BLOG TOUR - REVIEW: THE HOOKUP by ERIN MCCARTHY

The Hookup

The Jordan Brothers #1

By Erin McCarthy

Releasing May 8th, 2018

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Is there an equation for the perfect hookup? Turns out it’s a lot more complicated than one plus one. . . .

Sophie: Numbers are my comfort zone, which explains why my sex life is a big fat zero. Then again, if I’m smart enough to earn a PhD, why can’t I calculate a way to get a guy into bed, just to see what all the fuss is about? With my prima donna sister, Bella, getting married in Maine, I figure her wedding is the perfect opportunity for my little experiment. And Cain Jordan seems hot enough—he’s certainly drunk enough—to show me what I’ve been missing. Judging by the body of evidence, it’s a lot. . . .

Cain: Being stuck in the same town as my lying SOB twin brother, Christian—who may or may not be the father of the son I’m not allowed to see—is a hell of a reason to drink myself silly after the lobster boat docks each day. Any port in a storm . . . But Sophie’s different. She doesn’t play around. And she’s becoming a habit I don’t want to break. Because the smartest woman I’ve ever met is also the sexiest—and the only one who makes me want to change.

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In The Hookup (The Jordan Brothers #1) by Erin McCarthy, Cain Jordan does everything he can to numb the hurts of his past with alcohol, especially after what his twin brother did that sent him on such a spiral in the first place. However, the moment he meets Sophie, he finds his life changing for the better. Can he overcome his desire for alcohol and replace one addiction for another, or will Cain ruin any chance he has at happy ever after with Sophie because of his drinking?

What an interesting and riveting read Ms. McCarthy has penned in this first book of her Jordan brothers series where the hero needs the heroine to help him heal from the hurts of his past; the heroine deserves someone that can handle her need to say whatever is on her mind and not criticise her like her family does because they believe she's socially inept; the characters were fantastic due to their back stories and every moment they spend together; and the dialogue was entertaining due to everything these two have been through in their pasts, especially the hero because he's never gotten over what his twin brother did. Will Cain ever be able to move on from his past?

With the main characters, I couldn't help but sympathize with the pair, as the heroine's family treats her like she's a kid because they believe she doesn't know how to interact with people while the hero was betrayed by his twin brother and that makes being around his family hard. Moreover, the heroine was resilient, funny at times; impressed me with her comebacks on things Cain said to her; and I liked that she gave the hero a chance, even though there's no chance for a future for the pair unless he's willing to overcome the hurts of his past. No way can he continue to numb the pain the way he does. While the hero, he's been through so much and I could understand why it's hard for him to spend time around his family. They judge him for every little thing, even though his brother was the one in the wrong and not Cain. Why couldn't they hold his brother a little more accountable for his actions? I also liked how the hero shows the heroine that her being smart, her need for honesty and blurting out whatever was on her mind was a good thing and that he actually appreciates everything about her.

Overall, Ms. McCarthy has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between Cain and Sophie is strong; the romance is wonderful, as Cain shows Sophie how good sex can be, especially since she's so inexperienced; and the ending had me loving how determined Cain was to be with Sophie. Then again, he did need to do something to show her she's more important than what drinking can do for him and I liked that he was willing to finally find a way to clean up his act. No way could he continue to drown in his sorrows. I would recommend The Hookup by Erin McCarthy, if you enjoy the mysterious strangers trope or books by authors Lorelei James, Carly Phillips, Erin Nicholas and Shannon Stacey.

 

USA Today and New York Times Bestselling author Erin McCarthy first published in 2002 and has since written over sixty novels and novellas in teen fiction, new adult romance, paranormal, and contemporary romance. Erin is a RITA finalist and an ALA Reluctant Young Reader award recipient, and is both traditionally and indie published. When she’s not writing she can be found sipping martinis in high heels or eating ice cream in fleece pajamas depending on the day, and herding her animals, kids, and amazing renovation-addicted husband.

Connect with Erin McCarthy

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BLOG TOUR - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: THIRSTY by MIA HOPKINS

Feeling THIRSTY? Visit the Eastside Brewery…

A gangster hiding from his past. A single mom fighting for her future. Can she show this bad boy the man’s he’s meant to be? Mia Hopkins is back with the first in an all-new contemporary series, THIRSTY (Eastside Brewery #1)!

Thirsty

Eastside Brewery #1
By Mia Hopkins

Releasing March 13th, 2018

Loveswept

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My name is Salvador Rosas. Back in the barrio, my past is written on the walls: ESHB. Short for East Side Hollenbeck, my father’s gang—my gang. Hell, it’s a family tradition, one that sent both my brothers away. They used to call me “Ghost” because I haunted people’s dreams. Now I’ve got nothing going for me except a hipster gringo mentoring me in a new career. An ex-con making craft beer? No mames.

Still, people in this neighborhood look out for one another. That’s how I became Vanessa Velasco’s unwelcome tenant. Chiquita pero picosa. She’s little, but with curves so sweet they’re dangerous. I remember Vanessa from the old days, the straight-A student with big plans. Plans that were derailed by another kid stupid enough to think he was bulletproof. Now Vanessa knows better than to believe in empty promises. There’s fire in her . . . and if I touch her, I might get burned.

I’m trying everything I can to go straight. But when East Side Hollenbeck comes calling, I might have to risk it all to find out if there’s a future for Vanessa and me. Because she’s the only one who can quench my thirst for something real.

On Sale in Digital: March 13, 2018

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Google Play| iBooks | Kobo

See what others are saying about THIRSTY:

“Thirsty is sexy and soul-wrenching, with Sal’s irresistible voice luring you through a living, breathing Los Angeles. Vanessa and Sal’s chemistry is sizzling right off the page, and their journey will keep you on the edge of your seat. Five smoldering, tattooed stars!” - USA Today Bestselling Author Sierra Simone

In Thirsty (Eastside Brewery #1) by Mia Hopkins, after spending five years in prison, Salvador Rosas is doing his best to stay out of trouble. However, it isn't easy when he can't get free of the Eastside Hollenback gang; the gang his father was a part of and the same gang that he's done his best to stay away from. Yet, there's one bright spot in his life and that's Vanessa Valesco. Will he be able to get himself free of the gang to be able to have a future with Vanessa, or will he lose his chance at happy ever after because his past keeps coming back to haunt him?

What an absolutely enthralling, fast-paced, wonderful read Ms. Hopkins has delivered in this first book of her Eastside Brewery series where the storyline kept me entertained from start to finish because of what Salvador has been through and what he goes through with the gang that had me concerned for his well-being; the main characters were compelling and had me loving the banter between them as well as their growing relationship; and the secondary characters in the heroine's daughter and grandma had me smiling. Since the heroine's daughter is adorable while the heroine's grandmother loves to tease her. 

The way this story started with the hero had me sympathizing with him because he hasn't done anything wrong, and yet, it feels like he's in big trouble because of something his friend has done. Will he be able to smooth things over for his friend or has his friend ruined things beyond repair? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine came face-to-face for the first time that had me completely intrigued by this story because of the heroine's reaction to the hero. Why is she so against her grandmother's plan to help Salvador? Will she be able to accept what her grandmother has agreed to with the hero?

As for the main characters, I absolutely loved the hero, as he's worked hard to overcome his past, and yet, it seems it's always going to be hard to fully extricate himself from the gang. Moreover, the hero has done everything possible to start over and has worked hard to turn his life around. I also liked his confidence and how determined he was to win the heroine over, even if it means agreeing to her two-month plan. Will they be able to walk away at the end of the two months? Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero is that he's loyal and honourable and I could understand why he would do anything to make things right for the heroine especially after what happens that makes their relationship goes awry.

While the heroine, she's been through so much and I could understand why she finds it hard to give another man a chance after all that she went through with her ex. Yet, in saying that, she's resilient, courageous and I liked that she took a chance on the hero because he's a good guy, even though he finds it hard to break away from the gang; a gang that could land him in trouble again if he's not careful. Will he be willing to risk everything he's worked so hard for since getting out of jail to help the Eastside Hollenback gang again? However, what I liked most of all about the heroine was the close relationship she shared with her daughter who is adorable and her grandmother who is an absolute hoot at times with her teasing, especially since she sees how happy Salvador makes Vanessa.

Overall, this story was a worthwhile read filled with plenty of chemistry between the hero and heroine that spilled over onto the pages in steamy sex scenes that encompass a lot of heat and passion. However, it was the ending that wrapped this story up perfectly, as I felt sorry for the hero because of what he goes through, but I liked the decision he made to get his life on track without fear of repercussions. I also liked what Salvador received in the end in order to help him work towards a career. Yet, it's how things worked out for the best between the hero and heroine that I loved so much about the end of this book. I would recommend Thirsty by Mia Hopkins, if you enjoy the opposites attract trope or books by authors Sierra Simone, Alexis Daria, Kate Cantarbury and Alisha Rai.

The ride starts with a burst of music like a jack-in-the-box. We glide backward and over a couple of times. The Ferris wheel stops to let other passengers on. At the very top, our carriage swings back and forth before it goes still.

Now I can see my neighborhood from a different viewpoint, high above. The lights of the carnival are bright and beautiful. The smells of tacos, hot dogs, and popcorn fill my nose. People pack the church parking lot. Cars line the street, and in the surrounding houses, lights in the windows show where families are talking or watching TV or having dinner.

“How are you doing?” I ask.

“I’m all right.”

She’s looking at the same things I am. I wonder if she is seeing the same details. I stroke her hair and take another risk. “So what do you think?”

“About what?”

“Starting something with me?”

She takes a deep breath but doesn’t say anything.

“What are your doubts?” I say.

“Are you kidding?” She snorts. “You’re seriously asking me that?”

I laugh a little. “Okay, well. Besides the obvious.”

“You have your own life. I have mine. You’re trying to rebuild from the ground up. I’m trying to secure my daughter’s future. We’re heading in different directions.”

She isn’t wrong. Life has disappointed her in such deep and cruel ways, I don’t blame her for protecting herself. But even as she tells me this—the truth about how we’re not right for each other—I feel how right it is to talk to her, to hold her hand, to show her who I am. “I have an idea,” I say. “Probation.”

“What?”

“I’m only around for two months, right?”

“Right.”

“Spend those two months with me.” I look into her eyes. “I want to be with you, Vanessa.”

“Sal—”

“I’ll be gone before I have a chance to disappoint you.” When the words leave my mouth, I try to ignore how pathetic they sound. “We’re adults, not dumb kids. We won’t lose our heads.” I run my fingers through her silky hair. “I swear to God, every time I look at you, I feel . . .” I reach for the most honest word I can find. “Thirsty.”

Praise for titles by Mia Hopkins:

"Mia Hopkins knows how to put characters on a page."  - HEROES AND HEARTBREAKERS

"Mia Hopkins is an imaginative author who doesn’t take the easy road to a formulaic book." - USA TODAY 

"Sweet and filthy at the same time, just the way I like it. This book made me so happy." - READ ALL THE ROMANCE

"The writing is excellent, the emotions leap off the page, and the sex is downright earthy." - JILL SORENSON, AUTHOR

"Beautifully descriptive...hot, sexy and full of yearning!"  - DELILAH DEVLIN, AUTHOR 

“Off the charts hot.”  - THE ROMANCE STUDIO

 “A tantalizing slow seduction of the senses.” - STRANGE CANDY REVIEWS

"Hopkins packs a lot of heat and romance on the pages...Caution: hot, sexy times ahead!" - READER GIRLS BLOG

“Filled with sizzling chemistry, hot sex, and just enough sweetness to leave me wanting more…And those sex scenes…Holy hotness!”  - CRYSTAL BLOGS BOOK

Mia Hopkins writes lush romances starring fun, sexy characters who love to get down and dirty. She’s a sucker for working class heroes, brainy heroines and wisecracking best friends. She lives in Los Angeles with her roguish husband and waggish dog.

You can also visit her online at the following places:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | Goodreads | Pinterest | Instagram

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BLOG TOUR - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: RUNAWAY GROOM by LAUREN LAYNE

“Lauren Layne gets the red rose for this one, and fans of The Bachelor will fall in love with this thoroughly charming story.”—Kate O’Keeffe, bestselling author

Runaway Groom

I Do, I Don't #2

By Lauren Layne

Releasing Jan 30, 2018

Loveswept

For one charming playboy, getting cast on a Bachelor-esque reality TV show is the shock of a lifetime—until he finds love where he least expects it.

Gage Barrett’s reputation as a ladies’ man has been greatly exaggerated, but none of that matters after a drunken bet lands him on Jilted, a reality TV show that matches runaway grooms with wannabe brides. Now he’s stuck at a Hawaiian resort with nineteen women competing to drag him back to the altar—and one contestant who’s even more miserable than he is. Gage has no idea how feisty, independent Ellie Wright wound up in the cast, but it’s obvious she hates his guts. And if there’s one thing Gage likes, it’s a challenge. . . .

Ellie can’t believe she let her best friend talk her into exchanging her dignity for a glorified bikini contest. Still, she could use the exposure—her business is struggling—and she’ll probably be one of the first to get eliminated anyway. But Gage isn’t the shallow jerk Ellie anticipated—and he’s in no rush to send her home. As stolen kisses turn into secret trysts, she finds herself losing track of what’s real and what’s for the camera. With the wedding finale looming, this runaway groom is tempting Ellie to start believing in storybook endings.

NOW AVAILABLE!

In Runaway Groom (I Do, I Don't #2) by Lauren Layne, losing a bet has landed Gage Bennett in a place he doesn't want to be, especially considering the reality TV show he finds himself on will end with him possibly getting married. However, soon after filming starts, Gage finds it isn't all bad, especially once he meets Ellie Wright. Yet, Ellie wants to be on the show even less than Gage, but for some reason he doesn't seem inclined to send her home. And the more they get to know each other, the more the pair find themselves falling hard. Will Gage be able to convince Ellie to take a chance on him, or will Ellie run from her chance at happy ever after?

Ms. Layne always manages to impress me with her books and this story was a highly entertaining, fast-paced, incredible read that kept me entertained from start to finish and had me wrapping up the story two hours after I started reading. Really, this book was unputdownable due to the amazing main characters that have so much chemistry; and compelling dialogue that had me liking that Ellie was willing to help Gage. Will Ellie realize how much Gage means to her before it's too late?

As for the way this story started, it had me sympathizing with the hero, because even though he's used to being on screen as an actor, the reality show he's going to be on isn't something he wants to do, but it seems there's no way out of it. However, in saying that, I liked that Gage did his best to be a good bachelor and that once he met the heroine things get a whole lot more interesting for him. Certainly, she's not like the other women and isn't afraid to speak her mind. 

Both the main characters were relatable, likeable and I loved their playful banter that had me smiling often. Moreover, the heroine was resilient and courageous in being on the show, even though it's the last thing she wants to do. I also liked how she handled everything that goes down with the show, especially the moment where things could go either way for her when it comes to staying on the show or finally being able to leave. Will Gage do the right thing for the heroine? Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine was the challenge she provided for the hero because she's not like the other women on the show in the way she doesn't fall so easily for his charm. 

While the hero, he's done well for himself in becoming an actor like he always wanted to be, but I couldn't help but sympathize with him when it came to his relationships. First with what happened with his ex and his brother, and then, of course, the reason why he's the perfect candidate for the reality TV show. Furthermore, I liked the hero's confidence, his charming ways and his determination to win over the heroine, because he likes her and wants her to see him for who he really is. That he's more than a character he plays on the big screen. Will he prove to the heroine that what he feels for her isn't an act?

Overall, Ms. Layne has delivered another fantastic read for this series where the quirky secondary characters in the other women on the show had me laughing at how far they were willing to go to have Gage; the chemistry between this couple was off-the-charts and just kept getting stronger with every interaction between them; the romance was delightful and does justice to this couple's intense chemistry; and the ending had me liking how the reality show ended and how Gage is determined to win back Ellie because she's the woman he wants more than anything. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up brilliantly, as Ellie loves to tease Gage and there's nothing better than teasing him about than the show where their relationship started.  I would recommend Runaway Groom by Lauren Layne, if you enjoy the opposites attract trope or books by authors Emma Hart, Kadie Scott, Lili Valente and Jill Shalvis.

Lauren Layne is the New York Times bestselling author of romantic comedies. She lives in New York City with her husband.

A former e-commerce and web marketing manager from Seattle, Lauren relocated to New York City in 2011 to pursue a full-time writing career. She signed with her agent in 2012, and her first book was published in summer of 2013. Since then, she's written over two dozen books, hitting the USA TODAY, New York Times, iBooks, and Amazon bestseller lists.

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