Friday Fling! - Lucky Number Four

During Friday Fling , I share with you a "just for fun" romance book or novella that I read and really enjoyed.  It will generally be a "mini review" instead of a full review and I'll stray from my YA focus into the realm of new adult/adult romance (which, in case you're curious, is my not-so-guilty pleasure).  These are books that I think are fun, quick (sexy) reads that are definitely worth checking out!

Publisher: C.A. Kunz, LLC
Release Date: January 2014

Dora needs somewhere new to live and fast.  While living with her now married best friends seemed like a good idea and totally doable, their sex life has taken off and Dora is finding it a little hard to concentrate on her own life--not to mention hearing all the good sex is making her wish for some of her own!  A serendipitous roommate posting at the grocery store and three pushy models later, Dora is moving in with three drool-worthy men and she may have truly opened her own Pandora's box.  Attraction ensues, as one might suspect with three hottie roommates, but things are not necessarily quite as Dora is perceiving them

Ms. Pandora...well...she wasn't my favorite character ever in a new adult romance. She's clearly a beautiful young woman who can't fathom that she is, even with multiple handsome young men and her best friend drilling it into her head frequently.  While this was a fun and quick read, I felt like, for me, the character connections fell a little flat.  I wanted to like Pandora more (and to stop calling her Dora because does anyone NOT think of the little cartoon character when they say that name?), but something just didn't click there for me.  I also wasn't quite sold on the main love interest's instantaneous attraction to her.  I'm no stranger to love at first sight storylines but this one was lacking something and I'm not quite sure what.  That being said, I did enjoy this author's writing and general storytelling and I would probably pick up something from her in the future.

Friday Fling! The Next Forever by Lisa Burstein

During Friday Fling , I share with you a "just for fun" romance book or novella that I read and really enjoyed.  It will generally be a "mini review" instead of a full review and I'll stray from my YA focus into the realm of adult romance (which, in case you're curious, is my not-so-guilty pleasure).  These are books that I think are fun, quick (sexy) reads that are definitely worth checking out!




Follow-up novellas tend to be hit or miss for me, but I have to say that this little gem was spot on...

Publisher: Ever After (Entangled Publishing)
Release Date: January 2013
Get it! Amazon | B&N

Amy and Joe have known each other for a long time, but it was only at the end of their high school career that their friendship was rekindled and blossomed into something more. Now together in college, Amy and Joe must navigate the uncertainties and difficulties of college life.  Amy must reconcile her new (actually, old) self with the person that she was while hanging out with Lila and Cassie.  Joe is trying to find his own path while holding on to Amy as his anchor.  Will they be able to forge a path forward together?

Told in alternating POVs, The Next Forever offers up both Amy and Joe's perspective on a single college night that proves a turning point for both of them.  For such a short novella, I felt like Lisa really packed it in with this one.  The reader gets a deeper sense of connection to Amy and gets to spend some time in Joe's head.  This was a quick, fun read--a definite MUST for fans of Pretty Amy. 

Friday Fling! Seducing Cinderella by Gina Maxwell

During Friday Fling , I share with you a "just for fun" romance book or novella that I read and really enjoyed.  It will generally be a "mini review" instead of a full review and I'll stray from my YA focus into the realm of adult romance (which, in case you're curious, is my not-so-guilty pleasure).  These are books that I think are fun, quick (sexy) reads that are definitely worth checking out!



Oh, I KNEW I would enjoy Entangled Publishing's new BRAZEN line. What I didn't know is that I would fall head-over-heels and be begging for more of them! (But I should have know...because how many EP books have I not thoroughly enjoyed?) Read on for my first (and definitely not last) read in the Brazen line!

Publisher: Brazen (Entangled Publishing)
Release Date: July 2012
Get it! Amazon | B&N

Lucie Miller is a slightly disorganized physical therapist with a major crush on her fellow doctor--but he doesn't see her. When childhood friend (and childhood crush), Reid Andrews, shows up in her life, he offers her the strangest arrangement she could imagine--let him live with her and get full-time physical therapy and he'll teach her how to get the doctor of her 2.5 kids and a house dreams. She certainly can't say now. What neither of them expect is the sizzling connection that makes its way into their interactions...and into their hearts.

Lucie's disorganization and drive to really help her patients created an instant connection with me (because that's SO me...just not the doctor part). She's insecure and shy until Reid helps her break out of her shell. Reid--*fans self*--is a dreamy fighter with the soul of an artist, which of course seems too good to be true. Their relationship is great because they knew each other growing up so I liked that they could have the kind of instant relationship that allowed attraction to develop quickly. The steamy scenes were top notch and if they're any indication, I'm going to love reading more from Ms. Maxwell. (Fighting for Love, Book One, you say? Give me more!)

Friday Fling! Take It Like a Vamp by Candace Havens

During Friday Fling , I share with you a "just for fun" romance book or novella that I read and really enjoyed.  It will generally be a "mini review" instead of a full review and I'll stray from my YA focus into the realm of adult romance (which, in case you're curious, is my not-so-guilty pleasure).  These are books that I think are fun, quick (sexy) reads that are definitely worth checking out!



At some point it's going to seem like "Friday Fling!" is just my soapbox to talk about my love of Entangled Publishing (and maybe that's true just a little bit), but they honestly put out really great romance reads. This week's feature was truly a gem of a read. The teaser on their website had me laughing so I knew I had to buy it! Check out this super fun read from Entangled's newest line--Covet!

Publisher: Covet (Entangled Publishing)
Release Date: July 2012
Get it! Amazon | B&N

Nick and Casey are best friends. Just friends. Nothing but FRIENDS. At least that's what they each spend a significant time convincing themselves. When Nick finally takes a chance and invites Casey into his world as more than a friend, will she be able to handle the consequences? Better yet, will Nick learn to trust that this feisty woman is one tough chick?

I can't remember the last time that I laughed and smiled as much as I did reading Take It Like a Vamp. The main character, Casey, is awesomely fun to get to know. I loved her snark and her real, curvy body and her insecurities and her fierce loyalty and her strength of character.  This chick had it all and I seriously loved her.  Top that off with Nick--the loyal, hot, BFF next door guy--and you've got a friends-to-lovers romance that will knock your socks off. The sizzling chemistry is rounded off with a dash of danger, a fabulous cast of side characters (LOVED Linc and Mason), and a trip to the Greek Islands, creating a fabulous, fast-paced, laugh-out-loud romance novel.  I can't help but hope that Ms. Havens gives us more stories like this (can you say series potential?!). I do believe I'll be heading off in search of more of her books while I wait hopefully for another one like this. :)

Friday Fling! A Night of Southern Comfort by Robin Covington

During Friday Fling , I share with you a "just for fun" romance book or novella that I read and really enjoyed.  It will generally be a "mini review" instead of a full review and I'll stray from my YA focus into the realm of adult romance (which, in case you're curious, is my not-so-guilty pleasure).  These are books that I think are fun, quick (sexy) reads that are definitely worth checking out!



It should come as no surprise at this point that I love Entangled publishing's Indulgence line...A LOT. I've gotten a little behind on reading them (more because I'm trying to BUY fewer books than because I don't want to read them) but my goal is still to read them all! I think I'm only 4 behind now... :)

Publisher: Indulgence (Entangled Publishing)
Release Date: 15 June 2012
Get it! Amazon | B&N

When Detective Jackson Cantrell and Dr. Michaela Roarke meet, their anonymous one-night stand is a night of intense passion, the likes of which neither has experienced before. When Jackson is blackmailed by Michaela's father to watch over her and find her stalker, he's forced into the life of a woman he never thought he see again. When Michaela's stalker escalates, Jackson moves in with Michaela and the searing passion is something that neither of them can deny their bodies...or their hearts.

Jackson and Michaela's story combines the characters and sizzling passion that I love in a romance novel with the mystery and intrigue of a dangerous stalker. The masterful way that Ms. Covington has woven these elements together makes the combination absolutely spot-on. I adored both of the main characters. Michaela (who Jackson and Jackson alone calls Kayla and I love it) is fiercely independent and absolutely stubborn in her attempts to break away from her controlling politician father. Jackson is clearly a heart-throb with goals for his life--goals complicated by a woman. When the two are together, their connection sizzles. Lust, romance, and suspense. Ms. Covington pulled off the combination and I couldn't put it down! She is definitely an author to watch and I can't wait for more of her stories!

Friday Fling! Always a Bridesmaid by Cindi Myers

During Friday Fling , I share with you a "just for fun" romance book or novella that I read and really enjoyed.  It will generally be a "mini review" instead of a full review and I'll often stray from my YA focus into the realm of adult romance (which, in case you're curious, is my not-so-guilty pleasure).  These are books that I think are fun, quick reads that are definitely worth checking out!



It should come as no surprise at this point that I love Entangled publishing's Indulgence line...A LOT. I've gotten a little behind on reading them (more because I'm trying to BUY fewer books than because I don't want to read them) but my goal is still to read them all! I think I'm only 5 behind...:)

Publisher: Indulgence (Entangled Publishing)
Release Date: 23 April 2012
Get it! Amazon | B&N

Stephanie's been a bridesmaid six times now and has pretty much given up on finding love--even when her new landlord, Mike, turns her into a hormonal teenager.  Mike's not looking for love either--just getting over his ex-wife and giving his son a stable home.  A bet with her father forces her to take a chance on Mike, but will either of them be able to push their doubts aside and give love a chance?

Stephanie is a wonderful female lead--smart, independent, and fully capable of taking care of herself. She's determined to finish her graduate degree and someday be fully capable of taking over her father's business.  Mike is in the construction business and if one judges from the home Stephanie moved into, he's quite good at it.  Top that off with his clear adoration of his son and BAM you've got a powerhouse couple that you're cheering for from the moment their eyes meet for the first time. Stephanie and Mike's "relationship" (although they both choose to TRY to ignore the sparks) is a bumpy road of learning to trust another person and figure out how their lives could fit together.  Their story is sweet and satisfying to the very end.

Friday Fling featuring Try Me by @dianealberts!

 

During Friday Fling , I share with you a "just for fun" romance book or novella that I read and really enjoyed.  It will generally be a "mini review" instead of a full review and I'll often stray from my YA focus into the realm of adult romance (which, in case you're curious, is my not-so-guilty pleasure).  These are books that I think are fun, quick reads that are definitely worth checking out!

Diane Alberts has quickly climbed the charts of my personal favorite romance writers.  Her stories are full of the passion, romance, and good writing that I expect when I pick up a romance novel or novella.  She makes you give a damn about her characters from the very beginning.  She's earned a place on my "instant buy" when her new stuff comes out (or at the very least my "buy this as soon as you have money" list). I've already reviewed a couple of her books on "Friday Fling!":

Here's the cool thing:

Today's "Friday Fling!" features book is her most recent release from Entangled Publishing's Ever Afters line.  Diane is having an awesome contest to promote the book.  Help us get it into the Top 100 on Amazon or B&N by the end of June and enter for your chance to win a free e-reader OR a signed poster of Jeremy's abs the book cover. :)

Publisher: Ever After (Entangled Publishing)
Release Date: 25 May 2012
Get it! Amazon | B&N

When Sgt. Jeremy Addison wakes up bloody and bruised in the Nevada desert, it's pretty obvious that Las Vegas was a terrible idea. And to make matters worse, his ex-best friend's little sister, the girl he's loved forever, is the one to find him on the side of the road.  Erika couldn't be more surprised to find Jeremy beaten up and wandering in the desert. The two have a history and fate seems determined to give  them a second chance.  Can Erika open up to the possibility and take a chance on Jeremy?

I could easily sum this book up as follows: "Jeremy is awesome. And sexy. The End." :) Diane has a true gift for crafting characters that steal your heart within seconds of meeting them.  They worm their way into your mind and take up residence there while you read their story.  Jeremy and Erika are no exception.  Jeremy is a Marine taking his leave time in Las Vegas when a drunken bar fight leaves him stranded in the desert and then being nursed back to health by none other than the girl he's loved forever.  He's obviously wary, however, because last time he saw he, he told her he loved her and she ran away.  Erika's got her own baggage--the kinds of scars that have scared men away in the past--and she's not really ready to open up to anyone yet, especially Jeremy.  Their chemistry is electric from the moment they're together. They're both dealing with low self-worth and I think that makes their path toward each other a more beautiful story where each one learns to see through the others' eyes. Definitely a romance novella worth every penny and moment of your time.

So, I haven't done a random personal giveaway in awhile, and I've decided to take this opportunity to do so and show my support of an author that I greatly enjoy!  So here's what's up!

One lucky winner/entrant will be gifted two (2) e-books by me! I'll "gift" you e-book copies of Try Me and one of the other books I've reviews by Diane (On One Condition or Divinely Ruined) from either Barnes & Noble or Amazon.com (Or if you already own Try Me or want to buy/read it OMG RIGHT NOW, I'll buy you the other two, kk?).  All three are fabulous books. This is the first time I'll be giving away adult books instead of YA, lol, so I hope y'all are excited! 

One thing before you enter: you must be 18 to win. It's not that I totally don't support teens reading romance novels. Heck, I was reading Danielle Steele novels from the library at the impressionable age of 12.  However, due to the adult content of these novels, I'm going to say that I will only give them to adults--I don't want parents coming after me!

So...if you're 18--enter away!!!

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Friday Fling - Romance for a Good Cause!

 

During Friday Fling , I share with you a "just for fun" romance book or novella that I read and really enjoyed.  It will generally be a "mini review" instead of a full review and I'll often stray from my YA focus into the realm of adult romance (which, in case you're curious, is my not-so-guilty pleasure).  These are books that I think are fun, quick reads that are definitely worth checking out!

While I was already obsessed with Entangled Publishing, their Love Knows No Bounds Anthology is a truly phenomenal set of novellas for a very worthy cause. As someone who's studied/studying to work in education, children with autism are very special young people and I can truly appreciate the struggles  that a family with a child on the autism spectrum face.  I hope that if you haven't already, you'll consider buying this great anthology for just $2.99.  100% of the net profits go to support Autism Speaks.

Buy it! Amazon | B&N

Sooo....The Devil is on Twitter. You probably shouldn't follow him? Right? Well, shy Faye Albert figures it's harmless--probably a joke, really--so she follows him, realizing much too late that she actually HAS bound her soul to the Dark Prince...forever. Unless, of course, she can figure out how to Unfollow him...which appears to be harder to do than you'd think.  She enlists the help of coworker Christopher White, the man she's had a hopeless crush on forever.  As they work together to find a way to undo her contract, she finds the attraction is mutual and wonders--is it true love or a trick of the devil?

Faye is such a fun character to read about. Her antics in dealing with the attention heaped on her by men as a result of her little contract with the Devil are quite amusing. I really enjoyed watching her relationship with Christopher develop throughout the story and found myself hoping that he was the real deal--not just another Devil-induced lust-driven man in her life that day.  It was fun to see how her personality changed in little ways as she felt the love of someone else and felt like she could start to open up more. She finally didn't let her model roommate walk all over her.  Ultimately, this was a fun novella to read and a great start to the anthology.

It's not easy being a single-mom with a special needs child and Anna should know.  She's been on her own for a long time raising Bowen, her 8-year-old autistic son.  He's picky about food and textures, but the boy adores being in the kitchen.  When Bowen's therapist sets up cooking lessons for him with her sexy brother, how's Anna going to resist the sexy man who deftly and gently handles her son and whose smoldering good looks make her weak in the knees?  Surely she doesn't have the time and energy for romance...

Bittersweet is the second story in this new anthology from Entangled Publishing and it absolutely stole my heart.  Complete with fabulous mother-son relationship, sexy chef, and meddling friend, this story is sure to warm your heart as well.  It's a beautiful story that I think demonstrates the difficulties of raising an autistic child but also shows just how special it is to have a relationship with a child like Bowen.  The dynamics between Anna and Bowen (and eventually Leo) will melt your heart from the very beginning.  If you buy this anthology for no other reason, buy it for this story.

In attempting to grant his mortal wife eternal life, Caden is banished from heaven and destined to search for his wife's soul in every life from then on.  When he finally finds her, he must convince her to love him in only 5 days time without revealing their true connection from her past life. Will he be able to convince her that they are destined to be together before it's too late?

Of the three novellas in this anthology, this was probably the hardest for me to really get in to, possibly because it starts off in the far-reaching past and has a different tone than the other two stories. It's a bit darker and the paranormal element definitely sets it apart. However, giving it a day or two's space after reading the first two, I started over and dove into this story headfirst and absolutely fell in love. The relationship between Cade and Phoebe is full of sexual tension and mutual attraction.  I found myself desperately hoping that Phoebe would figure out what was up and allow herself to love Caden. Caden is so tortured over the possibility of losing her--and this time forever.  Phoebe's subconscious clearly remembers SOMETHING and you want her to just GET IT already. It's really a great PNR novella.  Well written and developed for such a brief story. Nina Croft is definitely a romance writer to explore. :) (Oh, and her Indulgence novel, Blackmailed by the Italian Billionaire, is AWESOME. Just FYI.)

Friday Fling! The Sexy Side of Jennifer Armentrout aka J. Lynn

 

During Friday Fling , I share with you a "just for fun" romance book or novella that I read and really enjoyed.  It will generally be a "mini review" instead of a full review and I'll often stray from my YA focus into the realm of adult romance (which, in case you're curious, is my not-so-guilty pleasure).  These are books that I think are fun, quick reads that are definitely worth checking out!

This week's romance feature is really a MUST READ! If you're a fan of Jennifer Armentrout's YA novels and you're mildly a romance reader, then trust me when I was you want to pick up a copy of this ebook! It's only $2.99--so really, you have nothing to lose!!

Publisher: Indulgence (Entangled Publishing)
Release Date: 23 April 2012
Get it! Amazon | B&N

Madison Daniels is not at all excited for her brother's upcoming wedding.  Not because she's unhappy with her brother's choice of significant other--because she absolutely, positively does NOT want to be reunited with Chase Gamble--bad boy extraordinaire who stole her heart at age 10. Fate, however, has different ideas when a hotel mix-up leaves Madison and Chase sharing the outdated honeymoon suite.  Passions ignite and emotions run high--but can they overcome a difficult past?

J. Lynn (aka Jennifer Armentrout) stole my heart with this story of friendship, family, and second chances.  Madison is the type of female character we can all relate to. She fell hard for a boy she grew up with but believes she has no chance after a failed encounter years ago. Her clear turmoil over what to do about her feelings toward chase make her a relateable, three-dimensional character who pulls you into the story from the very beginning. Chase is the ever-loveable not-really-bad "bad boy" who has to learn that he's not destined to be just like his father.  Jennifer has an amazing skill for crafting wonderful stories with just the right amount of humor, snark, and sexy romance. I hope that J. Lynn sticks around the adult romance world because this is the kind of story that I could read over and over again.  I'll continue to hold out hope that maybe we'll get to know the other Gamble brothers...

Friday Fling! The DUFF by Kody Keplinger

 

During Friday Fling , I share with you a "just for fun" romance book or novella that I read and really enjoyed.  It will generally be a "mini review" instead of a full review and I'll often stray from my YA focus into the realm of adult romance (which, in case you're curious, is my not-so-guilty pleasure).  These are books that I think are fun, quick reads that are definitely worth checking out!



I haven't featured a YA novel on Friday for awhile so I wanted to spotlight a really fun book that I read this week!

Publisher:Little Brown/Poppy
Release Date: 7 September 2010
Get it! Amazon | B&N

Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn’t think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “the Duff,” she throws her Coke in his face. But things aren’t so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him. Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone. (from GR)

There was just SOMETHING about this novel that really, truly pulled me in.  In discussing it with a friend shortly after finishing it, I think that what really struck me was the depth of the characters and the way in which Kody Keplinger nailed teenage emotions (perhaps because she was so young herself when she wrote this). The characters felt like real people to me and they all had their ups and downs.  I enjoyed watching the not-a-relationship relationship develop between Biana and Wesley and picking out the moments when there was clearly a shift in one or both of them.  Also, I really liked her friends because they were not at all like I expected them to be (in a good way).

Friday Fling! New Titles from @EntangledPub!

 

During Friday Fling , I share with you a "just for fun" romance book or novella that I read and really enjoyed.  It will generally be a "mini review" instead of a full review and I'll often stray from my YA focus into the realm of adult romance (which, in case you're curious, is my not-so-guilty pleasure).  These are books that I think are fun, quick reads that are definitely worth checking out!

I have a new favorite romance publisher and it's not a secret at all!

It's really probably pretty obvious if you look at the majority of my Friday Fling! posts. Entangled Publishing has been featured more than any other publisher.  They really put out quality stories and they (in my opinion) price most of them at a very reasonable $2.99, which makes me pick almost all of them up the instant that they come out.  If you haven't read an Entangled romance...why not?!

Publisher: Ever Afters (Entangled Publishing)
Release Date: 25 April 2012
Get it! Amazon | B&N

Rebecca is not your typical angel, especially with hr penchant for swearing. But a dark and difficult past led her to accept the potential for redemption as an angel.  Her first assignment, however--the one to help her earn her wings--is proving more difficult than anticipated. Tony Weis and his adorable daughter tempt Rebecca with the possibilities of a life that she's given up. Will an accident, anmesia, and the devotion of a man weaken her resolve to accept her calling as an angel?

Diane Alberts has crafted a wonderful angel love story--and not the type of angel story that you'd generally think of first! Her wonderfully flawed characters will pull at your heartstrings and capture your imagination. Rebecca and Tony have this crazy-awesome relationship that begins pretty much with this: R-"Hey, I'm an angel and I'm here to save your soul." T-"F* off, crazy lady."  Makings of a great relationship, right?! The pages fly by as you fall in love with Miranda (Tony's daughter), watch her melt Rebecca's heart, and witness Tony falling in love for the first time since Miranda's mom left him. I adored the way that their romance developed throughout their time together. It was touching to see how each could make be influential in essentially thawing the heart of the other because both of them had some immense hurt in their past. It's a great, quick read that will have you waiting for more from Diane Alberts.

Publisher:  Ever Afters (Entangled Publishing)

Release Date: 25 April 2012

Get it!  Amazon | B&N

Samantha Bennett is finally going to get a solid job that will help her prove to her father that she's capable of succeeding on her own. Too bad it turns out her competition is none other than Dean Malloy, the boy her broke her heart 5 years ago and she's never gotten over.  While they wait to find out who will win the contract, the two spend an electric weekend together--but will they really be able to go their separate ways at the end?

Sam and Dean are both strong-willed people who are passionate about the work they do. I loved Sam's determination to find her own path in the world and walk away from her father's law firm when she found what truly inspired her. Dean's devotion to his family, despite his differences with his father, was also truly refreshing to read--I always appreciate a family that can try to resolve their issues. The professional tension between them as they battle for their desire to win the one thing that will make their individual careers dissolves in moments of pent-up passion that's been hidden away for years since their mutual heartbreak over each other. Worth the Risk is truly everything that Charlene Sands' blurb says it is: "smart, sexy, [and] delightfully sexy"