Love Me Tender (Bliss Cove #3) by Nina Lindsey

Unquestionably my favorite in the Bliss Cove series thus far, Love Me Tender was a sweetly romantic frenemies-turned-lovers tale that made my heart swell with delight. This highly anticipated third installment featured the feisty Rory and the delectable Grant - two completely opposite personalities whose sexual tensions teased me in the previous novels. Thrilled to be back in this quaint seaside town and true to Nina Lindsey's remarkable and magical writing style, this little gem was chock full of passionate moments, laughter, intense chemistry, and unforgettable beloved characters. I love a strong heroine, and Rory Prescott certainly possessed incredible strength. A career-focused woman who strives to make her way in the tech world, she faced several challenges in a new company while dealing with discrimination and harassment. But nothing could stop Rory's determination and grit, and I admired how she handled the unfair situation. Amid all the turmoil, this computer geek managed to open her tightly guarded heart to the handsome yet mysterious owner/chef of the Mousehole tavern, Grant Taylor. Grant was one heck of a swoon-worthy, overly sexy, and lovingly gentle hero. Like Rory, he struggled with difficult issues. In particular, the strained relationship involving his father. Grant had my sympathies seeing how, in my opinion, he was mistreated and belittled by his dad. However, Grant took it in stride, never waiving on what he wanted out of life. This couple was playfully combative, and through their comical banter, a blossoming and loving relationship grew. Grant brought out the best in Rory. She's stubborn and set in her ways, but seeing her tender and attentive side with Grant (which was hidden beneath her tough-girl outspoken demeanor) was heartwarming. In turn, she was everything Grant needed in a partner. Having to deal with the opinionated Taylor family and their constant criticism and disappointment in his life choices, Rory was his source of comfort and encouragement. Their beginnings may have been unconventional, and their relationship faced several obstacles, but the love they shared was strong, faithful, and completely genuine. Love Me Tender was an eloquently written light-hearted story that was low on angst but brimming with sizzling passion. The perfect read for fans of contemporary romances that I highly recommend. As always, I cannot wait for more from Nina Lindsey as her novels utterly consume me. She's an incredible storyteller and truly one of my favorites.    Click here to purchase

And I Love Her by Nina Lindsey

So happy to revisit Nina Lindsey's enchanting sea-side town of Bliss Cove for the second contemporary romance in this series ~ And I Love Her. This trilogy, whose installments can be read as stand-alone novels, follows the lives and loves of the Prescott sisters Aria, Cassie, and Rory. Here it's the prim and proper college professor Calista's chance to find true love. Callie is a no-nonsense type of woman who has no time for frivolousness and distractions like romance. But her scheduled life is about to be turned upside down when reunited with her high school crush ~ the dashing and deliciously sexy action film movie star, Jake Ryan. Together, this opposites-attract couple embarked on a heartfelt journey, filled with all the feels and passion, that I truly enjoyed. My first impression of Callie in Love Walks In was far from favorable. She was pushy, cold, unfriendly, and overbearing. Seeing her life and spending time inside her mind, my opinion quickly changed. Yes, she was overly regimented. However, there's a vulnerable and fragile side of Callie that I absolutely adore. She loves her mom and sisters unconditionally, obsessively concerned about their well-being. She's a daughter who mourns her father and struggles with his great loss each day. Also, she's career-focused as she strives to achieve tenure while trying to finish a book proposal on Greek mythology. Truly misunderstood, her severe personality overshadowed her tender heart. I loved seeing her character open up and flourish under Jake's gentle care. They complemented each other perfectly, and witnessing their love blossom was heartwarming.  When needing to go off-grid after a run-in with the paparazzi, Jake found refuge in Bliss Cove. Time spent in his childhood town not only led Jake to reconnect with Callie but also set him on a course of self-discovery, reevaluating the priorities in his life. Jake was a swoon-worthy storybook hero. More than just a pretty face on the big screen, he was a man with high standards who loves his family above all. Most importantly, Jake was kind, sincere, patient, and loving, especially dealing with uptight Callie. He brought out the best in her, teaching the professor there's more to life than academics and schedules. She learned to trust and open up her heart to possibilities she never imagined. In turn, falling in love with Callie changed Jake's world for the better, and I relished every moment of their journey.   All in all, And I Love Her was a beautifully written, light-hearted read that was low on angst but chock full of sizzling hot moments - the perfect read for fans of contemporary and insta-love romances. As always, I cannot wait for more from Nina Lindsey's wondrous imagination. Her tales consume me as I connect with all of her characters and their experiences. She's an amazing storyteller and an all-time favorite. I'm looking forward to Rory's story, the final installment of this series.     Purchase Links AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU Free in Kindle Unlimited

Loose Ends, Volume One (Loose Ends #1) by Kristen Ashley @KristenAshley68

A first for Kristen Ashley, and hope for more to come in the future, this anthology is a wonderful treat for both long-time fans and new readers alike. Jam packed with so much goodness, Loose Ends was the perfect combination of short stories and longer length novellas that had me excited to revisit past loves as well as eager to experience the "happily-ever-afters" of some beloved secondary characters. No Clue ~ 5 stars Within the pages of one of the most epic and emotionally charged romances I've ever read, At Peace, lives an extraordinary hero named Anthony Joseph Callihan. My love for Joe, as well as his woman Violet, is immeasurable. So I was thrilled beyond belief to savor more from their world. Older, but no less growly, sexy and swoon-worthy, we see a glimpse into Joe's everyday life and his ornery, chaotic brood. Not to mention the zany, off-the-wall Ryker popped in to make an unforgettable appearance, and his hilarity had me in stitches. No Clue was a sweet little story that had me falling in love with the Callihans all over again. The Stars Aligned ~ 5++ Stars. The Stars Aligned was the heart and soul of this anthology for me. Since first reading Heaven and Hell, and with every re-read following, my longing for Hap and Luci's story intensified. After years of hoping and obsessing, my wish has finally come true. It was A-Freaking-Mazing and definitely worth the wait. Years after tragically losing her husband, Travis, Luciana Gordon is ready to love again. So many obstacles lie in her way, but the biggest hurdle is the man she's falling for ~ George "Hap" Cunningham. Hap's not only her dear friend but also Travis' buddy. Luci has an incredible feat before her in convincing Hap to take a chance at a relationship. Ghosts from the past and pressure from others complicate their situation even further. All this had my emotions in a whirlwind. However, I did not doubt for one moment that Ashley would get me through this intense story, as she is the queen of second chance romances. In the end, their journey was profoundly beautiful.  I loved Luci (pun intended) as her character oozed incredible strength. As I imagined, Hap was a tough nut to crack. His stubbornness in thwarting all of Luci's charms and denying his true feelings had me all edgy, but I understood his intentions. Hap loves Gordo, considers him a brother, and anything other than a friendship with his widow would be a betrayal. But Luci's determination and courage shines through as she guides them both beyond grief and mourning. And Hap...sigh...he was incredibly sexy, loving, and sweet. He proved to be the perfect hero totally devoted to Luci as he overcomes his struggles. I adored seeing Sam, Kia, and all of the H&H gang, especially the gruff and grumpy Skip. He truly stepped up as the voice of reason when it came to Hap and Luci's relationship by making one heck of a heartfelt speech that was amazingly touching. Also excited to see a cameo from a character in the Magdalene series which I hope will one day have his own story. All in all, The Stars Aligned was everything I ever wished for when came to this couple. The Favor ~ 4.5 Stars It's back to cabin 11 with the overly sexy Deacon and his woman, Cassie from the Unfinished Heroes series. I loved catching up with this couple, seeing the family they built and the tender love they share. More Than Everything ~ 3.5 Stars Maddox, Diesel, and Molly who debuted in The Greatest Risk (Book 3 of the Honey Series) are an unconventional trio. In all honesty, MMF romances are not my usual cup of tea, but these characters and their dynamic relationship had a way of easily earning my affections. Super kinky, all together or paired off, they were hot. However, there were times I did feel pushed out of my comfort zone. Regardless, I enjoyed this threesome as they dealt with all of their struggles. The love and support Mad, D and Mol shared were sincere, as each worked hard towards the happily ever after they most certainly deserved. A huge bonus with this novella was meeting Rebel ~ Diesel's sister and Rush's (Chaos) love interest. I LOVE IT when KA weaves in characters from different series! Tell Me What You Want ~ 4.5 stars A fantastical standalone so cute and sugary sweet that I truly enjoyed. I would love to see more of this couples' story. Rock Chick Renewal ~ 5 Stars What a wonderful short story! The dedication alone had me all sniffling and misty-eyed. Revisiting all the Rock Chicks and their Hot Bunch men was like coming home from a long journey. It had me seriously craving for a series re-read. This time, it's all about Tod and Stevie, and I relished spending time with them. A feel-good story that left me overjoyed and smiling. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this publication

If We Fly (What If Duet #2) by Nina Lane @NinaLaneAuthor @InkSlingerPR

If We Fly was a beautifully written emotional journey in the What If Duet. In this continuation of Cole and Josie's heart wrenching romance, we finally discover all the circumstances which tore this couple apart. Secrets and mysteries click together to solve the puzzle which haunted Josie for over a decade. The realization of what happened that horrific evening undeniably proved the extent of Cole's sacrifices for the woman he truly and perpetually loved. I stood alongside this couple, feeling all their sorrow, passion and joy. And once again, Lane held my heart in her hands, guiding me through the many plot twists and turns. Anxieties ran high in this magnificent conclusion of Nina Lane's steamy yet heartfelt series. A story of unending love, forgiveness, hope and second chances, this series is a MUST READ that I highly recommend. As always, I am looking forward to falling into Lane's next adventure.          🕊️IF WE FLY🕊️ Amazon: https://amzn.to/2N1YWc6 Apple: https://apple.co/2Mse6vh Nook: http://bit.ly/2wgyXGP Google: http://bit.ly/2OOhYTS Kobo: http://bit.ly/2weMsa0             I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this publication

If We Fall (What If Duet #1) by Nina Lane @NinaLaneAuthor @InkSlingerPR

Before I ramble on about my adoration for Lane's first installment in her new "What If" duet series, I highly recommend reading "If We Leap." It's free, a quick and steamy read with all the feels, and it introduces this lovable couple while giving insight into their beginnings. One click here: Amazon: https://amzn.to/2MAEjHa Apple: https://apple.co/2N2MAR5 Nook: http://bit.ly/2nQIaSr Google: http://bit.ly/2Lc5jrE Kobo: http://bit.ly/2nZRqnz Eloquently written and highly emotional "If We Fall" is the continuing story of Josie Mays and Cole Danforth, two people destined to be together. From childhood friends growing up in the small town of Castille, Maine to teenagers falling hopelessly in love and planning a future, they were the perfect couple until one night changed the course of their lives forever. Tragedy struck the Mays family which tore Josie and Cole apart. Utterly shattered from the circumstances surrounding that ill-fated evening, Cole inexplicably decided to leave Josie in hopes she can find the strength to heal and move beyond her grief. Lost and alone, Josie fled to California devastated and heartbroken. After ten long unhappy years, she is called home only to find the sweet boy she once loved is gone and in his place was a stranger ~ a cold, calculated and vengeful man determined to keep his distance from Josie. Perception is not reality when it comes to Cole. At first, I disliked the bitter and ruthless man he became while mourning the beloved young boy that captured my heart. However, my feelings towards his character quickly changed when seeing his truth. A dark hero shrouded in mystery, he sacrificed all to protect the woman he so desperately loved. Unable to fight the magnetic attraction, all of  Cole's pent-up love and passion for his Josie Bird exploded as fireworks between this couple deliciously ignited. I enjoyed every lust-filled intense moment of their reunion. Josie's character touched my heart. Burdened with great sorrow, she suffered tremendously missing her family and Cole. Plagued with horrific nightmares, she sadly was unable to move on from the past. But through her pain, she found the strength to break through Cole's barriers in hopes of finding comfort and happiness. Tenacious yet compassionate, Josie was a force, and I absolutely adored her. There's so much more of their story to explore as well as discovering the missing pieces of the puzzle that caused Cole's separation. With "If We Fall" Nina Lane once again sent my emotions into turmoil. I love how this author and her characters touch the very heart of me as Josie and Cole's journey will stay with me for a very long time.  5+++ stars that is a MUST READ!! I cannot wait for this saga's conclusion in "If We Fly." Amazon: https://amzn.to/2PnF05m Apple: https://apple.co/2MmrxN7 Nook: http://bit.ly/2MIYGlq Google: http://bit.ly/2nNd8uG Kobo: http://bit.ly/2nOVmHt

The Hookup (Moonlight and Motor Oil #1) by Kristen Ashley @KristenAshley68 @InkSlingerPR

With each release, there's the promise of so much goodness to savor I can hardly contain my joy. Hearing there's a new series and I'm floating on cloud nine. Unsurprisingly, I loved everything about The Hookup as I devoured this read three times before writing my review. That's how remarkable this romance was ~ I was lured back into Matlock, Kentucky, relishing every moment, with just as much excitement as my first time. With all the feels and written in the classic KA descriptive world-building style, Eliza and Johnny's journey is now one of my all-time favorites.   KA is not only the Queen of all Alphas but also the master of the second-chance-at-love romances such as The Hookup. The synopsis may make some leery, giving the impression that this may be a love-triangle or a 'settling for second best' type of scenario. Let me dispel those notions to say that this is not the case AT ALL. Johnny was a broken man, unwilling to love again, after losing a girl that was perceived to be "THE ONE." The beauty of this story is his healing with a message of hope; true love can be found again through the gentle care of the right devoted woman. This is Johnny and Izzy's story and a true Kristen Ashley fairytale ~ complete with a sincere hero who's all about loving, protecting and dedicating himself to the woman he claims. And that lucky girl is Eliza “Izzy” Forrester. I adored Izzy's character to pieces. Down to earth and tenderhearted, this Spätzchen (little sparrow) handled every situation, whether it be their awkward rocky start to tense-filled moments, with kindness, dignity, and finesse. Life was not kind to Izzy or her family and her painful past shaped the beautiful, loyal and graceful woman that was worthy of Johnny's heart. She had a great sense of humor, a little sassy at times, and a quiet strength that I admired. Seeing her relationship with Johnny grow, breaking down his walls and turning his heart from hopeless to hope-filled, melted me. In all ways, Izzy was THE PERFECT girl for Johnny and a woman I would be happy to embrace as part of my tribe.     How could I not instantly fall in love with a hero with such a cool intro? What a kickass name. Smooth as silk, hard as steel, charming, broody-hot and all Alpha ~ I could list the countless reasons why I fell for him, but the fun is discovering his wonders on your own. He was the quintessential KA Alpha with a fiercely protective and controlling side. Best of all ~ he was dirty talking growler!   He had a few dickish moments, but the way Johnny made amends had me eating out of the palm of his hand. His woeful shattered heart, *sigh*, I wanted to soothe and console him. Stubborn at first for not recognizing all that was him truly deserved genuine happiness with all the beauty that was Izzy. Johnny was everything she needed, and I was thrilled once he finally got his head sorted, stepped up his game and took care of Izzy in every way. This story was addicting, seductive, fiery, yet exquisitely romantic. From shy Izzy fumbling her first ever hookup with Johnny, through to their intense hot AF sexual chemistry and the deep emotional connection which blossomed, I was happily riding the wave right alongside this couple every step of the way. Their banter had me giggling, Johnny's raw and animalistic sexual appetite had me swooning, the angst peppered into the storyline had me on edge, and the epilogue warmed my heart. Just an altogether excellent read from start to finish. Brilliantly written and passion-filled, The Hookup was another amazingly sexy novel that left me feeling all gushy happy and longing for more from the Moonlight and Motor Oil world. (Especially Toby and Addie. I'm jonesing for their story and hoping their turn is next)! One of my favorite reads this year - an instant hit that I highly recommend. Amazon: http://amzn.to/2zdNsLs    Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2ysCvYW    Kobo: http://bit.ly/2ysFiSk iBooks: http://apple.co/2kSwuQC      I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this publication