Waiting On Wednesday #221 – Womanizer / Enveloping Shadows (@authorkatyevans, #LaurenDMSmith)

I've really enjoyed the Manwhore series so far... I NEED more! 
I grabbed Enveloping Shadows while browsing NetGalley... I'm really looking forward to it! 😁
Womanizer (Manwhore, #4)
Title: Womanizer
Author: Katy Evans
Series: Manwhore #4
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Expected Publication: December 5th 2016

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

Enveloping Shadows
Title: Enveloping Shadows
Author: Lauren D.M. Smith
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Expected Publication: December 1st 2016

A fierce and beautiful warrior.

A man of secrets and shadows.

Only together can they stop the awakening horror.

Rumors of monsters and dark magic are circulating through the court, but Terrwyn is little concerned. Her superb sword skills are all she needs to protect the princess Aricia—and as chief bodyguard, the princess’s safety is Terrwyn’s only mission.

Too late, she realizes her mistake: a stranger cloaked in darkness snatches the princess before Terrwyn can react.

When a handsome stranger emerges from the shadows to save her life, Terrwyn has little choice but to allow him to accompany her. Zelek, shrouded in secrecy and on a mission of his own, has special skills that Terrwyn needs.

Together the warrior and the shadow-whisperer forge a plan to rescue the princess, and find themselves plummeting not only headlong into evil, but into the depths of passion and love.


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine where I have the chance to spotlight upcoming releases that I’m eagerly anticipating.
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Mr. Mysterious by J.A. Huss ~ Review & Teaser Tuesday (@jahuss)

I picked up Mr. Mysterious recently, so I didn't have to wait too long for the final book. It was a superb instalment in the series, plenty of action, sexy times and twists galore!
Mr. Mysterious: A Mister Standalone (The Mister Series Book 4)
Title: Mr. Mysterious
Author: J.A. Huss
Series: Mister #4
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: October 12th 2016
Buy Now - Amazon | B&N Kobo

Paxton Vance isn’t as cryptic as he thinks. That broody nature and tough-guy exterior aren’t fooling me one bit.
I know everything about him. I listen in on his most personal phone calls. I read his mail before he does. I even know what his mother got him for Christmas last year.
You’re the man of my dreams, Paxton Vance. You just don’t know it yet.
But don’t worry, I’ll remind you. I’m here to give you everything you need, before you know you need it.
So don’t get defensive because I take a challenge seriously. You have to open up to someone, and that someone is me.
Besides, you can’t stay Mr. Mysterious forever. Why play the game if you never want to win?

Ahhh... Paxton Vance! How you have become my favourite Mister so far! He was just as I expected, cunning, confident and sexy! But he didn't think he'd fall for a girl either until Cindy Vaughn – aka – Cinderella Shrike! Yes, the youngest of the Shrike clan, and if you're like me, this was an exciting development, because I loved all the Rook and Ronin books!

Mr. Mysterious was so much fun to read! It was great to get to know Pax a lot better, since he has popped up so often in the last few books. He wasn't as mysterious as I thought he'd be, he was just a private person and took what he wanted when he wanted. Hooking up with the hot delivery girl turned into so much more, and it was amusing to see Cindy throw him off his axis!

Cinderella was a hoot! She came across a little stalkerish, but in the end she was a focused girl who was determined to get what she wanted. She'd had her sights set on Pax since she was younger, and worked hard to become the woman he couldn't refuse. I liked the way she weaselled her way into his life and refused to leave!


OMG! The name dropping! My jaw hit the floor multiple times as characters I've loved, kind of resurfaced into this story. I'm glad we got some answers too, as the overall story arc is starting to come together. J.A. Huss often weaves in twists that really mess with your head and she continues to do so in this Mister's series! I'm super excited to get into Oliver Shrikes book to see how it will all come together. It's going to be a helluva showdown, I can feel it in my bones! 


This was such a simple, but sweet moment between two people that had never had a real relationship!

“I’m not here to hurt you. No one hired me, if that’s what you’re after. I swear, I’m just a girl who saw your picture on the news and got obsessed. OK? And yeah, it’s weird, and wrong, and creepy. But I’m really not any of those things. I swear it. I’m just a girl who likes a guy.”
He looks at me. Finally. “That’s it?” he asks. And somewhere in that small, almost insignificant question, I find vulnerability. “That’s all this is? Just a girl who likes a guy?”
I shrug. “That’s it.”

Kindle Loc 1112


Hosted by MizB of Books and a Beat
JA Huss is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty romances. She likes stories about family, loyalty, and extraordinary characters who struggle with basic human emotions while dealing with bigger than life problems. JA loves writing heroes who make you swoon, heroines who makes you jealous, and the perfect Happily Ever After ending.

You can chat with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AuthorJAHuss), Twitter (@jahuss), and her kick-ass romance blog, New Adult Addiction (www.newadultaddiction.com).

If you're interested in getting your hands on an advanced release copy of her upcoming books, sneak peek teasers, or information on her upcoming personal appearances, you can join her newsletter list (http://eepurl.com/JVhAr) and get those details delivered right to your inbox.





Other reviews featuring JA Huss
Mister series
Mr. Perfect #1

Mr. Romantic #2
Mr. Corporate #3
Rook and Ronin series
Tragic #1
Manic #2
Panic #3
Happily Ever After #3.5
read more "Mr. Mysterious by J.A. Huss ~ Review & Teaser Tuesday (@jahuss)"

The Trouble With Ghosts by A.L. Kessler ~ Review & Quote-tastic (@A_L_Kessler)

What an exciting instalment this was in the Here Witchy Witchy series! Abby faced a lot of challenges and was constantly in danger! I'm very excited for the next book!
The Trouble With Ghosts (Here Witchy Witchy, #3)
Title: The Trouble With Ghosts
Author: A.L. Kessler
Series: Here Witchy Witchy #3
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Published: November 7th 2016

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N

Poltergeists, severed thumbs, and lies…

PIB agents Abigail Collins and Nick Averin are rattled when a handful of severed thumbs are found at an abandoned house, but neither of them expected it to link to a decades old murder with strange ties to the paranormal world. When Abby’s greatest enemy seems to be helping her from afar, it’s clear that there’s more to this case than the duo first believed.

Past cases come back to life…

Levi is avoiding questions and being even more vague than normal when a new vampire comes to town claiming to be on the case involving blood starved vampires. It’s a fight against time and lies for the two agents.

Each book in the Here Witchy Witchy series has been building up to something big, and it continued to do so in The Trouble With Ghosts. There were so many things that happened throughout this instalment in the series, with an interesting new case that kept getting bigger the longer Abby worked on it.

I liked how much action there was and how all the paranormal aspects wove this tale together. The runes came up again, I enjoyed the ghost aspect of this story and how they reacted to Abby, there were severed thumbs, dead bodies and blood starved vamps as well. Abby's life seemed to be constantly in danger and her belongings are always under threat as well! It amuses me that each case caused some sort of destruction in Abby's life.

I liked seeing her work with Nick, but he annoyed me a little in this book, considering they are supposed to be partners, and Abby would be the senior person in their partnership. I missed seeing Simon, and how good he was to Abby because he had his own issues with the pack. Oliver and Levi still support Abby through everything, but it appeared that one person was holding back. She began to question the loyalties of those around her, and was unsure of who she could trust. She also developed stronger working ties with a few people, one of which made her life difficult in the past.

The Trouble With Ghosts kept me on my toes right from the start. I was quickly pulled into the world again and into the case that Abby was working on. There were so many new developments that I was left as baffled as those trying to solve the mystery. A lot issues that were dealt with in the previous books popped up again to show us that the case was bigger than first thought. There were some surprise twists, that had my jaw hitting the floor, and by the end of the book I was left with more questions that I began with. I'm excited to see where things go from here, because the story arc is far from over and is beginning to get very exciting!

Complimentary copy provided by the Author in exchange for an honest review.

Here is a couple of insight's into Abby's life. Things aren't easy for her right now, and I liked seeing her with Simon again, especially after what happened.

I didn’t know who I could trust anymore. Everyone was hiding something from me in one way or another. Even my own partner.

Kindle Arc Loc 1274

Simon was sitting at one of the small tables and waved me over. He wore a small smile on his face that I couldn’t tell if it was forced or not. Two cups of coffee in mugs already sat on the table.
“You know, I said that I’d treat you to coffee.” I sat down, putting my bag by feet.
He nodded. “But with how much of a jerk I was, I figured I owed you some.”

Kindle Arc Loc 3130

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

A.L. KesslerA.L. Kessler is the author of Dark War Chronicles and Here Witchy Witchy Series. She dabbles in paranormal romance, steampunk and urban fantasy. Since she was a teenager she's loved weaving stories and spinning tales. When she's not at the beck-and-call of the Lord and Lady of the House, three black cats by the names of Jynx, Jiji and Sophie, training a playful puppy named Zelda, playing with her daughter, or killing creepers and mining all the things with her husband, she's either reading, participating in NaNoWriMo, or writing in her Blog Writing Rambles. For those who like things on the more spicy side, she leads a double life as Alexandra Webb.

Facebook / Series Page / Facebook Profile
Twitter / Goodreads / Amazon / Pinterest



Other reviews featuring A.L. Kessler
Here Witchy Witchy
No More Black Magic #1
Deathly Magic #2
Dark War Chronicles series
In The Light Of the Moon #1
Dance in the Moonlight  #2
On Torn Wings #3
Past Demons #4

Standalone read
Midnight Symphony
read more "The Trouble With Ghosts by A.L. Kessler ~ Review & Quote-tastic (@A_L_Kessler)"

Secret Things by Nazarea Andrews ~ Excerpt (@NazareaAndrews, @InkSlingerPR)

Ahhh... Nazarea Andrews released another book! Yes, and after that excerpt I can see there's three people involved, so it's going to be another hot read! 
Secret Things (Hollywood Secrets Book 1)
Title: Secret Things
Author: Nazarea Andrews
Series: Hollywood Secrets #1
Genre: Adult contemporary romance
Published: November 12th 2016
Buy Now - Amazon | B&N Kobo

Camden is on top of the world.

He’s dating his best friend and co-star. He has a top rated TV show that just got renewed for a seventh season. It’s what he’s always wanted.

And he’s fucking miserable.

Dimitri is living the life he always wanted. He and Victor, his high school boyfriend, are social media darlings. His part just got renewed on his hit TV show, and the charity foundation he co-founded is taking off. It’s everything he ever wanted.

And he’s fucking miserable.

The only time either seem happy is when they’re together. And both of them are ignoring the attraction between them. There’s too much at risk. The show, their significant others, a friendship that is more important than a quick screw.

Oh, and Camden is straight.

Right?

But attraction isn’t always easy to ignore, and a lot can happen that isn’t meant to. When one of Dimitri’s fans gets involved, both men will have to decide how much and who they want.


My head is still pounding the next morning when I pull up to the curb and Cari crawls out. Her security, arranged by the studio, detaches himself from the baggage claims and makes his way to her as I climb out and circle the rental. “You sure you don't need me to come with you?”
I'm sure you need to stay with Dimitri,” she says, grinning at me. Her eyes are a little too sharp. “You and him are both off, Cam. Fix this before you get back to set.”
She stares at me, intently, and I nod. “Good. Now kiss me and say goodbye. I've got a plane to catch.”
She tugs me close and hugs me hard.
Love you,” I whisper in her ear and she flashes me a quick smile as she pulls away, and pulls her rolling suitcase behind her.
Y’all be good. I’ll see you at home in a week.” She hugs Dimitri and grins at us again, before she heads into the airport, security trailing behind her.
Leaving me with Dimitri. I give him a disgruntled stare. “You look way too fucking chipper for a man who I know is hungover.”
I don’t believe in hangovers,” Dimitri grins, his eyes bright and utterly amused with me. Bastard. He doesn’t. We’ve spent too many nights drunk, and he is never anything but disgustingly happy in the morning. It’s gross. And wrong.
He actually likes mornings. It’s messed up.
We meeting the band at the venue?” I ask, easing my way out into traffic, and Dimitri hums under his breath.
I glance at him, and I’m a little startled to see a slightly desolate expression on his face. I’m not used to seeing Dimitri looking sad. “Hey, man,” I say, softly, reaching out and nudging his knee. “What is it?”
I don’t really want to be trapped on a bus for the next six hours listening to the same ten songs on repeat,” he says, shrugging and I blink at him.
Okay.”
Dimitri’s head snaps around, and his eyes widen a little. “Okay?”
I nod. “Okay. Where do you wanna go?”
Nazarea AndrewsNazarea Andrews (N to almost everyone) is an avid reader and tends to write the stories she wants to read. Which means she writes everything from zombies and dystopia to contemporary love stories. When not writing, she can most often be found driving her kids to practice and burning dinner while she reads, or binging watching TV shows on Netflix. N loves chocolate, wine, and coffee almost as much as she loves books, but not quite as much as she loves her kids. She lives in south Georgia with her husband, daughters, spoiled cat and overgrown dog. She is the author of World Without End series, Neverland Found, Edge of the Falls, and The University of Branton Series. Stop by her twitter (@NazareaAndrews) and tell her what fantastic book she should read next.




Other reviews featuring Nazarea Andrews
University of Branton series
Sweet Ruin #3
read more "Secret Things by Nazarea Andrews ~ Excerpt (@NazareaAndrews, @InkSlingerPR)"

Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@PenDouglas)

This was a fantastic journey of growth and self discovery. But I also loved the developing relationship between Misha and Ryen, and how much they needed each other, without realising it.
Punk 57
Title: Punk 57
Author: Penelope Douglas
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Published: October 21st 2016

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N iTunes | Kobo

"We were perfect together. Until we met."

Misha

I can't help but smile at the lyrics in her letter. She misses me.

In fifth grade, my teacher set us up with pen pals from a different school. Thinking I was a girl, with a name like Misha, the other teacher paired me up with her student, Ryen. My teacher, believing Ryen was a boy like me, agreed.

It didn't take long for us to figure out the mistake. And in no time at all, we were arguing about everything. The best take-out pizza. Android vs. iPhone. Whether or not Eminem is the greatest rapper ever...

And that was the start. For the next seven years, it was us.

Her letters are always on black paper with silver writing. Sometimes there's one a week or three in a day, but I need them. She's the only one who keeps me on track, talks me down, and accepts everything I am.

We only had three rules. No social media, no phone numbers, no pictures. We had a good thing going. Why ruin it?

Until I run across a photo of a girl online. Name's Ryen, loves Gallo's pizza, and worships her iPhone. What are the chances?

F*ck it. I need to meet her.

I just don't expect to hate what I find.

Ryen

He hasn't written in three months. Something's wrong. Did he die? Get arrested? Knowing Misha, neither would be a stretch.

Without him around, I'm going crazy. I need to know someone is listening. It's my own fault. I should've gotten his phone number or picture or something.

He could be gone forever.

Or right under my nose, and I wouldn't even know it.

*Punk 57 is a stand alone New Adult romance. It is suitable for ages 18+.

Well... Punk 57 was an amazing read! It really pulled on my emotions as I watched a girl struggle to fit in, and a boy who didn't know how to move on. The story was focused on a relationship between a boy and a girl who were pen pals that had never officially met, as well as the up's and down's of school drama. I was hooked from the opening chapters and I didn't want to put it down.

Misha was a beautiful soul, he cared so much for his sister and bared his feelings through the music he was creating. While writing lyrics, he drew inspiration and bounced ideas off of his pen pal, Ryen. What made their relationship more unique was that they had never met, and were able to tell each other their deepest secrets. But Misha withdrew from Ryen after an incident that changed his whole life.

Ryen was different to the girl in the letters, she was a cheer leader, hung around the popular people and was nasty at times. After a while I could see she was hiding her true self, all because as a young girl she found it hard to make friends and decided this was the way to go. Throughout the story she realised that what she was doing wasn't fair, and she started to change into the stronger person she should've always been.

I loved the way that Misha pushed Ryen, as he could see that she could be better. He make her feel what she was doing to others, even though she didn't realise it was him. I could see that she was also hurting because Misha hadn't written in so long, she missed that outlet of being able to get her feelings out. Misha had his own agenda too, and Ryen was not apart of it. He was hurting and wanted a little revenge against someone that should've been there for them.

Another intriguing element that I loved was that there were some characters from another Penelope Douglas book that crossed over into this story! I was so excited to see them and how they impacted Misha and Ryen's journey. But as usual, its Penelope Douglas' superb world building and fleshed out characters that hooked me. They weren't perfect, they made mistakes, but they had amazing chemistry! There were a lot of hot, sexy scenes that will leave anyone squirming and I loved how much the characters grew throughout their adventure. And that epilogue... I have so much love for that part there! If you are looking for a new adult romance, get this one! It will stick with you for a long time to come! 


*** Swoon Thursday was first bought to us by YA Bound. Since they are no longer with us, and with permission from Trisha Wolfe, I have decided that those of us that love to swoon need a central meet up point.  So here it is ladies! I have a link up for everyone at the bottom of the post you can add your swoons to, and I’ll set it up every week! So tell all other swooners out there to come on over, link up so we can visit each other! ***


Two again today... I had to because, LIP RING!
Also, I loved the second moment between Misha and Ryen, possessive and hot!


She arches up on her hands, meeting me halfway as her hot, little breaths fan across my lips. Her eyes fall to my mouth.
“What does it feel like?” she asks quietly, reaching a timid finger out and touching my lip piercing.
I groan, challenging her. “You tell me.”
She locks eyes with me as if scared, but then her gaze falls again to the piercing. Opening her mouth just slightly, she darts out her tongue and flicks the ring.

Kindle Loc 2137

He looks up into my eyes, nibbling my lips. “No one sees you, baby. Just me. And I want to kiss you.”
“You are kissing me.”
He gnaws my lip, his whisper thick and hot. “I want to kiss you in other places.”

Kindle Loc 2967
Originally inspired by YA Bound
Penelope Douglas is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author living in Las Vegas with her husband and their daughter. When she's not writing, you'll find her cleaning or trolling the IMDb message boards, arguing with other Star Wars fanatics. Her books include the Fall Away series (Bully, Until You, Rival, Falling Away, and Aflame). Please look for her recent standalones, Corrupt and Misconduct. Available now. 





Other reviews featuring Penelope Douglas
Corrupt 





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Waiting On Wednesday #220 – After We Fall / Hooked (@MelanieHarlow2, @TerriLainebooks, @Amhargrove1)

Ummm... sexy cowboy, YES Thank you!
Oooh... and a golf sport romance! Sounds fun!
After We Fall
Title: After We Fall
Author: Melanie Harlow
Genre: Romance
Expected Publication: November 28th 2016

Jack Valentini isn’t my type.

Sexy, brooding cowboys are fine in the movies, but in real life, I prefer a suit and tie. Proper manners. A close shave.

Jack might be gorgeous, but he’s also scruffy, rugged, and rude. He wants nothing to do with a “rich city girl” like me, and he isn’t afraid to say so.

But I’ve got a PR job to do for his family’s farm, so he’s stuck with me and I’m stuck with him. His glares. His moods. His tight jeans. His muscles.

His huge, hard muscles.

Pretty soon there’s a whole different kind of tension between us, the kind that has me misbehaving in barns, trees, and pickup trucks. I’ve never done anything so out of character—but it feels too good to stop.

And the more I learn about the grieving ex-Army sergeant, the better I understand him. Losing his wife left him broken and bitter and blaming himself. He doesn’t think he deserves a second chance at happiness.

But he’s wrong.

I don’t need to be his first love. If only he’d let me be his last.

Hooked
Title: Hooked
Author: Terri E. Laine & A.M. Hargrove
Series: A Wilde Players Dirty Romance
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Expected Publication: November 27th 2016

I’ve had my eye on him since we were teenagers.
I even managed to kiss him once.
But once wasn’t enough.
He stars in every one of my dirty fantasies.
Now it’s time for my dreams to come true.
He’s smart, sexy, and gorgeous, and currently single.
When I hear he’s in a position to act as my caddie for a week,
I decide to bite the bullet and jump on him. I mean it.
Who am I kidding?
I have one week to blow his mind and other things too.
I can only hope my heart survives every one of our heated encounters and that he gets hooked before I do.


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine where I have the chance to spotlight upcoming releases that I’m eagerly anticipating.
read more "Waiting On Wednesday #220 – After We Fall / Hooked (@MelanieHarlow2, @TerriLainebooks, @Amhargrove1)"