Ball Peen Hammer by Lauren Rowe ~ Audiobook Review & Quote-tastic (@laurenrowebooks)

You are either going to love or hate Keane, with his direct and casual view on life! But you know I would love him regardless! With his blue hair and strong loyalties, he was a hoot to read about! I know I'll be reading more form this author in the future. 🙂
Title: Ball Peen Hammer
Author: Lauren Rowe
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: July 14th 2016

Buy Now - Amazon | Audible B&N

Keane Morgan wouldn’t return any of my calls or texts, and I was pissed as hell about it. I didn’t want to drive from Seattle to L.A. with the guy any more than he wanted to drive with me, but I had no frickin’ choice in the matter--at least, not if I wanted to use his brother Dax’s coveted parking spot at UCLA.

Okay, so it turned out Keane was objectively gorgeous, and, fine, pretty funny, too. But did he have to be so damned in love with himself? I mean, jeez, the cocky way he flashed those dimples was just so orchestrated. And, honestly, what kind of guy uses the phrase “baby doll” with a straight face? Oh, that’s right: the kind of guy who’s a male stripper.

Yup, the cocky jerk turned out to be Seattle’s answer to Magic Mike, a stripper known as “Ball Peen Hammer”--which meant Keane Morgan was emphatically not the kind of guy I’d ever fall for.

Not. At. All.

No freakin’ way.

Well, until Keane convinced me to fall for him, that is.

Which I did.

Hard.

Ball Peen Hammer caught my eye when it was first released, but it wasn't until recently, when it was on sale, that I snapped it up. And if you know me by now, I'm really enjoying audio reads, so you know that I listened to it, and I'm so glad I did! The Narrator's, Lauren Rowe (Author) & John Lane really pulled me into Keane and Maddy's world, portraying both characters perfectly! Keane was charming and confident, where Maddy was quiet and sweet, and I could feel that through their narration.

Keane and Maddy's relationship got off to a rocky start as he kept ignoring her calls. Once you get to know Keane you see he's like that with everyone, even his own family. But once things are sorted out they hit the road together and they strike up a great friendship. They are totally different people, from different worlds, but somehow they have this deep connection that allowed them to open up.

I liked getting to know Keane! He had a bubbly personality, and I couldn't help but like him! Honestly, he would be the type of character that people either love or hate. He said and did exactly what he was thinking, and he was pretty casual. He pulled Maddie out of her shell, so we could see the REAL Maddie Milliken.

Maddie was a passionate girl, who loved to film people, so it was no wonder she saw something in Keane. She grew a lot throughout their journey, although some issues in her past still affected her. But the more time she spent with Keane the stronger she become.

Ball Peen Hammer is the first book that I've picked up by Lauren Rowe, and I really enjoyed the world and characters. Keane and Maddy don't appear to match, but throughout the story I could see their connection strengthen and I was able to see how perfect they were together! It was an entertaining ride, watching these two interact and seeing the chemistry grow between them. Even getting glimpses of other family members had me curious, and I know I'll be picking up more reads by Lauren Rowe in the future! 

Here's a small taste of both Keane and Maddy, these two were entertaining!!

“I find you objectively attractive, but I’m not personally attracted to you—at least, not sexually. But, I swear, if I knew a girl who was looking to have one night of meaningless fun with a horny Smurf or a psychopathic bobble-headed troll-doll, I’d totally hook you two up.”

Kindle Page 90

“Don’t ever let me catch you covering those gorgeous tits up again, do you understand me? You’ve been doing the world a major disservice, keeping those beauties hidden all this time. Those fuckers should be in a shadow box in the Louvre.”

Kindle Page 176

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

USA Today and internationally bestselling author Lauren Rowe lives in San Diego, California, where, in addition to writing books, she performs with her dance/party band at events all over Southern California, writes songs, takes embarrassing snapshots of her ever-patient Boston terrier, Buster, spends time with her wonderful family, and narrates audiobooks. Much to Lauren’s thrill, her books have been translated all over the world in multiple languages and hit multiple domestic and international bestseller lists. With enticing characters, enthralling situations and a general love of romantic fiction, Lauren has created a world of her own, full of wit and sensual desire.




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Confessions of a Former Puck Bunny by Cindi Madsen ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@CindiMadsen, @entangledpub)

The forth book in Cindi Madsen's Taking Shots series has just been released. This series is so exciting for me and I love being back in this world! If you enjoy a good college, ice hockey read, then you will enjoy this one! 
Confessions of a Former Puck Bunny
Title: Confessions of a Former Puck Bunny
Author: Cindi Madsen
Series: Taking Shots #4
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Published: May 8th 2017

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N Kobo

Confession #1: I used to be a puck bunny, but after a hockey player broke my heart, I gave up all things hockey. Now I'm just focused on finding a way to pass my math class so I can graduate college.

Confession #2: Ryder "Ox" Maddox's deep, sexy voice sends fuzzy tingles through my entire body, and I'm powerless to stop it. Which is a big problem since the hot, surprisingly funny hockey player is my new math tutor.

Confession #3: I can't stop thinking about how ripped Ryder is from all his hockey training, and how fun it'd be to cross lines with him.

Confession #4: I kissed a hockey player and I liked it.

Confession #5: If I'm not careful, I might relapse and fall for Ryder, and then I'll be totally pucked.

Cindi Madsen is an author that I've come to enjoy; with her sweet New Adult romances, passionate characters and her addictive storylines. The Taking Shots series has become a fave of mine since I picked up Getting Lucky Number Seven back in 2015. I love any sort of sport romance, so I was intrigued to see how Ryder was going to win over Lindsay after she had sworn off all men who play hockey!

From the opening chapters, I was amused by the way Lindsay avoided Ryder! Only to get stuck with him tutoring her in math! I could see that he was clearly interested in her, but she was determined not to step in that world again after being hurt previously. She classed herself as a puck bunny, because she had an unhealthy desire to be with and/or pick up ice hockey players. It was sad to see how her mother's ways had rubbed off on her. I liked seeing all her Confessions, to understand the depth of why she wanted to stay out of that world. But what I loved was seeing the change in herself! She put all her former ways behind her and became her own person, despite Ryder pulling her back in.

Ryder really was a sweet guy, and he constantly made me swoon. He was keen to get under Lindsay's skin, despite her pushing him away. He helped her every chance he could, and encouraged her to have a little fun every now and then. I liked seeing their friendship grow, and for them to fall for one another. But of course there is something that gets in the way!

I love being back in this world and
Cindi Madsen allowed me to visit all the guys and gals that I adore once again! Ryder and Lindsay were so good together, and I enjoyed watching their story build! Ryder's parents were pushy though, and I wanted them to back off and let him live his life. But these two lost souls, who had two different upbringings were so perfect together. If you enjoy a good sports romance, get this one today!

Complimentary copy provided by the Publisher, via NetGalley 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! ***


Two quotes today, one sweet moment and a fiery kiss!

“You’re a good guy, Ryder Maddox.”
“Isn’t that girl code for I’ll never date you?” She laughed. Then her expression turned serious. “If things were different…I could really see myself slipping.”
“Just slip.” I reached up and ran my thumb across her bottom lip, my blood pumping hotter at her sharp exhale. “I’ll catch you.”

Kindle Arc Loc 1638

I licked my lips and he yanked me to him as he sat up. Our mouths crashed together somewhere in the middle, and there was nothing tiny about the moan I let loose as his tongue met mine. I rolled my hips and he groaned, growing even harder underneath me. Desire and lust crashed, thoughts turned hazy, and my focus narrowed to his lips, his hands, his hard body underneath me.

Kindle Arc Loc 1885
Originally inspired by YA Bound
USA Today Bestselling author Cindi Madsen sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting, revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she'd be even crazier. She has way too many shoes but can always find a reason to buy a new pretty pair, especially if they're sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children.



Other reviews featuring Cindi Madsen







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The Playboy Bachelor by Rachel Van Dyken ~ Review & Quote-tastic (@RachVD, @ForeverRomance)

It's been a while since I've picked up a book by Rachel Van Dyken, and I thought I'd better try her newest novel, The Playboy Bachelor. This was a beautiful read, as I watched Bentley and Margot try to salvage the relationship they once had.
The Playboy Bachelor (The Bachelors of Arizona)
Title: The Playboy Bachelor
Author: Rachel Van Dyken
Series: The Bachelors of Arizona #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: April 11th 2017

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N Kobo

She's no Sleeping Beauty. And he's definitely no prince . . .

Margot McCleery could have lived her whole life without seeing Bentley Wellington again-her ex-best friend and the poster boy for Hot, Rich Man-Whores everywhere. But Margot's whiskey-augmented grandmother "buys" Bentley at a charity bachelor auction, and now suddenly he's at her door. Impossibly charming. Impossibly sexy. And still a complete and utter jackass.

Bentley's just been coerced by his grandfather to spend the next thirty days charming and romancing the reclusive red-haired beauty who hates him. The woman he abandoned when she needed him the most. Bentley knows just as much about romance as he knows about love-nothing. But the more time he spends with Margot, the more he realizes that "just friends" will never be enough. Now all he has to do is convince her to trust him with her heart . . .

It's been a while since I've read a book by Rachel Van Dyken, and I decided to pick up her latest, surprise novel, even though I haven't read the first book in the series. However, each book can be read as a standalone as they feature a different Wellington brother/bachelor. The Playboy Bachelor is Bentley's story, as he's follows through on the terms of the bachelor auction he attended and he's sent to spend time with his best friend who he hasn't seen since an accident six years ago.

As soon as I began this book, I realised it wasn't going to be as easy as I thought. Margot and Bentley had a history, but it was deeper than I realised. I also didn't expect the heartache as to why they were no longer close. Margot's story really touched me and I could understand her spinster ways, but I wanted her to be able to move on. Bentley, well I thought what he did was a little impulsive and I wished he'd taken a little more time to get all the facts before going off the rails. A lot of heartache could've been avoided if he hadn't been so impulsive.

Seeing Margot and Bentley together again was amusing! Even though they probably would've avoided one another for the rest of their days, it was amusing to see them banter and push one another to their limits. I knew that they still had feelings for one another that ran deep, but both of them were afraid of being hurt again. They took their time getting to know one another, even if Bentley was being forced to by his Grandfather.

The Playboy Bachelor was a sweet, but intense read, as Margot and Bentley's relationship rekindled. It wasn't an easy ride, as they each struggled to face the demons from their pasts. They were both very stubborn and afraid of change, but they became stronger people in the end. The story was told from the third person point of view and the character development really pulled me into the story, as Rachel Van Dyken has a beautiful way of creating deep characters that you can connect to and sympathise with. I would like to go back to the beginning to see where it all began in the first book!!

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

Bentley melted my heart... they both had issues of being broken hearted again, and these two moments made my heart ache!

“You made me weak. And every time I see you, I wonder, will it happen again? Because you, you’re the game changer, the one who makes me question everything, the one who makes me want to be better, the one I almost lost—the one I am so damn terrified of losing again.”

Kindle Arc Loc 2428

“But that doesn’t change the fact that you think so little of me…when I think the world of you.”

Kindle Arc Loc 2881

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

Rachel Van DykenRachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA
Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!





Other reviews featuring Rachel Van Dyken
Ruin series
Ruin #1

Toxic #2
The Bet series
The Bet #1

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Under the Lights by Abbi Glines ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@AbbiGlines, @SimonSchusterAU)

I waited a long time for this book... then I purchased it and it took me a long time to read it! On the plus side, I don't have to wait as long for the next book! After the Game will be here in August!
Under the Lights (The Field Party, #2)
Title: Under the Lights
Author: Abbi Glines
Series: The Field Party #2
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Published: August 23rd 2016

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N Kobo

In the follow-up to Abbi Glines’s #1 New York Times bestseller Until Friday Night—three teens from a small southern town are stuck in a dramatic love triangle.

Willa can’t erase the bad decisions of her past that led her down the path she’s on now. But she can fight for forgiveness from her family. And she can protect herself by refusing to let anyone else get close to her.

High school quarterback and town golden boy Brady used to be the best of friends with Willa—she even had a crush on him when they were kids. But that’s all changed now: her life choices have made her a different person from the girl he used to know.

Gunner used to be friends with Willa and Brady, too. He too is larger than life and a high school football star—not to mention that his family basically owns the town of Lawton. He loves his life, and doesn’t care about anyone except himself. But Willa is the exception—and he understands the girl she’s become in a way no one else can.

As secrets come to light and hearts are broken, these former childhood friends must face the truth about growing up and falling in love…even if it means losing each other forever.

A lot of people may pass over this book because of the 'love triangle' but I found that getting to know Willa, Brady and Gunner helped me understand the friendship that they had as children. After a while I knew that there was no questioning who the couple was going to be and saw a glimpse into where the next book may be heading. Overall, it was a heartbreaking read, where the characters had to learn to forgive themselves so that they could move on.

Willa lived with her Nonna until her mother decided that she wanted to be a happy family, so and Willa had to leave the only stable home she'd had when she was 11. Six years later, Willa has returned to her Nonna after going through a tough time. It took a while to get the details of what happened, and when it was out in the open my heart ached for Willa. I liked seeing her trying to rekindle the friendships with the boys that used to be her closest friends. They were all older now and were exploring the attraction they had for one another.

I liked both Gunner and Brady. Gunner had a difficult upbringing and although he was born into privilege, he didn't have it easy. He was a playboy and used girls to keep himself satisfied. Brady was the nice guy and the quarterback. He was in a relationship of convenience and once Willa returned he questioned what he wanted from staying in that situation. Both boys were still friends but not as close as they once were, but rallied to help one another if needed.

Under the Lights was a read that I devoured quickly. I've always enjoyed the way Abbi Glines creates world's that I can get lost in. The characters were flawed and it was good to see them find strength together. I liked seeing West and Maggie again and I'm looking forward to the next book (don't check it out if you want an element of surprise before reading this book). I'm looking forward to coming back to this world later this year.

*** 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! ***


Willa has sweet moments with both boys, I had to share both!

His lips were soft but firm as they moved over mine. His fingers tangled in my hair like they wanted to be there. As if they had thought of this moment, and now they would relish it.
I sank into him, craving his warmth and the feel of his skin on mine. Inhaling his scent. The cologne he wore was subtle but attractive. I was sure many girls had clung to him just to get near it. It wasn’t until his tongue slipped past my lips and into the heat of my mouth that I understood the repercussions of what I was allowing.

Paperback Pages 100-1


“What,” I said, confused, as the door closed behind me.
Gunner’s grip released my wrist; then his hand slid up to cup my face. The light from the hallway barely gave me enough illumination to see. But I saw Gunner’s face as he leaned into me. I knew what was coming, and my stomach did a flutter of excitement just before his lips landed on mine.

Paperback Pages 192-3
Originally inspired by YA Bound
Abbi GlinesAbbi Glines is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Rosemary Beach, Sea Breeze, Vincent Boys, and Existence series. She has a new YA series coming out in the fall of 2015 titled The Field Party Series . She never cooks unless baking during the Christmas holiday counts. She believes in ghosts and has a habit of asking people if their house is haunted before she goes in it. She drinks afternoon tea because she wants to be British but alas she was born in Alabama. When asked how many books she has written she has to stop and count on her fingers. When she’s not locked away writing, she is reading, shopping (major shoe and purse addiction), sneaking off to the movies alone, and listening to the drama in her teenagers lives while making mental notes on the good stuff to use later. Don’t judge.




Other reviews featuring Abbi Glines
Rosemary Beach
Fallen Too Far #1
Never Too Far #2
Sea Breeze
Breathe #1
The Vincent Boys






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Bad Neighbor by Molly O'Keefe ~ Review & Quote-tastic (@MollyOKwrites)

I'm a bit of a sucker for Bad Boy Romances, so it's not surprising that I enjoyed Bad Neighbor. And for my first Molly O'Keefe read, I was quite impressed! 
Bad Neighbor (Bad Boy Romance, #1)
Title: Bad Neighbor
Author: Molly O'Keefe
Series: Bad Boy Romance #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: November 21st 2016

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N

He's sexy... He's dangerous... He's right next door.

I gave up everything to save my sister from a monster, and now I’m lying low in this rundown apartment so I can stay out of danger. Hiding from everyone.
Except for the guy in apartment 1A.
He’s rude. Silent. Muscled, mysterious, and hot as hell. I don’t know if he likes me or hates me, but the more time I spend with him, the less it matters.
I want him.
And for the first time in my life I'm going to go after what I want.

She doesn’t belong in my world.

From the second 1B moves in, I know she’s keeping secrets. She doesn’t belong here, much less with a street fighter like me.
But that doesn’t stop me from craving her. Her softness and sweetness. She’s a drug, and suddenly I’m addicted.
I know someone is going to try and hurt her and I can’t let that happen. But unless I push her away and get her out of my world, that someone could be me…

Bad Neighbor was the hot and sexy read I expected it to be! The characters were from different worlds but they found it difficult to deny the chemistry between them. Jesse was the bad boy next door, who fought in an illegal fighting ring, and Charlotte was the good girl, who gave all her money to help her sister, and moved herself into a shady part of town to lay low.

I liked that Jesse and Charlotte were so different. Charlotte was all sweet and innocent but Jesse was able to bring out her darkest, sexual desires. Jesse had that alpha male vibe and wanted to protect Charlotte from the moment she moved in. He was a broody and closed off guy that tried to keep Charlotte at arms length. There was one sizzling encounter (*fans self*), where Charlotte went to Jesse's to confront him about his late night activities, that was the turning point for both of them! Each time these two were together, the harder it was for them to stay away from one another.

This was my first taste of Molly O'Keefe's work, and I really enjoyed it. Neither Jesse or Charlotte were looking for a relationship, but found each other anyway. They encouraged each other to be the best they could and were better people together. There was an element of suspense that grew throughout the story that kept me on my toes too. I know I'll be reading more of Molly's work in the future!

Two little quotes today. The first was a bit cute, and the second made me go 'Hot Dayum!'

“So?” he asked. “How did you end up here?”
My sister fell in love with a sociopath and I had to give her all my money so she could get away from him. You know. The usual.
“Boyfriend kicked me out,” I said instead. Because I was being the opposite of me.
“For real?”
“It’s so hard to believe I have a boyfriend?”
“It’s hard to believe he’d kick you out.”

Kindle Arc Loc 297


“You looked good, tonight,” he said.
“Don’t—” I said before I could stop myself.
“Don’t what?”
“Lie.”
“I’m not lying. You know you looked good. You strutted away from me like you were fucking Beyonce.”

Kindle Arc Loc 859

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

Molly O'KeefeMolly O'Keefe has always known she wanted to be a writer (except when she wanted to be a florist or a chef and the brief period of time when she considered being a cowgirl). And once she got her hands on some romances, she knew exactly what she wanted to write.

She published her first Harlequin romance at age 25 and hasn't looked back. She loves exploring every character's road towards happily ever after.

Originally from a small town outside of Chicago, she went to university in St. Louis where she met and fell in love with the editor of her school newspaper. They followed each other around the world for several years and finally got married and settled down in Toronto, Ontario. They welcomed their son into their family in 2006, and their daughter in 2008. When she's not at the park or cleaning up the toy room, Molly is working hard on her next novel, trying to exercise, stalking Tina Fey on the internet and dreaming of the day she can finish a cup of coffee without interruption.




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