★ARC REVIEW★ ROMAN CRAZY BY ALICE CLAYTON & NINA BOCCI

12473986_471740579680805_7734166611831314733_o

Roman Crazy (The Broads Abroad #1) by Alice Clayton & Nina Bocci

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | iBooks | Audible

14195978_562225227299006_6039234458750234407_o

RR_synopsis

Avery Bardot steps off the plane in Rome, looking for a fresh start. She’s left behind a soon-to-be ex-husband in Boston and plans to spend the summer with her best friend Daisy, licking her wounds—and perhaps a gelato or two. But when her American-expat friend throws her a welcome party on her first night, Avery’s thrown for a loop when she sees a man she never thought she’d see again: Italian architect Marcello Bianchi.

Marcello was the man—the one who got away. And now her past is colliding with her present, a present where she should be mourning the loss of her marriage and—hey, that fettuccine is delicious! And so is Marcello…

Slipping easily into the good life of summertime in Rome, Avery spends her days exploring a city that makes art historians swoon, and her nights swooning over her unexpected what was old is new again romance. It’s heady, it’s fevered, it’s wanton, and it’s crazy. But could this really be her new life? Or is it just a temporary reprieve before returning to the land of twin-set cardigans and crustless sandwiches?

A celebration of great friendship, passionate romance, and wonderful food, Roman Crazy is a lighthearted story of second chances and living life to the fullest.

★3.5 STARS★

Avery Bardot seemingly had the perfect life. Married to her husband of eight years, she has played a supportive role in his career progression. His wealth has afforded them many luxuries, and her days are scheduled with lunches, garden clubs and cooking classes. What isn’t scheduled, is catching the man she sacrificed so much for sticking it to his secretary.

Summoned by her best friend Daisy, fleeing to Italy is the first of many spontaneous decisions Avery makes in this new uncharted chapter of her life. If that wasn’t overwhelming enough, her first night in Rome brings her face to face with a man from her past, whom she experienced some of the best times of her life with.

Marcello looked every bit like my greatest love and my biggest regret.

Rather than being a depressing story, it has the humour I relish so much from a Clayton novel. I enjoyed the experience of Avery discovering Rome all the while rediscovering herself. It’s not only a second chance at love, but a second chance at being the person she wanted to be in the first place.

I decided upon my rating because although I revelled in Avery’s rediscovery, I found her a tad indulgent at times. I also didn’t get a much of a sense of Marcello as I would have liked. There were also aspects to the story created to cause drama I could have happily done without.

Clayton & Bocci excelled at conjuring deep feelings of wanderlust. Italy’s tourism board need to add this as part of its arsenal as I can only imagine how many readers will want to experience the beautiful scenes and culinary delights so wonderfully described.

The Broads Abroad series is set to be a humorous exploration of characters introduced in this novel. I’m already looking forward to finding out more about the illusive Daisy and her trip to Amsterdam. And I would be remiss to forget Fiona’s potential exploits in Dingle.

13235168_518041085050754_3862031520703429361_o

Nina Bocci is a novelist, publicist, eternal optimist, unabashed lipgloss enthusiast, constant apologist, and a hopeless romanticist. She has too many college degrees that she’s not using, and a Lego addiction that she blames on her son.

Connect with Nina:

NinaBocci.com | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

aliceclayton_pic

ALICE CLAYTON worked in the cosmetics industry for over a decade before picking up a pen (read laptop).

She enjoys gardening but not weeding, baking but not cleaning up, and finally convinced her long-time boyfriend to marry her.

Now, about that Bernese Mountain dog.

FIND THE AUTHORS ON:

NinaBocci.com | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

AliceClayton.com | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Join 4,247 other subscribers

September 14, 2016 | 0 comment

Book Review

★ARC REVIEW★ The One Real Thing (Hart’s Boardwalk #1) by Samantha Young

The One Real Thing (Hart’s Boardwalk #1) by Samantha Young

RR_synopsis

Welcome to Hartwell, a quiet seaside escape where uncovering old secrets could lead one woman to discover the meaning of a love that lasts…

While Doctor Jessica Huntington engages with the inmates at the women’s correctional facility where she works, she’s always careful to avoid emotional attachments in her personal life. Loss and betrayal taught her that lesson long ago. But when she comes across a set of old love letters in the prison’s library and visits the picturesque town of Hartwell to deliver them to their intended recipient, she finds herself unable to resist the town’s charm—and her attraction to the sexy owner of a local bar proves equally hard to deny.

Since his divorce from his unfaithful ex-wife, Cooper Lawson has focused on what really matters: his family and the boardwalk pub they’ve owned for generations. But the first time Jessica steps into his bar, Cooper is beyond tempted to risk his heart on her. Yet as their attraction grows hotter and Jessica remains stubbornly closed off, he begins to realize it will take more than just passion to convince her there’s only one real thing in life worth fighting for….

★4 of 5 stars★

The One Real Thing is Samantha Young’s eagerly anticipated introduction into her new Hart’s Boardwalk series. It’s a charming small town romance set in an idyllic town full of characters who are begging for their stories to be told. In short, post reading I can confidently say, be prepared to loose your heart in Hartwell.

For Jessica Huntington, Hartwell is the perfect location when she finds herself at a crossroads in her life. Working as a Doctor in a women’s prison, she is lead to Hartwell when she discovers some letters embedded in one of the library books. Intrigued and taken with it’s tragically romantic undertones, she embarks to deliver the letters to their intended recipient. Once in Hartwell however, the letters take a back seat when she becomes enamoured with he town and it’s residents.

Along with the town’s attractions comes Cooper Lawson. His interest in Jessica goes beyond that of mysterious tourist, and his unashamed pursuit of her made me a fan almost instantly. It’s a sweet relationship that progressively blossoms, but it’s Jessica’s past that contributes to the dramatic element of the story.

It in some ways it reminded me of Kristen Ashley’s Colorado Mountain series. Samantha cleverly weaves snippets of some residents story into proceedings. Combined with the ever present community spirit, it succeeds in hooking the reader into the next potential book whilst still be immersed in the present one.

The One Real Thing was a delightful reading experience and another string to Samantha Young’s bow. The town, it’s residents and it’s author guarantee that i’ll be visiting again soon.

About the author:

Samantha Young is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the On Dublin Street series, including Moonlight on Nightingale Way, Echoes of Scotland Street, and Fall from India Place, as well as the standalone novel Hero. She resides in Scotland.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Join 4,247 other subscribers

September 5, 2016 | 0 comment

Book Review, Excerpt, Favourites, Most Anticipated, Review

★NEW RELEASE, EXCERPT & REVIEW★ ROOKIE MOVE BY SARINA BOWEN

d5ba3b48-4e1c-4331-9c7b-6a150faad018

COMING SEPTEMBER 6th: A sexy new hockey series from Sarina Bowen.

Buy Links: AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | iBOOKS | KOBO | GOOGLE

RR_synopsis

The first novel in a sexy new series featuring the hockey players of the Brooklyn Bruisers and the women who win their hearts—from the USA Today bestselling author of the Ivy Years series.

In high school they were the perfect couple—until the day Georgia left Leo in the cold…

Hockey player Leo Trevi has spent the last six years trying to do two things: get over the girl who broke his heart, and succeed in the NHL. But on the first day he’s called up to the newly franchised Brooklyn Bruisers, Leo gets checked on both sides, first by the team’s coach—who has a long simmering grudge, and then by the Bruisers’ sexy, icy publicist—his former girlfriend Georgia Worthington.

Saying goodbye to Leo was one of the hardest things Georgia ever had to do—and saying hello again isn’t much easier. Georgia is determined to keep their relationship strictly professional, but when a press conference microphone catches Leo declaring his feelings for her, things get really personal, really fast….

45736909-8baa-47a2-8251-f7bc8d0b3363

RR_Excerpt

“Come right this way,” Georgia heard her coworker and roommate Becca say, the clomp of her Dr. Martens echoing through the grand old passageway. “Nate is excited to meet you.” Becca was the owner’s assistant, and Georgia lingered half a second to wave her down and offer her a donut, too.

But Becca didn’t happen to look in Georgia’s direction as she led a tall man down the corridor. Something about his gait snagged Georgia’s subconscious. So she took a second look.

And that’s when her heart took off like a manic bunny rabbit. Because she knew that man. She knew the chiseled shape of his masculine jaw, and the length of his coal-black eyelashes.

Oh my God.

Omigod, omigod, omigod.

“How was your flight?” Becca asked him, oblivious to the fact that Georgia was spying.

“Not too bad. I got in late last night.”

The sound of his voice fluttered right inside Georgia’s chest. It was the same smoky sweet timbre that used to whisper into her ear while they made love. She hadn’t let herself remember that sound in a long time.

Now it was giving her goosebumps. The good kind.

“Welcome to Brooklyn,” Becca said while Georgia trembled. “Are you familiar with the area?”

“Grew up about thirty miles from here,” he answered while chills broke out across her back.

Holding her breath, Georgia eased her office door further closed, until only a couple of inches remained. She could not be caught like this—freaked-out and speechless, hiding behind a door.

The movement caught Becca’s eye, though. Georgia saw her turn her head in her direction and then pick her out in the crack where the door was still open. Becca raised one eyebrow—the one with the barbell piercing in it.

All Georgia could do was close her eyes and pray that Becca wouldn’t call out a greeting.

There was a pause before Georgia heard Becca say, “Right this way, please.”

Quietly, Georgia stepped into her office and shut the door. After flipping on the light, she let her briefcase and pocketbook slide right to the floor. Only the folder that Nate had given her was still in her shaking hands. She flipped it open, her eyes searching for the new player’s name on the page.

But she didn’t even need the paperwork to confirm what her racing heart had already figured out. The newest player for the Brooklyn Bruisers was none other than Leonardo “Leo” Trevi, a six-foot-two, left-handed forward. Also known as her high school boyfriend, the boy she’d loved with all her heart until the day that she’d dumped him. And now he was here?

“Thanks, universe,” she whispered into the stillness of her office.

Rookie_Move_hockey_card

Sarina Bowen is an author who has consistently and repeatedly been the source of much entertainment this reading year. Bittersweet and Steadfast were fantastic novels from her True North Series, and now with Rookie Move – The first novel in her Brooklyn Bruisers series – she really makes it hard for a girl to pick her favourite stand out hero.

If you’ve read The Fifteenth Minute you’ll know that Leo Trevi is the older brother to my hockey husband, Daniel “DJ” Trevi. Although it’s not necessary to read TFM first, it’s actually here that the first nugget of Leo and Georgia’s story is told. Like a good little bookworm I bookmarked that piece of information in hopes that one day their story would be told.

Rookie Move takes place six years after the high school sweethearts last saw each other. It’s a new and exciting time for them both. Leo is called up to play for the Brooklyn Bruisers and unbeknownst to him, Georgia’s career is taking off as the teams PR representative. If you thought it’d be a warm and fuzzy reunion, you’d be wrong. It’s fraught with uncertainty, but the undeniable recognition of their lost soul mate is ever present. The anticipation combined with their familiarity made for a romance that instantly had me rooting for it.

Gorgie is determined to keep her distance and maintain only a professional relationship, but Leo however has no doubts and is unwavering in his determination for a reconciliation. I found him an adorable hero and couldn’t help but laugh at his PR gaffes which were the constant source of Gorgie’s headaches. Once again Sarinas blend of endearing heroes and strong heroines make for addictive reading. Rookie Move is effectively a second chance romance. Although their love was great the first time, the second time is even better.

18808976._SX540_

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Join 4,247 other subscribers

September 5, 2016 | 0 comment

Book Review, Favourites, Interview, Most Anticipated, Preorder

★ARC REVIEW & INTERVIEW★ PAPER PRINCESS BY ERIN WATT

28678119

Paper Princess by Erin Watt (Elle Kennedy & Jen Frederick)

Expected publication: 4th April 2016

Preorder: AMAZON US PAPERBACK | AMAZON UK PAPERBACK

RR_synopsis

From strip clubs and truck stops to southern coast mansions and prep schools, one girl tries to stay true to herself.

These Royals will ruin you…

Ella Harper is a survivor—a pragmatic optimist. She’s spent her whole life moving from town to town with her flighty mother, struggling to make ends meet and believing that someday she’ll climb out of the gutter. After her mother’s death, Ella is truly alone.

Until Callum Royal appears, plucking Ella out of poverty and tossing her into his posh mansion among his five sons who all hate her. Each Royal boy is more magnetic than the last, but none as captivating as Reed Royal, the boy who is determined to send her back to the slums she came from.

Reed doesn’t want her. He says she doesn’t belong with the Royals.

He might be right.

Wealth. Excess. Deception. It’s like nothing Ella has ever experienced, and if she’s going to survive her time in the Royal palace, she’ll need to learn to issue her own Royal decrees.

Review – 5 Royal stars

Some kids dream of traveling the world, owning fast cars, big houses. Me? I want my own apartment, a fridge full of food, and a steady paying job, preferably one that’s as exciting as paste drying.

I’m ashamed to admit I came dangerously close to overlooking this due to it’s young adult label. That my friends, would have been a huge travesty as I can honestly say, Paper Princess has been one of my favourite and most excitingly-creative reads of the year so far.

Alone in the world since her mothers passing, Ella Harper has faced more adversity in seventeen years than more people see in a lifetime. Her character is one that embodies strength and determination and it’s clear to see from the outset how much of a fighter she is. She also happens to be one the most gutsy and witty heroines I’ve ever enjoyed reading.

The appearance of the Callum Royal, aviation mogul and best friend of her absentee father, as can imagine is met with much resistance. But when he makes her an offer that will secure her future, she has no choice but to concede. For now. Along with Callum and his guardianship, comes his 5 wayward sons. Make that 5 incredibly HOT, wayward sons. It’s Reed Royal who makes the biggest impression, and also happens to be the biggest threat.

If you stay, we’ll break you so bad that you’ll be crawling away.”

Ella’s new life is a hybrid of Cruel Intentions & Mean Girls, and I loved every second.

As two of my favoured new adult sport romance authors, Elle Kennedy and Jen Frederick produce a seamless YA novel. It’s written so flawlessly, it’s impossible to determine where Elle begins and Jen ends. I’m truly excited about this series and it it will be a miserable wait for the next book.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review for Relentless Romance*

12523863_596781693804061_6371660599032723228_n

Interview with Erin Watt

Welcome, Erin Watt! *curtseys * It’s an absolute pleasure to have you here today. I was lucky enough to get my hands on an advanced review copy of Paper Princess and I cannot even begin to explain how much I loved it.

Enquiring minds want to know, how did this fantastic collaboration come about?

First off, thanks so much not only for having us, but for the book love as well! The two of us knew each other before this collaboration came to be, but mostly in an acquaintance, same-industry type of way. Then we discovered we had a mutual love (and maybe a bit of light-hearted rivalry) of football and a common desire to try our hand at young adult romance. So we started brainstorming, and things just sort of happened from there…

Paper Princess reminded me of everything I loved about Cruel Intentions and Mean Girls. What was the inspiration behind the story?

We’re both fans of Cruel Intentions and Gossip Girl, and we really wanted to try to write something that’s a bit over the top. Something with lots of angst, drama, mean girls, rich kids and pretty much anything else soap opera-ish that we could incorporate. Add to that our spin on the rags-to-riches premise, and we ended up creating a determined heroine who’s not sure what the future holds but is more than capable of handling anything that’s thrown her way.

Your collaboration was a match made in Heaven. What was your writing process like?

Fun! We have a similar sense of humor and writing style, so that made this whole process really easy. We had a blast brainstorming ideas for this series and sending pages back and forth.

I sense legions of fans for each of the Royal sons. Will each brother be getting their own novel?

We’ve been getting asked that quite a bit! All we can say is, we haven’t ruled anything out…

Just for fun, If Ella was a Disney Princess, which one would she be?

Maybe Mulan? She does what she has to do to survive in the world, tries to not care too much about what others think of her, fakes what she needs to in order to get by, and all while having a protective guardian who is trying his best to guide her into a new life she doesn’t quite fit into… actually that might just be the plot to Mulan LOL. The girl’s a fighter, that’s for sure!

Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me today. If it isn’t already obvious, Paper Princess has my Royal seal of approval.

When can we expect more from this Royal rabble?

Broken Prince (Royals #2) can be expected out later this summer. The best way to stay up-to-date with the latest Erin Watt news is to sign up for our newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/bPywZb or visit the EW Facebook page http://facebook.com/AuthorErinWatt

Thanks for having us!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Join 4,247 other subscribers

March 23, 2016 | 3 Comments

Blog Tour, Book Review

★BLOG TOUR & REVIEW★ DEEPEST KISS BY J. KENNER

deepestreleaseweekbanner

From New York Times bestselling author J. Kenner comes a tantalizing ebook novella starring fan favorites Damien Stark and his wife, Nikki Fairchild. Deepest Kiss follows the couple from their island resort to their home in Los Angeles, and introduces Dallas Sykes, the seductive bad boy in the newest Stark International Novel, Dirtiest Secret—the first book in a new trilogy of the S.I.N. series.

Includes a special preview of J. Kenner’s provocative new novel, Dirtiest Secret!

My love for Damien Stark runs deep, and my need for his touch runs even deeper. He’s my shelter in this world, my light when everything seems dark, and all it takes is one kiss for my body to come alive.

Yet no matter where we go, our secrets threaten to surface. Someone dangerous from my past is back to stir up trouble, and now it feels like there’s nowhere I can hide.

I know Damien will always protect me, that our fierce desire will give us strength. In his arms I find safe harbor—and the sweetest release.

DK3

18352339._SX540_

Deepest Kiss is the latest novella in the spellbinding Stark series. It’s a series that captivates and shows no sign of losing momentum.

For Damien and Nikki, it has been a journey of extreme highs and lows. Throughout it all they have remained strong and weathered the storms faced. At the present time life is treating them well.
Nikki’s company is taking shape and as far as Damien is concerned, a happy wife is a happy life.

Things sour when there is a threat directed towards Nikki. As tensions rise, Nikki finds herself in a position of helplessness. Unwanted dark thoughts return and even with the love and support of friends she struggles with the revelations being made. There is never any doubt of Damien’s devotion to Nikki, he is formidable presence, none more so than when it comes to the protection of his wife.

J. Kenner’s writing is addictive. Much like the Starks, it’s sensual and decadent. The introduction of a new character Dallas Sykes, served not to pique my interest but to revel in what is in store for him in the upcoming Stark International Novel, Dirtiest secret.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review for Relentless Romance*

(more…)

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Join 4,247 other subscribers

March 11, 2016 | 0 comment

Book Review, Giveaway, Most Anticipated

★BLOG REVIEW & GIVEAWAY★ TARGET ON OUR BACKS BY J.M. DARHOWER

17ef6abe-16e3-4a23-9813-da0884c58533

My fellow Naz addicts, Steph from The Crazy World of a Book Lover & Angela from Feeding My Addiction Book Reviews could not let this momentous release go by without celebrating. Check out our reviews and then enter our eBook giveaway.

AMAZON US | AMAZON UK |

RR_synopsis

The best way to keep your word is never to give it.

Not long ago, in a chapel in Vegas, I swore to love Karissa for the rest of my days. But nobody’s promised an infinite number of tomorrows. Nobody’s promised forever. Sometimes, all we have left is today.

Carpe Diem
Seize the day.

It should’ve been over, we should’ve been happy, but people are making it hard for me to live in peace. I’ve got so much blood on my hands they’ll never be clean, and somebody out there seems to want me to pay for it. Happily Ever After always comes at a cost, one any real man would be willing to pay. But that doesn’t mean I’m just going to roll over and accept these consequences.

Because when it comes to the woman I love? The life I’ve fought for?

Nobody is safe.

Review

Processed with MOLDIV

Naz is the kind of guy that, once he walks into your world, he throws it off its axis, so even if he walks back out, nothing spins the same anymore.

He is back ladies & gentlemen! Ignazio Vitale. The man that can terrify and turn me on in the same sentence. If you are a lover of dark romance and you have yet to meet Naz, quick question. What is wrong with your life? *kidding* (kind of.. )

JM Darhower has made my dreams come true with this sneak attack addition to The Monster series. Each novel has built on a story that has a firmer grip on me than Naz’s on the throat of his enemies.

For men like Naz there is no getting out, when you’ve made many enemies you don’t just get to walk off into the sunset. Target on Our Backs centres on Naz trying to give Karissa the sun, when he is the darkness. The addition of new players & threats force Nas’ hand (knife, gun..) back into the game.

I’ll always come for you,” I tell her. “The fucking devil himself couldn’t stop me.

photo 9C177EBC-FEAB-44EA-964F-B8C139DE5678_zpseziq9nzv.gif
JM Darhower has made incredible work of this series and I urge you to pick it up. For those who have already in the know and thought the story ended with Torture to Her Soul, do not fear. JM does the series justice, with Target on Our Backs, she does not miss.