Trillion by Winter Renshaw ~ Review & Teaser (#WinterRenshaw)

I do enjoy a fake relationship romance, and I was surprised as to how much I enjoyed this one. Despite Sophie and Trey being from completely different worlds, they certainly were amazing together!
Trillion
Title: Trillion
Author: Winter Renshaw
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: August 3rd 2020

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Trey Westcott—devastatingly gorgeous. Intimidatingly brilliant. Powerful beyond belief.

A man with all the money in the world—literally.

As the first trillionaire in existence, my boss lives a life most people can only dream of. Anything he wants—anything at all—is a snap-of-the-fingers away.

But when the coldhearted magnate snaps his fingers and requests me for a stint on his arm playing the role of his devoted fiancĂ©e and then some, he makes an offer I can’t refuse.

And so I don’t.

But I make it clear that he’ll have my time, my body, my attention, my discreet professionalism—everything except my heart.

It’s not for sale.

Because all the money in the world can’t change the secret I’ve kept the last eight years. A secret that complicates the very business deal I’m to help him secure. A secret that makes the undeniable tension between us all the more forbidden.

Trey Westcott can have anything he wants ... but he can never have me.

Even if he’s all I’ve ever wanted.

I've read a few of Winter Renshaw's books, and so far Trillion is my favourite. I enjoyed the love/hate relationship they had in the beginning, and that the harder Trey pushed Sophie, the more determined he became.

This read began by alternating between Sophie's past and present, and I quickly understood why Sophie was such a hard and determined person. The story from her past actually broke my heart a little and I could see where it was going before we got there. I did like the way the relationship between Sophie and Trey took a turn, and despite them both not wanting a relationship, that they found themselves in it anyway.

Trey was quite the successful businessman and was not used to people saying no to him, let alone having to chase something he wanted. When it came to feelings, he locked them away but I could see Sophie getting under his skin, and that he never wanted to let her go.

Winter Renshaw pieced this story together perfectly, giving me a good insight into Sophie's past, and creating chemistry between characters that deserved to be happy. I liked Trey's ruthlessness, both in and out of his business dealings and the passion he had for Sophie. It was quite the memorable read and I enjoyed this world, the chemistry and the intensity so much!

Trey trying to win Sophie over was sweet. He was trying not to push her too hard...

“... You can come home now. You should come home.”
“Please don’t tell me what to do,” she says. “If another man tries to control my future …”
I frown. “You’re not hearing me. I’m not trying to control your future, Sophie. I want to be your future.”
She avoids my stare, chewing the inner corner of her lower lip, the one I’d give anything to taste again.
I tense my jaw, impatient, our entire life dangling on the tip of her tongue.
I’ve been called the most powerful man in the world—but suddenly, she’s the most powerful soul in mine.
If I’m the sun, she’s the whole fucking universe.

Kindle Page 276


Winter  RenshawWall Street Journal and #1 Amazon bestselling author Winter Renshaw is a bona fide daydream believer. She lives somewhere in the middle of the USA and can rarely be seen without her trusty Mead notebook and ultra portable laptop. When she’s not writing, she’s living the American dream with her husband, three kids, and the laziest puggle this side of the Mississippi.



Other reviews featuring Winter Renshaw 
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Midnight Blue by L.J. Shen ~ Review & Teaser (@lj_shen)

L.J. Shen sure knows how to weave tales that hook me until that final page. Midnight Blue was the page turner I expected it to be and I enjoyed getting to see Indie and Alex's relationship grow.
Midnight Blue
Title: Midnight Blue
Author: L.J. Shen
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: January 16th 2018 by L.J. Shen (first published February 25th 2016)

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From bestselling author L.J. Shen, comes a new, standalone, contemporary romance.

It should have been easy.
I needed the money. He needed a babysitter to keep him from snorting himself to death.
I was cherry-picked especially for him. Responsible. Optimistic. Warm. Innocent.
The worst part is that I should have known better.
Alex Winslow. British rock star. Serial heartbreaker. Casanova with whiskey eyes.
“Don’t get near the devil in a leather jacket. He’ll chew you up and spit you out.”
Guess what? I didn’t listen.
I signed the contract.
World tour. Three months. Four Continents. One hundred shows.
My name is Indigo Bellamy, and I sold my soul to a tattooed god.
Problem was, my soul wasn’t enough for Alex Winslow. He ended up taking my body, too.
Then he took my heart.
Then he took my all.

L.J. Shen is a master at creating characters that are flawed and complex, and a difficult storyline that you want to know more about. Midnight Blue wasn't an easy read as we get to know Alex, and his complex life that involved addiction, and what needed to be done to keep him on the straight and narrow.

Alex was by far, not a saint! He had issues in his past and did not want some girl babysitting him. He did everything he could to make Indie uncomfortable, hoping that she would quit, but no matter what he did, she would not go away. I liked that after a while, he used their connection as inspiration and he realised there was more to Indie and he didn't want to let her go.

Indie was doing all she could to stay afloat after losing so much. This job was helping her brother and his family, and he had done so much for her after what they both had lost. It wasn’t easy working for Alex, and I loved how determined she was and to see their relationship grow into something deeper.

L.J. Shen wove this tale with twists I did not see coming. The relationship between the characters was complex and they had demons they both needed to deal with. Some elements were a bit far-fetched, and the characters harboured a lot of guilt and blame for things out of their control, but overall I really did enjoy this read.


I really loved this first quote from Alex! He put it all out there! And the second, he made sure that Indie knew what he wanted!

“... Know what the difference is between you and me, Stardust? You watch me, but I see you. And what I see is your truth. You wear your heart on your sleeve, and it bleeds into the real world, which means you’re a remarkably terrible liar. You look at Waitrose fondly. Like you would at a stranger’s baby down the street. You look at me with dynamite in your eyes, waiting for me to light up the match and finally set you on fire.”
Everything stopped.
The air.
The world.
My heart.

Kindle Page 99


“I apologize in advance.” He cocked his head to the side.
“For?”
“Ruining you for any other man on this planet. I’m going to fuck you, Indie. So hard you’ll think about me years from now, when you lie under your boring, missionary-loving husband. I will own every orgasm, every shiver, every wave of pleasure inside you. From here on out, it will be me. Just me. And for that, I truly am sorry.”

Kindle Page 143


L.J. ShenL.J. Shen is an International #1 best-selling author of Contemporary Romance and New Adult novels. She lives in Northern California with her husband, young son and chubby cat.

Before she’d settled down, L.J. (who thinks referring to herself in the third person is really silly, by the way) traveled the world, and collected friends from all across the globe. Friends who’d be happy to report that she is a rubbish companion, always forgets peoples’ birthdays and 
never sends Christmas cards.

She enjoys the simple things in life, like spending time with her family and friends, reading, HBO, Netflix and internet-stalking Stephen James. She reads between three to five books a week and firmly believes Crocs shoes and mullets should be outlawed.





Other reviews featuring L.J. Shen
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Not My Romeo by Ilsa Madden-Mills ~ Review & Teaser (@ilsamaddenmills)

I always enjoy a read that Ilsa Madden-Mills puts out, and Not My Romeo was another pleasant read, for the first book in her new series The Game Changers.
Not My Romeo (The Game Changers, #1)
Title: Not My Romeo
Author: Ilsa Madden-Mills
Series: The Game Changers #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Sports Romance
Published: August 18th 2020

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Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills delivers a smart and sexy contemporary romance about a smoking-hot professional football player and the small-town girl he can’t resist.

We start off with a lie on Valentine’s Day.

My blind date isn’t the studious guy I expected: he’s a drop-dead gorgeous player with sinful amber eyes. Somehow we end up at his penthouse. I blame the gin and tonic.

The next day I learn he’s Jack Hawke—bad-boy professional quarterback with a murky past. The NDA he has me sign should be a warning that he isn’t a regular person. Please. I sign it Juliet Capulet, so goodbye, famous football player with abs of steel, and good luck tracking down this small-town librarian.

But Jack keeps showing up in places I least expect him. Just when I’m sure he’s gone, he waltzes into my community theater and wins the part of Romeo to my Juliet. How’s a plain, mostly innocent girl like me supposed to resist a man like him?

Is Jack my real Romeo… or will this gorgeous football player only break my heart?

Not My Romeo was another entertaining read by Ilsa Madden-Mills, where she introduced us to Elena and Jack. How they first met was quite amusing as Elena thought Jack was her blind date for the night, and Jack failed to correct her. Despite the poor date, it soon became apparent that they had a bit of chemistry, and were quite saucy together!

Jack was a complicated kind of guy, and found it hard to trust people because they tend to use him for their own gain. He was a private person and even though he was quite famous he tend to keep to himself. After meeting Elena, he became quite infatuated with her, and showed a softer side which made he all the more perfect.

Elena was a kind and beautiful soul, who did a lot for those she cared about. She helped out in her home town, and despite being let down by those who were close to her, managed to hold her head high. She found it a bit hard to trust Jack, but I could see her quickly falling for him.

It was cute seeing the changes in both these characters, the more time they spent together. I liked the way the world was built, and not only how the main characters interacted through this read, but the effect the secondary characters had on Jack and Elena too. Ilsa Madden-Mills did a fantastic job with the first book in this series, and I cannot wait to see more of the football side characters in future reads in this series!

I just loved reading about Jack, he sure knows how to get a girl worked up!! 

“Elena,” he says softly, as if tasting my name on his lips, dragging out the three syllables. His voice is low and husky, like an exotic silk, deep and rich with colors of gold and navy, gliding through my hands. “Let’s just say I know how to satisfy a woman, to have her crave me every moment we’re apart.”
I volunteer as tribute.
What?
No.
I suck in a deep breath.

Kindle Page 22

I inhale a deep breath, my fists curling at my sides. “Weatherman, where are my panties?”

Kindle Page 86


Ilsa Madden-MillsWall Street Journal, 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 best known for her angsty, yet funny, New Adult college romances. 

A former high school English teacher, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice; Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero.

She's also addicted to frothy coffee beverages, Vampire Dairies, and any kind of book featuring unicorns and sword-wielding females. 




Other reviews featuring Ilsa Madden-Mills
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The Hook Up series
English series
Briarcrest Academy series
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IOU by Kristy Marie ~ Review & Teaser (@authorkristym)

I was looking a for a romantic comedy that would sweep me away and that's exactly what happened when I picked up this read! 
IOU
Title: IOU
Author: Kristy Marie
Genre: Contemporary Romance Comedy
Published: April 29th 2020

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It’s official.
I, Ainsley James, am crazy.
Desperate and crazy.
It’s the only explanation as to why I’m nauseous, standing outside Maverick Lexington’s door.
I mean, it’s possible the stories about his deck of playing cards—with the words IOU scrawled across the back—are just rumors of the ruthless quid pro quo deals he barters.
But the flutters in my stomach know better.
Maverick is as cold as they come.
But, I need one of those cards.
I NEED to owe Maverick Lexington a favor…
Whatever the terms, I’m willing to pay.
Because, at this point, I have nothing left to lose.

I was looking for a read that would pick me up, and IOU by Kristy Marie was just what I needed! It was a fun romantic comedy, and I was quickly lost in the world and the writing.

I liked watching both Ainsley and Mav together. Ainsley was determined to get back on her feet with Mavericks help. Neither one of them expected that anything would come of this unusual arrangement, but it soon became apparent that he was becoming a bit possessive of her and he didn't want to let her go.

For my first read by Kristy Marie, I was quite pleasently surprised! I enjoyed the chemistry and the banter between the characters and liked watching the change in Mav throughout the story, I know for sure that I will be picking up more of her work in the future! 

I have a few teasers today, brcause I really enjoyed this read! The banter, the chemistry, all of it!

“Tell me something, Maverick.”
I hum out a nonanswer, trying to keep my eyes from drifting lower.
“Look closely. Do you see two shits or a fuck anywhere in my eyes?”
I rear back at her words. Did she—
“I don’t give a shit that I’m drawing a crowd,” she lashes out, shoving me away. “This is my apartment”—she eyes the vacant spot next to my car— “and my complex. I am not moving just because your little friends can’t focus on their game of Go Fish.”

Kindle 44%


“...I think we need to call for help, Mav.”
“Don’t call me that,” he barks between short pants.
I scrunch my nose. “Why?”
He manages, “Only my friends call me Mav.”
I almost smile. We are friends. He can fight it all he wants, but friends don’t let friends lose a game of Millionaire. “Okay. I’ll rephrase. I think we need to call for help, Dummy.”

Kindle 58%


“...I’m just saying you’re not such a bad guy after all, Maverick Lexington.”
I stand on my toes and kiss his cheek. “And I’m going to miss you when I move out.”
Those stormy eyes flash with an intensity I’ve never seen from Maverick. At least when he’s not been pissed.
His hands graze up my waist and over my shoulders until they rest at my cheeks.
His jaw ticks as he watches me watching him.
Gah, he really is stunning.
And then he growls out, “Fuck it,” before smashing his lips to mine.


Kindle 69%


A self-proclaimed reader enthusiast, Kristy started her writing journey back in 2009, reading and writing when her daughter was napping. Establishing her place in Corporate America (because something had to pay the bills), writing became her dirty, late-night secret.

After eight long years, she released her debut novel, Commander in Briefs. It was a long road, but she can honestly say, the road less traveled had the most beautiful sights.

The only thing Kristy Marie loves as much as reading and writing is sports! Especially those that require muscles and a nice ass. Her favorite is, and always will be, baseball. She's such a fan, that she even married her small town's high school's centerfielder where they still live with their three badass kids.

Commander in Briefs is her first series but definitely not her last.


read more "IOU by Kristy Marie ~ Review & Teaser (@authorkristym)"

Out of the Shallows by Samantha Young ~ Review & Teaser (#SamanthaYoung)

After reading the first book in this series you know I had to jump into the next one. It was a good read, but not one that blew me away.
Out of the Shallows (Into the Deep, #2)
Title: Out of the Shallows
Author: Samantha Young
Series: Into the Deep #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: June 2019 by Samantha Young (first published April 2nd 2014)

Buy Now - Amazon USAmazon Aus

LIVE YOUNG. LIVE HARD. LOVE DEEP.
Charley and Jake’s story concludes in Out of the Shallows…

Somehow, after everything they’ve been through, Jake Caplin and Charley Redford made their way back to one another. But finding each other and staying together are two completely different things.

When Charley’s world is flipped upside down, she begins to question the choices and decisions she’s made since her arrival in Edinburgh, and in an effort to grip onto what she holds most dear she believes she must sacrifice her love for Jake.

Returning to the States for her senior year, Charley struggles to find peace and happiness. While everyone else seems to be finding themselves in college, Charley is terrified that, along with almost everything else that’s important to her, she’s lost herself.

While friends and family deal with their own tumultuous lives, there is one person resolved to uncover the reason behind Charley’s sudden defection and unhappiness. Refusing to give up without a fight, Jake believes he is the only one who can truly understand what Charley is going through, and this time he’s determined to prove he’s there for her no matter what obstacles are thrown in their way.

However, as Charley strives through the biggest personal journey of her life thus far, there is no guarantee that the woman she is becoming will still need Jake as much as the girl she once was did…


I was excited to jump into the sequel of Charley and Jakes story after finishing the first book. I wanted to see how they would go after the end of their trip and returning to their normal worlds. It wasn't smooth sailing, like I thought it would be, that is for sure.

In this read, I was actually a bit annoyed with Charley. She seemed to be a little selfish, always bringing up the past as excuses as to why she was pushing Jake away. I felt like she was being repetitive, and not wanting to deal with her feelings.

I really liked Jake and that he was willing to do everything to prove himself to not only Charley but her family. It saddened me that Charley couldn't fully trust him, and he was strong enough to make her fight for him instead.

This wasn't the ending that I had hoped for, but it was a good conclusion to the story. I hoped the characters were stronger and didn't drag certain situations out like they did. I usually enjoy Samantha Young's work, but in the end, this series was just an ok read for me. I hope I have more luck next time!

I liked that Charley was willing to open up to Jake in this one and show her feelings to him.

“I will never love anyone the way I love you. You’re part of me. You make me feel like I can be anyone, do anything… but you also have the ability to make me feel weak. You have the ability to crush me like no one else can. I don’t like that part of myself, Jake, and I hate that you can do that to me.”
His breathing sounded a little uneven as he whispered back, “You make me feel the same way.”
Leaning close, my lips an inch from his, my eyes blazing, I uttered darkly, “Good. I need to know that we’re on equal footing here.”

Kindle Page 107

“Those six months with you were the best I’ve ever had in my whole life. It’s like… I don’t know, I’m just so relieved to be able to look back on them now and remember falling in love with you without feeling like one of us died.”
Jake nodded solemnly. “That’s how I felt too.”
“We don’t have to feel that way anymore. We’ve made it through.”
Jake cupped my face in his hands. “I’m never letting you go,” he murmured his vow. “Even if you try to make me… never again.”

Kindle Page 111


Samantha Young is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author from Stirlingshire, Scotland. She’s been nominated for several Goodreads Choice Awards. She writes adult contemporary and paranormal romance, YA urban fantasy and YA contemporary fiction. Currently published in 30 countries, Samantha is a #1 international bestselling author.



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Into the Deep by Samantha Young ~ Review & Teaser (#SamanthaYoung)

Hey all!! Sorry I have been MIA! The Christmas Holiday period was quite busy and I never found a chance to catch up! But hopefully I can get a few reviews scheduled for you!

I have been enjoying Samantha Young's work lately, and had to continue reading her work by picking uo this series.
Into the Deep (Into the Deep, #1)
Title: Into the Deep
Author: Samantha Young
Series: Into the Deep #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: June 2019 (first published August 8th 2013)

Buy Now - Amazon USAmazon Aus

Live young. Live hard. Love deep.

Charley Redford was just an ordinary girl until Jake Caplin moved to her small town in Indiana and convinced her she was extraordinary. Almost from day one Jake pulled Charley into the deep and promised he was right there with her. But when a tragic incident darkened Jake’s life he waded out into the shallows and left Charley behind.

Almost four years later Charley thinks she’s moved on. That is until she takes a study year abroad in Edinburgh and bumps into none other than Jake Caplin at a party with his new girlfriend. The bad-boy-turned-good attempts to convince Charley to forgive him, and as her best friend starts spending time with Jake’s, Charley calls a truce, only to find herself tumbling back into a friendship with him.

As they grow closer, the spark between them flares and begins playing havoc with their lives and relationships. When jealousy and longing rear their destructive heads, Charley and Jake struggle to come to grips with what they mean to one another.

And even if they work it out, there is no guarantee Charley will ever trust Jake to lead her back into the deep…


This was the beginning of an interesting journey for Charley and Jake as they build a connection over the years. We get to see where it all began and watch as they struggle with their feelings and emotions as they rekindle the relationship they once had.

The connection between Charley and Jake sparked right from the opening chapters, as their young love began to blossom. A series of events managed to put a wedge between them and they were separated quite suddenly. A few years into the future and they cross paths once again, with that bond still there, even though Charley keeps hiding her feelings and Jake begs for another chance.

I liked that Charley was strong the second time round, as she had been left heartbroken by Jake previously, she was reluctant to let Jake in. Jake was angry when he left Charley all those years ago, and didn't realise how much he still loved her until they crossed paths again. He was determined to win Charley's trust back as his feelings for her were still there.

This was a good start to the duo, and I liked that Charley and Jake had grown so much over the years and were stronger characters for what happened between them. They both had hurt, and had to face those buried feelings in their past to move on together. Samantha Young has built a fabulous beginning to this series and I am excited to see where things go for Charley and Jake next.

Here are a couple of sweet teasers for you

“All I know is that you probably deserve better than me, but I’m too selfish to let you. I’m into you, and I want you to be so into me, you don’t even care that I’m not good enough for you.”

Kindle Page 37

“Do you know how beautiful you are?” Jake muttered, his gaze still hot but adoring. “So beautiful. I used to think there was nothing prettier than looking up at the stars. That feeling I got, like I was part of something bigger than anything I could ever imagine. It’s one of my favorite feelings … and I get it every time I look at you.”

Kindle Page 140


Samantha Young is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author from Stirlingshire, Scotland. She’s been nominated for several Goodreads Choice Awards. She writes adult contemporary and paranormal romance, YA urban fantasy and YA contemporary fiction. Currently published in 30 countries, Samantha is a #1 international bestselling author.



Other reviews featuring Samantha Young 
Play On series
read more "Into the Deep by Samantha Young ~ Review & Teaser (#SamanthaYoung)"