Kiss the Girl by Tara Sivec ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@TaraSivec)

I hadn't read Tara Sivec before, and when I came across Kiss the Girl, I thought it sounded like a lot of fun. It was the perfect romantic comedy I needed and I'd love to try more of her work in the future!
Kiss the Girl (The Naughty Princess Club, #3)
Title: Kiss the Girl
Author: Tara Sivec
Series: Naughty Princess Club #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Expected Publication: September 4th 2018

Buy Now - Amazon USAmazon AusB&N Kobo

A struggling antiques collector finds herself falling in love with a millionaire playboy; but can she ever be a part of his world?

Meet the Naughty Princess Club, a series from USA Today bestselling author Tara Sivec that brings readers to Fairytale Lane and the hilarity—and romance—that three women fall into once they decide to strut their stuff and bring on their own happily ever after.

While her friends have broken free of their insecurities, Ariel Waters is struggling to come out of her shell. Her ex-husband took away her voice and her self-confidence, and Ariel is drowning under a sea of debt to afford the alimony she has to pay him. She refuses to ever fall for a man’s charms again, and is determined to make her own way.

When her house and her beloved antiques are taken by the bank after too many missed payments, Ariel finds herself adrift until the infuriatingly charming Eric Sailor comes to her rescue. Although she can’t stand the millionaire playboy, Eric’s kindness and unconditional support reveal hidden depths and a love that Ariel never imagined she could find.

But there are outside influences who will stop at nothing to keep them apart; can Ariel and Eric weather the storm and find a way to be together?

I haven't read Tara Sivec before, but after reading Kiss the Girl I can see that she likes to write characters that are loud, quirky and definitely memorable. Despite all the drama, it was sweet to watch Eric support Ariel through everything and he showed her what a great woman she was beneath her insecurities.

Ariel had a bit of a potty mouth and was very dramatic, but I enjoyed watching her get back up after losing so much. She was kind of lost and her friends supported her as best as they could. However, it was Eric and how he subtly pushed Ariel in the right direction, that made her the strong and confident woman she turned out to be.

Eric was a fabulous guy! He didn't try to take control, he was just there helping Ariel, using his cheeky banter to fire Ariel up, or doing things with Ariel that he knew that she loved doing. I liked that he was so easy going and how these two fell so effortlessly into a relationship, despite Ariel trying to keep Eric at arms length.

Even though this was the third book in the series, each book features a different couple. I think I would have a better understanding of the world and the situation if I read all the books, but the author gave me enough backstory that I could easily follow along. The girls were so close, that they would follow one another into battle if needed. They started an interesting business together, and had tremendous support from their men. It was an amusing romantic comedy and I will definitely read more of Sivec's work in the future!


Complimentary copy provided by the Publisher, 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! ***


Two swoons today, the first one a steamy kiss... the second made me laugh!

“I’m sorry. I can’t put this off any longer. Please don’t kick me in the balls.”
My mouth opens to ask Eric what the hell he’s talking about when all of a sudden, he dips his head and crashes his lips to mine. I gasp in shock and he takes advantage, deepening the kiss to slide his tongue past my lips and swirl it against my own.
The world around me completely fades away. I forget that I’m standing on the dock. I forget that my ex-husband showed up and made me feel like I’m not good enough for anyone. I forget that he’s standing a few feet away watching us. I forget my own name and I forget what day it is as I wrap my arms around Eric’s shoulders and hold him tightly to me.
With one arm still securely around my waist, his hand comes up between us and he cups my cheek, holding my head in place while he devours me with his mouth. His kiss matches his personality. It’s bold and wild and the best thing I’ve ever felt. I moan softly into his mouth and grab a fistful of the hair on the back of his head while he plunges his tongue deeper. He kisses me with everything he has, and I never want the feeling to end. This feeling of being wanted and appreciated and beautiful.

Kindle Arc Loc 1180

Jesus, this guy is good. I’m pretty sure my underwear just ripped itself off of my body.

Kindle Arc Loc 2001
Originally inspired by YA Bound
Tara Sivec
Tara Sivec is a USA Today best-selling author, wife, mother, chauffeur, maid, short-order cook, baby-sitter, and sarcasm expert. She lives in Ohio with her husband and two children and looks forward to the day when they all three of them become adults and move out.

After working in the brokerage business for fourteen years, Tara decided to pick up a pen and write instead of shoving it in her eye out of boredom. Her novel Seduction and Snacks won first place in the Indie Romance Convention Reader’s Choice Awards 2013 for Best Indie First Book and she was voted as Best Author in the Indie Romance Convention Reader’s Choice Awards for 2014.

In her spare time, Tara loves to dream about all of the baking she’ll do and naps she’ll take when she ever gets spare time.










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Boy Toy by Sarina Bowen & Tanya Eby ~ Review & Quote-tastic (@SarinaBowen, @Blunder_Woman)

I think Boy Toy has become my favourite read in the Man Hands series. I loved watching Liam fall for Sadie and her girls. It was great to see all the previous couples again too, and how their worlds have changed!
Boy Toy (Man Hands, #3)
Title: Boy Toy
Author: Sarina Bowen & Tanya Eby
Series: Man Hands #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: August 14th 2018

Buy Now - Amazon USAmazon AusB&N Kobo

Liam

The moment Sadie Matthews walks through the daycare center door, I feel my world tilt in her direction. Again. I fell for her when I was fourteen, and I'm still not over her. Problem: she still thinks of me as a teen she used to babysit. But I've learned a few things about pleasing a woman in the last fifteen years. I can't wait to show her how good it could be. I need to move quickly before I lose her again. This is more than a game to me, but I still plan to win.

Sadie

I've just survived the worst year of my life. As a single mom of twin toddlers, I don't have time for a man. I barely have time to finish a thought. Who knew that Liam McAllister would grow up to be so devastating? He's everything my husband was not: tall, built, and willing to have a tea party with my girls.

I can't possibly get involved with him. He's too young for me. Too handsome. But he's so persuasive...

Sadie has been a support character to both Brinn and Ash in the first two books, so it was sweet to see her finally find the right guy in Boy Toy. It was interesting to see that Sadie and Liam had met previously when they were both younger as Sadie was hired as a babysitter one Summer for Liam’s family. Even back then he had a crush on her and he finally was able to live out all his teenage fantasies. But the surprise for me was that he was a child care worker, doing study and research about children because let’s face it, you don’t see a lot of men working in that industry.

As a mother myself, it’s always sweet to see someone interact with children as well as what Liam did, so even I fell for him quickly. He was caring and attentive to all the children in his care, but it was extra special to see him with Sadie’s twins, Kate and Amy. I loved the way he swept Sadie off her feet, treating her well and showing her how to be passionate.

Sadie had had a difficult time with her ex and had concerns about her body, but Liam could see past all those issues and showed her that she was sexy and beautiful regardless of her fears. They were together every chance that they had, but Sadie was very protective of her children as well. Every time Sadie had a difficult time, I loved how Liam stepped up and took control when she needed it. My heart swelled with pride each time he saved the day or supported Sadie through the drama’s that occurred

Sarina Bowen and Tanya Eby did a fabulous job with the third book in the Man Hands series. I enjoyed the genuine connection between all the characters; watching Liam fall for Sadie and for those gorgeous twins too. It was fantastic to see him grow into his role in Sadie’s little family and standing up for her when she really needed it the most. I really hope there are more stories from this world, because I can't get enough!


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


The first quote shows how close the three friends are... it really was a hilarious moment, despite one of them being in labour. The second... so sweet between Sadie and Liam

“Where is your suitcase?” I do not want to deliver Brynn’s baby on her kitchen floor. We eat in that kitchen. Often.
Brynn waddles toward the front closet when suddenly the door bursts open and there stands Ash. I swear to God, she appears like Wonder Woman, all fierce and glowing, highlighted by the last orange streaks of light in the sky behind her. It’s all very dramatic. She’s also carrying a roll of paper towels, a bunch of empty black trash bags, and a bucket of water.
“Ash?” Brynn asks. “What are you doing?”
“I am absolutely horrified by this entire prospect and I do not want to look at your stretching vagina while you birth a tiny human, but goddammit, I will do it. And I came prepared!”
All she needs is a blowtorch and a pair of goggles. I suddenly start laughing. And Brynn starts laughing, and then her laugh turns into a groan, and then all three of us are groaning through it together.

Kindle Arc Loc 1787


He takes my hands in his, almost as if he’s going to make a vow, and I get really nervous. “Sadie, I need you to really think about this. Not with your brain or your ‘I should’s’ or anything, but think about it with your heart. I’m not your boy toy. I’m a man who loves you and your girls. We can make this work. I promise you.”
Then he pulls me in for a kiss. It’s deep and real and it’s like he’s speaking to me without saying a word.

Kindle Arc Loc 2756

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.


Tanya Eby
Tanya is a member of SAG/AFTRA. She is a narrator and has over 500 titles to her credit. She also narrates under the name of Tatiana Sokolov for books that are particularly saucy (AKA erotica books). When not narrating, she’s working on her own writing. Check out her books: Easy Does It, Blunder Woman, Pepper Wellington and the Case of the Missing Sausage, Foodies Rush In, Tunnel Vision, and Synchronicity. She also has a food blog at dips.tanyaeby.com.




Other reviews featuring Sarina Bowen & Tanya Eby
Man Hands #1
Man Card #2
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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Heartbreaker by Katie McCoy ~ Review & Swoon Thursday #KatieMcCoy

The third book in Katie McCoy's Rascals series has now been released, and it was a scorching read that I found hard to put down! Heartbreaker is now my favourite McCoy read, and I cannot wait for the next one in October!
Heartbreaker (Rascals Book 3)
Title: Heartbreaker
Author: Katie McCoy
Series: Rascals #3
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: August 20th 2018

Buy Now - Amazon USAmazon AusB&N Kobo

Five guys. One bar. And a whole heap of sexy trouble…

Liam Callahan is devastatingly handsome, infuriatingly aloof and… my new boss? Put that at the top of the list of ‘Things I Wish I’d Known (Before I Was Panting in His Arms During a Sizzling Midnight Make-out Session.)’

My bartending gig at Rascals was supposed to be a fresh start for me. Now I’m juggling drink orders AND red-hot sexual tension - but I refuse to let Liam’s smoldering stares throw me off my game…

Until one late night leads to another. And another. Liam has a reputation as Mr Heartbreaker, but he’s revealing a whole new side of himself: funny, playful, and most definitely NSFW. But this rascal has made a rule of never getting in too deep, and despite the real connection between us, something’s holding him back.

Can we find a way to put the past behind us and move on? Or will my new beginning end in heartbreak before it’s even begun?

Find out in the hot new stand-alone romance from Katie McCoy!

I've read a few books by Katie McCoy now, and I think that Heartbreaker is now my favourite read by her. I really enjoyed meeting Juliet and Liam and watching their chemistry explode between the pages. Along with a cast of characters that I have come to love, McCoy has again delivered a quick, sizzling read that I devoured quickly.

Juliet was struggling to find her feet after suffering a career ending injury. She had to find a new job and was unsure of what she wanted to do. A night out and a chance encounter with a dark and handsome man, landed her in Rascals as a bar tender.

Liam had goals and was set in his ways. He had a list a mile long about the perfect woman that he wanted, and Juliet was far from it. Each time that Juliet and Liam crossed paths, I could see their connection strengthening, and boy, were they sizzling between the sheets...and out of them!

I had a fantastic time back in the Rascals world, seeing all the characters that I have come to love once again. I enjoyed seeing the changes in both Juliet and Liam as they figured out what they wanted for their futures. Each time I pick up a Katie McCoy book, I feel that her writing is getting better and better. She is delivering characters that are slightly damaged, but are intense and love for a long time. I am looking forward to the next book in the series, I tell you!

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 was a totally normal moment that lead to a HOT encounter!

“Long day?” I asked.
“Long week.” He took a step towards me. “All I’ve wanted to do all week is see you. And kiss you.”
His words sent a thrill through me.
“But I was practically tied to my desk to finish this project for work.”
“And now?” I wanted to know, as he stepped closer to me.
“And now, the project is done,” he said, his voice low and sexy and full of promise. “And I get to do exactly what I’ve been wanting to do all week.”
Then he took me into his arms and kissed the hell out of me.
I never wanted him to stop kissing me. Even though it had only been a few days, it felt like it had been forever since he had last touched me—since he had last kissed me. And from the way he held my head in his hands, his tongue tangling with mine, I got the sense that he felt the same way.
He pressed me up against the door of Emerson’s office, his hips leaning against mine, and I could feel exactly how much he wanted me. And I wished, more than anything, that we could get out of here and finish what we kept starting over and over again.

Kindle Arc Loc 1298
Originally inspired by YA Bound
Katie McCoyKatie McCoy is a self proclaimed sushi addict, Cardinals baseball fanatic, and lover of all things theatrical. A St.Louis native transplanted to Brooklyn, she acts, sings, and shakes her booty when she isn't writing books about hot men and the girls who love them.





Other reviews featuring Katie McCoy
Rascals series
Wingman #2





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All the Way by Kristen Proby ~ Review & Quote-tastic (@Handbagjunkie)

I've listened to one of Kristen Proby's reads before and had a lot of fun reading it, so I thought it was time to try something new of hers. I had a fabulous time reading All the Way and am so excited to return to this world again in the future!
All the Way (Romancing Manhattan, #1)
Title: All the Way
Author: Kristen Proby
Series: Romancing Manhattan #1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Expected Publication: August 21st 2018

Buy Now - Amazon USAmazon AusB&N Kobo

In New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby’s brand new Romancing Manhattan series, three brothers get more than they bargain for as they practice law, balance life, and navigate love in and around New York City.

Finn Cavanaugh is known for being a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom. He owns a successful law firm with his brother and brother-in-law in Manhattan. On the rare occasion that he has down time, he spends it at his home in Martha’s Vineyard. But when Finn’s troubled niece goes to stay with him for the summer in Martha’s Vineyard, he’s reluctant to take time off from work. That is, until he meets his beautiful new neighbor, London.

London Watson is a Tony Award winning actress on Broadway. When tragedy strikes her family, leaving her alone and injured, she flees Manhattan for Martha’s Vineyard. Hoping she can figure out how to pick up the pieces of her life, London is convinced that she’ll never be able to return to the stage. But when she meets the charming young girl next door and her sexy uncle, they soon lure London out of her shell as she finally begins to heal from the wounds of her past.

But when London feels confident enough to return to the spotlight, she’s dealt another devastating blow. Will the newfound love between London and Finn be enough to conquer all? Or will it be over before it has a chance to grow…?

This first book, All the Way in Kristen Proby's new Romancing Manhattan series, was quite the delightful read. I met a cast of characters that I wanted to get to know, and enjoyed their journey to find happiness. Our main couple weren't looking for love, but had a sweet connection that blossomed throughout their journey.

London had been through such a tough time and had lost so much. She was healing slowly but she seemed to improve after meeting Finn and his niece, Gabby. I liked seeing her interact with Finn, doing sweet things together and finding their groove in a relationship.

Finn actually made my heart melt a little... He was kind and patient, and treated London well. He didn't try to push London too far, and wanted to do nice things for her, even when she didn't need it. Finn and London had a few ups and downs, but it wasn't overly dramatic. Their communication needed work and a happy medium needed to be found.

There was a touch of suspense woven through the story, which I could see brewing. It wrapped up some questions I had, and tied the story up nicely. For my second Kristen Proby read, I was excited with how it all came together and how much fun I had reading it. The characters were great and I loved meeting Finn's family. I'm really looking forward to coming back to this world again.

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

This moment made me swoon and smile! It was a sweet kiss between Finn and London.

“You’re sexy.” My voice is breathy. I’m gripping on to his shoulders, my nails barely digging in.
He kisses me now. Really kisses me, one hand cupping my jaw and neck as his tongue glides over mine. He nibbles the side of my lips, giving me goose bumps, and then takes my mouth again, as if he’s memorizing me.
It’s the sexiest kiss I’ve ever experienced.
When he pulls away, he cups my ass in his hands and smiles down at me. “You have a great ass.”
“So do you.”
“You noticed?”
“Of course I noticed.”

Kindle Arc Loc 1046

Hosted by Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup

Kristen ProbyKristen was born and raised in a small resort town in her beloved Montana. In her mid-twenties, she decided to stretch her wings and move to the Pacific Northwest, where she made her home for more than a dozen years.

During that time, Kristen wrote many romance novels and joined organizations such as RWA and other small writing groups. She spent countless hours in workshops, and more mornings than she can count up before the dawn so she could write before going to work. She submitted many manuscripts to agents and editors alike, but was always told no. In the summer of 2012, the self-publishing scene was new and thriving, and Kristen had one goal: to publish just one book. It was something she longed to cross off of her bucket list.

Not only did she publish one book, she’s since published close to thirty titles, many of which have hit the USA Today, New York Times and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists. She continues to self publish, best known for her With Me In Seattle and Boudreaux series, and is also proud to work with William Morrow, a division of HarperCollins, with the Fusion Series.

Kristen and her husband, John, make their home in her hometown of Whitefish, Montana with their two pugs and two cats.






Other reviews featuring Kristen Proby
Boudreaux Series
Easy Love #1 
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JULY WRAP-UP


July was a quiet month outside of the blog. We had netball and football most weekends. My Grandmother turned 89, so we went and had a get together for her.
My youngest wanted to watch a movie, but he didn't know what to do with this one... 🤣
I purchased a few physical books this month, just to jolt my reading. I felt like I was in a little slump, and I found a few books and I am definitely out of my slump! I've been mowing through a few books and had a lot of fun.
I'm up to date with comments, and reviews, I've even been through most of my emails... I'm feeling good at the moment!
Click on the covers to take you to my reviews.
Wingman (Rascals Book 2)The Wild HeirThe Way We Burn
The Real DealThe SexpertTackled (The Alpha Ballers, #1)

Book of the month...
Everless (Untitled #1)
These are the books I've picked up over the past month!
(Click on covers/link to take you to Goodreads)

Ash Princess (Ash Princess Trilogy #1) by Laura Sebastian
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
Red Queen (Red Queen #1) by Victoria Aveyard
Cruel Crown (Red Queen 0.1-0.2) by Victoria Aveyard
King's Cage (Red Queen #3) by Victoria Aveyard
War Storm (Red Queen #4) by Victoria Aveyard
The Sexpert
Naomi’s Weekly Wrap Up is a combined meme with the Sunday Post hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book ReviewerBought, Borrowed and Bagged hosted by Braine @ Talk Supe and Stacking The Shelves hosted by Tynga’s Reviews.
read more "JULY WRAP-UP"