The one adjective used to describe my entire hockey career. I prefer to call it hard work, at least I did until my game went to complete crap. I haven’t scored in eight games and my team owner is talking about trading me.
I’ve never believed in superstitions.
Never needed one. I suppose I was “lucky” in that way. But now the best way to refer to me is desperate. I’d wear the same socks for an entire year just to be the high-scoring center I used to be.
Imagine my surprise when after spending New Year’s Eve with a woman, I score a hat trick in the next game—that’s three goals in one game for you non-hockey lovers.
Now, I have to track her down and bribe her to do it again before every game. Get your mind out of the gutter, I’m not talking about it.
I find her and when I get to know her better, I end up spending more time thinking about her than my game, but she’s made it clear she wants no part of me. She’s going to learn that I didn’t become a professional hockey player without having to fight for what I want.
I discovered Piper Rayne a few years ago, and am now several series in on their book catalog. I’m waiting for the day to come where a book doesn’t click with me for whatever reason… and that day is not today! I loved everything about Aiden and Saige! A great slow burn, friends first, swoony, sexy, fighting their feelings story… My Lucky #13 has it all!
Aiden is one of the best hockey players in the league. He has been in a bit of a rut with his game performance…. until a mysterious blonde threw wine in his face on New Year’s Eve. Suddenly the guy who hated superstitions can’t go without Saige dousing him in pinot before he takes the ice. Too bad he can’t date her since she’s already dating his agent. In exchange for Saige traveling around with him, Aiden reluctantly hires her to run his social media accounts. And along the way, Saige and Aiden grow closer as they spend more and more time together.
Saige tried to put Aiden off, having been burned before by a pro athlete. But the attraction between them is just too much to ignore, and once they finally give in to that desire, their relationship is explosive! Aiden is such a gentleman…. but such a wild dirty talker too!
This story was everything. Full of passion and heart. Full of sexy banter and witty exchanges. A guy who isn’t what he seems at first glance. Two misfits who fit together in the best of ways.
This was a great start to the Hockey Hotties series and I can’t wait to see what comes next for the Fury guys! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Meet Piper Rayne: Piper Rayne, or Piper and Rayne, whichever you prefer because we’re not one author, we’re two. Yep, you get two USA Today Bestselling authors for the price of one. Our goal is to bring you romance stories that have “Heartwarming Humor With a Side of Sizzle” (okay…you caught us, that’s our tagline).
A little about us…. We both have kindle’s full of one-clickable books. We’re both married to husbands who drive us to drink. We’re both chauffeurs to our kids. Most of all, we love hot heroes and quirky heroines that make us laugh, and we hope you do, too.
The kitchen: it’s my domain, where I create the best burgers in the Midwest. I’m the man behind the grill at Burgers and Brew, the restaurant and bar I co-own with my best friends. Every night, we’re packed, the demand has never been this high. It’s the only way I want it, thriving and pushing myself to be the very best.
Then she started her new business across the street from mine.
The one woman who always got under my skin, who pushed me to be better. Lyndee was my biggest rival in school and my biggest regret.
Now, she’s in town, and as much as I try, I just can’t stay away.
I want her.
Lyndee
A new start: that’s what Stewart Grove means for me and my brother. He’s the one who pushed me to take the chance on opening my own bakery. I am ready for the long hours, the grueling schedule, and the hard work it will take to be successful.
I wasn’t at all prepared to come face-to-face with the man across the street.
An almost kiss in college with the world’s most infuriating man has haunted me for the last decade. Now Jasper’s here, and I don’t think I can resist him.
Things are about to heat up in and out of the kitchen.
Don’t Go Away Mad was a pure delight! I absolutely loved the rivalry between Jasper and Lyndee. She’s a baker, he’s a chef, they almost shared a kiss in culinary school, and now their eateries are across the street from one another… and the sparks fly!
Jasper is totally a by-the-book kind of guy. Lyndee is much more laid-back, and she knows how to push all his buttons and get Jasper all riled up. Their relationship is a wonderful slow burn, and full of so much heat and sizzle… I couldn’t wait for them to get together, and was rooting for them chapter after chapter!
The chemistry and witty banter between Jasper and Lyndee had me in stitches, but I also adored the awesome relationship between Jasper and the guys.
This book is the second in the series, and I didn’t feel like I was missing pieces of the story. I will be going back to read the first book, and will definitely keep my eyes out for the next two!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Lacey Black is a Midwestern girl with a passion for reading and writing. She carries her e-reader with her everywhere she goes so she never misses an opportunity to read a few pages. Always looking for a happily ever after, Lacey is passionate about contemporary romance novels and enjoys it further when you mix in a little suspense. She resides in a small town in Illinois with her husband, two children, and a chocolate lab. Lacey loves shooting guns and should only consume one mixed drink because she’s a lightweight.
The Bold and the Bullheaded, an all-new laugh-out-loud romantic comedy from USA Today bestselling author Willow Aster and Laura Pavlov is available now
𝐸𝑚𝑚𝑎…
I don’t do feelings. Especially not with an arrogant, broody Taylor brother. But one moment of weakness on an elevator wrecks me. 𝐼 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑒. 𝐼 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑖𝑑 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑟. Yet I find myself wanting to be trapped in a small space with Spence Taylor again. And don’t even get me started on his day job. The man can do just about anything with those hands. Those big hands, and er—big feet. I digress.
𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒…
Emma Kingsley is the most infuriating woman I’ve ever known. Stubborn, arrogant, and sexy as sin. She drives me crazy. And she’s determined to hate me. The funny thing is—I can’t get enough. But the woman has more walls up than the royal palace. Lucky for her, I make a living tearing down walls. And I just found my favorite project. Time to renovate, Queenie.
The Bold and the Bullheaded checked off all the boxes for an enjoyable, funny, enemies to lovers romance. I wouldn’t necessarily characterize this as grumpy & sunshine, but Spence is DEFINITELY a grumpy, broody alpha.
Emma. I loved her. I loved how strong she tried to be, but she was so deeply scarred by her mother’s absence from her life. She was so afraid to really connect with Spence, even though she so badly wanted to. I love her nicknames for him!
Once things cross over between Emma and Spence from hate to more… it’s magical. He is so patient with Emma. He knows she’s worth it, and goes so far to try to protect her when there’s a harrassment issue at work, even if he knows she’s going to hate him for it in the end. That really showed just how much he’d fallen for her, and I ate that spoony ish up with a spoon!
This series is about the Taylor siblings — I haven’t read the first book in this series, which is Mya and Jesse’s story, but I definitely want to go back and do so before reading the next books as they come out. I loved this group of friends, how they’ve made their own family of sorts, and the interactions between the brothers are so well done. I also really liked the family unit that Emma and her dad have made with the guys at the garage! This book was an excellent collab between Willow Aster and Laura Pavlov!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Excerpt:
I’ve just hit the button for the twentieth floor when a black stiletto and an exquisitely shaped leg stops the elevator from closing.
My eyes get snagged on her curves and the blonde hair that falls like a lemon paradise over the front of her black suit. And up to the hateful eyes that are shooting venom at me.
“You.” She spits it out like I’m a bad taste in her mouth.
She wishes.
I fold my arms and stare at the woman who has become the bane of my existence since the day I first saw her on another elevator. In another building. The last building my brothers and I renovated.
She folds her arms and stares at me with the same disdain I’m throwing her way.
“Is it really my curse to be stuck in elevators with you for the rest of my life? Not to mention my favorite pub … and holidays with my family?” My words are crisp and to the point.
She scoffs at me. Scoffs. Her perfect red lips are shaped in the foulest scowl known to man.
“Old Solemn,” she says.
Her ignorant nickname for me.
I roll my eyes.
“It appears you are stuck with me, yes. As long as you’re living in the same building as my BFF,” she says, looking down at her nails as if they’re more important than me. They match her lips. “It seems your brother and my Mya are going strong, so—” she shrugs, “you’ll have to get used to this face. Sorry. Not sorry.” Her eyes brighten and I know she’s going for the kill. “Can’t handle the heat, get out of the fire.”
I’m happy my little brother Jesse is in love and all that shit, but since his girlfriend comes attached to this spoiled wench in a supermodel disguise who chooses every opportunity to snipe at me, it has created a complication.
I don’t like complications.
“She-devil,” I say under my breath.
Her eyes narrow. “Stay on your side of the elevator,” she snaps.
I shake my head as we go up, the floors creeping slower than a sloth trying to stand up.
“Not a problem.” I stare straight ahead. “Although you certainly didn’t mind when w—”
Her hand flies across the elevator and covers my mouth. “Stop. Right. There. We agreed that was a one-off that shall not be named.”
About Willow Willow Aster is the author of USA Today bestseller, True Love Story, In the Fields, Maybe Maby, Fade to Red, Lilith (formerly known as Whore), 5,331 Miles, Miles Ahead, The Kingdoms of Sin series, and co-author of The End of Men series with Tarryn Fisher. Willow loves nothing more than writing the day away—anywhere will do. Her husband and two children graciously put up with her endless daydreaming; otherwise, the writing would never get done. She’s also an avid reader, and has been known to walk, cook, and clean with her nose in a book. She’s lived in Texas, Tennessee, Indiana, and California, but Minnesota has captured her now and doesn’t seem to be letting go. Although shy, this lifelong writer and artist is convinced that the best part of this career for her is meeting and connecting with readers, authors, and all of those in this community of lovers of words.
About Laura Laura Pavlov writes sweet and sexy contemporary romance that will make you both laugh and cry. She is happily married to her college sweetheart, mom to two awesome almost grown kids, and dog-whisperer to a couple of crazy Yorkies. Laura resides in Las Vegas where she is living her own happily ever after.
Willette Archer has a secret—though some would argue how well kept it actually is. As right-hand woman and best friend to the owner of Bird’s Eye Tattoo Studio, her job has become her whole life. So, she occupies her days with shop decisions to avoid her disappointing dating life.
Of course, that might also have something to do with her two-decade old infatuation with her aforementioned best friend’s older brother.
Derek Tanner is at a loss—with basically everything. His apartment lease is up, most of his belongings are somewhere in storage, and the good doctor has been pulling extra shifts at the hospital due to lack of staff. So, yeah. His life is chaos. Thanks to these wonderful circumstances, dating is nowhere on his radar.
When his little brother suggests he stay in Willette’s spare room for the time being, he’s both grateful and hesitant. Sure, he grew up with Will too, but they’ve never been as close—let alone in close quarters.
It doesn’t take very long for Doctor Derek to start seeing Will in a new light. This makes him think perhaps he should be examined. Will, on the other hand, is this close to feigning injury just so he’ll touch her already.
When boundaries are crossed and relationships are finally taken to the next level, will Willette get exactly what she’s been hoping for since childhood, or will her fantasy be forever ruined?
Will is the second book in Kat Savage’s Men of Bird’s Eye series. Although technically, Will (aka Willette) is a woman, and she’s one of the guys in theory, but she’s our feisty, independent heroine in this story… who has been in love with Hawk’s big brother for nearly 20 years.
Derek’s lease is up, his hours at the hospital are insane, and he needs someplace to crash while he house hunts. So Hawk offers up Will’s spare bedroom, and we have a forced proximity/roommates romance with a bit of secret crush mixed in. Derek has always been a serial dater, never committing because he doesn’t believe in love. Will has always dated losers, because she knows nobody will measure up to Derek. But as they spend more time together as roommates, Derek starts to look at Willette differently and asks her out. There is hesitation from both of them about not wanting to ruin their decades-old friendship… and that is exactly what happens when Derek finds out that Willette has been in love with him since she was a kid. He freaks out, moves out, and leaves Will heartbroken.
I really liked Will and Derek’s story, but I wanted *more* from them. Why is Derek so against love? He’s seen it go bad with his parents, but that was a one-liner and I wanted more about how that affected him. I wanted more of Derek’s inner thoughts when it came to his feelings for Will and his willingness to “hope” for more. The scene was beautiful but I wanted to know how he got there. I also wish that there had been some reference to Will’s family — it would have given her more depth as a heroine. The one reference to her Generalized Anxiety Disorder was kind of a throw-away, and I think there was so much that could have been explored there with how that affects her.
But overall, Will was a great read, and I’m really enjoying this series. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Avery and Hanson! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Meet Kat Savage
Kat Savage resides in Louisville, Kentucky with her three beautiful children, her hunky spouse, and two spoiled dogs. She secretly has hope of getting chickens one day.
By day, she’s an office manager, pushing paperwork and daydreaming. When she’s not at her nine-to-five, she’s writing. Or thinking about writing. Or preparing books and book stuff. Or quite possibly, designing stuff for other people’s books.
She was driven to writing out of a need to distraction and self-preservation after the death of her sister in 2013. Since then, it’s snowballed into a full blown passion she can’t escape. Even on the toughest days, she wouldn’t want to.
She writes poetry packed with real, raw, and sometimes ugly truths. She won’t lie. Her goal is to make you ache, in that perfect delicious way we often secretly crave.
Shortly after putting her poetry and prose out into the world, she turned to novel writing. Savage is a natural storyteller, getting better with each book. She tries to give the characters in her novels depth, whether they’re serious or comical, she builds them in layers with the hope that you see a little of yourself in some of them.
Dahlia Akana has no idea where she’s going in life.
All she’s ever wanted to do is travel, and her inner circle pressuring her to figure out her purpose only makes her wanderlust grow stronger. But she’s comfortable being a nanny to her nieces in the small Pennsylvania town where her sister lives. Though she’s far overstayed her desired timeline, it’s a place filled with friends and familiarity while she plots her next move.
Until she meets the devastatingly gorgeous, obnoxious rookie who is slated to be the next superstar on the town’s top tier baseball team. He’s everything she doesn’t want, but can’t seem to stay away from. As they spend more time together, she discovers that he might just be the anchor she’s always looked for.
When secrets, lies, and a humiliating public scandal rock their world, will she be able to stay with him? Fight for him? Or will her age-old tactic of fleeing erase any shot at a happily ever after?
Garrett Chester has always known exactly what he wants.
To be the best pitcher in the history of the major leagues. And luckily, with more talent in his pinky than other people have in their entire body, he’s well on his way. It’s his attitude that leaves something to be desired. Cocky, reckless and soaking up his newfound fame, the rookie attracts the attention of the tabloid press.
When he meets the feisty woman just as beautiful as the flower she’s named after, she gives him a refreshing reality check. With each passing day, not only does he fall harder, but she makes him want to be a better man.
Except the past that haunts him inevitably catches up, and ends up taking her down with him. Alone, exposed and cast out, it’s a reminder of the childhood trauma that has always plagued him. Can he put the rumors to rest, piece together a career in shambles, and be the hero she needs?
Book Links
One-click Control Artist: mybook.to/ControlArtist
Sunny Shelly’s Review: 5 Stars
Another great story in Carrie Aaron’s’ Callahan Family series. Although, Garrett and Dahlia are kind of Callahan-adjacent as Walker’s sister-in-law and teammate 😄
Dahlia is a free spirit, but she’s been living in Packton for the past few years, taking care of Hannah’s girls. She’s feeling the itch to do more with her life, that there is something missing, even though she loves spending time with her family and friends. Starting up a no-strings fling with the Pistons’ cocky rookie, Garrett, is the last thing Dahlia wanted to do. He’s a few years younger, a player, prone to media scandal, and she although she desperately tries to stay away, she just can’t ignore the pull between them.
For Garrett, Dahlia is a breath of fresh air. She challenges him, doesn’t Dawn all over him, and made him work for a shot with her. The more time they spend together, the more Garrett and Dahlia begin to think that the other is what they’ve been missing in their life. But when Dahlia finds herself drawn into Garrett’s latest scandal, will it being them closer together or break them apart for good?
I really liked the push and pull between Dahlia and Garrett! Control Artist is a little grittier than some of CA’s other books in this series, and it’s also hotter and steamier! That club bathroom scene was on fire!! Their relationship progresses nicely from carnal lust to a genuine deep love, as they trust that they can open up to one another.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Author Bio
Author of romance novels such as The Tenth Girl and Privileged, Carrie Aarons writes books that are just as swoon-worthy as they are sarcastic. A former journalist, she prefers the love stories of her imagination, and the athleisure dress code, much better.
When she isn’t writing, Carrie is busy binging reality TV, having a love/hate relationship with cardio, and trying not to burn dinner. She’s a Jersey girl living in Texas with her husband, daughter, son and Great Dane/Lab rescue.
A sizzling all-new enemies-to-lovers romance from USA Today bestselling author Harloe Rae where a billionaire CEO battles against a snarky redhead who has her own agenda.
A sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance from USA Today bestselling author Harloe Rae where a billionaire CEO battles against a snarky redhead who has her own agenda.
“I’d say it’s nice to meet you, but I’ve never been a good liar.”
That’s his initial offense against me.
Don’t worry—there’s plenty more where that came from.
Landon Winters is colder than his last name suggests.
Cruel and callous too.
I’m certain he finds pleasure in making others miserable.
He’s a billionaire by his own making—not satisfied with simply inheriting a white collar and silver spoon.
Landon’s arrogance is so thick I could choke on the stench alone.
He’s also responsible for gouging a jaded chip into my shoulder.
The only saving grace is never having to see him again.
Wishful thinking is a fickle beast.
My boss just announced that Landon is my latest client.
I’ll need to impress him or kiss my promotion goodbye.
Either way, this is my chance to get even.
Revenge is all I see.
The price for redemption is steep.
Landon will pay a small fortune in humiliation.
And I’ll walk away filthy rich in vindication.
Sunny Shelly’s Review: 3.5 Stars
If you like enemies-to-lovers workplace romances, then Something Like Hate will be right up your alley. A year after Landon brushes Vannah off at her cousin’s wedding — she not knowing that he is a megamillionaire — he turns out to be the new high-profile client she’s assigned to work with as his realtor. The snark flows instantly, as these two can barely stand the sight of one another. The sexual chemistry is flowing as well. Landon suggests a no-strings fling, while Vannah wants revenge for being turned down a year ago and hopes to make Landon fall for her then dump him. Of course, things don’t quite go that way…
So… I liked this story, but didn’t LOVE this story. I felt like some key piece of Landon’s history was missing that made him such an alphahole. Yes, his father was mean, blah, blah, blah. I wanted MORE of that. I felt like that was glossed over in an attempt to make Landon a cold-hearted billionaire ala Christian Grey. We got Vannah’s backstory and a reconciliation with her dad (who she didn’t think was proud of her success), and I wanted the same kind of insight for Landon’s character. And I didn’t really feel it when he suddenly flipped the switch and realized he was head over heels for Vannah. It came out of nowhere and I wanted more of that revelation. I felt like I missed a chunk of the story where that happened.
Overall, this book is a steamy, sexy, enemies-to-lovers workplace romance. I enjoyed it, but didn’t fall head over heels in love with Landon and Savannah.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
About the Author:
Harloe Rae is a USA Today & Amazon Top 10 best-selling author. Her passion for writing and reading has taken on a whole new meaning. Each day is an unforgettable adventure.
She’s a Minnesota gal with a serious addiction to romance. There’s nothing quite like an epic happily ever after. When she’s not buried in the writing cave, Harloe can be found hanging with her hubby and son. If the weather permits, she loves being lakeside or out in the country with her horses.
Harloe’s books include the Reclusive series,
Watch Me Follow, the #BitterSweetHeat series, Ask Me Why, the Silo Springs series, Left for Wild, Leave Him Loved, and Something Like Hate. These titles are available on Amazon.
Kason
I’m what you call a god, a superstar, a winner.
Being a professional snowboarder is my purpose in life.
I know exactly how to get what I want and
I’m good at most everything I do.
I’m only at Cranmore University to appease my parents.
But, if I want to graduate, I need to pass physics.
And, since failing is not an option,
Blackmailing a nerd who hates me is my last resort.
Shay
I’m what some call a geek, a nerd, a loser.
And I don’t care.
I know who I am.
I know where I come from.
And, I know exactly where I’m going.
That’s why I’m at Cranmore University.
To get my degree and begin my life
Only, that plan gets quickly derailed
Thanks to an unbecoming video
A blackmailing snowboarder
And his ex who’s hell bent on making my life miserable.
They say everyone comes into your life for a reason.
What happens when that person is the opposite of what you want…
But exactly what you need?
I binged Something About You on a rainy Friday night while my family watched a Marvel movie. This book was a charming opposites-attract college romance between an athlete failing physics, the nerd he blackmails into tutoring him, and them both learning along the way that what you don’t think you want sometimes turns out to be exactly what you need.
Kason and Shay definitely get off on the wrong foot, and every run-in after that is filled with tension. When Shay gets drunk at a party at Kason’s house and falls asleep in his room, he gets the perfect opportunity to blackmail her into tutoring him. Shay is book smart, but she’s also sassy, fierce, tells it like it is and does not placate Kason. At all. He’s so used to people fawning all over him and falling at his feet — and Shay does not. She intrigues him, and he begins to realize that he feels like the most authentic version of himself when he’s around her.
Poor Shay has had such a difficult life, but she is resilient and determined not to let her past define her future. She is reluctant to trust that Kason genuinely likes her at first — they are opposites in every way, and the nerdy girl never gets the star athlete. And despite Kason’s selfishness and the lies he tells her in the beginning, Shay begins to depend on him in ways she never imagined she could. The love that Kason shows her makes Shay feel wanted for the first time in her life, and he shows a vulnerability around Shay that made me fall fast for this cocky hero.
There are a million reasons why Shay and Kason shouldn’t work as a couple. But they just do, and their story was so charming! I also loved the hints at whatever is happening between Kason’s sister Giselle and best friend Thayer! I’m definitely interested in getting their story!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Meet J. Nathan
J. Nathan is the author of new adult, sports, and rock star romances with cocky heroes and sassy heroines. When she’s not writing, she’s a crazy soccer and baseball mom as well as a total romance junkie! She loves watermelon margaritas, guys in backward hats, country music, and the summertime.
“Emotional, layered, sexy, and deeply satisfying, with stunning prose and a sweeping storyline, REEL is everything that has Kennedy Ryan fans devouring her books.” — Lexi Ryan, New York Times bestselling author
Reel, an all new epic CONTEMPORARY STANDALONE love story from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Kennedy Ryan, is available now!
One moment in the spotlight.
For months I stood by, an understudy waiting in the wings, preparing for my time to shine. I never imagined he would watch in the audience that night. Canon Holt. Famous film director. Fascinating. Talented. Fine. Before I could catch my breath, everything changed. I went from backstage Broadway to center stage Hollywood. From being unknown, to my name, Neevah Saint, on everyone’s lips. Canon casts me in a star-studded Harlem Renaissance biopic, catapulting me into another stratosphere.
But stars shine brightest in the dead of night. Forbidden attraction, scandal and circumstances beyond my control jeopardize my dream. Could this one shot—the role of a lifetime, the love of a lifetime—cost me everything?
It’s a guttural command. He bends me over the arm of the couch, and my hands hit the cushion for support, to steady myself. At the sound of the condom tearing, my inner muscles contract, bracing for him. He spreads my cheeks and, slipping his whole hand between my legs, cups the trembling flesh. I’m unprepared for the swipe of his tongue. For the subtle abrasion of his beard scraping the inner skin of my thighs. For the sound of him eating me. I push back against his face, helpless, no shame. Digging my nails into the cushions, I widen my legs to give me more, to take more for myself. He grips my thighs, holding me steady for his devouring mouth until, with a sob that sails over the rooftop, over the city, I contract around his delving tongue. The orgasm hits hard, tightening the muscles in my thighs and calves. With staccato breaths, I bury my face in the couch, biting my lip to the point of pain.
“Canon,” I beg. “Stop teasing me and—”
He shoves in, and the words tumble back down my throat, recessing into the shock of this pleasure.
“Jesus.” Need shreds my voice to ribbons.
He coasts his hand up my back, gently cuffs my neck. Ass in the air, I rise up on my toes, begging for breath, petitioning for more dick. He gives it to me, pushing impossibly deeper.
“So damn good,” he grunts behind me.
I hope I never get over how perfect he feels inside me, like I was molded to his specifications. Shaped for his dimensions. I moan and reach my hand back to pull at one of my cheeks, widening the way for his cock. It feels like he goes where no dick has gone before, deeper, better. Somehow I feel each thrust in my heart. His every touch plays on my emotions, and tears sting my eyes. His hand tightens at my hip, and he slides the other hand up my arm, finds my hand on the couch and laces our fingers together. He sets a frenetic pace that sends the blood singing through my body again. The cushion absorbs my scream as I come, and I punish the soft cotton with clawing nails. With his voice strangled, his fingers fisted in my hair, he comes.
Collapsing against my back, a heavy, happy burden, his breath stilted and warm at my neck, he snakes one muscled arm around my middle, clutching me. After the urgent, feral coupling, it’s a cherishing hold. I cross my arm over his at my waist and tangle our fingers. It’s fragile and sweet, this moment, like flakes of sugar disintegrating on your tongue when you’ve barely had time to taste.
Reel is so much more than an emotional, forbidden romance between a rising young star and a hot Hollywood director. The journey of Naveeh and Canon’s relationship certainly takes center stage in Reel, but there’s also a beautiful secondary story within the story, that of jazz singer Dessi Blue, the subject of the biopic Naveeh and Canon are making.
It’s a slow-burn romance between Naveeh and Canon, as they develop a professional relationship first, then a true friendship, before anything turns romantic. As they work on the biopic, they grow closer, and despite the insane pull he feels toward Naveeh, Canon is determined to not cross the line, due to a past relationship gone bad with another actress. But somewhere along the line, Canon decides that Naveeh is worth breaking his rules for. But will the risk be too much for either of them to bear?
This book covers a lot of ground. In addition to shining the spotlight on black performers from the 1930s, there are socially-relevant situations that Naveeh faces as an actress involved with the director. Plus, she has an autoimmune disease that affects her skin, and in addition to the emotional weight that carries on her, there’s a health crisis that affects her quite physically during the filming of the movie — and that moment packs quite a punch as far as her friendship with Canon is concerned.
Reel is a beautifully crafted and well-written story with a fantastic plotline, remarkable characters, and an epic love that will captivate you from the start. A great start to a new series!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
About Kennedy Ryan
A USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Kennedy Ryan and her writings have been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, Glamour, Cosmo, TIME, O Mag and many others. A RITA® Award winner, Kennedy writes empowered women from all walks of life and centers those who have found themselves perennially on the margins of traditional storytelling.
Her Hoops Series (Long Shot, Block Shot and Hook Shot) and All the King’s Men Series (The Kingmaker, The Rebel King and Queen Move) have been optioned for television.
An autism mom, Kennedy co-founded LIFT 4 Autism, an annual charitable initiative, and has appeared on Headline News, Montel Williams, NPR and other media outlets as an advocate for autism families. She is a wife to her lifetime lover and mother to an extraordinary son.
As the most hated player in baseball, I had two options: either clean up my image or pack my bags. Being traded wasn’t an option which only meant one thing, I had to become compliant.
That’s how I found myself sharing a small bistro table with Kate Chapman, the Chicago Bobbies newest PR Manager. Devastatingly beautiful, vastly intelligent, and incredibly cunning, she knows exactly how to handle my grumpy demeanor.
It was supposed to be simple. Book some PR events, show up, smile for the camera, and be done. But one massive mistake on my end sends me into the trenches with Kate, forcing me to open up to her.
Innocent glances turn into cordial encounters. Secret touches turn into tempting invitations. And dangerous nights alone turn into consuming desperation.
I’ve never wanted a woman as much as I want her. And I know she wants me, but there’s a no fraternizing with the players rule. Neither of us can afford to lose our jobs, but we also can’t seem to keep our hands off each other either.
EXCERPT:
I slip on my clothes, going for a pair of jeans and a long-sleeved Henley. I push the sleeves up, still heated from the shower. I leave my hat in my locker, opting for a quick swab of styling pomade through my hair. I couldn’t care less what I look like, but Coach always likes us to be somewhat presentable after a game in case we run into any press.
Hungry and ready for my bed, I head out of the locker room and am making my way toward the players’ exit when a throat clears behind me. I glance over my shoulder to find Kate Chapman standing against the wall, her purse draped over her shoulder and a beautiful smile gracing her delicately freckled face.
She quickly gives me a once-over and says, “It was the socks.”
I can’t help it, I let out a low chuckle while slowly shaking my head and turning toward her. Hands in my pockets, I say, “It wasn’t the socks.”
Her mouth drops open in disbelief as she approaches me. “It was so the socks.” She points her finger at me.
“Don’t even deny it.”
“It was all my practice.”
“Yeah, practice with me. Just admit it, Rockwell, you had fun last night, the socks were a good luck charm, and you played your ass off tonight.”
I don’t believe in superstitions, which is unheard of when it comes to a baseball player, but I’ve never geared my play around being a habitual player, either. Instead, I do what feels right. So, believing in socks having a special power and helping me gather some hits tonight—nah, not real. But I will say this—having my socks up reminded me why I was behind that plate. It reminded me of being small again and taking joy in the little things.
Was it the socks? Maybe.
Was it the thought of the girl standing in front of me?
Maybe a little more.
“It wasn’t the socks.”
Her head falls back as she groans. “You’re so stubborn.” She makes eye contact with me again. “Do you realize that?”
“Yeah.” I rock on my heels, trying not to stare at her too much. Just picture me pitching to you.
When I said that would be too distracting, I meant it. With her softly curled hair and her gorgeous smile that doesn’t seem to ever falter—unless I’m a total dick and walk out on her—she’s caught my eye.
She’s starting to imprint herself on my brain.
She’s starting to make me feel shit I shouldn’t be feeling.
“Well, I’m—”
“What are you doing right now?” I ask out of the blue, surprising myself, and her.
“Uh, I was going to give you a hard time and then go home?” she says with a hint of question at the end.
I nod at her. “Hungry?”
She eyes me suspiciously. “Starving.”
“Want to get some food?”
She chews on her bottom lip, thinking about her answer, and I know it’s not in a joking around way, but more so she’s afraid. Afraid of me, possibly. Afraid for her job, most likely.
So, I add, “You know, to discuss business.”
It’s against team policy to fraternize with the players. I know that, she knows that, but, for the life of me, after seeing that infectious joy on her face, I had to ask her. I had to try to spend more time with her.
“Well, if it’s business . . .” She smiles brightly and then nods behind her. “Follow me.”
Sunny Shelly’s Review: 5 Stars
Drop. The. Towel!
It’s taken me a few days to put together my thoughts about Walker and Kate because HOLY SMOKES were they slow-burn perfection! Underneath that gruff exterior, Walker is just a big old softy. But it took Kate pushing through those barriers and the facade he puts up to see it. Everyone seems to think that Walker has a bad attitude — and he does, to an extent — but he also has such a sweet side, a gentle soul, and is so giving and thoughtful!
Walker and Kate are perfectly perfect together — but thanks to the no-fraternizing policy that the Bobbies strictly enforce, one amazing day together is all that this couple will ever have. Or is it?
Meghan Quinn penned a delectable forbidden romance with The Perfect Catch. I loved everything about Walker and his past and his dedication to his sister and the feelings of guilt that he’s been carrying around for years. The professional rivalry between Walker and Penn runs SO DEEP — back to when they were playing little league. And when the twist came about regarding Penn I was FLOORED! (Please give us a story for Penn, Meghan!)
The Perfect Catch is a perfect addition to Meghan Quinn’s baseball series and the towel brigade. Walker’s story was a long time coming but so worth the wait!!! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Friends With Benedicts, a brand new, heart felt rom-com from Staci Hart, is finally LIVE!! Who’s reading? Grab your copy today from your favorite online book retailer!
Presley Hale and Sebastian Vargas are no strangers to goodbye. Their high school summers were spent wrapped up in each other until she would inevitably go home to California. One season after college, Sebastian finally escaped the little Texas town to travel the world, and they said goodbye for what they thought might be the last time.
Sebastian went one way. Presley went the other.
For the first time in five years, they’re both in town, but the timing is no better than ever. So the only thing to do is what they do best. Keep it casual.
Friends with benefits.
They’ve done it before—doing it again will be easy.
But their hearts don’t get the memo.
When the lines of their arrangement blur, Presley and Sebastian are faced with decisions they’ve avoided for years. And that’s not even their biggest problem.
A small town in danger of failing.
A secret that could tear them apart.
And two hearts that can’t hide anymore.
They’ve shared so many summers, but none compare to what they’ll face.
Timing is everything.
And their time is almost up.
Sunny Shelly’s Review: 4 Stars
Timing is everything. And unfortunately for Presley and Sebastian, theirs never matched up. They have had summer flings on and off since they were teenagers, and while they were always “the one that got away” for each other, they’ve never been in the same city long enough to actually make a relationship work. Especially since Sebastian works for the Peace Corps and goes off the grid for long periods of time.
This is why it’s been nearly five years since their last fling and Presley returns to town with a 5-year-old daughter He never wanted kids because of family medical history, so there are a few obstacles for them to get over at first, but Sebastian steps up in every way when it comes to his responsibilities. And even when they start seeing each other again, there is always that elephant in the room between them: She’s only in town for a few months, and he’s taking off for another tour with the Peace Corps soon. What is it going to take for them to commit for real this time around?
We met Presley and her adorable daughter Priscilla in Bet The Farm — she’s Olivia’s friend. But it’s not necessary to have read BTF to enjoy FWB. There is a conversation between Olivia and Presley that sparks her thoughts to return to California when things with Sebastian fall apart, and it was a nice nod as a longtime reader to have that connection.
There’s a nice development to Pres and Sebastian’s story arc. Friends With Benedicts is full of swoony moments and small-town goodness. The bonus epilogue is EPIC and ties this story up in a nice little bow of happiness, so don’t miss it! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
Staci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life — a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can’t forget that. She’s also been a mom, with three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She’s been a wife, though she’s certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She’s also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she’s been drinking whiskey. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, sleeping, gaming, or designing graphics.
Sunny Shelly Reads 