lives? Maybe get into his head a little? How about getting to know what he was thinking that morning in Livie’s room? Well here you have it. Enjoy 😉

One Tiny Lie by K.A. Tucker

Special Bonus Scene~Ashton POV

Waking up to a woman’s perfume on my pillow is something I’m used to. Usually, it’s something I enjoy. Today, though, that distinctive feminine scent feels like a kick to the nuts.  I don’t need to open my eyes to feel the body lying next to me. Or my complete lack of clothing.

Nailing the coach’s freshman daughter is one of those three-strikes-in-one kind of deals. Captain or not, I’m off the team should he ever find out.

What the hell did I drink last night? I’m not even the least bit attracted to Reagan!

I stifle a groan as a drum goes off inside my head, and decide that I’m in no rush to move, regardless. What’s done is done and I may as well get some sleep. We’ll have to come up with a game plan and—

A thump, followed by a clattering behind me tells me we’re not alone in the room.

Great. A witness. This is getting better and better.

I need to know what I’m up against. Slowly rolling my head, I crack my eyelids and find…

Tits.

Immaculate, symmetrical, perky breasts on a dark-haired girl who’s standing in the corner of the dorm room in nothing but panties, staring at me like she’s about to scream for campus security.

That face.

The second I see that stunning, innocent face, puzzle pieces begin dropping out of the haze. It’s the girl I met at the party last night.

Livie.

No… Irish.

The feisty chick that I may have fallen in love with. Mind you, I was clearly hammered.

And now I’m lying naked in bed with Reagan. Her…roommate?

Her roommate!

But why is Irish practically naked?

Damn… who cares! I’m ready to crawl out of bed and worship that tight body of hers.

            She finally snaps out of her state of terror long enough to cover her bare chest with her arms. Disappointing, but probably a good thing, seeing as all my blood is rushing to my groin and I doubt I’m getting any early morning action from anyone in this room.

I’m also not getting any more sleep if I stay here.

“Fuck.” With a deep groan, I turn to face Reagan, her eyes now open and rolling over me. “We didn’t…”

“No,” Reagan quickly confirms and relief slams into me. “You were too drunk to make it back to your house. You were supposed to sleep on the floor.” She props her tiny body up by the elbow and asks, “Dude, why the hell are you naked?”
Because this is how I always sleep. It made perfect sense… last night. More memories quickly begin falling into place. I could have made it back to my house but I had no interest in leaving Irish.  “Oh, thank God,” I mutter to myself, silently thanking that redheaded siren of a sister for being such a proficient cock-blocker, otherwise I can’t say how far things would have gone last night.

Rolling out of the bottom bunk, I stand to face the girl who dared me to get her name tattooed on my ass. I remember thinking she was amazing last night. A sharp-tongued angel. Was I really just that drunk?

Her eyes drop to take my entire body in and then they widen and avert to the window. I fight the urge to laugh. That’s right… She’s never seen a naked guy before. She doesn’t have much of a filter when she’s intoxicated. If I remember correctly, she had a lot of firsts last night. With me.

Suddenly, I have the overwhelming urge to be all of her firsts.

And I’m fully aware of how wrong that is, given my circumstances.

Specifically, the one named “Dana.”

I push that thought aside with a dark chuckle. “What’s wrong, Irish?”

Her head snaps back and I can see the confusion in her eyes. “What’d you call me?”

Oh, this is going to be fun. I lean an arm against the ladder rung. Despite her lack of clothing, it’s not hard to keep my eyes on her face because it’s so damn beautiful. “You don’t remember much from last night, do you?”

She starts shifting from one foot to the other. “If it explains why we’re all in a room together and you’re naked…then no.”

I step forward.

Like a cornered mouse, she presses back into a small space between the dresser and the wall. I watch her eyes dart to the sheet sitting on the dresser—the one with my initials monogrammed into the top left corner. In seconds, she’s covering the front of her body with it.

I take another step, fully aware of the fact that I’m acting like a complete asshole. “Don’t worry. We agreed last night that I’m not marriage material.”

She sets her jaw stubbornly and I catch the flash of fire in those crystal blue eyes. “Well, at least I was still semi-coherent, then.”

I exhale as a conflicting wave of exhilaration and disappointment crashes into me.

There she is.

This fucking sucks.

One Tiny Lie by K.A. Tucker

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*

5+++ “Jell-O Thief” “Irish” “Livie Girl” “Freedom” Kisses!!!!

OMG OMG OMG! Are you FREAKING kidding me. You’ve got to be. I loved TTB…loved it…and I was thinking, wow…it’s going to take a lot to top those emotions that you get with Kacey and Trent. HA! In my face. Big time. This book surprised me in all the best ways possible – if you think you know what to expect…you don’t, so just hang on. Oh my angsty goodness, I had no idea I was going to get as swept off my feet with this book as I did…but wow…okay…focus Lisa, you can do this.

So One Tiny Lie is Livie Cleary’s story (if you haven’t read Ten Tiny Breaths…stop the presses immediately, read it ASAP and then hop on One Tiny Lie…sound like a plan?) My Sweet…young…innocent…naïve…Livie. The girl is a saint – I mean, really, do you remember all that happened with Kacey? Of course you do…and somehow Livie survived loosing her parents, surviving her head case sister (and I say that with all the love in my heart because Kacey is the most awesome head case on the planet 🙂 ), the drama with her Aunt and Uncle, moving across the country, new school, more drama with Kacey….and she keeps up her record of never getting anything less than an A. REALLY?!?! Hello world, I feel like a complete and utter failure at life when compared to her perfection. But Livie has an excellent reason and motivation behind her perfection…seven little words… “That’s my Livie Girl. Make me proud.” The last seven words her father spoke to her. Are you crying yet? Cause I teared up typing it, let alone when I read it for the first time. *sigh*

“You’re too perfect, Livie. Everything you do, everything you say. You can do no wrong. If someone slapped you across the face, you’d apologize to them. I can’t believe you don’t deck me for some of the stuff I say. It’s like you’re not capable of getting angry. You could be the love child of Mother Teresa and Gandhi. You’re…” Kacey pauses as if searching for the right word. She settles with, “Too fucking perfect!”

So Livie is off to college, dealing with Dr. Stayner’s outlandish tactics at breaking out of her perfect shell, and of course Kacey’s assistance in this process…and what happens her first night out? She gets to experience a lot of firsts…shall we count them?
1. She gets totally wasted on Jell-O shots – first night at college is also her first time getting drunk! Woo!
2. First toga party – what a way to kick off the school year! 🙂
3. She had her first kiss ever – well, ‘had’ is a very loose term, it was kinda ‘stolen’ – there was a lot of thievery going on at the time, we’ll just call the kiss collateral damage
4. She got her first tattoo – and it was video taped for posterity and culpability purposes
Needless to say there were other epically awesome firsts had throughout the night and the next morning, but those are the top of the list and the only ones I wish to divulge without spoiling. And…it gets better.

‘I’m attracted to my drunken one-night stand, who also happens to be an unavailable whore and my kind-of boyfriend’s roommate and best friend.’

The aforementioned ‘stolen kiss’ was stolen by a Jell-O thief (told ya the kiss was collateral damage) – and let me tell you he can steal anything he wants from me as long as it involves a kiss in return. ‘…this tall, giant Adonis with dark wavy hair, tanned skin, and a body to tempt a blind nun…had his tongue in my mouth.’ Umm….with that description, I’m not seeing the problem Livie. Say thank you to the party gods and keep shooting those Jell-O shots and pray for a repeat.

“I was managing okay, thought.” He pauses. “And then the most beautiful girl on this planet punched me in the jaw.”
A small half-giggle slips out. “You deserved that, Jell-O thief.”

Gah…I’m getting bogged down, but I swear…one of the best ‘first meetings’ I have ever read…I was hooked from that point forward. And believe me…it got better…and better…and better. I was all over the board – so shocked my jaw hit the table…laughing so hard I was crying…and then of course crying and clutching my chest because I was so torn up…GAH! The ANGST people…I tell you, I was not prepared. TTB was a very emotional read for me, and I did feel some angst, but not like this. This was a level of angst I really wasn’t ready for. And all because of one…freaking…man.

“Because you’re not a one-night-girl, Irish.” Leaning in to place a kiss on my jawline, he whispers, “You’re my forever girl.”

I am literally overcome with emotion at how amazing Ashton Fucking Henley is…tears in my eyes, lump in my throat, butterflies in my belly and the insane desire to kidnap him and keep him all to myself. He’s amazing. There is no other way to describe him. Don’t get me wrong, there is a lot to not like about Ashton, but the fact that you can see past all that is wrong to all that is right, is what makes him that much more amazing. If Kacey was a head case, Ashton is a train wreck. A beautiful broken train wreck that only needs one thing to make him better….Livie. OMGEEEE! His feelings and emotions for her…they just take my breath away. You. Have. No. Idea.

‘1. I’m brilliant
2. I’m charming
3. I’m hung like a thoroughbred
4. I’ve stopped all philandering
5. I’m highly skilled, as you’ve learned the other night.

P.S. Stop staring at my hands. I know what you want me to do with them.’

The connection that is built between Ashton and Livie is beyond words for me. It wasn’t insta-love, but there was always something there for them, and they both knew it. But it wasn’t easy…it’s never easy. Oh and the ‘surprise’ factor I mentioned…well try this on for size…there’s a love triangle. Actually, it’s kind of a square, but not really? I dunno what shape you wanna call it, but I was super excited for that aspect. It all ties in with the super angst I wasn’t expecting either. And then to really boggle my mind and make me fall in love more, KA Tucker throws in some of the funniest shit I’ve ever read…perfect example…

‘My nervous giggle is the only answer I can give him. Forget? My brain went blank. I forgot about my problems, his problems, and the potential zombie apocalypse. If that’s what orgasms do, then I can’t believe people ever leave their houses. Or cars.’

First of all…#truth on the power of orgasms, for the record. Second of all, it’s out of context – but trust me when I tell you I was hysterically laughing for like 10 minutes after I read this. Oh you want another one…try this this golden nugget from Kacey…

“Sometimes you’re as graceful as a one-legged flamingo in a pit of quicksand.”

And this happened multiple times. The wit, the humor, the sarcasm – it was all spot on for me. Loved it.

So, if Kacey’s head is full of turmoil, sadness and pain….Livie’s head is full of purpose, hilarity and confusion. It’s hard to remember that Livie is 18 years old…but she doesn’t act like it. Not even close. That’s part of what and why Dr. Stayner is around and doing what he is doing – Kacey needed to be put back together, Livie needs to be set free. And going thru the process of being on her own for the first time in her life, working things out, making mistakes and figuring out who she wants to be, is a phenomenal journey.

‘If there is one mistake I will never regret for the rest of my life, it is Ashton Henley.’

“Irish, if there’s one thing I’ve never been able to forget, it’s a single second with you.”

I have a bad habit of figuring out books…I just do…not once in reading OTL did I ever stop, sit back and think about what was going to happen next. I couldn’t have even if you asked me to. Mainly because I was so engrossed in the story, I couldn’t stop reading long enough to think about what was going to happen next. And then of course there’s the fact that even in my wildest dreams I never expected Livie and Ashton’s story to play out like it did. It was natural and fluid, logical…every aspect of this book from the plot to the characters was beautifully put together and I really can’t think of one thing that didn’t work for me. Brilliance…every word of it was engrossing, powerful, sheer brilliance. And…if you can’t tell I loved it.

‘Once all the confusion, the pressure, and the lies were gone, I was left with nothing but choices. Small, large, easy, hard – all of them mine to make. For me.’

Clearly I could babble all day long about all things TTB and OTL. These characters are absolutely amazing…and if KA Tucker doesn’t stop writing the most amazing tall dreamboat men, I might loose my mind. Oh wait…cause Cain’s story is next and lord knows I love a deep dark mysterious man like a fat kid loves cake. Bring on Four Seconds to Lose !

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Born in small-town Ontario, Kathleen published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She is a voracious reader and the farthest thing from a genre-snob, loving everything from High Fantasy to Chick Lit. Kathleen currently resides in a quaint small town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.

So how did I get myself into this situation, you ask? Simple: desperation. When you’re faced with being homeless and hungry or taking off your clothes for money, the choice is easier than you’d imagine. That doesn’t make it easy, though. Oh no. I hate it, in fact. There’s nothing I’d like more than to quit and never go into another bar again, never hear the techno beat pulsing in my ears again, never feel the lecherous gazes of horny men again.

Then, one day, I meet a man. He’s in my club, front and center. He watches me do my routine, and his gaze is full of hunger. Not the kind of desire I’m used to though. It’s something different. Something hotter, deeper, and more possessive. I know who he is; of course I do. Everyone knows who Dawson Kellor is. He’s People Magazine’s Sexiest Man alive. He’s the hottest actor in Hollywood. He’s the man hand-picked for the role of Rhett Butler in the long-awaited remake of Gone With the Wind.

He’s the kind of man who can have any woman in the entire world with a mere crook of his finger. So what’s he doing looking at me like he has to have me? And how do I resist him when he looks at me with those intoxicating, changeable, quicksilver eyes?

I’m a virgin, and he’s an American icon of male sexuality. I’m a stripper, and he’s a man used to getting anything and everything he wants. And he wants me. I know I should say no, I know he’s the worst kind of player…but what my mind knows, my body and my heart may not.

And then things get complicated.

Stripped by Jasinda Wilder

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*

4 “Tell me one true thing.” Kisses

Without fail Jasinda Wilder has one of the keenest abilities to give me characters that I fall absolutely head over heels in love with. As if that wasn’t enough, she also has the capability of putting some of the most real and raw emotions I have ever read into her stories. Stripped was no exception…when I was bawling at 10% I knew this was going to be a crazy ride and I was absolutely correct. And who would have thought it woulda been a book about a stripper…

Grey Leanne Amundsen – 5’9”….I LOVE her because she’s tall…but I will continue. ‘Honey-blonde hair, long and fine and straight’…is she my twinsie? Maybe! 🙂 Gray eyes…a dancer’s body…with huge boobs…and now I hate her. Haha…jk, kind of. So what else is there to know about Grey…she’s a dancer, a very good self-taught dancer…she wants to go into the film industry…she’s got big plans for herself outside of being the daughter of the preacher of one of largest churches in the entire state of Georgia. But…with being a preacher’s daughter comes a few other things…she’s a little naïve, a little sheltered, and a little unprepared. What this translates to is a brilliant, resilient girl who really doesn’t know how to handle something as simple as her attraction to a boy, let alone understanding what it’s like to have a relationship. Grey is a conundrum, she’s strong in some aspects, yet weak in others – which to me came across as a girl that has a lot of struggles between what she wants to do and what she thinks she should do. For some, I can see how her indecisiveness can be frustrating…and it was at times, but on the flip side that’s also a part of watching her grow and develop as a character. You can’t have an 18-year-old girl who has never really lived out from underneath her parents rule, move to L.A. and expect her to be this strong woman who knows exactly what she wants. It’s not realistic.

‘And then there’s me, a messed-up pastor’s daughter from Georgia, a film student stripping her way through college.’

Dawson Kellor…he’s 6’4”…I’ll stop there. *jaw drop* Well…that was enough for me at least! Okay…so there is more. He’s a freakin movie star, so you know he’s breathtakingly beautiful. And of course being a movie star you get all the added trimmings of rich, powerful, mysterious, intriguing, sexy, alluring…should I stop? I can keep going. Dawson is swooooontastic. He doesn’t even have to say anything and I’m a puddle at his feet with a mere look. Oh…and then when he opens his mouth, I’m just plain done for. He’s a BBF dream. And to quote Grey, ‘Dawson’s touch is hypnotism made flesh.’ Where do I sign up for this??? But there is more to him…he’s the son of a famous Hollywood couple and despite all the fame, fortune and what-not, he has his insecurities. And he’s found something in Grey that he didn’t even realize he wanted…or needed…or was missing to begin with.

‘In person…he’s beyond perfection. I can’t look away from him, but his beauty burns me, like staring into the sun.’

So…I won’t tell you what made me cry, I would call that a spoiler but it is E.M.O.T.I.O.N.A.L.…and the precision with which Miss. Wilder wrote the emotions wrapped up into this event. Spot. On. Brilliant. Speaking from first hand experience, she hit the nail right on the head. So Grey is off, to chase her dreams…but dreams cost money…and eventually it runs out and she is left with one option. Take a job as a stripper. And thus begins the tale of the most reluctant stripper that ever was. But one good thing comes out of this horrible job…it’s how she meets Dawson.

‘He’s sucking me into the orbit of his intensity. His touch is a riptide. It sucks me under. It’s a catalyst, igniting the fire of need. I need. Him, his touch, something. Anything. I don’t even know. Just him.’

Their love was passionate…electric…and fast. But I felt it. They were drawn to each other from the instant they lock eyes, and while that can come off as cheesy at times – it really didn’t here. I was so in-tune with Grey’s feelings and emotions towards Dawson, which is a big shock for her…she’s a ‘good girl’ and good girls don’t feel that way. While we don’t get Dawson’s POV, so we don’t always know exactly what he’s thinking, Jasinda does an amazing job of making it very well known – it may not always be spoken, but the point comes across loud and clear. Grey is special to Dawson and it’s absolutely beautiful the way he feels about her.

‘…it’s a reminder of reality. His arms are around me, warm and comforting, and I want to stay here forever, just like this, because I can almost…almost forget about who I am and who he is and the reality that’s waiting for me.
Almost.’

Not only was it passionate and electric it was flat out, panty-melting, hot, steamy and smoking H.O.T.! I am self-proclaimed Dirty Book Whore…I have no shame – Dawson and Grey rocked my socks off. The sex scenes were amazing! I don’t have to have sex in books, don’t get me wrong – but I do enjoy and appreciate them, and boy oh boy! Did I enjoy these! And it wasn’t ‘sex for the sake of sex’, there was so much emotion and desire with the two of them…and after the build up with Dawson and Grey’s back-and-forth, finally having them come together was like *sigh* I can breathe again! I really do love the two of them together.

‘He’s brought me breakfast. In bed. And he’s done it shirtless. Women of America, be jealous.’

So, I’ve said it already, their relationship is fast…and while I did feel that emotion, a small part of me wished that it had been drawn out just a little bit. Within the span of a few weeks they’re telling each other that they love each other but they really don’t know a whole lot to base those emotions on. Once again, and don’t ask me why, but I never doubted those feelings…but it would have felt more realistic and solidified it that much more if I had really seen that connection be developed from more than what it was. It’s hard to explain but until they are finally together we miss out on a lot of their ‘happy’ times…those little moments where you get to watch them fall in love…I missed those. And I can’t help but feel certain parts towards the end were a little rushed. Some of the conflict with Grey’s dad seemed resolved a little too easily and the last chapter did come as a surprise. I didn’t expect such an abrupt ending.

“I want to kiss you whenever I feel like it. I want to tell you when you’re being ridiculous. I want to make love to you. I want to fuck you. I want to hold you. I want to be yours. I don’t know you, like, at all, but I want all this.’

All that aside…I really did get swept away by Dawson and Grey (haha…I rhymed!) I could have read a million more pages of just them. They’re just one of those easy to love couples that you hate saying good bye to. But they got their HEA…and so therefore I am a happy camper. 🙂

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New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jasinda Wilder is a Michigan native with a penchant for titillating tales about sexy men and strong women. When she’s not writing, she’s probably shopping, baking, or reading.

​Some of her favorite authors include Nora Roberts, JR Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Liliana Hart and Bella Andre.

She loves to travel and some of her favorite vacations spots are Las Vegas, New York City and Toledo, Ohio.

You can often find Jasinda drinking sweet red wine with frozen berries and eating a cupcake.

Jasinda is represented by Kristin Nelson of the Nelson Literary Agency.

Title:    Breaking Nova (Nova #1)

Author:    Jessica Sorensen

Expected Release Date:     September 3, 2013

Genre:      New Adult Contemporary Romance

Cover reveal organized by:    Shh Moms Reading

Nova Reed used to have dreams-of becoming a famous drummer, of marrying her true love. But all of that was taken away in an instant. Now she’s getting by as best she can, though sometimes that means doing things the old Nova would never do. Things that are slowly eating away at her spirit. Every day blends into the next . . . until she meets Quinton Carter. His intense, honey brown eyes instantly draw her in, and he looks just about as broken as she feels inside.

Quinton once got a second chance at life-but he doesn’t want it. The tattoos on his chest are a constant reminder of what he’s done, what he’s lost. He’s sworn to never allow happiness into his life . . . but then beautiful, sweet Nova makes him smile. He knows he’s too damaged to get close to her, yet she’s the only one who can make him feel alive again. Quinton will have to decide: does he deserve to start over? Or should he pay for his past forever?

Pre-Order Breaking Nova!

Half way through it, Nova shuts her eyes and starts swaying her hips to the beat, her lips matching the movements of the singer’s. “I love this song,” she says with her eyes shut and her hands are on the back of her neck.

My eyes trace the curves of her body and the enthralling way she moves. “I love watching you,” I whisper so softly I know she can’t hear. I dig my fingertips into my palms, trying to resist the compulsion to place my hands on her hips and move with her.

As the song keeps playing, though, I become more and more hypnotized by her, and the way she lets herself go, when usually she’s so contained. For the briefest second I’m glad I’m there with her, which makes me feel confused and guilty, because I should want to be with Lexi. Thoughts are drifting through my head, in long sequences that don’t match, yet they do when they’re put together in a different order and suddenly, for a fleeting, guilty, irreversible moment I’m glad my heart decided to beat again.

I step forward, not sure what’s driving me, but giving in to it regardless. Then I wrap my arms around her and pull her nearer, closing my eyes as the sound of her voice caresses my ears. She leans back against me and we sway together as the music encases us. I wish I could keep my eyes shut forever because then I’d never have to go back to reality. I don’t try to kiss her or feel her up. I just hold her and let our bodies stay linked, wanting to know her and understand her more than I have with anyone . For an instant, I have something to hold onto again, a reason to keep breathing, to live.

The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Jessica Sorensen, lives in the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.

Lily had a crush on her brother’s best friend, Derek for years – which led to their steamy night ten months ago in her bedroom. Now, Lily is going off to college and she and Derek are still going strong. However, when school starts, she realizes it’s hard to maintain a relationship while also trying to live her own life. She and Derek find themselves falling apart and Lily has no idea where to turn.

Enter Jack. Everything about him is wrong for Lily and she knows it, but she can’t stop herself from being attracted to him. When things implode with Derek, it’s Jack who is there to pick up the pieces – and show Lily an entirely new set of experiences she didn’t know she was missing.

Of course, Jack has his own problems and once Lily gets to know him better, she starts to wonder if she can handle all of Jack. When Derek reappears on the scene, Lily is forced to decide between two guys and herself. Can she find herself without losing the people who matter in the process?
**New Adult Contemporary Romance. Due to language & sexual content, this book is recommended for readers 17 & older**

Want to win a signed paperback of Forget Me Not and a keychain? Enter the giveaway by clicking here or the rafflecopter below.

 Sarah Daltry writes erotica and romance. She’s never happy staying in one place. When she isn’t writing, she’s usually looking for new and creative ways to waste time. Right now, those include shooting virtual monsters on Xbox, searching the internet for cat pictures, and watching terrible reality TV.

**Connect with Sarah**

Website: http://sarahdaltry.com/

✶Releasing Fall 2013*

Gather ‘round, love, because I want you. I want what you have, I want what you don’t have, I want more of what I already have. I want. But if you so much as ask for something in return, go ahead and walk away. Know if you want to play in my world, it’s every man for themselves and the weak become mine. Leeches will be obliterated because I make it my job to destroy them. I protect what’s mine and I take what’s yours…because that’s what I do. I want.

My story will not endear me to you and, frankly, I could care less if it does because I’m in this for the money and nothing else. There’s nothing redeeming about me. I’m a corrupt, money hungry, immoral asshole from Los Angeles. I’m every man’s worst nightmare and every girl’s fantasy.

I’m Spencer Blackwell…And this is the story about how I went from the world’s most coveted guy to the guy no one wanted around and why I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

✶Now, are you ready for that surprise? Okay, well here you have it. The NEW cover for Vain (book one in the Seven Deadly Series). It’s so beautiful and I love how all the titles are going to be similar.✶

If you’re looking for a story about a good, humble girl, who’s been hurt by someone she thought she could trust, only to find out she’s not as vulnerable as she thought she was and discovers an empowering side of herself that falls in love with the guy who helps her find that self, blah, blah, blah…then you’re gonna’ hate my story.

Because mine is not the story you read every time you bend back the cover of the latest trend novel. It’s not the “I can do anything, now that I’ve found you/I’m misunderstood but one day you’ll find me irresistible because of it” tale. Why? Because, if I was being honest with you, I’m a complete witch. There’s nothing redeeming about me. I’m a friend using, drug abusing, sex addict from Los Angeles. I’m every girlfriend’s worst nightmare and every boy’s fantasy.

I’m Sophie Price…And this is the story about how I went from the world’s most envied girl to the girl no one wanted around and why I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5D9naNNSkI&w=560&h=315]

✶Sneak Peak as to what’s to come✶

✶Fisher Amelie✶

Fisher Amelie is the author of The Leaving Series, Callum & Harper and Thomas& January. She began her writing career as a copywriter for an internet marketing company wherein one of their client’s said, ‘Hey! You’re funny. You should write books’. Which in turn she said, ‘Hey, get out of here! This is the lady’s restroom.’ While washing her hands and the embarrassment from her face, she thought they may have had a valid point. So, she took the thousands of hours of writing stories growing up, tucked them into her pocket and began writing and writing and writing.

✶Connect with Fisher✶

Website: http://www.fisheramelie.com/

Blog: http://fisheramelie.com/blog/

Billionaire Archer Bancroft always gets what he wants—and he’s wanted Ivy Emerson, his best friend’s sister, for far too long. Being forbidden and untouchable only makes her more tempting. When a million-dollar bet with his friends throws down a challenge—last bachelor standing takes all—Archer knows he can win. That is, until one enchanted evening with Ivy takes his heart for a ride.
Ivy knows Archer is nothing but bad news: Infuriating, arrogant…and completely intoxicating. But despite her best efforts, she can’t seem to keep away. When a stolen kiss leads to a night of heated passion, Ivy realizes she’s in trouble and in head over heels.
But in the light of day, everything seems clearer and Archer’s not so sure a one-night stand is all he wants. Concocting a plan to keep Ivy by his side, Archer might just be willing to lose this bet…and win the jackpot instead.

Luck smiles on me once again – I landed an interview with Archer Bancroft and Ivy Emerson.  And the cherry on top of this delicious news…I get to go to Crave to meet with them.   Cue the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ – any time I get to mix gorgeous people and places while also handling blog business, sign me up!  As I am driving into the resort parking lot all I can think is ‘Small, Quaint, Gorgeous and Sophisticated’ barely even cover the tip of the iceberg when trying describe Crave.  The picturesque landscape that surrounds the hotel is breathtaking.  As I make my way into the lobby, I feel like I might need to worry about tripping over my jaw, which has been located on the floor since I stepped through the doors.  The interior of Crave is equally fabulous, Ivy did a spectacular job.  Every detail is completely thought out and the entire gorgeous package just makes me want to move in.  Soon.

I check in and make my way down to the restaurant, where the interview is scheduled to take place.  Of course Archer reserved the table with the best view and I’m quite content to sit and sip my wine and plan my eventual move to Crave, until I catch my guests of honor enter the room.  If I thought the resort was breathtaking, then Archer and Ivy have stolen my capability to breathe at all.  Separate, they are beautiful, combined – their gorgeousness should be illegal.  I wish I was exaggerating…I’m afraid I might drool and scare them off.

I rise to greet them, holding back the urge to hump Archer’s leg (that would not be appropriate at the resort he owns!), I shake Archer’s hand and give Ivy a friendly hug.  We all take our seats and the waiter brings over more wine.  This could be both good and bad for me…wine makes me relaxed, let’s just hope I don’t get too relaxed and say something I regret later.  Ehh..it’s inevitable, I’ll just give up hope on not making an ass out of myself right now.

Lisa:       “Thank you both so much for agreeing to meet with me and inviting me out to Crave, it’s absolutely stunning.”

Archer gives a confident smirk while Ivy gives me a cheerful smile.

Ivy:         “Of course – thank you for coming out.”

Lisa:       “Well, I’ll get right to the questions so I don’t take up too much of your time.  Archer, would you like to go first?”

Archer:  “Sure.”

Lisa:       “Great.  So, why do you call Ivy chicken?”

Archer:  “When I first met her, she was a gangly awkward teenager and she reminded me of a chicken. She hated the nickname so of course, I never wanted to stop calling her it. I don’t call her chicken now though…

Lisa:       “Not even when you want to get under her skin?  Come on…”

He gives me a devious grin and Ivy rolls her eyes and huffs out a breath.  HA!

Lisa:       “Alright, I won’t pry.  Did you have a ‘Plan B’ if Ivy turned you down to help with the design of Crave?”

Archer:  “No. I was positive I could convince her to help me. That was me being either ultra confident or mega stupid.”

Lisa:       “We’ll call it 50/50.  It was slightly a ‘Hail Mary’ play but you have to go big or go home.  And how is Crave going? As successful as you thought?  It’s a very original idea, how did you come up with it?”

Archer:  “It’s going very well. Both hotels (Hush and Crave) are doing well beyond my expectations. I came up with the concept of creating a place for lovers to reconnect after hearing my attached friends complain all the time how they felt disconnected to each other. Not that I had any experience since I’d never been in a real relationship until Ivy. Considering I feel pretty damn connected to her, I think we’re lucky.”

OMG I can’t even hide my smile…how can you not after a comment like that?  I glance over at Ivy and she is smiling up at him.  Too. Freaking. Cute.

Lisa:       “I have to agree, I think you’re both very lucky.  What was it like for you for the two weeks before you went to Ivy?”

Archer looks over at Ivy and grabs her hand.

Archer:  “Torture. I missed her. I wanted to call her but I was too scared to do it. I tried to throw myself into my work but everything I did made me think of her, I missed her that badly. I wouldn’t recommend denying yourself what you want, that’s for sure.”

Lisa:       “I’m a complete proponent of instant gratification.  Don’t deny yourself what you don’t have to – especially the people you love and care about.  When did Ivy change from your best friends little sister to more? Was there an ‘ah-ha’ moment?”

Archer:  “It was more gradual. When she graduated high school and hugged me after I gave her a gift, I had a sort of “whoa” moment. She felt good in my arms. She felt…right.”

Awwww…okay, can I steal him?  Please?

Archer:  “That freaked me out and I avoided her for a while. Then when I did see her I teased her and drove her crazy which morphed into us arguing. All a front for what I really wanted to do (kiss her, jump her bones, you get the picture).”

Lisa:       “Oh…I get the picture!”

I say with a wink.  I told you, the wine could be a bad thing, but luckily both Archer and Ivy still have smiles on their faces, so apparently I haven’t crossed a line yet!

Lisa:       “’The bet’ – blessing or curse?”

Archer:  “Really? A blessing…you do realize Matt said the next girl I talked to I would marry. We then went on to say Ivy didn’t count but…she did. And she was the girl I talked to. The bet—and Matt—made that happen, I swear.”

Lisa:       “Ahh…so really, Matt’s all to blame.”

We all get a chuckle, I’m sure this is one thing Matt will take full responsibility for.

Lisa:       “Alright, Ivy – it’s your turn.”

Ivy:         “I’m ready.”

She says with that cheerful smile in place.  Oh…little does she know, I’m not holding back!

Lisa:       “Where the heck did you find the balls to proposition Archer for the ‘two week’ deal? I can’t lie, I tip my hat to you – but damn girl! That took some balls!”

Ivy:         “Listen, I finally decided to go after what I wanted and what I wanted was…Archer. So I made the offer, knowing he’d take me up on it and it worked. I’m sly like that.”

She winks at me.  The look on my face can’t be described with one emotion.  Combine shock, awe, surprise and admiration into one expression and that’s probably what I look like.  So I do the only thing I can do in this situation.  I high five her.  Ivy giggles at me and I even hear Archer chuckling at our antics.

Lisa:       “Okay, I get that…and you’re awesome for it – but why didn’t you make him work harder when he came to apologize?! You could have made him grovel, beg, plead – made him squirm a little – come on Ivy, what gives?”

Ivy:         “I know he felt bad. I’m not one to draw it out or make a man fall to his knees. Plus, it’s Archer. I’ve known him forever and I knew if I pushed or asked for more groveling, he might get mad and walk away. I didn’t want him to walk away. After all, a man has his pride. “

Lisa:       “True…I guess.”

I grumble – not the answer I was expecting, but I do understand her point.

Lisa:       “So, did you really decide to open your own interior design company?  Archer was making you an offer you can’t refuse…” 😉

The bright smile that takes over Ivy’s face says it all.

Ivy:         “I did! Best decision I’ve ever made in my life. It was scary but I went for it and it’s worked out well for me. Very well.”

Lisa:       “That’s awesome!  I’m so glad to hear it’s all working out – I think you’ll do much better on your own.  Were you surprised at Gage’s acceptance of your relationship?  Sorry Archer, but once again I feel like he had it a little too easy!”

Archer raises an eyebrow out me – I swear, I do love him, but damn it…I think he should have had to suffer more.  Call me a masochist if you must.

Ivy:         “I was surprised but now I think Gage suspected something for a while. Gage loves Archer like a brother. He’s been a part of our life for so long, he’s a natural fit within our family. But then again…Gage has already warned him off that if he does me wrong, Gage will kick his ass. Men.”

Lisa:       “That’s a good big brother!  Oh and because I’m a nosey Rosie – how was that two person bathtub!?!”  😛

Ivy blushes and Archer gets an evil smile on his face.

Ivy:         “It’s um…pretty awesome?”

Archer has a sly smile and I can’t stop giggling – I embarrassed her!  Yay! 😀

Lisa:       “Alright Ivy, I’ll stop picking on you, how about some together questions?  You’ve obviously known each other a long time – what’s one thing you remember about the other from growing up? Could be good, bad or indifferent but something memorable from the past that you will never forget.”

Archer:  “Seeing Ivy for the first time. She must’ve been twelve or thirteen. I was like who the hell is THAT?”

Ivy rolls eyes and I stifle a laugh.

Ivy:         “Jerk.”

Archer:  “What? It’s true. And look at us now.”

Ivy:         “Whatever. I remember when he and Gage were at our house with their senior prom dates. I remember how good Archer looked in his tux and how jealous I was of his date. Then I got disgusted with myself for thinking Archer was hot.”

Archer:  “ Now that’s a memorable moment.”

Ivy rolls her eyes again.

Lisa:       “In your defense Ivy, I can’t imagine Archer looks bad in anything, let alone a tux.  What are your five favorite characteristics about the other – physical and non physical.”

Archer:  “Ivy is smart, driven, beautiful, kind and she keeps me sane amongst the insanity that is my life.”

I’m seriously swooning over here.

Ivy:         “Aw, you’re so sweet.”

Archer:  “It’s the truth.”

Archer leans over to kiss Ivy and I melt a little more.

Ivy:         “Well. Okay.”

Ivy’s cute, little coy smile tells me she’s swooning as much as I am.

Ivy:         “Archer is thoughtful, outrageous, sexy, intelligent and he is the best kisser ever.”

Archer:  “Kisser? You love me for my kissing skills?”

Ivy:         “You’re very talented with your mouth.”

She says with a wink.  There’s my spicy Ivy!

Lisa:       “I’m afraid I’ll have to trust your judgment on the “talented with his mouth” comment – but if you ever need confirmation of that fact, just let me know!  Biggest pet peeve?”

Ivy:         “When he calls me chicken.”

Archer:  “When she snores. Did you know she snores? Keeps me up at night.”

I don’t even hide my giggling at this point.

Ivy:         “I don’t think that’s the problem keeping you up at night.”

Archer:  “What are you trying to say?”

Ivy:         “Never mind. “

She leans in my direction and whispers,

Ivy:         “Pervert.”

Now I’m just doubled over I am laughing so hard.  After I compose myself, I continue.

Lisa:       “What’s your favorite memory from the two weeks you spent together before the opening of Crave?”

Archer:  “Just…being with Ivy. Spending so much time with her, all day and night, brought us closer together. We were so damn busy but it was fun too you know? Creating something together, getting to know each other better, all those long nights…”

*Swoon*

Ivy:         “Don’t say it. Don’t say what we were doing those long nights.”

Well…now that has my eyebrow arched with curiosity…

Archer:  “C’mon Ivy, they know what we were doing.”

Ivy:         “Everything he said, I agree with. Just being with him is my favorite memory. I really fell in love with him during those two weeks.”

Swoon again – I love them!

Lisa:       “Any other ‘joint ventures’ in the works? It seems you both work well together.”

Archer:  “She’s currently working on Matt’s new winery. After that…I think we’re going to work on our joint venture of getting married.”

Ivy:         “We do work well together. And I’m very very excited about our upcoming wedding.”

Lisa:       “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”

Archer:  “Married to Ivy of course. Maybe with a bunch of my own hotels all over the place. We’ll travel together and she can help me design the new locations…”

Ivy:         “We won’t be able to travel much with the children.”

Archer audibly gulps.

Archer:  “Children? As in more than one?”

The look on his face is almost as proicessless as the look of glee on Ivy’s.

Ivy:         “You never know. I’d like to have two relatively close together.”

Archer:  “God woman, I think you’re trying to kill me.”

I catch Ivy’s eye and we both share a giggle at Archer’s pain.

Lisa:       “Time to think fast, a little rapid fire questions…either or – pick one…Hush or Crave ?”

Archer:  “Hush”

Ivy:         “Hush”

Lisa:       “Hard or Soft?”

They turn to each other, a slightly devious glint in both their eyes.

Archer:  “Soft (as in, I’m thinking of Ivy)”

Mmmmm…

Ivy:         “Hard (and I’m thinking of Archer, ahem)”

Mmmmmhmmmm…God I love these two.

Lisa:       “Chocolate or Vanilla?”

Archer:  “Chocolate”

Ivy:         “Vanilla”

Lisa:       “Fast or Slow ?”

Archer:  “Can I say both?”

Ivy:         “Definitely both”

Lisa:       “Both is good.  😉   Books or movies?”

Archer:  “Movies”

No surprise there…typical guy.

Ivy:         “Books”

I knew I loved Ivy for a reason.

Lisa:       “Hot or Cold ?”

Archer:  “Hot”

Ivy:         “Hot”

Lisa:       “Go out or stay in ?”

Archer:  “Stay in”

Ivy:         “Stay in”

Lisa:       “City or country?”

Archer:  “Both again…”

Ivy:         “I agree with Archer.”

Lisa:       “Alright, last round – word association, tell me the first thing that comes to mind.  Gage?”

Archer:  “Best friend”

Ivy:         “Brother”

Lisa:       “Bet?”

Archer:  “Pain in my ass”

Ivy:         “Ugh”

I’m almost in physical pain from how much I’ve laughed with these two.

Lisa:       “Chicken?”

Archer:  “Ivy”

Ivy:         “Irritating!”

Still laughing…turning to Ivy I ask,

Lisa:       “Archer?”

Ivy:         “Love”

Aww…I smile and turn to Archer and ask,

Lisa:       “Ivy?”

Archer:  “Mine”

H.O.T. – God I love a good caveman!

Lisa:       “Last one, I promise!  Love?”

Archer:  “Ivy”

Ivy:         “Archer”

And I’m swooning.  Over both of them.  I swear, I’m in dreamland with how much I adore these two.  They both turn to each other, lock eyes and share a sweet kiss.  Archer turns back to me and with a courteous smile says,

Archer:  “I’m sorry to have to run, but I’ve got a meeting I have to get to”

He rises from the table and I stand to shake his hand – once again restraining my desire to leap into his arms.  He turns to Ivy, who has rise to give him a hug and proper kiss and asks her,

Archer:  “You’ll be taking care of our special visitor , won’t you?”

She grins at him and then turns to my shocked faces and replies,

Ivy:         “Of course.”

I spent the rest of the day in the lap of luxury at Crave with Ivy.  After a few hours at the spa, we ended the day enjoying a lovely dinner out on the terrace while the sun set and we finished off a bottle of wine.  It’s an absolute glorious way to spend a day and with the nicest company.  I can’t wait to bring the hubs back to Crave so we can thoroughly enjoy everything this resort has to offer.  😀

Crave by Monica Murphy

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

*ARC Given to Blog for Honest Review*

3 “chicken” “Humpty Dumpty” kisses

I am a deep lover of Monica Murphy and all the yumminess that emanates from her brain. She has a talent for creating drool worthy book bf’s and she did not disappoint me with Archer. At all. Crave was that ‘just right blend’ of a little angst, sexual tension and steam, and left me with all the warm, fuzzy feelings I love.

Ivy Emerson – she’s a 24 year old interior designer, gorgeous, brown hair, hazel eyes and what I like to call a ‘fixer’. I related to her in that aspect – I too like to fix things. Ivy likes to fix guys. The hopeless ones…the ones beyond repair…she tries, God bless her little heart. Her biggest challenge of all would just so happen to be her brother’s best friend…the guy she has always wanted…the one who will probably never see her as anything other than Gage’s little sister. She’s known him since she was 12, so she really knows how he is and what to expect. Or so she thinks.

‘If I’m going to consider a relationship with a guy that’s what I want. What I need. A spark. Chemistry. A few stolen kisses, wandering hands, whispered words in a quiet corner where someone might catch us. He’d press me up against a wall, cradle my face in his hands, and kiss me like he means it…’

Archer Bancroft…he’s young (28), he’s powerful, he’s successful. His family has always had money and while his dad gave him a chance, expecting him to fail, he turned around and made it an incredibly successful operation. He’s built his success on his own and doesn’t take that for granted. But at the end of the day, business is business and Archer likes to enjoy his pleasure…he’s still out to have a good time, no commitments and no ties. Except for her. Ivy is the exception but she has always been hands off. She is Gage’s little sister after all.

‘With the exception of one woman and I absolutely cannot touch her. She’s too young, too sweet, too good, too everything I’m not. She’s so fucking tempting and so completely off limits, I’d be a damn fool to attempt anything with her.
But I want to. Desperately.’

So it’s Archer Bancroft, Gage Emerson, and Matt DeLuca – three rich, powerful, handsome bachelor’s…best friends…and all with the same mindset – don’t settle down. Easy enough, right? Especially for Archer since the only woman he would ever consider is completely out of the question. I loved the concept, it’s fun and has a lot of possibilities, especially with these characters. We get both Archer and Ivy’s POV throughout the book. It switches, sometimes in the same chapter but it’s very well identified so you always know whose POV you are in. I liked being in both of their heads and instead of spelling out every detail from both POV’s, there was no backtracking – you got one POV on each scene – which was different…a little nice because there wasn’t any redundancy.

‘Chucking, his dark brown eyes flash. It’s not fair how pretty he is. He has that strong jaw and lush mouth. The dimple that makes such a rare appearance that whenever I see it, I immediately want to kiss it. Lick it.’

I really enjoyed Archer and Ivy’s connection and chemistry. There is just something about a couple who knows each other as well as they do, it just makes me giddy. So there was minimal angst in this – enough to keep me a little tied up but I was never worried about Archer and Ivy. This is both a good thing and a bad thing. Sometimes I need books like this because you can get ‘over angst’ and my little heart can only take so much…but I do feel like Archer needed to suffer a little bit more at the end. I know he did, kind of, but I felt like Ivy took him back too quickly – even if she just toyed with him and made him think she was going to make him suffer – anything! I mean what he did was forgivable but still! He was a little shit and needed to be taught a lesson. His apology was pretty freakin amazing though…so I can’t blame Ivy too much.

‘And I want to be branded by her. Despite my reluctance of ever becoming involved with a woman, Ivy’s the only one who I both want to be with and want to run away from.
Yeah I make no damn sense.’

And I swear, I’m not an ‘Archer Hater’ but seriously…not only did he get off easy with Ivy, but Gage too! Like I said, none of his actions were horrible or unforgiveable, but…it really seemed like he skated thru unscathed. In that aspect, I would have liked more angst – that I could have handled. The only other part that bothered me were the things we didn’t get to see. Archer and Ivy spend two weeks together – finally getting to be together, as part of the ‘deal’ she works out with him. We don’t get to see any of it. That sucked! All this build up and then I felt like I got cheated out of all the goodies. I don’t need to see every day but give me something. And like the talk between Archer and Gage…that’s pretty important factor, and we don’t get to see it at all.

‘Archer Bancroft is my ultimate failure. That Humpty Dumpty of a man can never, ever be put back together again. I won’t even bother trying.’

All that aside, this was a cute and fast read with characters that I just outright love. I am very excited about Torn with Gage and Marina. Gage I think is worse off than Archer was and Archer was the ultimate bachelor! Plus Marina just seems like a spicy little thing from the tease we get at the end of Crave and I can’t wait to see what happens with the two of them. Crave was great start to the Billionaire Bachelor Club and I am excited to see what happens next! 🙂

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New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite. A wife and mother of three, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She is the author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend.

Title:    Man of My Dreams

Author:    Faith Andrews

Expected Release:    September 19, 2013

Genre:    Contemporary Romance

Cover Designer:    Regina Wamba of Mae I Design

Hosted by:    Love Between the Sheets

Mia Murphy may be married to the man of her dreams. But the man in her dreams is the one that got away—her high school crush.

Mia’s stuck in a rut, just like every other stay-at-home mom, and the only thing saving her from her monotonous routine is her perfect husband, Declan. He’s gorgeous, he adores her, and the man stole her heart with his sexy singing voice. Mia feels like the luckiest girl in the world, until she discovers that Mr. Perfect is not Mr. Faithful. Mia is devastated. Everything she once believed about Declan and their marriage is now covered in a big cloud of doubt and regret. On impulse, she kicks the cheating bastard out, pushing them into a separation that could mean the end of the picture-perfect couple.

But when Mia receives an invitation to her high school reunion, she finds herself abandoning the present for the oh-so-alluring pull of the past. Although her heart still belongs to her husband, inescapable thoughts of her crush, Noah, resurface. And ten years later, Noah isn’t afraid to make his move. When the build-up of fantasies and ‘what ifs’ comes to a head, sparks fly and it’s Mia’s turn to question if her marriage is everything she wants out of life. Searching for answers, Mia dives head first into dating Noah, falling further away from her husband and closer to her old flame.

But Declan’s not giving up so easily. Mia is his one and only and he’s not about to let another man win her heart.

It’s not ‘til I get home, walk into my empty house, that the reality starts to sink in. My husband had an affair. An affair. Saying it over and over in my head doesn’t weaken its meaning. What a dumb word to describe—this. What he did. Affair seems too formal, too politically correct, to encompass what it really means. It’s bullshit! That’s what it is. Pure, heart wrenching, holy-shit-this-is-not-happening-to-me bullshit!

How will I tell my parents? My friends? The girls. This will devastate them. Am I going to be divorced at twenty-eight years old? How did I miss the warning signs? What did I do to deserve this?

I collapse on the couch, already tired from the unremitting tears and the questions popping up like microwave popcorn in my head. I cry so hard my body shakes, trembling and convulsing. I run to the bathroom because the sobs have lodged themselves in my throat, causing me to gag and heave. I fall down to my knees in front of the toilet and spew my guts up. I’ve had stomach flus, drunken wild nights, and morning sickness, but vomit has never left my body this violently before.

I rest my head on the toilet, giving in to the self-inflicted mental and physical beating I’ve just taken and I hear the sound of the front door slam shut, followed by frantic footsteps.

“Mia, baby? Mia? Where are you?”

If I had the energy to get up and lock the door I would. I would lock myself in here until the hurt and disbelief vanish, but there’s no telling if and when that will ever happen.

A few seconds later, Declan is at my side, rubbing my back. “Are you okay?”

Yes, Declan, I’m perfect. Just fucking peachy. “Get the hell out. Leave me alone.” If only it were that simple. I actually don’t want him to leave me alone. I never wanted him to leave me alone, and ironically, now that he’s done the unthinkable, that’s what I’m going to be – all alone.

Declan’s crying now. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him cry. It’s unsettling, even if I want to see him hurt as badly as I’m hurting. “Mia, I’m sorry. I don’t know what else to say, but I want to talk to you about it. I need to make you understand.”

“Understand what, Dec? You lied to me. You cheated on me. You…ruined our marriage and our family…for one night with some…whore. I can’t believe these words are coming out of my mouth. Why Declan? I need…to understand…why?” The sobs distort my speech. I can’t even get the words out without insufferable sniffling.

“There is no explanation, Mia. But you’re not letting me talk. It’s not what you think. I didn’t…”

“You know what, spare me all the details and just get the hell out.”

“Mia…”

“GET OUT!” I scream so loud my throat feels raw. “Get out, get out, get out!” I can’t say it enough. I need him to leave. I can’t hear one more word out of his mouth. The mouth that was mine, that has now been all over someone else’s body. The thought disgusts me so much I start to wretch again, spilling out more, emptying my body to match the same empty feeling in my heart.

By the time I’m finally done, Declan is nowhere to be found.

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Faith Andrews lives in New York where she is happily married to her high school sweetheart. They have two beautiful daughters and a furry Yorkie son, Rocco. If she isn’t listening to Mumford and Sons or busy being a Dance Mom, her nose is in a book or her laptop. She’s a sucker for a happily ever after and believes her characters are out there living one somewhere . . .