Review: Trophy Husband by Lauren Blakely

Trophy Husband

By: Lauren Blakely

 

 

 

Sometimes you can't help falling in love, even when you try to do the opposite...

Successful fashion blogger McKenna Bell has spent far too long protecting herself after the way her ex-fiancé left her at the altar for a college chick he met the night of his bachelor party. Loving again, trusting again, well, that's just not in the cards. Especially now that her ex is back in town with his new woman, demanding custody of McKenna's favorite creature in the whole world--her dog.

No effing way. McKenna's had enough of him, and she decides to even the score by finding her own hot young thing -- a Trophy Husband. Sure, she's only twenty-seven, but doesn't that make it even more fun -- and infuriating to her ex -- to pursue a younger man?

When she declares her intentions on her daily blog, her quest quickly skyrockets in popularity, and that's when Chris enters the picture, and he’s got all the assets. He's handsome, successful, and turns her inside out with a kiss to end all kisses, the kind that makes you feel like a shooting star.

But loving again could mean losing again, and it's so much easier to focus on getting even, isn't it? Unless, you just can't help falling in love. Which means McKenna will have to come face to face with what she really wants in life -- protecting her heart from hurt, or letting go of her fears of a new beginning.

 

 

 

*ARC provided by author for an honest review*

Have you ever read a book where the main character says or does something really embarrassing and YOU become embarrassed for them? Like they are a real person or something? Yep, totally happened to me (on a few occasions!) while reading Trophy Husband.

Poor McKenna has been out of the dating arena for a long, she sucks at the whole flirtatious banter that comes so easily to most. But at the same time, those utterly embarrassing moments are also hilariously funny! I could not help but laugh at her valiant attempts. Here is one example of her trying to flirt with the FedEx delivery guy.

"Hi there. Got a package for you. Want to sign?"

"I would love to sign your package," I purr back."

And OMG, the dates were horrible! These guys were a few cards short of a full deck. But I think even though they were bad, they were also good experiences for McKenna. After a year of sitting idle, she needed to jump in and get her feet wet. And having a few awful dates was worth the price (or at least I think so) for the perfect non-dates she has with Chris.

Oh Chris...be still my heart!

Now, I fell for Chris from the start (and it totally has NOTHING to do with the fact my hubby shares the same name. Okay, maybe a little something to do with it!). He just seemed like the perfect fit in Mckenna's life from the start. They shared so much in common it was hard for them not to be a match made in heaven. But McKenna is dedicated to her Trophy Husband search and Chris just doesn't meet one of the search criteria. And she can't add him to the list of potentials because then she would be breaking the rules. Right?

This book was a quick funny read. And the steam factor is definitely there (even though most of it is only in McKenna's daydreams!). Man, does that girl have one vivd imagination!

Trophy Husband is one I recommended to anyone who is looking for a light hearted book that does not have a cliffhanger.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cover Reveal: Break Me (Shattered #1) by Jo-Anna Walker

Break Me

Expeced Release Date: 08/01/2013

Link to book:  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17843398-break-me

 

 Hosted by:

Running is always easier.

Tori McLeod moved to the big city to get away from her mother—and her past. Her new routine is destroyed when she meets a mysterious stranger who won’t take no for an answer. Sebastian intrigues her, but his eyes hold secrets she would rather avoid.

Sebastian Chelios, a hard-as-nails enforcer, is a new-in-town loner. He has to have her. Control her. Possess her. But he can’t—won’t—lose control, even though Tori’s innocence fascinates him. The last thing he’s going to do is love her, even after he gets her in his bed.

Losing control is dangerous, especially when someone from Sebastian’s past covets Tori, putting more than just her heart in danger.

Can Sebastian protect Tori from Jose’s sadistic obsession? If he gets his hands on her, will she make it out in one piece?

I've been writing my whole life but mostly in just my journals or diaries. I never thought of actually writing a story.

Last year some time, my aunt suggested I write a book. I thought there was no way I could write a story that was my own. All the ideas I had bouncing around in my head were not my own and were from other books I have read. My aunt told me I could do it if I really thought about it.

So I did. And guess what? An idea came to me. Now mind you, that idea has changed ALOT! My first book is nothing like I originally started with and that's fine. I'm happy with it. I just hope others are too.

I started creating a playlist of songs that I hear that remind me of my book. Most of the songs are not from the type of music I listen to but I love them (I'm a heavy metal girl).

I don't have a writing office per say. My table is my writing area. My lap top is set up there with my notes and ideas and it's perfect for me.

I don't need pure silence to write so when the hubby is home, he can watch tv and I can write and we can still spend time together.

I'm very excited for my first book to come out, hopefully sometime this summer. I'm nervous, scared and biting my nails as to what people will think but I'm excited none the less.

So this is me, in a nutshell.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jo-Anna-Walker-Author/393756564065584

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7061953.Jo_Anna_Walker

Twitter: https://twitter.com/joannawlkr

Blog: http://joannawlkr.blogspot.ca/

Cover Reveal: All Wrapped Up by Braxton Cole

All Wrapped Up

Release date: July 1

By: Braxton Cole

Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

All Wrapped Up is Book Two in The List Series.

Mari and Luca continue to work through their list of sexual fantasies in All Wrapped Up, Book Two in The List Series. They've abandoned their original plan of no strings attached and, for the most part, Mari's learning to be okay with it. She definitely likes Luca's strings (and whatever else he might use to restrain her), but she's not sure she's ready to take the next step in their relationship. Luca, sweet, strong, commanding Luca, insists that it's time to move in together. Mari insists it's time to relax and enjoy what they share without complicating things.

With every moment they spend together, Luca shows Mari how good they could be together. Will Mari run away from her emotions, or does Luca have her all wrapped up?

All Wrapped Up is a novella length erotic romance and contains mature adult themes, including graphic and explicit sex.

Braxton Cole lives in the Pacific Northwest where she spends most of her time holed up in her office writing stories. When she's not writing, she can be found riding her bike, hiking the fabulous local trails, chasing her kids, or wishing that her thumb was a little more green. She has a bad habit of killing what she tries to grow, but hasn't given up hopes of one day being a successful urban farmer.

Braxton writes erotic romance because romance is the stuff that makes life great, and sex is fun. The two belong together, both in life and in fiction.

o    Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/braxton.cole.737 and https://www.facebook.com/BraxtonColeAuthor

o    Website: http://www.braxtoncole.com

o    Twitter: @braxcole

o    Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6998148.Braxton_Cole

Mari meets Luca on an adult website. She’s still smarting from a divorce and only looking to explore her desires. They create wish lists of their sexual fantasies and agree to work through them together. No strings, no attachments, nothing but pleasure, and Mari anticipates their first meeting with impatience. But through a miscommunication involving a private text message and Mari’s nosy brother, Luca ends up at her 30th birthday party, before their planned rendezvous. Much to her surprise, they seem to connect better than she expected, and in ways she hadn’t expected. He’s strong, commanding, but also gentle and respectful and he makes her ache in ways she never thought possible.

But when Luca later expresses a desire for something more than just casual sex, Mari's impulse is to run the other way. After all, her failed marriage is evidence that she really shouldn’t go much deeper. Can Luca convince Mari otherwise? Can he help her see that he's her ultimate birthday wish come true?

Birthday Wishes is Book 1 in The List Series is intended for an adult audience only and contains mature themes, including graphic and explicit sex.

Birthday Wishes Buy Links:

http://www.amazon.com/Birthday-Wishes-List-Book-ebook/dp/B00BOHJ76Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368728120&sr=8-1&keywords=birthday+wishes+by+braxton+cole

Giveaway, Review & Tour: Zane (Alluring Indulgence #2) by Nicole Edwards

You know you are sinking your teeth into a super-hot sexy book, when this is the warning:

Warning: This book contains sexual encounters and graphic language that some readers may find objectionable, including, but not limited to: m/f, m/m, m/f/m, m/m/f encounters, anal sex, exhibitionism, and voyeurism. Contains graphic material that is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18.

Zane is that and more.

Nicole sucks you into her world on indulgences; that will have your panties melting and have you begging for a Walker hottie.

V, Vanessa, is a very hard working woman.  She has vowed never to turn into her mother, who happens to not have such a stellar reputation.  But living in a small town, everyone knows your business.

When Jake, the asshole, makes advances at her and V blows him off, Jake is not too happy.  The words that come out of his mouth are vile. 

Zane being a strong hunk of a man he is did not put up with Jake’s shit and put him in his place.

This lead to the one day that V will never ever forget; the day that changed her life.  Jake and his buddies decided to get retribution on Zane by literally beating him to the point of death…..while V watched.

V blames herself for Zane’s injuries and leaves him in the hospital after she knows he will be okay.  She cannot face him.

After an almost full recovery, Zane has one thing on him mind, V.  Before the incident, they had some very hot and heavy escapades and all Zane wants is V by his side.

V on the other hand, cannot bring herself to go there.  Sex..just sex she can handle.  Anything else, not so much.  Zane is off to change her mind.

But after Jake starts threatening V, Zane takes matters into his own hands to protect her because he will be damned if anything happens to her.

The push and pull between Zane and V is off the charts!  I loved the rollercoaster of emotions that I felt throughout this book.  The characters grow and develop at a wonderful pace that I felt very at ease with them. I totally fell in love with them. 

I absolutely love the crossover from the Club Destiny series.  I am a huge Luke fan, so just his name makes me hyperventilate.  Nicole connected these two series so well. 

I also love that we get to find out about Kaleb and Zoey!!!!  We get a special moment with them.  LOVE!

The sex in this book...is off the charts smokin’.  I mean…damn.  Between having Beau join in their sexcapades and their battles between themselves, it was a wild ride that I really didn’t want to get off of. 

The warning for this book is serious.  There are some of the hottest scenes I have read in this book.  My mouth gaped open, tongue hung out and foamed at the mouth; It was unbelievable. 

Nicole writes some of the best erotica with a great storyline. 

We also get a bit of a teaser for her next book, Travis’ story. OH. MY. GOD.  I bookmarked those chapters and will read them over and over and over on my lonely nights.  I cannot wait to get my hands on Travis. 

Highly recommend all of Nicole’s books.  Club Destiny Series and Alluring Indulgence.

Considering Zane and I have become quite close over the last few months, I thought it only fitting to share with you an example of one of the conversations he and I had (yes, in my head) while I was writing his story. Enjoy! ~Nic~

Nic: So, Zane, what exactly are you looking for in a woman?

Zane: She needs to be feisty as hell. You know the type of woman who can put up with me.

Nic: And exactly what does that mean?

Zane: Well, considering I can be fairly hot headed from time to time, being the youngest out of seven, I think I manage to maintain myself fairly well, all things considered. I don’t want a woman who’ll let me walk all over them, and let me tell you, I’ve had my fair share.

Nic: Are you trying to tell me that you’re demanding?

Zane: Depends. What are you referring to?

Nic: Ok, moving on… It’s clear you’re gonna have the same one track mind as your brothers.

Zane: *laughs*

Nic: I think I’ve got the perfect woman for you. She’s beautiful, sexy, smart, and she takes no shit.

Zane: I’ll take her.

Nic: You don’t even know who I’m talking about yet.

Zane: Don’t care.

Nic: What if I told you she was married?

Zane: I’d tell you that you’re lying.

Nic: Ok, so I am. She’s not married. But, she’s kinda broken, I guess you could say.

Zane: Then I’ll fix her.

Nic: I’m worried that you’re a little too much for her. You aren’t the type who seems to know when to back off.

Zane: Why would I want to back off from something that I want?

Nic: What if she’s… older?

Zane: How much older? I mean if you’re talking fifteen or twenty years older, you and I will need to talk some more because she’s not going to have much in common with me. If you’re talking five to ten years, I like the way your mind works.

Nic: Why’s that?

Zane: I’m not looking for a virgin, Nic. I need a woman who can handle me.

Nic: Ok, no virgins. Adding that to the checklist now.

Zane: I thought you said you have someone in mind.

Nic: I do.

Zane: Who is she?

Nic: *pauses then takes a deep breath* Vanessa Carmichael

Zane: Now we’re talking.

Nic: You know her?

Zane: I’ve heard of her, yes. She’s Zoey’s friend. She’s definitely hot as hell.

Nic: *not sure what to say to that*

Zane: Come on, Nic. I think this will work. Just let me talk to her, I’ll handle the rest.

Nic: *sighs* Why do all the Walker brothers tell me that? 

Travis

Alluring Indulgence, #3

Copyright © 2013 Nicole Edwards

Disclaimer: May be edited or deleted prior to publication
Permission is NOT granted to re-post this content anywhere, so please don’t do it. You may link to this page if you want to share it with others.

unedited excerpt

Taking the back stairs that led to the second floor, Kylie fled from what she’d just seen. Her brain was awash with a myriad of feelings and emotions that the scene she’d just witnessed instilled in her. Lust, sadness, not to mention, a heart weary fear. They all flooded her as she tried to come to terms with the scene.

It was one thing to hear them say what they wanted, or even to witness the kiss they had shared during the heat of the moment, but something else entirely to have seen what she just watched play out in the kitchen below.

Travis wanted Gage. Gage wanted Travis. What she didn’t understand is why they wanted her? From the intensity of the conversation she’d been privy to, there wasn’t room in whatever was going on between the two men for her. What surprised her the most was how much she wished there was.

By the time she made it back to the small bedroom she’d escaped to earlier, she was out of breath, but the shock still hadn’t worn off. Not only had she wanted to be a part of that, she’d been so turned on by what she saw. The way Travis trapped Gage against the wall, then vice versa… the influx of heat and passion was palpable in the still, humid air.

 When she reached the bathroom, she closed the door behind her, but there wasn’t a lock. She knew one, if not both, of them would come after her and she wasn’t sure she wanted to see either of them at the moment.

Where was the jealousy? For all intents and purposes, Travis was her husband. Not to mention, she’d been dating Gage, for lack of a better word, not too long ago. Now… Now the three of them seemed to be involved in this very strange triangle and based on the way her heart felt as though it’d been cracked wide open, Kylie wasn’t sure she was supposed to be here.

But she wanted to be.

Dropping her head in her hands, she closed her eyes, but as soon as she did, the vision of Travis and Gage kissing assaulted her and body be damned, her blood reheated instantly. It was the hottest thing she’d ever seen.

Alluring Indulgence Read Order

Kaleb (Alluring Indulgence #1)  Amazon 

Zane (Alluring Indulgence #2) Amazon 

Travis (Alluring Indulgence #3)—Add to your TBR-- Goodreads

Sawyer (Alluring Indulgence #4)--Add to your TBR--Goodreads 

Braydon (Alluring Indulgence #5)--Add to your TBR--Goodreads

Ethan (Alluring Indulgence #6)—Add to your TBR--Goodreads

Brendon (Alluring Indulgence #7)—Add to your TBR--Goodreads

Club Destiny Series

Conviction (Club Destiny #1)  Amazon  

Temptation (Club Destiny #2) Amazon  

Addicted (Club Destiny #2.5) Amazon 

Seduction (Club Destiny #3) Amazon 

Infatuation (Club Destiny #4) Amazon  

Captivated (Club Destiny #4.5)  Amazon 

Website: http://nicedwardsauthor.com/

Blog: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nicole-Edwards/501722859851600?ref=hl

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nicole-Edwards/501722859851600?ref=hl

7 WINNERS!!!!!!

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Cover Reveal: Glass Hearts by Lisa De Long

Title: Glass Hearts

Author: Lisa De Jong

Expected Release Date:  June 28, 2013

Genre: New Adult Contemporary

Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17447904-glass-hearts

 

 

Can a relationship survive on love alone? Is love truly enough?

Dane and Alex’s relationship has never been easy, but now they have a fresh start without the pressures of Alex’s family. Together they try to move forward while continuing to struggle with a past that they can’t seem to escape.

Sometimes no matter how hard we try to make things work, love isn’t enough.

 Sometimes even after a broken heart is mended, cracks remain, and the same doubts and insecurities that once yanked us apart seep in.

Can true love hold Dane and Alex together or will their hearts completely shatter like glass?

 

I head toward the bedroom and find Alex sprawled out on the center of the bed. I’m still pissed at her for dancing with him.  I don’t know what she was thinking. I hate that fucker and seeing him with his hands on my girl was enough to send me over the edge. I immediately wanted to walk over to them but I stopped, telling myself over and over that there would be no way I could control my temper if I went anywhere near him.

I kept my eyes on them, ready to pounce if he took it any further. I started to cool down a little but deep shades of red clouded by vision when I saw him press his body closer to her.  My mind was made up; I was heading over to punch that idiot in the face if I got through the packed crowd.   I was still about ten feet away when I saw him press his lips to her cheek and it halted me in place; she let him do it.  Didn’t push him away or tell him to stop.  It took everything I had to not break his neck.  I was even more pissed at Alex for letting him do it.

I hate feeling this way.

“Dane,” she whispers, lifting her head from the pillow.  She glances at the clock.  “You’re late getting home.”

Yeah, I had a couple drinks after work.  I needed them.  “It was busy,” I say, sitting on the edge of the bed to remove my shoes. 

 

 

Lisa De Jong is a wife, mother and full-time number cruncher who lives in the Midwest. Her writing journey involved insane amounts of coffee and many nights of very little sleep but she wouldn't change a thing. She also enjoys reading, football and music.

 

 

Website:  www.lisadejongbooks.blogspot.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Lisa-De-Jong-Author/172608966217903

Twitter https://twitter.com/LisaDeJongBooks