The Boy Next Door by Ella James ~ Review & Quote-tastic (@author_ellaj )

I picked up my first Ella James read and it wasn't a bad beginning to her creative writing. The characters had history, and faced some difficult issues in their pasts.
The Boy Next Door (Off-Limits Romance, #2)
Title: The Boy Next Door
Author: Ella James
Series: Off-Limits Romance #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: May 10th 2017

Buy Now - Amazon

The boy next door. That’s what he was. Dash Frasier—my hero from the day we met, when I was six and he was nine. His sister was my best friend, the three of us one happy crew. Then one sweaty summer night changed everything.

No one understood me like Dash. No one made me feel so loved. That’s why, when he skipped town, it wrecked me.

Now I’m older. Wiser. I’ve just snagged my dream job, writing at a film studio. The lead animator on my project? You guessed it.

He’s not the boy next door. Not anymore.

I’m guarding my heart this time.

But Dash has secrets that could break us both.

I picked this one up for just 99 cents and I was quite eager to get into it. I haven't read Ella James before, so I was excited to dive into her world. The beginning of the book really hooked me, the Prologue and the early years, getting to know Dash and Am, seeing their young feelings for one another grow, and the turmoil they were both going through. But I could tell there was more to their story that hadn't been revealed yet.

Then I began to watch them back in the present as they skirted around their feelings and acted upon their desires. Am was a bit blasé, trying to ignore the demons from their past, and Dash was reluctant to open up. They didn't have any problem acting on their attraction, so I knew it was going to get ugly.

And how ugly did it get!! There were a few twists thrown in, and a few I didn't expect. My heart ached when the secrets and lies were revealed and it became difficult for both Dash and Am once again.

I was hoping that I would enjoy this a little more, but unfortunately I didn't. I know some of the subject matter was sensitive, but these two had history and they needed to work through it, not cover it all up and hump like bunnies. The writing was done well, I just didn't like how these two avoided the issues they had.
Here are two quotes that show you the depth of heartache and loss that these two had.

“I'll call you in a few hours,” he says, giving me a long kiss, open-mouthed and drugging.
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
“If you don’t, you’ll wreck my world,” I tell him, trying to sound teasing. “Remember what I told you—about Mom.”
“I would never wreck you, Ammy. I’ll sneak over to see you or we’ll meet somewhere tonight. You have my word.”
By that night, his truck is gone. His word is worthless. And my heart is broken.

Kindle Loc 825

Once upon a time, this girl loved me. I never deserved it, but she gave it to me anyway. She gave me her heart and her body, and I broke her.

Kindle Loc 1114

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

Ella James is the USA Today bestselling author of seventeen teen and adult love stories. She's an angst-a-holic who loves exploring difficult situations and the emotions of the people caught up in them. Also, smut. But always, always romance.

Ella's obsessions include vanilla cream soda, hiking, other obscure, crunchy stuff like rock collecting, and the antics of her three little monsters.

To find out more about Ella's projects and get dates on upcoming releases, sign up for her newsletter: http://www.ellajamesbooks.com/newslet... You can find her on Facebook at facebook.com/ellajamesauthorpage and online at www.ellajamesbooks.com. Questions or comments? Tweet her at author_ellaj or e-mail her at ellafjames@gmail.com.




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The Last Guy by Ilsa Madden-Mills & Tia Louise ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@ilsamaddenmills, @AuthorTLouise)

The Last Guy was such a fun read! I loved the chemistry between Cade and Rebecca, they were enjoyable to read about! I hope this writing duo produce something together again soon!
The Last Guy
Title: The Last Guy
Author: Ilsa Madden-Mills & Tia Louise
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: June 11th 2017

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N

The first rule of office romance is don’t do it—especially if your dream is to hold the anchor spot on the nightly news and your boss is trying to get you fired.

But one look at Cade Hill, the sexy new sports director, and uptight reporter Rebecca Fieldstone is daydreaming about other things.

Sex in his office…
Sex in the on-set kitchen…
Sex in the supply closet…

She can’t stop thinking about the former NFL quarterback and how perfect he’d look between her sheets—except he’s an arrogant jerk with a huge… ego.

He’s the last guy she’d ever have a one-night stand with.

Cade Hill draws a thick professional line on office romance—until it comes to the hyper-focused Rebecca. He wants her, and he gets his wish when a chance encounter has them having the hottest sex of their lives.

It’s just a hook-up, she says.
When can we do it again? he says.

With Rebecca determined to keep Cade in the friend zone, it’s going to be an uphill battle for Cade to convince her he’s the last guy she’ll ever want.

THE LAST GUY is the first white-hot CONTEMPORARY ROMANTIC COMEDY from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills and Tia Louise. It features Fireball-fueled hookups, Doritos Locos Tacos, attack monkeys, toddlers in tiaras, and one fabulous drag queen. Prepare for frantic clicking (or page flipping!) and smoking-hot sexytimes all the way to the out-of-this-world happily-ever-after.

Cade Hill... the type of guy a girl can dream about! He was a retired football player, but he wasn't the arrogant jerk he portrayed himself to be! He saw to the heart of a person, which is what he did with Rebecca. She was the type of girl I could relate to; she had curves, doesn't always exercise and isn't afraid to hold back.

Cade and Rebecca had an interesting relationship, they always bicker and flirt, but they also respect one another. I liked seeing them interact and I knew that they would be amazing together.

Rebecca would go out to cover a news story, and every time I cringed because I knew it may not end well. There was one moment that had me in stitches, but I was able to see how much Cade cared for her. I loved that Cade was willing to protect Rebecca, because he could see she was passionate and wanted to succeed.

There were a few moments that had me thinking, wondering if there was more to it, then a few twists were thrown in. I wondered if that was going to happen, but it was still a shock to see it happen. What Rebecca went through made my heart ache, because I could see how hard she worked and the passion she showed toward her career.

I've read and enjoyed Ilsa Madden-Mills books in the past, and I really enjoyed this one she wrote with and Tia Louise. They did a great job of creating a world and getting me to connect with these characters. I'll definitely pick up more from this duo in the future!

*** 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! ***


I've picked a couple of moments to share today, just to show the intense chemistry these two had!

“I want to kiss you.” His voice is low, husky.
My lips are heavy with need, and I can’t meet his eyes. If I do, I’ll forget everything. I’ll forget all about anchor positions and good decisions and the future. Oh, God, I want that kiss so much.
“Look at me.”
My eyes flicker up, and when our gazes clash, it’s all over. His mouth covers mine, hard and fast, pushing my lips apart. A little noise escapes my throat, and just as fast, I’m kissing him back, chasing his mouth, hungry for everything him.

Kindle Page 99

She wraps her hand around my bicep. “You’re shaking.”
I repeatedly push the button for the penthouse. “I want you so bad I can’t breathe.”
“I can’t breathe either,” she whispers.

Kindle Page 133
Originally inspired by YA Bound


New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills writes about strong heroines and sexy alpha males that sometimes you just want to slap.

She's addicted to all things fantasy, including unicorns and sword-wielding heroes in books. Other fascinations include frothy coffee beverages, dark chocolate, Instagram, Ian Somerhalder (seriously hot), astronomy (she's a Gemini), Sephora make-up, and tattoos.

She has a degree in English and a Master's in Education.

When she's not pecking away on her computer, she shops for cool magnets, paints old furniture, and eats her weight in sushi.



Tia Louise is the Amazon and International Bestselling author of the ONE TO HOLD and DIRTY PLAYERS series and co-author of the Top 10 Amazon bestseller The Last Guy.

From “Readers’ Choice” nominations, to picking up USA Today “Happily Ever After” nods, to winning the 2015 “Favorite Erotica Author” and the 2014 “Lady Boner Award” (LOL!), nothing makes her happier than communicating with fans and weaving new tales into the Alexander-Knight world of stories.

Mermaid, Good Witch, and bonafide Beach Bum, Louise is a former journalist living in the center of the USA with her lovely family and one grumpy cat. There, she dreams up stories she hopes are engaging, hot, and sexy, and that cause readers rethink common public locations…






Other reviews featuring Ilsa Madden-Mills
Briarcrest Academy series







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Ride the Storm by Karen Chance ~ Early Review & Quote-tastic (@CasPalmerSeries)

What an action packed instalment this one was! With some moments that had me gasping! It was fantastic, but once again, I NEED MORE!
Ride the Storm (Cassandra Palmer, #8)
Title: Ride the Storm
Author: Karen Chance
Series: Cassandra Palmer #8
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Expected Publication: August 1st 2017

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N Kobo

The New York Times bestselling author of Reap the Wind returns to the “fascinating world”* of Cassie Palmer.

Ever since getting appointed the chief seer of the supernatural world, Cassie Palmer has been playing catch up. Catch up on the training she missed being raised by a psychotic vampire instead of at the pythian court. Catch up on the dangerous world of supernatural politics. Catch up on the powerful, and sometimes seductive, forces trying to mold her to their will. It’s been a trial by fire that has left her burned.

But now she realizes all that was just the warm up.

Ancient forces that once terrorized the world want to return, and Cassie is the only one who can stop them.

It's been another two years, but I've finally got my hands on the next Cassandra Palmer book! I was left a little frustrated at the end of the 7th book, Reap the Wind, so I was hoping that some situations would be resolved in Ride the Storm. It wasn't really hard to get back into this world either, despite the big gap between each book because the author refreshed my memory along the way.

Right from the opening page Cassie was right in the thick of it; she was back in the past, cuffed to a bed with Rosier beside her! She's certainly a character that finds herself in the most unusual situations! She's also a strong, fiery woman that will do anything to help those she keeps close.

This journey began in the past, as Cassie attempted to catch Pritkin. But there were so many hurdles she had to get past, and found herself thrust back to the future before she could get what she needed. As she's a determined woman, she found a way to get back so she could complete her task. She also had plenty of things in the present to deal with: the fifth acolyte, settling her court and her relationship with Mircea.

I thoroughly enjoyed Ride the Storm, it was chock-full of action and unexpected twists, some of which left me shocked! I'm continuing to enjoy Karen Chance's descriptive writing style, as she tells the reader exactly what is going on. My mind was boggled as I saw what Cassie endured, but was amazed that she continued to get back up despite how exhausted she may've been. I was excited about the bit of romance in this one too, and I have my fingers crossed that it will continue! I just hope the 9th book is in the pipe works already!

Complimentary copy provided by the Publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a beautiful moment, that had my heart aching!

“Listen.” It was gentler this time, and he somehow turned me around, made me look up at him. I was crying now, great ugly sobs that racked my body and tore at my mind, but I didn’t even try to hide them.
“I can’t,” I said brokenly. “Please don’t … I can’t.…
A filthy hand pushed the muddy hair out of my face. “I don’t believe that. I don’t believe there’s anything you can’t do.” He finally did something other than fight me, and the kiss tasted of smoke and ash and spent magic. “I think you might be the strongest person I know.”

Kindle Arc Loc 8825 

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup


Karen Chance
Karen Chance is the author of two New York Times bestselling series, plus a number of novellas and short stories, all set in the Cassandra Palmer universe. A full-time writer since 2008, she was previously a university history teacher, which comes in handy when writing the time-travel aspect of Cassie’s crazy adventures. She loves Las Vegas, the main setting for her novels, but currently lives in Florida near her family home.







Other reviews featuring Karen Chance
Cassandra Palmer Series
Tempt The Stars #6
Reap the Wind #7
Dory Basarab Series
Fury’s Kiss #3
read more "Ride the Storm by Karen Chance ~ Early Review & Quote-tastic (@CasPalmerSeries)"

Trust by Kylie Scott ~ Review & Quote-tastic (@KylieScottbooks)

I have been so excited to read this new one from Kylie Scott, and boy, did she blow me away! It was a fantastic read and I hope we get to see more of the characters from this world!
Trust
Title: Trust
Author: Kylie Scott
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Published: July 18th 2017

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N Kobo

Being young is all about the experiences: the first time you skip school, the first time you fall in love…the first time someone holds a gun to your head.

After being held hostage during a robbery at the local convenience store, seventeen-year-old Edie finds her attitude about life shattered. Unwilling to put up with the snobbery and bullying at her private school, she enrolls at the local public high school, crossing paths with John. The boy who risked his life to save hers.

While Edie’s beginning to run wild, however, John’s just starting to settle down. After years of partying and dealing drugs with his older brother, he’s going straight—getting to class on time, and thinking about the future.

An unlikely bond grows between the two as John keeps Edie out of trouble and helps her broaden her horizons. But when he helps her out with another first—losing her virginity—their friendship gets complicated.

Meanwhile, Edie and John are pulled back into the dangerous world they narrowly escaped. They were lucky to survive the first time, but this time they have more to lose—each other.

I've read a few of Scott's books now, and the way this book started... just wow! I wasn't expecting that much intensity and my heart ached for all the characters involved. I could see that it would bring Edie and John together in some way. Even after the incident, Edie continued to feel the effects and lost trust in someone she considered close.

I thought she had a lot of grunt, deciding to start over in a new school. She made a few friends quickly, and wasn't that timid girl she used to be. She stood up for herself and didn't hold back. She became close with John, as he started a new, clean path in life. Their connection strengthened a long the way, although they faced their own trust issues. They had a bond that no one could understand, and heir feelings often messed things up between them.

I liked that Edie had a little spunk, and kind of rebelled, doing things she wouldn't usually do after what she went through. She decided she wanted to do more in her life and to experience things that she'd put off for later, so John helped her with a few of these. And of course she wanted to explore her sexual side, so I could see that the lines were going to blur between them.

I liked the change in John, even though he tried to keep to himself. He changed his life and grew into a strong young man. He looked after Edie, whether she needed him or not.

Kylie Scott has a way of drawing readers into her worlds, creating unique characters that touch you in some way. The supporting characters were developed well too, and I am keen to see more of them. Trust was a read that will be on my mind for a long time, it was powerful, sweet, intense and beautiful. 

A sweet moment and a yummy kiss... enjoy!

“Relax,” he said, flipping through the pages. “It’s fine. You’re making too big a deal out of this.”
“Bullshit,” I hissed. “Why is there one set of rules for you and another for me?”
“Because I never knew a girl I wanted to look after before.” That shut me up.

Kindle Arc Loc 2851

His mouth slammed down on mine, stealing my breath. Warm, firm lips, and the thrill of his tongue tracing my teeth before sliding against my own. Kissing had never felt so good. Sure as hell, no half-assed fumbling in the shadows with other boys could compare. John’s technique deserved the highest of praise, but the best I could do was moan. My hands slipped beneath his shirt, exploring his skin, laying claim.

Kindle Arc Loc 3396

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

Kylie ScottKylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have been translated into six different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet.

Contact her at kylie@kylie-scott.com






Other reviews featuring Kylie Scott
Dive Bar 
Dirty #1
Twist #2
Stage Dive series
Lick #1
Play #2
Lead #3
Deep #4
Flesh series 
Flesh #1 
read more "Trust by Kylie Scott ~ Review & Quote-tastic (@KylieScottbooks)"

The Scent of Roses by Sienna Blake ~ Review, Giveaway & Swoon Thursday

The Scent of Roses is now LIVE! I've been eager to get my hands on this one after the way the first book ended!
RELEASE SALE & TWO BIG GIVEAWAY GOING ON NOW!!
The Scent of Roses (Dark Romeo, #2)
Title: The Scent of Roses
Author: Sienna Blake
Series: Dark Romeo #2
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Published: July 13th 2017

Buy Now - Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU
Paperback Purchase links - Amazon US | CreateSpace


The sequel to Love Sprung From Hate, Dark Romeo #1.
The game becomes more deadly as the lies get bigger. Risks will be taken, loyalties will be tested, but will Roman and Julianna take the biggest risk of all…giving into their hearts?

Inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, this is a retelling for mature audiences. Don’t enter the Underworld if you’re scared of the dark.

After how Love Sprung from Hate ended, I have been excited to get my hands on the next book in the Dark Romeo series, to see if Roman and Julianna would be able to get themselves out of the situation they were in. It was exciting, intense and just as sizzling as the first book in the series.

I liked seeing more to Romans life, and that Julianna was able to get to know Roman better as well. She also found herself in a situation that threatened her life that she needed to be rescued from. But each of these moments brought them closer. I liked seeing their relationship grow, but there was always something that would tear them apart. I know these two belong together, but the dangers and circumstances tore them apart.

I felt that this book had that middle book syndrome; it was a little back and forth, where they wanted to act on their feelings, did so, and then would pull back. The connection was definitely there, enough to say that their feelings were solidifying, but the dangers always threw them into jeopardy. I am keen to see where things will go to from here, though, and cannot wait for the final book!


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

*** 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! ***


I have a few small teasers for you today, you can just see how much Roman loves Julianna.

“She is an angel. I…” he leaned in close, barely inches from Eddie’s face. “I’m no angel. I am the devil made flesh. And I would kill for her.”

Kindle Arc Loc 1737

“Life is over much too soon,” he said. “If you love him, Julianna, don’t hold it back.”

Kindle Arc Loc 2313

“I don’t want one more night,” he growled, leaning in so that his chest pressed against my swollen breasts. Dear God, he was everywhere. His scent and his heat rolling over me, his breath against my cheeks, his erection pressed against my belly, making my empty core ache. “I want all of them.”

Kindle Arc Loc 2364
Originally inspired by YA Bound
Sienna Blake is a pen name for a USA Today Bestselling Author. She loves all things that make her heart race — rollercoasters, thrillers and rowdy unrestrained sex. She likes to explore the darker side of human nature in her writing.

If she told you who she really was, she’d have to kill you. Because of her passion for crime and forensics, she’d totally get away with your murder.


Giveaway #1

🎉WIN ONE YEAR OF ROMANCE🎉
I'm celebrating the upcoming release of the Dark Romeo trilogy with this HUGE Giveaway!!
• 1 Kindle Fire HD 8 Tablet
• 12 months Kindle Unlimited subscription
• 24 romance paperbacks I LOVED (full list in T&Cs)
• 1 Lucky winner!

Giveaway #2

WIN a $25 Amazon gift card! Click the image to be redirected!



FROM TODAY UNTIL JULY 17th GRAB BOTH BOOKS FOR 99¢
(The Scent Of Roses will increase to regular price July 17th)



Other reviews featuring Sienna Blake 
Dark Romeo series
Love Sprung From Hate #1
Bound Series
Bound by Lies #1

Bound Forever #2 







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