After We Fall by Melanie Harlow ~ Audio book Review & Quote-tastic (@MelanieHarlow2)

This was such a sweet book to listen to! I loved getting to know Margot and Jack. It was a tough ride for Jack, but worth it in the end!
After We Fall
Title: After We Fall
Author: Melanie Harlow
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: April 25th 2017 (first published November 26th 2016)

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Jack Valentini isn’t my type.

Sexy, brooding cowboys are fine in the movies, but in real life, I prefer a suit and tie. Proper manners. A close shave.

Jack might be gorgeous, but he’s also scruffy, rugged, and rude. He wants nothing to do with a “rich city girl” like me, and he isn’t afraid to say so.

But I’ve got a PR job to do for his family’s farm, so he’s stuck with me and I’m stuck with him. His glares. His moods. His tight jeans. His muscles.

His huge, hard muscles.

Pretty soon there’s a whole different kind of tension between us, the kind that has me misbehaving in barns, trees, and pickup trucks. I’ve never done anything so out of character—but it feels too good to stop.

And the more I learn about the grieving ex-Army sergeant, the better I understand him. Losing his wife left him broken and bitter and blaming himself. He doesn’t think he deserves a second chance at happiness.

But he’s wrong.

I don’t need to be his first love. If only he’d let me be his last.

After getting into the first few chapters, I knew that I would enjoy After We Fall. What Margot did was amusing and I knew she was my type of girl. Even though Margot was from money, she was a down to earth girl, who had an opened mind. She was sweet, she genuinely cared about others and listened when she needed to. She stepped up to any challenge thrown at her, especially when Jack challenged her.

Jack's story made my heart ache, and it was sad to see him still harbouring all that loss. He was a broody and kind of rude farmer that didn't like change. Once Margot appeared, a little spark ignited in him and I enjoyed seeing him change. He struggled with what he wanted and letting go of his past.

Margot and Jack were sweet together, the attraction between them was intense, no matter how hard Jack tried to ignore it. It was amusing to see them on the farm and even though Margot had no idea what she was doing, was willing to have a go at anything. My heart ached for Jack, but I loved his tenderness. Margot was so patient as she waited for him to see her, and realise that what they had was good for both of them. Once they gave into their desires, they were so hot together.

I enjoyed the narration by Rob Howard and Renee Givens, they gave the perfect voices to both of the characters. It's been a while since I read one of Melanie Harlow's books, and I've forgotten how much emotion she puts into her stories. My chest hurt and I shed a tear, but I also felt the love and passion between them. I know I'll be reading more from this author!

I have a few quotes today, a sweet moment, a swoony kiss, and an amusing game!

“Don’t go home tomorrow, Margot,” he said, tightening his arm around me. “Please. Don’t go.”

Kindle Page 170

As soon as we got around the side of the barn, out of sight from the house, I grabbed Margot’s hand, spun her around, and kissed her. Our arms wrapped around each other, our bodies straining to get closer, as if it had been a lot longer than just a few hours since we’d seen each other. She smelled like last night—vanilla and sex.

Kindle Page 191

“Oh no? Let’s play a game.” He gave me a sidelong glance. “I’ll name something, and if you’ve never done it, you have to take off a piece of clothing.”
“What?” I said indignantly. “OK fine, but if I have done it, you have to.”
“Fine with me,” he said.
“OK, then. Go.”
“Changed a flat tire.”
“Oh, come on!” I scoffed. “Start with an easier one. Who does that for herself?”

Kindle Page 211

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

Melanie HarlowMelanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her heels high, and her history with the naughty bits left in. Her stories are inspired by a sense of place, an appreciation for the past, and unexpected pleasures in life—especially the romantic kind. She lifts her glass to readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband and two daughters.




Other reviews featuring Melanie Harlow
Man Candy
Frenched series
Frenched #1
Happy Crazy Love series
Some Sort of Happy #1
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Cheater by Rachel Van Dyken ~ Audio book Review & Swoon Thursday (@RachVD)

I picked up this one on sale and I just had to listen to it. It was an amusing romance as Lucas and Avery rekindle their feelings that were buried a long time ago.
Cheater (Curious Liaisons, #1)
Title: Cheater
Author: Rachel Van Dyken
Narrators: Lucy Rivers & Alexander Cendese
Series: Curious Liaisons #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: February 28th 2017

Buy Now - Amazon | Audible B&N

Lucas Thorn wasn’t born a cheater. All it took was a single moment—say, a certain disastrous incident on the night before his wedding—and boom. Reputation destroyed forever and always. So now he owns it. He has a lady friend for every night of the week (except Sundays—God’s day and all), and his rules are simple: No commitments. No exceptions.

But a certain smart-mouthed, strawberry blonde vixen is about to blow that all to hell.

Avery Black has never forgiven Lucas for cheating on her sister. And suddenly being forced to work with him is pretty much a nightmare on steroids. Of course, it does afford her the opportunity to make his life as difficult as possible. But no good revenge scheme comes without payback. Because he didn’t become the Lucas Thorn without learning a few things about women.

Now Avery’s lust for vengeance has turned into, well, lust. And if Lucas stops cheating, it’s definitely not because he’s falling in love…

Awwww... Lucas Thorn, he was a character that was so misunderstood! He was portrayed like he was a cheater, and may have been caught in a compromising position, but I could see where his heart truly lay! And that one moment changed everything for him!

Avery made me smile! It was just destiny that put her in a situation with Lucas Thorn again. Yes, he may've been engaged to his sister; yes he was found in her other sister's bed; but they had history and I knew it would grow into something more!

It was amusing to see these two as they tried to deny one another! They did their best to keep the distance between them, but anyone could see that there was always going to be something more. The chemistry was at boiling point from the start, so they were explosive once they got together, as they had years of lust to work through! I also loved the little flashbacks that we were able to experience throughout this read. I was able to feel the depth of the connection between Lucas and Grace.

The narrators, Lucy Rivers & Alexander Cendese were pleasant to listen to. They portrayed each character well and I never became lost while listening to their voices. But they were also lucky to have a fabulous read to play out for us.

I've read Rachel Van Dyken a few times now, and each time I am enjoying her reads more. The characters are easy to relate to, and do silly things that we all may do at some time or another. I'm looking forward to more stories from this world, for sure! 

*** 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! ***


This tease is getting hot! I had to share it! 


“Stop!” I jerked away and then leaned in and kissed him again. He kissed me harder and harder, and I pulled back again. “No—I mean, we should stop.” 
“Yup.” His hand cupped my breast. 
I let out a little moan. “In like ten seconds, eleven maybe.” 
“Eleven seconds and we stop.” His eyes blazed as his mouth descended again. His hand rubbed against my right breast and then lowered to my ass again as he pinched it and then slapped.

Kindle Page 133

Originally inspired by YA Bound
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
The Bachelors of Arizona
The Playboy Bachelor #2
Ruin series
Ruin #1

Toxic #2
The Bet series
The Bet #1








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The Knocked Up Plan by Lauren Blakely ~ Review & Quote-tasticc (@LaurenBlakely3)

This was a fantastic read!! I loved watching Ryder and Nicole grow and change as people. They had chemistry from the start and it was only going to get hotter!
The Knocked Up Plan
Title: The Knocked Up Plan
Author: Lauren Blakely
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: June 23rd 2017

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N Kobo

There are three little words most guys don’t want to hear on the first date. Not those…I mean these… “knock me up.”
This single gal has had enough of the games, the BS and the endless chase. I know what I want most, and it’s not true love. It’s a bun in the oven, and I’m not afraid to hit up my s-e-x-on-a-stick co-worker to do the job. Ryder is gorgeous, witty and charming — and he’s also a notorious commitment-phobe. That makes him the perfect candidate to make a deposit in the bank of me.
I won’t fall for him, he won’t fall for me, and there’s no way baby will make three.
Right?
****
There are four words every guy wants to hear on the first date — “your place or mine?”
When my hot-as-sin co-worker makes me a no-strings-attached offer that involves her place, my place, any place — as well as any position — I can’t refuse. Besides, I've got my own reasons to take her up on her deal even with her one BIG condition.
There’s no way I’ll want more from one woman than any position, any where, any night? Except . . . what if I do?

This was such a sweet book to listen to! I have such deep respect for a woman with a plan, who wants to take that next step in her life, whether or not she has the right man in her life. So it was fun to see Nicole proposition Ryder into helping her become a mother. But the most amazing bit was for these two people falling for one another along the way!

Nicole was a girl with a plan, and right from the start I could see that she was attracted to Ryder and vice versa. They worked together, and flirted constantly, but never acted on those feelings. Ryder had some baggage that made him bitter, however, an ultimatum from his boss made Ryder re-evaluate his work ethic.

I loved seeing Ryder and Nicole interact together, and it was undeniable that these two NEEDED to be together. But the sweetest thing was to see Ryder fall, for the package... like I hoped he would! His feelings were real and he was able to move past his history with his ex.

I've read few of Lauren Blakely's books and each time she surprises me with the uniqueness and the originality she delivers. The chemistry with the characters hooks you and I love how real it feels to be in the world she creates. I know I will never go wrong it I pick up one of her reads! 

I love the flirtiness in the first one, and the second one made me SWOON!

“Is that your way of inviting me to take your wheelbarrow out for a ride around the garden?”
His lips curve up in a mischievous grin. “Nicole, don’t you know? You can ride this ride any time.”

Kindle Page 14

The doctor leaves us alone, and I bend my face to her belly and press the gentlest kiss to her skin. “Hi, baby,” I say, and I know, I fucking know, that I’m already in love with our child.

Kindle Page 223

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

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





Other reviews featuring Lauren Blakely
Big Rock
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read more "The Knocked Up Plan by Lauren Blakely ~ Review & Quote-tasticc (@LaurenBlakely3)"

Most of All You by Mia Sheridan ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@MSheridanAuthor, @ForeverRomance)

Most of All You was such a beautiful read that touched on some delicate issues, but was woven together perfectly to be a wonderful story that will leave you with so much love in your heart! Get it today!
Most of All You
Title: Most of All You
Author: Mia Sheridan
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: October 17th 2017

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

A broken woman . . .

Crystal learned long ago that love brings only pain. Feeling nothing at all is far better than being hurt again. She guards her wounded heart behind a hard exterior, and carries within her a deep mistrust of men who, in her experience, have only ever used and taken.

A man in need of help . . .
Then Gabriel Dalton walks into her life. Despite the terrible darkness of his past, there’s an undeniable goodness about him. And even though she knows the cost, Crystal finds herself drawn to Gabriel. His quiet strength is wearing down her defenses and his gentle patience is causing her to question everything she thought she knew.

Only love can mend a shattered heart . . .
Crystal and Gabriel never imagined that the world that had stolen everything from them would bring them a deep love like this. Except fate will only take them so far and now the choice is theirs: Harden their hearts once again or find the courage to shed their painful pasts.

Mia Sheridan is one of those writers that weaves stories that will leave an imprint on your soul. Some of her earlier work did that to me and she did so once again with Most of All You. It's about two broken people, with traumatic pasts who slowly piece themselves back together. It's not an easy journey, but both characters learned a lot about themselves and one another.

The prologue shattered my heart seeing how much Ellie lost in her short life so far. She was left in a place that I knew would break her at some point. Jumping into the future, I could see how hard Ellie's life had become, but deep down she had a spark of hope and fight left in her, she just had to believe in herself.

Gabriel was such a sweet and kind guy that had been through hell and survived to be such a great man. Gabe had a great support base, even though he was a little sheltered by his brother. He went looking for help with a delicate issue and he found Crystal (Ellie). Things between them were rocky to begin with but a series of events put them under the one roof. The connection between Ellie and Gabriel was intense, and they were beautiful together. But some things needed time to heal and to be done alone.

I loved how patient Gabriel was, both with his hands as he carved marble for a living, but with his heart too, as he waited for Ellie to believe what he saw in her. Ellie grew into a stronger person and realised what she needed to do to keep the heart of a guy that loved her unconditionally. Most of All You was heartbreaking at times, but it had a tenderness and so much love entwined throughout the pages. Mia Sheridan sure knows how to deliver a read that will leave you with such a book hangover and wanting more! I am intrigued be Gabe's brother Dominic, so I do hope we get to visit this world once again.

Complimentary copy provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing), 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! ***


This was such a sweet and tender moment, that I HAD to share!

He paused, his thumb moving lightly over my cheekbone, caressing my face like I was precious. “And you, most of all, you. I want to look at you and say, one evil man did not stop me from presenting my heart to the girl who claimed it. You get my heart, Eloise. You. And, God, I hope you want it. But if you don’t, I still won’t regret giving it to you. Even then, I won’t regret loving you because it means I win.”

Kindle Arc Loc 2823
Originally inspired by YA Bound
Mia SheridanMia Sheridan is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. Her passion is weaving true love stories about people destined to be together. Mia lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband. They have four children here on earth and one in heaven.




Other reviews featuring Mia Sheridan
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Everything We Left Behind by Kerry Lonsdale ~ Audio book Review & Quote-tastic (@kerrylonsdale)

Everything We Left Behind was the perfect sequel to the first book, Everything We Keep. I loved getting to know James, as well as experiencing his time as Carlos. His life was thrown upside down, but he was strong enough to walk through it again.
Title: Everything We Left Behind
Author: Kerry Lonsdale
Series: Everything We Keep #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: July 4th 2017

Buy Now - Amazon | Audible B&N Kobo

From the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Everything We Keep comes the highly anticipated sequel. Told from one man’s two perspectives, Everything We Left Behind effortlessly blends suspense, mystery, and romance in an exploration of loss, resilience, and the compelling need to protect the ones we love at all cost.

Two months before his wedding, financial executive James Donato chased his trade-laundering brother Phil to Mexico, only to be lost at sea and presumed dead. Six and a half years later, he emerges from a dissociative fugue state to find he’s been living in Oaxaca as artist Carlos Dominguez, widower and father of two sons, with his sister-in-law Natalya Hayes, a retired professional surfer, helping to keep his life afloat. But his fiancée, Aimee Tierney, the love of his life, has moved on. She’s married and has a child of her own.

Devastated, James and his sons return to California. But Phil is scheduled for release from prison, and he’s determined to find James, who witnessed something in Mexico that could land Phil back in confinement. Under mounting family pressure, James flees with his sons to Kauai, seeking refuge with Natalya. As James begins to unravel the mystery of his fractured identity, danger is never far behind, and Natalya may be the only person he can trust.

(This book is the sequel to Everything We Keep)

After I read Everything We Keep, I knew I needed to read the next book because the Epilogue hooked me and I had to know what happened next. Everything We Left Behind was just as heartbreaking as I thought it would be, as I watched James regain his early memories, but he had no recollection of the past five years. He had lost so much, but had gained two sons that he didn't remember. It was a fantastic journey of a guy who lost his love, but was able to find new love, and became the best father he could be.

This book was told in two perspectives: James and Carlos. James was the dominant personality and Carlos was the personality that surfaced after an intense incident that blocked James out. The book alternated between the past (Carlos) and present (James) so we could fully understand what happened after I last saw Carlos. I saw how he moved on, how he was coping now and becoming an instant father.

Timothy Andrés Pabon narrated this story perfectly and game both Carlos and James their own distinctive voices, despite being the same person. Carlos had only spent his time in Mexico, so had a hint of an accent.

I am continuing to love Kerry Lonsdale's writing and the way she pulls me into her complex world. I loved both James and Carlos, and enjoyed seeing each journey to where James was now. There were a number of twists thrown in that had my jaw dropping, but I also loved seeing the new love in both Carlos and James's life. The situation with the bad brother threw me, and with what I already knew, I didn't quite buy it, but it was the way the story went. Still, it was an amazing read and I know Kerry Lonsdale is a must read author for me now!

I loved this moment, it stretched out I little, so I grabbed the important parts. It was such a heartbreaking moment, but I was so proud of her for putting herself out there.

“The hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life was shake your hand at the airport and act as if we just met when all I wanted to do was run into your arms. “I haven’t seen you since November and it’s killing me.” She thumps her chest. “Killing me that you haven’t kissed or hugged me. You used to hug me as though you were afraid to let me go. God . . .” She sucks in a ragged breath. “I want you to touch me. I just want you to hold me.” Her voice breaks on the last word.

Kindle Loc 278

“I love you, James,” she says when he grips the doorknob. “I loved you as Carlos and I love the man you are now.”

Kindle Loc 278

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

Kerry Lonsdale believes life is more exciting with twists and turns, which may be why she enjoys dropping her characters into unexpected scenarios and foreign settings. She graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and is a founder of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. She resides in Northern California with her husband, two children, and an aging golden retriever who’s convinced she’s still a puppy.



Other reviews featuring Kerry Lonsdale
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Born, Darkly by Trisha Wolfe ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@TrishWolfe, @XpressoTours)

This was a thrilling beginning to this duet. Trisha Wolfe has harnessed her inner dark side and put together this fantastic dark romance that I need more of!
Born, Darkly (Darkly, Madly Duet, #1)
Title: Born, Darkly
Author: Trisha Wolfe
Series: Darkly, Madly Duet #1
Genre: Dark Romantic Suspense
Published: September 19th 2017

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N iTunes | Kobo

He challenged her sanity.

She shattered his reality.

They dared each other...to the brink of madness.

A dark and twisted maze awaits criminal psychologist London Noble when she falls for her patient, convicted serial killer, Grayson Pierce Sullivan. As she unravels the traps, her sanity tested with each game, she's forced to acknowledge the true evil in the world around her.

I can't remember the last time a book gave me the feels like this one did! It was dark, it was intense and at times wrong... but it was hot and sexy too! It truly was a book that messed with my mind as I tried to understand the growing relationship between London and Grayson.

London was a psychologist who worked with killers... specifically psychopaths. She got into their minds to determine whether they could be rehabilitated or not. This was how she was able to work with Grayson Sullivan; a convicted murderer that she has wanted to meet one-on-one for some time.

Grayson was just as twisted as I thought he would be. He had put a lot of thought into his killings, as each one of them had performed crimes themselves. I knew he was going to be a complicated person, but I never expected how intelligent and psychotic he could be. He thought everything minor detail through, and each step was planned months ahead.

These two had more in common than either of them realised. London took the time to try and understand Grayson, but he only revealed what he wanted her to see. Grayson knew there was more to London and just wanted her to see it too. She had demons buried in her past that needed to be uncovered... which shocked me to my core. These two are a match made in heaven – or hell, if you prefer.

Trisha Wolfe is an author that I have come to love. She has written in a number of genres, and I've devoured each and every read. This book however was a serious mind trip, and I think that she has one truly complex and twisted mind to deliver a masterpiece such as this one! I didn't know if I should be revolted with London and Grayson's relationship, or to cheer them on with their psychotic plans. I do know though I could not put this one down and I need to know what happens next!!

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! ***


These two, I couldn't figure out if I loved them or hated them! They were great together and through these teasers you could feel the chemistry!

“You’re mad. You’re delusional. You’ve built an alternate reality around me that is as far from the truth—”
His lips capture mine, silencing me. The kiss is hard and carnal and raw. I moan into him before I brace my palms high on his chest and push, breaking away.
“I wanted to taste the lie on your lips,” he says. “Tastes bitter. Nothing like that sweetness I experienced yesterday.” Then he backs farther away, allowing me to breathe and straighten my blouse.

Kindle Arc Loc 1358

“I want to leave. Now. Right now, Grayson. Let me go.”
He rests his palm on my cheek. “God, you’re beautiful.” Then his lips taste mine. Slow and tentative at first, he kisses me deeply, and I welcome it. Our movements become frenzied as I put every emotion into the kiss, begging him. When he breaks away, I say again, “Please, release me.”
He licks his lips as his gaze drags over my face. “Not happening, doc. You’ve been a very, very bad girl.”

Kindle Arc Loc 2022
Originally inspired by YA Bound
From an early age, Trisha Wolfe dreamed up fantasy worlds and characters and was accused of talking to herself. Today, she lives in South Carolina with her family and writes full time, using her fantasy worlds as an excuse to continue talking to herself.

For more information on Trisha Wolfe and her works, please visit: www.TrishaWolfe.com

To be the first to hear about new releases and sale events, sign up for Trisha Wolfe's Newsletter: http://bit.ly/1rXTKI7





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 Fireblood series
Unveiled #1.5







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