BLOG TOUR - REVIEW: BIG STICK by RC STEPHENS

 

Big Stick, an all-new standalone Sports Romance by R.C. Stephens is AVAILABLE NOW!

 

Big Stick

Big Stick #1

By R.C Stephens

Releasing September 17th, 2018

Entangled Publishing

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"A sexy NHL player, a sassy heroine, and a heartfelt romance that kept me engaged from beginning to end!" — NYT bestseller Mia Sheridan

Hockey is my life. And it's a great one. There's an endless line of women, and I get to hang with my best friend Oli. Everything is perfect until she shows up. Oli's twin sister, Flynn...hates my guts. I don't blame her. I'm part of one of the worst nights of her life.

Now she's next door and seeing her every day is killing me slowly. I wonder if we can ever get back to being friends. The way she looks at me sometimes, well, let's just say my hockey stick isn't the only thing that's feeling hard these days.

But if she finds out the secrets I'm keeping, forgiveness will be the last thing on her mind.

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In Big Stick (Big Stick #1) by R.C Stephens, a tragic accident drove a wedge between best friends Flynn and Myles, but now years later they're reunited. However, Flynn isn't ready to forgive Myles, especially when he left at a time when she needed him most. Yet, as they get to know each other again, Flynn realizes she's not going to be able to ignore the intense chemistry she and Myles share for long. Will Myles be able to convince Flynn to take a chance on him or will secrets from the past destroy their friendship for good?

This is the first book I've read by this author and I've got to say that it was a really fascinating and entertaining story where the main characters have quite the history; and the dialogue was a wonderful mix of intense moments and teasing banter that had me loving the hero's determination to win the heroine over by reminding her about how close they once were. Will Flynn and Myles ever be as close as they were in the past? 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 heroine doesn't make things easy for the hero and I wanted to know how long it would take for Myles to win Flynn over.

With the heroine, she's strong, brave, hard-working, has a close bond with her twin brother and I liked the tight friendship she shares with her best friend who loves to tease Flynn. I also liked how she handled everything when it comes to things being kept from her and I could understand why she reacts the way she does. How could something so important be kept from her? While the hero, he confident, a little cocky, charming, has worked hard for his career, and I liked how determined he was to win the heroine over once he realized he was all in when it came to a relationship between them, even if he doesn't believe he's good enough for her. 

Overall, Ms. Stephens has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong; the romance was delightful, as these two find their way back to each other; and the ending had me  worried for this couple's happy ever after due to what happens, but had me loving the hero's determination to make things right with Flynn after their relationship goes awry. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely because of the surprise the hero has for the heroine. I would recommend Big Stick by RC Stephens, if you enjoy second chance romances, the friends to lovers trope or books by authors Robin Bielman, Cindi Madsen, Beth Anne Miller and Lexi Lawton.

                                                                                                                                                                              

 

     

As far back as R.C. Stephens can remember she was a sucker for a good romance. Of course there had to be a prince charming even if he ultimately was a dark knight and there had to be a happy ending. She watched the movie Dirty Dancing way too many times growing up and Jean Claude Van Damme movies too. Go figure! After years of saying she would write a book one day, she finally put pen to paper and carved out the plot line for what would eventually become the best selling Twisted Series. Now R.C. is just finishing up her tenth book and can’t seem to stop the stories running through her mind. Visit R.C. on her Facebook page to find out what’s new in her life and what releases she has coming up.   

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RELEASE BLITZ - REVIEW: THE TENTH GIRL by CARRIE AARONS

 The Tenth Girl

By Carrie Aarons

New Adult/Young Adult

Releasing September 9, 2018

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Blurb

Never play a game you can't win.

For Cain Kent, that rule is golden. Losing is not in his vocabulary, and up until now, everything has come easy. Football, school, girls ... his charm-laced ego may just be bigger than Texas itself.

The competition he started freshman year with his friends, to make ten notches each in their bedposts by graduation day, is practically in the bag. One more to go, and then it's off to college fame and eventually, the big time. Attachments aren't something he wants to form, but when the quiet new girl challenges him in front of his classmates, his curiosity is peaked. She would be the perfect final score, and what fun to break her in the process.

Too bad Harper Posy has no intention of being just another warm body, especially to the bad boy quarterback. Even if he does quote Forster and Huxley when no one is listening. An aspiring author herself, Cain and his hidden soft side are dangerous to her heart. She's seen men ruin her mother's dreams time and again, and she's determined to fly far away as soon as she has that diploma in her fist.

But as the school year’s end looms closer, both realize they didn’t quite understand the rules to begin with. Is winning a dirty bet worth the gamble when the stakes, or the other’s heart in this case, are so high?

Harper is the one girl who isn't up for playing games. And she just might make Cain lose. Everything. 

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AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

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In The Tenth Girl by Carrie Aarons, Cain Kent is determined to win the bet he's made with his friends -- to have sex with ten girls before the year is out. However, there's only one girl he wants to be number ten and that's the new girl, Harper Posy. Yet, he soon discovers Harper isn't going to be easy to win over. She's nothing like other girls where they'll do anything to get his attention. Will Cain be able to win Harper over or will the truth about the bet lose him the girl he's fallen in love with?

This is the second book I've read by Ms. Aarons and I've got to say that I love her style of writing. It flows really well and this story had me hooked from beginning to end due to the main characters back stories and their growing relationship, especially since they're as different as night and day with the hero being the most popular boy in school and the heroine being someone that doesn't really care what people think of her, which is proven when she stands up to the hero for doing something wrong. 

As for the dialogue, it was entertaining and intense due to the main characters back stories and the obstacles these two face to be together, as things the heroine discovers about the hero leave her jealous and not sure whether she can trust him. Will Cain be able to prove to the heroine she can trust him? Moreover, the heroine is resilient, courageous, driven to follow her dream to become an author and I liked that she gave the hero a chance, even though it's every bit possible that she could end up getting hurt. While the hero, he's confident, charming, protective of the heroine and I liked how determined he was to win over Harper, even though he's doing it for the wrong reasons in the beginning since he wants her to be his number ten girl. Will Harper be his number ten girl or will he see that the bet isn't as important as the girl he's fallen in love with?

Overall, Ms. Aarons has delivered a fun and fantastic read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong; the romance was heart-warming, as Harper puts her trust in Cain when she's finally ready; and the ending had me loving the hero's determination to win back Harper, especially since she's the one for him and there's no way he'll be able to forget her if he can't have her in his life. Will Harper be able to forgive Cain? Yet, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, as Cain and Harper have come so far in the two years they've been together and have accomplished so much. I would recommend The Tenth Girl by Carrie Aarons, if you enjoy New Adult Romance, the opposites attract trope or books by authors Cindi Madsen, Robin Bielman, Lynn Stevens and Lexi Lawton.

Author Bio

Author of romance novels such as Red Card and Privileged, Carrie Aarons writes books that are just as swoon-worthy as they are sarcastic. A former journalist, she prefers the stories she dreams up, and the yoga pant dress code, much better.

When she isn’t writing, Carrie is busy binging reality TV, having a love/hate relationship with cardio, and trying not to burn dinner. She lives in the suburbs of New Jersey with her husband, daughter and dog.

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BLOG TOUR - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: ONCE UPON A PLAYER by CHRISTINA PHILLIPS

About the Book:

 

Falling for the player was never part of the plan…

Violet

When my mum gets sick, I volunteer to fill in for her and clean some hot jock’s penthouse. I’ve heard all the rumors about him, so the plan is get in, clean some toilet bowls, and get out. After my last experience with a “sports hero,” I’m done with that sort of guy.

But Lucas Carter is full of surprises. He wants to help me clean and is nothing like the toad the press has made him out to be. Resistance may be futile for some girls, but not me. Then he asks me to help him with the interior design of his new place. I can’t say, no. It’s going to look great on my resume.

Unfortunately, spending time with Lucas is dangerous. He’s so charming and sweet, but I can’t let myself forget––once a player, always a player.

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In Once Upon a Player (British Bad Boys #2) by Christina Phillips, Violet has sworn off athletes, especially after what her ex-boyfriend did. However, there's something about Lucas Carter that's hard to ignore. Yet, cleaning his apartment is all she's ready for. But Lucas has other ideas and is determined to win her over. Will happy ever after be possible for these two?

Having really enjoyed the first book of this series, I was looking forward to more of it and I've got to say that this second book of Ms. Phillips British Bad Boys series was absolutely engaging, fast-paced and was a story I loved right from the beginning due to the heroine's reaction to what she's walked into and whether she can play nice with the hero considering his profession and the fact that he's a total player who has set his sights on her. Can Violet handle the hero's charm without giving in like so many other women do? 

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories and it's understandable why the heroine doesn't want another relationship with someone that plays the same sport as her ex because look how much of a disaster that was due to what her ex did. How could she trust that Lucas wouldn't stray when a better offer came along? However, in saying that, I liked that Violet finally got a little revenge against those that hurt her. Moreover, the heroine is resilient, courageous, hard-working when it comes to her studies and her job and I liked that she took a chance on Lucas, even though it isn't easy for her. Can she trust him? I also liked the close bond she shares with her family and her best friend, as they're really good at giving advice and helping her whenever she needs it. 

While the hero, he's confident; charming; has a tight bond with his twin brother, even though they're as different as chalk and cheese; and I liked how determined he was to win the heroine over, which is more difficult than he thought it would be because he's used to women being into him the moment they meet him. I also liked the hero's determination to get back to the game he loves, even though there's every chance he might not be as good as he once was because of his injury.   

Overall, Ms. Phillips has delivered a fantastic read in this book where the chemistry between Violet and Lucas was intense; the romance was satisfying and had me loving that the heroine took a chance on Lucas because he's a good guy; and the ending had me cheering for this couple's happy ever after, especially after how things go awry in their relationship. Luckily, both are determined to make things right between them and I liked how one of the main characters went about it. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly, as I liked the choices these two made in order to be together. I would recommend Once Upon a Player by Christina Phillips, if you enjoy the opposites attract trope, the enemy to lovers trope or books by authors Robin Bielman, Lexi Lawton, Jen McLaughlin and Cindi Madsen.

Christina Phillips is an ex-pat Brit who now lives in sunny Western Australia with her high school sweetheart and their family. She enjoys writing contemporary, historical and paranormal romance where the stories sizzle and the heroine brings her hero to his knees.

She is a multiple finalist in the 2012 – 2014 ARRA Awards for Favorite Erotic Romance, Favorite Contemporary Romance and Favorite Paranormal Romance. She has been published by Entangled Publishing, Tule Publishing, Harlequin Escape, Penguin/Berkley Heat and The Wild Rose Press, and is also indie published. She is a member of the Romance Writers of Australia and helped establish the inaugural Professional Development for Authors program, and has been a member of the editorial team for the RWA’s monthly newsletter, Hearts Talk. She loves hearing from her readers!

Christina is addicted to good coffee, expensive chocolate and bad boy heroes. She is also owned by three gorgeous cats who are convinced the universe revolves around their needs. They are not wrong.

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BLOG TOUR - REVIEW: MAYBE SOMEONE LIKE YOU by STACY WISE

About the Book:

Katie Capwell is a bright and accomplished recent law school graduate, and she has her shiny future all mapped out.

Ryan Brincatt is a tattooed and impossibly cool martial artist, and he’s mastered a fierce roundhouse kick.

Their paths never should have crossed.

But on a whim, she signs up for kickboxing lessons with him. She never imagined that one decision would change absolutely everything.

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In Maybe Someone Like You by Stacy Wise, when Katie Capwell decided to sign up kickboxing lessons, she never imagined her life would change for the better, especially since she and Ryan Brincatt are from totally different worlds. However, the more he teaches her, the more she finds herself falling for him. Will Katie and Ryan achieve their happy ever after or will the fact that they're too different keep them apart?

The first thing I noticed about this book was the cover. It looks like this story will be lots of fun and I've got to say that Ms. Wise delivers plenty of that in this book. The way this story started drew me in immediately, but it was from the moment the hero and heroine meet that had me fully invested in this story, as it's palpable they're from two totally different worlds in where she's just completed her law degree and he's a tattooed martial artist that didn't have the easiest of times in school.

As for the dialogue, it was entertaining due to the main characters back stories, the journey these two take on their way to happy ever after; and the blossoming relationship that had me hoping they'd finally realize they want each other, even though there's a good reason why the hero doesn't acted on his feelings. Moreover, the heroine is resilient, courageous and I liked the decisions she makes throughout this story to do with her career because she finally realizes what type of law she wants to pursue. I also liked the tight bond she has with her friends and that her best friend was looking out for her when it came to relationships. Is meeting Ryan fate, especially with his connection to her friends? While the hero, he's confident, hard-working and I liked how far he's come in his life. I also liked how encouraging he was when it came to instructing Katie, although she's fearless and determined to prove she has what it takes to learn the moves to the best of her ability. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero is the tight bond he shares with his niece. Really, they're so cute together. 

Overall, Ms. Wise has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong; the romance cute; and the ending had me loving how these two find their way back to each other after such a rollercoaster of will-they-or-won't-they become a couple. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely because these two are so good together. I would recommend Maybe Someone Like You by Stacy Wise, if you enjoy the mysterious strangers trope, the friends to lovers trope, or books by authors Beth Anne Miller, Robin Bielman, RS Grey and Erin Fletcher.

Meet the Author:

Stacy Wise is the author of BEYOND THE STARS (Entangled Embrace, 2016) and MAYBE SOMEONE LIKE YOU (Entangled Embrace, 4/16/18). She has a B.A. in Communication Studies from UCLA and a Masters in Teaching from Chapman University. She lives in California with her husband, four children, three dogs, and ever-changing number of fish.

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REVIEW: UNDER A STORM-SWEPT SKY by BETH ANNE MILLER

Under a Storm-Swept Sky

By Beth Anne Miller

Releasing April 16th, 2018

Entangled Publishing

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An eighty-mile trek across the rugged, stunning beauty of Scotland’s Isle of Skye isn't something I imagined myself doing. Ever. This isn't a trail for beginners. And I'm not a hiker. 

But I have to finish it, even if it kills me. I have no choice.

With the ever-changing weather and relentless terrain, I’m in over my head.

Rory Sutherland, my guide on this adventure, is not happy. We clash with every mile, but we recognize a shared pain. Not only is the journey a struggle, but the tension between us is taut with unsaid words. And hope.

He’s broken. I’m damaged. Together, we’re about to make the perfect storm.

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In Under a Storm-Swept Sky by Beth Anne Miller, Amelia is determined to go on the adventure her best friend was supposed to take, but she never imagined going on the eighty-mile trek across Scotland's Isle of Skye would be so gruelling, even if she does appreciate how stunningly beautiful the rugged terrain is. Even worse, it seems Rory Sutherland, the group's gorgeous guide isn't too happy with her. But when something happens and the pair are forced together to get through the rest of the trip, will they be able to work out their differences or will their chance at happy ever after slip by?

What a highly entertaining, vividly-descriptive, emotionally-animating read Ms. Miller has penned in this New Adult romance where the main characters were incredible due to their back stories and their growing relationship that starts off rocky but blossoms into a beautiful romance; the dialogue was enthralling, intense and had me sympathizing with the main characters because of everything they've been through in their lives. Since both are filled with guilt due to the tragic accidents that have shaped their lives and had the hero choosing to do what he does for a living and made the heroine take the adventure she's on.

With the main characters, the heroine is resilient and courageous for doing something she wouldn't normally do and I liked that she doesn't give up, even when the going gets tough, which it certainly does. I also liked how the heroine helped the hero and vice versa to heal from their pasts and conquer their demons, which is proven by the journey these two take. Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine is the close friendship she shares with her best friend and that she would do anything for her friend. Will she be able to help her friend recover? While the hero, he's been through so much and I couldn't help but sympathize with him when it came to what his parents did. How could they be so cruel? I also liked the tight friendship Rory had with the other guide and the sound advice his friend gives him because he wants Rory to find happiness outside of his job. Yet, what I liked most of all about Rory was his resilience, his courage and that he gave the heroine a chance, even knowing that they might not have a future together.

Overall, Ms. Miller has delivered another incredible read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was powerful; the secondary characters were just as entertaining as the main ones with friendships being made that will last a lifetime; and the ending had me crying happy tears because of the heroine getting her wish when it comes to her best friend and the decisions the hero and heroine were willing to make to be together. However, in saying that, I liked which of the main characters makes the sacrifice of moving halfway across the world for them to be together even more. Yet, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly because Rory and Amelia being together proves love and happiness is worth fighting for, especially with such good friends at their sides supporting them. I would recommend Under a Storm-Swept Sky by Beth Anne Miller, if you enjoy New Adult Romance, the enemy to lovers trope, or books by authors Megan Westfield, Lindsey Frydman, Robin Bielman and RC Boldt.