Exes with Benefits by Nicole Williams ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@nwilliamsbooks)

I'm a little late with my review of this one, but I finished it today and couldn't wait to share my review... So here it is!
Exes with Benefits
Title: Exes with Benefits
Author: Nicole Williams
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: September 18th 2017

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N iTunes | Kobo

***He wants a second chance. I want a divorce. To get what I want, I’ll have to give him what he does.***

From New York Times & USA Today bestselling author, Nicole Williams:

The only benefit I want from my ex is a divorce.

We got married for all the wrong reasons. The one thing we got right was our separation. I should have known better than to think I could bet on forever with a guy like Canaan Ford. Everything about him screamed impermanent, from his wild eyes to his restless soul.

When I left him and the small town I’d spent my whole life in, I swore I’d never go back. Never only turned out to be five years. Canaan claims he’s changed, but he hasn’t—same knowing smile, same rough demeanor, same body crafted from sin and sinew. And yet, something is different. He thinks this is his chance for redemption. My disagreement comes in the form of divorce papers dropped in his lap. He refuses to sign them. Unless . . .

He wants a month to prove himself to me—that’s his offer. One month to make me fall in love with him again and if I don’t, he’ll sign the papers. As much as I want to say no, I agree. I can suffer my ex for a short amount of time if that’s what it takes to be free of him once and for all. I fell for him once; I won’t make that same mistake twice.

He says we’re not over. I say we were over before we got started. Only one of us can be right, and I can’t let it be him.

I can always expect Nicole Williams to deliver a read that will touch your soul in some way, and she has done it again with Exes with Benefits. It was such a great read with a sad element entwined throughout the story, which inevitably brought Maggie and Canaan back together.

Right from the opening pages I was pulled into Maggie and Canaan's world as Maggie made a heartbreaking decision that needed to be done. She was getting sucked down by Canaan as he struggled with his demons. Fast forward five years and Maggie is back in her hometown after her grandmother's death, and all those old feelings begin to resurface.

I loved seeing the change in Canaan! He realised what he lost too late and made a better person of himself. I could see that his feelings didn't waver, even over the years and now that Maggie was back he was going to do all he could to get her back. Maggie wasn't so convinced, and over a few weeks she was able to see the difference in him. They spent a lot of time together and that connection reached boiling point!

Maggie and Canaan were meant to be together, but couldn't find the right time. They had known each other for so long and helped one another through good times and bad, but in the end it wasn't enough. Canaan was determined to win back Maggie's heart and I loved seeing the sweet and tender side of him. There was no denying the chemistry between them, and I could see it was only a matter of time before they sizzled the pages. If you haven't tried a Nicole Williams book before, you need to try this one and fall in love like I did!

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! ***


The first quote was one of those 'Awww' moments, the second one had me smiling! 

“You know how I feel about you. You know I still care about and want you.” His throat moved before he could keep going. “That I still love you. More than anyone’s ever loved another person, but still less than you deserve.”

Kindle Arc Loc 1800

“That was surprisingly sweet, Canaan Ford. Gentle even.”
“Good.” He moved to the edge of the porch, watching me leave with a glint in his eye. “Because tomorrow night, I will be surprisingly the opposite.”

Kindle Arc Loc 1973
Originally inspired by YA Bound
Nicole  WilliamsNicole Williams is the New York Times and USATODAY bestselling author of contemporary and young adult romance, including the Crash and Lost & Found series. Her books have been published by HarperTeen and Simon & Schuster in both domestic and foreign markets, while she continues to self-publish additional titles. She is working on a new YA series with Crown Books (a division of Random House) as well. She loves romance, from the sweet to the steamy, and writes stories about characters in search of their happily even after. She grew up surrounded by books and plans on writing until the day she dies, even if it’s just for her own personal enjoyment. She still buys paperbacks because she’s all nostalgic like that, but her kindle never goes neglected for too long. When not writing, she spends her time with her husband and daughter, and whatever time’s left over she’s forced to fit too many hobbies into too little time.

Nicole is represented by Jane Dystel, of Dystel and Goderich Literary Agency.








Other reviews featuring Nicole Williams 
Trusting You and Other Lies
The Outsider Chronicles
Hard Knox #1
Damaged Goods #2
Lost and Found series
Lost and Found #1
Near and Far #2
Finders Keepers #3








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The Beautiful Now by M. Leighton ~ Early Review & Quote-tastic (@mleightonbooks)

This cover says it all! Brinkley and Dane were so perfect together, but they just couldn't get the timing quite right! We all need to make the most of The Beautiful Now!
The Beautiful Now
Title: The Beautiful Now
Author: M. Leighton
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Expected Publication: September 26th 2017

Buy Now - Amazon (link to come)

Dane James worked my stepfather’s fields. He was the boy next door.

Strong.
Hardworking.
Forbidden.

From the moment we met, we were star-crossed lovers—always wanting, never having. We loved each other for most of our lives, but right from the beginning Destiny had other plans. She knew we would fall in love. She knew we would fall apart. Over and over again, like the curse of a recurring nightmare. Or the hope of a familiar dream.

Our past was tumultuous. Our future was bleak. But the one thing we always had was the beautiful now.

Until that was taken from us, too.

This book, you guys, was such a heartbreaking but beautiful read! I honestly didn't realise how much it would affect me. The Beautiful Now was such a roller coaster ride of emotion and turmoil... and I just wanted, no needed Brinkley and Dane to find their way back to one another!

Brinkley and Dane never seemed to get a start. Their attraction began early in life, but society and threats kept them apart. Brinkley's mother married into money, and expected certain things from Brinkley, but the heart wanted what the heart wanted. Dane was a sweet guy, and I could she he had a crush on Brinkley early on. He seemed to be there during some difficult times when she needed him. Each interaction brought them closer together, and their connection was undeniable.

The Beautiful Now was told from Brinkley's perspective, and it alternated between 2004 and her early years. The early years were import parts to Brinkley's story and shaped her into the woman she became. The part of the book from 2004 was probably my favourite part as I got to see Brinkley and Dane as adults. There were secrets and hurt feelings between them, but I knew that they would work hard to try and regain what they once had.

Michelle Leighton is one of my favourite authors, and her most recent novels have been written with so much soul. My heart broke for what Brinkley and Dane lost, but managed to mend as they found their way again. But it wasn't always smooth sailing and I shed a few tears. Being a mother myself I was able to relate to this story and I would do ANYTHING to protect my children. It has got to be one of my favourite reads by M. Leighton.

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

I've got a sweet kiss, and three sentences that made my heart swell!

As if he knew the directions of my thoughts, Dane leaned toward me. I couldn’t take my eyes off him as he drew closer. Just before our noses touched, he turned his head enough that his lips brushed mine. Softly. Chastely. Almost like he was testing the waters.
The fit was perfect, like our mouths were made to be right there, just like that. Melded together. Giving and taking. Sharing.

Kindle Arc Loc 1431

“Don’t take too long. I’ve been waiting for you my whole life. I don’t want to wait anymore.”

Kindle Arc Loc 6520

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

M. LeightonNew York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, M. Leighton, is a rarely ever comfortable speaking about herself in the third person, but here goes. Michelle is a former nurse who has always harbored a passion for the written word, a weakness for alpha males, and a profound love of all things romantic. Never in her wildest dreams did this Yankee-turned-Southerner imagine her life as it is today. She has the best job in the world, a husband who treats her like a princess, and a dog that's so smart she may one day write a novel, too. You can often find Michelle hidden away in her cave, crafting a new story, or out in the sunshine enjoying some quiet time with her man. Movies, wine, and good food are frequently thrown into the mix, and exercise on days that start with Q. She loves laughter, chocolate, the color red, and you can find out more about her at www.mleightonbooks.com. Sign up for her newsletter here: http://smarturl.it/MLeightonNews She promises not to spam your inbox:)

Other Reviews from M. Leighton
Dashing through the Snow
Levi's Blue
The Empty Jar
Tall, Dark, and Dangerous
Strong Enough #1
Tough Enough #2
Brave Enough #3
Pocketful of Sand
Pretty Series
Wild Ones Series 
Wild Child #1.5
Bad Boys Series
Madly Series
Madly #1
Madly and Wolfhardt #2 
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Five by J.A. Huss ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@jahuss, @XpressoTours)

Since jumping on the Huss train a few years ago, I have always been eager to read more of her work, especially each spinoff in the Rook and Ronin series. Five was probably one of my most anticipated books and I am glad it arrived, but I didn't want it to be over so soon! 
Five (Mister, #0.5)
Title: Five
Author: J.A. Huss
Series: Mister #0.5
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Published: September 19th 2017

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N iTunes | Kobo | Paperback

Fifty million books ago I promised you a love story about Five and his Princess.
This is their story.

Five Aston has known Rory Shrike for as long as he can remember. He played with her in the sandbox. He went to every damn horse show just to be supportive. He helped her with her French, walked her home from school, and faked his test scores just to stay with her a little longer and not be sent off to college early.
But eventually he had to move on.
And so did she.
Never has a second chance meant so much to a boy who loves a girl.

A standalone book that is also a spin-off of the Rook & Ronin Series and prequel to the Mister Series. You can read it first, you can read it last. It doesn't really matter because it's f*cking Five.

It has been a long time coming, but Five has finally arrived! I've had so many questions about him, since reading the Rook and Ronin spinoff's and the Mister series. He has always known what he wanted, but had always been that guy no one could figure out. I just wanted him and Rory to be what we readers have always wanted... One!

Rory ended up back home after a quick text from her brother telling her Five was home. She got there as quick as she could because it had been a long time since they had seen each other. It saddened me to feel Rory's loss, at being apart from someone she had loved with everything that she had. I was able to see glimpses of their time together and Rory's determination to not let go of Five again.

Five had so many secrets, and they were all catching up with him. I was able to learn about a lot of them, and I could see what Five wanted for himself. However, he was always reluctant to act on what he wanted because of the dangers that it may bring to those we have all grown to love. But there was no denying his love for Rory... their chemistry was scorching, and they knew almost everything about one another!

I knew Five would have twists, and some of which I looked past to begin with until certain things were revealed and the penny dropped for me. I knew that the company would be involved, and that the danger would always be there, but Five and Rory are strong determined people and I knew they would find a way to beat the odds! They were perfect together, and despite the time apart were quick to rekindle their feelings and their relationship.

J.A. Huss sure knows how to weave a tale with plenty of sexual tension and swoony moments to keep me hooked. The mysterious side of the story kept me on the edge of my seat as the danger continued to grow. A number of the characters from this generation made appearances in the story, leaving me wanting more. My only complaint, it was no where near long enough! I want more early days of Five and Rory, the awkward moments, the sweet times, and the protective father stepping in to lay the law! Overall though, it was terrific, and I know this is not the end... we'll be back in this world soon!

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! ***


Wow... these two had such strong feelings for one another! So passionate and I could feel it in their words!

“I love you more than I can ever say. I want nothing more than to give you everything you want, including that kiss. But before I do, I need your word. I need to know you’re gonna let me handle this. I need assurances that you’re not gonna go home, grab one of those guns your mom keeps in her closet, and come back blazin’. So just give in, OK? Just give in to me, and tell me what I need to hear.”

Kindle Arc Loc 463

“...I haven’t been happy for so long now, Five, I forgot what it feels like. Until yesterday when I saw you again. You, Five Aston, are the meaning of happy for me. And I have been kicking myself for six years, cursing the Big Man with the Wishes, for not telling him I want me to make you happy.”
“Oh, Ror. It’s you, babe. You’re the only thing in this entire world that makes me happy. The only thing.”

Kindle Arc Loc 2428
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.

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Other reviews featuring JA Huss
Turning series
Taking Turns #1
Turning Back #2
SuperAlpha series
Anarchy Found #1
Anarchy Missing #2
Anarchy Chained #3
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







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Breaching the Contract by Chantal Fernando ~ Review & Quote-tastic (@ChantalFernando, @GalleryBooks)

What a quick, sizzling read Breaching the Contract was! I had fun with this one, but I just wanted it to be longer! I loved the characters and sexual tension between Kat and Tristan! I'm looking forward to more books in the series!
Breaching the Contract (Conflict of Interest, #1)
Title: Breaching the Contract
Author: Chantal Fernando
Series: Conflict of Interest #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: September 18th 2017

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N Kobo

New York Times bestselling author Chantal Fernando returns with BREACHING THE CONTRACT, book one in a brand new series—The Conflict of Interest Series—about a brigade of lawyers who, despite being bad boys at heart, always end up just on the right side of the law.

Katerina Dawson knows exactly what she wants from life. And as the new associate at the top law firm in the city, she’s ready to live out her dreams of becoming a criminal lawyer. But going on coffee runs and babysitting kids during the day was definitely not what she had in mind. She knows that anyone else would kill to be in her shoes, but she has to draw the line somewhere. That’s easier said than done, though, when Kat has to confront her handsome boss…

Tristan Channing and Jaxon Bentley run a successful law firm together and the two partners couldn’t be busier right now. When Jaxon suddenly takes a leave of absence, Tristan begrudgingly assumes responsibility of the new associate, the hot new associate, who has curves for days. Needing to keep his distance from her, Tristan sends Kat on needless errands and has her doing work even an intern wouldn’t touch, like picking up his kids. But his plan backfires when he sees his children grow attached to Kat and sees her getting comfortable in his home. It triggers something deep within him, and it feels right to have her there. Will Tristan be able to keep his work and personal lives separate, or will he find that his heart holds the final verdict?

Chantal Fernando is back with an all new series called Conflict of Interest. Breaching the Contract, the first book in the series, was a short read, but it was was packed full of great characters, amazing chemistry and an entertaining plot!

Kat landed her job at the firm, fresh out of law school. She was a bright and confident girl who wasn't afraid to go after what she wanted. She fitted into her new job well, and had good guidance from Jaxon Bentley. One of the other partners, Tristan Channing, made things difficult for Kat, but like the strong willed girl she was, she managed to put her issues aside to get the job done.

Tristan was an abrupt and broody guy, but it wasn't long before I found out why he was so tough. He kept people at arms length and rarely let people in after what he had already lost. I loved getting to know him and seeing the other side to Tristan and meeting his family.

I always love getting lost in Chantal Fernando's books. These characters in particular were like anyone that I could relate to. They may not have been looking for love, but found it when they least expected it. I adored the supporting characters: the other characters at the firm, as well as Tristan's kids, Laura and Logan. My only complaint is that it was too short! I would've liked the story to be fleshed out a bit more towards the end, where it felt a little rushed. However, I'm looking forward to more books in this series!


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

This first quote was a changing point for Kat and Tristan. The second one had me laughing... hard!!

He brings my fingers to his lips and kisses them.
I all but stop breathing.
Then he kisses my palm, and then my knuckles, and that’s when I know I’m in trouble, because maybe Hunter is right.
He does like me.
I flutter my eyes open and look into his and say, “What are we doing?”
He drops his gaze. “I don’t know.”
“I didn’t say to stop,” I whisper, so with a lip twitch, he brings his lips back to my knuckles one more time, and then he lets go of my hand and places a kiss on my cheek, on my jaw, and then finally, a sweet, gentle one on my lips.
That’s all I remember before sleep and pain consume me.

Kindle Arc Loc 932

“Well, we’re going to go to court today and kick ass, and then after that I’m going to take you home with me, and we’re going to have dinner with the kids. And when they fall asleep, I’m going to take you into my room and go down on you until you’re screaming my name.”
I open my mouth and then close it. “Did you just say that?”
He nods.
I purse my lips, and stand. “Fine, but I want to sit on your face.”

Kindle Arc Loc 1093

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

New York Times, Amazon & USA Today Bestselling Author Chantal Fernando is twenty seven years old and lives in Western Australia.

Lover of all things romance, Chantal is the author of the best selling books Dragon's Lair, Maybe This Time and many more.

When not reading, writing or daydreaming she can be found enjoying life with her three sons and family.





Other reviews featuring Chantal Fernando
Wind Dragons MC series 
Dragon's Lair #1
Arrow's Hell #2
Rake's Redemption #4
Wild Ride #4.5
Wolf's Mate #5
Last Ride #5.5
Maybe series
Maybe This Time #1
read more "Breaching the Contract by Chantal Fernando ~ Review & Quote-tastic (@ChantalFernando, @GalleryBooks)"