Love, Sincerely, Yours by Sara Ney and Meghan Quinn | Review

Love, Sincerely, Yours by Sara Ney and Meghan Quinn
Publisher: Self Published
Publication Date: October 9, 2018
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 273
Source: eARC from Ink Slinger PR
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Goodreads Description

Dear Mister...**strike out** no, too formal.
Hey there sweet cheeks *strike out* no, too forward.

To whom it may concern,
Full disclosure; before we move forward with this email, I would like it to be known that I have consumed an adequate amount of alcoholic beverages to intoxicate myself tonight. Three margaritas, two shots, and one beer—because it was free.
I think it’s important to be open and honest with your co-workers, don’t you?
So here I am, being honest. Drunk but honest. Or just drunk with lust? You decide.
I like you so much it’s clouding my judgment and making me do things I never would sober. Like write this letter.
I have a hopeless, foolish, schoolgirl crush on you when you are the last person on earth I should be falling for. Did you know people around the office call you a sadist? An egomaniac. An insensitive, arrogant prick. Your bark is worse then your bite, and you don’t scare me. The fact is, I’d love that bite of yours to nip at my bare skin while we’re both wearing nothing but sheets.
For once I want you to look at me as more than one of your employees. 
And as long as we're being honest, that navy blue suit you wear? With the crisp white shirt? It really makes me want to loosen your tie and show you who’s boss. 
Love,
Sincerely,
Yours.

My Thoughts

When I first saw this book I knew I had to pick it up! Office romances can be hit or miss for me but Love, Sincerely, Yours sounded promising. In this book we are following Peyton who works running the social media for Roam, Inc. Pretty early on she reveals she has a secret crush on her boss and CEO of the company, Rome Blackburn. When she goes out with a few friends she ends up sending Rome an anonymous email with details on how she feels about him.

Oh man!! I was not expecting the slow burn but it was so good! I realized it was going to take about halfway through the book for Rome to realize it was Peyton emailing him and I was worried the romance would feel rushed from that point on. That was not the case. The waiting made that moment right after he found out really intense. Also, it was even better because Rome started noticing Peyton outside of the emails. At this point they had a closer connection than just physical attraction. Although they had this connection and Rome was finally fully aware, they didn't automatically jump into a relationship which I really appreciate.

The pacing of this entire story was amazing! It never felt like anything that happened between Peyton and Rome was happening too fast or slow. I absolutely loved the two characters and the effect they had on each other when they were together. On a bit of a side not the, I was disappointed that one of the subplots wasn't fully developed. Since Rome thinking Peyton betrayed him was a major part of their relationship, I wanted to know who the mole in the company was and if what happened with Peyton was a set up. I had my suspicions but I would have loved a definite answer.

Before starting this book I had already read a couple books by Sara Ney and enjoyed her writing. However, I've never read anything by Meghan Quinn so I wasn't sure what to expect from the two of them. The two authors writing together was magical and I never wanted to put the book down. With the way this book ended I'm guessing these two are planning to collaborate for at least one more book and I can't wait! Love, Sincerely, Yours is on of my new favorites this year and I highly recommend for anyone wants some romance in their life!

Cold Spell by Mia London and Susan Sheehey | Review

Cold Spell (Sweet Escapes #3) by Mia London and Susan Sheehey
Publisher: Amepphire Press
Publication Date: October 3, 2018
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 147
Source: eARC from InkSlinger PR
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Goodreads Description

She can't stand him. He thinks she's never more adorable than when she's angry at him. 

Liddy Drake would rather gamble on double black diamond runs than take a chance on love. Escaping dreary San Francisco for a Colorado mountain resort with her besties is just what the doctor ordered. But an injury on the first day lands her in the lap of a loud-mouthed ski instructor who knows exactly how to get under her skin. She doesn't have time to waste on a playboy with a too-easy laugh and gorgeous blue eyes.

Luke Sawyer left New York ten years ago for the ski runs of Colorado, concealing his identity as a Rothchild heir. He'd seen money change too many people, never for good. Scrappy, sassy, and oh-so-sexy Liddy doesn't fall for the mask of his over-the-top charm. He accepts the challenge to show her his true self.

Their chemistry is enough to melt snow-capped mountains, until she finds out the truth. There's no way her humble background could compete with America's royalty. How can he melt the ice around her heart and convince her that Mr. Wrong is actually Mr. Right, who loves her just the way she is?

My Thoughts

Cold Spell is the third and final book in the Sweet Escapes series. As soon as I realized Hot Spell would be following Jordan I was curious to see how Liddy's love story would play out. At the start of this book Liddy had a pretty tough year after going through a break up and getting drugged on their last vacation. This time around the three friends decide to go to a ski resort right before Thanksgiving. Due to an unexpected injury Liddy has to sit out most of the trip and as a result spends a lot of time with Luke.

I was on the fence about Luke for a while. When he was mentioned I had a feeling he would be the love interest. He seemed a bit obnoxious but not in a terrible way. There was a scene pretty early on where Luke accidentally sees Liddy naked. The scene and Luke's actions in them didn't feel right considering the two main characters didn't know each other. While the situation was funny, Luke's actions were inappropriate. I appreciate that Luke immediately called himself out and thought what he did was wrong, however he never apologized to Liddy or at least talked to her about how he crossed a line. After that scene Luke started to grow on me and I felt like he would be a good match for Liddy.  They had amazing chemistry and in between their intimate moments they talked!

I have mentioned this in reviews of the previous two books but I absolutely love the friendship between Sam, Jordan, and Liddy. They are always supportive of each other but always call one another out when one isn't thinking clearly. I was sad we didn't get to see them together as much in Cold Spell but I still love them. I was also a little disappointed we didn't get a Sam and Chase wedding. Overall I think this was a satisfying conclusion. If you want to read about an amazing friend group, stunning vacations, and swoon worthy men make sure to check out the Sweet Escapes series.

Blood Highway by Gina Wohlsdorf | Review

Blood Highway by Gina Wohlsdorf
Publisher: Algonquin Books
Publication Date: August 7, 2018
Genre: Thriller
Pages: 320
Source: eARC from Publisher
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Goodreads Description

A gripping, surprising, and sexy thriller with a big, pounding heart, Blood Highway takes a seventeen-year-old girl on a brutal journey into adulthood on a road trip that threatens to kill her before she reaches the end.

Rainy Cain, a tough, troubled high school senior, desperately wants to escape the confines of her life in Minneapolis. When her increasingly unstable mother suddenly commits suicide, Rainy thinks she has found her chance. Instead, her father, Sam—who she had always believed died before she was born—escapes from prison and abducts her, taking her on a cross-country trek in pursuit of millions of dollars that he believes her mother had kept from a botched robbery years earlier. On their heels the whole way is a young Minneapolis detective intent on bringing Rainy safely home. It is an odyssey that will test Rainy’s considerable instincts about sanity and madness, and keep readers turning pages till the twisty end.

My Thoughts

ARC provided by Algonquin Books for honest review.

Typically I don't read a lot of thrillers so I never know what to expect when I start one. I was really intrigued after reading the synopsis and was excited to see how the story would play out. Unfortunately, Blood Highway had a bad case of giving away too much of the plot in the description. If so much of the story hadn't been revealed before I even started reading it could've had a stronger impact.

It took me a while to get into this story. The beginning was really confusing and I'm still not completely sure I understood what was going on. We are following 17 year old Rainy as she does her best to deal with the crappy life she's been dealt. It's not clearly stated but it's hinted that her mother might have some type of mental illness. It has gotten so bad it's like Rainey doesn't exist to her mother. She's forced to lie and steal to take care of herself.

I'm not sure if Rainy, or any of the other characters that appeared were meant to be likable. Each were well rounded but they had so many flaws it was hard to feel connected to any of them. I didn't exactly like Rainy but I admired her tenacity, especially when it came to her survival. Throughout the story Rainy made some bad decisions but every step of the way I hoped she would succeed. Also, I wasn't sure how I was supposed to feel about Blaine but I quickly grew to like him. I've never felt so conflicted about a set of character but I was happy Rainy and Blaine were able to be there for each other.

Blood Highway was such a dark, twisted story. It took me a while to wrap my head around some of the things that happened. Some of what happened still makes me feel wrong and violated. There was so much build up throughout the majority of the story and I didn't like the way it ended so suddenly. It left me feeling really unsatisfied with the ending. This was an intriguing and sometimes unsettling story but there was too much that felt missing for me to enjoy it more.

Trigger warnings for abduction, extreme violence, drug use, suicide, child neglect.

Hot Spell by Mia London and Susan Sheehey | Review

Hot Spell (Sweet Escapes #2) by Mia London and Susan Sheehey
Publisher: Amepphire Press
Publication Date: September 5, 2018
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 123
Source: eARC from InkSlinger PR
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Goodreads Description

She never trusted unconditional love. He never believed he'd be worthy. 

Almost-Olympian gymnast Jordan Beck has coordinated an emergency vacation getaway in Puerto Vallarta for her broken-hearted bestie. Nightly parties, exotic drinks, and sandy beaches are just what she has in mind for her and her friends. She strives for perfection in everything she does and believes she's found it in the emerald-eyed bartender who doesn't back down from her challenge.

Zac Durant learned early on that life is a gift and he's determined to live his to the fullest. Scuba, surfing, tending bar by the ocean, his abuelita's tamales. He's content--until a Latina beauty struts across his pool patio and orders his best drink. Zac isn't the kind to hook up with the resort guests but Jordan changes his mind.

Zac and Jordan know this sensual interlude in paradise is a vacation fling but when sparks turn to fireworks, they are tempted to believe in something real. The illusion of perfection vanishes and Jordan panics, erecting walls around her cautious heart, sabotaging their chance at happily ever after. It is up to Zac to prove that unconditional love is worth a shot at the gold.

My Thoughts

Hot Spell is the second book in the Sweet Escapes companion series. This book follows Jordan as she finds love when the girls take a vacation in Mexico to help Liddy get over her recent breakup. I was so excited going into this sequel/companion because I had so much fun while reading Dry Spell. Sadly I didn't have that same giddy feeling as I did reading the previous book.

If you've read my review of Dry Spell you'll remember I mentioned being concerned that the length of the book wouldn't leave enough room for the story to fully develop. While I didn't feel like it was a problem in that book I think Hot Spell could've benefited from being longer. There was quite a bit going on in the story and there wasn't enough time for each of these aspects to shine.

With that being said, I still think Hot Spell was an enjoyable read. Just like in Dry Spell my favorite part was the characters. I love the friendship between Sam, Jordan, and Liddy! They are always supportive but are never afraid to call each other out when they believe another is making a mistake. I also fell in love with Zac and his grandmother. This was a quick, fun read and I'm looking forward to seeing how things are rounded out in Cold Spell.

Ten Reasons to Stay by Candace Knoebel | Review

Ten Reasons to Stay (The Risky Hearts Duet #1) by Candace Knoebel
Publisher: Self Published
Publication Date: August 29, 2018
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 238
Source: eARC from InkSlinger PR
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Goodreads Description

One day a week—Thursdays—my husband and I could do whatever or whomever we pleased.
Protection was non-negotiable.
And no matter what, we had to be home by midnight. 

Jack was the one who wanted an open marriage, but we were supposed to keep things simple. No strings. No commitments. It seemed so easy… until it wasn’t.

Devilishly handsome Cole Blackwater was only supposed to be a fling, but everything about him made me feel alive. Wanted. Seen. When I realized he was my husband’s boss, I should have broken things off right then… but I didn’t.

One day a week, I could pretend that I was his and he was mine… until Cole wanted more.

But how could I decide between the man I’d promised to love, honor, and cherish, and the man who tempted me to break every single vow I’d made?

My Thoughts

I never thought the day would come where I would pick up a book centered around an open marriage. It's not something I could ever see myself agreeing to which was why I was so intrigued to see how everything would play out. Let me just start by saying I was not ready for the emotional rollercoaster Ten Reasons to Stay took me on.

For about 80% of this book I was frustrated with Corrine. She allowed herself to get into this situation even when it was not something she wanted. Also, I didn't agree with her way of thinking. Corrine had this idea that she was there to provide for her husband while completely disregarding her own wants and goals. Anytime her husband, Jack, made a suggestion or told her what to do Corrine would go along with it, no questions asked most of the time, in order to please him. This continued until it got to the point where Jack suggested they should have an open marriage. Once again she went along with it because she thought it would make Jack happy.

"Aren't we all searching for sunlight? For that warmth from the brightest touch that lets us finally breath."

Hands down the best part of this whole book was Cole Blackwater! I loved him almost from the very beginning. He came into the picture and showed Corrine exactly how she should be treated. Cole challenged every thought Corrine had of how marriage should be. Like I mentioned before this story had my emotions all over and half of that had to do with Cole. As much as he tried to hide it, Cole was incredibly vulnerable in their agreement. He was always willing to follow Corrine's lead even when he wanted so much more.

Throughout the book I enjoyed being able to see Cole pull Corrine out of the shell she was in and help her realize she deserved more than she was getting. I never thought I would become so invested in a story dealing with a failing marriage where the people in the relationship just tried to patch up the holes instead of actually addressing the problem. The entire situation was messy! This story broke my heart and put the pieces back together. Essentially Ten Reasons to Stay is about finding your worth and never settling. With all that being said, if this author can continue to deliver this level of emotional impact I am looking forward to reading more from her.

Liar by Stephanie St. Klaire | ARC Review

Liar (Faux-Mance #1) by Stephanie St. Klaire
Publisher: Self-Published
Publication Date: August 23, 2018
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 190
Source: eARC from InkSlinger PRR
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Goodreads Description

Fake it until you make it. That was the mantra Cori Dash chanted as she chased a big city dream. The more you tell people you’re on top of the world, the more they believe it – just like they believed the embellished image she sold them with her knock off designer facade. It wasn’t lying if the truth stood somewhere in the middle – and she didn’t get caught. 

Dominic Blackthorne owned half of that big city…and a reputation. Rather than dispel rumors or show the world the real Nick, he let his own fake image run free. Until Cori Dash – the only person who told him exactly how it was, even if it stung. 

When Cori is faced with her ex-fiance, now engaged to her ex-best friend, it’s game on. In her boldest move yet, she concocts her biggest lie to date by introducing the first handsome stranger that walks by as her new fiancé. Happy to play the part, Nick is already planning the fake wedding of her dreams. 

You know what they say about lying – the truth always comes out – and it hurts. Especially when Cori finds out she isn’t the biggest Liar in this game, and she’s been out played. 

My Thoughts

Going into Liar I was a little worried. I had read one book by this author and while I liked the idea of that story I didn't really like how it turned out. Fake relationships are one of my favorite tropes in romance novels. That coupled with the rest of the description made this sound like a book I would love which is why I decided to give it a try.

Liar wasn't exactly what I was expecting after reading the synopsis but it had such a strong start. The beginning played out like it would in a movie, from Cori latching on to the first stranger she made eye contact with after running into her ex-fiancé to Cori and Nick pretending to be engaged, and I was loving it. I'm not sure if it was meant to be funny but I even laughed a few times at how childish Cori and her ex-best friend were acting. Even Nick joined in at moments and I thought it was hilarious how messy the entire situation was.

About halfway through this book is when things started falling apart. I didn't know going into this the story was meant to be a novella and not a normal length novel. In this case, the story wasn't as good as it could've been if it had the extra time to truly come alive. The author spent so much time setting up the fake relationship and the very beginning of their arrangement that there wasn't enough time for everything else. Even though they were in a fake relationship there were some missed opportunities to show off some significant moments between the two main characters. Most of the important moments were rushed through or were completely missing for example, their first kiss, them realizing they might have a feelings for each other, and other little moments like that. I had this feeling that I missed out getting to see them connect on the romantic side of their relationship.

While I didn't enjoy feeling like I was being rushed through the second half of the story, by the time we got to that I was already invested in the characters and I didn't care too much. In the end I still wanted Cori and Nick to have their happy ending. If you are considering checking out Liar keep in mind some of the things I mentioned above if they'll have a big impact on your enjoyment while reading. With that being said, I feel like Stephanie St. Klaire is one of those authors whose writing improves with each new book release.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black | Review

The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air #1) by Holly Black
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: January 2, 2018
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 370
Source: Purchased (Owl Crate + Fairy Loot)
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Goodreads Description

GUARD YOUR MORTAL HEART.

Jude was seven when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.

To win a place at the Court, she must defy him—and face the consequences.

As Jude becomes more deeply embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, she discovers her own capacity for trickery and bloodshed. But as betrayal threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.

My Thoughts

The Cruel Prince was one of those books that was extremely hyped even before it released. After it's release more people talked about it and mostly everyone had only amazing things to say. I'll admit that most of the reason I put it off for so long was because of this. I didn't want to be too excited when I started reading because I knew if I did I would be even more disappointed if I didn't enjoy it. Anyway back to the actual review.

The Cruel Prince takes place in a world where the fae world is right alongside the human world. The story focuses on Jude after she's taken to the fae world with her sisters after their mother is killed by her ex-husband and her older sister's father. We follow Jude 10 years later as she tries to make a way for herself in this world she has been forced to live in.

I wasn't completely enamored by the story. I found it interesting and enjoyed seeing Jude become entangled in the politics of the fae. However, there wasn't a lot that happened throughout the majority of this book. So much time was spent watching Jude get bullied by the high fae in school and led around by those in power. It also didn't help that the further along the story went the more her relationship deteriorated with her twin over silly things (in my opinion).

The ending was what saved this story from being just an okay read for me. From the scene where the crown is supposed to be passed to the next king until the end I was completely invested in what was going to happen. Even though I guessed where parts of the story were headed, I was still shocked by some of the twists. The very last scene had me feeling so many emotions and I need the sequel now! While The Cruel Prince wasn't my favorite book it was a good set up for the rest of the series. I can't was it to see what Holly Black has planned for The Wicked King.

Baby Daddy by Kendall Ryan | ARC Review

Baby Daddy by Kendall Ryan
Publisher: Self Published
Publication Date: February 27, 2018
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 319
Source: eARC from InkSlinger PR
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Goodreads Description

We met in a trapped elevator.

Emmett was on his way to work, sophisticated and handsome in his tailored suit and tie.

I was on my way to the sperm bank. Awkward, right?

At thirty-five, my life hadn’t taken the path I thought it would and I was tired of waiting—I wanted a baby. And I was ready to take matters into my own hands to make it happen.

After our ill-fated elevator encounter, Emmett insisted on taking me to dinner—he also insisted on something else—that I ditch my plan involving a turkey baster and let him do the job. He would be my baby daddy. He was a wealthy and powerful CEO with little interest in diapers or playdates. And since he didn’t want kids, I’d be on my own once his bun was in my oven, free to go my own way.

But once his baby was inside me, it was like a switch had been flipped, and I got a whole lot more than I ever bargained for.

My Thoughts

Baby Daddy follows 35 year old Jenna and her life hasn't gone exactly how she has wanted it to. She wants to have a baby and since she's not currently in a relationship she decides to go to a sperm bank to get more information about other options. Jenna's on her way to her first appointment when she meets Emmett because they end up stuck in an elevator together. Once he finds out what her plan is, Emmett suggests that he can help her out.

I was interested in this book because I read a book with a similar plot and really enjoyed it. However, to be honest I thought the way the agreement happened was a little weird. The part where a stranger offer to get the main character pregnant and she agrees without too much thought was a little too unrealistic for me. Once I got over that part I thought the story was a lot of fun.

Since the story is told in dual perspectives we are able to see how each of the characters think. This leads to having first hand experience of the frustration and doubts Jenna and Emmett feel when things are going exactly how they planned. I really enjoyed the progression of their relationship and being able to see when their feelings began to change from their initial agreement. The ending was a little rushed but overall Baby Daddy was a fun romance with lots of steamy moments.

Man Card by Sarina Bowen and Tanya Eby | ARC Review

Man Card (Man Hands #2) by Sarina Bowen and Tanya Eby
Publisher: Rennie Road Books
Publication Date: January 15, 2018
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 452
Source: eARC from Publicist
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Goodreads Description

Nothing ventured, nothing banged...

Ash
I still don't know how it happened. One minute I was arguing with my arrogant competitor--our usual trash-talk over who deserves the larger commission. But somehow I went from throwing down to kneeling down... 
It can never happen again. I don't even like Braht. He's too slick. He's a manipulating mansplaining party boy in preppy clothes.
So why can't I get him out of my head? 

Braht
There are two things I know without question. One: Ash and I are destined for each other. Two: never trust a man with a unibrow.
Ash is my missing my piece. She's the sweet cream to my gourmet espresso. And nothing gets me going faster than her contempt for me. They don't call her the Ashkicker for nothing. 
Eventually I'll win her over...if my past doesn't ruin everything first.

My Thoughts

Last month I had the opportunity to read and review Man Hands, the first book in this series. I enjoyed the story these two authors brought to life through Brynn and Tom. However, going into Man Card I was a little skeptical if I would enjoy the story as much because I wasn't sure the main character and her love interest were a good match.

I'm so happy to say I was proven wrong. I hate to say it but I think I enjoyed Ash and Braht's story more than Brynn and Tom's. Ash and Braht had a lot they needed to work on before they were ready for each other. It took a while for me to warm up to them but ultimately I ended up loving them and their progression from the beginning to the end of this novel.

There were a few times throughout the book when the characters seem to speak directly to the reader. It felt weird and I didn't like it because it pulled me out story each time. Besides this I really enjoyed the story. I was happy I got to see a little of Brynn and Tom and how life for them was after Man Hands. I really hope Sarina Bowen and Tanya Eby decide to collaborate at least once more for Sadie. She deserves a happy ending too!