Review: Secret Crush Seduction by Jayci Lee

Secret Crush Seduction by Jayci Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Published: September 2020
 

Adelaide Song has had a crush on her brother's best friend, Michael, as long as she can remember. When he got married, it broke her heart and turned her into a bad girl. Now, Michael is divorced and Adelaide is focused on getting into the family business by getting in the good graces of her grandmother. When she comes up with an idea for a fashion show featuring sensory sensitive clothing, she will need Michael's help to pull it off. With the two of them working so quickly, business can quickly turn to pleasure, but is it worth it to lose Michael's friendship over?

Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.

This is the second book in The Heirs of Hansol series. The first title is Temporary Wife Temptation (click on the title to read my review). This was a quick read for me. I was invested in the story from the very beginning and couldn't wait to see what was going to happen with Adelaide and Michael. In these types of stories, you already know what is going to happen at the end, but it's the story leading up to it that is the best part.

Jayci Lee is quickly becoming one of my favorite romance authors. Her stories are sweet romances that you can fall in love with. She writes characters you want to be friends with. This is the third title of hers that I've read this year. I thank you to Harlequin for introducing me to this author.

EXCERPT

“Michael, What are you doing here?” she asked, her expression schooled into a bored, sardonic smirk.

Michael ran his hand through his hair and tugged a fistful at the top of his head. His scalp felt stretched too tight.

“So her majesty, Grace Song, summoned you to check on me.” Angry splashes of color stained her cheeks. “Since when have you been her errand boy?”

“Addy…”

“Don’t. Call. Me. That.” She pivoted and marched away from him.

“Damn it.” He went after her and stopped her trajectory by taking a firm grip of her hand. “She’s worried about you. Worried enough to call me to find you. What happened between you two?”

“We argued because I’m sick of being treated like a child. Ironically, I ran out of the house sobbing like one.” The rage vibrating through Adelaide seeped out of her, and her shoulders drooped in fatigue. “I could understand why she’s worried. She hasn’t seen me cry since I was seven. But enough is enough. I can’t go on like this.”

Now he understood why Mrs. Song had called him. Adelaide’s older brother, Garrett, was in New York with his wife and daughter, and Colin was probably unreachable. She had wanted this kept close to the family. Michael wasn’t family, but growing up, he’d spent more time at the Songs’ than at home. Plus, he was their publicist. She knew he’d be discreet about whatever state he found Adelaide in.

“I’m ready take my place at Hansol, but Hal-muh-nee shut me down with another ‘maybe next year.’ Hansol is my family’s legacy, and I want to be a part of its future.” Adelaide’s voice trailed off into a sad, forlorn sigh, and Michael wrapped his arms around her. He wanted to chase her sadness away, but the best he could do was listen. “She’s been saying that for the last two years. And next time when I ask her again, it’ll be the same answer. She doesn’t believe I have anything to contribute. I’m nothing but a clueless child to her.”

“That can’t be true. You’re one of the smartest people I know,” he said, running his hand through the silky strands of her long hair. Her arms tightened around him. “You’re far from being a clueless child, and your grandmother knows that better than anyone.”

“Then why is she keeping me out of Hansol?” She leaned back to meet his eyes. “She’s afraid I’ll tarnish Hansol’s reputation. She hasn’t forgiven me for my college days. Most of the crap in the tabloids didn’t even have a grain of truth in them. Yes, I partied hard and dated more than my fair share of guys, but I’m not an eighteen-year-old anymore.”

“I can’t imagine your grandmother being that small-minded. There has to be another reason, but you know her better than me. Besides, if that’s what you think, there’s an easy fix.” His arms still encircled her waist, and he was drawing slow circles on her lower back. When his brain registered what his hand was doing, he coughed and dropped his arms.

Adelaide arched an eyebrow and crossed her arms. He didn’t know if it was because she was waiting to hear his suggestion or because of his hurried step away from her. “Tell me more about this easy fix.”

His mind went blank. Her crossed arms had the effect of a bustier, pulling her breasts close and lifting them high. The sexy-as-hell scene at the club must have short-circuited his brain. He beat away his heightened awareness and focused on the shadowy outlines of the plan that had formed in his head.

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Review: Hairpin Curves by Elia Winters

Hairpin Curves by Elia Winters
My rating: 3 of 5 star
Published: July 2020
 

Meghan and Scarlet have been friend for a long time. Right after high school, they had a falling out, but they haven't really spoken since. When one of their close friends is getting married in Quebec, they make a choice to drive there together. Meghan has never left Florida and Scarlet hasn't seen much of the country either, so this will be an adventure for them both. They will find out more about each other than ever before. But will they be able to rekindle their friendship?

Thank you to Carina Press/Harlequin for the opportunity to read and review this book.

When Scarlet didn't show up to be roommates with Meghan, Meghan was devastated. But Scarlet is hiding a few secrets about why she chose not to go with Meghan. To top that off, they both have more than friendly feelings for each other.

This isn't the typical type of romance that I normally read, but it kept me entertained. This is a LGQBT+ book.

When I was in college, I loved taking road trips with my friends. Going to school in Texas, it's not hard to drive all day and still be in the same state. Making tapes or CDs for the journey, and planning out snacks and stops. That part of this book I could relate too very much.

For those of you who are interested in a frenemies to lovers book that includes a Female/Female romance, I think you will enjoy this book.

Author Bio
RITA™ Award-winning author Elia Winters is a fat, tattooed, polyamorous bisexual who loves
petting cats and fighting the patriarchy. She holds a Master’s degree in English Literature and
teaches at a small rural high school, where she also runs the drama club. In her spare time, she
is equally likely to be found playing tabletop games, kneading bread, cross-stitching, or binge-
watching Marie Kondo. A sex educator and kink-positive feminist, Elia reviews sex toys, speaks
at kink conventions, and writes geeky, kinky, cozy erotic romance. She currently lives in western
Massachusetts with her loving husband and their weird pets.





EXCERPT
Megan hadn’t brought a lot of clothing on this trip, anticipating getting to do laundry at some
hotel along the way, but she had a couple of nice outfits in addition to the dress she planned to
wear for the wedding. She selected an emerald green sweater dress from her suitcase. She was
normally more of a jeans kind of girl, but this dress made her feel cute, and it felt very Nashville
when she paired it with some knee-high boots. She gathered up her clothes and undergarments
and headed for the bathroom.
When she left the bathroom, Scarlett was pinning up her curls into two buns up near the top of
her head. It was one of the cutest hairstyles she wore, and one that always made Megan wish for
something other than her own super-straight brown hair. Scarlett looked away from her hair
when Megan entered the room, her gaze skimming down Megan’s body in a way that made
Megan burn up inside.
Before Scarlett could say something, whether it was going to be a compliment or not, Megan
blurted out, “I don’t know what to do with my hair.”
Scarlett tapped her lips, studying her like she was an interesting painting. “You want me to
curl it?” Scarlett asked.
“My hair doesn’t curl.” Megan had never had any luck with that. “It’s too fine.”
Scarlett tucked the final bobby pin into her own style and walked over to Megan, running her
hand through Megan’s hair. The contact sent a chill all down Megan’s spine. Oh, she wanted
Scarlett to keep touching her like that.
“It’s pretty fine.” Scarlett gathered up a bunch of Megan’s hair in her hands. Megan shivered.
Hopefully Scarlett wouldn’t notice the shiver. “It would curl if you didn’t wash it so much. You
need it to get dirty.”
Megan laughed, and it sounded breathless coming out. “I don’t really do dirty.”
Scarlett still had the hold on her hair, and she tipped Megan’s head back to look at her. “You
sure about that?”
The unspoken after last night hung in the air between them. Megan sucked in a breath, her lips
parting, and their gazes locked. Then it was like Scarlett had suddenly realized what she said,
and she slid her hands out of Megan’s hair and backed away. “Your hair is cute just like it is.
You don’t need to do anything to it.” She turned toward the mirror again and fumbled with her
makeup bag. Was it Megan’s imagination, or were Scarlett’s hands shaking? “You, uh, ever
think about cutting it?” Scarlett asked.
Megan was still rattled and warm all over. It took her a moment to process Scarlett’s words.
“Oh. Yeah, actually. Sometimes I think about a pixie cut. Cutting all of it off. But I get nervous.”
“It’s a big step. But you’ve got the perfect heart-shaped face for it.” Scarlett glanced over, then
back at the mirror. “If you ever want to do it, there’s probably a million great salons along our
road trip. Could be a fun change. And it grows back.”
She was talking fast. Megan was having a hard time thinking. “Yeah. Maybe. I’ll…do my
makeup.”
She had the new makeup from Sephora to try, and while it wasn’t her area of expertise, she put
together what she hoped was a good look—not super fancy, but she didn’t end up looking like a
clown, either. When she returned from the bathroom, Scarlett was done.
“What about lipstick?” Scarlett asked.
“I’m wearing some.” Megan resisted the urge to touch her lips in reflex.
Scarlett frowned. “Nude?”
“It’s light pink.”
“You need a bold lip. Something really red. It would bring the whole look together.”
“I don’t have anything really red.” Megan stuck with all light pinks whenever she got makeup,
which wasn’t very often. Red was showy and ostentatious, and she wasn’t the type of person to
try to get noticed.
Scarlett rummaged in her bag and pulled out a lipstick. “Here. Let me.” She touched Megan’s
chin, gently tilting her head back, and then began to apply the lipstick with focused precision.
Megan tried not to shiver as Scarlett held her face perfectly still, her attention locked onto
Megan’s lips. When she finished, they held that pose, and desire flared up in Megan like a
flashover. She wanted to lean forward and ruin that perfect lipstick against Scarlett’s berry-red
mouth.

Copyright © 2020 by Elia Winters

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Review: Hate Crush by Angelina M. Lopez

Hate Crush by Angelina M. Lopez
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Published: June 2020


Ten years ago Aish and Sofia had an immediate connection. They were helping at Aish's uncles winery in California. But their lives were headed in different directions, Sofia, a princess trying to help her kingdom with their own wine growing and Aish is headed into musical stardom. They haven't seen or spoken to each other in all this time and now they are both at a major crossroad in their lives and they need each other to get through. Will they be able to make it through a month without killing each other or will they find the love that they once had?

Thank you to Harlequin/Carina Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This book is a lovers to enemies story. It jumps back and forth from modern day to 10 years prior when our two lovers first met. For the the story was interesting, but I didn't find myself drawn to it.
I wanted to know what was going to happen with the characters, who were an unlikely pair. A princess and a rock star. They met when they were young and just starting out in life. Their romance was a whirlwind and there were several factors that keeps them from continuing their romance.

There is a lot of talk about wine making in this book and I felt like I had to have a glass while reading it. Also the book was set mostly in Spain, a country I really would like to see so that helped with bringing me back to the book.

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Blog Tour Review: Secret Heir Seduction by Reese Ryan

Secret Heir Seduction by Reese Ryan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Published: February 2020
 

Darius Taylor-Pratt is excited to be called to Royal, Texas to meet with the owner of Goddess in hopes of a partnership with his clothing line Thr3d. He is shocked when his ex-girlfriend Audra Lee Covington is staying right next door to him. When Darius finds out the real reason he is in Royal, it sends his world in a tailspin. He is thankful to have Audra there to cope, but he can't exactly tell her what is really going on. Audra is now a jewelry designer, in town to make wedding pieces for step-daughter of Goddess. The pair find themselves together on more than one occasion while they are in town together. Will they be able to get through their past in order to make a future together, or will secrets and lies keep them apart still?

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is the second title I have read by Reese Ryan and this was a good one. After Darius found out that his parents had been keeping a secret from him his whole life, he distances himself from them. When he meets Audra in grad school, their relationship is still strained, so he is not honest with her about them. Audra comes from a political family that Darius knows he will never fit in to, so he breaks up with her before she is forced to do it. Five years later, they both find themselves in Royal, TX. It's a strange coincidence.

Darius still feels the attraction for Audra and the feeling is mutual. Can he be honest with her this time around? Will she accept his apologies and be able to move forward?

This was a fast paced romance that you had to know how it was all going to end. This is a couple that were meant for each other, but will they make it?

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Excerpt:

Audra slid into the driver’s seat of the Bentley Continental GT convertible her parents had gifted her four years ago, after her business cleared a million dollars in profits in its first year.
She glanced back at the diner. Darius sat motionless in the booth where she’d left him.
Of all the people in the world that she could run into, she had to run into Darius Freaking Taylor-Pratt. The man who’d broken her heart five years ago.
She’d been madly in love with him, and she’d believed he loved her, too. Right up to the moment he’d said things had gotten too serious between them, and he needed space.
There had been no discussion. No evidence he’d fallen for someone else. And no real explanation.
She’d been devastated. 
They’d met at a party during grad school at Harvard. The attraction between them had almost been instant. She’d told her friend that she was pretty sure she’d met the man she was going to marry.
Sure, she’d been a little buzzed when she said it. But every day they were together made her believe those words to be true.
Darius suddenly ending things had come of out nowhere. It had left her reeling, wondering what she’d done wrong.
But that was the past. It’d taken some time, but she’d gotten over it and moved on.
Or at least she’d always believed she had. But seeing Darius today made her feel as if things between them weren’t finished at all.
He was more handsome than ever in his navy Tom Ford suit, a white shirt and a navy print tie. His story about being in Royal on business was undoubtedly true. Never a fan of suits, Darius would require a damn good reason to wear one.
And the bald head he was rocking…on him it was sexy as sin. Her fingers had itched with the desire to run her palm over the smooth, brown skin on his clean-shaven head. She’d balled her hands into fists, her fingernails leaving marks on her palms.
Darius’s dark brown eyes registered a mix of emotions she couldn’t quite read.
Sadness. Anger? Maybe even regret.
The only thing she knew for sure was that she’d desperately wanted to lean in and kiss him. If only to remind him of what he’d walked away from five years ago.
Her cell phone rang. 
Sophie Blackwood.
Audra smiled, thankful for the distraction. She hit the call button and pulled out of her parking space, heading back toward the house she was renting while she stayed in Royal.
“Hello, Sophie. Back in town yet?”
“We arrived a couple of hours ago. Nigel, my fiancé, needed to stay a couple more days to take care of a staffing issue with the show.”
Audra couldn’t help smiling. Sophie was doing that thing that many newly engaged women did where they referred to their intended as their fiancé, as frequently as possible. It was adorable. And everything about Sophie’s bubbly excitement and the warmth with which she talked about him spoke to just how in love they were.
For Sophie’s sake, Audra truly hoped that their love would last.
“No worries. I’ve been keeping myself occupied. I sketched out a few designs. I’ll show them to you when we get together.”
“Are you busy now? We’re going to grab a bite with friends over at the Glass House in an hour or so. You should join us.”
“Thanks, but I just picked up a salad.” Hopefully, Sophie didn’t think her rude for turning down her offer.
“Is everything all right?” Sophie’s voice was laced with concern.
“Yes. I’m just a bit stunned. I ran into my grad school ex just now.”
“A local?” Sophie asked.
“No, in fact, I got the impression this is his first time here, too. So it was weird to run into him.” Audra bit into the sucker she’d teased Darius with. 
She was pretty sure he’d nearly fainted when he caught a glimpse of her pierced tongue.
Good.
She might be over Darius, but she wasn’t above reminding him that he should be sorry he’d walked out on her.
“Oh? Who is he?” Sophie’s voice sounded less jovial.
“Darius Taylor-Pratt. He runs the athletic performance clothing company Thr3d.”
“That must’ve been quite a surprise.” Sophie laughed nervously, then quickly changed the subject. “So the venue where I’d like to have my wedding got damaged during the recent wildfires. The damaged portions have been rebuilt, but there’s still a lot of work to do. If you could spare the time this Saturday, we could definitely use the help. Besides, it would be a chance for you to get to know some of the folks you’re creating custom jewelry pieces for.”
“Sure.” Audra shrugged. “And maybe we can meet tomorrow afternoon to discuss your custom designs?”
“Come to my place tomorrow afternoon at one. We’ll have a late lunch and go over everything.” Full-blown giddiness had returned to Sophie’s voice. “See you then!”
God, I remember what it felt like to be that in love.
Seeing Darius and talking to Sophie made her even more certain she’d done the right thing when she’d broken it off with her most recent ex a few months ago.
Cassius “Cash” Johannsson was exactly the man her mother and United States senator father wanted her to marry. A perfectly nice gentleman from the right family with ambitions to one day sit in the Oval Office. But she wanted more than just “perfectly nice.” 
She wanted a man who made her laugh. Who was her friend as well as her lover. A man who understood the manic craziness that often accompanied a creative mind. A man who made her body burn for his.
Cash had never engendered that kind of spark in her. Nor had she ever gushed over Cash the way Sophie did over Nigel. The way she once had over Darius.
In the end, she’d broken it off with Cash because she was just settling. He deserved someone who would feel like the luckiest girl in the world to be on his arm.
Audra entered the beautiful gated community where her rental house was located. She was traveling with sample jewelry pieces and loose diamonds, the value of which easily topped two million dollars. So she required the additional security afforded by this gated community and the safety measures of the home she was renting from the Blackwoods’ family friend—Dixie Musgraves.
She grabbed her meal, courtesy of the Royal Diner, and headed inside, determined to banish all thoughts of Darius.

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Review: A Lie for a Lie by Helena Hunting

A Lie for a Lie by Helena Hunting
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Published: October 2019
 

I stayed up way past my bedtime to devour this book.

Rook is looking forward to this Alaska trip with his brother. They go every summer when hockey season is over. The break is much needed. When his brother lets him know he won't be able to make it, Rook decides to go anyway and enjoy the peace and quiet. Lainey is headed to Alaska for a few weeks this summer to study the mating patterns of dolphins and whales for her thesis. This is her third masters and she may finally be done with school. When she literally falls into Rook's lap, she doesn't know how that will change her summer plans.

I really enjoy Helena Hunting's writing. You can easily sit down with a title and get lost in it. You start reading and the next thing you know, you have forgotten the whole world around you and you are engrossed.

I really liked Rook and Lainey. Alaska is one of the best places I have ever visited and to have the story take place there, really drew me back to that time. Lainey is a home-school woman who is working on her third master's degree. Rook is a professional hockey player who has women falling all over him. The chances of them meeting in regular life, are slim to none, but fate has drawn them together in inexplicable ways. They quickly fall in love and then lose each other just as quickly.

If you're looking for a good romance, please try this book or any of Helena's other titles.

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Review: A Stranger on the Beach by Michele Campbell

A Stranger on the Beach by Michele Campbell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Published: July 2019
 

Caroline Stark has been married to her husband, Jason, for 20 years. They have one daughter, Hannah, who is a freshman in college. When Caroline's husband brings his mistress to their housewarming party, Caroline is beside herself. In order to get back at Jason, she decides to have a one-night stand with a local bartender, Aidan, who also just happens to be the stranger who likes to stand on the beach and stare at her house for hours. But the events that follow that one night are far more than Caroline bargained for. Even stranger her story and Aidan's story seem completely different. Who is telling the truth? And who will you believe?

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This book drew me in from the very beginning and didn't let me go until the end. Being a woman I truly felt bad for Caroline and the situation she was in. I think I would lose it, if I found out my husband was having an affair. I don't know if I would go out looking for vindication by doing the same deed.

From the start, I didn't like Aidan, he seemed like one of those guys you say hi to in passing and the next thing you know, he's everywhere you turn. He really creeped me out.

I loved this book and I couldn't put it down. I didn't see the twists and turns coming and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Michele Campbell writes books that leave your mind spinning. Pick this one up as soon as you can.

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Review: Booty Call Series by Frankie Love & C.M. Seabrook

BOOTY CALL SERIES BY FRANKIE LOVE & C.M. SEABROOK

I have dubbed these ladies the Queens of the Quickie!!  They write novellas that get you hot and bothered and wanting more.  I was thankful to receive from them through BookSprout, Bootyversary and Booty Camp, but I had to go and get the other books in the series as well to have the full story.  So here we go.

Bootyogomy 

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Max and Kendall have known each other most of their lives. But each of them has feelings for the other, but they don't know. After the opening night of Kendall's new roller rink, they decide that they are going to have a Bootyogomy. No strings attached, but they are the only ones they call for late night nookie. When Kendall finds herself in trouble, Max is there to rescue her as always. Will they keep their bootyogomy or will it become something more serious.

I had to get this book since I was gifted with other books in the series. Frankie Love and C.M. Seabrook write quick steamy books that you can get through in less than an hour. I read this one before bed last night.

When Max lost his family, he moved in with Kendall and her brother Grady who is Max's best friend. Kendall and Max have pined for each other since that time, but never did anything because of Grady. But now is their chance. They are both adults and are doing exactly what they want to be doing.

Bootyversary 

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Peyton and Lance are about to celebrate their one year Bootyversary. They have been making booty calls for the past year. With Lance in the military and shipping out every few weeks, it's hard for them to make a plan to be together. Plus, Peyton doesn't want to be with a man in the military. That was how she grew up and she didn't want to have to go through all the worry her mom went through every time her father was away. But they love each other, right? Will love conquer all?

Thank you to the authors and BookSprout for a copy of this book to read and review.

Another quick cute story from Frankie and C.M. For me, this one wasn't as exciting as the first book in the series . I think it was because I knew what was going to happen at the end. I still enjoyed the book and will read the rest of the series.

I never had the desire to date anyone in the military. Not for the same reasons as Peyton, but because I knew a few people in the military growing up and there were not my cup of tea. If you're looking for a quick steamy romance with a HEA, pick this one up.

Humpany 

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Andre and Camille have known each other for a while now. They were both in their friends, Peyton & Lance's wedding. But Camille left the party early and Andre sees no reason to stick around. When he gets home, he's lonely and wants a warm body by his side. He goes on the the app Booty Call and who does he find there buy Camille. He invites her over and one thing leads to another and the next thing you know, they're in bed together and neither one of them is mad about that. But can friends become lovers, or will it ruin the friendship.

Humpany is the 3rd book in the Booty Call Series, and this one I liked. I liked that Andre and Camille had a friendly relationship and didn't just jump in bed every time they saw each other. Camille is the type of girl I would be friends with. She is laid back and knows what she wants.

Another quick read from the Queens of the Quickie.

Booty Camp

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mila and Grady practically grew up together. Grady's sister along with Mila and other friends just opened a new roller rink in town. Mila is beautiful, but quiet and shy. Every time Grady sees her, he wants to devour her. What he doesn't know is that Mila is a virgin and she's crushing on the douchebag who runs the roller hockey league. But before Mila gets with him, she would like a few lessons and who better to teach her than Grady. They are up for a weekend of Booty Camp to teach Mila everything she needs to know to be with another man. Will Grady be able to let her go to another man after this weekend?

Thank you to Frankie Love, C.M. Seabrook and Booksprout for a copy of this book to review.

Booty Camp is the final book in the Booty Call series.

Even though Grady, as a pilot, has a different woman in every city, there is only one woman he wants. And teaching her to be good at sex for another man, might just kill him. Mila is surprised at how well things are going between her and Grady during their Booty Camp. Will she go to the other man or will she pine over Grady, a man she knows she can't have, or can she?

What will happen between these two friends? Will they become lovers or have to just deal with being teacher and instructor?


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