REVIEW: GOING UP by TAWNA FENSKE

Going Up

By Tawna Fenske

Releasing July 17th, 2018

Montlake Romance

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In Going Up by Tawna Fenske, Lexi Allison is used to men hitting on her. It happens all the time, especially in her line of work as a bartender. But when she becomes stuck in an elevator with the gorgeous Noah Donovan, she can't help but resort to her ruse that she's married. Not that it's true, but it's the only way she can ward off unwanted advances. However, when she leaves her cute and cuddly packrat behind in the elevator, Noah tracks Lexi down to give the cuddly rodent back. Will Noah be able to win Lexi over once he learns the truth about her being single or will they lose their shot at happy ever after?

Ms. Fenske always writes such fun and interesting reads with plenty of great banter between the main characters that either makes me laugh or smile and I've got to say that this story was no different. Really, I loved the way this story started, which drew me in immediately and made me want to get to know more about the main characters. Why does the heroine always use the ruse of being married to ward off unwanted advances? What happened in her past that made her need to use such a ruse? Is she coming off a bad break-up and not willing to give her heart to another man? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time where this story really gets interesting, as the hero and heroine find themselves stuck in an elevator together. Will they be able to handle being stuck in the elevator? 

As for the dialogue, it was very entertaining and I loved the banter between Noah and Lexi, as they get to know each other, even if there are plenty of obstacles along the way such as lies, misunderstandings and a case of mistaken identity. Moreover, I really liked both the main characters and could understand the heroine's need to protect herself by using the ruse after all she's been through. It's actually quite genius, even though Noah turns out to be a good guy and wouldn't push her into anything she wasn't ready for. Yet, she has to decide that for herself. Not everyone is as good a guy as the hero. 

Furthermore, with the main characters, I loved their back stories and their growing relationship, which made this story go really fast. The heroine is strong, brave and I liked that she gave Noah a chance. Really, she couldn't have found a more perfect guy than Noah, which is proven by all he does when it comes to the heroine's packrat. While the hero, I absolutely loved him. He's kind, caring and I enjoyed how he won the heroine over, especially since she doesn't trust easily. 

Overall, Ms. Fenske has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was tangible from the moment they meet; the romance was worth the wait, as their relationship goes from platonic to physical intimacy; and the ending had me worried that a misunderstanding could end this couple's relationship. Will Noah allow the heroine to explain? However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up wonderfully, as I loved the playful banter between Noah and Lexi. I would recommend Going Up by Tawna Fenske, if you're looking for a quick entertaining read or if you enjoy books by authors Marina Adair, Jill Sanders, Avery Flynn and Catherine Bybee. 

USA Today bestselling author Tawna Fenske’s outrageous romantic comedy about love and lies between perfect strangers…

If someone had told Noah Donovan he was going to be stuck in an elevator with a very beautiful, slightly odd bartender and her fluffy packrat, he never would have believed it. Fortunately, the quirky brunette leaves the very cuddly rodent behind. Unfortunately, she’s married.

In Lexi Allison’s job, she’s accustomed to warding off unwanted advances with a fake wedding ring. So when she meets a tatted-up hunk in an elevator, she’s quick to revert to her default tall tale. This guy certainly knows how to push her buttons, but the thing is, they’re the right buttons. Not that it makes any difference. She won’t see him again anyway.

Noah and Lexi are about to discover that fate has plans for both of them—and that their ups and downs are just beginning. Because it’s going to take two lies, three misunderstandings, a case of mistaken identity, and one very persistent rodent to prove that perfect strangers can make the perfect couple.

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REVIEW: TO CONQUER A SCOT by TAMARA GILL

To Conquer a Scot

Time-Traveler's Highland Love #1

By Tamara Gill

Releasing September 25th, 2017

Entangled Publishing

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In To Conquer a Scot (Time-Traveler's Highland Love #1) by Tamara Gill, when Abigail Cross finds herself in a different period in time all due to time-traveling, she never imagined she'd meet the man of her dreams. Even if he's an insufferable man that she finds difficult to understand all because their opinions of the world differ. Still, the more time Abigail spends with Laird Aedan Macleod, the more she finds herself falling for a man from a different time to hers. Is a lifetime of happiness between them possible or are they too different to ever have a shot at happy ever after?

This book was so much fun to read, as Abigail and Aedan prove that opposites do attract. Really, and this story provides readers with plenty of chemistry between the main characters, wonderful dialogue, lots of tension and a plot that was fast-paced and compelling. Really, the way this story started had me loving the hero immediately, as the hero is protective of his sister and determined not to let her do anything stupid, which could end up exposing her magic. Will he get through to her? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine comes face-to-face for the first time where this story really takes off, as this couple don't get off to the best of starts since Abigail is nothing at all like Aedan wants for a wife, and yet, he's intrigued by her. 

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories and everything this pair go through on their journey to happy ever after. Being in a different time; a time so far back in the past (1601 to be exact) is worrisome for Abigail. Will she be able to handle being in such a different time zone? Will anyone learn the truth that she's from the future? Will she ever be able to return to her time? Moreover, the heroine is resilient and courageous, as she begins to deal with the fact that she's in a different time period and may not be able to return home. I also liked how Abigail challenges the hero, especially since he's the Laird and the person that everyone is supposed to listen to when it comes to the clan. While the hero, he's gruff, obnoxious and I liked how he progresses throughout this story. Certainly, he has some big decisions to make. I also liked the close relationships he has with those he considers family as well as those of his family, especially his sister, even if she's an interfering, audacious woman that goes against his wishes at times. 

Overall, Ms. Gill has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry was strong; the romance was wonderful, as the hero begins to realize that he'll do anything to protect Abigail and keep her safe; and the ending had me loving how strong the friendships are that Aedan has and that the hero was willing to do whatever it takes to be with the heroine no matter the consequences. Yet, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, as Aedan and Abigail have so much to look forward to. I would recommend To Conquer a Scot by Tamara Gill, if you enjoy Historical Romance, the mysterious strangers trope, Time-Travel Romance or books by authors Heather McCollum, Callie Hutton, Vanessa Kelly and Tara Kingston. 

Time-traveling isn’t what Abigail Cross had in mind for her Scottish vacation, nor was a potential marriage to the Laird Aedan Macleod. The fact that the obnoxious, yet hot, and definitely sexy Highlander sees the world very differently than she does, is beside the point.

Aedan Macleod knows what he wants in a wife, and Abigail certainly doesn’t meet his Highland standard, even though he must rein in his desire, because beautiful, opinionated Abigail would never suit as a laird’s wife.

Tempers flare yet passion is undeniable, as Abby navigates her way in seventeenth century Scotland—without toilet paper. When two rival clans threaten the maddening twenty-first century minx who’s captured Laird Aedan’s heart, the mighty Highlander is willing to sacrifice everything to keep Abigail safe.

BUY LINK:  Amazon

BLOG TOUR - REVIEW: A BRAND NEW ENDING by JENNIFER PROBST

Today we are celebrating the release of A BRAND NEW ENDING by Jennifer Probst. This book is the second standalone title in her Stay series, and it is a contemporary romance title that is available to read for FREE in KindleUnlimited.

A Brand New Ending

Stay #2

By Jennifer Probst

Releasing October 23rd, 2018

Montlake Romance

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A love story will be rewritten in this heartfelt romance from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst. 

Ophelia Bishop was a lovestruck teenage girl when she and Kyle Kimpton chased their dreams to Hollywood. Kyle’s dreams came true. Ophelia’s did not. When Kyle chose his career over their relationship, Ophelia returned home to rural New York to run the family’s B & B—wiser, and more guarded against foolish fantasies. Now Kyle has come crashing back into her life, and all her defenses are down. 

Kyle can’t think of a better place to write his latest screenplay than his hometown. After all, that was where he met the heart of his inspiration—his first love. He knows the damage he’s caused Ophelia, and he wants a chance to mend their relationship. If anyone can prove to Ophelia that happy ever afters aren’t only for the movies, it should be him. 

As much as Ophelia’s changed, she still has feelings for Kyle. But her heart has been broken before, and she knows that Kyle could run back to Hollywood at any time. She gave up her dreams once, but maybe she can dare to change her own love story…one last time. 

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In A Brand New Ending (Stay #2) by Jennifer Probst, Ophelia Bishop and Kyle Kimpton ran away together in hopes of making a name for themselves in Hollywood. However, while things worked out for Kyle, they didn't for Ophelia and she returned to their hometown and now runs her family's B & B. Yet, time and distance hasn't diminished their feelings for each other and when Kyle arrives at her doorstep looking to stay for a while, she eventually and reluctantly agrees. But when it's time for Kyle to head back to Hollywood, will he break Ophelia's heart all over again or will the pair fight for the second chance at happy ever after?

Having really enjoyed the first book of this series, I couldn't wait to read more about the Bishop family because Ophelia and her siblings have a tight bond after all that's happened in their lives and deserve every bit of happiness they find. The way this story started with the prologue had me immediately hooked to the fast-paced storyline, as I wanted to know how things went wrong between Kyle and Ophelia when it's palpable they were so in love. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time after what happened in the past where this story really takes off and gets very interesting, as Kyle is a painful reminder of her past and it's understandable why she wants nothing to do with him. He hurt her badly by not being everything she needed ten years ago. 

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories and everything this couple go through on their journey to happy ever after. Will Ophelia be able to forgive Kyle? Will Kyle finally discover how their relationship went so wrong and why Ophelia left the way she did? Moreover, I really enjoyed the obstacles these two face to be together and the depth of emotion Ms. Probst put into this story that had me smiling, laughing, crying because their second chance felt like -- at times -- it wasn't going to happen and had me shedding happy tears when it finally did.

With the main characters, the heroine was resilient, courageous, feisty and I could understand why she's wary of giving the hero another chance because of what happened between them in the past. Kyle really hurt her with his 'suck-it-up' attitude when she was struggling to handle being in Hollywood and everything it entails. Since trying to break into the show business industry is so cutthroat. While the hero, he's confident, driven when it comes to his career, persistent in his pursuit of winning the heroine's trust back and I liked that he didn't give up on winning the heroine over. I also liked the decisions the hero has to make when it comes to his career and his future with the heroine. This time around, things are going to be different. Can he prove to Ophelia that things are going to be different?

Overall, Ms. Probst has delivered a wonderfully-written and enthralling read in this book where the main characters are well-developed; the secondary characters entertained me just as much as the main ones; the chemistry between this couple was off-the-charts; the romance was full of heat and passion and had me loving how these two find their way back to each other; and the ending left me completely satisfied because of what the hero does in order to show the heroine that their life together is the most important thing to him. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly, as a new opportunity opens for the hero when it comes to his career and it shows that forgiveness is possible when it comes to the past. I would recommend A Brand New Ending by Jennifer Probst, if you enjoy second chance romances, the brother's best friend trope or books by authors Melissa Foster, Marina Adair, Catherine Bybee and Jill Shalvis.

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Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master’s in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again. She makes her home in Upstate New York with the whole crew. Her sons keep her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean. She is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, was ranked #6 on Amazon's Best Books for 2012. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases and her street team at www.jenniferprobst.com. 

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BLOG TOUR - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: GOING DOWN ON ONE KNEE by CHRISTINA HOVLAND

Today we have the blog tour for GOING DOWN ON ONE KNEE by Christina Hovland! Check it out and get your copy today!

Going Down on One Knee

By Christina Hovland

Releasing Date 26th October, 2018

Self-Published

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"An utterly charming opposites-attract-story. Hovland perfectly balances simmering sexual tension with a surprising amount of emotion, and the stomach-flip-causing ending is the perfect example of why I read and love romance." - New York Times Bestselling Author, Lauren Layne   

Number-crunching Velma Johnson's perfectly planned life is right on course.   That's a lie. Sure, she's got the lucrative job. She's got the posh apartment. But her sister nabbed Velma's Mr. Right. There has to be a man out there for Velma. Hopefully, one who's hunky, wears pressed suits, and has a diversified financial portfolio. He'll be exactly like, well... her sister's new fiancé.   

Badass biker Brek Montgomery blazes a trail across the country, managing Dimefront, one of the biggest rock bands of his generation. With the band on hiatus, Brek rolls into Denver to pay a quick visit to his family and friends. But when Brek's sister suddenly gets put on bed rest, she convinces Brek to take over her wedding planning business for the duration of her pregnancy.   Staying in Denver and dealing with bridezillas was not what Brek had in mind when he passed through town, but there is one particular maid-of-honor who might make his stay worthwhile.   

Velma finds herself strangely attracted to the man planning her sister's wedding.   Problem is, he ticks none of the boxes on her well-crafted list. Brek is rough around the edges, he cusses, and doesn't even have a 401(k). But trying something crazy might get her out of the rut of her dating life--so long as she lays down boundaries up front and sticks to her plan... 

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In Going Down on One Knee by Christina Hovland, Velma Johnson feels like she's failing to stick to the five-year plan she's made, especially when she discovers her sister is marrying the guy she's had a crush on for a while. So, maybe it's time to throw her plan out the window and be a little spontaneous. Yet, the more time she spends with Brek Montgomery -- her complete opposite in every way -- she finds herself falling for someone she never imagined she'd fall in love with. Will Velma and Brek get the happy ever after they both deserve or will she go back to believing her five-year plan is still a good thing and end up breaking Brek's heart?

What a fun, charming, fast-paced read Ms. Hovland has penned in this opposites attract trope encompassing story where the main characters were absolutely compelling; the dialogue was a wonderful combination of intense moments due to the main characters back stories and playful banter that had me loving the hero's determination to win the heroine over because he wants her; and the fast-paced plot kept me entertained from start to finish because of the obstacles these two face to be together including the heroine's five-year plan and whether she should stick to it or toss it aside and whether the weddings Brek needs to handle for his sister will be a success?

With the main characters, the heroine is resilient and courageous when it comes to the decisions she makes to do with the hero and whether she'll take him up on his offer. I also liked how driven she is when it comes to her career and how determined she was to help the hero because it's palpable he needs it when it comes to the weddings he must make sure go off without a hitch. Will things go off without a hitch? Will Brek be able to save his sister's business? While the hero, he's confident; charming; a great brother to do what he does for his sister, even though he doesn't know anything about planning weddings; and I liked how determined he was to win the heroine over because there's such intense chemistry between them that is hard for him to ignore.

Overall, Ms. Hovland has delivered a wonderfully-written and enthralling read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was powerful; the romance was steamy and proves that sex on a motorcycle is definitely possible; the secondary characters entertained me as much as the main ones because they want to see Velma happy with the right guy; and the ending had me loving the heroine's determination to make things right with the hero, especially after how their relationship goes awry and he doesn't believe he's good enough for her. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly because these two are perfect together and prove that opposites really do attract. I would recommend Going Down on One Knee by Christina Hovland, if you enjoy the opposites attract trope or books by authors Emma Hart, Carly Phillips, Melissa Foster and Kaylee Ryan.

 

   

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Christina Hovland lives her own version of a fairy tale—an artisan chocolatier by day and romance writer by night. Born in Colorado, Christina received a degree in journalism from Colorado State University. Before opening her chocolate company, Christina’s career spanned from the television newsroom to managing an award-winning public relations firm. She’s a recovering overachiever and perfectionist with a love of cupcakes and dinner she doesn’t have to cook herself. A 2017 Golden Heart® finalist, she lives in Colorado with her first-boyfriend-turned-husband, four children, and the sweetest dog around.   

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RELEASE BLAST & GIVEAWAY: CHRISTMAS COMES TO SNOWFALL by ERIKA MARKS

 Christmas Comes to Snowfall

By Erika Marks
Tule Publishing

Contemporary Holiday Romance

Releasing October 23, 2018

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Blurb

Christmas with the confirmed bachelor...

Quaint Christmas or quirky vacation? Newcomer Maggie Iverson comes to the small resort town of Snowfall, Vermont, for a one-week repreive from her high-powered marketing job in Boston. She's designing a new website to boost tourism traffic (both virtual and foot) to Snowfall for the holidays. She enthusiastically throws herself into all things Christmas, but deftly dodges each match-making hint.

Long-time bachelor and veterinarian Alden Marshall has never embraced the holiday season, but when he meets Maggie, their chemistry is powerful enough to light up a dozen Christmas trees. Suddenly he finds himself immersed in the town’s merry-making with Maggie by his side. Will the magic of Christmas cast the spell Maggie and Alden need to let go of their pasts and finally find a love that lasts?

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Author Bio

Erika Marks is a women’s fiction writer and the author of Little Gale Gumbo, The Mermaid Collector, The Guest House and It Comes In Waves (July, 2014). On the long and winding road to becoming published, she worked many different jobs, including carpenter, cake decorator, art director, and illustrator. But if pressed, she might say it was her brief tenure with a match-making service in Los Angeles after college that set her on the path to writing love stories (not that there isn’t romance in frosting or power tools!) A native New Englander, she now makes her home in Charlotte, NC, with her husband, a native New Orleanian who has taught her to make a wicked gumbo, and their two little mermaids.

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