Showing posts with label novella. Show all posts
Showing posts with label novella. Show all posts

Monday, November 27, 2023

Release Day Review: ROTTEN FRUIT by D.W. Cole

 


ROTTEN FRUIT by D.W. Cole
Publication Date: November 27, 2023
Pages: 119
Source: Author | Purchased

RATING
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis
What do you get when you have a fragile psyche, a knack for self-sabotage, and a slew of mommy issues? Killer instincts.

The battle of the mind can rage the most extensive war. That’s what Rue’s therapist always told her, and she was desperate to end the never-ending rug from being pulled from underneath her.

Determined to leave her troubled history behind, she relocates to Virginia for a fresh start. After significant strides to heal her wounds, Rue falls in love with Wyant Minnick, a seemingly perfect man with few flaws. After almost two years together, she believes she has finally found the love and stability she has craved since childhood. However, her fragile psyche starts to shatter when she discovers a lie that Wyant has been harboring. This devastating revelation sets off a chain of events that could have disastrous consequences for both.

Caught in an internal battle of self-sabotage, Rue transforms into an anti-hero, torn between her desire for a new life and the darkness within her. As the story unfolds, the lines between right and wrong blur, and Rue's secrets come to light. With each page, the suspense intensifies as Rue navigates the intricate web of her mind and grapples with her demons while struggling to come to terms with Wyant's potential betrayal.

In this gripping psychological thriller, delve into the complex world of Rue, a woman seeking solace from a haunting past. This captivating tale will have you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning the pages to unravel the mystery that will keep your mind guessing until the end.

MY THOUGHTS

Who do you become when you're created out of spite, treated as though your existence is wrong, and convinced you're nothing but a burden? How do you find the light when all you have been shown is darkness? Author D.W. Cole shows readers exactly who in her debut novella ROTTEN FRUIT.

Written in a beautiful mix of poetry and prose, D.W. Cole has a style uniquely her own. ROTTEN FRUIT will have readers both mesmerized and intentionally unsettled. Readers will root for Rue to find the love she deserves, and be fearful of the wrath she can inflict. 

ROTTEN FRUIT is the jolt to your TBR that you need and D.W. Cole is an author to watch out for. I cannot wait to have this beautiful book in my hands!


Disclaimer: I received an e-ARC of this book for review consideration. I've purchased a final version of the book for my personal library. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Saturday, August 19, 2023

Reviews: SING ANYWAY, THE SUMMER MELT, and THE WEDDING DATE

 A collection of mini-reviews, quick thoughts, and books worth mentioning. 

Check them out!


SING ANYWAY by Anita Kelly
Publication Date: May 31, 2021
Pages: 124
Source: Library
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS

SING ANYWAY was a complete joy to read. I loved the dual perspective and getting the inner thoughts of both Sam and Lily. Set in a karaoke bar, it was fun to get to know the characters through their interactions, their friends, and through their song selections. I loved how Sam and Lily had crushes on each other from afar and how they finally take a chance and meet. And we, the readers, get to experience them falling for each other in the best way.

  A favorite quote: 
"Why are we shouting facts at each other?"
This cracked me up and created an endearing moment between Sam and Lily.   

SING ANYWAY is sexy and vulnerable and hopeful and just a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to reading more by Anita Kelly and bonus, I already have their books on my shelves! 



THE SUMMER MELT by Emily March
Publication Date: June 1, 2023
Pages: 125
Source: Audible
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS

THE SUMMER MELT will have readers rushing to the ice cream shoppe for a double scoop.

The short sweet novella made me giggle. I discovered this book when the author shared her promotion as a Book Bonanza signing author. I'd noticed Emily March's books before, but hadn't read any yet. Since I was attending Book Bonanza, this was a perfect time to start.
THE SUMMER MELT is set in the town Eternity Springs where people love, support, and look out for each other. It was a joy to get to know the town's people. Dana made me laugh with her G-rated curse words. And Cal is swoony as the "Even Hotter" Scot.

This story was so fun and charming and I'm already thinking about taking another trip to Eternity Springs.

 


THE WEDDING DATE by Jasmine Guillory
Publication Date: January 30, 2018
Pages: 317
Source: Purchased
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

My Thoughts

Last month I took some time to reread THE WEDDING DATE. I originally read THE WEDDING DATE in 2018 with a book club and thought it was a good idea to get reintroduced to Alexa and Drew before continuing on to the many books by Jasmine Guillory that I have on my shelves. I love a good friends with benefits/fake dating story and this is more of a stranger with benefits to friends to so much more story. My favorite part of fate dating trope is how the characters have convinced themselves that they can be together without expectations, but the reader knows that they are going to fall for each other and experiencing it all happen.

I must mention that a lot of their time together is spent snacking and eating meals. There is a level of comfort and intimacy in that which bonded Alexa and Drew in more than just friendship. All of the cheese and burgers and tacos and donuts were just as delicious as all of the yummy kisses between them.

Alexa and Drew mean a lot more to each other than they ever anticipated. There are no casual hook-ups to be had. Since they lived in different cities, they had to put in effort to see one another. Of course there was more beneath the surface for them and it made me so happy (as it always does in the fake dating trope) for them to finally figure that out for themselves.

THE WEDDING DATE reminded me just how much I love the fake dating trope and it makes me even more excited to read the other books in my Jasmine Guillory collection.

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

New Release: UNBROKEN by Jay Crownover

 

From New York Times bestselling author Jay Crownover comes UNBROKEN, the prequel novella in her brand new Loveless, Texas series! Check out the amazing excerpt below, and grab your copy today!

 

About UNBROKEN:

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Marked Men series comes a captivating novella about a rugged rodeo star who will do anything to protect the people he loves.

When rodeo star Crew Lawton loses everything in a bad bet, he has no choice but to take a new job to pay off his debts – even if it means becoming the face of an expensive male skincare line. Crew is used to getting sweaty and rustling in the dirt, not posing for photo shoots. And he’s certainly not used to being bossed around by a woman who doesn’t even know the difference between bulls and broncs. But Crew owes money to dangerous criminals, and he’ll do anything Della says in order to pay them back and keep them far away from his family in Loveless, Texas…

The launch of her new men’s line for her family’s company means everything to Della Deveaux, and she’s not willing to let some rugged, arrogant cowboy ruin her campaign. Crew Lawton is the last man she would have chosen to represent her chic, sophisticated brand. Unfortunately, her father already invested millions in Crew’s stupidly handsome face. Yet the more time they spend together, Della and Crew realize that opposites do attract. But when the time comes for Crew to face his past mistakes, will he be able to protect his family…and the woman he’s come to love?

 

GRAB YOUR COPY OF UNBROKEN TODAY!

   

“This the one, Ms. Priss?” I turned in a circle, hating how restrictive and stiff the refined suit felt. There would be no staying on the horse for eight seconds in something like this. I doubted I could even bend over and pull my boots on in this getup. I failed to see how being dressed like I was going to high tea with the queen was going to convince normal men with a little extra cash to buy the junk in my hair. It felt like overkill, but I would chew my tongue off before telling Della that. I knew how much this campaign meant to her, and I needed her to keep me around so I could get paid. .. and get to kiss her again.
Della circled around me, eyes scanning from head to toe. A small frown tugged her perfectly arched brows down into a V, and her lush, soft mouth pulled into a pout I was becoming achingly familiar with. She lifted a hand and touched the knot of the silk tie where it rested at the base of my throat. She fingered the delicate material and heaved a sigh.
“You look perfect, but something is still off.” She met my gaze with a scowl. “Can you try and look a little less like you’re being tortured? That might help the overall image.”
Her snippy tone and the upturn of her nose made me grin. I rolled my head around, causing my neck to pop and my shoulders to relax. Della’s expression softened when I was no longer standing at attention, but she still let out a dejected-sounding sigh and reached for my tie, releasing me from the expensive noose.
“You have a body made for designer clothes, but something is lost when you put them on. I feel like we’re trying to wrap the Mona Lisa in silk or something. Frankly, it’s annoying that you make denim and flannel look just as good as Versace and Prada.” Once she had the tie off, she told me to go ahead and get back into my own clothes. I asked her what the plan was for the shoot and a brief flare of panic and doubt lit up her cat like eyes. She forced a smile and told me she would figure it out.
Since I was totally a fish out of water in this scenario, all I could do was follow orders like a good soldier. I stripped out of the fitted vest and worked on the tiny buttons of the shirt. I was handing them both off to the flirty wardrobe girl who was enjoying the impromptu striptease when Della’s “Wait a second!” had both of us freezing on the spot.
She was looking at me in the mirror, eyes roving over my half-dressed form. She wandered over to where my jeans and boots were tossed in a haphazard pile on the floor. After a second of rooting around, she came toward me, my black wifebeater in one hand and my boots in the other.
“Put these on with the pants.” She looked at the wardrobe girl with a lifted brow and had to snap her fingers in the woman’s face to get her attention. “Go find me a pair of suspenders, leather if you have them.” The other woman scurried off to do as she was told and I dropped to the seat to pull on my boots.
“I keep trying to turn you into something better.” I looked up at Della as she snorted out a laugh. “But from the start, you were perfect the way you are.”

Be sure to pre-order JUSTIFIED, the first novel in this brand new, sexy series!



About JUSTIFIED:

The New York Times bestselling author of the Marked Men series delivers a romance about a rugged Texas sheriff who must protect the woman who was once his sworn enemy... Case Lawton comes from a family of criminals. So as the sheriff of Loveless, Texas, he's determined to do everything by the book--until he's called to Aspen Barlow's office after a so-called break-in. The last thing he wants to do is help the woman who cost him custody of his son. But Aspen isn't the heartless lawyer Case remembers, and he starts to question his long-held grudge... Aspen is scared for her life, and Case is her last hope for protection. But to get him on her side, she'll have to reveal the painful truth from all those years ago. Now, as they work together to track down a dangerous criminal, Case and Aspen learn to trust each other. And as the threats escalate, it becomes clear there's a thin line between love and hate... because there's nothing Case wouldn't do to keep her safe.

Pre-order your copy of JUSTIFIED today!

 
About Jay Crownover: 

  Jay Crownover is the international and multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men series, the Saints of Denver series, the Point series, the Breaking Point series, the Getaway series, and the Loveless, Texas series. Her books can be found translated in many different languages all around the world. She is a tattooed, crazy haired Colorado native who lives at the base of the Rockies with her awesome dogs. This is where she can frequently be found enjoying a cold beer and Taco Tuesdays. Jay is a self-declared music snob and outspoken book lover who is always looking for her next adventure, between the pages and on the road.    

Thursday, February 8, 2018

Review: SHATTERED FEAR by Tara Thomas




SHATTERED FEAR
A Sons of Broad Novella
by Tara Thomas
Publication Date: February 6, 2018
Published by St. Martin's Press
Pages: 86
Source: Publisher | Netgalley
Purchase Amazon | B&N | Kobo






Synopsis


Welcome to the sultry streets of Charleston, where simmering desire and dark danger rule...
Forbidden love never felt so good...
She’s got a killer to catch.
He just might be it. 
Undercover detective Janie Roberts needs to find out for sure if Brent Taylor is a murderer.
Handsome, wealthy, and sexy-as-sin Brent Taylor. 
She’s got to get close enough to learn his secrets.


My Thoughts

I read A LOT of contemporary romance, it's nice to mix it up with some suspense and danger. That's why I wanted to start reading this new series by Tara Thomas. SHATTERED FEAR offered just enough of that desired suspense and danger to freak me out and make the hair stand up on the back of my neck. Talk about creepy. AND it has just enough romance and heat which I like in my contemporary reads. I mean WHAT is happening between Janie and Brent??!! This went somewhere fast and I wasn't expecting it at all.

The Sons of Broad series is sure to keep me on the edge of my seat. And I'm looking forward to reading more!




Disclaimer: I received this e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any way other than the e-ARC provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thursday, November 9, 2017

We have NEW OUT OF LINE Books!!! Check out these covers!

GUYS! This is not a drill. I repeat, this is NOT a drill!!


Some of you might remember the OUT OF LINE series (rich girl goes to college, falls for "bad boy" surfer, finds out he's not what he seems). Some of you might not (and that's okay, too, because this book can be picked up without it). Those of us who remember it, get ready to squeal because despite Jen McLaughlin saying she was done writing books for Finn and Carrie...

THEY'RE BACK!

That's right, our Christmas present from Jen this year is here early, and it's a Christmas novella with Finn and Carrie, baby. Santa must've heard we've been good, because this novella is only $.99, and it's the perfect way to start our holiday season off jussssst right.

Check out this awesome cover and blurb:

ill be home

I'll be Home for Christmas: an Out of Line novella
Out November 21, 2017

amazonbnitunes purplegr kobo purple 

 Nothing could make me leave my family alone for Christmas—except maybe my father-in-law. I swore to Carrie I’d make it home in time, and I’m keeping that promise. One way or another… I’ll be home for Christmas.   Some promises can’t be kept, and sometimes things just don’t work out. Finn is my world, my life. But when my worst nightmares come true, I’m faced with the impossible truth. Without him… I'm lost.  


As if that's not enough to get us all excited, there's ANOTHER book out in a week, this one a full length novel with side characters--another standalone romance for us to enjoy for only $2.99! 

TWO Out of Line books in one week!

Check it out:

on the line


On the Line: an Out of Line novel
Out November 28, 2017

amazonbnitunes purplegr kobo purple 

 Coming home… I’ve hated Ben Rollins ever since he broke my heart in high school. I’ve never fully recovered from it…even though I ran away as far as I could. Now I’ve returned home, fleeing something worse than I could have ever imagined. When our Captain partners us up together, I’m forced to realize that what I feel for him isn’t hate at all. It’s far worse. Second chances… Sarah’s the one who got away. She never really explained her abrupt departure from my life, but to be honest, I no longer give a damn. What we’d once had was dead, and now I’m stuck with her at my side permanently, no matter how I feel about it. But when the truth comes out, and old secrets are unburied, being thrown together becomes so much more than a second chance…it becomes life or death. And we have no intention of losing.
***
 
Get those pre-order fingers clicking, and start your holidays off right...
With Finn Coram.

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

JenM

Jen McLaughlin is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of sexy New Adult books. Under her pen name Diane Alberts, she is a multi-published, bestselling author of Contemporary Romance with Entangled Publishing. Her first release as Jen McLaughlin, Out of Line, released September 6 2013, and hit the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal lists. She was mentioned in Forbes alongside E. L. James as one of the breakout independent authors to dominate the bestselling lists. She is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency. Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal-clear water. Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal-clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, and a cat. Her goal is to write so many well-crafted romance books that even a non-romance reader will know her name.

FIND HER HERE:

 

Saturday, October 7, 2017

Review: FOREVER OUR BOYS by Heidi McLaughlin

 




FOREVER OUR BOYS
The Beaumont Series #5.5
by Heidi McLaughlin
Publication Date: October 5, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: Enticing Journey Book Promotions
Purchase Amazon | B&N| Kobo |i-Tunes







Synopsis

Come back to Beaumont… sort of! Join Josie, Katelyn, and Jenna when they embark on a vacation, away from the glitz and glam that their lives have become.

With Katelyn and Jenna living in California, and Josie in Beaumont, the daily coffee at Whimsicality has long been forgotten, while motherhood and being wives to Harrison, Jimmy, and Liam have taken over, the best friends aren’t able to see each other as often as they like. After their husbands all but push them out the door, they meet up for a week of sun, relaxation, and reminiscing.



My Thoughts

When I started the newest Beaumont novella, Forever Our Boys, and after reading just a few pages, it felt like coming home. Those feelings that I had when I first read and experienced their stories, they all come flooding back. I loved the ladies of Beaumont and always wanted more of their stories. Their “girl’s nights” and girl talk were some of my favorite parts - lots of laughing and all of the insights to the men of 4225 West.

Forever Our Boys gives readers a chance to catch up and find out what has happened with the Westbury’s, the Powell-James’s, and the Davis families. It’s like being with friends. I LOVED learning about Jimmy’s and teen Eden’s relationship. Man is he in for it!

FOREVER OUR BOYS is great lead into Beaumont - The Next Generation. Eden, Elle, Quinn, Betty Paige, Noah, and Peyton - these kids captured my heart in the Beaumont OG. Now I’m excited to read Heidi’s books and their stories continue.

I loved it!!



Disclaimer:  I received this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.  I was not compensated in any way other than the e-ARC provided. I've also purchased a copy of this title for my personal library. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

More in this Series:
➺Forever My Girl (The Beaumont Series #1)
➺My Unexpected Forever (The Beaumont Series #2)
➺Finding My Forever (The Beaumont Series #3)
➺Finding My Way (The Beaumont Series #4)
➺My Kind of Forever (The Beaumont Series #5)
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2htesPN
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2y1YZ47

Author Bio:
Heidi is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author.
Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup and a Highland West/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL and her brother, Racicot.
When she's isn't writing one of the many stories planned for release, you'll find her sitting court-side during either daughter's basketball games.
Heidi's first novel, Forever My Girl, will be in theaters on October 27, 2017, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe.

Social Media Links:

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

New Release: FOREVER OUR BOYS by Heidi McLaughlin


Forever Our Boys
Series: The Beaumont Series #5.5
by Heidi McLaughlin
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: October 5, 2017 


Synopsis

Come back to Beaumont… sort of! Join Josie, Katelyn, and Jenna when they embark on a vacation, away from the glitz and glam that their lives have become.

With Katelyn and Jenna living in California, and Josie in Beaumont, the daily coffee at Whimsicality has long been forgotten, while motherhood and being wives to Harrison, Jimmy, and Liam have taken over, the best friends aren’t able to see each other as often as they like. After their husbands all but push them out the door, they meet up for a week of sun, relaxation, and reminiscing.




Purchase Links




READ AN EXCERPT

My hand reaches for the worn-out button on my alarm clock, patting it a few times until the annoying beep ceases. Whoever created this jarring sound is made of evil. The noise is meant to rouse me from my sleep; instead, it shocks my heart into a faster rhythm and scares the ever-loving crap out of me each time. Even when I’m already awake. 

Liam adjusts behind me, showing me that even after all these years, he’s still eager for me. His lips are on my bare shoulder while his fingers dig into the curvature of my hip, pulling me to an angle that is easily accessible for him. There has never been any doubt in my mind, Liam and I were made for each other. One simple touch, a lingering kiss, or a lustful look from him and I’m ready. I roll over and face him, letting my fingers trace the tattoo of my nickname, and then onto Noah and Betty Paige’s names. The three loves of his life permanently etched over his heart. 

“Are you sure you want to leave me?” he asks as he moves over to my pillow.




ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heidi is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author.
Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup and a Highland West/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL and her brother, Racicot.

When she's isn't writing one of the many stories planned for release, you'll find her sitting court-side during either daughter's basketball games.

Heidi's first novel, Forever My Girl, will be in theaters on October 27, 2017, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe.

 


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