Plus One by Aleatha Romig ~ Audio book Review & Swoon Thursday (@AleathaRomig)

Hehehe... this was a lot of fun! One of those pretend relationships that turned into something more. It was light, fun and sexy... mostly! 
Title: Plus One
Author: Aleatha Romig
Series: Lighter Ones
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: May 16th 2017

Buy Now - Amazon | Audible B&N Kobo

A fun, sexy new stand-alone from New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig.

He's sexy and confident, the kind of man every woman notices. You know, the one with the to-die-for body and panty-melting smirk. And then there's the way his designer suits drape over his broad shoulders and big...well, we've all heard the rumors, the ones that say he's up for any challenge.

But I can't see him that way. He's my boss—technically one of the owners of the company where I work—and definitely not in my league. Men like him don't notice women like me, and they don't date them.

And I don't date men like him.

Until that one time that I catch him in a compromising position when I'm also in need of a last-minute date for a wedding...and then it's not real. It's blackmail.

For one weekend, he's my plus-one.

Beautiful and unobtainable.

From the moment she walked into my office with those stunning blue eyes and crazy sensual curves, she's been on my mind. Three years and never once has she acted interested in me. Usually I flash a million-dollar smile and women fall to their knees, some literally.

Not her.

Then on the occasion that I agree to let another woman do that—fall to her knees—guess who happens to catch us?

It may not be the most conventional way to get on her radar, but I didn't get this far in business without knowing when to seize an opportunity. If this sexy little firecracker with perfectly kissable lips thinks she can blackmail me into attending her cousin's wedding, I'm going to jump at the chance to be her plus-one.

You love her darker side. Now it's time to meet Leatha, the lighter side of Aleatha, as she trades her renowned twists and turns for laughs and love with this sexy new stand-alone romance, PLUS ONE.

Aleatha Romig has been on my radar for a while now, and as I was browsing for my next audio book read, I came across Plus One. It was a fun and sexy read that I devoured whenever I had the chance to listen to it. I thoroughly enjoyed the narration of both Samantha Prescott and Brian Pallino, as they gave voices to the characters that consumed my imagination. They were easy to listen to and really brought the story to life.

There was attraction between Duncan and Kimbra right from the beginning, as they had both fantasised about each other but never acted on those feelings. When Kimbra cornered Duncan and basically bribed him to go to the wedding, it turned out to be a win/win situation for both of them.

I liked how laid back both characters seemed to be. They were career driven, but taken out of that situation they really relaxed and got along well. Duncan did a lot of sweet things to kind of whoo Kimbra and they were sizzling hot once they got intimate!

Although this began as a fake relationship, I knew that it would always become something more, despite Duncan's hesitation. He really fit into Kimbra's world and got along with her family. It really was a good light romance and I'm glad I took the plunge and tried Aleatha Romig's work. She sure can build a world that you can get hooked to. I'll be trying more of her work, hopefully soon! 

*** 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 flowers... be still my heart! Duncan knows how to woo a girl! 

"Why are these flowers different?"
Duncan hands me the rest, allowing me to hold the bouquet we've created. "Because each time was unique, like these flowers. Like you." He nods toward the large vase. "And today is only Thursday. I can't wait to share more flowers with you."
I lean over and kiss his cheek. "You're definitely improving on the boyfriend front."
"Oh, beautiful, we're just getting started."

Kindle Arc Loc 79
Originally inspired by YA Bound
Aleatha RomigAleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Together with her high-school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years, they've raised three children. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she’s not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns or her new lighter side, she likes to spend her time with her family and friends. Her pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams!









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When in Rome by C.J. Duggan ~ Review & Quote-tastic (@CJ_Duggan, @HachetteAus, @givemebooksblog)

When in Rome by C.J. Duggan is released today! I am hooked to this series: the characters and visiting new countries with each book. 
When in Rome (Heart of the city # 4)
Title: When in Rome
Author: C.J. Duggan
Series: Heart of the City #4
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Published: November 26th 2017

Buy Now - Amazon | Hachette Aus B&N iTunes | Kobo

What's the saying again . . . when in Rome, do a Roman?

How did a self-orchestrated gap year turn into a less-than-enthralling lifestyle as a couch potato at her parents' house? Determined to get motivated and join life again, Sammi Shorten books a budget Bellissimo Tour to Rome, the Eternal City. What she hadn't signed up for was being stuck with an eclectic group of binge-drinking foreigners in a bed-bug-infested hostel from hell. Things in Rome really couldn't get much worse . . . could they?

When plans go completely awry Sammi's left with only one place to turn, and it's the one place Sammi really doesn't want to turn - to the man who might very well get her into the worst trouble of all: the gorgeous local tour guide, Marcello Bambozzi.

This series! I love it sooooo much! Each book features an Aussie girl, jetting off to another country and they happen to find love. In When in Rome, Sammi winds up in the trip from hell, and the only bright side to her trip is Marcello Bambozzi... The hot as hell Italian, who seemed to show up when she needed someone.

Sammi's trip was a bit awkward; she found herself in a dingy hotel but she also seemed to get herself into embarrassing situations that made her feel like an outcast. Some of these situations were quite amusing, but each time Sammi pulled herself together and tried to not let it effect her too much. She was able to see some of the sites of Rome, and lucky for Sammi, she had the perfect guide in Marcello.

Marcello was a sexy and sweet guy that took a bit of interest in Sammi. He could see that she was someone different, and he liked the unkempt and unfiltered Aussie girl. These two had great chemistry and seemed to gel well together, despite being from different countries.

CJ Duggan is an Australian author that I must read each time she releases a new book. Each book in the Heart of the City series has been a light hearted read, with plenty of entertainment from cover to cover, featuring amusing moments and a few sexy scenes to keep the reader hooked. The characters feel real and I love visiting different cities all over the world. I am dying for more from this world, and cannot wait for Hollywood Heartbreak next!

Complimentary copy provided by Hachette Australia in exchange for an honest review.

This was an amusing moment! A little giggle and a heap of chemistry!

I shook my head. ‘I can’t believe you let me take you back to my squalid, bug-infested bedroom when you have this literally a stone’s throw away.’
Marcello’s chest vibrated against me. ‘Well, you know what they say?’
‘You do it with your eyes closed?’
Marcello shook his head. ‘No. Nothing worthwhile was ever easy. Also, I couldn’t wait any longer.’
‘Aha! So that’s why you wanted to take the elevator tonight.’
‘What can I say? I’m an impatient man.’
And with that he scooped me up from the floor, lifting me into his arms and spinning me around towards his bed, dumping me on the mattress in a fit of giggles. Collapsing on top of me, he caged me in with his arms.
‘Stop laughing, I am trying to seduce you,’ he said, struggling to keep a straight face.
‘Oh, sorry,’ I said, trying to breathe as I wiped the tears from my cheeks.

Paperback Page 262

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

C.J. DugganCJ Duggan is the internationally bestselling author of over ten books, including Paradise City, Paradise Road, the Summer series and the Heart of the City series. She lives with her husband in a rural border town of New South Wales. When she isn't writing books about swoony boys and 90s pop culture you will find her renovating her hundred-year-old Victorian homestead or annoying her local travel agent for a quote to escape the chaos.





Other reviews featuring C.J. Duggan
Heart of the City series
Paris Lights #1
New York Nights #2
London Bound #3
Paradise series
Summer series
read more "When in Rome by C.J. Duggan ~ Review & Quote-tastic (@CJ_Duggan, @HachetteAus, @givemebooksblog)"

Bountiful by Sarina Bowen ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@SarinaBowen)

I haven't read all the books in this series, but I enjoyed the third book and I know I need to go back and read the first two. Hell, anything by Bowen and I'll have to read it!
Bountiful (True North, #4)
Title: Bountiful
Author: Sarina Bowen
Series: True North #4
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: October 20th 2017

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N Kobo

No last names. No life stories. Those were the rules.

Once upon a time a cocky, copper-haired tourist sauntered into Zara’s bar. And even though she knew better, Zara indulged in a cure for the small-town blues. It was supposed to be an uncomplicated fling—a few sizzling weeks before he went back to his life, and she moved on.

Until an accidental pregnancy changed her life.

Two years later, she’s made peace with the notion that Dave No-Last-Name will never be found. Until one summer day when he walks into her coffee shop, leveling her with the same hot smile that always renders her defenseless.

Dave Beringer has never forgotten the intense month he spent with prickly Zara. Their nights together were the first true intimacy he’d ever experienced. But the discovery of his child is the shock of a lifetime, and his ugly past puts relationships and family out of reach.

Or does it? Vermont’s countryside has a way of nurturing even tortured souls. The fields and the orchards—and hard won love—are Bountiful.

I'm telling you, this one started off hot and heavy! Dave and Zara had so much chemistry and I could see how good they were together, but Zara wanted to keep things casual and didn't allow Dave to get too close. She tried to keep the distance between them, however their intensity lead to an issue that surfaced after Dave left.

It was fun to see Dave and Zara together in the beginning, but I loved it more once they ran into each other two years later. The attraction was still there, but things had changed for both of them. Dave was in a bit of shock initially, but he soon stood up and was the man I expected him to be. He had plans for the future, as he was focused on his ice hockey career. He didn't plan on ever being in a relationship, or having a family for that matter, but the best surprises are those you least expect.

Zara had changed as well, as any mother would. Her priorities were different and she did everything she could to support her child. I loved that she had close family around her to help her each day. She had also built some close friendships and co-owned a successful business.

Zara and Dave grew so much throughout this journey, they learnt a lot more about themselves and each other. They took on each new challenge, especially Dave, and Zara was able to let Dave shoulder some of the responsibility. They turned out to be a great team aand stronger together.

Bountiful was a read that will reach into any mothers heart. It was sweet to see an accidental pregnancy bring two people together. Sabrina Bowen constructed these characters perfectly, and allowed a sweet bundle tie them together in the future. There were a few loose ends in this story, which I think may come up again in Benito's story... which I'm eager to get!

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! ***


This kiss guys! It was sweet and I love how a girl can take control!

And maybe weddings did make people crazy. That’s the only excuse I could think of for why I leaned forward and kissed the corner of his mouth. Just a sweet little touch of my lips against his.
He made a sexy grunt of surprise and pulled me in toward his body. When our chests collided, he angled his head and kissed me for real. His mouth was salty sweet and his kiss so tender that my heart expanded in my chest.

Kindle Arc Loc 3502
Originally inspired by YA Bound
Sarina BowenSarina Bowen is the USA Today bestselling author of steamy, angsty Contemporary Romance and New Adult fiction. She lives in the wilds of Vermont.

Sarina Bowen is the USA Today bestselling author of steamy, angsty Contemporary Romance and New Adult fiction. She lives in the wilds of New England.

Don't miss a book or a sale. Join her mailing list.

She is the author of The Ivy Years, an award-winning series set amid the hockey team at an elite Connecticut college. Also, the The Gravity series.

With Elle Kennedy, Sarina is the author of the RITA award winning HIM, and its sequel, US, as well as the WAGs novels.

Sarina also has a new Vermont contemporary romance series, True North. She's also unrolled new hockey novels from Penguin Berkley including Rookie Move.

Sarina enjoys skiing, espresso drinks and the occasional margarita. She lives with her family, eight chickens and more ski gear and hockey equipment than seems necessary.




Other reviews featuring Sarina Bowen
The Ivy Years series
True North series
Keepsake #3 
Sarina Bowen & Sarah Mayberry
Temporary






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The Shameless Hour by Sarina Bowen ~ Audio book Review & Quote-tastic (@SarinaBowen)

I really am enjoying the Ivy Years series! Bella has been an out there character that I've always wanted to see meet the man of her dreams! Rafe was the perfect guy and I loved seeing him win Bella's heart!
The Shameless Hour (The Ivy Years, #4)
Title: The Shameless Hour
Author: Sarina Bowen
Series: The Ivy Years #4
Narrators: Saskia Maarleveld and Chris Podehl
Genre: NA Sports Romance
Published: June 20th 2016 (first published April 12th 2015)

Buy Now - Amazon | Audible B&N Kobo


The girl who’s had everyone meets the boy who has no one.

For Bella, the sweet-talking, free-loving, hip-checking student manager of the Harkness men’s hockey team, sex is a second language. She’s used to being fluent where others stutter, and the things people say behind her back don’t (often) bother her. So she can’t understand why her smoking hot downstairs neighbor has so much trouble staying friends after their spontaneous night together. She knows better than to worry about it, but there’s something in those espresso eyes that makes her second guess herself.

Rafe is appalled with himself for losing his virginity in a drunken hookup. His strict Catholic upbringing always emphasized loving thy neighbor—but not with a bottle of wine and a box of condoms. The result is an Ivy League bout of awkwardness. But when Bella is leveled by a little bad luck and a downright sinister fraternity stunt, it’s Rafe who is there to pick up the pieces.

Bella doesn’t want Rafe's help, and she’s through with men. Too bad the undeniable spark that crackles between the two of them just can't be extinguished.

After seeing Bella's little heart break in the previous book, I've been keen to jump into her book, to see who may be able to mend her again. Rafe was exactly what she needed... being different to her usual hookups. He wasn't a hockey player, and was sweet too, and the more time they spent together, the more intense their connection became.

Bella began as the carefree girl that I'm used to seeing, but one hookup left her sad and hurting. She confronted her problem, and was put in a situation no one should find themselves in. It made my heart ache that she went through it, but I loved that she made a friend in Rafe and he supported her as much as Bella would allow him.

Rafe is what I hope my sons grow up into!! He was a caring, sweet and determined guy who put others before himself. He cared deeply for his mother and his extended family, and treated everyone with respect. He was the kind of guy you keep, and take home to your mother, because you know he will win her heart over too. I loved how careful he was with Bella and gave her the time she needed to face her demons, and supported her with everything he had.

I really enjoyed the narration by Saskia Maarleveld and Chris Podehl. Although Saskia Maarleveld has narrated other books in this series, it was the first time I had listened to her. I enjoyed the way they portrayed both characters and it was easy to distinguish the different voices that were in the story.

Once again I have enjoyed another instalment in the Ivy Years series. Sarina Bowen has created a cast of characters that keep me hooked to the world. They aren't perfect, and they face some difficult situations but they find a way to be better together. I enjoyed meeting Lianne, and seeing more to her than the movie star persona that everyone else sees. I am keen to dive into her book immediately!

I really loved this moment... it was extended more than this, but I had to show you my favourite bits!

“I’ve always thought you were sexy,” I whispered, pressing my palm against his pec. “Seems like a good time to tell you.” It was the God’s honest truth. And the truth, I’d learned by now, was the sexiest thing ever.
He obviously agreed with me. Because that handsome face dipped closer. And then Rafe’s surprisingly soft lips skimmed mine on a sigh. He stopped at the sensitive corner of my mouth, his lips making the gentlest nibble on mine, before he pressed, warm and firm, against my mouth.

Kindle Page 42

“Bella,” he rasped between kisses. “Me matas.” Anyone who grew up in New York could translate that. You’re killing me.

Kindle Page 43

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

Sarina BowenSarina Bowen is the USA Today bestselling author of steamy, angsty Contemporary Romance and New Adult fiction. She lives in the wilds of Vermont.

She is the author of The Ivy Years, an award-winning series set amid the hockey team at an elite Connecticut college. Also, the The Gravity series.

With Elle Kennedy, Sarina is the author of HIM and US.




Other reviews featuring Sarina Bowen
The Ivy Years series
True North series
Keepsake #3
Bountiful #4 
Other reviews featuring Sarina Bowen & Sarah Mayberry
Temporary
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True Abandon by Jeannine Colette ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@JeannineColett)

I was meant to share this review on Monday, but again I'm running a little bit late! It was such a fantastic read, seeing Trish and Jackson getting their second chance together. I could see they were soul mates, and I just hoped they could forgive and rekindle what they had!
True Abandon
Title: True Abandon
Author: Jeannine Colette
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: November 13th 2017

Buy Now - Amazon | B&N Kobo

Can the sins of the past be forgiven with the actions of today?

Trish Hogan's life was destroyed when she gave her trust to her high school boyfriend, Jackson, and he abused it, changing the course of her life forever.

A decade later she’s living in Manhattan -- she has a roommate, a steady boyfriend and a career. When a hurricane puts the city on lock down, Trish gets a message she never thought she’d receive: Jackson is dying and alone. In a city of millions, she is the only person who can sit by his side.

Jackson Davis was once the golden child of a senator who went against his father’s plans and became a musician. Tatted up and broken, he wakes up in a hospital only to see Trish -- the one person he needs to atone his sins to -- standing before him. He will recover from his injuries, but not from the pain he caused in the past.

Trapped by the storm, they embark on a night of reckoning that has one running away to Hawaii and the other following in her steps. As the victim becomes the villain, the two are forced to face the past, live in the present and find a way to navigate into the future.

It has been a long time since I've picked up one of Jeannine Colette's enthralling reads, and I was so excited to dive into True Abandon. Trish was the sweet and eager red head that I met in Pure Abandon, and I was excited to find out what happened to her. I wasn't expecting the sadness and the heartache that would unfold, as she faced her childhood sweetheart once again.

I loved getting to know Trish and seeing how she was coping after the incident that turned her life upside down. I learned that she was a vibrant person as a teen, through the glimpses of her past. As an adult she was struggling socially, although she didn't realise how bad she was. Jackson coming back into her life, even briefly, made her see that she needed change, as he once again, made a huge impact on her.

From the small interaction that Trish and Jackson had at the hospital, I knew he would try to win her back. There was a lot of unresolved issues between them, and I could still feel the intense chemistry they still shared. When they crossed paths again in Hawaii, Jackson had already changed so much and was honest with Trish as much as he could, and I loved that about him.

Jeannine Colette is an author that can take a difficult subject matter and weave it into a beautiful story. Jackson, in particular, made a mistake that crushed his first Love's heart, which drove her away. I was able to see their struggles, and how they coped being together once again. Their love began to rekindle and the intense feelings that they tried to hide from each other and the world. This was a fantastic second (third or forth) chance at love, that made my heart ache and then soar when they were together once again!

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! ***


I have a sweet non kiss moment, and something that makes any girls heart flutter!

“What am I supposed to say?” His words are muffled by the palm of my hand.
“Maybe start with, Hi, Trish.” I release his mouth and turn my shoulder to face the stage.
He walks up behind me, his chest flush against my back. He smells like mango and warm honey. “Hi, Trish. You look pretty tonight.”
I close my eyes and give my head a little shake. “I didn’t say you had to say that.”
His lips are close to my ear as he whispers, “No. But I should. Because you do.”
With eyes wide open, I take a deep breath. “Thanks.”

Kindle Arc Loc 1707

“I’m going to spend the rest of my life with you,” he declares. “I’m going to marry you.”

Kindle Arc Loc 3739
Originally inspired by YA Bound
Jeannine ColetteJeannine Colette is the author of the Abandon Collection – a series of stand-alone novels featuring dynamic heroines who have to abandon their reality in order to discover themselves . . . and love along the way. Each book features a new couple, exciting new city and a rose of a different color.

A graduate of Wagner College and the New York Film Academy, Jeannine went on to become a Segment Producer for television shows on CBS and NBC. She left the television industry to focus on her children and pursue a full-time writing career. She lives in New York with her husband, the three tiny people she adores more than life itself, and a rescue pup named Wrigley.

Jeannine and her family are active supporters of The March of Dimes and Strivright The Auditory-Oral School of New York.


Connect with Jeannine on social media:



Other reviews featuring Jeannine Colette
Abandon Collection 
Pure Abandon #1
Reckless Abandon #2
Wild Abandon #3 
Sinful Abandon #4






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