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New Release: Sunny Shelly Reviews The Ex Effect, by Karla Sorensen

Title: The Ex Effect
Author: Karla Sorensen
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Release Date: December 5, 2018
Cover Design: Najla Qamber Designs
The headline could write itself:
Matthew Hawkins, star defensive end, comes out of retirement to play for the Washington Wolves. 
 
Which is perfectly fine by Ava Baker—it makes her job as publicist for the team easier. 
 
There’s only two problems. This particular football player was her first crush. 
 
The bigger problem: Matthew Hawkins was once engaged to her older sister. 
 
It’s been ten years since Ava has seen Matthew. He’s bigger, better looking, and best of all—completely single. Despite his history with her sister, the attraction between Ava and Matthew isn’t so one-sided anymore. 
 
It’s hot enough to burn down the entire city of Seattle. 
 
But this headline is far more complicated to write. And not just for the press or what it means for her family— because once her heart is involved, there’s no predicting the ending.

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Sunny Shelly’s Review: 4 Stars

The Ex Effect is the second book in Karla Sorensen’s Washington Wolves football series, and is the story of PR manager Ava and the guy she crushes on as a teenager, Matthew… who just so happens to be her bitchy sister’s ex-Fiance. I thought that the title was a misnomer; I was expecting a second-chance romance until I read the blurb.

I was a bit worried that the sibling double-dip in The Ex Effect was going to be icky, but Matthew’s dating and engagement to Ava’s sister happens ten years before the events in this story unfold. And the easy friendship that Ava and Matthew develop — and how easily they then slide into a relationship that neither one of them expected despite the potential messiness of their history — was incredibly sweet and endearing. I fell hard for this couple.

Matthew’s insecurities over having been cheated on and Ava’s baggage due to her overly critical family come into play quite a bit, and really give a background to how these characters interact. Or don’t, as the case may be, since Ava is so reluctant to discuss Matthew’s past with her sister. So when things blow up in their faces, I really got why they both reacted the way that they did.
In most books, it’s often the guy who makes the Grand Gesture to win back the girl. I loved how KS flips the script in The Ex Effect. Matthew is so hurt and lashing out, and Ava knows it’s up to her to prove her feelings to him… and she does in a spectacular way!

This book even ended with the sweetest HFN! I did, however, feel badly for Logan when he more or less loses Ava to Matthew. So I’m really hoping that Karla’s next book is his story!

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.

Well, let’s see … I’m a wife and a mother. If the things that I write bring a smile to someone’s face, then I’ve done my job. I am obsessed with Outlander (both the books and the show). I’m almost exclusively a romance reader, which means some people will never consider me a literary snob. If I could meet one historical figure, it would be Jane Austen. I received my Bachelors in Public Relations and worked in health care marketing before I had my babies. I hate Twitter. I do it, but I hate it. Also, if you want to get on my good side, bring me wine and I’ll love you forever.
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New Release: Where Bad Boys Are Ruined, by Holly Renee

Release Date: December 5, 2018

Cover Design: Artist Regina Wamba

 

Synopsis

 

I ate leftover cupcakes and cracked macarons for breakfast.

I was ninety percent sure he simply ate up girls like me.

I was covered in paint splatters, cake batter, and sweat the first time I met him.

He was covered in badass tattoos and a smile that seemed to hold a secret I would never figure out.

Rule number 1 was never, under any circumstances, fall for the man who I wrote my lease check to.

So, I tucked him away in the “Fantasize Only” compartment of my brain and called it a day.

But he didn’t make it easy.

He was arrogant, funny, and the biggest flirt I had ever met.

Most of the time, I didn’t know if I was just a game to him.

If I didn’t know better, I’d say he was on a mission to ruin my life.

And maybe my heart, too.

Goodreads

 

 

 

Available Now

 

Where Good Girls Go to Die (The Good Girls Series – Book 1)

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Amazon AU: http://amzn.to/2DC0KmA

 

Where Bad Girls Go to Fall (The Good Girls Series – Book 2)

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Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card

 

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About the Author

 

Holly Renee is a best-selling author of sexy, contemporary romance, a Harry Potter fanatic, a body positive babe, and a boy mom.

When she’s not writing, you can find her reading all the books, taking long strolls down the aisles of Ulta, or hanging out with her two favorite boys.

 

Connect with Holly

 

Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/2xdLYDu

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New Release: Wrapped In Love, by Lexi Ryan

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A one-night stand with the boss was never in her plans.

Neither was falling in love . . .

Wrapped in Love, an all-new standalone contemporary romance by Lexi Ryan is live!!

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The rumors are true. I’m a hot mess with an awful track record at love. Single mom. Down on her luck. Yeah, I’m bad news.

If the hardest part of moving back home to Jackson Harbor was going to be people talking, I’d be fine. I’ve kept my chin up through worse than their decade-old gossip.

I was wrong. The hardest part is resisting my boss. Brayden Jackson is the very picture of tall, dark, and handsome. And thanks to an ill-advised one-night stand we had seven months ago, I know exactly what I’m missing when I turn him down. Every. Single. Delicious. Inch.

But I have my son to care for and my job to keep, so I’ll keep on saying no.

Until my string of bad luck continues, and suddenly my precious four-year-old and I find ourselves with nowhere to live. At Christmas, no less. It’s for my son that I accept Brayden’s offer to stay at his place. One by one, my defenses are falling, as fast as I am. If Brayden was smart, he’d run, because it’s only a matter of time before he realizes he deserves better than what a girl like me can offer.

Unless, for once, my bad luck is leading me exactly where I need to be.

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Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2EwksG7

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/WrappedInLoveLR

Apple Books: https://apple.co/2mgsXcq

Nook: http://bit.ly/2NPfXWH

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2Ewm5Uf

Add to GoodReads link: http://bit.ly/2CTaHjJ

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About Lexi:

Lexi Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of emotional romance that sizzles. A former academic and English professor, Lexi considers herself the luckiest girl around to make a living through storytelling. She loves spending time with her crazy kids, weightlifting, ice cream, swoony heroes, and vodka martinis.

Lexi lives in Indiana with her husband, two children, and a spoiled dog. You can find her at her website: http://www.lexiryan.com

Connect with Lexi:

Website: http://www.lexiryan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexiryanauthor
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/qymaH
Bookbub: http://www.bookbub.com/authors/lexi-ryanv
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/writerlexiryan
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2856947.Lexi_Ryan
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2bIYjGa

 

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Sunny Shelly’s Review: The Man Bible: A Survival Guide, by L.A. Casey

 

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Title: The Man Bible: A Survival Guide

Series: Slater Brothers #6.5

Author: L.A. Casey

Genre: New Adult

Release Date: December 4, 2018

 

Blurb

 

Do you know what you’ve got in your hands?A little piece of fucking treasure, that’s what. I’ve taken initiative here and
have turned my trusty Man Bible into an actual survival guide, because the loot
between these pages will lead to each of you having happy, stress free lives
with your women.

Pick this gem up, put your big boy pants on, and start reading. Trust me, you
won’t regret it. I present to you, The Man Bible: A Survival Guide … you’re
fucking welcome.

By Nico Slater

 

Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

Also Available

 

Author Bio

L.A. Casey
is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who juggles her time
between her mini-me and writing. She was born, raised and currently
resides in Dublin, Ireland. She enjoys chatting with her readers, who love
her humour and Irish accent as much as her books.
Casey’s first book, DOMINIC, was independently published in 2014 and became an
instant success on Amazon. She is both traditionally and independently
published and is represented by Mark Gottlieb from Trident Media Group.

To read more about this author, visit her website at www.lacaseyauthor.com

Author Links

WEBSITE

TWITTER

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

PINTEREST

 

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Sunny Shelly’s Review: White Midnight, by Shari J. Ryan

 

Synopsis

 

I was selfish and took everything for granted until my life turned veered off in a direction I never imagined.

I want to fix everything, but it’s too late.

Spending Christmas alone has become a new tradition. It is my self-inflicted punishment.

However, surviving a blizzard in New Hampshire was not supposed to be a part of my pity-party for one this Christmas, especially in a town where only a few locals were brave enough to wait out the storm. I never should have been one of those “brave” people … not with my fashionable boots and thin winter coat.

Now that the damage is done, I am confident I can write the next book on, “How to Survive a Blizzard in Fashion.”
There’s really only one step to this survival guide, though: find a hot mountain man and fall for his good looks and rugged ways.

Maybe this Christmas, I won’t be so lonely after all.

Goodreads

 

Sunny Shelly’s Review: 4 Stars

This was a really cute, binge-able Christmas novella. Finley has lost so much, and she’s holed herself up in her college dorm over the holidays. When a blizzard hits, she heads out to the convenience store where she meets Bex, the son of the owner. He was estranged from his father, and inherited the store upon his father’s death.

As they are trapped during the storm, Bex and Finnley help one another face their demons, make peace with the past, and find that they just may be able to share a future together.

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.

Purchase Links

 

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2Ta585C

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2PsTLHs

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2OHQkaC

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2QFeBjo

 

 

Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b1257f8d390/?

 

 

About the Author

 

Hi Everyone! I’m an indie writer of Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Romance, and Romantic Thrillers. Throughout the last six years of my writing journey, I’ve hit Amazon’s Top 100, Barnes & Noble’s Top 10, and iBooks at #1. Hiding in suburbia with my hubby and two wild little boys, my active imagination allows me to live life as adult with many imaginary friends.

 

Connect with Shari

 

Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/2vGUfeN

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Twitter: http://bit.ly/2sSAq2u

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Sunny Shelly’s Review: Fumbled Love, by Lila Rose

 

 

Title: Fumbled Love
Author: Lila Rose
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Release Date: December 4, 2018

 

Blurb

 

The one day
English teacher Reagan Wild is late for work—and looks like she dressed herself
in the dark—she remembers Carter Anthony, a well-known football star, is coming
to the school to deliver a talk to her overexcited students.
While
Reagan knows Carter from her high school days, since he was her past crush, she
wasn’t ready to see him again. At the time, she hated being invisible. But
right now, she wished she could simply disappear.
Carter
Anthony is keen to give back to his hometown, but what he doesn’t expect is
getting something in return. When a chance encounter with Reagan, the shy girl
from his past, happens, he knows instinctively this woman is supposed to be in
his life.
With an
embarrassing ability to blurt out whatever’s on her mind, Reagan doesn’t understand
Carter’s attention. She has no doubt, though, he’ll soon realize his mistake
when he discovers just how crazy she and her family are. But no matter what he
sees, what he hears, or how her looney family behaves, he doesn’t run. In fact,
Carter’s family seem just as unique as hers.
Through dog
poop, naked yoga, and the paparazzi’s, can Carter and Reagan have any hope in
love, even when it’s fumbled?

Sunny Shelly’s Review: 4 Stars

This was the first book I’ve read by Lila Rose, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. What I read was an amazingly hysterical story about a fumbling, awkward school teacher who doesn’t know what to do with herself when she comes face to face with her former high school crush and doesn’t know how to handle the fact that he may like her too.

I loved how real Reagan is. She’s spunky, has zero filter and is a hot mess. Who can’t relate to that?!?! When Carter, her high school crush and current NFL Star, shows up at her school, their awkward meeting sets the stage for a romcom that is full of so many laugh out loud moments.

As it turns out, Carter had a crush on Ree back in high school as well, but gave in to peer pressure and dated the pretty girl rather than the curvy one. Now that he has a second chance to get the girl, Carter sets out to prove that he’s not the same guy he was as a teenager.

The slow burn between these two was so amazing. Carter is so sweet, and I even fell in love with him. I really liked that Reagan’s size was just a fact, and didn’t become a plot point itself. Their two families were all kinds of crazy, and it fed into the madness that I loved about this book. I hope that there is a story in there for Carter’s brothers!

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.

Purchase Links
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Author Bio
Lila was born in Brisbane Australia, her step-dad was in the
Army which caused them to move around a lot. They finally settled in country
Victoria, Australia. Being the youngest of four children she admits she was
spoilt a bit. Even drove her mum crazy when she refused to eat meat at a young
age.



Now, Lila lives with her husband and two children.



She started writing in 2013 and self-published the first of the Hawks MC:
Ballarat Charter series- Holding Out. Since then, she has published eleven
other titles, which range from erotica, humorous romance, YA and
paranormal. 

Author Links

 

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Book Blitz: The Dirty Ones, by JA Huss, is Available Now

The Dirty Ones
J.A. Huss
Publication date: December 4th 3018
Genres: Erotica, Suspense

They said write what you know so that’s what I did. I wrote dirty, I wrote erotic, I wrote the truth.

And then they called me a liar. But it’s not me who’s lying, it’s them.

Our story isn’t for everyone. It’s not even for us.

So if you’re looking for the fairy tale and the stupid prince on his dumb white horse, move along. You’ve got a hold of the wrong book.

This is not your story, this is not your life, and this is not your opportunity to dip your frightened little toe into the dark pool of water and “try new things” and then pull it out and decide… #NotForMe.

When you go in with us you go all in. So make a decision before you turn this page.

Because I’m making one promise with this book.

Just one.

We are The Dirty Ones and this is our truth.

The Dirty Ones is a brand new dark romance about the secret world of erotica authors.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

EXCERPT:

In my dream we’re dancing. It’s a party, but not one I was ever at with them. Everyone is here. Hayes, Connor, Bennett all wearing tuxes. Me, Camille, Sofia all wearing gowns. They are the gowns we found in the basement room that first night with Louise.

I stop dancing when I realize that. I’m partnered with Bennett for some reason, which is also confusing. So I look around, searching for Connor, then Hayes. Connor has Sofia pushed up against a wall, his hand hidden beneath the long flowing layers of her elaborate skirt. Her head is tilted upward, mouth slightly open. And he’s whispering something in her ear.

I’m jealous, but turned on. So I lead Bennett over to them and take my place next to Sofia against the wall. Someone is kissing me. Bennett, or Connor, or maybe Sofia—but then I realize it’s Hayes. His soft lips caressing the side of my neck. His soft words wrapping around the tender skin of my ear just like Connor’s words wrap around Sofia. “Do you like it?” he asks. “I want you to like it.”

“What are we doing?” I whisper back. “When did this become who we are?”

And Hayes says, “It’s not real, so don’t worry about it.”

But it feels real. Camille is kissing Bennett now, her body pressing up against mine. Her soft, full breasts are bare. Somehow she’s gotten herself naked. And in my dream I laugh at that. Because it’s so typical of Camille to just take off her clothes and be indiscreet.

And then we’re all naked. All twisted together in the sheets of some giant bed. Camille’s bed, I realize. Now we’re at her Christmas party. And there’s butterflies in the air. Clear-winged butterflies like the ones at Connor’s parents anniversary. Dozens of them. No, hundreds of them. Their soft wings flutter around my hot, feverish skin like a summer wind. Making a cool breeze that feels so good.

But it’s not the butterflies. It’s Connor, blowing air across my pussy as his tongue laps against my folds, looking for the sweet spot. And when he hits it, I buck my back.

But Bennett is there, whispering, “This is wrong. This is so fucking wrong.”

And I reply, “Shut up,” because I’m irritated that he’s ruining the feeling of Connor between my legs. “Just shut up.”

And then he and Camille are gone and I get this weird feeling that they’ve left us. They figured it out—this wrongness—and left us.

But Hayes is there, saying, “Shhh, they don’t know anything. Don’t worry.”

But I do worry. Because I want to know what they don’t know. And Hayes is the secret-keeper and he’s close now. So close. “What don’t they know?” I ask him.

But Connor steals the words from my mouth with a kiss and it’s too much. I forget about my questions and how none of this makes sense and say, “It’s just a dream.”

And Sofia is touching me now. She was always so careful when she touched me, afraid she might do it wrong. But I used to tell her, “There’s no wrong way.” And that always made her happy for a little bit.

Which makes me think about her sadness. And her books. Those books she writes. The dark, sexy stories that steal your life away for days, or months, or years. And I say, “When did you change?”

And she just looks at me with her sad, sad smile that’s on her face so often now, I’ve grown used to it. She says, “You know when.”

But I don’t. I don’t really remember anything except that tower. And the book I wrote. And those dresses down in the basement. Why were there dresses in the basement?

“Kiera?”

It makes no sense at all. Why that guy had dresses. Did he have a fetish?

“Kiera?”

But they weren’t dresses, were they? They were costumes.

“Kiera!”

I open my eyes to find Connor on top of me. Holy shit, this is real.

 

Author Bio:

JA Huss is the New York Times Bestselling author of 321 and has been on the USA Today Bestseller’s list 21 times in the past four years. She writes characters with heart, plots with twists, and perfect endings.

Her books have sold millions of copies all over the world, the audio version of her semi-autobiographical book, Eighteen, was nominated for a Voice Arts Award and an Audie Award in 2016 and 2017 respectively, her audiobook, Mr. Perfect, was nominated for a Voice Arts Award in 2017, and her audiobook, Taking Turns, was nominated for an Audie Award in 2018.

She lives on a ranch in Central Colorado with her family.

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Sunny Shelly’s Review: Not Just Another Rock Star Romance, by Lisa Suzanne

 

 

Title: Not Just Another Rock Star Romance
Author: Lisa Suzanne
Genre: Standalone Romantic Comedy
Release Date: December 3, 2018

 

Blurb
I’ve never been able to say no to my manager, which is probably why my
band instated the No Bang Oath. When she asks me to star on a new reality
dating show right before we go on tour, the last thing I want to find is love.
But since it was Kylie who asked, I say yes. Besides, I can’t turn down the
exposure for my band.
As I forge connections with the women—including the show’s hostess—I can’t seem
to shake Kylie out of my head. When I find myself at the center of a scandal, I
don’t know what’s worse: the bad press or the disappointment in Kylie’s eyes.

How do I prove I’m not just another rock star before I hit the road with one of
the biggest bands in the world?

Purchase Links
$2.99 for a limited time!!
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited

Sunny Shelly’s Review: 4 Stars

This story was such a slooooow burn between Dax and Kylie! I knew that they were the end game for this story, so i was getting really antsy waiting for them to get together. A good 3/4 if this book is Dax’s experience on a reality dating program, but I get that that journey was necessary for him to realize the full effect of his feelings for Kylie.

Lisa Suzanne does a great job of detailing the path Dax takes, weighing the pros and cons of telling Kylie how he feels. Will it ruin their friendship? Will it affect the band since she is their manager? If she doesn’t feel the same, how can they still work together?

Id love to see Danny and Nicole’s story. What went on with them while taping the show? How did they fall in love, and what was Danny’s experience as the other suitor on the show? And as a Vail Tail Girl, I loved the appearances by Mark and some of the other Vail guys! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.

Also Available
Standalone
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited
Author Bio
Lisa Suzanne is a romance author who resides in Arizona with
her husband and baby boy. She’s a former high school English teacher and
college composition instructor. When she’s not cuddling baby Mason, she can be
found working on her latest book or watching reruns of Friends.

 

Author Links

 

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Blog Tour: Sunny Shelly Reviews Only Love, by Melanie Harlow

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Heartfelt, beautiful and sexy!”

Lauren Blakely, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Only Love, an all-new sexy standalone romance from USA Today bestselling author Melanie Harlow is available now!

Only Love AMAZON

A gorgeous former Marine with a tortured soul.

The beautiful, compassionate therapist living next door.

A meddlesome grandma determined to get them together.

I was expecting a proposal on my birthday, and I got dumped instead.

How could I have been so clueless?

Grams knew exactly how to distract me.

The “cute boy next door” who’s been helping her with yard work clearly needs a little therapy. Who better to call than her newly single therapist granddaughter?

She even fakes dementia to get me to visit, and now that I’m here she’s doing everything in her power to throw us together.

Not that I’m complaining. Ryan is the sexiest man I’ve ever met–I mean the full package, from the chiseled jaw to the massive shoulders to the rippling abs. (And yes, his package is full, and he knows exactly how to deliver it.) He makes me want to get out of my head and follow my heart. He makes me want to take chances I never thought I’d take.

He also makes me want to take my clothes off. A lot.

But he’s moody and challenging–one minute he’s an open book, and the next he’s completely closed off. He holds me like he’ll never let go, but insists he wants to be alone.

Some wounds are so deep, only love can heal them.

How can I convince him to let me try?

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Download your copy today!

AppleBooks: http://bit.ly/OnlyLoveMH

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2QqGImr

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/OnlyLove

Nook: http://bit.ly/2FbQ7Nz

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2yWa9Gu

Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2Dacxwd

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2y4EVve

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Sunny Shelly’s Review: 5 Stars

Oh my goodness, I just want to give Ryan a great big hug!!!

Only Love is the third book in Melanie Harlow’s series about the Divine sisters, and now we finally get eldest sister Stella’s story. She’s been dating boring Walter for a while now, and thinks he’s about to propose — but she gets dumped instead. The breakup furthers Stellas insecurities about being bland and boring and “beige” and not really finding any guys all that sexually attractive.

But Grams knows exactly what will heal Stella’s heart: Her hunky, tortured former Marine next-door-neighbor, Ryan. Grams tricks Stella into coming for a visit, and then the sweet old lady stops at nothing to play matchmaker. Oh, Grams is a hoot!

Of course, Ryan is surly and quiet and moody and doesn’t want to socialize with the hot blonde. After a few stops and starts, Ryan starts to let Stella in because there’s something electric between them that neither of them can deny. She gets him. She understands him. Stella may be a therapist, but she just lets Ryan be himself. But Ryan doesn’t know how to handle that, either. He’s spent the past few years since returning from war walking around with his emotions shut off. But is Stella’s unconditional love and acceptance enough to make Ryan want to try to be “normal” again?

This book had me up into the wee hours of the morning. It was so good, from start to finish. I am sad to say goodbye to the Divine sisters, but I can’t wait to read MH’s new series, starting with Ryan’s friend, Mack!

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.

Excerpt:

“Ryan?”

Startled, I turned around to find Stella standing a few feet away on the grass, wearing a T-shirt and pajama pants, arms crossed over her chest. Her feet were bare, and her hair was loose around her shoulders and a little messy, like she’d already been asleep. Thinking about her in bed did things to my insides. “Hey. Did I wake you?”

“I was awake. My windows are open, and I heard something and thought I saw you through the window. What are you doing?”

“Uh, building you a swing. But it was supposed to be a surprise.” Now that she’d caught me at it, I was kind of embarrassed. What if she thought this was stupid?

“You built me a swing?” She came a little closer, and I realized she might not be able to see it in the dark. The moon was only a sliver tonight.

“Yeah.” I grabbed one of the ropes. “Right here.”

She stared at it. “Why?”

“I’m not entirely sure.”

Her eyes met mine, and my heart pumped harder.

“Want to try it?” I asked.

“Like right now?”

I moved behind it and held both ropes steady. “Come sit.”

She hesitated, and I thought maybe she was going to tell me to quit being weird and go home before she called the cops, but after a few silent seconds, she came toward me. Turned around. Lowered herself to the seat and closed her fingers around the ropes.

“Well?” I asked. “How does it feel? Like you’re a kid again?”

“This was very kind of you, but not necessary.” Her tone was stiffer than her posture.

“Stella.”

She didn’t answer.

“I’m sorry.”

“About what?”

“Last night.”

“You’re sorry about what we did?”

“I think I’m more sorry about what we didn’t do.”

Her head turned sharply, and she looked at me over one shoulder. “You sure know how to confuse a girl.”

“One of my many talents.”

She looked straight ahead again. “Tell me about some other ones. And give me a push.”

I smiled, even though she couldn’t see it, and gave her a little nudge. “I’m fast.”

“Oh really?”

“Yeah.” I gave her a little harder push.

“Track team in high school?”

“Tried. Didn’t take.”

“Why not?”

“They expected me to show up for practice.”

“Ah.” She straightened her legs and leaned back in the swing, her hair dangling behind her. “Tell me another one.”

I gave her another push. “I’m good with my hands.”

Her laugh floated back to me. “I have observed this about you already. Give me another one.”

I pushed her again, just so I could feel her hair brush against my hands. “I’m not afraid of anything.”

“No? Nothing?”

“Nothing I can think of.”

“Hmm.”

“Are you analyzing me now?”

“Kind of. I mean, you can’t say something like that to a therapist and expect her not to reflect on it a little bit, right?”

“And?”

“And what?”

“Do you think I’m a liar or a fool?”

“Neither,” she answered. “I think you mean what you say. I think you only lie when you have to, and even then, you hate it. And if I dug a little deeper—which I won’t, because my sisters have told me it’s annoying and intrusive—I think I might discover that it’s because above all, you value your honor. Your word.”

For a moment, I was too stunned to think or move or speak. Then I said, “I take it back.”

“Take what back?”

“What I said. That I’m not afraid of anything.”

“Oh? And what are you afraid of?”

She swung back toward me and I caught her around the waist. Put my lips to her ear. “Your ability to read my mind.”

Beneath my arms I could feel her chest expand and contract faster. “I’m sorry, Ryan. I know I shouldn’t say those—”

“Come home with me,” I said, my voice raw with something like thirst. I pressed my lips to her throat and breathed in her scent. I let one hand move toward her breast. I waited for an elbow to the ribcage, a cry for help, a slap across the face. Because if she could read my mind right now, she’d know exactly what I wanted to do to her—and it was a long, detailed list.

“Yes,” she whispered. “Yes.”

About Melanie Harlow

Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her heels high, and her history with the naughty bits left in. When she’s not writing or reading, she gets her kicks from TV series like VEEP, Game of Thrones, House of Cards, and Homeland. She occasionally runs three miles, but only so she can have more gin and steak.

Melanie is the author of the AFTER WE FALL series, the HAPPY CRAZY LOVE series, the FRENCHED series, and the sexy historical SPEAK EASY duet, set in the 1920s. She lifts her glass to romance readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and pet rabbit.
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Connect with Melanie

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelanieHarlow/?fref=ts

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Chapter Reveal: A Place Without You, by Jewel E. Ann

A Place Without You, an all-new emotional, new adult romance from Jewel E. Ann is coming January 2nd, and we have a sneak peek for you!

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The Law of Henna and Bodhi:

When love breaks, fall inward, fall together, and fall hard. Then let time pick up the pieces.

Everything feels temporary when you’ve experienced tragedy—until Henna Lane meets Bodhi at a music festival.

Young and spontaneous, they have a lust for seizing the moment, falling hard and fast.

When Bodhi is forced to leave without a goodbye, Henna thinks she’ll never get over him. But then she meets Mr. Malone, her sexy, new guidance counselor.

They are reckless.

They are forbidden.

When their secret is discovered, Henna has to choose between finishing school—banned from seeing Mr. Malone—or dropping out to follow her nomad dreams.

Henna chooses her dreams.

Over time, she learns that life is not a destination or a journey, some things are more than temporary, and the forbidden can never be ignored. But if she returns for him, will he still be hers?

A Place Without You is an emotional story of young love, shattered dreams, and impossible decisions.

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2AHhTNT

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Excerpt from Chapter One

His lips move. I stare at them for a few breaths before I realize he’s talking. My hand tugs out my earbud again.

“Sorry. Did you say something?”

“What are you listening to?” he asks in a voice as smooth as his Mediterranean eyes.

“That’s kind of a personal question. Like asking my underwear color.”

He grins. It’s all kinds of wicked. “Personal?” He shrugs. “I don’t know about that. Depends on the song … and the color.”

“Amy Shark, ‘Adore.’And red and silver polka dots.”

“Mmm …” He nods slowly. “Good choice.”

“The song?” I bite the corner of my lower lip to control my grin.

“The underwear.”

My heart wakes up as if to say, “Whoa, is something going on here I should know about?”

“Wanna see mine?”

My eyebrows lift a fraction. “Your underwear?”

He digs his phone out of his front pocket. “Do I look like a perv? My song.”

Damn. He’s good. My tummy joins in on the little dance happening inside of me.

Twisting his wrist, he shows me his phone screen.

“Apocalyptica, ‘Nothing Else Matters.’ Hmm … that’s unexpected.” I let my gaze fall into his, a dangerous place to be. “You going to Coachella?”

He nods several times, glancing over the seats to the road before us. “I’m working there.”

“Oh, cool. Doing what?”

He inspects my hair. I’d planned on changing clothes and doing something a bit more original with my crazy, dark auburn hair than a messy braid over one shoulder, but sushi dad took away my hotel room. Sexy stranger grins like either my question or my messy hair pleases him. “I’m an in-house tech—audio, lighting, video.”

Dear God, he’s the full package, especially when that grin of his grows as I continue to violate him with my eyes. Maybe it’s just the lollipop I had on my way to the hotel. Everything seems aesthetically pleasing when I’m a little high.

“So, I’ll know who to blame if the sound is a bit off while one of my favorite bands performs.”

“You’ll know who to thank when it isn’t.” He leans toward the middle of the backseat. I follow his lead because I’m curious if he smells as good as he looks. “But I get this feeling that in your state, everything will sound good.”

Ignoring his whispered accusation that I’m high, I sniff. “You smell like lemon.”

He sticks his tongue out, revealing a half-melted lemon drop.

I grin as we sit straight again. “Last year my mom brought back lemon drops from the Limoncello factory in Sorrento. They were amazing.”

Sucking more intensely on his sour goodness, he nods slowly. “I’m sure they were. Sadly, I don’t think my lemon drop was made in Italy.”

“That is incredibly sad.”

He chuckles. Is he laughing at me?

“Nice tats.” He nods to my arms.

Holding them out, I admire my art. “They’re henna, like me.”

“Like you?”

“Yes. My name is Henna. And these will be much more intense tomorrow.”

“Like you?” His teeth scrape along his bottom lip. It’s ridiculously sexy.

“Are you flirting with me?”

He chuckles. “We met less than five minutes ago. I have a little more tact than that.”

“Tact? Like asking the color of my underwear?”

He runs his hands over the legs of his jeans. Is he sweating? Am I making him sweat? That possibility gives me a whole other kind of high.

“I didn’t ask. You freely offered that information. Besides, I have rules about flirting.”

“Well, I despise rules, but you must share your rules anyway.”

“Never flirt with someone who is not sober.” He stares out his window like his rule is the end of our friendly conversation.

“Sober? Dude, this is as sober as I get.” Leaning forward, I shove down the waist of my shorts in back, exposing a long L-shaped scar.

He glances over, forehead wrinkled.

“If I sit too long or stand too long or do anything too long, life kinda sucks. But a little high can go a long way with making said life a lot less sucky.”

Sitting back, I exhale. Sexy stranger seems at a loss for words.

“Tell me, tech guy, do you have a name?”

The driver stops at the crowded entrance.

“Thank you,” we say while getting out of the car.

To read the rest of Chapter One, visit:

http://bit.ly/2r9bWU0

About Jewel:

Jewel is a free-spirited romance junkie with a quirky sense of humor.

With 10 years of flossing lectures under her belt, she took early retirement from her dental hygiene career to stay home with her three awesome boys and manage the family business.

After her best friend of nearly 30 years suggested a few books from the Contemporary Romance genre, Jewel was hooked. Devouring two and three books a week but still craving more, she decided to practice sustainable reading, AKA writing.

When she’s not donning her cape and saving the planet one tree at a time, she enjoys yoga with friends, good food with family, rock climbing with her kids, watching How I Met Your Mother reruns, and of course…heart-wrenching, tear-jerking, panty-scorching novels.

Connect with Jewel:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjeweleann/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JewelE_Ann

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorjeweleann/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jewel-e-ann

Stay up to date with Jewel by joining her mailing list:

http://www.jeweleann.com/free-booksubscribe/

http://www.jeweleann.com