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BOOK REVIEW: “The Marriage Bargain”

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“The Marriage Bargain (Marriage to a Billionaire Book 1)” by Jennifer Probst

Blurb: The sizzling first book in the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling Marriage to a Billionaire trilogy by “one of the most exciting breakout novelists” (USA TODAY) Jennifer Probst.

A marriage in name only…

To save her family home, impulsive bookstore owner, Alexa Maria McKenzie, casts a love spell. But she never planned on conjuring up her best friend’s older brother—the powerful man who once shattered her heart. Billionaire Nicholas Ryan doesn’t believe in marriage, but in order to inherit his uncle’s corporation, he needs a wife and needs one fast. When he discovers his sister’s childhood friend is in dire financial straits, he offers Alexa a bold proposition.

A marriage in name only with certain rules: Avoid entanglement. Keep things all business. Do not fall in love. The arrangement is only for a year so the rules shouldn’t be that hard to follow, right? Except fate has a way of upsetting the best-laid plans….

My Review: After reading “Write Naked” by Jennifer Probst, I knew I had to read “The Marriage Bargain.” From the beginning, I really enjoyed this book and it only got better chapter after chapter.

It was easy that throughout this read, there would be a great amount of sexual tension between Alexa and Nick, and I loved every minute of it. The arrangement they had was quite an interesting one, filled with certain terms in which I was curious to see if either one of them could follow through.

I don’t want to spoil the major deal breaker between them, if things were kept on friendly terms, or if they ended up together, but I would read this book again–something I don’t usually do.

As for Jennifer’s writing, as I mentioned, after reading “Writing Naked,” for an author, this book would make for a great guide for romance, a little erotica, laughs, and of course, a lot of love. Jennifer is one of my new favorite authors and I look forward to reading more by her.

If you’re looking for a love story with several twists and turns, a lot of laughs, along with a few tearful moments, then I definitely recommend this book.

I give “The Marriage Bargain” 5 stars, and have recently started reading “The Millionaire Trap,” which is the second in the Billionaire series).

**Click HERE to get your copy now!

BOOK REVIEW: “Write Naked: A Bestseller’s Secrets to Writing Romance & Navigating the Path to Success”

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Write Naked: A Bestseller’s Secrets to Writing Romance & Navigating the Path to Success

Blurb: Learn how to transform your passion for writing into a career. New York Times best-selling author Jennifer Probst reveals her pathway to success, from struggling as a new writer to signing a seven-figure deal. Write Naked intermingles personal essays on craft with down-to-earth advice on writing romance in the digital age. Probst will teach you how to:

  • Commit to your current work-in-progress, get focused, and complete it on schedule
  • Reveal raw emotions and thoughts on the page to hook your readers
  • Assemble a street team to promote and celebrate your books
  • Overcome writer’s block with ease
  • Develop themes that tie together your books and series
  • Write the most difficult elements of romance–including sex scenes–with skill and style
Regardless of the genre, every novelist faces a difficult task. Creating authentic characters and an engaging plot are challenging enough. But attempting to break into the hotter-than-ever romance genre, which is constantly flooded with new titles and fresh faces? It can feel impossible. This is where Probst’s Write Naked comes in. To survive–and thrive–you need the help and wisdom of an expert.
Written in Probst’s unmistakable and honest voice, Write Naked is filled with the lessons and craft advice every writer needs in order to carve out a rewarding career.
My Review:  I cannot tell you how many self-help books I have on my bookshelf that are to help me with writing, though, when I try to start them, it’s hard to get through the first couple of pages. Everyone always says, “do it this way,” “this will work,” and so many more promises that will get you writing and on the bestseller list.
However, “Write Naked” is not a self-help, book, but rather a book of inspiration. Having decided to get back to my writing in July, the timing couldn’t have come better for me to read this book. I bought the paperback version, which means I have countless page turned down so I can go back and read them when I’m at a loss or am needing direction. I highly recommend this book for any romance writer, because I am guaranteed this it will inspire you. Not only does Jennifer share personal stories that you will be able to relate to but you will also finish this book feeling more ready to write, knowing that it’s normal to talk to your characters, have them tell you what they want, along with numerous other crazy to some, but normal for author thoughts. (I know I’m a crazy author person, and Jennifer made me feel okay with that!)
This is a book that I will never forget, and I know that it will be by my side for each book I write.
I give this book 5 stars!
**Reviewer note: If you have a paperback version, keep a highlighter next to you so you can highlight quotes and/or ideas that inspire you!
*****
**About the author: 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, and spent 26 weeks on the New York Times. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over a million copies, and was dubbed a “romance phenom” by Kirkus Reviews.

She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases and her street team at www.jenniferprobst.com.

Sign up for her newsletter at www.jenniferprobst.com/newsletter for a chance to win a gift card each month and receive exclusive material and giveaways.

*****

**GIVEAWAY**: **Click HERE for a chance to win a Kindle version of “Write Naked”!

“All That Glitters”: Excerpt & Book Review

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“All That Glitters” by Tracy Krimmer

Blurb: Country-music star, Dory Walker, never wanted to come back to the small town of Sycamore Bay. But after her fairy-tale life is flipped upside down, and her marriage becomes a casualty, she has no choice.

Harris Malone is a man with few commitments. He keeps a low profile most days while he cares for his young daughter and helps run his dad’s hardware store.

But when he and Dory run into each other at the local gas station, all either can think about is the searing kiss they shared many years ago.

Can a woman who only wants to rekindle her career and a man who enjoys a no-strings attached lifestyle find everlasting love?

EXCERPT

Harris

“That night in your bedroom, I think about it all the time.”

I let go of the bat, and he did, too, our hands clasping together. Every muscle in my body tensed, and I ignored the birds chirping and kids yelling from the playground. At that moment, we were all that existed on Earth. The wind picked up, but it wasn’t enough to cool me down. From my head to the very tip of my toenails, I sweated in anticipation of the next moments.

“I do, too.” I thought about it more often than I should have. Some of my best memories with Dylan were always masked by that one kiss. My most shameful moment was at my wedding when Dylan and I shared our first kiss as husband and wife, and Harris entered my mind momentarily.

“I’m sorry about what happened after. I really am.”

I forgave him years ago. We were young, and I was hell bent on leaving Sycamore Bay. It worked out for the better because he would have only held me back. I never wanted to resent him, and surely I would have. But he had Jody, anyway.

“It’s okay, Harris. It really is.”

The gap started closing between us, the only air allowed our breath on one another. He smelled of strawberry, and I was sure he tasted just as sweet.

“No. It’s not. That kiss, that kiss brought me to my knees.” He squeezed my hand with his right and pulled me closer with his left. Our bodies touched, and our hearts raced against each other. “I have a feeling this one will, too.”

I sucked in a breath as we connected, my body exploding with energy, every piece of me filled with warmth, weakness, and joy all at one time. When he slipped his tongue in, I allowed my arms to wrap around his waist, rubbing between his shoulder blades and down his back until my hands rested above his backside. I wanted to push down farther, grab his butt, squeeze tight and pull him even harder against me so I could feel him. I didn’t, though. I kept kissing him, and he kept kissing me, and every piece of the puzzle fit together for those moments.

We could have been in a movie, everything spinning around us, and we stood still, our lips the only things moving. I wanted to lie down on the field, crawl on top of him, explore every inch of his body. Maybe later. I savored the moment we were in, relished in the fact I was kissing Harris Malone, and he was kissing me, and not in my bedroom. We were in the middle of a baseball field, in plain sight of anyone to see.

We pulled away from each other if only to take a breath. He took all of mine away.

“Wow.” He closed his eyes for a moment and opened them back up.

“Wow.” I repeated his sentiment.

“That was worth waiting eight years for.”

“I’d wait for eight more if it meant you’d kiss me like that again.”

My knees almost buckled beneath me when he gently placed his hands on either side of my face. He pulled me closer to him and put his lips to my ear and whispered, “It’s a good thing you don’t have to.”

*****

My Review: After seeing the cover of “All That Glitters” and reading the blurb, I knew this would be a book I would enjoy. It started off quickly, immediately making me feel sorry for Dory and the situation she was in, though, couldn’t wait to see how things would turn out once she was back home in Sycamore Bay.

Things started off very rocky between Dory and her grandmother, and while I felt sorry for Dory, I felt sorry for her grandmother, too. Though, over time, things to get better, especially when she reconnects with Harris, a man who she’s wanted since their first kiss. There were definite sparks between these two, and, at Sycamore Bay, it was HOT!

I won’t say how the book ends, but overall, I cannot tell you how much I loved this book! I laughed and cried all the way through this sweet, yet quick and steamy romance book, one I definitely recommend as must-read over the summer. You will not be disappointed in “All That Glitters” by Tracy Krimmer!

I give “All That Glitters” 5 stars!

*****

**Click HERE to see more of Tracy’s tour!

*****

**Find “All That Glitters” now!: Amazon   Goodreads

*****

**GIVEAWAY**

**Click HERE to be entered in the Rafflecopter giveaway, for your chance to win a $10.00 Amazon Gift Card!

 

RELEASE DAY BLITZ & REVIEW: “The Brothers of Brigadier Station”

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“The Brothers of Brigadier Station” by Sarah Williams

Blurb:

She came to the outback to marry the love of her life. She just didn’t expect him to be her fiancé’s younger brother.

When Meghan Flanagan, a vet-nurse from Townsville, moves to Brigadier Station in outback Queensland to marry the man of her dreams, she is shocked to discover that perhaps her fiancé isn’t the man she wants waiting for her at the altar. The man she’s destined to marry, just might be his younger brother.

Cautious of women after a disastrous past relationship, Darcy is happy living on his beloved cattle station, spending his spare time riding horses, going to rodeos and campdrafting. He didn’t expect the perfect woman to show up on his doorstep. Engaged to his brother.

With the wedding only hours away, Meghan must make the decision of a lifetime. But, her betrayal could tear the family apart. She knows all too well the pain of losing loved ones and being alone.

Now that she has the family she so desperately wants; will she risk losing it all?

Set in the drought stricken plains of Julia Creek, North Queensland and the coastal city of Townsville this is a rural romance that will leave you asking: Will she marry the right man, for the right reasons?

The Brothers of Brigadier Station is the first in the Brigadier Station series and can easily be read as a standalone. Each of Sarah’s stories are linked so you can find out what happens to the other brothers and your favourite characters in future books.

My Review:  Some readers shy away from sticky situations like this one, though I was intrigued. I’ve been searching for a country romance for a long time and this was exactly what I wanted! “The Brothers of Brigadier Station” starts quickly and I instantly fell in love with the storyline.

Meghan has a heart, so hurting anyone is hard on her, but she can’t help how she feels, even when it comes to brother vs. brother, much less the rest of her life. I’m not going to spoil it for anyone, but this book was sweet and sexy, and, at times, nail-biting. I definitely recommend it for a great summer read. Besides, what’s sexier than a cowboy?! While this is the first book in the series, I definitely look forward to reading more of the author’s books!

I give “The Brothers of Brigadier Station” 4 stars!

**Click HERE to get your copy of “The Brothers of Brigadier Station” now!

**About the author: Sarah Williams spent her childhood chasing sheep, riding horses and picking Kiwi fruit on the family orchard in rural New Zealand. After a decade travelling, Sarah moved to tropical North Queensland to enjoy the heat and humidity and play with Crocodiles.

When she’s not absorbed in her fictional writing world, Sarah is running after her family of four kids, one husband, two dogs and a cat. She helps to run the local writers centre and supports her peers achieve their publishing dreams.Sarah is regularly checking social media when she really should be cleaning.

Sarah is regularly checking social media when she really should be cleaning.

**Contact Sarah: Website   Facebook   Twitter

*****

**Click HERE to see other stops on Sarah’s Chick Lit Plus Blog Tour!

BOOK REVIEW: “Kim vs. the Mean Girl”

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“Kim vs. the Mean Girl” by Meredith Schorr

Blurb: High school sophomore, Kim Long, is no stranger to the “mean girl” antics of Queen Bee Hannah Marshak. When Hannah steals Kim’s diary and in front of the entire class reads personal (not to mention humiliating) entries Kim wrote about her crush, Jonathan, Kim vows to enact revenge.

Kim and her loyal best friend, Bridget, come up with the perfect plan to put the evil Hannah in her place once and for all. But will their scheming have the desired effect of getting even, or will Hannah emerge more celebrated by her peers than ever?
Kim vs. the Mean Girl can be read as a young adult standalone novel, set in 2000, but is also a prequel to the popular Blogger Girl adult romantic comedy series. Told in the dual perspectives of teenage Kim and Hannah, fans of the series will get an inside look into Kim’s early passion for reading, writing (and Jonathan), and find out why Hannah is so darn mean.

In Blogger Girl we meet the irrepressible Kim Long and her nemesis Hannah Marshak. Kim vs. the Mean Girl takes us back 
to high school with Kim and Hannah 101 in this delightful prequel. I gobbled it up in one byte…er, I mean bite (this is the era before a cell phone was in every backpack). When Kim declares war on Hannah, it takes some unexpected, and at times amusing, turns, and though the enemies don’t emerge as friends, or even frenemies, they each come away the better for it. A fun read for all ages. — Eileen Goudge, New York Times bestselling author.

My Review: I loved “Blogger Girl,” so when I heard that it was getting a prequel, I was thrilled and couldn’t wait to read it. Well, “Kim vs. the Mean Girl” was everything I hoped it would be…and more!

From the beginning, I was so excited to be reacquainted with Kim and Bridget–and even Hannah (I loved how we got to her younger self’s POV, and, oddly enough, at times, I felt sorry for her). While I don’t read the YA genre, this one didn’t like one but rather more like a prologue. As I mentioned my love for “Blogger Girl,” it makes me want to read it again, especially now that I know more about their teenage years. Whether or not you read “Kim vs. the Mean Girl” before or after “Blogger Girl,” you will not be disappointed.

I give “Kim vs. the Mean Girl” 5 stars!

**Get your copy of “Kim vs. the Mean Girl” now!: Amazon   Nook

BOOK REVIEW: “Plan Cee”

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“Plan Cee” by Hilary Grossman

Blurb: Would you abandon your present for a second chance at your past?

Cecelia Reynolds has spent most of her life trying to forget the commitment-phobic man who broke her heart. It wasn’t easy, but eventually she did it, or so she thought…

As Cecelia and her husband gather for a friend’s wedding, her perfect world is thrown into complete turmoil. Even though it’s been twenty years since she last laid eyes on Keith Emerson, all it takes is one glance for her to feel emotions she thought were long gone. When Keith ends up officiating the ceremony, she quickly realizes his message of love is directed at her, not the happy couple. But can she believe him?

We live our entire lives thinking we know ourselves. But do we ever really?

As secrets and lies cause Cecelia’s world to spin completely out of control, she is forced to seek advice from the most unlikely ally. In the process, she must confront the demons of her past and the events that shaped her into the woman she is now. Will she finally learn the real meaning of love, friendship, and family?

While this book is a sequel to Plan Bea, it also reads as a standalone.

My Review: 

When I heard that Hilary Grossman would be writing a sequel to “Plan Bea,” I knew I had to read it! Once I started reading, I did not want to stop. From the first book, I loved Cecelia’s character, so I was eager to get to know her better!

While on the outside, her life seems perfect, when her past comes back to haunt her, in more ways than one–things get out of the way control–and fast.

There were so many times I was clutching my stomach and wondering what Cee would do and how she’d handle whatever situation came up, but she didn’t disappoint. After all, when a lover comes back in the picture, it’s normal to wonder “what if,” even though she’s now married with twin boys. While I’m not as brave or would be so easily tempted (especially if I was happy in my marriage), in the end, I understand why she did. With each swipe of the page, there were great twists, which, thankfully, turned out for the best.

As for the ending, I was in tears. Cee made the right choice on which path she wanted to be on, and I applaud the author for making what I think was the right choice, mainly for the fact that some people never change…I’m not going to give any spoilers, but…WOW! My only issue with this book was that I wanted to see how once she made her choice life would be for her.

This is a must-read book would be perfect for a day at the beach!

I give “Plan Cee” 5 stars!

**Click HERE to get your copy of “Plan Cee” now!

**Reviewer Note: While it’s mentioned that “Plan Cee” is a standalone, I highly recommend that you read “Plan Bea” first, (click HERE to see my review).

BOOK REVIEW: “Taking a Chance”

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“Taking a Chance” by Becky Monson

Blurb: Liza Parker has a fear of heights, crowds and small spaces. So what’s a girl like her doing on a crowded elevator going to the top of the Empire State Building? Freaking out, that’s what she’s doing. Enter Jay Sanders, a tourist who thinks he might be able to help Liza face her fears, but she has to be willing to spend the day with a complete stranger. Maybe taking a chance on Jay is just what Liza needs.

My Review: I’ve been a huge fan of Becky Monson ever since reading “Speak Now: or Forever Hold Your Peace,” so I was excited to start “Taking a Chance.” Having it been a late and lazy Friday night, I figured why not start what turned out to be an adorable novella.

Though they began as strangers, I could feel instant chemistry grow between them–even through Liza’s fears. I loved how Jay took charge of their day together and helped her overcome several obstacles. While it was emotional for her to achieve her goals (not only for herself but mainly for her sister), I liked that it didn’t take away from the storyline between these two.

My only complaint was that I wish it could’ve been a full novel, and am curious if things continue between Liza and Jay after their day together.

If you’re looking for a uber-sweet novella you can curl up with on a lazy weekend, I definitely recommend “Taking a Chance!”

I give this book 5 stars!

monsons77better**About the author: By day, Becky Monson is a mother to three young children, and a wife. By night, she escapes with reading books and writing. In her debut novel, Becky uses humor and true-life experiences to bring her characters to life. She loves all things chick-lit (movies, books, etc.), and wishes she had a British accent. She has recently given up Diet Coke for the fiftieth time and is hopeful this time will last… but it probably won’t.

**Contact Becky: Website   Facebook   Twitter   Instagram

BOOK REVIEW: “The Whole Man”

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“The Whole Man” by C.F. Rose

Blurb: Evan O’Cleary was in college when she spent a passionate 48 hours with up-and-coming baseball star Jesse Walsh. But after he broke her heart, she vowed to never see him again. So why does her heart leap when she runs into him ten years later

Jesse not only abandoned Evan, but also his dream of becoming a major league baseball player when his brother died in Iraq. Shattered by the loss, Jesse turns inward. He refuses to commit to more than a one-night stand, until he sets eyes on Evan again, whose body still draws him dangerously near…

Evan knows better than to trust Jesse, but when he protects her against an abusive ex-turned-stalker, one thing leads to another and she finds herself in a delicious encounter on his living room floor. Jesse may not be willing to commit just yet, but maybe Evan can break down the wall. As she gets close, though, Evan uncovers a devastating secret that could destroy their families and drive them apart forever.

My Review: The theme for this book was definitely romance all the way. I was hooked from the beginning, and it didn’t let me down. Though at times, it was a little repetitive and a few scenes I didn’t think belonged–only because I wanted to get back to Evan and Jesse, “The Whole Man” was emotional, yet beautiful, too.

While Evan and Jesse were both broken when they met, time (10 years) can do a lot to people, and from the start, it was like magic when they were together, as they both fought back some very heated sexual tension. I won’t give any spoilers, but I urge you to buy this book…trust me, you won’t regret it!

If you’re looking for a page-turner, and one that will make you melt during a few scenes, then I recommend “The Whole Man.” I give this book 4.5 stars!

**Click HERE to buy “The Whole Man”

cf-rose**About the author: Cheryl Rosenberg, writing as C.F. Rose to protect the innocent, is a sportswriter turned romance writer. When she’s away from her laptop, you can find her at the gym or serving as her kids personal uber driver. She grew up on the East Coast, but survives in too-sunny Southern California with her husband, the three kids and two rescued mutts.The Whole Man is her first book.

**Contact C.F. Rose:

Website   Facebook   Twitter

**Click HERE to see other stops on C.F. Rose’s Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours!

BOOK REVIEW: “The Next Best Thing”

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“The Next Best Thing” by Wendi Nunnery

Blurb: Four years ago, Emma Fraser’s first love took his own life. Now, twenty years old and in college, Emma and her best friend, Andy, are still mourning the loss of a friend and brother. Nothing is the same as it once was…and things are about to change even more.

Too heartbroken to even consider falling in love again, Emma stays distracted by school and work. Until she meets Landon and, for the first time ever, finds herself believing she might actually have a future with someone. But when Deegan Burke—the man responsible for all of Emma’s heartache—gets out of prison early, Emma is suddenly confronted by her worst fears. And when faced with choices she never thought she’d have to make, Emma discovers that the only person she really wants by her side is the last person she ever expected.

My Review: Having dealt with my own heartache, I was drawn to “The Next Best Thing.” At first, it started out slow, then it quickly picked up, and when it did, it didn’t stop until the last sentence. I loved Emma’s character. Losing a loved one is hard, but she had a wonderful support group around her that helped her move on from a horrible incident. Emma’s strength throughout the book amazed me, especially with how things went down with her best girlfriend–who I thought wasn’t a good friend at all, and I believed Emma saw that, too.

While I liked Emma with Andy and as sweet as he was, there was something about how they seemed better as friends. Without giving away any spoilers, Emma ended up with the right guy, and I was so pleased with how when a certain truth came out that he didn’t abandon her for good, (thank you, Wendi, for this).

If you’re looking for a page-turner that will make you think about life and how precious it is, then I recommend this book.

I give “The Next Best Thing” 5 stars!

wendi-nunnery**About the author: Wendi Nunnery is the author of The Mayfield Family Story, The Best Kept Secret, and The Next Best Thing. She is also the founding editor of Lady Literary Magazine and her work has appeared in The Huffington Post, The Simply Beloved, and Introvert, Dear. Wendi is a proud Georgia Southern University alum and believes colorful language is good for the soul. She lives, loves, and mothers in Atlanta, Georgia.

**Contact Wendi: Blog   Twitter   Instagram   Facebook

**Find her books: Amazon   Goodreads

**GIVEAWAY**

Click HERE to enter for your chance to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

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**Click HERE to see all the stops on Wendi’s Chick Lit Plus Blog Tour!