Tag: Adult (Page 59 of 63)

BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: You Had Me at Cowboy (Cowboys of Creedence #2) by Jennie Marts

BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: You Had Me at Cowboy (Cowboys of Creedence #2) by Jennie MartsYou Had Me at Cowboy (Cowboys of Creedence #2)
by Jennie Marts
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

This cowboy is falling hard

Mason James is the responsible one who stayed behind to run the ranch while his brother, Rock, took off to play professional hockey. Women have used him before to get to his brother--and Mason intends never to get burned again. But after he meets quirky Tessa Kane at his brother's wedding, Mason discovers he's ready to take a chance on love.

Tessa Kane is a reporter on the verge of losing a job she desperately needs--unless she's clever enough to snag a story on the famous Rockford James. But when she falls for her subject's brother, she's caught between a rock and a hard-muscled cowboy. What will happen when Mason finds out who she really is?

Review:

You Had Me at Cowboy was such a sweet, heartwarming story.  It was filled with strong families, sexy cowboys, adorable pets and I loved how friendship, trust, love and second chances were strong themes.  And while this could be read as a standalone, I highly recommend starting with Caught Up in a Cowboy. That’s where you first meet the James family, who are now preparing for a wedding.   

No stopping whatever this crazy thing was that was happening between him and this woman he’d just met. Although it didn’t feel like they’d just met. It felt like he’d known her forever. 

Tessa Kane was having the worst day ever.  In those first few pages, when she arrived at the pre-wedding activities as someone’s date, I was already cringing and laughing out loud.  And just when things started to turn even worse, in walked Mason James.  Not only did he come to her rescue, Tessa eventually realized that Mason was the ticket to keeping her job.  She was supposed to get an exclusive interview with the famous NHL groom, Rock.  And Mason was Rock’s brother. 

He wanted to touch her, to taste her, to adore her. 
She was his fantasy. 

I loved that Tessa and Mason clicked right away.  Their friendship and chemistry were smile inducing and so much fun!  I kept finding myself laughing at their antics and then sighing over their sweeter and sexier moments together.  What was happening between them felt so magical, as if it was meant to be.  But Tessa was just here for the story, so she could save her job which would help save her Grandma’s house.  But even she couldn’t deny what was going on between them.  It all felt so true in her heart. 

He knew the right thing to do, the chivalrous thing. Finding his voice, he leaned toward her ear. “I’ll give you some privacy and see if I can find you some dry clothes.” 
She whispered one word, but he heard it as clearly as if she’d shouted. 
“Stay.” 

You have to meet Mason James!  I was obsessed and easily found myself enraptured by that cowboy.  Mason was seductive, hilarious, thoughtful, compassionate and caring.  Yet he was definitely guarded.  Women had used him in the past to get to his famous brother.  So my heart hurt for him and I understood why he didn’t have a date to his brother’s wedding.  That was until he crashed into Tessa and later asked her to be his date for all of the wedding activities.  Mason thought he finally found a woman that wanted only him.  And I was so nervous, because I was waiting for everything to explode. 

As much as she wanted to tell him the truth, to come clean about who she was and why she was really there, she wasn’t ready to let him go. Wasn’t ready to let this go. 

Tessa found herself in a tough situation, and while I didn’t agree with some of the choices she made, I more than got it.  How could I not like her when Tessa was kind, funny, quirky, compassionate and had the hugest heart ever.  I loved how she jumped right in to help others, and that was just one of the countless reasons why she fit in so easily with Mason’s family.  And then when I saw her interaction with Dewey, a dog, oh my heart.  She was so sweet to him and little Dewey added so much heart to this story.  But best of all, I loved how Tessa made Mason feel.  It warmed me all the way to the tip of my toes.  So, I just kept my fingers crossed because the truth was bound to come out.  And I hoped it would all work out for the best! 

Somewhere in the last few days, he had become all hers. And no matter what happened next, whether she stayed in his life to see where this led, or if she went back home after the wedding, Tessa Kane had ruined him for any other woman. 

You Had Me at Cowboy was the perfect mix of sexy and sweet.  I loved that we got to be in both Tessa and Mason’s heads.  And I loved that we got to spend time with all of our favorites from Caught Up in a Cowboy!  Rock, Quinn, Vivienne and so many others graced the pages and it was absolutely perfect!  Now I’m left excited for the next book.  It’s about the youngest brother in the James family.  I fell in love with the moments between him and the girl he seemed interested in…it was all so adorable with a little bit of awkward thrown in.  So I can’t wait to read their story next! 

PS Mimi, Tessa’s grandmother, was hilarious.  We didn’t see much of her, but when we did, she had me rolling with laughter. Ohh Aunt Sass too.  There’s an ice sculpture scene between Aunt Sass and Mason that made me laugh so hard I cried! 

 PPS I know that I rarely give my opinion on covers, but the covers in this series are HOT.  Having them on my Kindle isn’t enough, I also need them on my bookshelf *fans face*.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

 

Reading Order & Links:

Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #)
***Each book can be read as a standalone, but best enjoyed in order.***


Caught Up in a Cowboy #1
Reviews:

Jen
 
You Had Me at Cowboy  #2
Reviews:

Jen
 
It Started With a Cowboy  #3
Reviews:

Jen
 
Wish Upon a Cowboy  #4
Reviews:

Jen

 

Giveaway:

Enter to win a copy of Caught Up In A Cowboy, that I’m personally giving away, on our Instagram and Twitter.

Also, enter the tour giveaway below!

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About Jennie Marts:

Jennie Marts is the USA Today bestselling author of award-winning books filled with love, laughter, and always a happily ever after. She is living her own happily ever after with her husband, two dogs, and a parakeet that loves to tweet to the oldies, in the mountains of Colorado.

 

BOOK REVIEW: The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager

BOOK REVIEW: The Last Time I Lied by Riley SagerThe Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Two Truths and a Lie. The girls played it all the time in their tiny cabin at Camp Nightingale. Vivian, Natalie, Allison, and first-time camper Emma Davis, the youngest of the group. The games ended when Emma sleepily watched the others sneak out of the cabin in the dead of night. The last she--or anyone--saw of them was Vivian closing the cabin door behind her, hushing Emma with a finger pressed to her lips.

Now a rising star in the New York art scene, Emma turns her past into paintings--massive canvases filled with dark leaves and gnarled branches that cover ghostly shapes in white dresses. The paintings catch the attention of Francesca Harris-White, the socialite and wealthy owner of Camp Nightingale. When Francesca implores her to return to the newly reopened camp as a painting instructor, Emma sees an opportunity to try to find out what really happened to her friends.

Yet it's immediately clear that all is not right at Camp Nightingale. Already haunted by memories from fifteen years ago, Emma discovers a security camera pointed directly at her cabin, mounting mistrust from Francesca and, most disturbing of all, cryptic clues Vivian left behind about the camp's twisted origins. As she digs deeper, Emma finds herself sorting through lies from the past while facing threats from both man and nature in the present.

And the closer she gets to the truth about Camp Nightingale, the more she realizes it may come at a deadly price.

I smile, pretending they’re right. What none of them understand is the point of the game isn’t to fool others with a lie. The goal is to trick them by telling the truth.

I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for stories that take place with summer camp setting. I went to one for several summers as a pre-teen, so I certainly have no trouble picturing it. There’s just something about breathing in those early breaths of independence and freedom. No parents, new people and new experiences that often don’t translate back to life at home. Because of this, I am thrilled when books have a summer camp setting, and this book DID NOT disappoint.

Fifteen years. That’s how long it’s been. It feels like a lifetime ago. It also feels like yesterday.

As the synopsis says, fifteen years ago four girls (Vivian, Natalie, Allison and newcomer, Emma) form a short but strong bond one summer. But one night, Vivian, Natalie and Allison go missing while Emma is left to fill in the blanks, which she does with varying degrees of accuracy and truthfulness.

In present day, Emma struggles with the events of fifteen years ago. She does her best to deal with the aftermath, using painting as a form of therapy. But when she is asked to return to the camp as a counselor and art teacher, she is drawn back into the world and begins to investigate what really happened so long ago.

But after my time at Camp Nightingale, I vowed never to lie again. Omission. That’s my tactic. A different sin entirely.

While this is certainly a thriller, at the heart of this story is female friendships, especially those made at the cusp of the change between being a girl and being a woman. It’s a precarious time of life; there’s a reason it’s written about so much – it is such a unique and major event in life.

The scenes between Vivian and Emma were fascinating. Vivian is older and more experienced at life and takes Emma under her wing. She serves as a surrogate older sister, which is both wonderful and terrible for Emma, as we the readers learn more about the events of that summer. While Allison and Natalie play a role, this novel really focuses on the relationship between Vivian and Emma.

Yes, boys can break your heart and betray you, but not in the same stinging way girls can.

As the book jumps back and forth between the summer of the girls disappearing and present day, more and more comes to light about the events of what happened and how that plays into what is happening to Emma in present day.

The author, Riley Sager, did an excellent job in creating sympathetic but complicated characters and keeping me guessing the entire time. I enjoyed his last novel, Final Girls, but was a little put off by the ending. However, that was not the case this time around. I was breathless up until the last page and I was left fully satisfied. I cannot wait for future books from Sager if his first two novels are an indication of what’s to come next.

I want to laugh. I want to cry. I want to confess. Instead, I say, “Two Truths and a Lie. Let’s play.”

BOOK REVIEW: Dangerous Exes (Liars, Inc. #2) by Rachel Van Dyken

BOOK REVIEW: Dangerous Exes (Liars, Inc. #2) by Rachel Van DykenDangerous Exes (Liars Inc. #2)
by Rachel Van Dyken
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Isla made one teeny little mistake. Now she and her PI company, Dirty Exes, are being targeted by one seriously angry and furiously sexy ex-quarterback. Jessie freakin’ Beckett. But there’s no way some NFL superhunk is going to take her business away. If only he didn’t make her so hot—and bothered.

Jessie wants payback for a ruined reputation. His plan? Top secret. His hard-to-hide arousal for Isla? Not so much. Especially when they let down their guards and sneak a kiss. Like any juicy scandal, it goes so viral, so fast, that only a good lie can combat the bad press. Mortal enemies in a fling? No way. Um…this is love!

Actually…could it be?

Isla’s not faking it. Jessie can’t. As the game of let’s pretend gets real, Jessie forgets all about revenge. That’s the problem. His plan is already out of his control. Now it could undo everything they’ve been trying to build. Coming clean may be the only thing that can save it.

Review:

Dangerous Exes was a ton of fun, hilariously addicting and oh so sexy!  I have been excited for this book since I finished reading the last page of Dirty Exes!  I’m happy to say that I loved this book just as much as the first! Revenge, lust, friendship and romance filled this story along with my favorite thing of all, enemies to lovers.  So if you’re a fan of romance stories that have love to hate in the pages, then you definitely have to pick this one up.

“You’re a good kisser, Isla.” He tilted my chin toward him. “But it’s not enough— I will shut you down, that I promise.”
He walked off leaving me hot, breathless, and pissed.
I opened my car door and tossed my purse in the opposite seat, then pressed my fingertips against my lips and cursed the universe for doing the impossible. Making me feel alive again— by way of my enemy.

If you haven’t read Dirty Exes yet, I highly recommend you do (here’s my review).  Everything started in that book and it continued to play out in this one.  So going into this story, I already liked Isla Turner and Jessie Beckett.  Towards the end of Dirty Exes they were slowly becoming friends and there was even chemistry between them, but that all changed.  Jessie’s life went up in smoke and he set his sights to destroy Isla’s PI business. Just like she destroyed his life.

I hated his smirk more than I hated his body.
Because it made me react.
Hell, everything he did made me react and want to seek vengeance with a fiery purpose on his damned soul.

I couldn’t help but laugh when Jessie showed up wherever Isla was.  He infiltrated her life and it started to drive her crazy. But when a kiss happened between them and it became public, because of Jessie’s high profile life, things shifted.  Jessie was still trying to accomplish his goal, Isla was fighting back, yet now there were kisses and touches between them.  I loved how they toyed with each.  I loved the games they played. But I loved the passion between them the most.  It was crazy addicting and created so many explosive scenes bursting with sexual tension.  

She grinned excitedly, then took a deep sip and moaned as she closed her eyes. “You know me well.”
I’m sure she didn’t mean to say it.
Just like my heart didn’t mean to react to the words.
My body felt warm all over as her eyes met mine.
I cleared my throat and looked away while she returned her attention to the game.

No matter how hard Jessie wanted to hate Isla, he couldn’t ignore what was between them.  And Isla couldn’t deny that she was attracted to Jessie and that he made her feel things. Oh I loved the both of them so much!  Jessie was seductive and controlling, yet he showed us more  sides of him. We learned his deepest, darkest secrets and it made me fall for him that much harder.  Isla was also controlling but she had this energy to her that was addictive. She probably got it from her great aunt, Goo-Pah.  That woman was hilarious and she made me laugh so hard I cried.

Maybe my view of perfection was wrong— had been wrong all along.
It wasn’t the perfect house.
The perfect wife.
It wasn’t the perfect life or career.
It was moments like this, with a woman I would never understand or deserve, lying on my lap asleep, and me wishing I could hold on to the seconds a little bit longer.

Desire and lust swirled between Jessie and Isla anytime they were near each other.  With emotions and feelings mixing into the moments too, I was obsessed. And you couldn’t tear me away from this book!  If it’s not completely obvious, I absolutely loved this book and that ending! I’ve realized that every single time I pick up a book by Rachel Van Dyken my spirits are always lifted.  Her stories are feel good, heartfelt and continually make me smile and laugh. So I can’t wait to read whatever Rachel Van Dyken publishes next!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher, Skyscape. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Dirty Exes (Liars, Inc. #1) by Rachel Van Dyken

BOOK REVIEW: Dirty Exes (Liars, Inc. #1) by Rachel Van DykenDirty Exes (Liars Inc. #1)
by Rachel Van Dyken
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Blaire has never quite gotten over Jessie Beckett, the ex–NFL star whose kisses were hot enough to ignite the entire Eastern Seaboard. When he chose work over her, Blaire was left brokenhearted. Why else would she have married a skeezy two-timer, just to divorce him less than a year later?

Now Blaire is getting even by becoming one half of Dirty Exes, a PI firm fully committed to humiliating cheating jerks. If only the new jerk she’s been hired to uncover wasn’t Jessie Beckett himself.

Exposing Jessie isn’t going to be easy, especially when she still daydreams about his sexy smile. Further complicating matters is Colin, Jessie’s best friend. He’s gorgeous, a little bit cunning, and willing to help Blaire get the inside scoop on Jessie—for a price.

Now caught between two men—one totally right and the other totally wrong—Blaire will need to decide just how much she’s willing to risk…and whom she’s willing to risk it for.

Review:

Dirty Exes caught my attention from the first page and from there I was a goner.  This book was so much fun, laugh out loud funny and had my emotions in a huge, disastrous mess.  I loved every minute of it and highly recommended Dirty Exes to all of those out there that love romance!

What. If.
Two very dangerous words.
Two horrible words.
Words that should never be put together in any way, shape, or form. – Blaire

Blaire had been screwed over in her past.  She was ditched by a boyfriend who was drafted into the NFL and then years down the road she caught her husband cheating on her.  While she was jaded, she ended up making a new best friend, Isla. And they opened up a business together where they were hired to catch high profile partners cheating.  But Blaire’s latest target made her pause.  It was her NFL ex.

He put a hand on my shoulder then faced Colin, his body completely blocking mine as his fingers slid down my shoulder, hooked in the strap of my bra, and gave a little snap before caressing my skin with his knuckles the way he used to.
I jerked in response.
My body heated.
Bastard.
I closed my eyes.
Hate him, hate him, hate him.
I just needed to chant it about a dozen more times.

From the moment Blaire ran into her ex, Jessie Beckett, there was no denying that something was still there.  There was chemistry, attraction and a whole lot of what ifs running around. Their first time meeting up had me smiling while also fanning my face!  As if I wasn’t intrigued enough, we got some chapters from Jessie’s pov. As we learned about his life, my heart broke for him and he pulled me in even further.  Then we met Colin, Jessie’s best friend, and I was completely confused over what was going to happen next.

And there I was, on my birthday, in a shitty bar, with a girl who stole sideways looks at my best friend, while all I wanted was for her eyes to be on me. – Colin

The way Colin and Blaire met was hilarious.  And while she tried her hardest to think of Colin in not the best of lights, it was impossible.  He was also hot, sexy and had a past that broke my heart. Just like Jessie, she had chemistry with him too.  To complicate matters, if Jessie and Blaire were around each other, Colin always seemed to be there. I was strongly on the Jessie team, but then we got chapters in Colin’s pov.  And from here began the moments where my heart was pulled every which way.  I fell for them both.  This has NEVER happened to me before.  I have always had no problem just picking one boy.  But here?!  I had NO clue who I wanted Blaire to be with.  To say I was an emotional wreck is a huge understatement lol.  

“Damn, this is some messed-up shit,” Isla said under her breath. “I’m witnessing a sordid love triangle, like an HBO drama I can’t get out of.”

As the story progressed, I eventually found myself rooting and cheering for only one of them.  And I hoped, prayed and wished with all of my heart and soul that Blaire and I were on the same page.  It was so hard to tell how it was going to pan out. Just so you know, I’m usually not the hugest fan of love triangles.  But this one was done absolutely perfect.  If all love triangles were written like this, I could handle them all.

Suddenly he was there. His scent wrapped around me, his fingers gripped mine, and I felt at home. Safe.
I felt everything in his touch.
His promises, his kisses.
Him.

Dirty Exes was so much fun and I found myself laughing so hard that I was shaking and had tears in my eyes.  If you haven’t read one of Rachel Van Dyken’s books before, you have to know that her characters are always unique, stand out and are so easy to connect with.  Also, her stories play out like I’m watching a movie.  I highly recommend Dirty Exes to everyone who adores romance, friendship and who can handle some love triangle vibes.  The next book is about Blaire’s best friend, Isla, and I can’t wait to read her story next!

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Hot Winter Nights (Heartbreaker Bay #6) by Jill Shalvis

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Hot Winter Nights (Heartbreaker Bay #6) by Jill Shalvis

I absolutely loved this book! So check out my 5 Star Review below and enter a fabulous giveaway! Enjoy!

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Hot Winter Nights (Heartbreaker Bay #6) by Jill ShalvisHot Winter Nights (Heartbreaker Bay #6)
by Jill Shalvis
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Who needs mistletoe?

Most people wouldn’t think of a bad Santa case as the perfect Christmas gift. Then again, Molly Malone, office manager at Hunt Investigations, isn’t most people, and she could really use a distraction from the fantasies she’s been having since spending the night with her very secret crush, Lucas Knight. Nothing happened, not that Lucas knows that—but Molly just wants to enjoy being a little naughty for once . . .

Whiskey and pain meds for almost-healed bullet wounds don’t mix. Lucas needs to remember that next time he’s shot on the job, which may be sooner rather than later if Molly’s brother, Joe, finds out about them. Lucas can’t believe he’s drawing a blank on his (supposedly) passionate tryst with Molly, who’s the hottest, smartest, strongest woman he’s ever known. Strong enough to kick his butt if she discovers he’s been assigned to babysit her on her first case. And hot enough to melt his cold heart this Christmas.

Review:

Hot Winter Nights was sexy, hilarious, heartwarming and made my heart beat faster.  I loved this book with my whole heart and soul.  And while it can easily be read as a standalone, I’m a little preferential to this fabulous group of friends and recommend picking up all of the previous books too.  It’s so much fun watching their lives intertwine, see what everyone is up to and falling in love with each couple in this series!

“There’s something I need to talk to you about,” he said very seriously.
“I’m not going to rate your performance last night.”
“That’s not—” He paused, his eyes sharpened. “Wait. What does that mean?”
“Nothing.”
“So you’re saying I
did suck.”
She had to laugh. “Well, if you can’t remember it, how good could it really have been, right?”

While healing from a gunshot wound, Lucas Knight found Molly Malone in his bed the next morning.  Even though nothing happened, Lucas couldn’t remember anything thanks to alcohol and his pain meds, and Molly had way too much fun making Lucas think otherwise.  You see, not only did they work together, but Molly was Lucas’ best friend’s little sister. There had always been this addicting sexual tension running between them.  And they were about to spend even more time together!  When a bad Santa case ended up in Molly’s lap, she secretly took it on.  She would love to go from office manager to private investigator and this could help her get what she wanted.  Thankfully she had Lucas who would help her along the way.

“Molly,” he breathed and shifted so that his forehead rested against hers. Sliding his hands into her hair, his fingertips against her scalp, he held her in place. “Do that again,” he demanded, his voice soft steel.

I. Loved. Lucas!  If you are addicted to alpha males, you have to meet him.  He was honest, trustworthy and also sexy as sin.  He put his whole heart in his job, even if it was broken from the past.  But thankfully he had this fabulous, loud, meddling family that I fell head over heels for.  They added so much heart from just the few scenes they were in.  And he also had Molly filling up his life with light and laughter.

“And one more thing. No talking.”
“How about dirty talk?” he asked. “That doesn’t count, right?”
She surprised him by laughing and lightened his heart.
“Dirty talk is allowed,” she decided, and right then and there, he fell in love.

I adored Molly, she was brave, fierce, loyal yet she heavily guarded her heart.  Her past had physically and emotionally scarred her and even though Molly and I didn’t seem to have anything in common, I clicked with her right away.  While Lucas and Molly worked on the bad Santa case they spent more and more time together. I loved how they joked around and that it was beyond obvious that they wanted each other.  But it wasn’t all fun and games for Molly since she kept putting on the breaks. I got it, but oh it pained my heart. I just kept my fingers crossed that they’d figure it out because together they were something spectacular.

He was taking a chance.
On purpose.
He was putting himself out there and it was fucking terrifying.

It got to the point where they definitely couldn’t ignore what was happening between them.  One thing led to another and words turned to touches, sigh. And through it all I kept finding myself smiling, sighing, laughing and clutching my heart.  Not to mention there were a few scenes that had me screaming while giggling and others where I found myself with tears in my eyes.  This book put me through the emotional wringer.  So of course I definitely recommend Hot Winter Nights.  If you adore alpha males, mysteries, bad Santa’s, strong heroines and a fabulous group of friends then definitely pick his one up!  

PS The Friends references, in some of the titles for the chapters, oh my gosh I loved it!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

 

 
 
 
 
About Jill Shalvis:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling authorJill Shalvis writes warm, funny, sexy contemporary romances and women’s fiction. An Amazon, BN & iBooks bestseller, she’s also a two-time RITA winner and has more than 10 million copies of her books sold worldwide.

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