TJ Bennett knows one thing for certain—being in love isn’t for him. Been there, done that, has the scars to prove it.

But that’s before he meets colorful, sweet, slightly-kooky Hope Daniels.

Hope is only in town temporarily. She simply wants to have a cup of coffee with the father she’s never known. That’s it. She doesn’t need to buy any Father’s Day cards or have a date for any Father-Daughter dances. She just wants to have a conversation with the man who stole her mother’s heart twenty six summers ago in Sapphire Falls.

But when her directions lead her to TJ’s house instead, everything becomes a lot more complicated… and a lot more interesting.

Because there’s nothing like a big gruff introvert to push this extrovert’s let-me-make-it-all-better buttons.

All of TJ’s plans to stay uninvolved and out of her way evaporate quickly and before he knows it, Hope’s got him thinking differently about everything—family, home, heartbreak and maybe, just maybe, the fact that he’s never actually been in love… before now.

Title: Getting Lucky
Author: Erin Nicholas
Series: Sapphire Falls
Pages: 316
Genre(s): Contemporary, US
Hot Buttons: Death of Mother (happens before book starts)

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I’ve never read any of the Sapphire Falls books, or any of Erin Nicholas books at all, before this one. Which begs the question - why have I not been reading them - and every other thing that Erin Nicholas has ever written? Where have I been?

This book is kind of a side series of the original Sapphire Falls series and while characters from previous books do seem to pop up, and their relationships discussed, this is still very much a stand alone book. But their appearances do make me intrigued about them and how they got their own happy endings - especially Tucker and Delaney from Getting it All - the previous book in the series.

From the very instant we are introduced to her, I fell in love with Hope. She’s just so darn quirky. But please don’t let that put you off if you’ve read some annoying heroines labeled as quirky before. Hope is a well-rounded character and is very real with it. Not many people can write a fresh and interesting character such as Hope and still keep her fascinating while not being bloody annoying.

And TJ. Sigh. What can I say - he’s my perfect man. Gruff, introverted, a little bit damaged and totally bewildered by this woman who barrels into his life, turns it upside down and actually wants to take care of him. My wee heart skipped a beat for him. Definitely a reluctant hero!

Together the pair are electric. You feel their chemistry, enjoy their banter and just root for them to get together. The pair jump quite quickly into their sexual relationship but it just works. There are punches of heat that hit you straight in the gut and enough smoulder to burn the house down. Delicious!

I have to also mention the town of Sapphire Falls and the people. I honestly don’t care if this isn’t what small town life in America is like - it feels perfect and I want to live there. I fell in love with it almost as much as I did TJ and Hope.

Erin Nicholas’s writing style is fun, fast paced and so involving. It reminded me of Jill Shalvis in terms of the fun and Nora Roberts in terms of the relationships, especially between the families. You finish the book and feel that glow of happiness, not only for the couple but because, for a while, you feel like you’ve lived in their world.

This book has been a real revelation for me. I loved the couple, the story, the romance, the sex and adored Ms Nicholas’s writing style. I fear for my bank balance as I might have to go and snap up everything she’s ever written. Highly recommended and 5 stars.

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Buy this book now:

* I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *

The Sapphire Falls Series:

         

              

Click to see other books by Erin Nicholas

Drumroll, please….

I have a cover reveal for you today....


I am excited and thrilled to be able to give everyone this exclusive today. It’s the first time I’ve hosted a cover reveal on my blog and I’m just a teensy bit giddy over the fact. You’ll see exactly why in just a minute!

If you remember, last month I reviewed the excellent A Tycoon's Rush (which I loved!). It’s the second book in the Sin City Tycoons trilogy after A Tycoon's Jewel.

Well, I can now reveal to you the cover of the third and final book in the series, A Tycoon’s Secret by the wonderful Avery Laval.

Isn’t that a beauty? Look at that face. Wowza! No wonder I’m giddy!

When Khalid Abbasi grew up in the Las Vegas foster system, he had no idea he was a member of a family—and a royal one at that. Once he learns the truth, he is immediately summoned to rule a small exclave on the Persian Gulf. That very day, he leaves his fiancée Marissa with a kiss and a promise that he'll come back soon.

But Khalid breaks his promise to return for Marissa—and Marissa’s heart breaks in turn. She never tells him how close they came to starting a family together.

In the spot where Khalid used to hold love for Marissa, only ice remains, until the day he sees her in the Cairo Four Seasons hotel. Their passion comes rushing back, and it’s a passion they can’t resist. Now that Khalid has Marissa in his life again, he's unable to let her slip through his fingers again, no matter what his duty requires. Will they learn to trust each other again? Or will the secrets of their pasts overwhelm their second chance at love?

I cannot wait for this. It sounds a bit like a modern sheikh love story which I'm so down for! Lovely!

The book comes out in June and is from Blue Crow Books.

Add it to your GOODREADS TBR pile HERE - and I’ll let you know when it’s available for pre-order so it’s downloaded straight to your Kindle on release day.

"I want everything.”

She’s taking control. And it’s driving him wild!

Lucy Baudin’s ex dented her self-esteem and it’s time to regain control. In her job as a lawyer she’s bold, confident. But in the bedroom…she needs inspiration to reawaken her inner seductress. Asking her friend Gideon Novak for help seems wrong, yet so deliciously right!

Title: Make Me Want
Author: Katee Robert
Series: Make Me
Pages: 224
Genre(s): Mills & Boon Dare
Hot Buttons: /

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This is the second book I’ve read in Mills & Boon’s new Dare line and it’s exactly what I was hoping and expecting from books that are billed as sexy, passionate and bold.

Make Me Want is the story of Lucy - a kick ass New York lawyer who needs a husband to convince her bosses that she’s partner material. And while she rocks her professional life, a douche of an ex has left her feeling a little bit unsure about her skills in the romance department.

That’s where Gideon comes in. A former friend of her crappy ex, Gideon is a head-hunter - perfect for finding her a husband. And equally perfect for teaching her how to bring out the sex kitten in her and teach her a few new things. Ah but the best laid plans…

Lucy was the perfect heroine. She was feisty and smart in her chosen career but had been hurt by her ex and had lingering issues due to his treatment of her. At times I was frustrated with Lucy because of the way she let Jeff’s treatment affect her even 5 years later. Having said that, it was very honest and exactly the way that any normal person would think and act. Yes, it was frustrating but also quite refreshing at the same time.

And of course I loved Gideon. You just have to. He thinks he’s in control and can help Lucy with her ‘problems’ without losing the heart that he probably lost to her years before. Silly man. He was slightly arrogant, big, brash and in control - except when it came to Lucy. As I said - loved him.

The pair had banter and sparked off each other. I loved their interactions both sexually and otherwise. Speaking of sex, it was fun, exciting and didn’t eclipse the plot of the book - which is ultimately the love story of Lucy and Gideon.

I loved the writing style of the book, too. It kept the pages turning, making this a quick read.

The only reason I didn’t give this book the full five stars is because I was a little bit baffled by the conflict at the end. Gideon left Lucy because he thought it was for the best - but I couldn’t figure out why he thought that. And then he did a quick 180˚ and I was a bit confused by that, too! It wasn’t a problem, it was resolved perfectly in the end I was just a tiny bit confused. Oh and epilogues - pretty please give me an epilogue!

One more think - I honestly wouldn’t let the line about Fifty Shades Freed either tempt you to read this book or put you off reading this book. There are two people and they have sex - other than that, I honestly don’t see a comparison.

As I said, this was exactly the kind of book, story and characters that I was hoping for when I heard Mills & Boon were bringing out a new line. I loved the previous M&B Blaze line and this is the kind of book that reminds me of that line but amps up the sex just a touch. It’s fresh, fun, flirty and dirty - and I honestly cared about the characters and wanted to see them happy. The writing is excellent and the sex, while enjoyable, is not there instead of a storyline. All in all, if you’re looking for a sexy romance - I would recommend this one to you. I’ve already got other Katee Robert books on my wishlist and if she writes another Dare, I’ll be sure to snap that one up, too.

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Buy this book now:

* I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *

Click to see other books by Katee Robert

‘I am a Duke. I’m not asking you to marry me. I am offering to marry you. It’s a different thing entirely.’

When the Duke of Ashbury returns from war scarred, he realises he needs an heir – which means he needs a wife! When Emma Gladstone, a vicar's daughter turned seamstress visits wearing a wedding dress, he decides on the spot that she'll do.

His terms are simple:
- They will be husband and wife by night only.
- No lights, no kissing.
- No questions about his battle scars. 
- Last, and most importantly… Once she's pregnant with his heir, they need never share a bed again.

But Emma is no pushover. She has secrets and some rules of her own:
- They will have dinner together every evening.
- With conversation.
- And teasing.
- Last, and most importantly… Once she's seen the man beneath the scars, he can't stop her from falling in love…

When a girl meets a Duke, their marriage breaks all the rules…

Title: The Duchess Deal
Author: Tessa Dare
Series: Girl Meets Duke
Pages: 389
Genre(s): Historical, Regency, England
Hot Buttons: /

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I’ve read a number of Tessa Dare books but this one made me wonder why she’s not on my auto-buy list and why I’m not fan-girling over her at every available opportunity. I was blown away by how fun and engrossing this story was.

The premise was original and hilarious - it really sets the scene for what you should expect with this book.

Ash bears some physical and mental scars from Waterloo and beyond. He’s considered a monster by the ton and so that what he’s become. But never fear, he’s blooming adorable. “With most, he merely took reverse pleasure in being a pain in the arse.” He would hate me to say it but I loved him for it. He was so prickly and stern but Emma never really believed that. The way he seemed truly baffled by her refusal to obey him and her teasing, was just delightful.

Emma. Loved her. Yes, she was a seamstress. Yes, she was Ash’s social inferior. And yes, she had her own demons. But she was her own woman. She was smart, intelligent and believed in herself. And in Ash. It was really lovely and made my heart happy.

Together, the pair were perfect for each other. Ash brought a security to Emma’s life while Emma brought Ash to life again and made him happy. It was funny to watch them spar with each other and then dodge their growing feelings. It was written so well that we as the reader, much like Emma and Ash themselves, couldn't’ pinpoint exactly when the pair actually fell in love.

The sex also brought a nice jolt to the tummy, too, which is always a bonus. Just enough sexual tension and actual sex to keep this reader content.

This is the first book in a new series called Girl Meets Duke. We meet the heroine of the next book - Alexandra - in this first. We don’t learn much about her in this book but I’m still keen to read her own tale - The Governess Game - which comes out in August 2018. I’m assuming that Nicola and Penny - also introduced in this book - will get their own stories in the rest of the series. I’m also kind of hopeful that ‘The Menace’ gets an appearance in the rest of the series - he was hilarious! But fear not, there are no godforsaken cliffhangers in this book. Emma and Ash’s story is finished just as it should be.

But since I’ve brought it up… I bloody hate authors who sell books that don’t finish the whole story - especially without making it clear in the blurb. Do you go into McDonalds, pay for a Big Mac and then realise you’ve only been given the bun? Naw - ya dinnae. Just stop. Pisses me right off.

Moving on…

This isn’t a dark and deep Regency romance by any means. It’s light and sparkly but it’s so wonderfully real. The banter was divine - I think I probably highlighted so many passages of text that genuinely made me laugh out loud. And made me sigh in a Regency-swoon-like fashion. I finished the book and my first thought was that this is why I fell in love with Regency romances; this wonderfully captivating tale filled with love and humour. It’s pure sweetness in a book. 5 stars.

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Buy this book now:

* I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *

The Girl Meets Duke Series:

               

   

Click to see other books by Tessa Dare

She heads to the Italian mountains to bring an Olympic hero back home. But will she lose her heart instead?

Natalie Schaffer has accepted that she’ll always be an assistant at her sports agency. That’s okay—her dream job is her outdoor photography, not the wheeling and dealing of agency life. But she jumps at the chance to take an endorsement deal to the reclusive Olympic champion Charlie Ahlers, who stepped off the gold medal podium and disappeared from public eye. Natalie never crushes on her agency’s clients, but Charlie holds a special place in her heart—from a distance, of course. 

Charlie Ahlers is perfectly happy hiding out as a nobody in sleepy European ski towns. He knows he’s supposed to capitalize on his Olympic victory and train for the next Games. But, for reasons that are his own, his heart isn’t in it. When the sexy American girl prances into his bar and slaps a contract down next to his glass of scotch, he can’t believe she’s an agency rep. He hasn’t found a girl so interesting in months. When she dares him to take her out on the slopes, he can’t tell her no. When skiing turns into dinner—and more—he realizes he might be in bigger trouble than he thought.

With Natalie’s agency job on the line, and Charlie’s secrets holding him back, will they be able to let go of their fears and find hope—and happiness—together?

Title: A Tycoon's Rush
Author: Avery Laval
Series: Sin City Tycoons
Pages: 106
Genre(s): Contemporary, US
Hot Buttons: /

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Where has this author been and why is this only her second book?

From the very first, I got pulled into this tale. You know writing is good when it flows so well that you forget you’re reading and just fall right into the story. And that’s what happened here for me.

I immediately felt a kinship with Natalie - a sports agent’s assistant who has dreams of a career in photography. While she was definitely a little downtrodden by her boss, she never felt like a pushover and came across as a normal girl who had a feisty side - especially when it came to Charlie Ahlers.

Charlie was a little bit of a dream. A ski God in truth. When we (and Natalie) first encounter him he’s scruffy, grumpy and a little bit of a player. But as we get to know him and his back story, his motivations, he only gets better. Except for the player bit - obviously that is in his past once he sees Natalie! I loved him from the first and just adored him with Natalie. The banter! It was funny, fresh with just a little bit of sass. I do so love some good banter.

And I also love some fun, sexy times of which there were a couple. Satisfying and descriptive without being overly graphic or raunchy. Just what was needed for this story and perfect for the evolving story of Charlie and Natalie.

Gah - I just wanted this book to be longer! I wanted to spend more time with Natalie and Charlie and learn more about their relationship as it grows. I want to know more about what happens next with the Olympics and Charlie’s family! None of these are criticisms, by the way. Everything is rounded off nicely in the book it’s just I’m greedy and wanted more. But extra points for the adorable epilogue. Very cute!

It’s also worth noting that due to a teaser for the first book in the series (A Tycoon's Jewel) at the end of this one, the story finishes at about 60% of the file.

As I mentioned, this is the second book in the Sin City Tycoon series. Neither character from the first book appears in this one although, having not read the first book (something I plan to remedy very soon!), I don’t know if either Charlie or Natalie turn up in that one. Regardless, this book stands completely alone.

Also, while Natalie lives and is based in Vegas - that’s really the only connection with Sin City in this particular story. I don’t really understand the title’s connection to the story, either, as this isn’t really a billionaire romance - although I’m sure Charlie has some money squirrelled away from his glory days! Not to worry, though, that doesn’t change my feelings towards Natalie, Charlie or their love story as a whole.

This book gets 5 stars from me and a high recommendation to check it out if you love sexy, fun and sparkling contemporary romance. I loved it and I hope you will, too. Ms. Laval has a new fan in me.

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Buy this book now:

* I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *

The Sin City Tycoons Series:

         

Click to see other books by Avery Laval