RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW: Sizzle (Ashton Family #3) by Carrie Aarons

  NEW SMALL TOWN ROMANCE 

Did someone say surprise pregnancy small town romance?! Carrie Aarons just released Sizzle, the third book in the Ashton Family series. This is an extremely angsty, former teacher/student, forbidden romance that will have you crying and swooning on every page.

BLURB:

Everyone knows that if there was an award for biggest small town grump, Liam Ashton would win for Hope Crest, Pennsylvania no questions asked.

The reclusive, brooding farmer might be part of the family business and do anything for those closest to him, but his bark keeps almost everyone else away. Perhaps that’s what happens when you fall in love at first sight but aren’t allowed to be with the soulmate you didn’t realize you were looking for.

When the forbidden woman of his dreams blows back into town, he might finally get a shot to convince her they’re destined to be together. Only, her denials and refusals won’t let him get anywhere near her.

Gabrielle Murphy swore she’d never return to the town where she took her first teaching job. She’d done the right thing, once upon a time, and there is no room to question what if.

But when the only woman who ever understood her passes and leaves her to clean up the pieces, she can’t exactly say no. Get in, fulfill her grandmother’s wishes, and get out. That’s the plan. Until Liam confronts her and they give in to the unmatched inferno that’s been blazing between them forever.

Even though there is nothing standing in the way of a happily ever after this time, Gabrielle still can’t let this surly version of the Liam she once knew love her completely.

Until a surprise binds them to each other for the foreseeable future, and they have to forgive enough to move forward. But just as the ice around their hearts starts to thaw, darker outside forces threaten to ruin their chance before it’s even taken.

Read it now in KU: mybook.to/ReadSizzle

My Review

I received an advanced copy of this book with the promise of an honest review.

First things first...don't be put out by the former teacher/student aspect of this book. Liam is of age and Gabrielle is only a few years older and nothing actually happens while they are teacher/student.

Throughout the previous books, Liam has been the big mystery character for me. I obviously knew that something was up between these two and I couldn't wait to read their story. 

Gabrielle has returned to town to deal with her grandmother's estate and she's been doing well when it comes to avoiding Liam, but eventually her luck runs out. Liam finally gets his chance with her and he takes it. For her, the only thing standing in their way is her worrying what people will say, but for Liam, he doesn't care. And I totally agreed with him! I actually found her reluctance kind of annoying at times. 

Liam goes all out to show Gabrielle just how important she is to him. His family accepts her pretty much instantly and since she comes from a very unsupportive family, it means a lot to her. 

I really enjoyed this book! It is super sweet, sexy (hello steamy bookstore sex!) and very emotional. So far it is my favorite of the series...at least for now. I'm looking at you book #4 couple!

RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW: The Grump who Saved Christmas by Tracy Leigh

There’s a thin line between love and hate. And when we get snowed in with only one bed, we’re about to find out just how thin that line is.

When I first met Callum Reed, I thought he was one of the most handsome men I’d ever seen.

Until he opened his mouth and ruined it all.

Because the sexy-as-sin man dressed in a tailor-made suit is trying to steal my ranch from me.

Okay, technically, he’s trying to buy it from me, but I’d rather swallow a fruitcake whole than watch someone turn this beloved place into a bunch of timeshares for the rich, destroying Christmas at Holley Ridge.

The problem is that Callum Reed doesn’t give up easily, not when he stands to make millions off this property. So instead of walking away with his proverbial tail between his legs, he books a room at my inn for the Christmas season.

The last thing I need during this time of year is a modern-day Grinch staying here.

So I concoct a plan. Flood Callum with a tidal wave of holiday cheer, hoping he’ll flee in the face of too much festivity.

The last thing I expect is for him to actually enjoy himself.

Or volunteer to dress up as Santa for a group of foster kids.

Or help me in my last-ditch effort to save Holley Ridge.

As I start to get a glimpse beneath his gruff exterior, I can’t help but wonder if maybe there's more to Callum Reed than meets the eye.

Amazon

Goodreads

This enemies to lovers romance features:

• A grumpy workaholic MC who lost his Christmas spirit.
• A sunshine FMC who manifests only positive energy as she tries to save Christmas.
• A freak snowstorm stranding them with only one bed.
• A meddling octogenarian whose mission is to play matchmaker.
• A spicy small town romance that's sure to heat things up this holiday season.

My Review

I received an advanced copy of this book with the promise of an honest review. 

If you were to take out all the spice in this book you would have a delightful holiday hallmark story. Now add the spice back in and you have an even better holiday story!

 
Callum wasnt the grumpiest character I've ever read, but he had some feelings about Christmas that definitely put him in the Grinch category. And Parker's idea to get him to leave Holley Ridge, which is basically to bombard him with Christmas, seems like a genius idea, but it course backfires in the most spectacular (and sexy) way.

Callum and Parker were adorable together and once Callum broke away from his bah humbug spirit, I couldn't help but love him. The author managed to include multiple tropes without slowing the story down and it just made the story really enjoyable. 

I love a small town romance and I liked this one a lot. All the side characters piqued my interest and I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW: Winter Break Up by Carrie Aarons

  NEW HOLIDAY ROMANCE  

Did someone say small town romance with her brother's best friend?! Carrie Aarons just released Winter Break Up, a spicy holiday rom com featuring a college soccer star, coworkers on a tree farm, and festive hi jinx that will have you laughing and swooning on every page.

Going home for my last winter break of college had the same feel as the year my parents told me Santa was fictional; the daunting real world loomed too close without a childish safety net.

Working on our family Christmas tree farm is supposed to be a final, blissful reprieve before adulthood. Or it would have been, if my brother’s best friend didn’t return for his first festive season in our hometown in almost four years.

Why did Mercer Russell stay away in the first place? Oh, well that would be because I broke his heart. High school sweethearts never last, or so they say, so I destroyed us before long distance and university drama ever could.

Now that the soccer star destined for one of the best professional teams in the country is home for one last holiday hoorah, it’s clear I’m still on his naughty list … and not in the good way. Between hauling Douglas firs, helping families select their perfect tree, and assisting my mom on the register, Mercer hasn’t lost any love for those he grew up with. Except I might as well be a lump of coal with the way he glowers at me.

With the past lurking around every corner and our futures uncertain, giving into the burning attraction that could torch a row of spruces would be the worst idea ever. Then again, a fling under the mistletoe might be just the closure we need to extinguish this spark for good.

After all, it would take flying sleigh-level magic to turn a cuffing season hookup into a healing happily ever after … right?

Read it now in KU: mybook.to/WinterBreakUp 

Goodreads

My Review

I received an advanced copy of this book with the promise of an honest review. 

Mercer and Emily were high school sweethearts and Emily thought it best that they break up when it was time for college. Now it's four years later and they find themselves working together after not having even seen each other since they broke up. 

While it's a bit awkward at first, they both realize that if they are going to be working together, they may as well be friends. But the whole "being around each other" only makes them remember how good they were together and of course the solution to that is to have a holiday fling. And we all know how that usually turn out. 

This was fun, easy holiday read. The drama was kept to a minimum, but this book definitely had some dramatic moments, especially at the end. There are some really sweet moments that had me swooning and it was clear that Mercer and Emily belonged together and I was definitely rooting for them to realize it. 

About the Author

Author of romance novels such as Fool Me Twice and Love at First Fight, Carrie Aarons writes books that are just as swoon-worthy as they are sarcastic. A former journalist, she prefers the love stories of her imagination, and the athleisure dress code, much better.

When she isn't writing, Carrie is busy binging reality TV, having a love/hate relationship with cardio, and trying not to burn dinner. She lives in the suburbs of New Jersey with her husband, two children and ninety-pound rescue pup.

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RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW: Watch Your Mouth (Kings of the Ice #2) by Kandi Steiner

Watch Your Mouth by Kandi Steiner is now live! 

My brother’s teammates know not to touch me—but that doesn’t stop me from daring Jaxson Brittain to be the first to break the rule.

After one steamy night in Austin, I’m all too aware of the hot, broody defenseman with icy blue eyes and ink sprawling his muscular arms. He was the one my brother assigned to keep me safe—and I had far too much fun tempting him to be the one to put me in danger.

It was just one night of tip-toeing the line, of teasing and flirting and messing around knowing nothing would ever come of it.

But when the universe throws me back into his lap two weeks later and we end up on a secret road trip together, all bets are off.

I can’t help but touch him. I can’t help but pray for him to touch me. And I can’t resist the temptation to test him at every turn.

Jaxson is smart and doesn’t have a death wish. So, like a gentleman, he keeps his hands to himself… the jerk.

But the closer we get on the road and the farther we get from reality, the less those warning signs from my brother seem to deter him.

When we started this road trip, we set a boundary. We promised to keep all arms and legs safely in the friend zone.

Now, miles and miles away from all the reasons we shouldn’t, all I can hear is my heart thumping out the resounding reason we should.

And the way those heated blue eyes watch me, I know I’m not the only one.

___________________________________________

TROPES:

Pro Hockey Romance

Teammate’s Little Sister/Brother’s Best Friend

Road Trip

Forced Proximity

One Bed

Age Gap

Opposites Attract

Forbidden

___________________________________________

Watch Your Mouth is book two in the Kings of the Ice series: a series of interconnected standalones following a team of professional hockey players and the women who bring them to their knees. They do not need to be read in order, but you will gain glimpses of future characters/couples in each book.

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://amzn.to/45oZZeq

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/WatchYourMouth

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/45qMMBW

My Review

I received an advanced copy of this book with the promise of an honest review. 

*sigh* I just love Kandi's books. She just has this way of making me feel all warm and fuzzy when I read them. This book was no different. 

Jaxson and Grace meet on a night of celebration. They have an instant connection, but thanks to Grace's brother warning his teammates to stay away from his little sister, nothing happens. But that doesn't mean that they have stopped thinking about each other. When Grace shows up heartbroken a couple weeks later, the two set off on a secret road trip. 

While they are determined to keep the other in the friend zone, spending every minute with each other begins to weigh on them until they just can't take it anymore. I was so happy when they finally gave into their feelings, but the sexual tension was as thick as it could be. 

I was kind of hoping that Jaxson would be a dirty talker and I was not let down. These two almost set my kindle on fire with how hot they were! 

This book also gets very angsty towards the end and I absolutely loved it. I had a good cry while reading and by the time the book was over, I went through every emotion and felt very satisfied.

Kandi Steiner is an Amazon Top 5 bestselling author and whiskey connoisseur living in Tampa, FL. Best known for writing “emotional rollercoaster” stories, she loves bringing flawed characters to life and writing about real, raw romance — in all its forms. No two Kandi Steiner books are the same, and if you’re a lover of angsty, emotional, and inspirational reads, she’s your gal.

An alumna of the University of Central Florida, Kandi graduated with a double major in Creative Writing and Advertising/PR with a minor in Women’s Studies. She started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.”

She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a die hard hopeless romantic, and likes to highlight all the challenges of love as well as the triumphs.

When Kandi isn’t writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, planning her next adventure, or pole dancing (yes, you read that right). She enjoys live music, traveling, playing with her fur babies and soaking up the sweetness of life.

Kandi Steiner may be coming to a city near you! Check out her "events" tab to see all the signings she's attending in the near future: www.kandisteiner.com/events

Connect with Kandi

Website: www.kandisteiner.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7319216.Kandi_Steiner

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RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW: Honeyed (Ashton Family #2) by Carrie Aarons

 NEW SMALL TOWN ROMANCE 

Looking for a friends-to-lovers, marriage of convenience romance set in a small town? Say no more! Carrie Aarons' just released Honeyed, and it's everything you want in a love story! This is a book about best friends who have always denied their feelings for one another ... until the broken boy is set to inherit a fortune with only one stipulation outlined; marry the small town girl he's always loved in secret.

Growing up in a house full of brothers, it’s not a surprise that Alana Ashton is the princess of Hope Crest.

Being the only female of the small town’s founding family means that while she usually gets her way, she has to work doubly hard to earn and keep respect. Veering from her expected path to follow crazy dreams, like opening her own shop, not only isn’t in the cards, it’s also not taken seriously. So when her best friend, the ex-high school quarterback with a smile of gold and a traumatic past, proposes marriage out of the blue after years of Alana not-so-secretly pining after him, the answer isn’t an automatic no.

Marrying him, and the fortune they’ll both inherit if she specifically says I do, could be just the thing to set her vision in motion. But can she keep their decades-long relationship strictly business, or will those long unrequited feelings fool her into thinking this union will be for life?

Warren Teal is the orphan no one wanted but everyone speculated about.

After his father tragically took his mother from him, Warren’s story has been broadcast in the media for years. Cue the Ashtons, who took him under their wings the first time Alana brought him home in middle school. Years later, Hope Crest’s royal family offered him a job at their renowned restaurant, and Warren thought he’d found the quiet, under-the-radar life he’d always been searching for.

Until the day he received a letter leaving him a fortune. There was just one catch; he must marry to receive it. And not just anyone, but the gorgeous, stubborn woman he’d always loved in secret but never felt worthy of. Knowing he could return the favor and grant her wildest dreams, he popped the question.

But when his past comes for the future they’re building, she gets caught in the crossfires of the danger and darkness meant for him. Divorce, and breaking his own heart, seem like the only options to keep her safe.

Even if doing so means he may never get to confess that their fake marriage is the realest love he’s ever experienced.

Read it now in KU: mybook.to/Honeyed

Goodreads

My Review

I received an advanced copy of this book with the promise of an honest review. 

Warren is set to inherit a lot of money, but there is one catch. He must marry his best friend, Alana, first. The two have always harbored feelings for the other person, but they value their friendship too much to do anything about it. When Warren goes to Alana with his dilemma, she has no problem helping him out.

At the start of the book, Alana and Warren are working through something. They haven't spoken in a while and they definitely miss each other. Once they are married and living in the same house, they have to face not only their feelings for each other, but what they really want out of this relationship, especially since they have to stay married for five years!

Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and then throw in a marriage of convenience and you got yourself a great book! I loved Alana and Warren's friendship so much and it was wonderful to watch them grow into their marriage and finally give in to their feelings. The author is so good at writing small town romances and I just love the Ashton family so much!  

CW: Murder a parent (off page), death of a loved one