#REVIEW – Breathe (Hollow Ridge, #2) by C.L. Matthews

Blurb:
You’d think five years would be enough time to cope and move on.
It’s not.
If anything, it’s given me more unrealistic ways to deal with my loss.
More pain.
And even worse, a woman I don’t love.
A woman that isn’t her.
I hate her.
She hates me, too.
My life’s a mess.
My heart’s nonexistent.
My soul was lost long ago.
Worst of all, I no longer have any fucks to give.
They say you find your true love after you lose your first one.
I call bullshit.

Amazon Universal ⇢ mybook.to/breathe
Books2Read ⇢ https://books2read.com/u/38ZMRa
Add to your Goodreads TBR ⇢ http://bit.ly/39y0Jkh

Twinsie Jo’s Review

I knew going in that this book would be brutal. But I had no idea just how much. Inhale, Exhale was rough. I wanted to bash some character’s heads in and then some. My heart hurt for Lo, Toby and yes, even Jase. But Breathe…Cassie, you upped your game with this one. While this only the second book I’ve read of hers, it definitely won’t be the last.

Breathe…man, I don’t even have any words really to describe the pain in this book. The ache, the broken characters striving for that certain thing they’re missing. I’m not an emotional reader. At all. But there’s just something about Cassie’s writing that hits home with me. There were parts of this book that I had to read quickly due to them affecting me on a personal level. I can’t gush enough about this book/series.

Toby…oh my boy. He’s so broken and tortured. After a misunderstanding, everything goes down hill from there. It’s just heartbreaking.

If you love books with an age gap, angst – so much freaking angst -, pain and love and everything else, you have to grab this series.

#Review #Spinoff #FriendsToLovers #TNGS — Control Us by: JM Walker


Zach

She was innocent.
Passionate.
Fierce.
After Luna Stone and I went from friends to lovers, my only purpose was showing her how worthy I was. But how could I convince her when I didn’t believe it myself?
I craved her touch and her smiles but most of all, her heart.
I vowed to protect her and show her father that I could be the man for his daughter.
I pushed.
She pulled.
And when all was said and done, I’d have to go through an even higher power to prove that I deserved her…
Myself.

~

Luna

He was quiet.
Withdrawn.
Intense.
Zach Porter and I had been friends since we were kids, but it had never amounted to anything more than that. Until now.
But as close as we were getting, he was still closed off.
He protected his heart and put up walls, even though he had no reason to.
He shoved.
I grabbed hold and never let go.
If I didn’t fight for what was ours, he’d succumb to his demons and believe their vicious words telling him that he’s not good enough. To give up.
On us.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44422339-control-us?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=jLfJSeZfrk&rank=1

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Control-Us-Next-Generation-Book-ebook/dp/B085XMJJLG/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_pdt_img_top?ie=UTF8

Review by Tenise

5 STARS! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I recieved a copy of Control Us from the author. This is my honest review.

This is the first book in The Next Generation Series. If you haven’t read their parents books, don’t worry, you will still be able to understand what is going on in this book. Although, I do HIGHLY recommend going back and reading them later. They are great books! Every book I have read by this author has been fantastic!

Zach and Luna have been friends since forever, but both of them feel like they want to be more. However, there are things in the way of their union; a couple of the biggest obstacles include, Luna’s dad and Zach’s demons.

When these 2 connect, there is oh SO MUCH hotness. I felt like I needed a cold shower after some scenes. I was rooting for these two from the beginning. I wanted them to get the happily ever after I felt like they both deserved. The question is- were they able to get past everything that was standing in their way? I adored this book and everyone in it- I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

Born in Canada
Website
Genre
J.M. Walker is an Amazon bestselling author who recently hit USA Today with Wanted: An Outlaw Anthology. She loves all things books, pigs and lip gloss. She is happily married to the man who inspires all of her Heroes and continues to make her weak in the knees every single day.

“Above all, be the HEROINE of your own life…” ~ Nora Ephron

#NewRelease #ReleaseDay #EnemiesToLovers #NewAdult – See No Evil, The Society Book #1 by Ivy Fox

See No Evil

They thought they could get away with it, but they are sorely mistaken.
They have been judged. They have been sentenced. All that remains is their execution.
No one goes unpunished. We’ll make sure of it.
We are The Society and all who dare cross us will find their miserable end by our hand.
Don’t be fooled. This is not their story.
It’s ours.
Finn
As long as I can remember, I’ve played by the rules.
On and off the football field, I’ve done everything that has been expected of me.
Until that fatal night.
Now my life and the lives of my best friends hang in the balance, hung there by a sadistic sinister shadow forcing us to do their will.
And it’s just my damn luck that I’m the first to be put on their butcher’s block.
I must prove my worth by eradicating a certain pebble in their shoe.
The order is simple.
To save ourselves, I must ruin another—a life for a life.
Meaning Stone Bennett’s life is about to be forfeited in exchange for my own.
The poor girl never stood a chance.
Stone
He’s all American perfection.
I’m the poster child for this country’s rejects.
He’s old Asheville money and privilege.
I’m the Southie eyesore people stay clear from.
He’s caviar dreams and champagne wishes.
I’m the trailer trash his momma probably warned him about.
I doubt it can get any further away from the elitist’s social spectrum than the two of us.
So why the hell is Finn Walker, Richfield’s football god, suddenly all in my face wanting my attention?
Nothing good can come from this.
I can feel it.

*The Society is an Enemies to Lovers, New Adult College Romance.
*Each book can be read as standalones. However all four books in this series have an entwined subplot, that will only be resolved in the final book.
*Recommended 18+ due to mature language and situations.


Goodreads




I received this book for free from the author for an honest review.

WOWZER! This was my first book from this author and I hope it wont be the last.

I will admit the cover caught my eye and then the blurb made me say HRMMMM…..

This is the first book in The Society series.  There will be four books to cover each of the guys : Finn, Lincoln, Colt and Easton.

We don’t know what the guys have done but they are now in trouble with The Society and have to do what is told of them.  This is the main focus of the books…what is The Society and what do they ultimately want/Why do they want this to happen.  SO this book, if you are captured now, you will need to finish all 4 to find out what is up.

Finn…dude I loved him….LOL  I mean he is hella hot and hella sweet. Perfect guy right?  Yes please!! I will take one of those.  He sees Stone who is hella confident and hella sexy.  They are the ying to others yang in a sense.

Essentially Finn’s job is to break Stone’s heart.  That is his task..,unfortunately once he sees her he knows this will not happen.  Stone totally owns herself.  She is confident in her skin and gives zero Effs what people think…get it girl!!

I was totally engaged with this book and it made me super excited for the rest of the books and to find out WTF about The Society!!


Lover of books, coffee, and chocolate!
Ivy lives a blessed life, surrounded by her two most important men – her husband and son. She also doesn’t mind living with the fictional characters in her head that can’t seem to shut up. Books and romance are her passion. A strong believer in happy endings and that love will always prevail in the end. Both in life and in fiction.

For more news on upcoming projects, get the inside scoop and sneak peeks by stalking Ivy on Social media!

Author page here https://www.facebook.com/IvyFoxAuthor/
Website: https://ivyfoxauthor.wixsite.com/ivyfox
Twitter: https://twitter.com/IvyFoxAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivyfoxauthor/

#WOTR20 #Interracial #Military #Historical #2ndChance – Three Times A Lady (Not Just Royals #2) by Dahlia Rose

Three Times A Lady (Not Just Royals #2)

The horrors Lord Haile Buchanan witnessed while serving in the British Army left scars branded into his soul. Survival dictates relegating those harrowing memories to the past. These days, he lives a quiet life running his Northumberland pub with few people knowing his title or his past. It’s more than enough excitement to keep him occupied and out of trouble—until he glimpses the stunning beauty sobbing beneath the awning of Hope Center. Common sense demands she’s not his burden to bear. Honor and decency refuses to let him walk away.

Marisol Elliot can’t believe she uprooted her life back in the US only to be ruthlessly duped by a despicable catfisher. Now she’s stranded in a foreign country with nothing—and no one to help her. The last thing she expects is the gorgeous, ginger-haired stranger who rushes to her aide like a gallant knight in shining armor. When he offers her a strong shoulder to cry on and a hot meal at his pub, she gratefully accepts. And then when he offers her a job? It seems too good to be true. After all she’s been through, it’s hard to trust again. But something about Haile beckons to her like an irresistible beacon.

Having Marisol in his employ is a far bigger boon than Haile ever expected. She’s a damn good bar manager and he’s lucky to have her. The one drawback? Being around her is stirring emotions he never expected to feel. Their chemistry is explosive and getting harder and harder to deny—for both of them. Just as the walls around their hearts begin to crumble, Mari’s past and a dangerous enemy threaten to destroy everything. Protecting her is Haile’s only mission—even if it means summoning his own past demons.


Goodreads


I purchased this book.

I DEVOURED Book 1 and fell in love with Jasper’s best Mate Haile.  When I saw the tall drink of water was the next book I immediately downloaded and started it.  There is something about a Ginger, right ladies??  And yes, as I read this book I was thinking of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

We meet Haile and know under the gruff military man is a Lord of the lands but also a sweet guy who too is wanting love.  After seeing Jasper and Zeva’s love he is hoping and wanting that for himself.  However, his all-consuming loss of his sister and her disappearance causes him to be full of grief.

Mari is finds herself stuck in a country without the man who promised to love and protect her. She has lots of secrets and needs help but fears anyone who might offer help after being screwed over.  When Haile stumbles across her and offers her a hand she takes it.  They work together and start to feel more but both are dancing around the other for fear of crossing a line.

When Mari’s past and Haile’s past collide, they reach to help the other grounded and safe.

I really liked Haile and Mari’s story.  The plot twists of Mari’s life and Haile’s sister were both great ones.  I must say Mrs. H stole the show with her sass and zero eff’s to people who are disrespectful!!  She made every scene great!!

Recent News: Dahlia’s first book was just accepted by Hallmark Publishing with a December 2021 release date!

Dahlia Rose is the USA Today best-selling multi genre author from Urban fantasy to Romance with a hint of Caribbean spice. She was born and raised on the Caribbean island of Barbados and now currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her life revolves around her five kids, who she affectionately nicknamed “The Children of the Corn and her husband and longtime love who is also a honorable retired Army veteran. She has a love of dark fantasy, sci-fi, and the things that go bump in the night. With over seven dozen books published Dahlia has become a reader favorite. Not only because of her writing but her vivacious attitude in talking to her fans online and at various events. Her books feature strong heroines with a Caribbean or African American culture, that is showcased in the vibrancy of her words. Books and writing are her biggest passions, and she hopes to open your imagination to the unknown between the pages of her books.

#WOTR20 #Historical #Military #Interracial #SeriesStarter – The Duke Takes A Wife (Not Just Royals #1) by Dahlia Rose

The Duke Takes A Wife (Not Just Royals #1)

Jasper McTavish, Tenth Duke of Northumberland, blah, blah, blah, he hated the pomp and pageantry of having the title of Duke. Especially when it was announced in the middle of a ball in the United States and he saw the gleam of financial interest in women’s eyes. He liked living like a regular man in the countryside of England, he liked wood crafting for his profitable business and he liked his peace. But when he was forced to perform his diplomatic duties he did it and longed for the evening to end. Except this time his uncle was with him and they expected him to fulfill another part of his lineage, marry someone they deemed suitable. Jasper was known for never fitting in the mold that was expected of him. So when he met the military attaché to the White House . He was intrigued and definitely smitten by the smart crisp Sergeant Zeva Troy. A plan formed in his mind, Jasper knew if this duke were to take a wife, it would be her. He had five days in Washington D. C to convince her to marry and to go home with him.

The duke with a smooth accent, anything he owned. nor his title, definitely did not impress Zeva. Yet after a few steamy kisses and his offer or marriage and a life away from D.C, she could see the benefits of a change from the place she was starting to loathe. Jasper was all male dominance yet kind, and sexy as hell something that she saw in very few men. Acting on impulse she said yes to his proposal and they were off to meet his family. They were a pompous horrible bunch of people sans a few. But seeing that she maneuvered through deployments and politicians, these elitists were a piece of cake. Zeva found herself falling for the sexy duke and the marriage tuned from being in name only to something more. Would it last knowing that his family would try anything to tear them apart? Especially when they had no problem playing dirty.


Goodreads


I purchased this book.

I am such a historical fan so when I saw this book, I needed to grab it.  It didn’t seem to be a “traditional” historical but more of a modern royal’s book and I was cool with this.  I mean I love the Ton and all the regency, but this was a new historical vibe.

I will say the first chapter or two were super-fast because it was the rushed part of the story for Zeva and Jasper meeting and marrying.  Once the couple are reunited in England, I felt the flow slowed down a lot and really helped build the characters for this book and future books.

Zeva was the most kick ass, take no crap from anyone heroine ever!  I loved her sass and fire, but she was the perfect woman for Jasper and what he was dealing with in regard to his family lineage.  Jasper was no fool and he laid his cards on the table for Zeva.  He told her it would be tough, but he would love her and make it all worth her time to take a chance on love.

I loved the family dynamics of the story and the twisted plots that Dahlia threw in to show just how awful Jasper had it with regard to his lineage.  But Zeva was no wilting flower and she stood up to everyone and did right by everyone.

I totally loved the story and the end was cracking me up.  When I finished and I saw who book 2 was about, I downloaded it because Haile was such a great side character, I can’t wait to see him get a strong women too.

Recent News: Dahlia’s first book was just accepted by Hallmark Publishing with a December 2021 release date!

Dahlia Rose is the USA Today best-selling multi genre author from Urban fantasy to Romance with a hint of Caribbean spice. She was born and raised on the Caribbean island of Barbados and now currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her life revolves around her five kids, who she affectionately nicknamed “The Children of the Corn and her husband and longtime love who is also a honorable retired Army veteran. She has a love of dark fantasy, sci-fi, and the things that go bump in the night. With over seven dozen books published Dahlia has become a reader favorite. Not only because of her writing but her vivacious attitude in talking to her fans online and at various events. Her books feature strong heroines with a Caribbean or African American culture, that is showcased in the vibrancy of her words. Books and writing are her biggest passions, and she hopes to open your imagination to the unknown between the pages of her books.

LIFT 4 Autism Auction! Bidding Now Open!

LIFT 4 Autism Auction!

Lift Live BLOGGERS

Bidding is open NOW!

charityauction.bid/Lift4Autism2020

Since 2015, LIFT 4 Autism has raised approximately $140,000 to benefit ASD families. All proceeds go to non-profit organizations serving the autism community. Now more than ever, we as a global community are uniting, even as we stay apart to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Auction organizers authors Ginger Scott and Kennedy Ryan, along with Kulture City, this year’s charitable partner, wanted to respond to the real needs of autism families during this incredibly challenging time. Kulture City will direct proceeds from the 2020 auction to a scholarship program for autism families struggling during COVID-19.

The online auction features signed paperbacks, hardcovers, full series sets, out-of-print covers, foreign editions, personal one-on-one Skype calls with some of your favorites . . . and MORE, all donated by authors, publishers, bloggers, readers. Just people who wanted to be a part of something to help autism families. In the past, some of our highest bidding items were tickets to sold-out author signings and in-demand book events. Of course, with social distancing, those have all been cancelled. To possibly compensate, several amazing authors, narrators and publishing professionals are auctioning off virtual chats! We’re hoping many readers will be enticed to bid on virtual chats with authors like LJ Shen, Tarryn Fisher, Beverly Jenkins, and Kristen Ashley, to name a few. To chat with all-star narrators like Zachary Webber, Shane East, Erin Mallon and more. Not to mention critiques and video chats with agents and editors. These are just a few items up for bid. We are incredibly grateful for every single item donated.

You can bid here NOW: charityauction.bid/Lift4Autism2020

Bidding closes Friday, May 1 at 5pm EST.

And if you don’t win your bid or want to bid, you can STILL be involved!

  1. Make a tax-deductible “no amount is too big or too small” donation to our Kulture City Fund: http://bit.ly/LIFT202Give

  1. Buy LIFT Gear like t-shirts, mugs, sweatshirts, mugs, etc… (Proceeds to Kulture City)

https://teespring.com/stores/lift4autism

LiFT Swag Store Graphic

Here’s some FAQ about the auction and the bidding process that may prove helpful

http://lift4autism.com/auctionfaq/

Winning bidders will be emailed with payment instructions.

#WOTR20 #2ndChance – Triple B Baking Co. (Hearts of Braden #1) by Michel Prince

Triple B Baking Co. (Hearts of Braden #1)

Three years ago a heart broken Merryn Sota got in a SUV and drove away from California. Call it fate or serendipity, but when the vehicle broke down outside of Braden, Iowa she fell in love with the calm and community. Using her skill as a baker she opened up Braden Buttery Bites Bakery which the town lovingly renamed the Triple B. Every confection she makes heals her wounded heart a little bit.

Ever since the tragedy, the only way Austin Larsen can cope with life is to have it completely regimented. The Triple B brought schedule to his life. Something to focus on day by day.

When a snowstorm hits the small town Austin’s schedule is disrupted and old wounds are reopened. Only the hospitality of the Triple B, along with Merryn, can right his world. However, as Merryn and Austin grow closer, their pasts resurface and threaten to destroy their happiness forever.

Goodreads

Amazon

I purchased this book.

I grabbed this book when I saw the first two books are by authors who will be at a book event I am going to be attending.  When I read the description of it, I was loving the whole 2nd chance story because she doesn’t love a 2nd chance to redeem themselves or two find love.  Any who…..

I loved Merryn from JUMP!!  She was sassy but kind.  She was all about helping the small town while also staying a bit mum about her past due to the gossip and all that small town jazz.  She was just relatable.  She always wondered about the shy and kind man who entered her shop every single day at 11:00 for one of her egg salad sandwiches.  He smelled of “Iowa Money”…read and you will understand…but always treated him with compassion and kindness even when her staff found him to be a bit old and creepy.

Austin has always had a bit of a crush on Merryn but given his job and what the town gossiped about him, he figured he would never have a chance.  The fact he lives on a farm with multiple roommates who gossip more then the ladies in town doesn’t seem like a mature adult.

When Austin comes to Merryn’s aid, they notice the spark and start the flirt.  Flirting starts to become a conversation and we soon see the couple starting to form “more”.    The scene about their first time….Legit stitches.  STITCHES!!!!  But I love love love the banter between these two adults.  They both have been through hell and are not being anyone but themselves.

Of course, life happens and we start to see outer forces coming into play.  The couple begin to miscommunicate but still trust the other but also wonder IF they would be better off without????

I gotta stay I loved this story and would love to read more especially about Hank or Darryl because they were hilarious!!!

Michel Prince is an author who graduated with a bachelor degree in History and Political Science. Michel writes young adult and adult paranormal romance as well as contemporary romance.

With characters yelling “It’s my turn damn it!!!” She tries to explain to them that alas, she can only type a hundred and twenty words a minute and they will have wait their turn. She knows eventually they find their way out of her head and to her fingertips and she looks forward to sharing them with you.

When Michel can suppress the voices in her head she can be found at a scouting event or cheering for her son in a variety of sports. She would like to thank her family for always being in her corner and especially her husband for supporting her every dream and never letting her give up.

Michel is a member of RWA Pro and Midwest Fiction Writers. In 2013 she was awarded Elite Status with Rebel Ink Press. She lives in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, and cat.

#WOTR20 #5YearFamily #CoverReveal #Book2 – One Last Time by H. D’Agostino

Title: One Last Time
Author: H. D’Agostino
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: May 12, 2020
Cover Design: Pink Ink Designs Cover Model: Tyler Caussey Fitness Photography: FuriousFotog

I fell in love at seventeen with a girl I thought would someday be my forever. We made plans, only hers didn’t include me. I didn’t think walking away from us would be so easy for her, but it was.
Now she’s back. The problem… I’m still in love with her, and I’m going to prove that we were meant to be if it’s the last thing I do.

Heather D’Agostino is an avid reader turned Bestselling Author of the Contemporary Romance Series The Broken Series, The Shattered Series, The Second Chances Series, The Cook Brothers Series, and Romantic Suspense series The Witness Series. She attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics.
She currently lives in Central New York with her husband, two children, two dogs, and three cats. When she’s not writing she can usually be found at the dance studio, soccer field, or one of the many other places that she plays ‘Supermom’.
HOSTED BY:

#CoverReveal #comingsoon #kyliescott #audreycarlan #romance #booksbooksbooks #bibliophile #booknews #bookcommunity #bookstagrammer #loveunderquarantine – Love Under Quarantine by Kylie Scott and Audrey Carlan

 

While the world is ravaged by a global pandemic, hotshot NFL running back Evan Sparks is locked in his own personal hell. With a career-ending scandal on his back, Evan hides out in his best friend’s empty San Francisco home, the full city shutdown locking him in a lonely twenty-story apartment in the sky.

Romance writer Sadie Walsh is having the worst case of writer’s block ever…until the incredible, muscular stranger staying next door gets her muse going strong. The pair of loners, never expecting to find a friend in all the madness, meet each day out on their balconies like a modern-day Romeo and Juliet.

Each new day brings unique challenges for the pair as they navigate the unknown and find solace together. They quickly figure out that as long as they have one another, they can handle anything.

Even falling in love under quarantine.


Goodreads

Pre-Order on 

 

  

 

#WOTR20 #5YearFamily #Historical #SeriesStarter #Pirates – A Flawed Jewel (A Marsden Romance #1) by Dawn Brower

A Flawed Jewel (A Marsden Romance #1)

This is the old cover.  New Covers were unveiled March 30th.

Pieretta boards a ship, unaware that Thor is waiting to kidnap her for revenge against her grandfather. Will love intervene, altering both their courses?

Pieretta Carlyle experienced the loss of her father, leaving her alone in the world except for her grandpere, Comte Renard Dubois. The comte insists that she travel to France to live with him. Pieretta doesn’t want to leave Charleston and the only home she has ever known. Her grandpere is her guardian, and she must do what he says.

Thor has a score to settle, and Pieretta is the key to his revenge. He became a pirate unwillingly after his business partner tried to murder him. He must acquire Pieretta by any means necessary, and he doesn’t mind plundering a ship to obtain her.

When Pieretta and Thor meet, they are instantly attracted to each other against their better judgments. Pieretta is disgusted by the pirate’s actions. Thor knows what Pieretta believes, but proceeds with his plans anyway. She is only a tool to achieve vengeance. What happens will depend on Thor’s need for revenge and Pieretta’s ability to forgive him for his dastardly deeds.


Goodreads


I received this book from the author.

I love Historical stories and Dawn has some great stories!!

This story begins with Pia mourning the loss of her father and having to move from the USA to France.  She is not happy about leaving her family home but since she is a woman, she must go to her grandpere.  The story jumps in right away with lots of action.  Pia and her maid Tully are secluded in the deck of the ship when pirates attack.

Pia comes face to face with pirate Thor.  He is fierce and hot…wait not now Pia. She is so confused because of all the men to show interest in, a pirate is not the right one.  Not for her station on life annnd for her reputation.

Thor had plans for Pia.  She was the perfect revenge tool for him but once he sees her and her beauty, he is stuck stupid.  He soon has a change in plan because tossing her aside is no longer his objective.  Keeping her is!!

The story jumped right into the action of the kidnaping.  Thor and Pia are two peas in a pod.  They two are faced with feelings they should not be having yet can’t stop having.  When you find out why Thor has kidnapped Pia, you understand his motives but still wanna smack him in the head for “knowing what’s best for her”.  Sigh…

USA TODAY Bestselling author, DAWN BROWER writes both historical and contemporary romance. There are always stories inside her head; she just never thought she could make them come to life. That creativity has finally found an outlet.

Growing up she was the only girl out of six children. She raised two boys into productive young men. There is never a dull moment in her life. Reading books is her favorite hobby and she loves all genres.

She is active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To follow her or can find more about her check out her website for the pertinent information: www.authordawnbrower.com

We are THE TWINSIES… We love to read…We love to promote the authors we read… and we love to stir up TROUBLE… It's who we are and what we do