Review – Any Time, Any Place by Jennifer Probst

9781501124266

ANY TIME, ANY PLACE by Jennifer Probst

Billionaire Builders, #2 – Coming January 24, 2017

 

HGTV’s Property Brothers meets The Marriage Bargain in this second volume in the Billionaire Builders series, an all-new heart-wrenching and sexy contemporary romance from New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst.

When she was a teen, Raven Bella Stratton’s father was killed in a horrible car crash. The bigger shock was the discovery of a woman with him—Diana Pierce—and their two fully packed suitcases with airline tickets to Paris. Devastated by her father’s betrayal, Raven went to live with her aunt, never truly overcoming the traumatic event. When she discovers that the mysterious woman had a family with a husband and three boys, Raven vows to leave the memory of her father behind.

Until Dalton Pierce visits one night and suddenly her past challenges her future…

Leaving his life in California behind to run Pierce Construction with his two older brothers, Dalton Pierce has enjoyed returning home and studying his passion of woodworking. But when he visits the local bar with his brothers one evening, he’s immediately drawn to the smart-mouthed, badass, sexy bartender who sets his body on fire. Unfortunately, she doesn’t seem as intrigued by him, and his multiple advances are met with rejection. When he offers to restore the bar back to its original glory, he begins to work with her on a daily basis, and falls harder. His plan of seduction slowly weaves a web around them both, until they are caught up in the spell. But Dalton doesn’t know the secret that can either destroy them both…or finally mend two broken hearts.

 

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PRE-ORDER IT NOW

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BFF K’s Review of Any Time, Any Place

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Holy Heartbreaking Angst Alert – I was not expecting that from this story. Jennifer Probst always delivers heartfelt emotion and very real characters. Any Time, Any Place is no exception. The storyline and cast of characters are rich and engaging and fully developed. Even with the angst, this book is a joy to read.

Raven and Dalton share a complicated past linked together by a tragic, life-altering accident. While both have struggled, they’ve deluded themselves into believing they understand and have accepted their parents’ seemingly rash decisions. It is not until they are confronted with one another and their intricate connections that they realize how little they have accepted and understood. The path to that place is strewn with bad decisions and hurt feelings. But, those emotions are scattered among some truly romantic notions and seductive moments.

Raven and Dalton are incredibly strong characters so well developed and lovingly crafted that you’ll understand, care for and respect each of them. Raven is independent and self-assured. But, she has to challenge herself to be vulnerable and open. Dalton is constantly trying to prove himself worthy and shows himself to be a man of honesty and passion.

Any Time, Any Place is the 2nd book in the Billionaire Builders Series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone. And, while it is filled with angst and some really raw emotion, it is also filled with love and romance and really terrific characters! This is quickly becoming one of my most anticipated series and this installment should not be missed!

 

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An advance copy of this book was received. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review.

 

 

 

PURCHASE THE PREVIOUS BOOK IN THE SERIES

Read BFF K’s Review of Every Where And Every Way

Everywhere and Every Way

PURCHASE EVERYWHERE AND EVERY WAY NOW

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About the Author

Jennifer ProbstJennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master’s in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again.

She makes her home in Upstate New York with the whole crew. Her sons keep her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean.

She is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, was ranked #6 on Amazon’s Best Books for 2012. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases and her street team at www.jenniferprobst.com.

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Review – Full Package by Lauren Blakely

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FULL PACKAGE by Lauren Blakely is Here!

A sexy and funny friends-to-lovers standalone romantic comedy, FULL PACKAGE is about a sexy, witty man as he falls head over heels for a woman, who just happens to be his roommate. It takes everything you love about a Lauren Blakely novel –witty dialogue, smoking hot sex scenes, and heartfelt moments –and puts them into one fantastic book! Told in the guy’s POV, with a creative look into Josie’s POV as well, FULL PACKAGE is the laugh-out-loud and insanely hot story of what happens when a sexy ER doc falls madly in love with his gorgeous roommate…and they’re forced to deal with all that simmering desire in a mere six hundred square feet of living space.

 

“Lauren Blakely has mastered the recipe for delightful and delicious. It’s called Full Package. I can’t find words to tell you how much I enjoyed this friends to lovers romance with enough sweet to melt in your mouth and enough spice to melt your panties.”

~ iScream Books

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“Lauren Blakely nailed it AGAIN. This man man is perfection! HOT, SWEET, FUNNY, SMART.”

~ Queen of Hearts

 

 

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From the New York Times Bestselling author of MISTER O and BIG ROCK, comes a hot & hilarious new standalone romantic comedy…

I’ve been told I have quite a gift.

Hey, I don’t just mean in my pants. I’ve got a big brain too, and a huge heart of gold. And I like to use all my gifts to the fullest, the package included. Life is smooth sailing….

Until I find myself stuck between a rock and a sexy roommate, which makes for one very hard…place.

Because scoring an apartment in this city is harder than finding true love. So even if I have to shack up with my buddy’s smoking hot and incredibly amazing little sister, a man’s got to do what a man’s got to do.

I can resist Josie. I’m disciplined, I’m focused, and I keep my hands to myself, even in the mere five-hundred square feet we share. Until the one night she insists on sliding under the covers with me. It’ll help her sleep after what happened that day, she says.

Spoiler-neither one of us sleeps.

Did I mention she’s also one of my best friends? That she’s brilliant, beautiful and a total firecracker? Guess that makes her the full package too.

What’s a man stuck in a hard place to do?

 

You can find this sexy standalone romantic comedy across all retailers!

 

Amazon US       Amazon UK      Amazon CA      Amazon AU      iBooks

 

Barnes & Noble      Kobo      Google Play      Amazon Paperback

Audio (Sebastian York!)      or via Audible

BFF K’s Review of Full Package

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Lauren Blakely has perfected the sweet and spicy rom com! Big Rock, Mister O, Well Hung and now Full Package: this entire series is funny, sexy and thoroughly entertaining.

Chase and Josie are BFF’s. Chase is a Doctor and Josie is a baker. Chase met Josie through her brother Wyatt who is another of his best buddies. When they both find themselves in a somewhat desperate housing situation, they decide the best solution is to move in with each other. What could possibly go wrong? Or even worse, what if it’s all just too right?

Full Package is a charming friends-to-lovers story that delivers a fun, fast-paced storyline, engaging characters, and a fulfilling, romantic conclusion. If you haven’t read the books in this series, you need to clear your TBR and move them to the top!

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An advance copy of this book was received. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review.

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“Fresh, fun, flirty, and fabulous.”

~ Karen at Bookalicious Babes Blog

Excerpt

I point to the curved wooden stand with a hook at the top. “This. Explain this.”

                Josie sets her hands on her hips. “It’s a banana holder.”

                I give her a stern look. “I can read. I don’t need to know what. I need to know why.” I poke the object on the shelf at Bed Bath & Beyond, otherwise known as the Nexus of Unnecessary Things. Pretty sure there’s some kind of vortex or force field right smack dab in the middle of this store attracting all the weird, bizarre, and odd home goods. “Why can’t they sit on the kitchen counter? Or, how about in a bowl?”

                “Maybe the bananas just like to dangle?” she suggests. “Hang free and all?”

                Smacking my forehead, I go along with it. “Aha. That makes perfect sense.”

                “I’m here to help.” She tugs on my shirtsleeve. “But can we please get to the sheet aisle? You can’t sleep on a naked mattress.”

                “That may be true, but I could definitely sleep naked on a mattress,” I offer, and she laughs as we navigate through another sardine-packed aisle in the mammoth store.

                It’s one in the afternoon, and I just moved in this morning. That took all of two hours. Spending my twenties in med school and as a resident gave me very little time for the acquisition of things, so most of my possessions fit in a duffel bag. I have very little. Not even sheets for a queen-size bed. Ergo, I’m spending Saturday at Bed Bath & Beyond, which is a bit like wandering through a Buzzfeed post titled “Ten Things I’ll Never Use.”

                More like five hundred. Wait. Make that five hundred and one, because I just spotted the new number one item on the list.

                “That,” I say as I make a beeline for a shelf of crème brûlée torches. Grabbing a silvery one, I hold it up. “Please say we can have a housewarming party, and you’ll make crème brûlée, and I can stride all proud and awesome into the kitchen,” I say, puffing out my chest and deepening my voice. “And I can light it with a torch, and we’ll all ooh and ahh at the manly fire I made when I lit up a dessert.”

                She arches an eyebrow. “A manly fire?”

                I nod vigorously. “And then you’ll let the guests take turns punching me in the face for being a total douche for owning a crème brûlée torch.”

                She narrows her eyes. “You actually want people to punch you?”

                I’m deadly serious as I answer her. “If I ever own a crème brûlée torch, you have carte blanche to punch me, Josie. You really should.” I drop the torch on the shelf and take her hand, clasping it tightly in mine. “Promise me. From this day forward. Promise you’ll punch me if I ever own a crème brûlée torch, a rotating tie rack, or more than one kind of cheese grater. This is part of our roommate pact.”

                She grips my hand tighter, her green eyes glowing with stark seriousness. “I solemnly swear to pummel you under all the aforementioned circumstances. As proof of our friendship and roommate solidarity.”

                “You’re a saint,” I say, then wrap a hand around her head and tug her close for a quick kiss on her forehead.

                And hello, sweet, sexy scent of Josie. What is this delicious smell? Is it . . . oh fuck me.Cherries. My God, she smells like cherries. Like the perfect summer fruit. Like the naughtiest fruit. And I’ve got to wonder if that cherry scent is her face lotion, her shampoo, or her body wash?

                Body wash.

                My mind is adrift, and the word association begins. Because what goes with body wash but nudity?

                Naked woman in the shower. Washing. Lathering. Soaping.

                Ah, hell.

                Snap the fuck out it, Summers.

 

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Add it to Goodreads here!

 

 

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And don’t miss Lauren Blakely’s other standalone Romantic Comedies!

BIG ROCK
MISTER O
WELL HUNG

 

 

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Giveaway

Josie and Chase put together some of their favorite things just for you to celebrate the release of FULL PACKAGE!

 The FULL PACKAGE is filled with:

    $50 Gift Card to Lush: Fresh Handmade Cosmetics for fruity scented bath products that Chase loves so much.

       $50 Gift Card to Sugarfina:  A Luxury Candy Boutique where you can sample some of Josie’s favorite gourmet candy.

       A lovely Coach Wristlet containing a $50 Amazon Gift Card for you to spend on whatever your heart desires.

       And last but not least, my entire Audiobook Collection minus Full Package on Audible.  It is aurally delicious!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

http://laurenblakely.com/full-package-giveaway/

 

About the Author

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Since self-publishing her debut romance novel CAUGHT UP IN US over three years ago, Lauren Blakely has sold more than 1.5 million books. She is known for her sexy contemporary romance style that’s full of heat, heart and humor. A devout fan of cake and canines, Lauren has plotted entire novels while walking her four-legged friends. She lives in California with her family. With thirteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than seventy times. Her bestselling series include Sinful Nights, Seductive Nights, No Regrets, Caught Up in Love, and Fighting Fire as well as standalone hit romances like BIG ROCK, MISTER O, WELL HUNG, and THE SEXY ONE which were all instant New York Times Bestsellers. In January she’ll release FULL PACKAGE, a standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter.

 

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

 

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Duo Review – Franco by Kim Holden

Franco Genovese is the drummer for world renowned American rock band, Rook. He’s got it all. A killer smile. Tattoos. Talent. Razor sharp wit and humor. And a heart as big, and generous, as they come.
Life is good. Steady. Uncomplicated. Just the way he likes things.
Until one night at an unassuming L.A. bar changes everything.
Enter Gemma Hendricks.
She’s a successful young architect from Northern England with an adorable smile, sarcasm for days, and an unparalleled trusting heart.
The attraction is instant.
So is their friendship.
It’s also temporary because they’ll both be heading home, thousands of miles apart from each other, in a few days.
Or is it?
There’s something Gemma wants more than anything else.
And when Franco propositions her to provide what she’s looking for, everything changes.
Will it transform friendship into love, or will it be their ruin?
Note from the author: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is recommended for mature audiences.

 

 Buy Franco today at Amazon Also Available on Kindle Unlimited

 

BFF A & BFF K – DUO REVIEW of Franco

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BFF A’s Review

Bright Side breaks your heart.

Gus heals your soul.

Franco makes you smile.

I love Franco so much!  Meeting him in Bright Side and Gus, I knew a little bit about him, but I have a whole new appreciation for him now.  He and Gus have an amazing friendship.  Seriously, they are the relationship everyone needs to have with at least one person in their life. Unconditional, no questions, laugh, cry, shenanigan creating friend. #goals  #dudebestfriends

Franco meets Gemma.  I like her right away and know she is my kind of girl because she doesn’t like beans and guacamole. (I know, seems really weird from a taco loving person.) She is an independent girl who knows exactly what she wants and has a plan in place that fits her style, life and timeline.  Gemma and Franco fit perfectly together.  They are real, they are a perfect compliment to one another.

“There are some people in life that you can vent to, or pour out sadness to, or voice frustrations to, and they readily and willingly absorb it for the sole purpose of ridding you of it.  They’re the same people who can immediately replace that negativity with their light. Their presence gives you the power to purge the bad and embrace the good.  It’s rare.  I’ve only known a few people in my life who are that way.”

Franco is unconditional in all of his relationships, he is so easy to love, to want what is best for him, because he is always puts others first.

“I’m just going to hold her because sometimes touch is the only way to tell someone that you care unconditionally.  It doesn’t require complemented, deep explanation- it only requires effort.  Effort is who I am, I can give her effort all night long.”

Seriously, how can you not love a guy like this?

And this is the absolute truth, favorite words spoken by Franco, a perfect summary to the entire series.

“We all have issues and we all do our best to overcome them.  Hold close the peeps you love while you’re going through your shit, that’s all any of us can do.”

Kim Holden does not disappoint.  She has such a magical way of making everything seem right in the world, even when your heart is breaking, you feel her love and support through Kate, Gus and definitely Franco. This is such a perfect ending to such a soul touching series.  It makes me smile.

 

BFF K’s Review

This is one of those books that you just want to read with your BFF, so you can text/talk to each other as soon as it’s over (See the Instagram post below.)

There’s still time for you to add one more book boyfriend to your 2016 list, and Franco is the one!!!

 

All of the characters in Franco are so calm and reasonable. They must all have major $$$ invested in therapy, and it’s such a wonderful, inspiring, refreshing, change from sometimes needless character dramas. This whole crew is a perfectly-imperfect cast of rational, well-adjusted, thoughtful, kind, caring, people. And to really blow your mind, they’re mostly men!

 

Franco is like the cherry on top of the Bright Side Sundae. (If sundaes made you cry.) It is so good to see Gus doing so well in this book. After the heartbreak for Gus (and everyone else) in Bright Side, it’s heart-warming to see Gus not just surviving, but thriving. And the relationship he has with Franco is something else! #SquadGoals #DecoratingWithDouchebags #FrancoCrush

 

Gemma meets Franco in a bar in LA and there is an instant connection. While the connection is partly physical, it’s predominantly a friendship born of affection and a shared sense of humor and snark.  She’s facing some tough, emotional stuff, but it doesn’t change who she is at the core. And, the fact that she loves Edward Cullen just sealed the deal for me. #AlwaysandForever #Sparkly

 

But, the very best of the part of the book is Franco and Gemma together. They are sweet and kind and funny and crazy-in-love and perfect for each other. God bless the wankers.
 

 

I’m sad to see the Bright Side world come to an end, but it is an incredibly satisfying conclusion. While I believe that you will most enjoy this book if you’ve read Bright Side and Gus, I think the quality of the writing and the relationships will allow this book stand on its own.

 

Join us in the J.O.G Club – Jealous of Gemma or Jealous of Gus. You will all want Franco to be your BF or BFF!

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AND – there’s an awesome shout-out to a couple of our FAVORITE Colleen Hoover characters!

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Advance copies of this book were received from the author. Receipt of these copies did not impact the content or independence of these reviews.

 

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About the Author

I (Kim Holden) live in the greatest city in the world: Denver, Colorado. Some of my favorite things: reading, writing, the two coolest guys on the planet (my husband and son), my bicycle, Facebook, iced coffee, and music. I also love dreaming. And speaking of dreaming, I have a bit of advice for anyone reading this … follow your dreams. It’s never too late. Get started today … heck get started RIGHT NOW! Make your dreams reality.
I love to hear from fellow readers. Love. It. Please come find me. We’ll hang out. It’ll be fun:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KimHoldenAuthor
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7445352.Kim_Holden
My Website https://kimholdenbooks.com

Audiobook Review – First & Goal: Queen of the League by Laura Chapman

 

When Harper Duquaine’s no-nonsense approach to work unintentionally ruffles the wrong feathers at her new job, she joins her co-workers’ fantasy football league to prove she can hang with the guys. Only problem: she doesn’t know a sleeper from a keeper (or any of the other lingo thrown her way).

Embroiled in a world of lineups, stats, and trades, Harper’s quest to make nice topples when her competitive streak emerges. And her promise to herself that she’ll be a strong, independent woman and leave the drama and heartache behind is seriously tested when she catches the attention of her two biggest competitors: J.J., a local celebrity determined to win a fantasy championship, and Brook, the mild-mannered coach who seems too good to be true. Both threaten her resolve to remain single… and, more importantly, her chances at winning the prize pool.

With a slew of conflicting advice in her real and fantasy worlds, Harper must figure out how to play the game and come out a winner.

Amazon Kindle     Amazon Paperback     Audible     iBooks

 

BFF K’s Review of First & Goal: Queen of the League

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I loved this book! I was fortunate to receive a code for the audiobook version. And I was delighted and charmed from the beginning to the end.

Harper is positively irresistible! She is smart, hard-working, sassy, quirky, and absolutely hilarious. (Though I’m not sure she always intends to be so funny.) In an attempt to win over some of her coworkers and distract them from her super-organized, workaholic tendencies; she spontaneously agrees to join their fantasy football league. The trials and tribulations of her weekly fantasy match-ups are comical!

 

With the new league, her social circle expands significantly. Enter Brook. Multi-time league champion, high school football coach, and hunky, sweet, specimen-of-a-man; Brook is a dream! And Brooke and Harper soon find themselves in a budding relationship that exists both inside and outside of the league.

 

This book made me laugh out loud. There were several parts that had me in tears – and not the sad kind. First & Goal: Queen of the League is smart, sassy, funny and romantic. The book is set in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was so much fun reading about characters in a setting that I know so well. Lincoln is a sports town, especially for football. And it provided the perfect backdrop for this story. The football parts of the story are smartly written but can be enjoyed by a football pro or rookie. And, if you or anyone you know has ever participated in Fantasy Football, you will really get a kick out of this!

 

First & Goal: Queen of the League is one of my favorite books from this year. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire thing from start to finish. If you are looking for a sports romance, with great characters and LOL-moments, this one will definitely deliver.

 

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An advance copy of this book was received from the author via Audiobook Boom. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review.
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Amazon Kindle Preview

About the Author

Laura Chapman is the author of First & Goal, Going for Two, Three & Out, and The Marrying Type. A native Nebraskan, she loves football, Netflix marathons, and her cats, Jane and Bingley. Connect with her online on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube and on her website at www.laurachapmanbooks.com.

 

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Audiobook Review – Jed Had to Die by Tara Sivec

 

The happiest day of Payton Lambert’s life was the day she graduated high school and watched Bald Knob, Kentucky, get smaller and smaller in her rearview mirror. She wanted more for her life than a tiny town where everyone knows your business and you can’t find a decent cup of coffee for at least 40 miles. Twelve years later an unexpected phone call in the middle of the night has her packing up her life in Chicago and racing back home to the one person she ever regretted leaving behind.

Upon her return she sees that Leo Hudson, the scrawny boy who had followed Payton around like a puppy and could recite cow insemination facts in his sleep, is long gone. Leo is still hot on her heels, but now he’s wearing a sheriff badge and dead set on solving a murder that may or may not involve Payton, along with half the town. In a town where the biggest crime happened the day someone kicked a few of his cows, people are pointing fingers, rumors are spreading like wildfire, and Payton swears she’s only making out with the sweet-talking, studly sheriff to distract him from the secrets she’s keeping.

When you’ve been tased, peed on by a yippy dog named Bo Jangles, and can’t stop picturing what Sheriff Hudson looks like naked, it will be a tough job making everyone agree that Jed had to die.

 

Audible        Amazon Kindle        Amazon Paperback

 

BFF K’s Review of Jed Had To Die

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I LOVE Jed Had to Die so much! It is clever, unique, sarcastic and LOL-funny! And I don’t use LOL as a throw-away-term, this book honestly had me laughing so long and so loud that I would have to stop and rewind the audio!

When Payton Lambert comes to the aid of her childhood BFF Emma Jo, that means stepping back into the town she’s been avoiding for YEARS. It seems Emma Jo has been in a horrible marriage. Payton had no idea, but will now do everything in her power to make sure that it is over. The two have a heart-warming friendship. Then there’s super-sweet and swoony Leo….he’s charming and delightful. Bald Knob is full of quirky and kooky characters. They can judge their own folks, but you’d better not! They are a devoted bunch who come together to stand by one another.

I have long loved the Dixie Chicks song, Earl Had to Die. Imagine the premise behind that song (below in case you can’t remember) expanded to include full characters, backstory, a new romance and a little mystery. You’ll be humming this chorus for days, but soon find that “Jed” replaces “Earl”!

I think everyone needs bits of this story in their own lives: a friendship like Payton and Emma Jo, a love like Leo, a town like Bald Knob and a little Liquid Crack! If you want a story that is absolutely hilarious, engaging and delightful, Jed Had to Die is PERFECTION!

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This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review.

 

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Earl Had to Die by the Dixie Chicks

(In case, like me, you’ve forgotten how truly awesome this is!)

About the Author

Tara Sivec is a USA Today best-selling author, wife, mother, chauffeur, maid, short-order cook, baby-sitter, and sarcasm expert. She lives in Ohio with her husband and two children and looks forward to the day when all three of them become adults and move out.

After working in the brokerage business for fourteen years, Tara decided to pick up a pen and write instead of shoving it in her eye out of boredom. She writes in a wide range of genres including Romantic Comedy, Romantic Comedy/Mystery, Romantic Suspense, New Adult Drama, Contemporary Romance and Psychological Thriller. Her novel Seduction and Snacks won first place in the Indie Romance Convention Reader’s Choice Awards 2013 for Best Indie First Book and she was voted Best Indie Author in the Indie Romance Convention Reader’s Choice Awards 2014.

In her spare time, Tara loves to dream about all of the baking she’ll do and naps she’ll take when she ever gets spare time.

 

Review – TWO New Riley O’Brien & Co. Novellas by Jenna Sutton

Two All New, Sexy Riley O’Brien & Co. Novellas

Check out the BFF Book Blog Exclusive Guest Post

A KICK IN THE PANTS
A Riley O’Brien & Co. Novella
Jenna Sutton
Released Nov 15th, 2016


Jake Lilliard has always been a gambling man. So far, all the risks he’s taken — like moving to San Francisco and joining Riley O’Brien & Co. — have paid off. Now he’s ready to take the biggest risk of all: acting on his feelings for Kyla Andrews. As a trainee in his department, she’s off limits. But as soon as Kyla moves on to another job, he is going to make her his. He’s waited long enough…
 
When tragedy struck Kyla’s family years ago, she started playing it safe. She doesn’t take risks with her job or her heart, and she refuses to be a cliché – the foolish woman who falls for her sexy boss. Yet Jake is everything she has ever wanted, and it’s impossible to resist him and his enticing kisses.  
Just when it seems that the gamble they took will pay off, Jake’s past threatens his future with Kyla. He knows lady luck is fickle, but she’s always had a soft spot for him. He’s hoping she won’t turn her back on him when he needs her the most…


WILL NEVER FADE
A Riley O’Brien & Co. Novella
Jenna Sutton
Releasing Dec 13th, 2016

 

For Phoebe Werner, the management trainee program at Riley O’Brien & Co. represents a new beginning. She’s finally healthy, and she is trying to enjoy life while she can. She never expects to run into Garrett Gale at a New Year’s Eve party. The handsome hotelier is the only man she wants… and a reminder of what she can never have.
Years ago, Garrett enjoyed one memorable night with Phoebe after months of fantasizing about her. And then, she disappeared. She ignored his efforts to contact her, and he did his best to forget her. Now fate has brought her back into his life and his bed. But who knows how long she’ll stay there?
With Phoebe’s fears threatening to ruin their chance at happiness, Garrett must convince her that they’re meant to be. He can’t let Phoebe walk away with his heart again.

BFF K Reviews for A Kick in the Pants & Will Never Fade

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The only thing wrong with these two new Riley O’Brien & Company Novellas is that they’re too short! So much goodness packed into two, great, little stories. This is a must-read series and the novellas are a big part of that!

A Kick in the Pants

Jake is Kyla’s boss and he is literally counting down the hours until that’s no longer true. Because he can’t stop thinking about her and definitely not in the “boss/employee” way! There is delicious tension as they each try to deny their attraction for the other. When they finally come together bits from their past threaten their happiness and the new relationship. They will have to determine if their love is able to overcome their fears.

Jake and Kyla are a delicious and delightful couple. They’re hard-working, honorable, sweet and sexy. Jenna Sutton just keeps delivering great characters and engaging storylines. I desperately want to go to work for Riley O’Brien and Company, because I want to be friends with this terrific cast!

 

Will Never Fade

This is a captivating, second-chance tale that delivers butterflies and romance from the first chapter through the epilogue. Garrett and Phoebe were thick as thieves in college. They shared classes, projects, plans and so much more. Their one steamy night ends abruptly with no more contact. But, when they bump into one another unexpectedly in a new town and a new social circle, the same old attraction comes rushing right back.

They both search for ways to re-establish their relationship and determine what their connection means for each other and their respective futures. You’ll swoon over Garrett’s thoughts and actions. At the same time, your heart will seize from Phoebe’s selfless love for Garrett.

Jenna Sutton has accomplished what is next to impossible, making a novella feel as complete and fulfilling as a full-length novel. It is full of fear, trepidation, hope, commitment and love. Will Never Fade is like receiving jewelry on a special holiday, the box may be small, but what’s inside can be sparkly and fabulous!

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Though the Riley O’Brien & Company novellas are not technically holiday themed stories, I think they’re the perfect reads for the holiday season. When life is hectic and busy, these stories offer a ton of bang for the buck. You get a great story and terrific characters in a shorter story that won’t take you too much time to read. This is a great escape from real-life stress and chaos!

If you haven’t picked up Jenna Sutton’s Riley O’Brien & Company Series yet, you absolutely need to check out this series. Every installment whether long or short is packed full of great characters, heart-felt emotion, solid storytelling, some good steam and lots of pleasing romance! All of the full-length books and novellas in the Riley O’Brien series can be read as stand-alones.

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This book received a 4.5 Rating on BFF Book Blog. An advance copy was received. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review.

Excerpt from Will Never Fade

Garrett picked up his fork, but instead of eating off his own plate, he stabbed a piece of chicken off hers. As he brought it to his mouth, she kicked him under the table, not hard, just a tap. 

“If you wanted chicken tagine,” she groused, “you should have ordered it.”

Although his mouth was busy chewing, she could tell he wanted to smile. This was their old routine—him eating off her plate, her chastising him, and him offering little tidbits of his meal to repay her.  

Switching his fork for a spoon, he scooped some stew from the orange bowl in front of him and held it up to her mouth. She opened with no hesitation, the whole situation as comfortable and familiar as her favorite flannel nightgown.

He spooned the food into her mouth. As she chewed the flavorful combination of tender beef, kalamata olives, raisins, and garbanzo beans, she got hints of cinnamon and cumin and a little kick of lemon.

“Oh, that’s good,” she murmured, licking her lips. “Give me another bite.”

He didn’t give her what she wanted. Instead, his eyes dropped to her mouth and stayed there for several heartbeats. She watched as his pupils expanded and his irises darkened from bright turquoise to deep teal.

She had seen that look in his eyes before, but she hadn’t recognized it for what it was. She did now. 

Suddenly the situation was no longer comfortable. And neither was the ache between her thighs. Feeling a syrupy trickle of arousal into her panties, she silently cursed herself and shifted on the banquette seat. 

She’d known it would be impossible for them to go back to the way things used to be. They had opened Pandora’s Box that night. Or, to be more accurate, they had opened Phoebe’s box.

They’d released a powerful force into their friendship—desire. And that desire simmered beneath the surface like a dormant volcano just waiting to erupt.

Giveaway

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About the Author

Jenna Sutton is a former award-winning journalist who traded fact for fiction when she began writing novels. Surprisingly, the research she conducted for her articles provided a lot of inspiration for her books.

Jenna is the author of the Riley O’Brien & Co. romances. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Texas Christian University and a Master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Northwestern University.

Jenna and her husband live in Texas in a 105-year-old house affectionately known as “The Money Pit”. You can find out more about her and her books by visiting www.jennasutton.com

 

 

 

Review – Someone Like You by Lauren Layne

A man who’s living a lie—until his dream woman takes away the pain.

 

SOMEONE LIKE YOU

Oxford #3

Lauren Layne

Releasing Dec 6th, 2016

Loveswept

 

Lauren Layne’s bestselling Oxford Series continues with the poignant, heartwarming story of New York’s most eligible bachelor, Lincoln Mathis, a man who’s living a lie—until his dream woman takes away the pain.

Lincoln Mathis doesn’t hide his reputation as Manhattan’s ultimate playboy. In fact, he cultivates it. But behind every flirtatious smile, each provocative quip, there’s a secret that Lincoln’s hiding from even his closest friends—a tragedy from his past that holds his heart quietly captive. Lincoln knows what he wants: someone like Daisy Sinclair, the sassy, off-limits bridesmaid he can’t take his eyes off at his best friend’s wedding. He also knows that she’s everything he can never have.

After a devastating divorce, Daisy doesn’t need anyone to warn her off the charming best man at her sister’s wedding. One look at the breathtakingly hot Lincoln Mathis and she knows that he’s exactly the type of man she should avoid. But when Daisy stumbles upon Lincoln’s secret, she realizes there’s more to the charming playboy than meets the eye. And suddenly Daisy and Lincoln find their lives helplessly entwined in a journey that will either heal their damaged souls . . . or destroy them forever.

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BFF K’s Review of Someone Like You

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Since the first book in the Oxford Series, I have been drawn to Lincoln Mathis. He has been an enigma. The ladies man with a heart of gold, just a little too polished and a little too perfect. Lincoln seemed to romance half of Manhattan, but that character never quite meshed with the wonderful person who created deep and meaningful relationships with his charming group of friends.

Enter Daisy Sinclair (twin sister of Emma and new sister-in-law of Cassidy, Lincoln’s boss.) Lincoln and Daisy meet serving as Best Man and Maid of Honor at the wedding and their connection is instant but not romantic. As the backstories of both characters are revealed, your heart will break for them. But, the way they heal themselves and each other is what makes this book a wonderful read. The first moment they ALMOST give into their attraction is one of the hottest no-sex-sexy-scenes I’ve read. But, don’t worry, there’s plenty of steam!

There is angst and tears, but also hope and sweetness and romance and love. It is all wrapped up in this wonderful group of “friends as family.” Lincoln and Daisy are one of my most favorite couples in the series. I’m not ready to say goodbye, so I’m glad that Lauren Layne has announced one more book in the Oxford Series. I have read all of them and highly recommend them (as I do everything by Lauren Layne) BUT you don’t need to read the other books in the series to thoroughly enjoy Lincoln and Daisy’s love story.

Someone Like You is a solid, sweet, romance with terrific characters and all the feels. You definitely want to add this book (the whole series really) to your TBR today! Lincoln and Daisy’s story was worth the wait!

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An advance copy of this book was received. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review.

Giveaway

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Advance praise for Someone Like You

“Fun and flirty, sassy and steamy, with a deep emotional pull that will keep you turning the pages.”—Kelly Jamieson, author of Top Shelf

“An unsung hero with a story that touched my heart. Emotional and gripping. A top favorite of 2016 for me.”New York Times bestselling author Melanie Moreland

About the Author

Lauren Layne is the USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen romantic comedies. She lives in New York City with her husband (who was her high school sweetheart–cute, right?!) and plus-sized Pomeranian.In 2011, she ditched her corporate career in Seattle to pursue a full-time writing career in Manhattan, and never looked back.In her ideal world, every stiletto-wearing, Kate Spade wielding woman would carry a Kindle stocked with Lauren Layne books.For a list of all her works, please be sure to check out her official website!

Author Links:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

 

Review – Managed by Kristen Callihan

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managed-amazonIt started off as a battle of wits. Me: the ordinary girl with a big mouth against Him: the sexy bastard with a big…ego.

I thought I’d hit the jackpot when I was upgraded to first class on my flight to London.

That is until HE sat down next to me. Gabriel Scott: handsome as sin, cold as ice. Nothing and no one gets to him. Ever. He’s a legend in his own right, the manager of the biggest rock band in the world, and an arrogant ass who looks down his nose at me.

I thought I’d give him hell for one, long flight. I didn’t expect to like him. I didn’t expect to want him. But the biggest surprise? He wants me too. Only in a way I didn’t see coming.

If I accept his proposal, I leave myself open to falling for the one man I can’t manage. But I’m tempted to say yes. Because the real man beneath those perfect suits and that cool façade just might be the best thing that’s ever happened to me. And I just might be the only one who can melt the ice around his heart.

 

Let the battle begin…

 

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BFF K’s Review of Managed

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Managed is the story of a buttoned-up, controlled, self-possessed man who comes completely unraveled by the love of a good woman. This opposites attract tale, set in the world of rock-and-roll, will leave you begging for more! I just turned off the Kindle and I’m already craving more from the guys who make up Kill John, the hottest rock band around.

But, in a sweet twist, this book isn’t about one of the on-stage Heroes, no, this is the story of their manager. Gabriel Scott has his hands full managing the world’s most popular band. He lords over his domain and everyone in it with an iron-will. When he meets Sophie Darling on a plane, his whole world starts to shift. Suddenly, nothing seems to matter but her. There are shadows in Sophie’s past, but the light is shined on those fairly early. Managed is full of the most delicious angst. The love story for Gabriel and Sophie is a slow burn that explodes with intensity and passion.

I really, really, love these characters. Kristen Callihan has created the fantastic world that rotates around Kill John. Each of the characters has a distinctive point-of-view and role to play in the stories. Their bonds with one another add depth and color to book. But, the coming books will have to work hard to live up to the love story of Scottie and Sophie. If you’re looking for a great read, check out this well-developed, opposites attract, rock-and-role love story. You won’t be sorry for one-clicking this chart topper!

 

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An advance copy of this book was received. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review.

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Excerpt

In all this time, I had yet to see Gabriel without a shirt. He hides his body like a pious Victorian, never letting me see anything other than him fully dressed and polished. Now I know why. Had he let me get a glimpse, I might never have been able to form a coherent thought around him.

This man’s chest is a work of art. It’s every fantasy I’ve had about a man’s body made real. I don’t even know how that’s possible, but I’m not about to complain. God, he looks touchable. Olive skin, tight little brownish nipples, a smattering of dark chest hair over the most incredibly honed—

“You’re staring.” His tone is dry.

“Yes, I am.” I drag my eyes up and find his expression bemused.

A thick brow lifts. I try to mimic the look and fail when both of my brows lift as one. His lips twitch in amusement.

He shifts his weight, causing his abs to clench. Good Lord. He’s not some overdeveloped gym worshiper, just solid and strong, that perfect balance between defined musculature and healthy male—

“You’re still staring, Sophie.”

“You think it’s easy looking away from all this splendor?” I ask his belly button, licking my lips when he huffs out a laugh and just a little bit more of his lower abs are revealed, slanting toward the thick bulge of his cock, which is lamentably hidden behind his slacks.

“You’re impossible,” he mutters, though there is humor in his voice. He strolls farther into the room and then practically kills me when he sits in one of the low-slung armchairs. That body, sprawled out on display, those thick, long thighs braced as if to take me in his lap—it’s too much.

I want to straddle him and lick my way from the hollow of his throat to the tip of his cock.

He eyes me as if he knows what I’m thinking, and the air thickens. So many things we left unsaid. I’m remembering his lips now, surprisingly soft, but strong with purpose.

From the way his lids lower, I wonder if he’s remembering things as well. But he doesn’t move. Tension glides over his body and snakes around the room. I feel it in my throat and down my spine. We’re closing up again, retreating.

Slowly, I toe off my shoes and set my gear down, never breaking eye contact. “I was being completely honest,” I tell him. “I see you like this and I want to stare forever.”

He snorts, shaking his head even as he rests his temple on his knuckles. “What do you mean ‘like this’?”

“Undone.”

He tenses. It does lovely things to that chest. I focus on his face, mainly to maintain some semblance of decorum.

“You think this is me undone?” he asks quietly.

“It’s a start.” I reach for my camera bag. “Will you let me photograph you?”

There is safety to be found with the camera between us. A way for both of us to hide until we’re comfortable around each other again.

“You’re serious?”

“You sound surprised.” Holding my camera, I sit in the sofa opposite him. “Don’t tell me no one has asked to take your picture before.”

“They’ve asked. I never saw the point.” He shrugs. “I’m not the story.”

You’re my story. You always were.

“This is just for me,” I say instead. “No one else.”

His shrewd gaze pins me. “Why do you want this?”

So I can have a bit of you forever. “Pictures capture moments in time. I want this one—when you finally let me see a sliver of the man behind the clothes.”

His nostrils flare on an indrawn breath, and he slowly lets it out. When he speaks, his voice is a rasp. “Take the pictures.”

 

 

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About the Author

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Kristen Callihan is an author because there is nothing else she’d rather be. She is a three-time RITA nominee and winner of two RT Reviewer’s Choice awards. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly and the Library Journal, as well as being awarded top picks by many reviewers. Her debut book FIRELIGHT received RT Magazine’s Seal of Excellence, was named a best book of the year by Library Journal , best book of Spring 2012 by Publisher’s Weekly, and was named the best romance book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she is not writing, she is reading.

WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / TWITTER / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Review – Serenading the Shadows by Jodie Larson

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No one should have their life planned out at the age of three. Yet that’s exactly what happened to Adrienne Carmichael. Paving the way as the “piano prodigy” was all her parents wanted…

Only she didn’t.

All she wished for was to be normal, to be a regular teenager and everything that came with it – including the decisions that would shape her life.

Wish granted.

Ten years later, scarred and broken, she knows that being alone isn’t everything she imagined. The piano is finally everything, except nobody will ever hear her play again. All that changes when a sexy-as-sin rock god blows into her life. Tall and tattooed with jet-black hair and a dangerous bad-boy smile…he’s every girl’s fantasy.

To her, he’s a distraction, yet Kade Evans is everything she shouldn’t want. Instinct tells her to run, but she can’t get him out of her mind.

But maybe, just maybe, he can be the one to pull her from the shadows before the darkness swallows her…for good.

Get Your Copy Today

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BFF K’s Review of Serenading the Shadows

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Adrienne has been living, but not truly alive. Since the tragedy that rocked her world, she’s barely been functioning. All of that changes when her path crosses with Kade Evans, rock god. She is carefully drawn out of the corners she’s been cowering in. And, Kade is….well Kade is one of the best book boyfriends ever: sweet, kind, compassionate, thoughtful, loving, patient, hot as hell! You’ll absolutely fall in love with him right along with Adrienne.

Jodie Larson delivers a series of sweet and touching scenes that will draw you in and invest you in these characters and their stories. There is a terrific cast of supporting characters. Adrienne has a BFF, Quinn, that I absolutely adore! She’s one of those supporting characters that reminds you of all of the best qualities in your own BFF’s. She’s supportive and fun, but delivers the honesty and tough love that only a bestie can!

Kade Evans is a rockstar, it’s how he makes his living, but I really don’t think of this as a rocker romance. Serenading the Shadows is really Adrienne’s story. This is the story of her fight for life and love. And, this is one battle that you definitely don’t want to miss!

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An advance copy of this book was received. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review.

 

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Giveaway

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 About the Author

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Jodie Larson is a wife and mother to four beautiful girls, making their home in northern Minnesota along the shore of Lake Superior. When she isn’t running around to various activities or working her regular job, you can find her sitting in her favorite spot reading her new favorite book or camped out somewhere quiet trying to write her next manuscript. She’s addicted to reading (just ask her kids or husband) and loves talking books even more so with her friends. She’s also a lover of all things romance and happily ever afters, whether in movies or in books, as shown in her extensive collection of both.

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Other books written by Jodie Larson:

Fated to be Yours

Fated to be Mine

Lessons of the Heart

 

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Review – The Lost Codex by Heather Lyons

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THE LOST CODEX by Heather Lyons

(The Collectors’ Society, #4)

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Amazon US | Amazon UK | iBooks

 

Allies, once inseparable, splinter until they break apart.

An insidiousness carves its way through Wonderland, challenging the land’s very existence.

Battle lines will be drawn as pages, long languishing in darkness, are finally illuminated.

Swords will clash, blood will be spilled, and lives will be lost.

For what is written can still be erased.

 

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BFF K’s Review of The Lost Codex

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I just finished reading The Lost Codex. This book left my head and my heart in a tangled mess. I’m so in love with this series. I’m so happy with the way it has ended, but I’m so, so sad that it is over.

Heather Lyons is an absolute master of words and characters and stories. This series is so rich and complex that I don’t even know where to begin in describing my affection. The book, really the entire series, is the best of all the reasons I read books:

1. The premise…our favorite characters live on both inside and beyond the stories where they’re created. Yes. I want to believe this happens.

2. The complex storyline. Characters from many stories band together to save one another. And, epic battles ensue where our heroes and heroines show their truest colors of bravery, loyalty and love.

3. The characters are so fantastic that I feel physical tugs and pulls on my heart just thinking about them. And not just the main characters, but all of the characters in the stories.

4. Alice. Heather Lyons’ version of Alice Liddell is my most favorite heroine in any story I’ve ever read. There will never be another Alice. She is flawed and perfect, needy and compassionate, distressed and heroic, fearful and brave. Alice is in a class of heroines all her own.

5. The Romance. Alice and Finn are….everything. perfect. perfect for each other. the epic romance that spans time and all improbabilities for loves to find each another. The love of Alice and Finn is the definition of Romance.

In The Lost Codex, Alice tells Finn, “Somebody ought to write a story about Alice Liddell and Huckleberry Finn falling in love and spending their lives together. It would be my favorite.”

Mine too, Alice, mine too.

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                                          (Because I’m so sad this series is over.)

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An advance copy of this book was received from the author. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review.

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PURCHASE NOW

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PURCHASE PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES

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THE COLLECTORS’ SOCIETY Buy Links:

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THE HIDDEN LIBRARY Buy Links:

Amazon US | Amazon UK | iBooks | Kobo | Nook

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THE FORGOTTEN MOUNTAIN Buy Links:

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Kobo | Nook

 

About the Author

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Heather Lyons is known for writing epic, heartfelt love stories often with a fantastical twist. From Young Adult to New Adult to Adult novels—one commonality in all her books is the touching, and sometimes heart-wrenching, romance. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. She and her husband and children live in sunny Southern California and are currently working their way through every cupcakery she can find.

AUTHOR LINKS:

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