RELEASE DAY & GIVEAWAY - BOILING POINT BY TESSA BAILEY

BOILING POINT

by Tessa Bailey

Crossing the Line, #3

Publication Date:  January 25, 2016

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

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Synopsis: Falling for a con man is the most dangerous game of all…

Con artist Austin Shaw’s been in disguise so long he’s not sure where his fake identities end and he begins. Now that he’s been strong-armed into working for a specialized undercover unit working with the Chicago police—criminals with unique “skills”—the last thing he needs is to risk his iron control. Especially when it comes to a certain stunningly sexy hacker who tempts him with every look of disdain.

Polly Banks will never, ever trust a con man. On the trail of a ruthless crook who destroyed the only family she’s ever known, Polly is unnerved by the shadow who follows her every move. The one who makes her pulse pound and breath short with lust. Austin. He’s infuriating, enigmatic, and pure sex appeal, and she’s determined to resist him.

But an untrustworthy man of disguise can become anyone he wants…including a man that Polly must trust if she’s to escape their dangerous game alive.

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DON'T MISS THE OTHER BOOKS IN THE SIZZLING CROSSING THE LINE SERIES....

RISKIER BUSINESS
by Tessa Bailey
Crossing the Line, #0.5
Publication Date: January 5, 2015
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

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Synopsis: One more game. And this time, there are no rules…

After a life of pool hustling and living on the wrong side of the law, Ruby Elliott is living on the straight and narrow with sexy-as-all-hell NYPD detective, Troy Bennett. Now the only trouble Ruby has with the law is the naughty kind, pinned against the wall by Troy's strict and spectacularly hard body. Obeying his every command. Both of them losing themselves in a lust that borders on obsession...

But then her father returns with an offer she can’t refuse: one last hustle in exchange for information. Information she’d die to have. As the pieces and the players of the game reveal themselves, Troy feels the fine edges of his control slipping—control he can’t channel without hurting Ruby. The stakes are high, and the risk higher. Because losing this final game could cost more than Ruby’s heart…it might cost her life.

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RISKING IT ALL
by Tessa Bailey
Crossing the Line, #1
Publication Date: January 27, 2015
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

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Synopsis: NYPD detective Seraphia Newsom will avenge her brother’s death at any cost. Even if it means insinuating herself into a rough, Brooklyn street gang and going so far undercover, she’s not sure she’ll be able to get out. Every minute she spends in their midst means the clock ticking down on her life, especially when she overhears something that could get her killed.

Bowen Driscol is the heir to a crime enterprise. He never asked for the job, but with his father behind bars, he has no choice but to step in and keep the operation running. But when the NYPD blackmails him with a piece of damning information in exchange for aiding an undercover cop, he finds himself on the other side of the law for the first time in his life.

Bowen knows the danger Sera is in, and keeping her safe trumps saving his own ass. The problem? She can’t know he’s on her side. And there's the matter of the seriously inconvenient heat sparking between them that's incinerating his resistance. But Sera only sees Bowen's past, and men like him are the reason her brother is dead. If they're to get out alive, he'll have to risk exposing the man beneath, and hope to hell he doesn't blow the whole operation in the process.

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UP IN SMOKE
by Tessa Bailey
Crossing the Line, #2
Publication Date: June 23, 2015
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

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Synopsis: Never start a fire you can’t control…

Connor Bannon is supposed to be dead. Dishonorably discharged from the Navy SEALs, he's spent the last two years working as a street enforcer in Brooklyn for his cousin's crime ring. Through a twist of fate, he's now in Chicago, working undercover to bust criminals. But when a cute little arsonist joins the team—all combat boots, tiny jean shorts, and hot-pink hair—Connor’s notorious iron control slips.

Erin "she's getting away" O'Dea knows two things. She hates authority. And… Nope, that's it. When she's forced to operate on the “right” side of the law, her fear of being confined and controlled blazes to the surface. The last thing she expects is a control freak like Connor to soothe her when she needs it most. Worse, something behind the sexy ex-soldier's eyes ignites a dangerous inferno of desire. One that invites Erin to play with fire. And one that could get them both killed…

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ABOUT TESSA BAILEY

Tessa Bailey is originally from Carlsbad, California. The day after high school graduation, she packed her yearbook, ripped jeans and laptop, driving cross-country to New York City in under four days.

Her most valuable life experiences were learned thereafter while waitressing at K-Dees, a Manhattan pub owned by her uncle. Inside those four walls, she met her husband, best friend and discovered the magic of classic rock, managing to put herself through Kingsborough Community College and the English program at Pace University at the same time. Several stunted attempts to enter the work force as a journalist followed, but romance writing continued to demand her attention.

She now lives in Long Island, New York with her husband of eight years and four-year-old daughter. Although she is severely sleep-deprived, she is incredibly happy to be living her dream of writing about people falling in love.

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RELEASE DAY & GIVEAWAY - A PIRATE'S REVENGE BY MEG HENNESSY

A PIRATE’S REVENGE

by Meg Hennessy

Secrets of the Bayous #3

Publication Date: January 25, 2016

Genres: Adult, Historical, Romance

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Synopsis: Rayna de La Roche once lived a privileged life of a Spanish royal until her brother dragged her to America. In order to return to Spain, she must find a hidden treasure somewhere in New Orleans. She pairs up with a rugged American mercenary, whose mere touch unleashes her deepest desire.

Captain Zachary Nash has been accused of a murder he did not commit. On the run, he’s hired to protect Rayna. As much as he wants her, Zach cannot hope to have her, for she sees him as a common criminal. But keeping his hands off of her while they hunt down the treasure may be his toughest task yet.

As the passion sizzles between the royal and the captain, they’ll have to decide if the treasure is more important than love…

EXCERPT

He turned toward his rescuer. “Ah, the princess pretends to sleep.”

“Sí, seems I have to sleep light these days.” She released the hammer of her pistol and hung it on her brace. “I have a magical knight. Sometimes you see him, sometimes you don’t.”

“But you did not sleep. Why?”

“Because I could not with a man in my room.” She sounded irritated, like she really had sacrificed sleep.

“For some reason, I don’t believe that was the first time you’ve had a man in your room.” He didn’t know what made him say that, except seeing her in those formfitting clothes reminded him of every time he had stood too near to her, touched her, and had to deny his feelings of wanting her. The days and nights of watching her from afar, in Cadiz, on Donato’s ship, and now here, she was the most desirable woman he’d ever seen.

“I amend, señor.” This time the princess laughed. “The first time I had a strange man in my room who was not sharing my bed.”

“You’ve had men share your bed.” He stated rather than asked because he was curious, having suspected the woman was…experienced. But hearing her say it niggled beneath his skin with just a tiny nip of jealously. To sleep in her bed, how would a man earn that right?

A smile arrested her entire beautiful face. “Again, a position you’ll never enjoy.”

He stopped walking beside her. He shouldn’t care, and knowing the Roches like he did, why would he be in the least bit curious? “Because I’m an American and you’re royalty?”

She honored his halt with a spin of her own, facing him.

“Capitán,” she began in that thick Spanish accent. “I could have any man I desire. I have been bedded by kings, princes, dukes, and marquises. Why would I choose a barbaric common American?”

Maybe it was her upturned face catching the moonlight that enticed him, or the slight curve to her lips that interested him, but it was the deep lust he saw in her eyes that made him reckless.

“Because you want to.” He snagged her wrist, twisted it behind her back and brought her flush against his chest. He could feel her breathing. Her breasts pushed against his body with every inhalation in an age-old rhythm. Her lips parted slightly. He caught the flicker of her tongue as she moistened her lips—anticipating.

ABOUT MEG HENNESSY

Award winning author, Meg Hennessy, lives amid rolling hills of the Kettle Moraine in Wisconsin and got the bug to write while in college studying Nursing. Besides being a Registered Nurse and Clinical Hypnotherapist, Meg turned her attention to her writing career. With her father born and raised on Mississippi’s gulf coast, Meg grew up immersed in the culture of an old Southern family and writes with a strong Southern flavor. It was her sense of wonderment when visiting her grandmother’s home as a child that now bubbles upward into her writing of today. She likes to create high-energy characters against historically rich backdrops, offering her readers a vivid peek into the lives and loves of yesteryear. Her first novel, SHADOWS OF A SOUTHERN MOON, was awarded the EPIC award for Best Historical Romance in 2010, WHISPER OF GOLD, was a finalist for EPIC’s Best Western Romance. In 2011, she contracted with Entangled Publishing to write the Secrets of the Bayous Trilogy. The first book, DARK SECRETS, DEEP BAYOUS, was awarded the 2015 HOLT Award of Merit and was a finalist in the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Book two of the trilogy, A PIRATE’S COMMAND, was released July 2015, and Book three, the final book of the series, A PIRATE’S REVENGE, released January 25, 2016.

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121 First Dates by Wendy Newman

4 STARS - Really Liked It!

There are two sides to everything...especially dating. There can be the good dating where you meet a decent guy who just clicks with you. Where you can talk without any awkwardness or prolonged silences. He'll want to know you without talking too much of himself. A nice balance. Or it could be the bad experiences, where the guy never shows. Where a guy doesn't seem like the guy you thought he was. A disappointment. There will always be numerous dates but you'll eventually find the right one....right?


The description of 121 First Dates grabbed my attention. When I just read, I thought it was a book about various people telling their first date stories. After I found out it was only one person's experiences, I was intrigued. First thought was: that is a lot of dates!! How can one go on that many different dates? Nowadays, online dating is very popular and an easier way to meet people. So, it was interesting to read Newman's stories! It wasn't just mainly about every first date she had. It was more about what she learned from her experiences and wanted to pass it on to those who need help in the dating world. The incorporation of her dating stories made it even more fun.


She covers every dating topic...EVERYTHING. From what to expect with dating to what happens after the first date. Topics like the do's and don'ts of first dates, how to flirt, rookie mistakes. etc. Touching base on online dating: different sites, how to make yourself presentable, and how to move from online to the real world, Going into common questions people ask: when should you take a break, why isn't he calling, or what about sex? One of the most important topics she focuses on is yourself. How you should do things for you! Don't do things because you are expected to. It's more like you should love yourself before you put yourself out there kinda thing. You should put some time aside to take care of yourself. Especially if things don't go well for you.


If you're having bad dating experiences or haven't even dated, I think this book will give you great insight. Since Wendy Newman is a dating guru, I'm sure you might learn a couple new things!

Life's a Beach by Jamie K. Schmidt

Mini Synopsis:

How does it feel to have everything fall apart at once? Amelia Parker had it all. Waking up with the perfect cup of coffee from her favorite cafe before heading to a job she loves. Planning the perfect getaway trip to Hawaii with a man she loves. She just didn't expect to lose it all in one day...except for the non refundable trip. Might as well use it!

As she steps foot on the island and her eyes land on the hotel....matters only get worse. Nothing is really quite updated: with the use of old fashioned keys to hotel rooms and no elevators to get to your floor. But, the beauty of sandy white beaches and clear waters should make up for it all. 

Luck is just not on her side! Although an incident occurs on the beach, it leads her into the arms of a handsome fellow. A guy, Dude, who lays on the beach, sipping his beer, and occasionally giving scuba lessons. Except, it's not his true identity. People don't have a clue that he's the billionaire who owns the hotel. Samuel Kincaide's alter ego is the only way to get away from it all. All the stress and expectations that comes with Wall Street. And, his plans of selling the sad hotel change the second Amelia walks into his life. Tensions run high as events begin to unravel: his identity and dealing with a business tycoon who wants his property. Can he keep a hold on both his love and work life? 

Thoughts: 

Life's A Beach is actually a pretty cute story of starting over and trying to find oneself again. You can be the only person to pick up the broken pieces of your life and move forward! And Amelia does just that. Finding love just happens to be part of it too! I know it can be sappy but it's still cute! Like all cute love stories...it can be a bit predictable. They are easy reads, light and fluffy, and a good getaway from heavy filled drama romance books (if you read them!). The are even better when some steamy scenes are included! The relationship between Samuel and Amelia is charmingly predictable but there are some sparks that can make Samuel swoon-worthy! Although having an alter ego like Dude might be weird...the real Samuel is a great guy. He has the determination to fight for what he wants. He is willing to change or make changes for the better. He's also sweet and sexy at the same time. Who wouldn't fall in love with a guy like him? Overall, the book was good! Predictable but fun read.

3 STARS - I Liked It!

December Hiatus

Hi guys!! I apologize for the month long hiatus from the book reviews. Other than dealing with some writer's block all month, I had decided to make some changes in my life! While I'm waiting for some acceptance/rejection letters, I will be starting a new book blog with one of my closest friends (who is a lover of mystery books). Then, you'll get some variation from my romance, new adult, young adult, and fantasy books. I'll let you know when the new blog is up and running!

Since it is New Years Eve, I will end the year with my top 15 favorite books of 2015! It has been one crazy year. I have set a new record for myself by reading 219 books, beating the number of books I have read in 2014 (151 books). The year is not yet over so I might even finish another book by midnight (maybe!).

Here they are in no particular order:

My book resolutions for 2016:

1. Reviewing more books
2. Adding more variations of book reviews
3. Changing up review format
4. Coming up with more resolutions!

Thank you to all those who stop by to check out my blog! Hopefully, the new one will be even more exciting! See you guys in 2016!!

Lace Up by Shae Ross

Lace Up is a wonderful story filled with friendship, a healthy dose of competition and a chance at falling in love. As two rival universities battle it out in NYC, tensions run high when the end prize can change everything.

Team Ryan, an all girls team from MSU, is ready to take on any challenge thrown at them in the entrepreneurship competition. In addition to winning an internship at a prestigious business company, a large monetary sum can help cover law school tuition or medical bills for Ryan, Jade and Devi. The only people standing in their way is the all boys team.

Team Jett, a bunch of rich frat boys from U of M, needs to meet their families expectations. Winning this competition can give Jett the upper hand in gaining a position in his father's company. And losing it against an all girls team would be a never ending story. He'll do whatever it takes to make his team end up on top.

This was a very enjoyable read! As much as I love the different personalities of each team, the clashing between Ryan and Jett was my favorite. You can feel all sorts of tension tension from the moment they met to the ending when they announce the winners. There will be moments where you'll laugh out loud at their banter or swoon over Jett. As relationships begin to build between the teams, during their on and off times, winning in the end doesn't sound as great as it did in the beginning.

Another plus is the dual POV from Jett and Ryan. I absolutely love these types of books. You'll get a chance to see both sides of the story, the build up of the relationship, and the problems each team will have to face and solve. Lace up will definitely draw you in until the very end.

4 STARS - Really Liked It!

Steal Me by Lauren Layne

Where do I even start?! Lauren Layne has blown me away again. She is one of my all time favorite romance authors, covering all types of romance I love. From second chances to sports romance, she'll never disappoint! Steal Me is the second installment in her New York's Finest series, following the legendary Moretti family in the NYPD. It can be read as a stand-alone but I would recommend reading Frisk Me to get the whole experience. And with a little side note: If you love the show Blue Bloods, you will love this series!

Mini-Synopsis
As the oldest son of the Moretti family and Captain of the NYPD, Anthony deals with all types of drama in his life. On one end of the table, his father, former NYPD commissioner, keeps him on his toes about current cases. While on the other end, his Nonna loves to put his love life under the scope. With no complete answer to either case, he'll just have to deflect them until he does. The only way is to have no distractions...and Maggie is definitely a distraction.

Starting over after a disastrous marriage, the Darby Diner is the only place where Maggie Walker can make ends meet. Long hours and late shifts may be a couple downsides but seeing the faces of the Moretti family every Sunday morning is always something to look forward to...especially Anthony's. After a rough start of unintentional spills and grimaces, a case brings them together. In order to catch a sly serial thief, they'll have to cooperate, even through all the hot, heavy, sexual tension.

Thoughts
Everything about the book was amazing: plot line, character development, dynamics of secondary characters, and most importantly: chemistry. Romance without chemistry is like an adventure without plans. Can't have one without the other! And oh boy did Lauren Layne build that chemistry to an explosive romance. I love how Lauren took her time to build the tension. It's like falling in the love with the characters while they fall in love with each other. You can't help but fall for Anthony's brooding behavior and Maggie's fearlessness, just like Darcy and Lizzy. Who wouldn't want a Darcy hero? The plot had a great balance: as many thrills as there were laughs, from swoon-worthy moments to sexy times, and cameos of former couples and possible new ones. Lauren Layne knows exactly draw you in. My absolute favorite part of the book is the family dynamic. I just love how close they all are. Everyone is so relatable and likable. Especially Nonna! Her need to mettle with her grand children's love lives reminds me of another one of my favorite series, The Bet by Rachel Van Dyken. If you are also into suspense romances, like Julie James, you are in for a treat with Steal Me. All I can say is that it's one of my favorites of the year!

5 STARS - LOVED IT!

First Touch by Laurelin Paige

When I read the description for First Touch, I knew it would be a pretty amazing read. It had a mix of romance, mystery, suspense and thriller. The second you start reading, you won't be able to put it down.

What would you do if you got a voicemail from a friend you haven't heard in years? You would return their call and make plans to catch up, right? Well, it wasn't easy for Emily's case. When her former best friend, Amber, calls out of the blue, two spoken words sent chills up Emily's spine. Their safety words. They always looked out for one another, especially during messy times. With no way to return contact, it made matters worse.

The only way to find Amber is to trace back to the last place she was seen, on an exclusive ranch with Reeve Sallis. He was Emily's last connection to Amber and she would do whatever it takes to find out what happened to her. Seducing him won't be a problem but falling for him might as she spends time to gain his trust and unlock his secrets.

Everything about the book was so intense: the plot line, interactions, and chemistry between Reeve and Emily, You can't tell if they were acting or if it was real. They were both manipulative, using each other for their own benefits. But, they didn't know until its too late. His domineering nature smoothed out her restlessness while her hotheadedness made him more protective. With Emily digging deeper to find Amber, you don't know if you can trust Reeve. Is Amber just missing or is she dead? The plot line just drew you in and wouldn't let go. Even to the last page. You just might bang your head against the wall, wanting to know what will happen next.

5 STARS - Loved it!

Call Me, Maybe by Ellie Cahill

Call Me, Maybe by Ellie Cahill is a cute read about moving past insecurities and finding oneself. It doesn't mean you necessarily have to find love to do so. All you need is a push in the right direction. 

The Daly name is legendary and Clementine doesn't want to disappoint her family. Her siblings have figured out their lives, but she has yet to figure out hers. Hoping to guide Clementine into the family's real estate business, her grandparents invite her and her brother to their headquarters. While they board from Chicago, she runs into a handsome fellow and only few words were exchanged. Surprisingly, she didn't expect to hear from him after they landed in LA. As It turns out, her brother accidentally grabbed the wrong phone and she is without it for a week. Making sure important messages get answered, daily phone calls and texts turn into an unexpected friendship. But will friendship turn into something more when the week ends? 

Ellie Cahill has written a delightful story that seems too perfect. When swoon worthy phone calls turn steamy, Justin knows all the right words to say. And the moment when them meet face to face has to be one of my favorite scenes. Like I said, everything about Justin seems too perfect, which made me a bit suspicious of his actions and question if they are truly genuine. As the story goes on, Cahill knows how to keep you on your toes with all the secrets. If you want a light and easy read, Call Me Maybe might be the book for you!

4 STARS - I really liked it!

The Truth About Him by M. O'Keefe

The Truth About Him starts right where Everything I Left Unsaid left off. When one issue get resolved, another one pops up along the way...then another one and another one. The plot line keeps you wondering if they'll ever have a happy ending. While the first book was focused on Annie's story, O'Keefe has written a good transition into Dylan's story. 

The beginning questions the future of Dylan and Annie relationship. With the appearance of a forgotten character, will Annie face her demons in order to move forward? While events unravel, they leave her questioning her morality. Unable to stay away, Dylan wants to protect Annie after learning her secret. As his past catches up with him, Annie begins to understand why Dylan lives alone on the mountain. Threats are made against Dylan when his brother goes missing. In order to protect the people he care about, he needs to find Max. 

Why three stars? The plot was well written but a bit choppy. Similar to the first book, the author uses first person POV with one main character and third person POV with the other. If it was kept consistent, the writing would have been more smooth. Although there was was great chemistry between Dylan and Annie, readers might have a better connection with secondary characters than the main ones, leading to a loss of interest with the story. Without the secondary characters, the story wouldn't be as enjoyable. Overall, the story was good. O'Keefe keeps readers on their toes but it was a bit predictable.

3 STARS - I Liked It!