BOOK REVIEW: Nothing But Trouble by Amy Andrews

If you read enough books in any genre, they eventually all start to blend together. So, when you find one that stands out for any reason, it’s kind of like finding a diamond in the rough.

That’s how I feel about Nothing but Trouble by Amy Andrews. Even though it could easily fall into both the Sports Romance and Boss/Employee Romance categories, it’s much more than either one of those.

Cecilia (CC) has been the PA for former quarterback Wade Carter for nearly six years. As her contract is expiring, she is more than ready to leave the on-call 24/7 life behind and start a new life in California. Wade, however, has other plans. Fate probably has a little something to throw in as well.

I loved this book because it was different in quite a few ways. First, Wade is not the usual absolute monster/a-hole/jerk of a boss – more like just oblivious (which he eventually appropriately acknowledges). CC isn’t pining for him; she wants her contract to end so she can get on with her life. Both characters are thoroughly strong individuals.

I also liked the backstory that the author created to bring CC and Wade closer together. The plot point involving his home town was clever and unique. Even though I kind of sided with Wade initially, I loved how the author made her points about the strengths of females subtly. It all made sense when put into practice.

Some of my other favorite aspects of the novel:

The subplot concerning Wade’s brother, Wyatt, and a newcomer to town was poignant and well-written, adding a nice subtext to the overall story.
The snappy dialogue between CC and Wade. Their understanding of each other was apparent from the beginning and made me chuckle almost every time, especially during the “Gone With the Wind” references.
The author’s ability to create a picture for the scene at hand. A particularly moving passage was when Wade and CC were walking home from a party. The description of the streetlight and the sounds around them stands out.
The piglets

As I looked up the book for a reference, I noticed that it says “Credence, Colorado Book One.” I can only hope that we will get to follow Wade’s friends and some of the women in future books because Credence is a place I would love to revisit.

My Goodreads review is below.

NOW AVAILABLE!

Nothing But Trouble by Amy Andrews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been on a roll lately, finding some excellent romances that have interesting characters and well thought-out plots. Nothing But Trouble is the latest that fits the bill. Wade is a former pro quarterback; CC has been his PA for the past five+ years. It’s a trope that has been used many times (the boss finally realizes feelings for employee), but this story seemed different to me. One thing that made this book stand out is that the romance doesn’t take center stage; it almost occurs in the background as other events occur – I loved this aspect because it allowed me to get involved with the plot and other characters, which made the story more interesting. I especially enjoyed the plan for his hometown. The counterpoint sub-story of Wade’s brother Wyatt was well done and touching. All motivations and character actions seemed natural, and the events were enjoyable to read. I highly recommend this book. Please see my blog at firefliesandfreekicks.com for a more detailed review. This review was written based on a digital ARC provided by NetGalley.

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May 1, 2019May 20, 2019

FUNDRAISER: Buy a book for a good cause

Presents : 7th Annual Keith Milano Memorial Fund

Welcome the 7th Annual Mental Health Awareness Month Book Fundraiser benefiting the Keith Milano Memorial Fund at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

For the 7th year, an amazing group of authors have generously agreed to donate a portion of their May sales to the Keith Milano Memorial Fund.

Here is how you can help raise money and awareness for mental health:

You can purchase a book from the amazing books listed below! We hope you will #1click4charity a number of these amazing books! Please note that although below are Amazon Kindle links, the portion of sales is from any platform: digital, print and audio.

Share the image below or any of the custom photos the participating authors share on social media to raise awareness and to show your support.

Make a tax-deductible donation directly to the Keith Milano Memorial Fund at AFSP.

Thank you in advance for your support as we work to bring mental illness out of the darkness.

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April 30, 2019May 5, 2019

New Release: Nothing But Trouble

ICYMI, check out my review, but trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this one!

“It’s got a Jill Shalvis/SEP vibe and I had a smile on my face all the way through. Loved every minute.” – Kate Meader, USA Todaybestselling author

Nothing But Trouble, an all-new small town romance from USA Todaybestselling author Amy Andrews, is available now!

For five years, PA Cecilia Morgan’s entire existence has revolved around playing “left tackle” to former NFL quarterback Wade Carter. She’s so good at her job, the man can’t even buy his own condoms! Well, today she’s giving the Worst-Boss-Ever her notice.

To say CC’s announcement was a bombshell is an insult to bombs. And horribly timed, with his publisher breathing down his neck. Not too many things defy Wade Carter. Well…except his mother. His PA. And the blinking cursor of doom.

Time to call an audible.

CC is gobsmacked. Three months in his small hometown—somewhere devoid of “female distractions,” he says—while he finishes his book, and he’ll cut her loose?! And he thinks a cowboy hat and dimpled smile and she’ll just say yes? Penalty flag.

Wade can’t believe CC and the council arranged busloads of single women to visit their dying town. She never gives up. But three Super Bowl rings prove he’s no quitter, either.

But then their fighting starts to feel a whole lot like foreplay. What’s a quarterback to do when he realizes he might be falling for his left tackle?

Time to throw a Hail Mary.

Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2U7s6uh

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

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Excerpt:

“And that’s where I had my first kiss.” CC tuned back in and focused on where Wade was pointing. It was the football field, a lush bright green amidst the faded wooden bleachers and the peeling goalposts. “Right there under those bleachers.” He smiled and sighed. “Kathy Williams. I became a man that day.” “It was that good, huh?” He laughed. “I suspect it was terrible at first.” He shook his head, and a tiny little hitch near CC’s heart snuck up and surprised the hell out of her. Her gaze was drawn to his profile, to the tilt of his lips. Usually those lips just exasperated the hell out of her, articulating his ridiculous demands, but, she had to admit, he had a great mouth. Kinda made a girl wonder what other demands lips like those could make. Not that she’d everwondered. Nor was she about to start. Crushing on her emotionally unavailable boss would be dumb. Especially when she was only a few months off never having to see him again. “I fumbled it badly, went like a bull at a gate. She pulled away and said, ‘softly, Wade,’ and then…” It was hard to believe Wade had ever fumbled anything. His had been the safest hands in the NFL. And he’d obviously improved beyond kissing, if that thing he did with his tongue was as good as Annabel had said. “Well…” He smiled, obviously still caught up in the memory. “Let’s just say she was patient, and I’m a fast learner.” “How old were you?” “I was fifteen. She was seventeen. The head cheerleader.” CC rolled her eyes. “How very Riverdaleof you.”

About Amy Andrews

Amy is an Aussie author of hot contemporary romance who believes in multiple orgasms, mighty wangs and happily ever afters. She’s been penning them for over twenty years and has 70+ books to her name. As well as unforgettable characters and great sex you’ll also be treated to some laughs and a dollop of quirk because Amy doesn’t seem to know how to write a book without a bit of both. You might also cry a little because there’s nothing she loves more than a laughy-criey book! She also loves sunsets and rainbows, unicorns and mermaids, booze and travel. And her home that overlooks the ocean. She may also happen to believe she was a Roman goddess in her past life because its the only thing that explains her adoration for all things Italy.

Connect with Amy

Instagram:@amyandrewsbooks http://bit.ly/2Z7Ss28

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

Twitter: @amyandrewsbooks http://bit.ly/2uYHcqQ

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Goodreads:http://bit.ly/2Su0Owi

Website: http://amyandrews.com.au/

April 30, 2019April 29, 2019

New Release: Falling for the Beast

The duet is now complete. Check out my review, and give the duet a look!

Once upon a time there was a beautiful college student…

And a beastly professor with scars he can’t hide…

Falling for the Beast, the conclusion in A Modern Fairy Tale duet from New York Times bestselling author Skye Warren, is available now!

He can never turn back into a prince…

A troubling revelation puts Blake’s newfound career in jeopardy—and even worse, puts Erin’s impending graduation at risk. He can’t risk her future no matter how much he wants her.

She will never have a happily ever after…

A dark legacy threatens everything they’ve worked to build. When old debt comes between them, both Blake and Erin must fight to protect each other–and their love.

Since their forbidden beginning, Erin and Blake’s relationship has been marked by deep sensuality and intense emotion. The couple is tested at every turn. They’re running out of time. Blake and Erin will have to trust each other to forge their own sexy ending.

Author’s Note: This book was previously published as a serial in multiple parts, including Beauty Becomes You and Loving the Beast. It’s been collected into this volume to make things easier for new readers.

FALLING FOR THE BEAST is the second book in A Modern Fairy Tale duet.

Download your copy today!

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

AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2URYvJt

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

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Start the duet with Beauty and the Professor today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2U1u9nj

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/Beautyprofessor Apple Books:https://apple.co/2Xzp3MG Nook:http://bit.ly/2XAqD0v Kobo:http://bit.ly/2GuXxZw Google Play:http://bit.ly/2DrwUnA

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

About Skye Warren

Skye Warren is the New York Times bestselling author of dangerous romance such as the Endgame trilogy. Her books have been featured in Jezebel, Buzzfeed, USA Today Happily Ever After, Glamour, and Elle Magazine. She makes her home in Texas with her loving family, sweet dogs, and evil cat.

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http://www.skyewarren.com

April 30, 2019April 30, 2019

Book Review: Every Last Breath

I’ve been reading a lot of romance novels lately, so I was more than ready to read something different, and this was the perfect choice!

Writing a spy novel can be challenging. Not only are there big shoes to fill and be compared to, but it is also all too easy to write a caricature of spies or a story that is too far-fetched to be believable. Every Last Breath by Juno Rushdan avoids all of that.

To be perfectly honest, I think it might be just as difficult to write a review of a spy novel, because it would be too easy to give away plot points. The real fun of a spy novel is figuring out where the plot is going next – and far be it for me to give any of that away.

I really enjoyed the character reveals that kept popping up throughout the book. Past and current relationships play a huge part in the plot, and everything is deftly written. I did get a little bit of a “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” vibe from parts of the story – but this was much better.

The spy stuff is pretty damn cool as well. Q (James Bond) would be proud of some of the gadgets the agents used. And the intelligence gathering/op planning was absolutely fascinating. I liked that the threat they were trying to stop was realistic, as were the motivations of the bad guys. It made the suspense more visceral (especially imagining how easy it would be for this to happen in real life).

I also appreciated that the main character was a kick-ass female who could hold her own against all of the alpha males.

I could write more, but I would be in danger of giving plot points away, and I hate to do that. Do yourself a favor and get this book right away. You’ll be turning pages well into the night because you won’t be able to put it down. It looks like this might be the first in a series and I can’t wait for the next ones. My Goodreads review is below.

Now Available 4/30/ 2019

Every Last Breath by Juno Rushdan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shades of Tom Clancy and John le Carre, this book has everything a reader could want out of a spy thriller. The action starts at the very beginning and doesn’t let up until the last pages. There are chases, twists, the evilest of bad guys, a global threat, and a rekindled romance. Honestly, this was a page turner that I could not read fast enough. I love a book that makes me feel like I’m watching a movie, and this one definitely fit the bill. Visit my blog at www.firefliesandfreekicks.com for a more detailed review, but trust me, this is one exciting novel, and I hope to read more by this author. This review was written based on a pre-release digital ARC provided by NetGalley.

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April 29, 2019April 29, 2019

Book Review: Falling for the Beast

When I read the first in a duet or series, I am always hopeful that the second book will be the crescendo to a story that built slowly in the first book. Sometimes that happens, and sometimes the second book just falls flat. Unfortunately, this book falls in the latter category.

I thought that the first book, Beauty and the Professor was okay, and I had high hopes for this one. The characters and premise are interesting. The execution, however, does not do the story justice.

As I mentioned in the first review, there was a lot to work with, but nothing was as developed as it could have been. This was even more evident in the second book. It could have been so much more.

Even a pivotal scene with Blake’s family, which should have been fireworks and a major revelation, just fell flat. It all felt disconnected in some way. It’s sad because I usually like this author, but this duet did not reach its full potential. My Goodreads review is below.

Available now.

Falling for the Beast (A Modern Fairy Tale Duet, #2)

Falling for the Beast by Skye Warren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book picks up where Beauty and the Professor left off. Frankly, I was expecting more out of the second book. There was so much that could have been expanded upon: Erin’s thesis and the scandal, Blake’s parents and upbringing, his PTSD, his buddy in the hospital are just a few things I would have liked to have explored. But so much of it was left by the wayside to focus on the sexy times. As always, the author writes those scenes well, and they are quite steamy. But I just felt that was ALL this book was; like the plot points were just a means to get to the next sex scene. Disappointing. See my blog at www.firefliesandfreekicks.com for a more detailed review.

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April 29, 2019April 29, 2019

COVER REVEAL: Making Up

I’m reading this one as an ARC right now, so keep an eye out for my review in the future!

Making Up, an all-new laugh-out-loud romantic comedy standalone from New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting is coming July 16th, and we have the smoking hot cover!

Cosy Felton is great at her job—she knows just how to handle the awkwardness that comes with working at an adult toy store. So when the hottest guy she’s ever seen walks into the shop looking completely overwhelmed, she’s more than happy to turn on the charm and help him purchase all of the items on his list.

Griffin Mills is using his business trip in Las Vegas as a chance to escape the broken pieces of his life in New York City. The last thing he wants is to be put in charge of buying gag gifts for his friend’s bachelor party. Despite being totally out of his element, and mortified by the whole experience, Griffin is pleasantly surprised when he finds himself attracted to the sales girl that helped him.

As skeptical as Cosy may be of Griffin’s motivations, there’s something about him that intrigues her. But sometimes what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas and when real life gets in the way, all bets are off. Filled with hilariously awkward situations and enough sexual chemistry to power Sin City, Making Up is the next standalone in the Shacking Up world.

Pre-order your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2GEt63s

AppleBooks: Coming Soon!

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

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About Helena

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She’s writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.

Connect with Helena

Instagram: http://instagram.com/helenahunting Twitter: https://twitter.com/HelenaHunting Facebook: http://on.fb.me/Zt1xm5 Facebook Fan group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/385795934890523/ Website: http://www.helenahunting.com/ Never miss an update! Subscribe to Helena’s mailing list: http://bit.ly/2MlRKq6

April 29, 2019April 29, 2019

NEW RELEASE: The Pieces That Built Him

Presents : New Release

The Pieces that Built Him

by Amber Lacie

AMAZON | BOOKS2READ

Series: Pieces Collection; Book 2

Genre: Romantic Suspense

GOODREADS

The world was at my fingertips and I lost it, leaving my heart shattered as everything slipped through my fingers. But I had to let it all go. In truth, I am my own worst enemy.

Revenge was the only thing I cared about until her. It consumed me. It also pushed the only good thing I had away.

Now I’m fighting for the life of the woman I love, all because of a past I wouldn’t walk away from. Like I said, I’m my own worst enemy. The pieces I’m made of are bent, broken, and sharp. I cut everyone I love. But I won’t lose her.

Her life is on the line, and I’m going to save hers with mine …

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April 28, 2019

BOOK REVIEW: Making a Medium

The newest series by Erin Huss is a journey into the paranormal. Her Cambria Clyne series is excellent, and she continues the tradition of awkwardly funny heroines in Making a Medium.

A mystery within a paranormal mystery, it’s the story of Zoe Lane and her realization that she can see ghosts. Of course, it’s not as straightforward as “oh, look at that.” It’s more like, “what the heck is happening/am I going crazy?” This thought is due mainly in part to her overbearing mother, who is hiding secrets from Zoe.

But Zoe has more significant problems, in the form of Willie, who appears to her after she is almost hit by a car. The two form an uneasy but amusing bond. He acts as a spiritual guide, commenting on everything from Zoe’s fashion sense (she doesn’t have one) to her life (she really doesn’t have one), while she tries to solve the mystery of how he died.

The interaction between the two quickly became my favorite parts of the book. Even as Zoe learned how to use her “gift,” she still maintained her awkwardness. More than once, I laughed out loud at her efforts trying to cover for talking to Willie – which of course to everyone else looks like she’s talking to thin air.

I also liked how Zoe’s character grew throughout the novel. She gained a backbone and started to embrace her talents. Both the primary mystery and Zoe’s mystery are well-plotted and not easy to solve, so that is an added bonus.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book, and I look forward to the continued paranormal experiences of Zoe. My Goodreads review is below.

Pre-order for 99 cents on Kindle (Available 5/09/19); available now in paperback.

Making a Medium: a humorous, cozy mystery! (Lost Souls Lane Mystery Book One)

Making a Medium: a humorous, cozy mystery! by Erin Huss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this author’s Cambria Clyne series (that’s another good series to pick up), and I was excited to see her branch out into another series. Zoe Lane is sheltered by her real estate agent mother (who reminded me of Tammy Faye Bakker) and is socially awkward as a result. In a twist of events, she finds out that she can see ghosts, mainly when Willie shows up claiming that he was killed and that Zoe needs to help him. What follows is a fun whodunnit, filled with vivid characters and witty dialogue. I loved Zoe’s awkwardness and how Willie calls her “person.” The mystery driving the plot was good (I can usually guess but didn’t get this one) as was a secondary plot involving Zoe’s past. All in all, a great start to the new series. Visit my blog at www.firefliesandfreekicks.com for a more detailed review. Both reviews were written based on a pre-release digital copy.

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April 27, 2019April 27, 2019

BLOG TOUR: The Dare by Carol Wyer

This was a fantastic book, and so pleased to be a part of the blog tour! You can read my review on Goodreads. But seriously don’t miss this book…go get it now!

The Dare by Carol Wyer (Book 3 Detective Natalie Ward crime thriller series)AMZ: https://geni.us/B07N3WYYLDSocial
Jane’s daughter is a good girl. But what is she hiding?

When thirteen-year-old Savannah Hopkins doesn’t come straight home from school as she always does, her mother Jane immediately raises the alarm. With her blonde ponytail and red school jumper, someone must have spotted Savannah.

Detective Natalie Ward is determined to help the distraught mother – her own daughter is the same age as Savannah. But before Natalie and her team can get started, their worst fears are confirmed when the teenager’s broken body is found in nearby shrubland.

Evidence points towards a local recluse, but just as Natalie closes the net around him, one of Savannah’s friends, Harriet, is reported missing. Harriet might look grown up and sophisticated but she is only fourteen…

As Natalie delves into the lives of both girls, she soon discovers a sinister video on both their phones, daring the girls to disappear from their families for 48 hours. She’s sure this is the key to the case, but before she can act, Harriet’s body is found discarded on a roadside.

Natalie’s superiors don’t have to put any extra pressure on Natalie. Devastated, she and her team work without sleep, watching that video over and over. But just as she thinks they’re getting close, the person Natalie loves more than anything goes missing.

Natalie is no stranger to loss. She is terrified and the clock is ticking. Can she push through her fear to catch this depraved killer, before her loved one becomes the next victim?

This gripping rollercoaster of a read will have you up in the small hours turning the pages. Fans of Angela Marsons, Rachel Caine and Robert Dugoni will love The Dare.

About the author:

Carol Wyer is an award-winning author and stand up comedian who writes feel-good comedies and gripping thrillers.
Her book, GRUMPY OLD MENOPAUSE won The People’s Book Prize Award for non-fiction 2015.
Carol moved to the ‘dark side’ in 2017 with as series of thrillers. LITTLE GIRL LOST became the #2 best-selling book on Amazon, #9 best-selling audiobook on Audible and a Top 150 USA Today best-seller.
The DI Robyn Carter and DI Natalie Ward series have sold over half a million copies, earning her acclaim as a crime writer.
Carol has been interviewed on numerous radio shows discussing ”Irritable Male Syndrome’ and ‘Ageing Disgracefully’ and on BBC Breakfast television. She has had articles published in national magazines ‘Woman’s Weekly’ featured in ‘Take A Break’, ‘Choice’, ‘Yours’ and ‘Woman’s Own’ magazines and the Huffington Post.

To learn more about Carol, go to www.carolwyer.co.uk or follow Carol on Twitter: @carolewyer.
Carol also blogs at www.carolwyer.com