REVIEW: OUTBACK AFFAIR by ANNIE SEATON

Outback Affair

Affair #3

By Annie Seaton

Releasing December 4th, 2017

Entangled Publishing: Bliss

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Jessica Trent wants to be a full-time writer for Cuisine magazine, but in order to land the gig she has to snare a one-on-one with the reclusive Alessandro Ricardo, a man hell-bent on staying out of the limelight. The last thing she expects as she heads to Crocodile Springs resort in northern Australia is to end up traveling across the Outback with a rugged and far too sexy barramundi fisherman.

Ex-lawyer Alex Richards protects his privacy and his heart in equal measure. So when a Yankee bombshell in need of a ride turns up and threatens both, he decides to teach her a lesson. As they make their way through the wild country together, the attraction between them ignites. Alex must choose between his heart or letting go of his past ... and will Jessica understand why he lied once she finds out who he really is?

BUY LINK:  Amazon

In Outback Affair (Affair #3) by Annie Seaton, Jessica Trent is one determined journalist, but in order to get the job of her dreams, she needs to get an interview with the reclusive Alessandro Ricardo. Travelling to Crocodile Springs Resort in northern Australia shouldn't be too hard, but she discovers it's harder than she ever imagined. Luckily, a sexy fishermen offers his services to get her where she needs to be. However, when Jessica discovers the truth of what her fisherman has been hiding from her, will she be able to forgive him or will she walk away from her shot at happy ever after?

Having loved the first two books of this series, and reading how the previous book ended for Alex, I couldn't wait to read Alex's story because I knew it was going to be a tad emotional and after all that he's been through there's no one more deserving of happy ever after than this hero. Really, this book was a wonderful read full of emotion because of the hero's past and the fact that the heroine is determined to get what she came for -- an interview with the reclusive Alessandro. Will she discover Alex's secret? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine came face-to-face for the first time that had me fully hooked because Alex sees Jessica as his enemy. 

Both the main characters were enjoyable and I loved their back stories, as the heroine is determined to get the story she's come for and nothing will stand in her way, especially if it will get her career on the track she wants, so she can finally prove her father wrong. I also liked how she challenged the hero, because she pushes the hero to finally face the past in hopes of being able to move forward. While the hero, it's understandable why he's distanced himself from those that love him and is determined to honor his late fiancé for her family. I also liked how determined the hero was to protect himself, even if it meant misleading Jessica. If she discovers the truth, will he be able to make things right between them, especially when Jessica's the first person that's been able to make him begin to feel again after everything he learnt about his fiancé?

Overall, Ms. Seaton has delivered another really good read for this series where the chemistry between this pair was strong; the romance was on the sweet side; and the ending had me sympathizing with the heroine because of what happens that causes her relationship with Alex to go awry, but had me loving what the hero does to win back Jessica. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly, because the heroine has finally found a place to call home and she finally has a career she excels at. I would recommend Outback Affair by Annie Seaton, if you enjoy second chance romances, the enemy to lovers trope, or books by authors Sarah Williams, Fleur McDonald, Nicki Edwards and Fiona McArthur. 

BOOK BLITZ - REVIEW: WANT YOU MORE by NICOLE HELM

Want You More

Mile High Romance #3
By Nicole Helm
Releasing November 28th, 2017

Kensington Publishing Corp.

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Blurb

There's plenty of gorgeous winding trails leading to Gracely, Colorado. And making your way around this rugged Rocky Mountain town is how you start over, fix your mistakes--and find the one person who'll always have your back . . .

Will Evans works hard, plays harder--but never gets in too deep. He'll do anything to keep his family's Mile High Adventures business on track and help Gracely recover. One too many betrayals taught this handsome guide to avoid commitment as expertly as he negotiates difficult trails and treacherous rivers. But now it's impossible for him to play it cool with the one woman he lost--and never forgot.

Nothing is going to keep Tori Appleby from starting over right. After a career-ending personal and professional mistake, she's back to save the company she helped start. She needs Gracely's healing small-town charm--and the caring and help she's only found with the Evans family. But she doesn't need Will trying for a second chance. Or to risk her heart one more time.

Will won't commit, and Tori has a life to rebuild. But to move on, they'll have to give in to the irresistible heat between them . . .

Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / iBOOKS

In Want You More (Mile High Romance #3) by Nicole Helm, Will Evans and Tori Appleby were best friends until Tori told Will she was in love with him. Both went their separate ways with Will marrying someone else and Tori leaving town, but now she's back and they're working together. Will Tori and Will ever be able to get their friendship back to where it was, or will the pair walk away from their shot at happy ever after?

What a fascinating read Ms. Helm has delivered in this book in the way it was filled with plenty of tension between the characters; the dialogue was a delightful combination of intense moments and moments that amused me due to the heroine's attempts to take a walk down memory lane with the hero that just gets him more and more riled up, which in turn had me smiling because his life needed the good shake up the heroine gives it. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine came face-to-face for the first time in this book where this story really took off for me, as this pair have quite the history and it's hard to forget how much they hurt each other. Will they ever be able to move forward with their lives, if they don't talk about what happened years ago?

Both the main characters were enjoyable and I loved the way the heroine wasn't afraid to push the hero to talk about what went wrong between them, as they both need to forgive and forget to be able to completely move forward and hopefully get their friendship back to how it was or make it something more. I also liked how resilient and courageous the heroine was in being able to talk about her past, which was filled with heartache because of what her family put her through and making her feel like she wasn't important. While the hero, he's been through a lot and it's understandable why he feels he's not good enough for the heroine, especially after the way his ex-wife and his mother treated him. Will he ever feel like he's good enough? I also liked the tight bond he shared with his siblings and that they would do anything to help him through the tough times he's been through, even if it means pushing him to face the past. Yet, what I liked most of all about Will is the decisions he makes, especially when it comes to making things right with the heroine and making sure that she stays in his life. 

Overall, Ms. Helm has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was delightful and the ending had me liking the words the hero says to the heroine to make her believe that he loves her and wants her in his life forever. I would recommend Want You More by Nicole Helm, if you enjoy the friends to lovers trope, second chance romances or books by authors Catherine Anderson, Kate Pierce, Shannon Stacey and Ruth Cardello.

Also Available

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
B&N / KOBO / iBOOKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
B&N / KOBO / iBOOKS

Author Bio

Nicole Helm grew up with her nose in a book and a dream of becoming a writer. Luckily, after a few failed career choices, a husband, and two kids, she got to pursue that dream. Nicole writes down-to-earth contemporary romance. From farmers to cowboys, Midwest to the West, she writes stories about people finding themselves and finding love in the process. When she's not writing, she spends her time dreaming about someday owning a barn. She lives with her husband and two young sons in Missouri. She is slightly (okay, totally) addicted to Twitter (@nicolethelm) and the St. Louis Cardinals. Her website is www.nicolehelm.com.

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RELEASE DAY BLAST - REVIEW: SCORING WITH THE WRONG TWIN by NAIMA SIMONE

Scoring with the Wrong Twin

WAGS #1

By Naima Simone

Releasing January 15th, 2018

Entangled Publishing

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Shy, awkward Sophia Cruz has a hard time telling her vivacious identical twin “no.” But when her sister begs her to swap places for a modeling shoot, she caves … again. Then Zephirin Black walks onto the set. The brooding, aloof, and gorgeous tight end for the Washington Warriors. But she can keep it professional… She has to. Because the adorkable Cruz twin has no luck with guys once they compare her to her sister.

After a bad break-up, Zeph hasn’t been big on second chances—and even less with trust. But he finds himself giving please-call-me-by-my-middle-name-Sophia both. The woman he’d dismissed as a spoiled cover model is different from the first time he met her. Quirkier. Funnier. Definitely sexier. What started as one night turns into another…and another…and another…

Still, Sophia can’t go on keeping her secret from him. But telling Zeph the truth will mean losing him for good.

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo

In Scoring with the Wrong Twin (WAGS #1) by Naima Simone, when her twin asks her for a huge favor, how can Sophia Cruz possibly say no. But when she gets to the modelling gig and finds she has to partner up with football player Zephirin Black, Sophia never imagined she'd find love at the one place where she has to pull off her best fake-it-till-you-make-it moment, so her sister doesn't lose the career she loves. Yet, when the photo shoot is over and Zephirin asks her out, Sophia knows it's a bad idea, especially when she's keeping a huge secret. Will the secret Sophia's keeping be her downfall, or will she get a shot at happy ever after with her Mr. Right?

Ms. Simone is such a talented author, and this book again proves she's a master in writing super hot romances with incredible main and secondary characters; enthralling dialogue that hooked this reader right from the moment I began reading and held me completely captivated till the very end; and a fast-paced storyline where the hero and heroine face some very tough obstacles to be together. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time where this story got very, very interesting, as Sophia is determined to keep her secret, but can't help being intrigued by Zephirin. Will she explore the intense chemistry the pair have or run because of her secret? 

Both the main characters are relatable, likeable and have fascinating back stories that had me reading quickly determined to discover whether Sophia would open up to Zephirin about her secret or will her keeping it to herself backfire and ruin her relationship with the hero. Moreover, the heroine is resilient and courageous in doing what she does for her sister, considering she's not the adventurous type and would rather be home with a good book or her computer. I also liked that she would do anything for her twin sister, even though she's absolutely worried she won't be capable of pulling off what her sister is asking of her, despite the fact that their twins. Really, it's an absolute struggle that had me sympathizing with the heroine. However, what I liked most of all about Sophia is that she took a chance on the hero, even knowing that it was a bad idea and could ruin things for her sister, if someone discovered the truth. Will someone discover the sisters' deception?

While the hero, he's been through a lot in his past and it's understandable why he finds it hard to trust after what his ex did that could have cost him everything he's worked so hard for. Yet, in saying that, I loved his confidence, charm and his determination to win the heroine over, because she's the first woman to capture his attention the way she does in a long time. Will Sophia be able to adhere to the one thing Zephirin expects of her, if she agrees to his proposition? Certainly, honesty is the best policy. Will Sophia open up to the hero about her past and her secret? Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero is the loving relationship he has with his Gran. Certainly, she has some great advice for him at the right moment. 

Overall, Ms. Simone has delivered an utterly incredible read in this first book of her WAGS series where the chemistry between this couple was off-the-charts; the romance full of exquisite heat and passion that had me hoping for the best for this couple; and the ending had me loving the lengths the hero was willing to go to in order to win Sophia back, especially since the hero's plan helps the heroine so much when it comes to her career. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, because Sophia and Zephirin so deserve the happiness they've found together. I would recommend Scoring with the Wrong Twin by Naima Simone, if you enjoy mistaken identity trope or books by authors Cathryn Fox, Stefanie London, Nina Croft and Amy Andrews.

USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone’s love of romance was first stirred by Johanna Lindsey, Sandra Brown and Linda Howard many years ago. Well not that many.

She is only eighteen…ish. Though her first attempt at a romance novel starring Ralph Tresvant from New Edition never saw the light of day, her love of romance, reading and writing has endured. Published since 2009, she spends her days—and nights— writing sizzling romances with a touch of humor and snark. She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.

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BLOG TOUR - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: BETTING ON CINDERELLA by PETIE McCARTY

Betting on Cinderella

Cinderella Romances #3 2

By Petie McCarty
Releasing October 18th, 2017
Soul Mate Publishing

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Garrett Tucker inherits his grandfather's casino empire and steps into the reclusive billionaire's shoes as the "Prince of Vegas." His first act is to buy a bankrupt casino in Biloxi. When he discovers embezzling in his new operation, Garrett goes undercover. His prime suspect is the new finance supervisor—the spitfire brunette who stole his heart at first sight.

Andi Ryan moves to Biloxi to care for her godmother and takes a job as finance supervisor for the renovated Bayou Princess casino. She discovers someone is skimming from the till and starts her own investigation, worried she will be blamed for the theft when the new owner discovers her godmother has a gambling addiction.

A rival Vegas competitor has sent a spy in to ruin the Bayou Princess, and Garrett and Andi are forced to work together to prove her innocence and discover the identity of their casino spy.

BUY LINK:  Amazon

In Betting on Cinderella (Cinderella Romances #2) by Petie McCarty, Garrett Tucker's life was going perfectly in the way he has good friends, a good job and had just found the right woman, even though he hadn't been introduced to her yet. However, when he learns his grandfather has dead, Garrett finds himself inheriting the man's casinos. Yet, it seems things aren't going the way he hopes and when he discovering someone is embezzling, Garrett is determined to do everything he can to find the person responsible, especially when he discovers that the woman he cares so much about could be the prime suspect. Will Garrett uncover the information he wants, or will he lose Andi before their relationship ever has a chance to really get started?

What a charming and fascinating read this author has penned in this second book of their Cinderella Romances series where the main characters go through a lot to be together; the dialogue was intriguing and intense due to the obstacles Garrett and Andi face on their journey to happy ever after; and the secondary characters were fantastic, as they give their advice in hopes that Garrett doesn't mess everything up that he's been building with Andi completely that it makes it hard for him to win her back when things go awry between them. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine met that had me completely hooked, as these two have instant chemistry.

Both the main characters were interesting and I loved their back stories, as Garrett finds it hard to trust women, especially after his last relationship. However, he's a good guy and I liked how determined he was to win the heroine over and protect her from everything that comes her way. Yet, will the secrets, deceptions and lies of various characters be enough to keep them apart? I also liked that he was willing to do whatever it takes to keep his grandfather's legacy alive. While the heroine, she's resilient and brave when it comes to facing her past and I liked how determined she was to protect herself from whatever fallout there was going to be because of the embezzlement. Will Andi discover the information she needs to keep herself I also liked that she did her best to try to protect herself from being hurt because of things that Garrett is doing to keep her out of trouble. Will Andi be understanding of Garrett's actions?

Overall, this author has delivered a really good read in this book where the romance was wonderful and the ending had me worried for the main characters in terms of the danger as well as their happy ever after; gave me a shock because of the deception of someone very dear to Garrett; yet in the end had me liking how everything worked out for the best for this pair. Garrett knows Andi is his Ms. Right and there's nothing he won't do to make things right between them. I would recommend Betting on Cinderella by Petie McCarty, if you enjoy Cinderella-type stories or books by authors Kim Loraine, Alison L. Perry, Donna McDonald and Sara Jane Stone. 

“I want to make love to you.”
Andi stilled.
Garrett mentally kicked himself. He had gone and scared her. 

Too much. Too soon. 

But he couldn’t make himself move. He could lie here forever with Andi in his arms.

She wriggled from his grasp to sit up. “Um . . .”

“What?” 

She looked too uncertain. 

Not good. 

He was okay with, “Not now, but maybe later.”

“I can’t,” she whispered.

Good thing he was sitting down. The jangle of fear that hit him could have knocked his knees out from under him.

“Can’t or won’t?” he forced out. No maybes on this one.

“Both.”

What the hell? Can’t and won’t?

All his uncertainties flooded back. Flora had said Andi and Peters were just friends. Was that friends with benefits? And what about that damn Drakos pawing her last week? No, he wouldn’t let those doubts crowd them here on the couch.

“Too soon?” he tried.

“Partly.” She looked away, and his heart sank amongst the growing heap of doubts.

“There’s someone else,” he said flatly, working to keep his expression blank and the hurt at bay.

She met his gaze square on then, no doubt trying to muscle her courage. “There’s something I should tell you.”

Damn.

“I’m—” She exhaled hard. “—no good at it.”

What? Is that all?

He fought back a grin of pure joy. “I’ll give you lessons.” He pulled her back for another kiss.

She shoved at his chest. “No. I don’t think I should.”

She flinched at his expression, and he worked to smooth his scowl.

“Go ahead. Spit it out.” Even he didn’t like his tone. “You’re sleeping with someone else, right?”

He should have done his homework before he went off half-cocked with all the flowers and balloons, trying to woo her.

“No, and I should slap you for that, suggesting I’m loose enough to go out with you while sleeping with someone else.”

“Then what the hell is it?” he shouted, forgetting all about Flora at the back of the house.

“I’ve never done it before!” she shouted back.

“What? Slapped someone?”

“No, you jerk. Slept with someone.” This, she didn’t shout.

He froze, right down to his heartbeat, and stared at her bright-pink cheeks. Could it be? Was she? A virgin?

“Holy smokes,” he wheezed.

She stared at her untouched glass of wine. “I’m not saying you and I will never,” she said softly.

Relief, warm and desperate, allowed his muscles to finally move. He gently traced the line of her cheek with his finger, a lump forming in his throat at the touch of something so rare and priceless.

“Glad to hear that.” He brushed his lips across hers, light as a whisper. Once. “My little sweetheart.” Twice. “My precious—” Three times. Always a charm.

“You’re not mad?”

Those big blue eyes stared up at him with an innocence that made his too-experienced heart ache with emotion.

“Mad?” 

Should he tell her he wanted to go outside and howl his joy at the moon? To yell to the world what a lucky son of a gun he was? His Andi would be his Andi—proprietary, like his stock portfolio. All his. No one else. A primal sense of possessiveness overwhelmed him. 

“No, sweetheart, not mad. Glad,” he managed, then tugged her close and let his kiss show her exactly how he felt.

“When you’re ready,” he said against her lips. “Only when you’re ready.”

He had finally said and done the right thing, for she grabbed his shirt and laid an eye-crossing kiss on him.

Petie spent a large part of her career working at Walt Disney World -- "The Most Magical Place on Earth" -- where she enjoyed working in the land of fairy tales by day and creating her own romantic fairy tales by night, including her new series, The Cinderella Romances. She eventually said good-bye to her "day" job to write her stories full-time. These days Petie spends her time writing sequels to her regency time travel series, Lords in Time, and her cozy-mystery-with-a-dash-of-romantic-suspense series, the Mystery Angel Romances.

Petie shares her home on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee with her horticulturist husband, a spoiled-rotten English Springer spaniel addicted to pimento-stuffed green olives, and a noisy Nanday conure named Sassy who made a cameo appearance in Angel to the Rescue.

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