Blog Tour: Tamed (Tangled #3) by Emma Chase ~ Review and Giveaway

Series: Tangled #3

Genre: Erotic Contemp Romance

Welcome to the Tamed Blog Tour! My stop includes a review and giveaway. Thanks for stopping by!

 

 

Series: Tangled #3

Genre: Erotic Contemp Romance
Publisher: Gallery Books

Publication Date: 7/15/14

Format: eARC

Pages: 256

Source: Publisher

Rating: 4 stars

 

GoodReads  |  Amazon  |  BN  |  iBooks

 

 

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: girl meets player, they fall in love, player changes his ways.

 

It’s a good story. But it’s not our story. Ours is a lot more colorful.

 

When I met Dee I knew right away that she was special. When she met me, she thought I was anything but special—I was exactly like every other guy who’d screwed her over and let her down. It took some time to convince her otherwise, but turns out I can make a convincing argument when sex is at stake.

 

You might know where this story’s headed. But the best part isn't where we ended up.

 

It’s how we got there.

TAMED goes back in time to the Tangled days. But this time around, it’s not Drew dishing out the advice and opinions—it’s his best friend Matthew, who of course is dealing with Dee Dee.

 

My Review

 

 

As a fan of the Tangled series, I was pretty darn getting to read Tamed. If you've read the series, you know that Matthew and Dee definitely get their happy ending. So why would I want to read a book when I already know the end? Because this is Matthew and Dee, okay! These two are crazy sexy, crazy funny and fall crazy in love. The beauty of Tamed isn't the destination, it's the journey.

 

I adored Tamed for a few reasons. Obviously the characters were a big bonus. Women don't come much more hilarious, ballsy, and smart than Dee. Matthew is great too, though he and Drew have pretty much cornered the market on cocky. We get more of Mackenzie, Steven and The Bitch. Tamed runs parallel to Tangled, so we do see glimpses of Drew and Kate's tumultuous early days, through Matthew's eyes.

 

I also have to note that I still appreciate Emma Chase's style. As with the other books in the series, the fourth wall is down, with Matthew speaking directly to the reader. The humor that I've loved in the previous books is still in full-swing. I started Tamed on a plane at 1:00am (a nightmare!) and probably drew dirty looks from sleeping passengers because I was laughing so, so hard.

 

If I had any issues with Tamed, I would have to say they're minor. The lack of suspense in Matthew and Dee's relationship probably took the pure joy down a notch, but I knew that going on. I also knew that Matthew would probably be every bit as cocky as Drew (he was), which did have me thinking "I get it! You're funny and awesome and handsome and a wicked good lover." These are minor issues on my part, and I still wouldn't hesitate one second in recommending Tamed.

 

Tamed was a quick and easy read that had me laughing, loving the sexy, and honestly touched by the connection between Matthew and Dee. Fans of Tamed will definitely want to scoop this one up!

 

 

 

Favorite Quotes

 

 

  "That's my favorite."

  I look at the screen. "That's the periodic table."

  She shrugs. "To me, it's a masterpiece. Harmonious. Perfectly organized. Dependable."

  "Aren't some of the elements unstable?"

  She smiles. "Sure, but the table tells you which ones they are. No surprises. No disappointments."

  And this right here is the perfect example of who Delores is. Safety-goggle-wearing chemist by day, glitter-covered club girl by night. She wants excitement, spontaneity, but a part of her-the part that's been dicked around by one too many pricks in the past-craves reliability. Honesty. Truth.

  I want to give her both. I want to be her roller coaster and her merry-go-round, her adventurer and her protector. Her impressionist and her periodic table.

 

 

  Life is a short, wild ride. Don't try to put the brakes on, don't overanalyze or try to control it. If you're lucky, like I was, you'll find that perfect someone who'll sit next to you and hold your hand through every curve, every up and down.

  And that? Just makes it even more fun.

 

 

 

 

The Tangled Series

             

(covers lead to GoodReads)

 

 

I have one copy of Tangled to give away, courtesy of the publisher. Must be 18+ years of age; open to US only.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Emma Chase

 

By day, Emma Chase is a devoted wife and mother of two who resides in a small, rural town in New Jersey. By night she is a keyboard crusader, toiling away the hours to bring her colorful characters and their endless antics to life. She has a long standing love/hate relationship with caffeine.

Emma is an avid reader. Before her children were born she was known to consume whole books in a single day. Writing has also always been a passion and with the 2013 release of her debut romantic comedy, Tangled, the ability to now call herself an author is nothing less than a dream come true.

 

Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  GoodReads

Teaser Tuesday: Tamed (Tangled #3) by Emma Chase

 

 

 

  Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, just do as following:

 

·Grab your current read

·Open to a random page

·Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

·Be careful not to include any spoilers so as not to ruin the book for others.

 

Make sure to share the title and the author so other TT participants can add the book to their TBR piles.

 

Series: Tangled #3

Genre: Erotic Contemp Romance

Publisher: Gallery Books

Publication Date: 7/15/14

GoodReads  |  Amazon  |  B&N  |  iBooks

 

 

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: girl meets player, they fall in love, player changes his ways.

 

It’s a good story. But it’s not our story. Ours is a lot more colorful.

 

When I met Dee I knew right away that she was special. When she met me, she thought I was anything but special—I was exactly like every other guy who’d screwed her over and let her down. It took some time to convince her otherwise, but turns out I can make a convincing argument when sex is at stake.

 

You might know where this story’s headed. But the best part isn't where we ended up.

 

It’s how we got there.

 

TAMED goes back in time to the Tangled days. But this time around, it’s not Drew dishing out the advice and opinions—it’s his best friend Matthew, who of course is dealing with Dee Dee.


My Teaser ~

  This is a story about a player, who meets a slightly crazy girl. They fall in love and the player changes his ways forever. It's a story you've probably heard before, maybe even from my buddy, Drew Evans. But the thing is, while he and Kate were figuring their shit out? There was this whole alternate universe going on with Delores and me that you don't know about. So stick around, even if you think you already know the ending. Because the greatest part of a road trip isn't arriving at your destination. It's all the wild stuff that happens along the way.

 

 

 

 

I adored Tamed! My review posts on Friday.

Blog Tour: Rusty Nailed by Alice Clayton ~ Review and Giveaway

Welcome to the Rusty Nailed Blog Tour! My stop includes my review and a giveaway. Thanks for stopping by!

Series: Cocktail #2

Genre: Contemp. Romance

Publisher: Gallery Books

Publication Date: 6/24/14

Format: eARC

Pages: 320

Source: Publisher

Rating: 4 stars

GoodReads  |  Amazon  |  B&N

In this sequel to Wallbanger, the second book in the Cocktail series, fan favorites Caroline and Simon negotiate the rollercoaster of their new relationship while house-sitting in San Francisco.  

Playing house was never so much fun—or so confusing. With her boss on her honeymoon, Caroline’s working crazy long hours to keep the interior design company running—especially since she’s also the lead designer for the renovation of a gorgeous old hotel on Sausalito. So with her hotshot photographer boyfriend gallivanting all over the world for his job, she and Simon are heavy-duty into “absence makes the heart grow fonder” mode. Neither has any complaints about the great reunion sex, though! Then Simon decides he’s tired of so much travelling, and he’s suddenly home more. A lot more. And wanting Caroline home more, too. Though their friends’ romantic lives provide plenty of welcome distraction, eventually Caroline and Simon have to sort their relationship out. Neither wants “out of sight, out of mind,” but can they create their own happy mid-ground cliché? 

USA TODAY bestselling author Alice Clayton delivers another delicious, frothy cocktail of a book, shaking up her characters, stirring in laugh-out-loud humor, and serving sizzling romance straight up! 

Review

Oh, Simon and Caroline, how I've missed you two! I loved Wallbanger - smile every time I think about how it made me laugh, and was excited when I learned we would get more of this ridiculously witty, sexy couple. But I will say outright, I was very worried when it came time to pick up Rusty Nailed. I was happy that the two had gotten their happily ever after and wasn't too keen on seeing them go through whatever trials I assumed would come their way.

Rusty Nailed is what-happens-next story, what comes after the happy ending. How Simon and Caroline's lives change, and how they stay the same in so many ways, as they become more established. Like all real relationships, some aspects are smooth (such as wallbanging) and some take a adjustment (brutal work hours and the need for space). The pair had a lot to work through in this installment. Caroline is moving on up in the design world, and it's up to her to discover whether she can do it all, or if she even wants it. Simon, he melted me heart. I like that we get to see him deal with his losses, and though it killed me to see it, his willingness to expose his vulnerabilities to and with Caroline are what made Rusty Nailed shine. I appreciate that Clayton always keeps it real, and that she explores the true issues real couples go through as they evolve. I also love the fact that it didn't feel like Rusty Nailed was thrown together to just have another story, with forced issues used to drive the story. Any problems or struggles Simon and Caroline faced? They're the same issues real couples go through. Miscommunications and immaturity didn't drive this story. Love did.

And you know what? Rusty Nailed was really freaking romantic. I mean, I know it's a romance, but I feel like Clayton is an old soul, as are her characters, and she infuses that romance into her stories. It's a kind of charm I don't often find in novels, which of course makes these stand out. It's also, you guessed it, hilarious. I love witty people, in real life and in my romance. This must be some of the wittiest group of fake humans I've ever come across. The best friends were great comic relief, 
especially Sophia and Neil who were freaking insane. I loved it.

Oh yeah...Rusty Nailed was also damn sexy. Simon Parker and his wallbanging hips can whoa me any day. Hypothetically, of course.

The Cocktail series is one filled with friendships, wit, sexy times, and a love story that just won't quit. I'm happy that I've had the opportunity to experience this series and am more than happy to recommend.

 Favorite Quotes

  Not all men can handle to P-word. And boy, is that a mouthful. Ahem. Some say it all the time, some use it in common conversation. But a good P-word is all about the placement: when to say it, where to say it, how to say it. Dirty talk is an art. Do it too often, it becomes routine. Never do it, and you're missing something. Simon did it just right. He was like a perfect bowl of smutty porridge: just right.

  When you were in a long-distance relationship, of course you made the most of the time you were together. But sometimes, it was the unexpected that really made the difference. The unexpected emotions you were hit with when you saw that face, looked into those eyes, felt those lips. The unexpected reminder of why you fell in love with this person could hit you so powerfully. And this was that time. I memorized his face, felt every line and every pattern, drew his temple, his nose, his dimple, the bow of his lip, drew it all with my fingertips and memorized it once more.

  "I love you, Simon. Love you, love you, love you so much," I chanted as he laid me down, peeled the clothes from my body and his own, and entered me.

    His gaze grew wistful, and he looked so young. "I don't want to put things off, even though we haven't been together a really long time. I don't want to wait--you never know what can...Look. I adore you, and I want a home. Again. With you."

The Cocktail Series

     

(covers lead to GoodReads page)

One winner will receive a copy of Wallbanger! US only; must be 18+ years of age to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author

Novelist Alice Clayton makes her home in St. Louis where she enjoys gardening but not weeding, baking but not cleaning up after, and is trying desperately to get her long-time boyfriend to make her an honest woman–and please buy her a Bernese Mountain dog.

After working for years in the cosmetics industry as a makeup artist, esthetician, and educator, Alice picked up a pen (read laptop) for the first time at 33 to begin a new career: author. Having never written anything longer than a grocery list, she soon found writing to be the creative outlet she’d been missing since walking away from the theater 10 years before.

She has a great time combining her love of storytelling with a sense of silly, and she was shocked and awed to be nominated for a Goodreads Author award in 2010 for her debut novels, the first two installments of The Redhead Series–The Unidentified Redhead and The Redhead Revealed. Her latest novel Wallbanger is a return to her trademark comedic erotica, or funny smut, that Alice has become known for.

Additionally, Alice loves spending time with her besties on Not Your Mother’s Podcast (check them out on iTunes) and has recently partnered with actor Greg Grunberg, blogger Brittany Gibbons, and actress Keili Lefkovitz on a new travel show that will begin filming in January.

Alice enjoys pickles, Bloody Marys, eight hours of sleep and a good pounding

Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  GoodReads



TEASER TUESDAY: RUSTY NAILED (COCKTAIL #2) by ALICE CLAYTON

 

 

 Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, just do as following:

·Grab your current read

·Open to a random page

·Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

·Be careful not to include any spoilers so as not to ruin the book for others.

Make sure to share the title and the author so other TT participants can add the book to their TBR piles.

Series: Cocktail #2

Genre: Contemp. Romance

Publisher: Gallery Books

Publication Date: 6/24/14

GoodReads  |  Amazon  |  B&N

In this sequel to Wallbanger, the second book in the Cocktail series, fan favorites Caroline and Simon negotiate the rollercoaster of their new relationship while house-sitting in San Francisco.Playing house was never so much fun—or so confusing. With her boss on her honeymoon, Caroline’s working crazy long hours to keep the interior design company running—especially since she’s also the lead designer for the renovation of a gorgeous old hotel on Sausalito. So with her hotshot photographer boyfriend gallivanting all over the world for his job, she and Simon are heavy-duty into “absence makes the heart grow fonder” mode. Neither has any complaints about the great reunion sex, though! Then Simon decides he’s tired of so much travelling, and he’s suddenly home more. A lot more. And wanting Caroline home more, too. Though their friends’ romantic lives provide plenty of welcome distraction, eventually Caroline and Simon have to sort their relationship out. Neither wants “out of sight, out of mind,” but can they create their own happy mid-ground cliché?  

USA TODAY bestselling author Alice Clayton delivers another delicious, frothy cocktail of a book, shaking up her characters, stirring in laugh-out-loud humor, and serving sizzling romance straight up!

My Teaser ~

 

  I dropped my head to my desk. Monica was the most talented, most mature young woman I knew. I would have killed for the poise she possessed at such a young age -- except when Wallbanger was involved. Then she turned to goo. I could relate. And she didn't even know he had the power to move an entire bed with the strength of his hips alone.

Rusty Nailed was such a fun read! My review posts on Thursday.

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY: DIRTY ROWDY THING by CHRISTINA LAUREN

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine,that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.


This week's WoW selection is...

 

 

 

Series: Wild Seasons #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Gallery Books

Publication Date: 11/4/14

 

 

 

GoodReads

 

 

Despite their rowdy hookups, Harlow and Finn don’t even like each other...which would explain why their marriage lasted only twelve hours. He needs to be in charge and takes whatever he wants. She lives by the Want-something-done? Do-it-yourself mantra. Maybe she’s too similar to the rugged fisherman—or just what he needs.

Why I'm Waiting ~ I love, love, love all of Christina Lauren's books! Sweet Filthy Boy was fantastic, and I can't wait to get more of Finn and Harlow.



 

 

   

BLOG TOUR: SWEET FILTHY BOY by CHRISTINA LAUREN

Welcome to my stop on the Sweet Filthy Boy Blog Tour! I loved this book so hard, and am excited to share my thoughts with you. Thanks for stopping by!

Series: Wild Seasons #1

Genre: Erotic Romance

Publisher: Gallery Books

Publication Date: 6/3/14
Format: ARC
Pages: 416
Source: Publisher
Rating: 5 stars

GoodReads  |  Amazon  |  B&N  |  iTunes

One-night stands are supposed to be with someone convenient, or wickedly persuasive, or regrettable. They aren’t supposed to be with someone like him.

But after a crazy Vegas weekend celebrating her college graduation—and terrified of the future path she knows is a cop-out—Mia Holland makes the wildest decision of her life: follow Ansel Guillaume—her sweet, filthy fling—to France for the summer and just…play.

When feelings begin to develop behind the provocative roles they take on, and their temporary masquerade adventures begin to feel real, Mia will have to decide if she belongs in the life she left because it was all wrong, or in the strange new one that seems worlds away.

I love Christina Lauren books. Every book contains an exceptional blend of smart, sexy, passion and humor. The books contain strong female friendships, which is something I don't see enough of in books. When it was revealed that the duo had a new series in the works, I was so on-board. It didn't matter who the characters were or where it took place or even what the story was about, for that matter. I just wanted it. Greedy, I know. But when you find an author(s) who delivers every single time, that's what happens. If I were to sum up Sweet Filthy Boy in one word, it would be delicious. If  I could use more words, they would be: delicious, dirty, sweet, hilarious, endearing, romantic and even surprising.

Ansel and Mia won me over from the beginning. I went into this telling myself not to do it, but I can't help but compare these two to Max and Sara of Beautiful Stranger. After a few really tough years, Mia is out to live it up on a wild weekend with her best friends. She's unhappy with the direction her life is headed, feels absolutely no passion for the future she's resolved herself to. She's directionless, really. Mia, she's so deeply ensconced into her own head. Comfortable conversations don't come easily for her, words don't come easily to Mia. Neither does letting go, emotionally or physically. When she meets charming Ansel, Mia finds a comfort, an easiness with him that she's never known. With Ansel, she finds herself letting go effortlessly.

Of all the Christina Lauren men, Will Sumner has been my favorite, until now. Maybe. For almost all of my friends, the favorite is Max Stella. It would probably be enough to sell Sweet Filthy Boy for me to simply say that Ansel could easily be compared to Max. If you love Max you're going lose your shit for Ansel. He's charming, sweet, full of enthusiasm for the people and world around him, embracing, has wicked skills in the sexin' department. And best of all, he's so clearly over his head for Mia from the moment he meets her. I love a nice man, a man who is not just out to get in, get out and move on, but who cherishes the woman he wants. If you like genuinely nice, sexy, witty men, Ansel is a sure thing.

Sweet Filthy Boy took a turn near the beginning that surprised me. That little twist also upped the the ante in terms of conflict and the "ohhhhhh shit" factor. Why I didn't see this coming, I couldn't tell you except maybe I was in a lust-haze over Ansel (FYI: there's a name I never thought I'd find remotely sexy). It also leads to Mia running away with Ansel, spending the summer in France. Together, Mia and Ansel... they just fit. In the beginning, with the wild weekend in Las Vegas, Mia is more open, Ansel is more relaxed. They are comfortable together and the sex is insane. What's really interesting, and it does give the story a hefty dose of realism, is the change in the relationship once they're in France. In the real world, Mia isn't seductive and wild, brave.  Ansel's work leaves him exhausted and her lonely. Mia's demeanor puts off a shyness that leaves him tentative. They're still wildly attracted to one another, and they genuinely like each other. The summer is full of discovery, Mia and Ansel truly discovering one another, Mia discovering herself.

Of course, the course of Mia and Ansel's love story does not run smoothly. It wouldn't be a Christina Lauren book without huge event that threatens the relationship, usually breaking my poor heart along with the characters. In this event, I felt so shocked that I had to hold myself. And, it wouldn't be a CL book without the realizations from the characters, the changes that come about a make them stronger. Big character growth. And then we have the beautiful, breathtaking conclusions. Sweet Filthy Boy's made me let out an actual whimper and tears. (Can't decide if I'm not well or just the world's most empathetic reader)

I'm going to finish this review basically the same way I started it. Sweet Filthy Boy was delicious from beginning to end. I loved every moment, every word, even those that hurt. I laughed, found myself getting a bit hot under the V-neck, and swooning for a sweet couple who took a chance on a wild weekend in Las Vegas.



Favorite Quotes


  "I wasn't sure I'd see you again." His voice has gone gravelly, hinting of the filthy things I want to hear him growl into my neck. My pulse is a frantic, pounding drum. I wonder if he can see it. "I looked for you."
  He looked for me.


  "[..]But you could just..." He looks away, down at the floor. "You could enjoy the city. Paris is the most beautiful city,Cerise. There are endless things to do. You've had a really hard few years and maybe would be happy just having a quiet summer in France." Looking back up at me, he adds quietly, "With me." 


  I've been helpless before... But never like this. This kind of helpless is liberating; it's what it feels like to have every nerve ending rise to the surface and drink in sensation. It's what it feels like to be touched by someone I trust with my body, trust with my heart.

 

The Wild Seasons Series

 

About the authors

Lauren Billings (but everyone calls her Lo) has a Ph.D. in neuroscience and before she made writing her full-time job, would spend her days doing nerdy research-type things wearing a lab coat and goggles. She is silly Mommy to two littles, wife to one mountain biking homebrewing scientist, bestie to a shoe-stealer, and an unabashed lover of YA and romance.

Christina Hobbs (but you’ll always hear Lo call her PQ) used to spend her days in a junior high counseling office surrounded by teenagers. Married to the cutest boy in school, she has a thirteen year old daughter, is an unapologetic lover of boy bands and glitter, and also likes to steal Lo’s shoes.

You can follow their shenanigans at:
@lolashoes (Lauren) & @seeCwrite (Christina) on Twitter. On Tumblr! where we post kissing gifs and writerly stuff and Wattpad for short stories and sneak peeks!
For official information about their books, events, interviews, movie news and more, follow @beautifulbastrd.

Review: Searching for Perfect (Searching For #2) by Jennifer Probst

Series: Searching For #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Gallery

Publication Date: 4/29/14

Format: Paperback

Pages: 352

Source: Publisher

Rating: 5 stars

The up-and-coming matchmaking agency Kinnections is the hottest thing to hit Verily, New York—just like Kennedy Ashe, social director for the service she owns with her two best girlfriends. A coach, consultant, and cheerleader rolled into one super-sizzling package, Kennedy creates dream dates, encourages singles to shine, and never refuses a challenge—not even Nate Ellison Raymond Dunkle, rocket scientist, nerd extraordinaire, and Kennedy’s newest client.

Kennedy vows to work her magic and transform this hot mess in a lab coat with a disastrous relationship track record into the most wanted man on the Verily dating scene. If only she could turn the wand on herself . . .

Though she radiates confidence and sex appeal, Kennedy harbors deep-seated insecurities from a tormented past and lifelong struggle with weight issues. When she realizes she and Nate are cut from the same cloth and might be perfect together, can Kennedy learn to let her heart lead the way? Or will her fears sentence her to the sidelines as Nate finds love—with someone else?

Searching for Someday was a surprise for me. A delicious, sexy surprise. I honestly loved everything about that book, and was so anxious for more. Kate's friend and colleague Kennedy seemed like the perfect woman, though there were hints that behind the beautiful exterior, there was a woman with a painful past. Something about Kennedy promised that her story would be powerful and engaging. Searching for Perfect was most definitely that.

Kennedy has severe, long-term issues with body and self-esteem. I think that no matter how old we are, we never forget the cruel words, shame. When Nate looks at her, he sees a gorgeous, successful woman. And that is the image Kennedy strives to project. But on the inside she still sees herself as the fat girl who was taunted and abused by classmates. Whose own parents were ashamed. She's punished herself for years, determined to be the beautiful and sexy woman who can maintain power. She slips up, reverts to her old punishing ways. Nate helps Kennedy see herself for the dynamic, lovely force she is. Moments like that always win me over.

Nate Dunkle is delightfully nerdy. A real mess. He's abrupt and totally says all the wrong things. I don't what that says about me, but I kind of love that in a guy. Just the fact that he's a wreck makes me want to fix him. And, what's so great about the guys who have a hidden potential is that you feel like you're in on a great secret. Call me a reverse sexist or whatever, but Nate's makeover is hilarious.

  Kennedy swallowed a giggle and spoke up. "Benny needs to clean up your brows."

  "They're eyebrows, for God's sakes. What can you do to them?"

  Benny pressed the fabric down. And ripped it off.

  "Shit!"

  "Stop being a baby. Women handle hard-core pain on a daily basis. Now hold still, I'm not finished."

  "You ripped my hair off my face. I'm a guy."

  "A hairy guy. You will need to wax regularly."

  "Fuck you."

Truthfully, though, I do sometimes struggle with makeover books, especially those that attempt to completely overhaul a person, inside and out. It really bothers me when it's a teen girl, and the effort extends to making her more "palatable" to the bonehead guys in school. What makes Searching for Perfect work for me is that Nate was the one seeking help. Kennedy doesn't want to change Nate's personality, just enhance the window dressing. Oh, and help him talk to women. She sees the gorgeous, smart guy behind the rough exterior, and she wants to help him shine.

The chemistry between Nate and Kennedy was just delicious. Nate is obviously attracted to the gorgeous Kennedy, and she returns those feelings. Much to her own surprise. His intensity promises he will be devoted to her happiness, in every way. But in order to remain professional, Kennedy continually pushes Nate away. Meanwhile, I'm sitting there shouting "He's your perfect man! Don't mess this up, dummy!" It's just so apparent that the two are suited and destined for each other. Watching Kennedy push Nate to his perfect match huuuuurt so bad. I believe in these two together, and believed in their ending.

Btw...Wolfe shows up and I loved it! Cannot wait to see what's in store for him in the next book.

The Searching For series has become a favorite of mine, and one that I find myself highly recommending to fellow romance readers who ask for a suggestion. It's sexy, funny, and always leaves me 100% satisfied.

Favorite Quotes


  "You're both. Smart and beautiful. On the inside and outside. You don't have to choose one over the other anymore. You can just be exactly who you were meant to be. And I think that's damn perfect."


  "I'm an ass. I told you I loved you the wrong way, but I'm always doing things like this, and if we're together, that's not gonna change. I wear my food on my clothes, mutter physics equations under my breath, and am OCD when it comes to germs in public restaurants. I say stupid shit, I'm obsessed with golf, and I fucking love you. I just love you."

 The Searching For Series

 

(covers lead to GoodReads page)

Searching for Someday Review

Purchase Links

Amazon  |  B&N  |  iBooks

About the author

Teaser Tuesday: Searching for Perfect by Jennifer Probst

 

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, just do as following: 

·Grab your current read 

·Open to a random page 

·Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page 
·Be careful not to include any spoilers so as not to ruin the book for others.

Make sure to share the title and the author so other TT participants can add the book to their TBR piles.

Series: Searching For #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Gallery
Publication Date: 4/29/14

The up-and-coming matchmaking agency Kinnections is the hottest thing to hit Verily, New York—just like Kennedy Ashe, social director for the service she owns with her two best girlfriends. A coach, consultant, and cheerleader rolled into one super-sizzling package, Kennedy creates dream dates, encourages singles to shine, and never refuses a challenge—not even Nate Ellison Raymond Dunkle, rocket scientist, nerd extraordinaire, and Kennedy’s newest client.

Kennedy vows to work her magic and transform this hot mess in a lab coat with a disastrous relationship track record into the most wanted man on the Verily dating scene. If only she could turn the wand on herself . . .

Though she radiates confidence and sex appeal, Kennedy harbors deep-seated insecurities from a tormented past and lifelong struggle with weight issues. When she realizes she and Nate are cut from the same cloth and might be perfect together, can Kennedy learn to let her heart lead the way? Or will her fears sentence her to the sidelines as Nate finds love—with someone else?

 

 

 

 

My Teaser ~

  He pushed down the strange mix of emotions that tore through him. "I'm just the nerdy guy behind the notepad."
  "Nate?"
  He pulled into the main area and parked. "Yeah?"
  "Nerds are underrated."
 

I looooooved this book! My review posts on Thursday.

REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY: INKED ARMOR by HELENA HUNTING

 

 

I am so happy to be bringing you Inked Armor! I have a review and two great giveaways. Thanks for stopping by!

Series: Clipped Wings #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Gallery Books
Publication Date: 5/13/14
Format: ARC
Pages: 368
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4.5 stars


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In this follow-up to Clipped Wings, the emotional love story continues between Hayden and Tenley; two young people who desperately want to love and be loved but are afraid to completely let go of their pasts.

In the wake of losing Tenley Page, tattooist Hayden Stryker's tumultuous past is haunting him. Plagued by nightmares about the murder of his parents, Hayden reaches out again to Tenley. Having run from the man she doesn't believe she deserves, Tenley finally lays her guilt to rest. Despite their intense physical attraction, Hayden and Tenley struggle to repair their fragile emotional connection. As Hayden gets closer to the truth, he must find a way to reconcile his guilt over his parents' death in order to keep the woman who finally cracked his armor, and found her way into his heart.

 
Clipped Wings was a big surprise for me. I went into it with absolutely no expectations, and came away with a heartfelt story with gorgeous writing and intense characters. And that ending? I was not happy! In a good way, I promise. I was so desperate to read Inked Armor, but also nervous. Would I pick this book up and get a fulfilling conclusion to Hayden and Tenley's story? I sure hoped so. I began Inked Armor with high expectations and a sense of hopefulness. I'll also admit that I mentally prepared myself for a let-down. Once I dug into the story, though, I quickly realized the doubts were not necessary.

Inked Armor takes up immediately after Clipped Wings, and as you know if you've read CW, things are not good for Hayden and Tenley. Tenley was taken to Arden Hills by her deceased fiancé's brother, Trey, in an effort to gain control of the family estate. What a miserable bastard he is! Trey preyed on Tenley's guilt and fears, ambushed her physically and emotionally, and put her in a bad place, emotionally. Part of my worry for Inked Armor was my fear that the story would have Tenley and Hayden separated throughout; fortunately that was not the case. It would have been very easy for Hunting to rely on this effective yet extremely frustrating technique to keep tension alive in the plot. I'm glad the story went in a different direction because honestly? I couldn't handle poor Hayden without Tenley.

Lemme tell you,  Hayden is distraught. Hayden begins the story heartbroken and withdrawn over what he feels is Tenley's rejection. After losing so much, he was slow to trust that he was worthy of relationship with Tenley. Knowing that the two would never have been together without the devastation that destroyed her world messes with Hayden's head, causes him to feel inferior. His nightmares are back, but now include Tenley dying. He's so very vulnerable, and that sense of...smallness, is heartbreaking. His vulnerability was so raw, palpable, like an open wound. I found myself repeatedly getting teary eyed as his residual terror overwhelmed him. I was pleasantly surprised when I realized his parents' unsolved murder does play a big part in this story. It serves as a huge source of tension and upheaval on his part, but also gives an enormous sense of satisfaction.

At this point it might be redundant to say that Inked Armor is an emotional heavy-hitter. But I'm obviously hung up on that. Hayden and Tenley's secrets are all finally out and now the relationship needs to be rebuilt. There's an awkwardness and strain that can't just be brushed over. They must figure out how to deal with all the baggage they each bring to the table. Both have been wracked with guilt, especially Tenley, though her perspective is changing a bit. She was initially focused on her decisions and what happened to her family and friends as a result. Now that she's accepting that she doesn't need to hold that blame, she feels guilt for her happiness. How can she be so happy with Hayden when she knows that if she hadn't lost everyone, she'd have never met him? Acceptance needs to be embraced so they can be happy together. I admire Hunting for going that route and forcing Tenley and Hayden to take the harder path. I would imagine that writing a smooth reunion would have been easier, caused less frustration. I think putting the two through their paces results in a much bigger payoff.

Inked Armor was an excellent continuation of Clipped Wings. Once again, Hunting brings readers an extremely insightful, emotional turbulent story. I like that while the story has some extremely dramatic elements, she never veered into melodrama and super-angst. I mean, yes, this series is angsty, but in a way that kept me flying through the pages, not ready to bang my head against the wall. With this series, I've gotten characters who were bent, not broken, who both experienced great character growth. I adored Hayden and Tenley and all their friends. I got a big, emotional story that had me thoroughly engaged and invested in the outcome. It was very satisfying in all ways. I was excited to see that Chris and Sarah (Hayden and Tenley's friends) are getting a novella this summer, and that has me very excited. I highly recommend the Clipped Wings series, and will eagerly read whatever Helena Hunting brings next.


 
Favorite Quotes

  "I couldn't get to you. You were dying and I couldn't--the bleeding, there was so much blood and you were, and you were--" He started to hyperventilate. "I was so fucking empty without you. I'm so empty."


  "Sometimes I feel guilty for having you," I whispered.
  "I get that. And I wish I could make that feeling go away for you. You know your family wouldn't want you to be alone, right? They'd want you to have people in your life to love you and take care of you. I don't know that they would have chosen me to be that person, but I want to be if you'll let me."


  Hayden's arms tightened around me. "I just don't want you to leave me again. I can't do this without you anymore."
  His expression made my heart hurt. "Hayden, you everything I could ever want. You are the place I want to be."


 

      Clipped Wings Series

        

(covers lead to GoodReads page)

 

 

 

My Review of Cupcakes and Ink and Clipped Wings

 

 

      Giveaway

Must be 18+ years of age; US only

• 2 copies of Inked Armor
• 2 Grand Prizes - Clipped Wings/Inked Armor
•  
•  
a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author
Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She’s putting her degree in English Lit to good use by writing contemporary erotic romance. She is the author of Clipped Wings, her debut novel, and Inked Armor.

 

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