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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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.

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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

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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!

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Start the duet with Beauty and the Professor today!

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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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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

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

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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 26, 2019April 26, 2019

NEW RELEASE: Love & Ghosts

Presents : New Release

Love & Ghosts

by Carrie Pulkinen

AMAZON

Series: Crescent City Ghost Tours; Book One

Genre: Paranormal Romance

GOODREADS

Love in the Big Easy shouldn’t be so hard.

Trying to add some excitement to her life, Emily Rollins accepts a dare to kiss a masked stranger at a charity ball. Fireworks ignite with that simple kiss, and she longs to learn more about the enchanting man. But Emily has lost so much of her heart already; succumbing to his charm is the last thing she needs.

Sean LeBlanc is a medium who runs the most popular haunted tour company in New Orleans. When Emily shows up on his ghost tour, with no idea he’s the mystery man from the ball, the long-buried emotions she unearthed in him are rekindled, and he’s convinced he can learn to love again. The problem is Emily doesn’t believe in the supernatural.

Just as Sean begins to open her mind to the existence of spirits and the possibility of love, a mysterious wooden box with a sinister power arrives on Emily’s doorstep, threatening her sanity and her life. If Sean can’t convince her ghosts are real, her disbelief will doom them both.

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About the Author

Carrie Pulkinen is a paranormal romance author who has always been fascinated with things that go bump in the night. Of course, when you grow up next door to a cemetery, the dead (and the undead) are hard to ignore. Pair that with her passion for writing and her love of a good happily-ever-after, and becoming a paranormal romance romance seems like the only logical career choice.

Before she decided to turn her love of the written word into a career, Carrie spent the first part of her professional life as a high school journalism and yearbook teacher. She loves good chocolate and bad pens, and in her free time, she likes to read, drink wine, and travel with her family.

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April 25, 2019April 25, 2019

BOOK REVIEW-Haunted Melody: A Ghost Story

I read so many books that I am sometimes amazed that I like almost all of them. Usually I can find something to latch onto even if the overall story doesn’t do it for me.

But it was bound to happen sooner or later. Y’know, finding a book that I just couldn’t get behind. Unfortunately, this is that book.

Now, I do have to start with a mention that I greatly admire authors. They have a talent that is unique, and it takes a lot of guts to share that talent and open themselves to criticism.

I’ll also say that just because this book didn’t do it for me, doesn’t mean that one of you won’t love it. Everyone has different tastes. So please take this as it should be: my opinions on what the book did (or didn’t) do for me.

It took me forever to get into the plot. I spent the first few chapters trying to figure out exactly what was going on, and I could not get a grip on it. I’m all for an author not revealing secrets, or building slowly to a reveal. But I was so lost on this one that it put constantly on the wrong foot. I didn’t have anything to latch onto to help pull me to that revelation where everything would suddenly make sense.

And once that reveal occurred, it caused me to have even more questions (instead of being an “Aha!” moment where things all of a sudden make sense). You know the premise from the blurb, but it still didn’t clarify a whole lot as I read further.

With paranormal romance (or paranormal anything) there has to be a certain amount of belief in the supernatural, as well as a suspension of disbelief. I’m really into the supernatural, so I usually don’t have a problem with that. But for some reason, and I think it’s because the beginning put me in the wrong frame of mind, I kept questioning the relationship between Milo and Rachel. There were too many things that just didn’t work for me.

I know this probably doesn’t help some of you very much, but I don’t do plot-heavy reviews because I think people should be able to experience a story with on their own with as little interference as possible.

If you are a fan of paranormal romance then you should absolutely give this novel a try. I will still look forward to the author’s next books. This one just wasn’t the one for me.

My Goodreads review is below.

AVAILABLE NOW!

Haunted Melody: A Ghost Story by Alyson Santos
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I’m all for trying new genres and finding new authors. I know a lot of people love this author, so I was excited to be able to read an ARC of her latest. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed early on, and that disappointment never let up. I’m sure other people may love this book, but it just wasn’t for me. I do not like to give DNFs if at all possible; if I’ve been entrusted to read it, I will read to completion. But this one was a struggle. I spent the first half of the book wondering what was going on and the second half in disbelief (and not just because it was paranormal – I’m cool with that part). There were too many logical fallacies and unsupported issues for me to be able to enjoy the story. I’ll give another one of this author’s books a try, but I didn’t like this one. This review was written based on a pre-release copy.

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April 24, 2019April 24, 2019

BOOK REVIEW: Wolfhunter River (Stillhouse Lake #3) by Rachel Caine

I read the first two books in this series before I started my blog, so I don’t have reviews on them, but believe me when I say that I eagerly await each new installment in this series.

SPOILER ALERT: I will warn you right now, if you haven’t read the first two books in this series, do not read any further. Not only are there references that you won’t understand, but there may also be plot points from the first two books that will be exposed. That being said, get over to Amazon or your bookstore of choice and get the first two books of the series. Be warned, there are twists, turns, and the exploration of the evil of human nature, but they are excellent thrillers!

Okay, back to the review.

After the events of the second book, one would hope that Grace and her kids (and Sam) would be able to have a little bit of normalcy. Unfortunately, evil still exists and their lives once again get turned upside down.

I found Grace to be a fascinating character. She understands that her past will forever put a target on her back, and (by extension) on the backs of her kids. But she still also feels the need to help other people, which is how she gets caught up in the events at Wolfhunter River.

The author is especially good at creating moments that appear to be part of the overall plot, but sometimes they are not. I love this aspect of her writing because it keeps me (as a reader) off balance and questioning what I think I know.

I am a pretty good detective, and I did have suspicions about one part of the plot about halfway through the book that turned out to be correct (go me!). But the rest of the plot had some excellent twists that I didn’t fully guess on.

I did like her commentary (via Grace) regarding the online outrage and blame culture; I think that was spot on. However, there were a couple of mentions (Westward Invasion and a brief commentary on a 12 year old not calling adult women females) that seemed jarring and out of place. It felt like the author’s political beliefs took over for a few brief moments, and they took me out of the story.

All in all, however, this was another excellent analysis of the evil of man and how people can be so easily consumed by greed and hate – and how dangerous that can be when the beliefs are based on false perceptions or flat out lies.

I look forward to seeing where the series goes next because I have a feeling that Grace and Sam still have a way to go. It will also be interesting to see if friendships are repaired and trust can be regained.

My Goodreads review is below.

AVAILABLE NOW! (Released 4/23/2019)

Wolfhunter River by Rachel Caine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been excitedly waiting for this book and could not wait to start reading. I was not disappointed. I could not swipe pages on my Kindle fast enough and read this straight through! After the events in the second book, I wondered where the author would be able to go with the main thread tying the books together, and she did a great job of creating a situation that will give her plenty of leeway for future novels. There was “hold onto your seat” action and a LOT of gut-tearing emotion. Both aspects are something the author has always done very well, and what will keep me coming back for future installments of the series. Another wild ride in a great series. If you want a more detailed review, visit my blog at firefliesandfreekicks.com. This review was written based on a pre-release digital ARC courtesy of NetGalley.

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April 24, 2019April 24, 2019

NEW RELEASE: Stay With Me by K.L. Grayson

It’s a day for new releases. The latest by K.L. Grayson drops today, and you don’t want to miss it! Head over to my review to see why I say that 😉

Stay With Me, an all-new standalone contemporary romance by USA Today bestselling author K.L. Grayson is live!

Stay with me.

Three simple words.

One impossible request.

I’ve loved Allie McCallister for as long as I can remember. Her happiness and well-being mean more to me than anything else, which is why when the opportunity of a lifetime presented itself, I had to take it. Three months was such a short amount of time to be apart to provide the financial stability we needed to start our lives.

It wasn’t supposed to catapult my band to stardom, and it sure as hell wasn’t supposed to set off the chain of events that pushed my relationship with Allie to the brink. Our hearts were shattered, our love tested, and when everything fell apart she begged me to leave.

Eight years ago, tragedy broke us. Now we’re back in the same little town where we once dreamed of building our future.

She’s a divorced, single mom.

I’m a damaged country music star.

There are a hundred reasons for us to stay apart.

But all it takes is one look, one touch, one kiss to know our story isn’t over. Now I have to convince her to let me stay.

Download your copy today!

Amazon: http://mybook.to/StayWithMeKLGrayson

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About K.L. Grayson

K.L. Grayson resides in a small town outside of St. Louis, MO. She is entertained

daily by her extraordinary husband, who will forever inspire every good quality she

writes in a man. Her entire life rests in the palms of six dirty little hands, and when the

day is over and those pint-sized cherubs have been washed and tucked into bed, you can find her typing away furiously on her computer. She has a love for alpha-males,

brownies, reading, tattoos, sunglasses, and happy endings…and not particularly in that

order.

Connect with K.L. Grayson

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

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Website: www.klgrayson.com

April 23, 2019April 23, 2019

BOOK REVIEW: Beauty and the Professor by Skye Warren

The first book in the latest duo by Skye Warren, Beauty and the Professor is a modern retelling of (you guessed it) Beauty and the Beast. The premise was good, and it had a lot of things going for it, but for some reason, it just didn’t impress.

I think one of the reasons is that I recently read Overture by the same author, and I felt that there were a lot of parallels: young, lively female/older wealthy male with a chip on his shoulder, mutual attraction but unwillingness to act, etc. It even felt like I was rereading some passages.

There were parts that I liked. I thought the premise of Blake being a former soldier who had suffered his injuries while serving was a good one, but it should have been explored more. I think more insight into his experiences allow more sympathy for his character as opposed to Erin just wondering about his PTSD. The author did address this a few times, but I think it could have been a little bit more.

I also really enjoyed the college classroom episode – the author obviously did homework, because the discussion about precedent was very well done. Aside from being interesting, it allowed Blake to use his mind to guide people away from focusing on his features.

No review of a Skye Warren book is complete without mentioning the sexy times, and there are plenty of those. As always, they are super steamy but also darkly romantic, which fits the overall character development.

But because of the romance and the inner thoughts, there were a couple of events that felt totally out of place, especially towards the end of the book. I know that the author was setting up for book two, but the cliffhanger for this one seemed to come out of left field (especially considering a few events that happened shortly before).

Overall, the book was okay. Knowing it is part of a duet makes it difficult to review because I know the story will be continuing. So think of this as a review written halfway through the book just to keep everything straight. I do look forward to seeing how it all works out in the end.

As always, my Goodreads review is below.

RELEASE DATE: April 23, 2019 (Available Now!)

Beauty and the Professor (A Modern Fairy Tale Duet, #1)

Beauty and the Professor by Skye Warren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As a modern twist on the classic “Beauty and the Beast,” this book had a lot of potential. Erin is a sweet college student who cleans the house of the reclusive Blake, a former soldier who suffered burns that disfigure half of his face (shades of “Phantom of the Opera” as well). If you know the fairy tale, you know that they end up together, but seeing as how this is a modern retelling, “together” means mostly in bed. Those scenes (and there are plenty of them) are steamy as heck. The rest of the plot is just…okay. I thought there were some inconsistencies in characters, and a couple of twists were predictable. I did like the scene in the classroom, as the concept being taught (about precedent) was very interesting. I look forward to seeing how the second book finishes the story because this novel does end on a cliffhanger (that seemed out of the blue). This review was written based on a pre-release digital ARC.

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