Cassie's Temptation by Sophie Stevens (Spotlight, excerpt, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFP ADULT title

 

Cassie's Temptation

ADULT title

by 

Sophie Stevens

 

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GENRE:   New Adult Contemporary Romance

 

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BLURB:

 

If there are only three truths in life, they are these. Women will always try to change a man. Men will always say anything to get a girl in bed. Tyler Mason will always have a long line of girls trying to domesticate him, and none will succeed. If one of these ceases to be true, the world will cease to exist.

These are the rules as college student Cassie Faye knows them, so when she gives up on dating in favor of a man who can satisfy her without tempting her heart, her next-door neighbor Tyler tops the list. Tyler isn’t the type of boy Cassie would fall for, but he’s the perfect guy to teach her how to claim her sexual independence without losing her heart in the process. Too late, Cassie finds out that under his womanizing exterior is an attentive, considerate lover who brings out passions in her that she'd barely glimpsed before.

What if she’s wrong about the third truth? What if the world as she knows it is about to cease to exist?

 

 

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EXCERPT

 

Tyler sits up, resting his back against my headboard, and pats a spot next to him. “Come here.”

 

After I secure my robe’s sash around my waist, I saunter over. The mattress dips as I crawl next to him. He’s staring at my chest, but not in a horny, brain-dead kind of way. His brows are furrowed as though he’s trying to solve a puzzle.

 

“You’re either turned on or scared shitless,” he whispers, staring at my breasts.

 

I peer down, and I’m startled by the heavy rise and fall of my chest. My rapid breathing reminds me of Princess Catherine on her wedding day, when her chest had been heaving from nerves.

 

He takes my hand and draws me close until I’m nestled in the crook of his arm.

 

“Which is it?” He brushes his lips across my knuckles.

 

“Scared shitless,” I answer breathily.

 

“We don’t have to do this, cupcake.”

 

“I want to.”

 

I’m being somewhat truthful. Only about ninety percent of my brain is calling me an idiot for sleeping with Tyler Mason, playboy extraordinaire. The other ten percent’s obsessing over the Magnum XL in his pants. He threads his long fingers through mine, and I’m momentarily mesmerized by how graceful they are. He has artist’s fingers, the kind that should play the piano or draw angels on ceilings of cathedrals.

 

“We could just talk,” he says.

 

“That breaks rule number five.”

 

“There doesn’t have to be any rules.”

 

Oh yes, there does. Over the last week, I’ve found myself thinking about Tyler more than I should, and we haven’t even had sex yet. If I let him into my personal life by telling him about my family, friends, or dreams, it’ll only get worse, and I can’t risk that.

 

As if reading my mind, he says, “I know how to be an asshole when I need to be.”

 

Therein lies the secret to keeping my feelings separate from Tyler. All I have to do is count on him to piss me off, which is one-hundred percent guaranteed. 

 

 

 

 

The book is on sale at this time for $0.99 (please check price before purchase)

 

Amazon link

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

 

 

Sophie Stevens is a southern girl at heart, living in Texas with her husband and three kids. During the day she’s an aviation engineer. At night she moonlights as a naughty romance novelist with a passion for writing steamy love scenes that make her husband blush. When she’s not testing PCB boards, driving children to practice, or writing, she can be found curled up next to her black kitty reading a good book—a romance of course. 

 

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My review

 

3.5 out of 5 stars

 

Cassie’s Temptation by Sophie Stevens is the first book in the ‘Vandeveer University’ series and centers around college student Cassie Faye, who decides to mend her broken heart and her sexual drought by initiating a sex-only arrangement with fellow student Tyler Mason, the guy next door. They establish a set of rules to make sure their hearts don’t get involved, but rules are made to be broken, right?

 

This contemporary new adult romance is entirely in the point of view of the female main character, and it took me a bit of time to warm up to her, partly because she is very young and immature. As events progress, more of her character and struggles are revealed, and a surprising twist in the arrangement she establishes adds another facet to her character.

 

Some of Tyler’s arc is telegraphed, but there are still depths to his character that are unexpected and, although certain things are revealed, he is still a bit mysterious at the end of the book, which ends on a “happy for now” note.

 

I am a little concerned because there are a couple of aspects that could be considered stalkerish, although that is downplayed. The hot-and-cold situations, the glimpses of the challenges faced, and the awkward love triangle that develops underscore that I am not the target audience, because they frustrated me, but I was intrigued by the emotionalism that erupts after the severe crisis that impacts the main characters. Those who like the angst and drama of young college students should enjoy this story, and even better, the sequels are already available.

 

A copy of this title was provided for review

The Game Changer by Jaqueline Snowe (Spotlight, excerpt, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT ADULT title

The Game Changer

by

Jaqueline Snowe

ADULT title

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GENRE:   NA Romance

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BLURB:

Pretending to date your best friend is always a good idea…right? Wrong.

Greta Aske has a lot on her mind, and a string of bad dates has her giving up on men, at least for the time being. Her life contains a little too much drama, meaning she needs a break and to save money and get good grades. The perfect solution presents itself—pretend to date the campus playboy. That’ll keep the guys away for sure.

Aaron Hill is desperate to save his baseball career because, with his dad fighting cancer, he damn well knows he can’t ask for a single penny from his parents. Baseball is his past, present and future, so when a scandal threatens his chance in the MLB, he turns to his best friend for help. A fake relationship will keep him out of trouble. It’s perfect, really. Greta’s taking a break from dating and Aaron needs to focus on training.

Nothing could go wrong…as long as neither falls for the other. But when lines are crossed, what’s real and fake blurs and the two are forced to face their fears. Could Greta be the game changer Aaron needs?

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EXCERPT

  

I groaned into his shoulder. “I would do it again if I had to.”

“I know you would, G.” He laughed softly, the first time that night. I’d missed that sound.

“There it is. I wondered if your laughing part broke.”

“Okay, no need to be dramatic.” He picked up the ice and hissed at my arm. “Promise me something.”

“No need. I already made a vow to never online date again. No, to never date again. Or at least for five years. Don’t worry. This will never happen again.”

“It better not.” His hand came around my leg, squeezing my knee. “Promise me you’ll call me if you need help. Any time. Any place. You’re one of the most important people in my goddamn life.”

“Okay.” I met his gaze and winced at the intensity in his eyes. “I promise.”

“Good.” He yawned, taking the bag off my arm. “I’m going to sleep. I’m beat.”

“Uh, should I call a cab?” I hesitated.

“Don’t be a dumbass. Sleep here. You’ve crashed on the couch countless times.” He leaned back, fluffing up the pillows and rolling over. Damn those back muscles. I want to bite them.

I pushed myself up to head downstairs when his arm wrapped around me. “Uh, Aaron?”

“Stay here. My bed is huge. Don’t make it weird.”

Buy links:

Finch Books

Amazon

B&N

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Jaqueline Snowe lives in Arizona where the "dry heat" really isn't that bad. She identifies as a full-blown Gryffindor and prefers drinking coffee all hours of the day. She is the mother to two fur-babies who don’t realize they aren’t humans. Her life revolves around balancing her day job in education and her incessant need to write and explore the world with her wonderful baseball-loving husband.

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The tour dates can be found here

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My review:

4 out of 5 stars

The Game Changer by Jacqueline Snowe centers around the relationship between best friends Aaron Hill and Greta Aske. Aaron’s hedonistic lifestyle as a star athlete on campus threatens to derail his hopes for a professional career and his desperate attempt at redemption requires a fake romantic relationship with Greta. Both go into the arrangement knowing that it’s fake, and they’re both determined to adhere to the terms they set…or are they?

This contemporary new adult romance is part of the ‘Cleat Chasers’ series and definitely depicts the angst, stress, and joy of dealing with college life, friendships, relationships, and family challenges. Part of the charm of the story is its depiction of the awkwardness that is part of the maturing process as these new adults bump their heads and make unwise choices and hopefully learn from them.

I enjoy the friends-to-lovers trope and thought these two make a cute couple, but there were a few things glossed over that I would have liked to learned about in more detail to get a better sense of their respective backgrounds. I think some things were treated as having been resolved more optimistically than they actually were, and although I understand the need for hope, I thought the reactions were a little unrealistic.

Somehow I think my wince at an impulsive decision or two is due to an age perspective and I’m very relieved that college days are long since past, lol. Those in search of an entertaining tale featuring new adults dealing with the difficult task of adulting should enjoy the antics of these folks. Hopefully some of the charismatic secondary characters will also get their time in the spotlight.

A copy of this title was provided for review.

Detour by Reesa Herberth and Michelle Moore (Spotlight and review) ADULT title

Detour

by

Reesa Herberth and Michelle Moore

(ADULT title)

Ethan Domani had planned the perfect graduation trip before tragedy put his life on hold. Smothered by survivor’s guilt and his close-knit family, he makes a break for the open road. He doesn't know what he's looking for, but he's got the whole summer to figure out who he misses more: his boyfriend, or the person he thought he was. It’s just him and his memories . . . until he almost runs over a hitchhiker.

Nick Hamilton made some mistakes after his younger brother died. His violent ex-boyfriend was the most dangerous, and the one that got him shipped off to Camp Cornerstone’s pray-the-gay-away boot camp. His eighteenth birthday brings escape, and a close call with an idiot in a station wagon. Stranger danger aside, Nick’s homeless, broke, and alone. A ride with Ethan is the best option he’s got.

The creepy corners of roadside America have nothing on the darkness haunting Ethan and Nick. Every interstate brings them closer to uncharted emotional territory. When Nick’s past shows up in their rearview mirror, the detour might take them off the map altogether.




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My review:

4.5 out of stars

Don’t be deceived by the bright cover of this new adult gay story. This is an intense, heart-wrenching tale that deals with horrific subjects that are all too prevalent in today’s headlines. It took me some time to decide what I felt about the story because I read it while in the midst of mourning a personal loss, and found myself relating all too well to the black clouds surrounding these characters, so those who have triggers should definitely use caution.

Kudos to the authors for creating such realism and providing details of the impacts that violence and intolerance wreak upon our psyches. I was horrified to read of the techniques used in conversion “therapy” even as I mourned for the lost innocence of both of these young men. The reminder that grief can manifest in different ways and the difficulty of finding a way to be supportive without smothering is vividly portrayed, as is the insidious challenge of coping with abusive behavior and finding a way to heal from the emotional damage perpetrated. This is not a light, airy story, but it definitely is a memorable and thought-provoking one that deals with the aftermath of experiencing several levels of violence and bigotry.

There are some leavening elements that remind us that these are young men on the cusp of adulthood who may not make the best of decisions (including an attempt to sample umpteen varieties of pie, lol) but keep a tissue handy because there are definitely poignant and touching scenes that will tug at your heartstrings. I am disinclined to visit some of the spookier places that evidently lived up to their reputations but am reminded that there are some experiences that OTHER people seek that add to the mystique and mystery of ghosts and hauntings. The “happy for now” ending makes me hopeful that there will be a sequel to this story, but I will definitely be more prepared for additional angst and emotional upheavals if there are more tales featuring these guys.

 

Detour by Reesa Herberth and Michelle Moore details an unusual road trip taken by two young men who meet at the beginning of the trip and strive to cope with the pain that has shaped them to this point. Visits to quirky tourist spots across the U.S. form a counterpoint to the relationship that slowly develops between the two, but their pasts may prevent them from finding a future together.

A copy of this title was provided for review, which was submitted to Night Owl Reviews

Cross Drop by Elizabeth Hartey (Spotlight, excerpt, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

CROSS DROP

by Elizabeth Hartey

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GENRE: New Adult Contemporary Romance

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BLURB:

Nikki

I’m not a saint. Never claimed to be. I’ve played the game and scored my fair share—both on and off the field. This is why I should have known better than to fall for a hockey player. But I did. I fell fast and hard.

Now I’m left with the painful consequences, reminded every day of how reckless I had been by giving him my heart so easily—so willingly. Dalt broke me in the cruelest of ways, and because of him I’ll never be able to love again.

Dalt

Nikki changed me. She made me want to be a better man. My days playing off the field were over because she owned every little piece of my heart…until she left, leaving behind a gnawing ache where my heart used to be.

Now she’s back, and it’s painfully clear she hates me, ignoring me, pretending like I’m nobody to her. But that’s just too damn bad. I want answers. I want a goddamn explanation.

And most of all…I want her.

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EXCERPT

“Hey.” The intelligent greeting the only thing I could think of to say.

When she looked up and hit me with those baby blues I had to remind myself to breathe.

“Hey.” One word. That was it and she started walking off the field toward the field house. I stood baffled for a moment. I’d never had a problem talking to a girl before and they usually didn’t walk away from me when I did. I ran to catch up to her.

“Great game. You were amazing out there.”

“Yeah, thanks.” She just kept walking, even picked up the pace like she was trying to get away from me.

“I’m…I’m Dalt by the way.” Like an idiot I stuck my hand out to shake hers. She stopped and stared at my outstretched hand but didn’t make a move because her hands were full with her bag and some of the equipment.

“I know who you are, hockey boy.” The words ‘hockey boy’ came out like they tasted sour on her tongue. And she started walking away from me again. I couldn’t believe it. When I caught up to her, she stopped and turned to me.

“What do you want, hockey boy?” She threw me off my game so bad, I think I stuttered.

“I…um…your name would be nice for starters.”

“For starters?” She quirked a brow.

“Then I thought you might like to get a beer or a burger or something at the Thirsty Whale.” She scanned my body from head to toe and back up. Then the damnedest thing happened.

“No thanks. I don’t do dates. Not looking for a boyfriend. I just like to, you know, keep my options open.” Say what, now! Had she just turned me down for a date?

Buy links

Amazon 
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Cross Stroke (book 1)

Amazon 

Barnes and Noble

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

As a lover of the northeast US, Elizabeth moved with her husband to the Poconos several years ago to open a Chiropractic Clinic. Four children and a menagerie of animals later, she has finally found time to fulfill her lifelong dream of writing novels. The wild ride of writing books is one of the most difficult things she’s ever done in her life. But the opportunity to get her stories out of her head and down on paper and send them out into the world is also one of the most wonderful things she’s ever done. A dreamer at heart, romance is the genre she spends most of her time writing and reading into the wee hours of the morning. And having readers fall in love with her characters as much as she does is almost as exciting as giving birth (just not as painful!) When not juggling work responsibilities and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking the beautiful hills and woods around her home, swimming, knitting, watching old classic movies and travelling.

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GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway



The tour dates can be found here




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My review:


 

4 out of 5 stars

Cross Drop by Elizabeth Hartey is a new adult contemporary sports romance that features two college athletes who should be on top of the world. Dalt is a top hockey player and his girl, Nikki, is a soccer star, and they’re inseparable…until they’re not. Their incandescent attraction doesn’t die, but the obstacles that separate them may be too much to overcome unless they learn to truly communicate.

This is the second book in the ‘On the Edge’ series and centers around a charismatic couple who are remarkably compatible in their passions, both on the sports field and in private. I was reminded how intense everything is when you are that age even as I was glad that those times are (far) behind me. Occasionally I wanted to shake some sense into them, especially as Nikki keeps putting off her important revelation, which is a tribute to the author’s ability to create vivid characters.

There are plenty of intense and lusty scenes that evoke the joie de vivre that can characterize college life, as does the angst and mistakes that have to be lived through. I enjoyed getting to know these folks and watching them work their way through their issues, although I admit that I’m much more sympathetic to Dalt. The secondary characters are personable and there are cameos by the couple featured in the first book, and enough of their story is revealed that I would like to learn more. This is a fun and entertaining tale that will appeal to both new adult romance and college sports fans.

A copy of this title was provided to me for review

Sonnet Coupled by Roxanne D. Howard (Spotlight, excerpt, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT (ADULT title)

 

Sonnet Coupled

by Roxanne D. Howard

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GENRE:   New Adult/Multicultural/Interracial/Erotic/Contemporary Romance

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BLURB:

Sheltered and cosseted, Sonnet Mendoza abided by her papi’s wishes her whole life: no boys, studies first and always. Now an ER nurse in a busy Chicago hospital, medical school is so close Sonnet can taste it. Just like her father always wanted. Just like she can taste all the things she wants—like Griffith Parker, the man of her dreams and her new housemate.

Working “graves” in a large hospital as a security guard while attending the police academy during the day doesn’t leave ex-Marine Griffith Parker any personal time, but after meeting the beautiful Sonnet Mendoza, business as usual is anything but. Sassy, smart…and interested in him, too? Except, she’s made an art of keeping her distance, and she’s been clear that her plans don’t include him. But the heart wants what the heart wants. His wants Sonnet. He’ll put it on the line to win her.

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EXCERPT

  

It had grown dark, and the lampposts in the parking lot were lit. She had a little pep in her step as she walked to the ER doors, but she stopped and didn’t go in. He was there, hands on his duty belt as he talked with a patient near the security desk. Griffith emitted shock waves of sex appeal, even from where she stood.

           

Oh, hell no.

She’d never be able to walk past him after what she’d done the other night. She reddened. Not like he would even know about her stupid fantasies, but she would. She’d half forgotten he would be on graves with her, too wrapped up in the exhilaration of getting into medical school and…other activities.

Evasive maneuvering seemed the best way to go, so she sidestepped and made her way around to the back employee entrance leading into the ER. She smiled to herself over the minor victory, and pushed against the handle to go in, but it didn’t budge.

“You’ve uh, got to pull it.”

She turned around, and there he stood, dangling a black Maglite in his hand. She reigned in the growl that wanted to surface. “I’m sorry?”

“The door. You need to yank the handle toward you, not push it. There’s a sign.”

Sonnet froze, and eyed the PULL sticker she’d been oblivious to, right above said handle.

“Of course,” she murmured. “Figures.” Even though he must think her an imbecile, she raised her chin with defiance and muttered her thanks as she tugged on the door. It didn’t move.

“Use your badge,” he said. “It’s a security measure so no unauthorized personnel get in.” She glanced at him. He crossed his arms, and his lips fought a losing battle to twitch upward.

Sonnet shook her head, flustered, and rooted around her purse for her work badge. “Look, I realize you think I’m a total moron here, but it’s my first night on the floor, my car had trouble starting earlier, and my nerves are all shot to hell. So, I’d appreciate it if you, your ridiculously stacked chest, and all your muscles wouldn’t judge me, okay? I’m nervous enough as it is. We’re not all perfect.” She held her badge to the RFID reader. The second the green light went on, he beat her to the handle and held the door open for her.

She didn’t see a wedding ring on his left hand. Hmm.

He smirked. “Good to know you like my muscles.” He raised his eyebrows as she clipped past him.

“Shut it, Rambo.”

Buy links:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Boroughs Publishing

CreateSpace (paperback)

Kobo

Smashwords

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Roxanne D. Howard is a U.S. Army veteran who has a bachelor's degree in Psychology and English. She loves to read poetry, classical literature, and Stephen King. Also, she is an avid Star Wars fan, musical theater nut, and marine biology geek. Roxanne resides in the western U.S., and when she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children. She also writes science fiction and stage plays as Haley Cavanagh. Roxanne loves to hear from her readers, and encourages you to contact her via her website and social media.




 

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The tour dates can be found here



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My review:

3.75 out of 5 stars

Sonnet Coupled by Roxanne D. Howard features Sonnet Mendoza, a young nurse with very precise career goals, who encounters temptation personified in the sexy security guard at her new job, Griffith Parker. He, too, has a definite career path that he’s determined to follow. The chemistry between them may make a mockery of their plans, if they give in to their attraction. Maybe it’s time to reconsider what the future looks like…or is it?

This contemporary new adult romance features a delightful slow burn that ratchets up the heat and gives glimpses of the sacrifice and dedication required to serve in two different capacities—the medical field and police force. I enjoyed the Argentinian connection and the mouthwatering descriptions of some of the ethnic dishes and I can only admire the determination and grit that both characters display.

There were a few inconsistencies that bugged me (especially the blithe disregard of the need for protection at the onset of the intimate relationship), I wasn’t quite convinced about one person’s about-face, and I thought the pace was a little uneven, especially at the end when it seemed events were a bit compressed. Those who have triggers should be aware that there is a scene that may be a bit uncomfortable to read.

Despite all of this, I enjoyed watching these two dance around their attraction and draw each other out of their respective shells. I love that there is both passion and cherishing in this romantic tale and I hope we get a chance to see these two as they continue their lives together.

A copy of this title was provided to me for review