The Rule Maker by Jennifer Blackwood ~ Audiobook Review & Teaser Tuesday (@Jen_Blackwood, @EPEmbrace)

Jennifer Blackwood has become an author that I enjoy, and after reading the first book in the Rule Breakers series, I just knew I had to read more! I enjoyed listening to The Rule Maker, it was a lot of fun! 

Title: The Rule Maker

Author: Jennifer Blackwood

Series: The Rule Breakers #2

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: January 16th 2017 by Entangled Publishing (Embrace)

Buy Now - Amazon | Audible | B&N | Kobo

Things I'd love to say to Ryder Covington...

I hate you more than a hole in my favorite pair of leggings.

Your smirk makes me want to yell in all shouty caps.

You're really gorgeous...until you open your mouth.

Stop looking at me like that. You're not ripping my panties off.

Saying those things to him would be the whipped cream on top of my rocky road ice cream, but I can't, because he's my client. And I'm up for a promotion. Oh, and the little fact that my boss told me to give Mr. Covington everything he wants. But the only thing he wants is me. And he can't have that.

What a fun read The Rule Maker turned out to be!! Although the story was set around refurbishing a ski resort on Mount Rainier, it was anything but a chilly read! The chemistry between Zoey and Ryder was intense, the banter was amusing and when these two finally took the plunge (again) it was a sizzling good time!

Zoey was asked to do a second project by Jason Covington after she successfully helped him the first time round. She was looking forward to such a huge project but didn't expect his brother, and one night stand to turn up to be the contact for this job. I loved her determination to prove to Ryder that she could do this job. She was able to regroup, come up with better ideas, despite having to fight the attraction that they had.

Ryder was actually a pro-surf boarder that was out due to injury. He was helping his brother with his business because he too had been injured. It was sweet to see his regrets in regards to Zoey, and the more time he spent with her, the stronger his feelings became. It annoyed me a little that his grandparents had such a hold over him, but he was determined to succeed on his own.

It was good to see Zoey and Ryder working together. They helped rebuild something important for both the Covington men. But working so closely on the project was always going to lead to something more! I really enjoyed reading about these two, and seeing their feelings and goals change throughout the journey. Lainey and Brogan made appearances in this read too, so those that have read the first book will enjoy their little cameo roles!

Jennifer Blackwood is becoming a favourite author of mine! It's easy to fall for her characters and to be swept away with her writing. I thought the narration by both Kendall Harper and Ray Irwin was done well too. I haven't listened to either of them before and they pulled me into the story quickly with their easy to listen to voices.

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

This is a little snippet where Zoey was texting Lainey, after she tried to escape a spider... it was a funny moment!

Zoey: SOS
Lainey: What's up?
Zoey: I have a situation.
Lainey: … are you going for the suspense factor, cause it's working.
I took a selfie and hit send.
Lainey: OMG. Are you … uh … stuck in a window?
Zoey: Yup.
Lainey: Wahat the hell happened?
Zoey: This resort is alive and is actually trying to kill me. Tell my dad that I love him.
Lainey: Only if I can keep the couch and your Chanel purse once you pass.
Zoey: You are ruthless.
Lainey: I can't help myself. For real though, do you need me to come get you?
Zoey: No, one of Jason's guys will be here later today. It'll be embarrassing AF, but at least it's not Jason, right?
Lainey: #truth Also, WTF is on your leg dude?

Excerpt from the Arc 

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

Jennifer Blackwood is an English teacher and contemporary romance author. She lives in Oregon with her husband, son, and poorly behaved black lab puppy. When not chasing after her toddler, you can find her binging on episodes of Gilmore Girls and Supernatural, and locking herself in her office to write. 

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Other reviews featuring Jennifer Blackwood
The Rule Breakers series
The Rule Book #1
Drexler University series
Foolproof #2 

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Big Rock by Lauren Blakely ~ Audiobook Review & Swoon Thursday (@LaurenBlakely3)

It's been a long time since I've read a book by Lauren Blakely, so I decided to listen to Big Rock! And I just love getting a book from a male's perspective, and what better voice to listen to but Sebastian York!!

Title: Big Rock

Author: Lauren Blakely

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: January 22nd 2016 (first published January 6th 2016)

Buy Now - Amazon | Audible | B&N | Kobo

It's not just the motion of the ocean, ladies. It's definitely the SIZE of the boat too.

And I've got both firing on all cylinders. In fact, I have ALL the right assets. Looks, brains, my own money, and a big c*&k.

You might think I'm an a*&hole. I sound like one, don’t I? I'm hot as sin, rich as heaven, smart as hell and hung like a horse.

Guess what? You haven't heard my story before. Sure, I might be a playboy, like the NY gossip rags call me. But I’m the playboy who’s actually a great guy. Which makes me one of a kind.

The only trouble is, my dad needs me to cool it for a bit. With conservative investors in town wanting to buy his flagship Fifth Avenue jewelry store, he needs me not only to zip it up, but to look the part of the committed guy. Fine. I can do this for Dad. After all, I’ve got him to thank for the family jewels. So I ask my best friend and business partner to be my fiancée for the next week. Charlotte’s up for it. She has her own reasons for saying yes to wearing this big rock.

And pretty soon all this playing pretend in public leads to no pretending whatsoever in the bedroom, because she just can’t fake the kind of toe-curling, window-shattering orgasmic cries she makes as I take her to new heights between the sheets.

But I can’t seem to fake that I might be feeling something real for her.

What the fuck have I gotten myself into with this…big rock?

Ahhh... fake relationships! They are one of my favourite storylines! And what better relationship to fake, than one with your best friend, right? You and I both know it's going to turn into something more, but it was the journey that was fun for me, and Lauren Blakely is a master of romance, and she showed me why in this read!

Big Rock is told from the male perspective of Spencer Holiday, the overly confident playboy who knows how to treat a woman. It made me giggle at the beginning, listening to him like he's god's gift to the female species, but along the way, I got to know him better and could see little changes occur after spending so much time with Charlotte.

Charlotte was just what Spencer needed, and although their arrangement helped both of them avoid sticky situations, it didn't take long to see they were developing stronger feelings for one another. They've been friends for so long and the sexual tension was ready to combust! I liked meeting Spencer's family members as well, especially his sister Harper because they had such a fun laid back relationship.

The narration was done by Sebastian York, and if you don't know who that is, you MUST listen to one of his reads. He has that deep, seductive voice that any girl would love to listen to. Along with York's narration, it's Blakely's story telling that also hooked me to the story. I enjoyed the world build up and meeting the characters she created. I need to get my hands on Mister O, because those glimpses of Harper have made me want to get to know her better! 

*** 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! ***


These moments were so sweet and amusing! I just had to share! 

 “What do you want?”

“A real kiss. I want to know how my fiancé kisses for real. Not just a soft little kiss on the street.”

“A real kiss. Are you sure?”

“Yes. Why wouldn’t I be sure? You’re not a horrid kisser, are you?” Her hand flies to her mouth. “Oh my God. That’s it. You kiss in some weird way,” she says as she takes her hand off her mouth.

“That just earned you serious proof of the opposite. Because I promise you, I will kiss you in the only way you should be kissed.”

“What way is that?”

I gaze into her eyes, move my hips against her thigh so she can feel more of me, then say, “A real kiss should get you wet.”

Kindle Arc 739

“We just need a few ground rules,” I say.

“Yes. Ground rules. Like no anal, right?”

“Um. That wasn’t really on my list, but I can live with that restriction,” I say with a laugh.

Kindle Arc 1546

Originally inspired by YA Bound

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that's hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than seventy-five times, and she's sold more than 1.5 million books. Her bestselling series include Sinful Nights, Seductive Nights, No Regrets, Caught Up in Love, and Fighting Fire as well as standalone hit romances like BIG ROCK, MISTER O, WELL HUNG, FULL PACKAGE and THE SEXY ONE. In February she'll release THE HOT ONE, a standalone contemporary romance. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads
Instagram / Pinterest

Other reviews featuring Lauren Blakely
No Regrets series
The Start of Us #0.5
The Thrill of It #1
Every Second with You #2
Caught Up In Love series
Caught Up in Us #1







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Take This Regret by A.L. Jackson ~ Audiobook Review & Quote-tastic (@aljacksonauthor)

After I read the first book, I had the urge to jump back into this series, because it sat with me for ages and I needed to continue to see what happened! Things were going to change in a big way!

Title: Take This Regret

Author: A.L. Jackson

Series: Take This Regret #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: July 2013 (first published July 27th 2011)

Buy Now - Amazon | Audible | B&N | Kobo

There are some mistakes we make that we will regret for the rest of our lives. For Christian, it was the day he betrayed Elizabeth.

Christian Davison has a plan for his life. He is determined to become an attorney and to one day take his place as partner in his father’s law firm. Nothing will stand in his way, not even Elizabeth Ayers and their unborn child.

After Christian cuts her from his life, Elizabeth spends the next five years struggling to provide for her daughter and willing to sacrifice anything to give her child a safe, comfortable life. For five years, Christian has regretted the day he walked away from his family and will do anything to win them back just as Elizabeth will do anything to protect her daughter from the certain heartache she believes Christian will bring upon them.

When Christian wrestles his way into their lives, Elizabeth is faced with asking herself if it is possible to forgive someone when they’ve committed the unforgivable and if it is possible to find a love after it has been buried in years of hate.

Or are there some wounds that go so deep they can never heal? They say everyone deserves a second chance.

In July 2016, I listened to Lost to You, and after the abrupt ending I decided I needed to know what happened between Christian and Elizabeth. Take This Regret was set 5 years into the future, as Christian started a new job at his father's firm, heading up a new office in San Diego. It was another pleasant listen as Andi Arndt narrated the story, she depicted both characters perfectly, and was so easy to listen to.

I liked seeing the change in Christian, he had grown a lot over the years and I could see that he regretted his decision all those years ago. I liked seeing him build a connection with his child once they met, and how much he wanted the child to be part of his life.

Elizabeth was wary about Christian coming back into her life. She had suffered a lot after Christian’s ultimatum. It was good to see that she had support around her and was still close with Matt. I could understand why she was hesitant and was very protective of her heart.

Take This Regret was told at a steady pace, and I was able to see both characters as they tried to show that they were better people. Elizabeth was determined to keep Christian at arms length, but allowed him to develop a relationship with their child. I could see that Christian never stopped loving Elizabeth, despite the years they were apart. He had a better relationship with his mother, but the relationship with his father was still strained.

I enjoyed most of the story, experiencing a lot of the hard times Christian and Elizabeth had to face. There was a moment toward the end of the book that made me a little angry and I didn't agree with how Elizabeth handled the situation. She was very selfish and mean, and had no right to blow up like she did. She was now an adult and a parent, and should've handle the situation better than how she did. After I got past this moment, the story wrapped up nicely and I was happy how it all tied up. I know that there's another book in the series, but I think I'm happy with how this one ended and leave it at that.

Sigh... I really think Christian is a good guy... And this was a yummy moment between him and Elizabeth.

I leaned in further and let my fingertips wander over the day old stubble along his jaw, ran them tenderly over his lips—wanted what I couldn’t have.
So, like a fool, I stole it and pressed my lips to his, knowing he’d only be mine for a few moments.
They were hot, damp, and perfect; they scorched my skin and brought tears to my eyes.
A tremor rolled through my chest, stuck in my throat, and shook my body.
I took a little more, held his face in my hands and in my desperation, kissed him deeper—tasted my tears and the sweetness of Christian’s mouth—flirted with disaster.

Kindle Page 227

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

A.L. Jackson is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and new adult romance.

She first found a love for writing during her days as a young mother and college student. She filled the journals she carried with short stories and poems used as an emotional outlet for the difficulties and joys she found in day-to-day life.

Years later, she shared a short story she’d been working on with her two closest friends and, with their encouragement, this story became her first full length novel. A.L. now spends her days writing in Southern Arizona where she lives with her husband and three children.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads
Instagram / Pinterest

Other reviews featuring A.L. Jackson
Take This Regret series
Lost to You #0.5

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Taking Turns by J.A. Huss ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@jahuss)

Wowzas!! This was a fun, hot and intense read... and you know I loved every minute of reading it! J.A. Huss took every girls dark fantasy, and ran with it!

Title: Taking Turns

Author: J.A. Huss

Series: Turning #1

Genre: Adult Romance

Published: January 18th 2017

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N | Kobo

I’ve never been afraid of the dark...but that doesn’t mean I wanted to live in it. And maybe everyone wants what they can’t have, but I should’ve thought it over before I accepted the key and unlocked the door to their forbidden world.

Number One is mostly silent. He watches me with them very carefully. His gaze never wanders. His interest never wanes.

Number Two is mostly gentle. But it’s the other side of him I like best. The wild side.

Number Three is mostly reserved. He refuses to cross the line. Even when I beg.

It was carnal, it was sensual, and it was erotic. That’s it. That’s all it was supposed to be. A trip into the dark. A peek into the forbidden.

I just didn’t expect to like them.

What a freakin' saucy, sizzling read this turned out to be! I wasn't sure what I expected going into it, but I should've known it would be about more than just the hot $ex! Huss has that way of creating stories that are deeper than what they appear and Taking Turns was just fantastic!

Bric, Quin and Smith have an arrangement... they like to take on a girl and share her as part of a twisted and sexy game that has rules. When Chella came into their lives she was the ultimate participant. She had dark desires, she was a natural submissive, but she had a feisty side to her as well. Chella was just what they needed, to move on, to find that spice once again and to give them hope for something more.

I enjoyed meeting all the characters. Chella was exploring her sexual side. Quin was the mostly happy guy, but beneath his smiles was a guy that was hurting. Bric was the domineering guy that liked to take control. Smith was the quiet observer, he was serious and broody, and found the perfect girl to pull him out of his funk.

I enjoyed the game throughout the story. I liked that there were rules, they added to the intensity and spice of the relationship these four formed. It was quite hot and sexy at times, but there was a touch of seriousness entwined throughout the story that hooked me as well. I was on edge, trying to figure out the twist that I knew was coming. Huss knows how to create a sizzling story that will sweep the reader away in her fantasy world, and I am looking forward to reading more from this world!!

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! ***


Ahhh, this book was hot! The relationships built between all three characters were intense!

Forget about Quin and the way he f#*ked you. Forget about Smith and the way he claimed you. Forget about Bric and the way he dominated you.

Kindle Arc Loc 1510

“You’re not allowed to kiss me,” I say.
“I am if we’re all four together, Chella. The fourth rule is no rules, remember? And I think this counts.”
I smile. Knowing he will f#*k me here in this room before we leave tonight.
“But you already knew that, didn’t you? You already knew that if we came down here and found Quin and Bric, we could do whatever we wanted.”
“You know it too,” I say.

Kindle Arc Loc 3603
Originally inspired by YA Bound

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.

Website / Blog / Twitter / Goodreads

Facebook Author Page / Facebook Personal Profile

Facebook Private Group / Bookbub Author Follow Page

Amazon / Pinterest / Instagram

Other reviews featuring JA Huss
Mister series
Mr. Perfect #1
Mr. Romantic #2
Mr. Corporate #3
Mr. Mysterious #4
Mr. Match #5
Rook and Ronin series
Tragic #1
Manic #2
Panic #3
Happily Ever After #3.5

Rook and Ronin Spinoff's

SLACK: A Day in the Life of Ford Aston

TAUT: The Ford Book 

BOMB: A Day in the Life of Spencer Shrike

GUNS: The Spencer Book

Dirty, Dark, and Deadly series

COME #1

Come Back #2

Coming for You #3

Meet Me in the Dark

Three, Two, One (321) 

Wasted Lust

SuperAlpha series
Anarchy Found #1

Social Media series

Follow #1

Like #2

Block #3

Status #4

Profile #5

Home #6 

Sexy
Eighteen (18) 
Rock

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Phantom Kiss by Chloe Neill ~ Review & Teaser Tuesday (@chloeneill)

I have been enjoying the Chicagoland series for a number of years, and it's sad that it's almost at the end. Phantom Kiss was another fun instalment in the series as I got to see all the characters I love again, solving another mystery. The next book is the final ine, and I am SOOOOO looking forward to it!

Title: Phantom Kiss

Author: Chloe Neill

Series: Chicagoland Vampires #12.5

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Published: January 19th 2017

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N | Kobo

In this all-new novella from the New York Times bestselling author of Midnight Marked, Merit, Ethan, and the rest of Cadogan House crew discover that not all undead creatures are kindred spirits…

Vampires generally aren’t afraid of things that go bump in the night, but Merit and Ethan are extra jumpy after a recent attack by a dark sorcerer. So when they learn that someone is messing with graves in Chicago’s cemeteries, stealing skulls and snatching souls, they fear that their powerful foe might be back for even more magical vengeance.

But after a specter begins haunting Cadogan House—and targeting vampires—they realize that their being taunted by an altogether different sort of monster. A ghoulish villain straight out of the Windy City’s urban legends is on the prowl—and he won’t stop until he’s killed again...

I crave stories from the Chicagoland series; I just love Merit and Ethan, and the eclectic crew they have. Phantom Kiss was a great little taste, with an addictive ghost story that had me hooked, and hanging for the last book in the series.

The story starts off with Ethan and Merit attending their wedding shower at Merit's parents home, and on their way home they get a phone call from their friendly necromancer, Annabelle about a disturbed grave. This leads them on a chase looking for missing bones, uncovering who did it and fighting against ghosts.

I love how well the whole group works together, and the faith they have in each other. They faced the ghost issue head on and were determined to get to the bottom of the mystery. I love how Ethan and Merit's love continues to grow; the banter between them, how passionate they are and always look out for one another. 

Chloe Neill crafts each story in this series so that a new reader can catch on easily. She describes the scenery, fleshes out the characters and builds the plot to keep me mesmerised. My only complaint... it wasn't long enough! I'll be on edge waiting for more!

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

I love a little banter, especially while Catcher and Merit were working together through a fight!! 

“That your attempt at period-appropriate insults?” Catcher asked when I reached him.
“Yep. Did I pull it off?”
“You did not,” Catcher said good-naturedly, the buzz around him increasing as he gathered magic for another throw. “So let’s meet magic with magic.”

Kindle Arc Loc 633

Hosted by MizB of Books and a Beat

Chloe Neill is the New York Times bestselling author of the Chicagoland Vampires Novels, the Devil's Isle Novels, and a YA series, the Dark Elite. Chloe was born and raised in the South, but now makes her home in the Midwest. When she's not writing, she bakes, works, and scours the Internet for good recipes and great graphic design. Chloe also maintains her sanity by spending time with her boys--her husband and their dogs, Baxter and Scout.

Connect with Chloe at www.chloeneill.com.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads
Instagram / Pinterest

Other reviews featuring Chloe Neill

Chicagoland Vampires series

Some Girls Bite #1

Friday Night Bites #2

Twice Bitten #3

Hard Bitten #4

Drink Deep #5

Biting Cold #6

House Rules #7

Biting Bad #8

Wild Things #9

Blood Games #10
Dark Debt #11
Midnight Marked #12 
Devil's Isle series
The Veil #1
The Sight #2

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