BLOG TOUR & BOOK REVIEW for "Stolen Goods (To Catch a Thief, #2)" by Kay Marie

Stolen Goods (To Catch a Thief, #2)

by Kay Marie
Publication Date: January 7, 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

SUMMARY:

Catch Me If You Can meets Tangled in this funny and feel-good adventurous romance, new from bestselling author Kaitlyn Davis, writing as Kay Marie.

Addison Abbot is a dreamer — she dreams of owning her own cake shop, of traveling the world, of finding Prince Charming. But when it comes to actually following any of those dreams, she's a little, well, stuck. So when a devilishly handsome stranger saves her from two robbers with guns and pulls her into the adventure of a lifetime, she's determined to find her fairytale ending — until she realizes he's the most wanted criminal in America, that is.

Thaddeus Ryder was just another run-of-the-mill international art thief until his latest heist went south. Now, his face is on every news station, his name is making headlines, and his partner is working for the feds. Talk about a bad week on the job. His only option is to flee the country. But when hitmen for the Russian mafia interrupt his getaway, Thad gains an accidental companion — a baking beauty who might be too tempting to resist.

When a good girl meets a bad boy, sparks are bound to fly. But this con man is about to discover the only thing he can't steal is her heart...

**To Catch a Thief is a romantic comedy series that's one part humorous and one part heartfelt, with a dash of adventure, a hint of criminal activity, and a whole heap of fun! Each book is a stand-alone romance with a HEA.

Amazon US  /  Amazon UK  /  Amazon CA  /  Amazon AU

Excerpt:

All the locks in the car slid into place.

All the missing pieces did too.

“Oh my God!” Addy shouted, whipping her head to the side, meeting those steely eyes, sharp and cunning. No wonder he looked so familiar! He was on the cover of the magazine sitting on her nightstand back home. His face had been on the news every single night for a week—not that she watched the news, but she usually caught the last five or so minutes before the show she actually wanted to watch came on. Maybe I should have been watching the news. Maybe if I had, I would have recognized the most wanted criminal in America! Maybe I would have done the smart thing, like, I don’t know, running away and calling the police instead of falling at his feet and drooling over his smile! Gah! “You’re Thaddeus Ryder!”

“The one and only,” he mused, edge of his lip quirking with a smile, no shame whatsoever evident in his expression.

“Oh my God, those men weren’t trying to kill me—they were trying to kill you!”

He wrinkled his nose with thinly veiled judgment. “Honestly, I’m a little surprised it took you this long to realize that. Unless the world of wedding cake design is a lot more cutthroat than I ever realized.”

“You have no idea,” she commented darkly, and then jolted, looking around at the leather dashboard, the bullet hole in the windshield, the black paint on the hood. She gasped. “Your car didn’t break down!”

“No.”

“I bet this isn’t even your car.”

He didn’t respond.

“Is it stolen?”

“Yes.”

Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God.

I’m aiding and abetting a known fugitive.

Oh my God!

“I demand you let me out of the car at once!” Addy exclaimed, her voice as rigid and severe as she could possibly make it.

“I’m afraid that’s not going to happen,” he replied smoothly, all confidence and control.

“But— But—” That always works in the movies. “But I demand it!”

“And your demand is adorable, really, but it’s not going to happen. I didn’t mean to get you involved, but you are. You’re in this, whether you want to be or not.”

“In what?” Her voice was small, unsure.

He glanced at her, something soft and almost pained in his gaze. Then he looked forward and tightened his grip on the steering wheel, staring out the window with new resolve. “In this car, with me, until I say otherwise.”

I don’t think so. “I’ll call the police.”

“I have your phone.”

“I’ll scream.”

“Please don’t. I’m pretty sure no one but me will hear you, and my eardrums can’t take any more.”

“I’ll— I’ll—” Addy searched around for some sort of ammunition. Her hand went to the door handle and tugged on it uselessly.

“It’s locked, remember? And even if it weren’t, I wouldn’t recommend that route, just based on my own personal experience. Jumping out of a car going upwards of sixty miles an hour hurts like hell.”

She folded her fingers into her palm and pulled her hand back slightly, then spun, lunging for the wheel. He caught her with his forearm and pushed her back against the seat, locked in place. Addy punched and kicked, but he didn’t budge.

“I’m not going to hurt you, I swear. If I wanted to do that, I would’ve left you back there on your own. I wouldn’t have taken you with me.” He released her and ran his hand through his hair, ruffling those dark, wavy locks in a way that was frustratingly attractive. “This is all a big mistake. I just need to make sure it’s safe before I let you go.”

“Why should I believe you?”

He winced. “Because I have no reason to lie.”

Addy snorted with disbelief before she could stop it—uncaring for once in her life that the gesture was incredibly unladylike. “You’re a criminal. And a thief. And a con. And all you’ve done tonight is lie!”

“True,” he stated slowly, meeting her eyes with a smile. “But wasn’t it exciting?”

REVIEW:

****(5) out of 5 Stars!

This book was even more delightful than the prior one in the series!  Once again it mixes just the right amount of danger and suspense with humor and romance to create the perfect blend for a reading delight!   

  

  

The male lead in this episode is Thad, the childhood like-a-brother friend and more recently crime cohort of Jo from the first book.  He's currently on the run from the FBI, as well as Russian mobsters.  So things do tend to be a little exciting when he's around, what with bullets flying and whatnot.  Of course, he's pretty interesting in his own right, at least as far as Addy is concerned.  

Addy is the female lead in this little adventure.  She is gullible, naive, overly dramatic, and just as sweet as the masterpiece cakes she loves to create.  She's also rather easily upset, a horrible liar and actor, and fairly inept at all things stealthy and criminal.   

The two are accidentally thrown together when Thad attempts to use Addy as an intermediary to contact Jo without the Feds finding out.  Of course, the Russians are way ahead of him and attempt to kill or capture them both, giving Thad no alternative but to run... and take Addy with him.    

The little bit of patience [Jo] possessed had clearly worn thin.  "What are you not telling me?"
Hmm... where to begin?
[Thad] decided to start on the path of least resistance.  "I accidentally kidnapped your friend."
"You what?"

"Addy!" Jo exclaimed, sounding exactly the way Addy always imagined she would... "Are you all right?... Of course you're not all right!  But you will be.  I promise.  Thad will take good care of you.  He's not as much of an idiot as he seems, and he's nothing like the man the news is trying to portray.  He's protective and caring.  And, well, he knows I'll hunt him down and murder him if anything happens to you, so there's that too."

As time passes, the two get to know one another, and start to grow close.  A cross-country trek, while on the run from both cops and robbers, with some strategic tourist stops along the way, only highlights the physical attraction that they have for one another, as well as the emotional bonds that they are forging.  

Thad is still determined, however, to flee across the southern border into Mexico, hoping to avoid a life-long prison sentence from the FBI or a death sentence from the mobsters.  And things certainly get real fast when the players all finally come together at once.

I am totally enjoying this trilogy and can't wait to read the final installment!  I hope we have more future glimpses of all these characters within those pages.

I received a free eBook copy of this title from the author, 

and have willingly provided an honest review.

~

To celebrate the release of "Stolen Goods,"

Book #1 in the series, "Hot Pursuit," 

is currently only 99¢!

Hot Pursuit (To Catch a Thief, #1)

 by Kay Marie

SUMMARY:

Don't miss this laugh-out-loud, enemies-to-lovers romance that's How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days meets White Collar with a dash of The Thomas Crown Affair thrown in!

All Jolene Carter has ever wanted is a bakery of her own. There's only one problem. Her father, Robert Carter, is a world-renowned art thief and she's, well, sort of his protégé. But he's promised her this next job in New York will be their last, and she won't let anyone get in the way of her dreams... especially not the distractingly delicious FBI agent hot on her tail.

Agent Nate Parker has been on the Robert Carter case for years, and if rumors of the aging criminal's retirement are true, this might be his last chance to nail him. With the legacy of his late father in the back of his mind, the stakes are more personal than anyone realizes. He won't let anything stand in the way of justice... especially not the red-headed vixen who keeps giving him the slip.

He's a cop who'd never bend. She's a con who'll never break. But all's fair in love and larceny...

- Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DD1M1SN

- Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07DD1M1SN

- Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07DD1M1SN

- Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07DD1M1SN

~

Author Bio:

Kaitlyn Davis, a bestselling author with over a quarter of a million books sold, writes young adult fantasy novels under the name Kaitlyn Davis and contemporary romance novels under the name Kay Marie. Publishers Weekly has said, “Davis writes with confidence and poise,” while USA Today has recommended her work as “must-read romance.” 

Always blessed with an overactive imagination, Kaitlyn has been writing ever since she picked up her first crayon and is overjoyed to share her work with the world. When she’s not daydreaming, typing stories, or getting lost in fictional worlds, Kaitlyn can be found playing fetch with her puppy, watching a little too much television, or spending time with her family. If you have any questions for her – about her books, about scheduling an event, or just in general – you may contact her at: KaitlynDavisBooks@gmail.com. 

Sign up for Kaitlyn’s newsletter to stay up-to-date with all of her new releases, to receive exclusive subscriber bonus content, and more! at

 Newsletter / Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Rafflecopter $25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway: 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/8ddaec7611/?

#StolenGoods  #ToCatchAThief

BOOK BLITZ for "Wings of the Wicked: A Limited Edition Urban Fantasy Collection"

Wings of the Wicked: A Limited Edition Urban Fantasy Collection
Publication date:
January 8th, 2019
Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy

Wickedly Dangerous and Sinfully Seductive. 

Indulge in 25 breathtaking adventures of dangerous worlds where the lines blur between saints and sinners. 

Come meet the creatures that fuel your every lust filled nightmare, where angels are not always encased in a light of righteousness and demons are not always dealing in all manner of debauchery. Where you might just end up rooting for the bad guy… 

If you like demonic games, angelic interventions, and thrilling temptations, you’ll love this urban fantasy and paranormal romance collection of twisted proportions in Wings of the Wicked. 

With stories from: 

Rebecca Hamilton

Charlene A. Wilson

Dariel Raye

Muffy Wilson

Carolyn Reilly

Kim Carmichael

J.R. Thorn

Lynda Kaye Frazier

Lexi C. Foss

Ravenna Tate

Maddie Wade

LaVerne Thompson

Shereen Vedam

Colleen S. Myers

Ditter Kellen

RS McCoy

K.B. Everyly

Amara Kent

Erin Lee

Erica Gerald Mason

Zachary Paul Chopchinski

Drea Shane

Nichole Riley

N.K. Stackhouse

Amy Cissell

Leona Bushman

Betty Shreffler

Khardine Gray

Anita Hunter

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

—

SNEAK PEEKS:

Devil’s Claim
by
Dariel Raye and Muffy Wilson
USA Today Bestselling Authors
@pendarielraye and @SexyMuffyWilson

David hit the button to start his playlist, then turned to face Katala. His speech was halting, but deliberate. “What do you need me to do before we move forward with this agreement?”
“Where did that come from all of a sudden? A moment ago, we were talking about work.”
Following the wedding, they used most of their extra time moving into a new free-standing flat. Katala had actually taken a six-week leave from work, but cried the night before she had to return. Now, she sat barefoot on the sofa in a long pink cotton gown.
“David, I don’t want to talk about that right now. I hate the way you change the subject in midstream like that. I – I’d just like to know you better. You know, feel more comfortable with you. I don’t want to just have sex because we’re supposed to.”
David’s gaze followed her as she moved closer to him. “What do you need to know?” he asked.
She gave a short laugh. She had to admit, she liked his straightforward manner. Despite her initial distrust, she was beginning to change her mind. One thing she realized she did not have to worry about with him was lies. He was so used to getting his way there was absolutely no guile in him. He simply said ‘I want this or that’, and people did whatever he wanted. She never doubted she would be any different. Honestly, he lit a fire inside her she’d never felt before, but she refused to give in just yet.
“David, I want to know how you feel, what you think, what’s important to you. You know – things that I’m sure most married couples know about each other. Nothing out of the ordinary.”
He smiled. “How about I don’t like waiting. Is that enough about how I feel and what I think?”

—

Forbidden Hallow
by
Carolyn Reilly
@CReillyBooks

Dry-mouthed, Ana woke to the chirping of birds outside her windowsill. Heat flared across her cheeks as she thought back on how thoroughly Jesse had loved her only hours ago. Unfortunately, he’d received a phone call soon after and had to return to his room to use the notebook he’d left there. She’d let him go reluctantly.
Padding barefoot across the cold tiles of her kitchen, she rolled his name around her mouth. Jesse Hannover. She couldn’t wait until she saw him again later that day. But the longer she repeated his name, the more it started to ring a bell, and a sudden coldness crept through her veins, dampening her good mood.
Where had she heard the name Hannover before?
Hesitating only for the briefest of moments, she called her brother, Alessio, the only one of her family she could really trust. How she wished he wasn’t half a world away in China.
He answered on the first ring. “Hey, little Adriana.”
She rolled her eyes. He knew exactly how she hated to be called by her full name. “Hey, yourself. I know you’re busy, but do you have a moment for me?”
“Always. Shoot.”
“Does the name Jesse Hannover ring a bell for you?”
“Good question. It sounds familiar, but I don’t know why. Why are you asking?”
Telling her brother that she just slept with a Jesse Hannover was out of the question. “I came across the name on social media and couldn’t stop thinking about it.”
“Wait a sec. I’ll check the database.”
Pacing the floor, Ana held on. Alessio had access to a database that listed anybody associated with supernatural activities.
Her brother cursed through the line. “You were right. Hannover is one of the Hallows fake identities. The youngest Hallow’s name is Jesse.” He groaned over the line. “Whatever you do, stay the hell away from him. As far as you possibly can. I don’t have to tell you what the Hallows are capable of, right?”
Her head started spinning, and cold sweat covered her forearms. “No. Thanks for checking. I need to go.”
Ana ended the call and sank down on her bed. The Hallows were rumored to be merciless, brutal slayers who eliminated everything supernatural and anyone associated with it, no matter if they were good or evil.
She cradled her head in her hands. She’d just exposed Darren to Jesse, before inviting the Hallow into her home and spending the night with him. The best night of her life.
If he found out to what extent she was involved with supernaturals, he’d go after her, too. And she wouldn’t be the first of her family to die by the hand of a Hallow.

GIVEAWAY!
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COVER REVEAL & EXCERPT for "Free to Breathe" by Tracey Jerald

Release Date: January 24, 2019

Cover Design: Amy Queau - QDesign

Synopsis

Baker Corinna Freeman cut all ties with Colby Hunt when she learned what the handsome military officer really thought about her and her cooking skills. She walked away; heartbroken, pride in tatters, keeping secrets she was far too young to shoulder.

Now, a decade later, Corinna’s reputation is legendary — both in and out of the kitchen. This bold woman is determined to live life to its fullest while she can.

There’s just one major problem...

Colby’s suddenly turning up everywhere acting as if nothing has changed between them in the last ten years. It infuriates her because he can still stir her up.

Colby Hunt never understood why Corinna walked out of his life without a word. He’s not letting this chance pass to figure out what happened with the voluptuous beauty who captured his heart. Despite his anger, he’s never really let her go.

But there’s something she’s hiding...

Unlike Corinna’s perfect cakes, secrets fall apart. When they do, they will test the strength and courage of not only Corinna and Colby but the entire Freeman family.

Goodreads

Excerpt:

Finally, when she faces me, her face is devoid of the fiery emotion I saw captured on Holly’s camera. “What do you think so far?”

“Of what?” Of our conversation? I think it fucking sucks.

“Of the cake. A teenage football player for the Tigers was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Caught in time, thank God. His parents called because tomorrow’s his birthday. Kids at RHS have been decorating the rocks at Lake Mamanasco in tribute since he was diagnosed. The parents sent me a bunch of pictures. I’m trying to recreate it.” She gestures to the photos blown up and taped to the walls.

I’m intrigued by the idea and blown away by the talent of the woman in front of me. She’s not just decorating a cake; she’s creating a memory. “You were always so brilliant at this,” I murmur as I step forward to get a closer look at the cake and the images.

“At what?” Corinna casually wipes her gloved hands on her pants before she reaches for a bottle of water. Taking a large drink, she lowers the volume on the music.

“Capturing the essence of life in your art. You bring life to things all around you, Cori.” I turn to find her shaking her head at me. A vile look takes over her face.

“Corinna, if you please. Cori is reserved for the people closest to me. People who actually give a shit.” Corinna’s voice is filled with loathing.

I’d be lying if I didn’t admit how shaken I am at the vitriol in her voice. I step toward her, expecting her to retreat the way she always did back at school. But Corinna holds her ground. “You know that’s not true,” I grit out.

I care. I’ve always cared too damn much.

“Right.” Her drawl is pronounced, taunting me to break through her shell. I want to throw something to break through because I know better.

This heartless woman isn’t my Corinna.

Abruptly, I turn and face the graffiti images taped to the walls. They’re vulgar in their beauty, denouncing the disease that racked this man/child. Words jump out at me, like loyalty, forever, light, and love. In what some would consider the destruction of something beautiful, something even more precious was built. I’ll never understand how, but these kids made it happen. If they can do it, then so can Corinna and I. We can resolve whatever issues we have between us to get back what we had. Because I don’t think I can live without her in my life.

Without turning, I ask, “How much longer will this take you tonight?” I look over my shoulder to see Corinna loading up an airbrush with an almost ink-like substance. Food coloring, I surmise. Knowing the damage she’s done in the past when pissed off and wielding it, I have little doubt she’ll fling it at me if she’s angered enough. I turn back to face the artwork. Loyalty jumps out again at me. For some reason, that word makes my jaw tick.

Where was her loyalty for us?

“At least another six hours,” she says, matter-of-factly.

“Jesus Christ, Corinna!” I turn fully, food color explosion be damned. “That will put you here after midnight. Alone.”

“I’m a big girl, Colby. This isn’t the first time I’ve done this,” she retorts. I don’t miss her subtle emphasis on the word ‘big’. My eyes drop inadvertently to her luscious breasts. She’s big all right. In all the perfect places. She always has been.

Shaking her head in disgust, she mutters, “If this wasn’t the last of this color…”

I can feel the heat climb up the back of my neck. “You’ve always been a knockout,” I admit.

The snort that leaves her lips is full of disdain. “Oh, please. Give me a fucking break and just go. I don’t have time to deal with this.” She waves her hand toward the back door, dismissing me, queen to a peasant.

I might have left her without trying to climb over her walls, but I need for her to know. “I saw you the other day.”

“Unfortunately, I see you a lot these days. You’re going to have to be more specific than that.”

Taking a deep breath, I step closer to the table where she’s just capped off the air gun. I place one hand on top of hers, forcing her to lower it down to the table. Infuriated mud-brown eyes lift up to mine. “Corinna, I had to get a CT scan on my shoulder for work,”

Any antagonism in her features leeches from her face. “No,” she whispers. Her eyes hold mine for a few more seconds before they start darting around the room. Everywhere but at me.

“Yes.” I capture her chin to hold her face steady. “What happened?”

“Nothing you need to worry about,” she immediately responds, trying to yank her face away. I apply the smallest amount of pressure and she stills.

“It’s serious enough to have a sibling-only dinner though? Isn’t it?” My hand leaves her jaw and trails down her neck to trace her collarbone. “Why keep everyone else out?”

“Maybe I want to introduce them to someone,” she snaps waspishly. Corinna has never dealt well with being backed into a corner.

“Princess, the only man you’re ever going to introduce them to like that is me. And it’s high time we both stop playing games and admit it.” I wait for her reaction to my admission of the attraction that’s always simmered between us. The attraction that even her sisters have recently slammed in my face.

It’s not the one I expect.

Corinna stomps over to the back door and flings it open. I’m surprised the crash doesn’t shatter the glass. “After everything you did to me? After everything you said? Do you really think…of course you do! All you fucking men think you need to do is snap your fingers and any woman will drop their panties at your feet. Guess what—not this woman. Not anymore. Now get the fuck out of my kitchen before I tell the rest of the family what actually happened all those years ago to make me hate you as much as I do.”

I’m frozen in shock. Of all the things I expected, this was the very last on the list.

“Now!” she screams.

Woodenly, I move toward her. Her face is turned away. “Corinna,” I whisper imploringly.

“I am not kidding in the slightest. Get. Out.”

Available Now

Free to Dream - Book 1

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2M3OyDN

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2OkiIQr

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2M2vjew

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2vo0ma2

Free to Run - Book 2

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2q05FJX

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2P75P09

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2CQotUk

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2RWZxyS

Free to Rejoice - Book 3

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2QK2AMX

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2zUDfGC

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2PyVc2q

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2Uzwv9E

Giveaway

One of Five ARC's for Free to Breathe

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b1257f8d403/?

About the Author

Tracey Jerald knew she was meant to be a writer when she would re-write the ending of books in her head on her bike when she was a young girl growing up in southern Connecticut. It wasn't long before she was typing alternate endings and extended epilogues "just for fun".

After college in Florida, where she obtained a degree in Criminal Justice swearing she saw things she'll never quite believe and never quite forget, Tracey traded the world of law and order for IT.

Her work for a world-wide internet startup transferred her to Northern Virginia where she met her husband in what many call their own happily ever after. They have one son.

When she's not busy with her family or writing, Tracey can be found in her home in north Florida drinking coffee, reading, training for a runDisney event, or feeding her addiction to HGTV.

Connect with Tracey

Website: http://bit.ly/2KZ4Sot

Facebook Personal Page: http://bit.ly/2L3wyFE

Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/2zrcnQz

Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/2ucXKeE

Twitter: http://bit.ly/2L7hBCD

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2KLRmVX

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/2L5EVkd

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2ulAJ8E

Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/2QDTr5U

BookBub Author Page: http://bit.ly/2Ne9h9l

BOOK BLITZ for the "Countdown to Love" Anthology

Countdown to Love 
Publication date: Dec, 28th 2018
Genres: Adult, Romance

Ring in your New Year with ten heart-clenching, sexy stories across multiple genres, that will keep you wanting more.

100% of proceeds of this anthology will be donated to Alex’s Lemonade Stand to help fight childhood cancer!

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

GIVEAWAY!
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BOOK REVIEW for "Going Down Easy (Boys of the Big Easy, #1)" by Erin Nicholas

*****(5) out of 5 Stars!

SUMMARY:

Hot fling or real thing? There are no Big Easy answers in New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Erin Nicholas’s sultry series.

As far as flings go, single dad Gabe Trahan is pretty sure that Addison Sloan is his best bet. Once a month, Addison comes to New Orleans and then…It. Is. On. Until Addison returns to New York, it’s just hot, happily-no-strings-attached sex. And beignets. And jazz. But lately for Gabe, it isn’t nearly enough.

Sure, maybe Addison’s gotten a bit hooked on Gabe. After all, who can resist a guy who’s so sexy, so charming, and so… available? But maybe he’s too available for her right now. Addison’s just moved to New Orleans, and relationships are definitely off the table. Besides, guys always bail when they learn her secret: she’s a single mom.

Only Gabe’s not running. Worse, he’s thrilled. But Addison never signed up for ever-after romance, and Gabe won’t settle for anything less. Now it’s a battle of wills — and when it comes to the woman he’s falling for, Gabe isn’t above playing a little dirty.

REVIEW:

It was so fun watching Gabe and Addison get to know each other more! Cooper and Stella were delightful, of course! And all of the other secondary characters were fun as well.  This couple are obviously SO right for each other! They are just adoreable together, and they complement each other wonderfully as single parents. Not to mention that the chemistry between them is hot! I did not enjoy how much Addison tried to fight their being together, but am just glad that she eventually came to her senses.  There were a few inconsistencies in the storyline that bothered me, but nothing too monumental.  I am definitely looking forward to reading the next installment in this series! ~ *****(5) out of 5 Stars! SUMMARY: A sexy, New Orleans bartender with a panty-melting grin and a panty-dropping drawl. A little jazz. A few beignets. And ONE hot weekend... Yep, just one. Supposedly. This is a novella and is a prequel to book one of the series, Going Down Easy. Lots of steamy fun set in New Orleans! If you don't like hot, dirty-talking bartenders, open door sexy times (okay, and on-a-balcony sexy times), or beignets and jazz, this is not the book for you. If you do like all of those things... you definitely need to be meet Gabe Trahan! REVIEW: This book was perfect for what it is: a prequel novella to the new Boys of the Big Easy  series.  Gabe is so sweet and sexy, and totally head-over-heels for Addison from the get-go.  And I love that she returns!  It is great to see how much fun they have together at the beginning of their relationship, before things get heavy and real. The prequel novella Easy Going  is currently FREE on all major eBook platforms! ~ ****(4) out of 5 Stars! SUMMARY: What happened before Addison walked into Gabe's bar in New Orleans? A Boys of the Big Easy short story. REVIEW: This short story helped make a lot of things in Easy Going much more clear! A fun little bit of a story that really sets the stage for the next installment. This prequel of the prequel short story Easy Going  is available FREE for subscribers of the author's email newsletter!

BOOK BLITZ for "The Dating Alternative" by Jennifer Woodhull

The Dating Alternative 
by Jennifer Woodhull
Publication date: Dec 26th, 2018
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

She’s so over dating. He wants to be her alternative. 

Max has crushed on Brie for as long as he’s known her but the timing was never right. When he finds out they’re finally single at the same time, he’s poised to move from friend zone to serious dating… until he finds out she’s only looking for something physical. He offers his services in hopes she’ll come around. 

Just when things are starting to go his way, a shocking turn of events snatches her from his grasp. Now he has to resurrect the life he thought he’d left behind to help the woman he’s falling in love with before it’s too late. 

A sweet, funny, sexy romance, The Dating Alternative launches everywhere December 26th.

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EXCERPT:

SABRINA
As I lay on the bed, wearing my ex-fiancé’s t-shirt and remembering the night he left me six months ago, I realize that tears are slipping silently down my cheeks.
I’ve done reasonably well, too. The first week, I was catatonic. The first month, I was practically a zombie. In those days, even showering on my day off had been a challenge. Within a couple of months, though, I was doing better. By the ninety-day mark, I could be mistaken for someone who hadn’t been virtually left at the altar.
Now, lying on the bed six months after Grant had thrown away our life together, I was almost indiscernible from a normal girl. Looking at me most days, you would never know that my life had been ripped apart by an exotic Olympian named Isabel and my former fiancé, Grant.
I sit up, realizing how far I’d come since that night. I put the back of my hand up to one cheek, then the other. No more. That asshole doesn’t get another single tear from me. Control-G-Delete.

Author Bio:

Jennifer Woodhull is based in the Southern United States, spending time in her second home of England, and traveling as often as she can. Her love of travel permeates her work, and her characters often find themselves exploring new and foreign surroundings. 

A keen observer of human behavior, Jennifer often draws inspiration from something as simple as a fleeting connection, or the glimpse of a unique trait or characteristic. Her favorite place to write is on airplanes. 

"The drone of the engine, the scores of people, all traveling to something or from something, and being disconnected from digital distractions are a combination that provide the perfect place to write," she says. "If you see a woman in seat 9F who is balancing her Macbook on her lap because it's time to close your tray table, please have patience. I'm just trying to finish one more sentence." 

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BOOK REVIEW for "Theonite: Planet Adyn (Theonite, #1)" by M.L. Wang

***(3) out of 5 Stars!

SUMMARY:

The only thing scarier than finding out you have Earth-shaking superpowers... is finding out you aren't the only one.

Nobody looks twice at Joan Messi when she walks down the hall at school... and she does everything she can to keep it that way. You can’t afford friends or attention when you’re keeping a secret as big as hers. Unbeknownst to her teachers and classmates, Joan’s over-sized sweatshirt and antisocial behavior conceal power that defies the laws of reality.

FEAR has kept it hidden.

PASSION has kept it alive.

DISASTER will set it loose.

Joan is at her happiest when she uses her powers—stirring air currents, creating fire, and levitating metal objects—but she learned at a young age that no one in her small-minded suburban neighborhood was prepared to accept her abilities. Since that painful revelation, she has hidden her powers, isolating herself from others, even keeping her own parents at a distance.

However, all that changes when a boy named Daniel Thundyil transfers to her school and she begins to suspect that he is concealing powers of his own. Burning with curiosity and desperate to end her loneliness, Joan makes it her mission to get to the bottom of this boy's secrets. What she uncovers is hard to believe, even for someone as strange as she is: Daniel and his father are crime-fighters from a parallel dimension of super-powered beings, and they have come to her town in search of nameless criminal so powerful his presence threatens all life on Earth.

In these inter-dimensional travelers, Joan finds a hope she never thought possible: that she could belong somewhere. But storm clouds are gathering over the rooftops of suburbia, and Joan realizes that the closer she gets to her newfound friends, the closer she gets to a danger too terrible to contemplate. Now, the most powerful girl on Earth faces a choice: will she retreat back to the safety of her life in hiding or brave the storm for a chance at truth and friendship?

REVIEW:

I believe this is the debut novel for the author, M.L. Wang, and as such it is a superb endeavor.  The story starts out a bit slow, but soon picks up momentum and continues fairly nonstop throughout the remainder of the book.  Not a lot actually happens in this volume, but there is a ton of world-building.  Basically, one assumes, things are being set-up for the real action to occur in subsequent tomes.  

Some of the things that I disliked about this book are those that occur in many other stories also, most notable of which is endangering children.  The premise is usually that the good guys don't want to put the children in danger by associating with them.  When in fact, the kids are already in danger, and are basically just being abandoned.  After the playground scene in particular, when Joan is made to walk home by herself, I found extremely disconcerting.  Not only is the regular world potentially dangerous for a girl her age alone at night, but there are obviously more powerful malevolent forces at work.  

Then there is the total inconsistency of Daniel being absent from school for two months near the end of the book, but him and Joan having to attend a part day of school so that no one suspects they are planning to leave for good.  That I found completely annoying.  

And the cliff-hanger ending did not endear the story to me at all.

Overall, however, the storyline here is very compelling, the characters are interesting, the world-building is solid, and the writing is quite good.  There are a lot of questions raised though, and not a lot of answers.  Again, you get the impression that there is a lot of stuff to come.  I plan to read the remainder of the series once it is available, and hope that much more will be revealed and explained in subsequent volumes.

I received a free copy of this title from the author, and have willingly provided an honest review.

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BOOKS IN THE THEONITE SERIES:

Theonite Book I: Planet Adyn
Theonite Book II: Orbit
Theonite Book III: (Title TBA)
The Sword of Kaigen (A Theonite War Story) (Coming Feb 2019)
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The Theonite Series is a YA fantasy/science fiction blend perfect for anyone who loves superheroes, afrofuturism, magical powers, mysterious worlds, and heart-pumping suspense. Fans of Tomi Adeyemi, Leigh Bardugo, and Rick Riordan will adore this heartfelt journey through a girl's exploration of her supernatural powers and her encounter with an alternate reality.

BOOK REVIEW for "Make Me Stay (Hope, #5)" by Jaci Burton

****(3) out of 5 Stars!

SUMMARY:

Having left his hometown of Hope years ago, only one thing could persuade architect Reid McCormack to come home for a lengthy stay — the challenge of renovating a historic building. But once the job is finished, he’ll be headed back to Boston, no matter how much he’s drawn to beautiful florist Samantha Reasor.  

Samantha watches over her elderly grandmother and pours a piece of herself into every floral creation she designs. Her crush on Reid has been blooming for a while now, but she’s reluctant to act on it. A temporary fling isn’t what she’s looking for, even if Reid is smoking hot and super sexy. She wants a real, permanent, forever kind of love. 

Two people with different goals couldn’t possibly work, and yet as their attraction grows into something deeper, maybe falling in love is the one thing Samantha and Reid can build a future on.

REVIEW:

This Book #5 in the Hope series finally gets around to the last McCormack brother, Reid.  We haven't seen much of him up to this point, because lives in Boston.  But now he's come to town for a few months to help restore an abandoned historic building that his brothers are renovating so that they can lease it out for retail and office space.  

Of course, Reid falls in love with the building, especially a corner office on the top floor.  And also with the local florist, Samantha.  He also really enjoys the opportunity to reconnect with his two brothers, Logan and Luke, and get to know their new wives.  (Not to mention the fact that he'll soon be an uncle twice over.)  In fact, it's apparent to just about everyone except Reid that he needs to return to Hope and settle there.  But he doesn't seem to get the memo.  

Consequently, after having a real good relationship for quite some time, Reid and Sam break-up.  Unbeknownst to her, he finally decided to move back to Hope; something he never bothers to share with her.  Consequently, she tries to be brave and all, not making a fuss and letting him go; which he erroneously interprets as her not caring for him.  Anyway, long story short: he finally ends up telling her how he feels, and amazingly she (still) feels the same way, and they live happily ever after.  

In other words, this book follows nearly the exact same pattern as all of the others in the series.  Still, despite being very predictable, the writing is excellent, the characters are lovely, and the story is (otherwise) entertaining.  

BOOK BLITZ for "More Than a Rebound" by Lory Wendy

More Than a Rebound 
by Lory Wendy
Publication date: November 26th, 2018
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

“The Rebound Effect” states that in order to get over your ex, you have to get under someone else. At least, that’s what Miles Bedford’s best friend keeps telling him. 

So when he’s suddenly thrust back into the single life, Miles has one thing in mind.

The plan is simple, and his intentions are clear. He’s not looking for love. 

But sometimes all it takes is one person, and one weekend, to change everything.

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Excerpt:

“We can pick this up later,” I said.

We were quiet as we got on I-95, but it wasn’t like earlier in the day when the silence made me want to jump out of my skin. When we passed the exit that would lead us to her loft, Noelle shoulders relaxed, and her lips curled up in a soft smile. I took that to mean she knew I was going to my house, but to be sure, I asked, “We’re going to my place. Is that cool?”

“Definitely.”

And we were quiet again because I realized what I’d said. We were going to my house.

The silence and my thoughts about what bringing Noelle home symbolized lasted our whole ride, only ending when we got inside my place and I offered her something to drink.

I leaned against the counter and rested my head against the cabinet above. My heart slammed in my chest. This was momentous. The importance of having Noelle in my house—in my kitchen—drinking from glasses I bought after my ex left me and took all her things, along with some of my confidence with her.

I felt good—happy despite my nerves. In one night Noelle threw me and my plans off kilter. The guys were right; she had me by the balls. My only desire was to get out of my head and enjoy every minute of our limited time together.

I opened my eyes and found her watching me over the top of the glass. A small smile played on her juicy lips, and she had that look that let me know she knew what she did to me. 

Author Bio:

Lory Wendy is a daydreaming contemporary romance writer. 

When she isn’t writing, or reading, you can find her binge-watching True Crime television with "Snapped" being the most watched. 

Born in New York, raised in Florida, and matured in Massachusetts, she's never sure how to answer the question, "Where are you from?" 

At the moment, though, Lory has recently returned to New York where she's drawing on the city lights, and packed to the brim trains, to inspire her writing. 

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BLOG TOUR for "Nora’s Promise" by Sedona Hutton

Nora’s Promise 
by Sedona Hutton
Publication date: October 5th, 2018
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

She trusts animals more than men. He runs through women like tires. Will an orphaned child force them to change gears? 

With her sister’s death, Nora’s life changed in an instant. Forced to raise her orphaned nephew, the animal rescuer doesn’t expect to be dumped and fired by her kid-hating boyfriend/boss. After her own close call and a message from beyond, Nora introduces the little boy to his handsome, fast-living absentee father. 

Davey Johnson is a hot-shot NASCAR driver who never wanted to be slowed down by fatherhood. But when he finds out he has a nine-year-old son, he vows to be a better father than his old man. When his first efforts fail in a big way, he enlists Nora’s parenting help. But what starts as a chore transforms into something way hotter than a final lap. 

When Davey’s sponsors clash with Nora’s vegan ways, he’s forced to choose between his passion for racing and his love of Nora. Will they be able to blend their lives or will their romance run right off the track? 

Nora’s Promise is a contemporary romance with a new age twist. If you like fast cars, caring heroines, and sizzling chemistry, then you’ll love Sedona Hutton’s contemporary love story.

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Excerpt:

Five minutes later, Davey arrived. He quickly spotted her, but spent the next little while signing napkins, papers, and a ballcap as he made his way toward her. With each interruption, Nora’s jaw clenched. By the time he slid into the seat across from her, she was simmering with irritation.

“Glad you could finally make it,” she said, her voice heavy with sarcasm.

He raised a single brow and nodded at her mug. “Haven’t had enough caffeine this morning?”

When Davey turned to look for the waitress, she shot over faster than Nora could blink.

Nora rolled her eyes while Davey laid on the charm. She had to admit he was good-looking. That is if you liked the sun-kissed blond, blue-eyed, tall, lean look. And apparently, the waitress did. As Davey signed her order pad, she hung on his every word. She told him that he’d had a great season and that she had cried after he’d wrecked in some race.

Cried? Seriously? It was a race, not a matter of life and death. Finally, she took Davey’s order for a cup of coffee. When she started to walk away, Davey touched her arm and the woman turned back. Her eyes sparkled and her face flushed as she glanced back and forth between Davey’s hand on her arm and his face. “Amber, could you also bring Nora—” he nodded in her direction “—another tea?” His lips ticked up into an obnoxious grin. “She seems to be a little short on caffeine this morning.”

After Amber pulled herself together and made her way toward the kitchen, Nora pinned a look on Davey. “It must be exhausting to be you.”

Author Bio:

Author Sedona Hutton finds inspiration in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, where she lives with her husband and curly-coated retriever. In addition to writing, she’s a Reiki Master and a certified Chopra Center Meditation instructor. She enjoys reading, yoga, gardening, playing with her dog, and riding motorcycles. Sedona’s novel, Cloud Whispers, was selected as a Finalist in the 2018 Readers’ Favorite Contest and an Official Selection in the 2018 Summer eBook Awards for New Apple Literary. Her “Peace, Love, & Joy” blog can be found on her website. Visit her at www.SedonaHutton.com, Facebook @SedonaHuttonAuthor, and Twitter @SedonaHutton. 

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