2017 Besties

 

What a year 2017 has been! It was an amazing year in my book life and my real life! I’m so grateful to all of the authors who filled my days (and lets be honest mostly my nights) with incredible stories and fabulous characters! And, I’m thankful to my book friends who share new authors, rave about great stories and talk with me about fictional people as though they were real. What an incredible community to be a part of, thank you for your love of books and authors and for following BFF Book Blog! Without further ado, I present my 2017 Besties…..

 

#1 Dating-ish by Penny Reid


Unique, thought-provoking, fun!

 

#2 Autoboyography by Christina Lauren


This should be required reading for all humans.

 

#3 Cake: A Love Story Series by J. Bengtsson

This is a fantastic series from a terrific new author!

 

#4 Royally Matched by Emma Chase

This story has everything I look for in a romance, it’s perfection!

 

#5 The Year of Amy Daws

In 2017, I read and/or listened to almost every book that Amy Daws has written and she rocketed to the top of my must-read author list! Her Harris Brothers series is Sports Romance Gold and her London Lovers series was a primer for my trip to London in March. I love following her on Facebook, she’s fun and funny and her books always deliver the heart and the humor that I love. Devouring her stories was a highlight to my 2017!

 

#6 Devil’s Cut by J.R. Ward

This book was the whipped cream and cherry on top of the Bourbon Kings Sundae and it was the perfect way to finish my beloved series. I’m holding out hopes for the TV Series!

 

#7 The Difference Between Us by Rachel Higginson

I haven’t had a chance to write my reviews for this series yet, but I adored this book. It was sweet and funny, angsty and smart. The heroine experiences sexual harassment in the workplace and the timing of the story and current events was impeccable!

 

#8 Defiant Queen by Meghan March

The Mount Trilogy is absolutely stunning. It’s full of twists and turns and all kinds of awesomeness. Book #2, Defiant Queen was my favorite in the trilogy. It’s full of great settings, terrific characters and tons of action. This whole series is a must-read!

 

#9 Wild For You by Daisy Prescott

Daisy Prescott always delivers solid stories and engaging characters, but Wild For You is exceptional! It’s emotional and heart-warming! I think it’s one of 2017’s hidden gems!

 

#10 Egomaniac by Vi Keeland

This is one of my most recommended books in 2017! It’s fun and funny and a tiny bit tear-jerking!

 

That’s the Top 10, but it doesn’t feel quite complete, so I present the…..

2017 Besties Honorable Mention List

Buns by Alice Clayton

Champagne and Forever by Andrea Johnston

Walk of Shame by Lauren Layne

Hooking Up by Helena Hunting

King of Code by CD Reiss

The Contract by Melanie Moorland

Glitterland by Alexis Hall

The Player and The Catch by K Bromberg

Secondborn by Amy A. Bartol

Barreled Over by Jenna Sutton

Show Me the Way by A.L. Jackson

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There have been lots of changes for the BFF Book Blog and I’m sure there will be more to come next year. Thank you for following the BFF Book Blog. Book Friends really are the Best Friends! I look forward to highlighting more amazing books in the coming year and here’s a sneak peak at what’s coming next year!

 

What I’m most looking forward to in 2018

The Matchmaker’s Playbook movie on PassionFlix (Rachel VanDyken cracks me up!)

More awesomeness from Meghan March

A new kind of story from Daisy Prescott

Forever My Girl by Heidi McLaughlin on the big screen

More sweet stories from Andrea Johnston

Fifty Shades Freed premiere in February

Book Number Four in the Cake Series by J Bengtsson

New books, new friends and new adventures

Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis

 

Review – Summer Break by Andrea Johnston

 

Title: Summer Break (Phoebe & Madsen Part 2)
Author: Andrea Johnston
Release Date: August 25, 2017
Cover Design: Uplifting Designs

I promised her we’d be more.

I promised I’d let her set the pace.

I keep my promises.

Phoebe Stromberg is the sun and moon to my day.
She sets my heart and soul on fire and not just between the sheets.
I’m determined to show her how great we can be and get one of the labels she refuses to admit I’ve earned – boyfriend.

Summer Break on a California beach with nothing but fun, sun, and orgasms should be plenty to prove just how great we can be.
A single email and an offer I can’t refuse threatens to make all my efforts pointless.

 

Summer Break: When boys become men and my girl admits we’re more.

 

 

Amazon

 

 

BFF K’s Review of Summer Break

 

The summer days are waning. But there is still time to enjoy one final taste of hot and spicy summer romance. Summer Break by Andrea Johnston is the perfect way to wrap up a delightful summer full of beach reads.
In Summer Break, we catch up with Madsen and Phoebe, who we met in Spring Break. They are ready to spend the last few weeks of their final summer after college together with their best friends, enjoying the sand and surf ala MTV summer Beach House. But their emotions and plans are much more complicated. Phoebe is still having trouble admitting the depths of her true feelings for Madsen. And Madsen is hopelessly head over heels in love but frustrated at her inability to commit to forever with him.
Summer Break is the perfect continuation to Madsen & Phoebe’s storyline. We see the progression of their relationship as both firm and tentative and as a reader you will desperately want them to figure it out and fix it forever. This novella is a sweet and steamy pallet cleanser that’s perfect after another for intense read. I highly recommend both Spring Break and Summer Break as delightfully charming and enjoyable, quick reads that will end way too soon. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this fun NA series! Pick up summer break for just $.99 or read it for free on Kindle unlimited. And, enjoy the fast sleeting days of summer.
An advance copy of this book was received. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review.

 

 

About the Author

Andrea Johnston spent her childhood with her nose in a book and a pen to paper. An avid people watcher, her mind is full of stories that yearn to be told. A fan of angsty romance with a happy ending, super sexy erotica and a good mystery, Andrea can always be found with her Kindle nearby fully charged.

Andrea lives in Idaho with her family and two dogs. When she isn’t spending time with her partner in crime aka her husband, she can be found binge watching all things Bravo and enjoying a cocktail. Nothing makes her happier than the laughter of her children, a good book, her feet in the water, and cocktail in hand all at the same time.

Follow Andrea

Website | Facebook | Reader Group | The Nerdy Little Book Herd | Instagram | Twitter | Amazon | Goodreads

 

 

 

 

Cover Reveal – Summer Break by Andrea Johnston

Title: Summer Break (Phoebe & Madsen Part 2)
Author: Andrea Johnston
Release Date: August 25, 2017
Cover Design: Uplifting Designs

I promised her we’d be more.

I promised I’d let her set the pace.

I keep my promises.

Phoebe Stromberg is the sun and moon to my day.
She sets my heart and soul on fire and not just between the sheets.
I’m determined to show her how great we can be and get one of the labels she refuses to admit I’ve earned – boyfriend.

Summer Break on a California beach with nothing but fun, sun, and orgasms should be plenty to prove just how great we can be.
A single email and an offer I can’t refuse threatens to make all my efforts pointless.

 

Summer Break: When boys become men and my girl admits we’re more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

Andrea Johnston spent her childhood with her nose in a book and a pen to paper. An avid people watcher, her mind is full of stories that yearn to be told. A fan of angsty romance with a happy ending, super sexy erotica and a good mystery, Andrea can always be found with her Kindle nearby fully charged.

Andrea lives in Idaho with her family and two dogs. When she isn’t spending time with her partner in crime aka her husband, she can be found binge watching all things Bravo and enjoying a cocktail. Nothing makes her happier than the laughter of her children, a good book, her feet in the water, and cocktail in hand all at the same time.

Follow Andrea

Website | Facebook | Reader Group | The Nerdy Little Book Herd | Instagram | Twitter | Amazon | Goodreads

 

 

 

 

Review – Martinis & Moonlight by Andrea Johnston

Today the BFF’s have the release day blitz for Martinis & Moonlight by Andrea Johnston! Check out the release day festivities and be sure to grab your copy today!

 

Title: Martinis & Moonlight

Author: Andrea Johnston

Genre: Contemporary Romance

 

Minnesota “Minnie” Walker has worked hard for the life she has – a close knit family, successful career, and long-term relationship. When a tragedy strikes, Minnie sacrifices everything to be there for her family. Never expecting a move to the small town of Lexington would change the course of her future, Minnie finds herself wondering if what she always thought was perfect is really what’s best for her … and her heart.

Owen Butler has lived in the town of Lexington his entire life. After years of feeling second best and wasting his time vying for the attention of his father, Owen has settled into an uncomplicated life. Not one to believe in happily ever after, he never expected the new woman in town to have him questioning everything he thought he wanted in life.

Together, under the rays of the moonlight, Owen and Minnie find themselves wondering what the future holds and if facing it together is worth the risk.

 

 

Martinis & Moonlight:

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BFF K’s Review of Martinis & Moonlight

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I must begin by confessing that I am a Beta reader for Andrea Johnston. I had a chance to read Minnie and Owen way before the rest of you get that pleasure! Believe me, this is not a book that romance lovers want to miss out on.
Minnie has stepped up to the plate! She has stepped in to fill a critical role in her family at her own personal expense. She is temporarily taking care of her two nieces. When she takes a job working for Jamison and his construction company she’s immediately welcomed into the Country Road gang and gets to know the whole crew. She and Owen are particularly drawn to each other and begin to spend time getting to know each other. They each like the other more than they should and the tension begins to pull them apart and push them together. You’ll soon come to love Minnie. She is kind and loyal, dedicated to her family, selfless, sweet, and incredibly endearing.
Owen is kind of an ass. He’s focused on his job and trying to build a satisfying and fulfilling life even though he’s carrying enough family baggage to hold anyone down. But, when he comes into Minnie’s orbit, he wants to shed the baggage and be the kind of man she needs and wants.
Their love story is fun and flirtatious, sweet and steamy and everything you want in a heart-felt, character-driven, small town romance. I can’t recommend Martinis and Moonlight enough and I firmly believe this is Andrea Johnston’s best work yet! You should definitely one-click this book today!

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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.

dual point of view

 

 

Check out the rest of the series!

Whiskey & Honey (A Country Road Novel Book 1)

Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Kobo | iBooks | B&N

Tequila & Tailgates (A Country Road Novel Book 2)

Amazon | Kobo | iBooks | Nook

 

 

Excerpt

This week has been particularly quiet in the office, and as much as I hate to admit it, I’d even take an encounter with Owen at this point. Yep, be careful what you wish for.

The door to the office opens and I sense him before I hear him. Maybe it’s that I smell him. Not smell in a gross way, but a way that is like some weird mating call. I’m sure there’s a name for that but I can’t think of it because there he is, walking toward me in a pair of khaki cargo shorts, a sleeveless T-shirt that, thanks to the sweat on his body, is clinging to his torso and chiseled chest, and a pair of sunglasses sitting atop his head. That smile I mentioned taking over his face as he gets closer to my desk has me quickly looking away in embarrassment. I know he can tell that he affects me. I know my tell-tale giveaway to embarrassment has completely taken over my arms, neck, and cheeks in a glorious shade of strawberry.

“Well, Miss Walker, fancy meeting you here.”

“Oh, hey.” I don’t take my eyes from my screen and very diligently read the same line over and over. Why does he make me nervous? I don’t get nervous.

“Here are some invoices for you and I signed off on the time cards for my crew.”

I finally lift my eyes from my screen to see Owen sitting in the chair in front of my desk, leaning back so he is rocking on the back two legs of the chair, with his arms crossed, and a smirk on his face. The same smirk he usually offers me before not so subtlety suggesting something flirtatious.

“Thanks. Checks will be ready Monday as usual. Was there anything else?”

“What’re your plans this weekend? Date with your boyfriend? Painting your nails with the squirt?”

Clicking the save icon on the spreadsheet I’m working on, I sit back in my seat, crossing my feet at the ankle while folding my arms, and contemplating how to answer this. He’s trying to get to know me and I promised myself I’d be open to new friendships. Owen Butler is a lot of things, and while I’m not sure he’s completely harmless, I doubt he’s much more than talk.

“No boyfriend,” I casually respond before whispering under my breath, “anymore.”

“What? Some schmuck let you go? What a loser.”

I snort out a laugh; I guess my whisper was louder than I thought. The more I’ve thought about my relationship with Kent, the more appropriate a word like “schmuck” is a perfect way to describe him. Boring, self-absorbed, career driven, and missionary style are also other ways.

“Well anyway, I’m actually going to just hang out this weekend. The girls are going with my parents and it’ll be the first time in weeks I’ve had time to myself. How about you? Got a date?”

Owen chokes on what I think was supposed to be a laugh, startling me a little while simultaneously sending a little shiver down my spine to my lady bits. His voice is deep and gravelly, as is his attempt to laugh, almost like he doesn’t do it very often and his vocal cords don’t know how to respond.

“Yeah, I don’t date. Hook up maybe, but dating indicates I’m interested in a relationship and that’s not the case.”

“I hear ya. A relationship is the last thing on my mind these days.”

We sit in silence for a few ticks before Owen clears his throat and rests his chair on all four feet. I follow suit by sitting up more in my chair and grabbing my mouse. A few clicks and Owen stands and then taps the top of my monitor.

“You should call the girls.”

I look up at him, slightly confused, but not before acknowledging the sweat has dried from his torso while his shirt still clings to his skin. He must notice my gaze has lingered a little longer than necessary because he offers me that smirk again.

“Sorry, the girls – Piper and Ashton. Me and the guys are heading to the lake for a little fishing so I’m sure they’re around.”

“Oh.” The realization of how much my life has changed in the last few months struck me; when he said “the girls,” I thought of my nieces. “Yeah, uh, maybe.”

“Well, all right then. Have a good weekend, Minnesota. See ya next week.”

I don’t bother asking Owen to not call me by my full name. I know he knows it’s not my preference. And honestly, for whatever reason, it doesn’t bother me when he says it. I would never tell him that, but it’s true.

 

Andrea’s Giveaway

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About the Author

Andrea Johnston spent her childhood with her nose in a book and a pen to paper. An avid people watcher, her mind is full of stories that yearn to be told.  A fan of angsty romance with a happy ending, super sexy erotica and a good mystery, Andrea can always be found with her Kindle nearby fully charged.

Andrea lives in Idaho with her family and two dogs.  When she isn’t spending time with her partner in crime aka her husband, she can be found binge watching all things Bravo and enjoying a cocktail. Nothing makes her happier than the laughter of her children, a good book, her feet in the water, and cocktail in hand all at the same time.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

 

 

Cover Reveal – Martinis and Moonlight by Andrea Johnston

Today the BFF’s have the cover reveal for Martinis & Moonlight by Andrea Johnston! Check it out and be sure to preorder your copy today! BFF K has read this book and it’s the best in the series (so far!)

 

Title: Martinis & Moonlight

Author: Andrea Johnston

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: June 28th

 

Minnesota “Minnie” Walker has worked hard for the life she has – a close knit family, successful career, and long-term relationship. When a tragedy strikes, Minnie sacrifices everything to be there for her family. Never expecting a move to the small town of Lexington would change the course of her future, Minnie finds herself wondering if what she always thought was perfect is really what’s best for her … and her heart.

Owen Butler has lived in the town of Lexington his entire life. After years of feeling second best and wasting his time vying for the attention of his father, Owen has settled into an uncomplicated life. Not one to believe in happily ever after, he never expected the new woman in town to have him questioning everything he thought he wanted in life.

Together, under the rays of the moonlight, Owen and Minnie find themselves wondering what the future holds and if facing it together is worth the risk.

 

 

Martinis & Moonlight:

Amazon US | Amazon.AU | Amazon.CA | Amazon.UK | Kobo | iBooks | B&N | Goodreads

 

Whiskey & Honey (A Country Road Novel Book 1)

Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Kobo | iBooks | B&N

Tequila & Tailgates (A Country Road Novel Book 2):

Amazon | Kobo | iBooks | Nook

 

 

Excerpt

She stands and walks to a file cabinet against the wall, tugging on the drawer with no luck in opening it. I can see from my seat that the drawer is slightly crooked. It’s going to take two people to get it back on its tracks. I stand and walk over to where she’s unsuccessfully pushing the drawer.

“It’s off the tracks. I’ll pull on this side, you push on that. We’ll get it on the tracks.”

Together, we push and pull making little progress until suddenly, the drawer jerks open. I step aside and allow Minnie to thumb through the files until she finds one she wants and snags it from the drawer. I reach out to close the cabinet as she does the same. Only, I’m not fast enough and my fingers pay the price when the drawer slams closed.

“Mother fuck…” Sonofabitch that hurt. I begin shaking my hand as if the movement will somehow stop the throbbing in my fingers. Tears prick at my eyes, the pain is so intense.

“Oh, my God! Owen! Oh shit, I’m so sorry! Let me see.” I watch as she tosses the file in her hands toward a shelf before she takes my hand in hers. She begins examining my fingers closely and ever so gently, assessing my injury. I throw my head back and breathe in and out through my nose, trying to regulate my breathing and avoid speaking the long list of cuss words on the tip of my tongue. That hurt almost as bad as the time I smacked myself with the hammer.

Minnie takes my fingers between her hands and adds a little pressure while massaging them. “Is that helping? I’m so sorry. I should get some ice.”

“It’s fine,” I say gruffly. I don’t attempt to pull my hand from hers, but instead allow her to keep rubbing my hand, gently blowing on my fingers. “Why are you blowing on it? It’s not hot.”

Minnie mumbles something under her breath but doesn’t stop touching me. Now her movements have slowed a little, though she still hasn’t let me go.

“What was that, Minnesota?”

“I said, ‘you are.’ Ugh, this is so embarrassing,” she sighs, letting go of my hand. Instead of letting her get away with that, I grab her hand. The shock on her face is evident as she looks at me, wide-eyed. I like this look on her. The element of surprise shows a little more of who Minnie is deep down.

“You think I’m hot?” Like I can’t help myself, my tone teases and my brows wiggle.

“Oh, shut up.” She attempts to pull away from me but I don’t let her. “You know you’re hot. All of you.” The hand not held by mine waves around expressively. “It’s really unfair to the women of this town. And flirtatious, the whole bunch of you. I mean, is that something they taught you in high school?” She looks up at me, her eyes bright and a smile on her face. “Is it? Something like How to give smoldering looks across a room 101? Who taught it? Mr. Casanova?”

She does this weird eye twitch, an attempt to dramatically roll her eyes, I assume. It’s a fair attempt, but unsuccessful. Her embarrassment shows and I note that this woman – beautiful, sometimes shy, and sarcastic – is one that must render every grown man she encounters speechless by just being in their presence.

“Nah, we didn’t need a class. I think we were all born with it. Something in the Lexington water.” We both laugh and I look down and realize I’m still holding her hand. I rub my thumb across her knuckles. A move she was just making herself, but mine has a completely different undertone.

 

Giveaway

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About the Author

Andrea Johnston spent her childhood with her nose in a book and a pen to paper. An avid people watcher, her mind is full of stories that yearn to be told.  A fan of angsty romance with a happy ending, super sexy erotica and a good mystery, Andrea can always be found with her Kindle nearby fully charged.

Andrea lives in Idaho with her family and two dogs.  When she isn’t spending time with her partner in crime aka her husband, she can be found binge watching all things Bravo and enjoying a cocktail. Nothing makes her happier than the laughter of her children, a good book, her feet in the water, and cocktail in hand all at the same time.

 

 

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

 

 

 

Review – Spring Break by Andrea Johnston

 

 

 

Spring Break (Phoebe & Madsen Part 1)
Author: Andrea Johnston
Release Date: March 30, 2017

 

 

“Go on Spring Break!” they said
“It’ll be fun!” they said
What they failed to say was Madsen Secksin – who, like his name is pure sex and sin – would be laying in the bed next to me.
I’m determined to have fun.
I will not get my groove on with Madsen even if there are four years of pent up sexual tension between us.
I will not allow myself to fall for his charming ways.
Oh, who am I kidding?
Spring Break is meant for bad decisions.
How bad could it really be?

*This is a short story | Not intended for anyone under age of 18*

 

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BFF K’s Review of Spring Break

rating_4.5

 

I only have one problem with Spring Break by Andrea Johnston…..I want MORE, now! Spring Break is a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud, sweet and steamy read. It’s quick and fun and the perfect pick-me-up for your winter blahs. In other words, it’s everything a Spring Break should be.

Madsen and Phoebe are smart and sassy. They’ve perfected the art of enemies. But, during this trip they discover their vicious banter and sparring has really just been several years of intense foreplay! And, once the the wick is lit, this keg is going to blow!

I highlighted more in this novella than I do in most full-length books. The characters and story are so well developed, you’ll be shocked it’s a short story. And the Chapter Headings are my most favorite. Here are a couple of examples:

Warning: Sometimes Your Best Friend Really Knows What’s Best

Warning: Never Declare You Aren’t “That Kind of Girl” – It’s the First Step to Being That Girl

Warning: When the Name of the Cocktail is “Mystery Punch,” Just Say No

If you’re looking for a charming, quick read, you don’t want to miss Spring Break. I can’t wait for Johnston’s continuation of this sweet series!

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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.

 

About the Author

Andrea Johnston spent her childhood with her nose in a book and a pen to paper. An avid people watcher, her mind is full of stories that yearn to be told. A fan of angsty romance with a happy ending, super sexy erotica and a good mystery, Andrea can always be found with her Kindle nearby fully charged.

Andrea lives in Idaho with her family and two dogs. When she isn’t spending time with her partner in crime aka her husband, she can be found binge watching all things Bravo and enjoying a cocktail. Nothing makes her happier than the laughter of her children, a good book, her feet in the water, and cocktail in hand all at the same time.

 

Follow Andrea

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Galentine’s Day Chick Lit Love Hop

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Join 50 chick lit and romantic comedy authors in celebrating friendship and romance in the #ChickLitLove Hop on Facebook. We’ll honor Galentine’s Day on February 13 and Valentine’s Day on February 14 with giveaways, freebies, and entries for the chance to win the grand prizes of SpaFinder gift certificates.

Here’s a list of the participating authors:

GALENTINE’S DAY (Monday, February 13)
Traci Andrighetti
Melissa Baldwin
Tracie Banister
Kathryn R. Biel
Renee Conoulty
Geralyn Corcillo
Whitney Dineen
Lauren Faulkenberry
Amy Gettinger
Elizabeth Hein
Laura Kenyon
Liberty Kontranowski
Cat Lavoie
Jennie Marts
Monique McDonell
Kirsty McManus
Becky Monson
Joy Norstrom
Kate O’Keeffe
Meredith Schorr
Carol Maloney Scott
Holly Tierney-Bedord
Barbara Valentin
Heather Wardell
Stacey Wiedower

VALENTINE’S DAY (Tuesday, February 14)
Cindy Arora
Glynis Astie
Laurie Baxter
Laura Chapman
Adria J. Cimino
Karen M Cox
Maggie Dallen
Lindsay Detwiler
Katlyn Duncan
Liz Durano
Laurie Finkelstein
Tina Ann Forkner
Hilary Grossman
Kate Hewitt
Cristina Hodgson
Erin Huss
Elaina Jadin
Andrea Johnston
Beth Labonte
Robyn Neeley
Elise Noble
CeCe Osgood
Amy Rivers
CF Rose
Charlene Ross

Check the Facebook event page (click here to join) throughout the days of February 13 and 14 for prompts on where to hop next and how to enter to win prizes. Be sure to check out the Galentines and Valentines shared on each the pages. You’ll learn more about your favorite characters and meet new ones. Plus, you never know. Maybe you’ll find the perfect way to say “I love you” to the loved ones in your life.

We’ll see you at the party!

Review – Tequila & Tailgates by Andrea Johnston

Title: Tequila & Tailgates
Series: Country Road #2
Author: Andrea Johnston
Release Date: Jan 27, 2017
 
Four years ago, I took the biggest risk of my life and it blew up in my face. I learned my lesson – love sucks.
Now self-preservation and protecting my heart have become second nature. But Jameson Strauss… he’s my weakness.
Give me the occasional shot of tequila, a game of Truth or Dare, and I’ll do almost anything for that man.
*
Four years ago, I didn’t follow my heart. I let the one girl that consumed my soul walk away without a fight.
Now I go through the motions never truly living. But, the day Ashton Sullivan needed me was the day my world changed for the better.
Tequila, truths, and the occasional dare are all I need to show her how good we can be.
Sometimes the truth is in the dare.
 
  

Special price of $.99 through release weekend

BFF K’s Review of Tequila & Tailgates

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Tequila & Tailgates killed me with the sweetness and the steam! Both of the BFF’s loved Whiskey & Honey, the first book in the Country Road series. And as much as I adored Bentley (the hero of W&H) I’m pretty sure Jameson ranks just above him on the book boyfriend scale!

Jameson and Ashton have history. And there are reasons why they’ve shared little more than insults in the past few years. Their pasts are revealed and you get an understanding of why there is so much choppy water under the bridge. But, when Jameson and Ashton find themselves in close proximity for a prolonged period….something’s got to give. Ashton is a little prickly. There are parts of her personality that are abrasive. Her pokey-edges have been sharpened by personal experiences and a few inner demons. While I adore Jameson, he’s not always been the most mature and level-headed guy. But, both of these characters are so real and relatable. You’ll identify pieces and characteristics that you can understand and sympathize with.

I adore Andrea Johnston’s cast of fantastic characters. They’re charming, clever, sassy and snarky. The story is character driven and full of sweet emotions and super steamy scenes. Tequila & Tailgates can be read as a stand-alone, but it’s a great next step for the Country Road Series. I can’t wait to see which of the gang falls in love next! And I can’t wait for you to fall in love with these stories too!

PS – I’m pretty sure T&T will go down as the first official use of  “Champagning” as a word! But, I’m totally using from now on!

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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.

dual point of view

 

 

 

Excerpt

We spent the entire weekend at the lake eating, drinking, and swimming. It’s a tradition that we maintain to this day. On the final night of the weekend, Jameson and I were the last two awake by the fire. I think together we managed to consume an entire bottle of tequila. And, as it often is, the alcohol was a sort of truth serum for us.

We started a game of Truth or Dare, which never quite mustered a dare. Until the end. Truths varied from cheating on history tests to sneaking in after curfew and even first crushes. I admitted to my fear of small children and Jameson admitted his fear of a woman dressed in head-to-toe leopard. We laughed and we cried. Tears from laughter, not sadness.

Then he asked me the final truth or dare as I took my last shot and handed him the bottle.

“Truth or Dare, Ash?”

“Hmmm. Well, considering we’ve just demolished a bottle of tequila, neither seems like a good idea. I’m likely to break a leg or make an ass of myself.”

“I’d go with the ass part. I don’t think either of us wants a lecture from Piper if we have to go to the hospital.”

“Ain’t that the truth. Okay then. Truth it is. Hit me.”

“Do you ever think about kissing me?”

Seconds that feel like minutes pass between us. Something glimmers in his eyes as he asks me. Screw it, I can always blame the tequila.

“Yes.”

His breath hitches and a sinister smile takes over my face. Two can play this game.

“Your turn, J. Truth or Dare?”

He stands and finishes the tequila straight from the bottle and takes the three steps necessary to stand in front of me. He bends so that his hands rest on the arms of my chair and leans in. I can smell the tequila on his breath mixing with mine. My own breath hitches.

“Dare, Sunshine.”

“I hate that name.”

“I know.”

Our words are whispers.

“I dare you to kiss me.”

 
 

About the Author

Andrea Johnston spent her childhood with her nose in a book and a pen to paper. An avid people watcher, her mind is full of stories that yearn to be told.  A fan of angsty romance with a happy ending, super sexy erotica and a good mystery, Andrea can always be found with her Kindle nearby fully charged.
Andrea lives in Idaho with her family and two dogs.  When she isn’t spending time with her partner in crime aka her husband, she can be found binge watching all things Bravo and enjoying a cocktail. Nothing makes her happier than the laughter of her children, a good book, her feet in the water, and cocktail in hand all at the same time.
   

 

 

 

2016 Besties

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This is always one of the most challenging posts of the entire year! How to narrow down an entire year of great reads into just one post featuring the best of the besties? We’ll do our best (see what we did there?) to highlight our favorite reads from 2016. Be sure to scroll to the bottom and enter our 2016 Besties, Rafflecopter Giveaway!

BFF K’s 2016 Besties

I just couldn’t narrow the list any further, so I present the Top 16 in 2016!

#1 – Maybe In Another Life & One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid

                 

Unique, smart, emotional, fantastic!

#2 – The Lost Codex by Heather Lyons

A wonderful end to one of my most favorite series of all time!

#3 – A Love Letter to Whiskey by Kandi Steiner

Kandi Steiner blew me away, an absolute page-turner!

#4 – The Royals Series by Erin Watt


Paper Princess     Broken Prince     Twisted Palace

My guilty pleasure of 2016 – way crazy and crazy good!

#5 – Beard Science by Penny Reid

Anyone who can turn a quirky, odd-ball character named Cletus into a love interest deserves to be on this list!

#6 – The Year of Meghan March

In 2016, I read or listened to nearly every book that Meghan March has written and I LOVE them all! She is a go-to, always one-click author for me now. She writes great stories, steamy scenes, strong heroines and the best alpha males EVER! If you want to check out my reviews, just enter Meghan March in the search tab on the right side of this page.

#7 – Endurance by Georgia Cates

I loved this book so much, the entire Sin series too! In addition to Endurance, Georgia Cates also brought us the Lovibond Series in 2016!

#8 – Franco by Kim Holden

My final book boyfriend of 2016 and he was worth the wait!

#9 – Better Love by Daisy Prescott

This silver fox was everything! I LOVE this book and this entire series!

#10 – Whiskey & Honey by Andrea Johnston

#TeamBiper #TeamAndreaJohnston #SmartGirlsWriteRomance

#11 – First & Goal: Queen of the League by Laura Chapman

LOL-funny and one of my most fun reads of the year.

#12 – Royally Screwed by Emma Chase

I loved this world and these characters. Royally Matched is one of my most anticipated reads for 2017!

#13 – A Place in the Sun by R.S. Grey

This book will make you want to travel to Italy and eat Gelato with Gianluca.

#14 – Moonshot & Hollywood Dirt by Alessandra Torre

              

Moonshot introduced me to Alessandra Torre and her terrific writing style. And, I adored the audio for Hollywood Dirt. GREAT books!

#15 – Managed by Kristen Callihan

Witty dialogue and great characters, just an all ’round great read!

#16 – Reilly O’Brien & Co. Series by Jenna Sutton

I read every book in this series in 2016 and I can’t wait for more in 2017. Good stories and great characters!

BFF A’s 2016 Besties

#1 – It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

 

#2 – F*uck Love by Tarryn Fisher

 

#3 – So Much More by Kim Holden

 

#4 – Franco by Kim Holden

 

#5 – Cunning, Deception, Entrapment (Infidelity Series books 2, 3 and 4)  by Aleatha Romig

 

#6 – Into the Light and Away from the Dark (The Light Series) by Aleatha Romig

              

 

#7 – The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

#8 – Whiskey and Honey by Andrea Johnston

#9 – Hidden Bodies by Caroline Kepnes

#10 – The Angels’ Share by J.R. Ward

#11 – Too Late by Colleen Hoover


All of the images above are buy links for Amazon.com. And, you can click on many of the headings to find our reviews. We are so grateful to all of you for joining us on our incredible book journey in 2016! We’re looking forward to all that’s in store for 2017!

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2016 Besties Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review – Whiskey & Honey by Andrea Johnston

Title: Whiskey & Honey
Series: Country Road #1
Author: Andrea Johnston
Release Date: July 21, 2016
Guys have rules. Rule #1: You don’t date your sister’s best friend.
Bentley Sullivan hasn’t found the one. He’s always been the good guy – the gentleman. With one quick, and possibly irrational, decision everything changes. After a case of mistaken identity and a drunken kiss, Ben is convinced that the one is finally right in front of him. Only, she’s untouchable.
Girls have rules. Rule #1: You don’t date your best friend’s brother.
Piper Lawrence has not been successful in love. Almost as quickly as she swears off men, he comes into her life. Her childhood crush and the man who has set the standards for every man she’s ever dated, he is also the one man she can’t have.
A single kiss changes it all.
On sale for $0.99 for a limited time!

BFF K’s Review of Whiskey & Honey

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Whiskey & Honey. I love the way the words of this title play together and roll off the tongue. Even the words sound smooth and sweet; and that is exactly how I would describe this book! Whiskey & Honey is sweet, sassy and a little steamy. It is everything I look for in a Romance Novel!

When Bentley walks into the bar behind a smoking hot woman, he’s immediately attracted and distracted. When he finds her sitting at the bar angry texting an Ex, he sees his opening. They snap a payback picture of the hottest kiss Ben has ever shared with a woman. But, the magic is shattered way too soon when he realizes that his stunning mystery woman is Piper.

Piper can’t believe that she is kissing Ben. On the plus side, he’s the boy of all of her childhood dreams (and a few adult fantasies.) On the negative side, he’s her Best Friends big brother. That’s gotta break some kind of code some where. Ben and Piper quickly discover the connection, but it is already too late! The sparks are flying and while they might think it’s best to tamp them down, the pull to one another is just too strong.

What ensues is a journey about accepting happiness where your heart finds its home. Ben and Piper both face their insecurities and struggle to come to terms with the possible impact of this relationship for their family and friends. They must decide if being together is worth all the risks for what could be the ultimate reward. And this journey is delicious.

The book leaves you with all the feels. Whiskey & Honey and these characters made me laugh, smile, sigh and swoon. Most of all, it just made me happy. I know it will make you happy too, one-click this one today and join #TeamBiper!

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An advance copy was received in exchange for an honest review. Kiersten was also a beta reader as the book was being written.

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Excerpt

Chapter 1

Ben

I felt it deep in my bones the minute she walked through the door.

What “it” is, I’m not quite sure. When the door opened I felt a shift in the atmosphere. As if someone lit a fire that burned only in my soul. My attention caught, I was bamboozled. This girl, no more than five feet tall, managed to drown out the sounds around me without even noticing I was in the same establishment.

Handling the large wooden door of Country Road as if it weighed no more than a feather, she seemed both determined and frightened as she walked through. Tossing her hair, the color of the most violent fire, over her shoulder, straightening her back and tilting her chin up in determination, I enjoyed the view as her hips swayed in perfect tempo to the drum solo coming from the speakers and she walked across the room. The way her jeans complement every curve, she not only has my mouth feeling like the Sahara Desert but my dick has suddenly awoken from its recent hibernation.

It isn’t either of those things that have me ignoring my friends though. No, it’s something about the fierce way she has made her entrance yet not made eye contact or smiled at a single person as she made her way to the bar. Even from here, without so much as speaking a word, I can tell that she is something special. A woman made up of layers and layers of intrigue. Someone who I have to know.

“Dude, are you even listening?”

“I don’t think he’s heard a single word any of us said since she walked in. His dick is obviously in charge tonight.”

I hear those assholes; I just don’t have anything to contribute to whatever debate they’re having. Besides, Owen is right. Somehow my normal level-headed self seems to have left the room and my previously mentioned dick is in charge tonight.

All of our lives I’ve been the logical and straight-laced one in this group. Suddenly a sassy redhead has taken all of my logic and tossed it aside. I’m acting like a pubescent teen. The problem is, I’m quite a few years from being a teen, and even when I was, I never had this reaction to a woman.

Nope. I, Bentley James Sullivan, am the good guy. The guy who approaches life with a plan and never does a single thing without one. Hell, I even plan spontaneity. Yeah, I teeter on the edge of boring.

I take another drink of my beer as I turn to Owen. “Kiss my ass. I heard you, and for your information, Iron Man always wins.”

Without a second thought I return my attention to the beauty who has garnered all of my interest. She’s made her way to a stool at the bar and is waiving her arms around as if she’s the conductor of an orchestra. I can tell from the expression of the bartender, also my sister Ashton, that whoever has her this fired up should stay clear of her.

The only time her hands still is when she grabs the shot glass my sister has placed in front of her. From where I’m sitting I can see that she doesn’t even shudder as she takes the shot of dark and beautiful whiskey. I don’t care what anyone says, there’s something fascinating about a woman who drinks whiskey. Just the thought makes me smile.

“Why don’t you just go over and talk to her, Ben?”

I shoot a look at Jameson over my beer bottle as I drain it. My best friend since, well forever, he knows I’m not the “hook up in a bar” kind of guy. But, I won’t deny this girl has sparked a little something. Something familiar tugs at me, but I can’t place it.

“Nah, I’ll pass,” I say unconvincingly. I really want to go over to this girl and tell her the fucker who made her this upset isn’t worth it.

I’m not psychic, but honestly what else could have her this upset?

The reality is, guys are dicks and the only person who could make a woman this upset.

Don’t get me wrong, we’re not all assholes, but the reality of it all is we screw up.

All the fucking time.

I sit here with three variations of the asshole to good guy makeup in front of me. The four of us have been best friends since high school, more like brothers than anything else. When I accepted a college scholarship that took me more than three hundred miles away from home, I assumed we’d grow apart, that I would grow apart from the four of them. I was wrong.

Owen Butler and Landon Montgomery are two of the coolest and most loyal friends a guy could ask for. We’ve had each other’s backs through a lot of dumb shit, and not only managed to stay friends but we’ve never screwed each other over either.

Jameson Strauss is like a brother to me. When we were kids we were convinced we were some sort of dynamic duo considering my middle name was close to his first name. Only the reality is that my middle name is a family name and he was named after his dad’s favorite whiskey. Regardless, we didn’t care and thought it made us pretty bad ass.

Jameson is the best person I know and gives to others without a second thought. I would trust him with my life. Of course, he’s also a bit of a slut and has probably screwed half the women in this town, but he’s not a bad guy. Sure, a few have declared their undying love and begged him to do the same. For the most part he’s managed to come out of each encounter unscathed and unattached.

Then there’s me. The relationship guy. I’ve had two girlfriends in my twenty-nine years. Well, two real girlfriends. Stolen kisses on the playground and the occasional hand-holding in middle school don’t count.

“Ben, why are you staring at…”

Before Owen can finish his sentence, Jameson spills his beer.

“What’s your problem, J? That was a rookie move,” Landon says as he starts wiping at the spilled beer with his hand.

“Sorry, I thought there was a bee or something. I just jumped.”

All three of us look at Jameson like he’s crazy. Unfazed by our confusion, he signals for a waitress to come over to our table with a towel.

“Hey, Beth, sorry about the mess,” Jameson says, offering this poor girl a smile that is a little predatory. I can tell from her reaction to him that there’s a little history there but not in a bad way.

“Beth, this is Ben. Ben, this is Beth.”

“Hey there, Ben. You look familiar, have I served you before?”

“Nah, Bethy, Ben’s been gone from home for a hundred years. I think the last time he was in here we had fake IDs. He probably looks familiar because he’s Ashton’s brother.”

Bethy? Good God, he’s laying it on thick.

“Oh, Bentley. Ashton was just telling me that you were moving back. Does she know you’re here? You should go say hi to her; she’s just at the bar talking to…”

“So anyway, thanks for cleaning up. Looks like you’re busy. We don’t want to keep you.”

This poor girl, Jameson doesn’t even let her finish a sentence before he’s sending her off.

“Hey, Ben, why don’t you just take that twenty and go grab us another round? I’ve got a little spill here in my lap or I’d do it myself.”

I don’t need to be told twice. I grab the money and head to the bar. I already know I’m screwed.

About the Author

 
Andrea Johnston spent her childhood with her nose in a book and a pen to paper. An avid people watcher, her mind is full of stories that yearn to be told.  A fan of angsty romance with a happy ending, super sexy erotica and a good mystery, Andrea can always be found with her Kindle nearby fully charged.
Andrea lives in Idaho with her family and two dogs.  When she isn’t spending time with her partner in crime aka her husband, she can be found binge watching all things Bravo and enjoying a cocktail. Nothing makes her happier than the laughter of her children, a good book, her feet in the water, and cocktail in hand all at the same time.