Shana Gray's "Working Girl: Complete Novel."

Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/2Owiw5x

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2OvZWdY

Synopsis:

Tess has been determined to get revenge for her father, ever since he was falsely accused of misusing company funds and unceremoniously let go from Diamond Enterprises. Applying to be Executive Assistant to the elusive, elderly head of the company, Mr King, seems the ideal way to get inside the firm and clear his name.

But the job interview is not what she expects. Arriving at the company HQ, she is escorted to a helicopter, blindfolded and flown to a secret location. She meets a man whose voice is disguised, but introduces himself as Mr King and says the job advertisement was a ruse to find the new CEO of Diamond Enterprises. The catch, the interviewer says, is that the job will only be hers if she passes a seven-day interview.

Tess will have seven mysterious men who will assist her - one for each task each day. She will have to use all of her skills if she's to succeed and to resist the powerful magnetism of the irresistible men sent to help - or distract - her. Or will Tess find herself losing her heart when she meets her man of the week?

Review: Jo 

After reading Shana Gray’s “Girls Weekend Away” series recently, I was looking forward to discovering more of her work. I had actually read the first part of this story a while back but as it was only released in instalments, I shelved it for a later date. Now that all seven parts were incorporated into one book, it was the perfect time to read the full “Working Girl” novel. I was immediately intrigued by this book and loved the concept. Seven days of the week with a different hunk to swoon over on each day. What a lucky girl this leading lady was. The story then unfolded to one that piqued my interest and kept me turning the pages.

"We were connected, fused together, and I never wanted it to break." 

This book was all about Tess. A smart, single girl on a mission for revenge, but then her plan unfolded into something that she hadn't anticipated. I liked Tess a lot and enjoyed watching her story play out. I especially appreciated meeting the different men and wondering if any of them would steal her heart. I have to say that I was willing for Tess to hurry up and pick her man, because I was missing the romance. I wanted a big epic love story to begin. That’s probably why my favourite chapters were definitely during the second half of the book. Especially as a surprising twist was thrown in that I loved. The way that this story all came together in the end made my heart happy.

“Working Girl” gets 3.5 ❤️ 's from me.

Release Blitz & Review: Stylo Fantome's "While I Was Away."

The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog are pleased to be part of the Release Blitz for Stylo Fantome's "While I Was Away." 

Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/2TsCwU8

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2OgNB9K

Synopsis: 

You were in a car accident.

They say true love can last forever.

You hit your head, which caused your brain to swell.

Can span any distance, stretch across time, last beyond death.

The pressure against your skull damaged your brain.

Which leads one to wonder …

The damage left you unresponsive to most kinds of stimuli.

If you fall in love in your dreams,

And this unresponsive state is what's known as a coma.

Can you find that love when you wake up?

Review: Jo 

I really don’t know where to start with this review. This book was completely different to anything that I have read before and not at all what I expected from this author, proving what a versatile author she is. For the majority of this story I was baffled, wondering what the hell was going on and having no clue as to what would happen next. It truly was a unique tale.

"No dream could ever compare to us, Adele. No fantasy, no mirage, no fairy tale. 

You and I, we're something bigger. Something better." 

I don’t want to say much about the story itself, because I don’t want to give anything away, but I will say is that it’s a mysterious tale that will keep you guessing. To be honest, I’m not sure it was the book for me. Whilst ultimately it was a love story, there wasn’t as much romance as I’d hoped. For this reason, it took me a while to become fully invested in what was happening. It wasn’t until the final twenty percent that I really started to enjoy it. On a positive note, I did like the characters and I was pleased with how the story was brought to an end. If you are looking for something different than the norm, this could be your kinda read. 

While I Was Away gets 3.5 ❤️’s from me.

EXCERPT:

Adele was babbling, she knew, but she couldn't stop herself. So she was thankful when Jones cut her off and yanked her close. He sat up at the same time, and before she even realized what was happening, he was kissing her.

Finally.

The last time – the only time – they'd kissed, he'd disappeared forever. Thistime, she was determined to make the most of it. They both shifted onto their knees, arms going around each other, and when she gasped at the intensity of his hold, his tongue slipped into her mouth. She moaned and curled her fingers in his hair, praying the moment would last forever.

Ah, but this place is the anti-prayer. So shall you think it, so shall it not be.

Jones' hands had moved to cup either side of her face. He pulled away, then leaned back in for another slow kiss. Tried to say something, then kissed her again. Once more, and she could just feel it – it was the last one.

“I wish we could stay here forever,” he whispered, pressing his forehead to hers.

“Me, too,” she whispered back. He grabbed hold of her wrists and gently removed her arms from around his neck.

“But it can't be. You either go forward, or you go back. You can only stand still for so long, Adele.”

She didn't even know what he was talking about, and she knew he was right. The storm above them was getting worse. Something was coming. Eternity waited for no one, not even her, it seemed.

She squeezed her eyes shut tight.

“I tried, Jones. I tried to stand still with you. I tried to get caught in the now with you.”

“I know you did. And now I want you to try something else,” his voice was so low, she could barely hear it over all the thunder.

“What?”

“I want you to concentrate. And then, I want you to open your eyes.”

She bit into her bottom lip and turned her head, brushing her nose against the side of his cheek so she could remember the feel of him. Inhaled deeply so she could remember the smell of him. Then she took an even deeper breath and did as she was told.

She concentrated on the ground below her. Listened to the storm raging above her. Felt Jones' body heat in front of her.

And she also remembered. Could hear her brother Ocean laugh in her ear, the sound made such rare appearances. Could picture her brother River standing in front of her, looking so serious and concerned. Could feel her brother August around her, giving her one of his big hugs.

The wind around them didn't lessen in intensity, but it did slow down. Or time slowed, she couldn't be sure. There was a terrific booming noise, followed by the sound of something ripping. At first, she thought it was the sky – the storm must have really been opening up. Then she felt a tremor in the ground under her, and she knew what it was.

The giant tree was finally tipping over. It groaned as gravity took hold of its weight and pulled it over the edge of the cliff. She could actually sense the roots being ripped from the earth as the tree made a swan dive.

And as the roots came free, they tore apart the face of the cliff. She could feel the ground crumbling away from her, could tell she was falling. Jones held onto her for as long as he could, but just as his arms were about to reach their limit, gravity took over once again and yanked her away completely.

PLAYLIST:

Direct Link:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcS2p94zUDKDWaUi-ell_14vyQLaOSN42

AUTHOR BIO:

Crazy woman from a remote location in Alaska (where the need for a creative mind is a necessity!), I have been writing since ... forever? Yeah, that sounds about right. I have been told that I remind people of Lucille Ball - I also see shades of Jennifer Saunders, and Denis Leary. So basically, I laugh a lot, I'm clumsy a lot, and I say the F-word A LOT.

I like dogs more than I like most people, and I don't trust anyone who doesn't drink. No, I do not live in an igloo, and no, the sun does not set for six months out of the year, there's your Alaska lesson for the day. I have mermaid hair - both a curse and a blessing - and most of the time I talk so fast, even I can't understand me.

Yeah. I think that about sums me up.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stylofantomeauthor

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Stylo-Fantôme/e/B00M4QNXUC

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8306834.Stylo_Fantome

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/stylo-fantome

Twitter: https://twitter.com/StyloFantome

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stylofantome

Review: Raine Miller's "Filthy Lies (Blackstone Dynasty #2)."

Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/2LAGWct

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2OxQq66

Synopsis: 

On the day I turned fifteen years old I knew I loved James Blakney. There was a look in his eye that told me he’d finally noticed I existed in a realm beyond best-friend’s-much-younger-off-limits-don’t-even-think-about-it-little-sister. Call it womanly intuition, despite the fact I was barely qualified for being an actual woman at just fifteen—and only in the biological sense—but still, I knew I loved him.

What I never expected from him was a proposal of marriage nearly eight years later. I know it's not supposed to be a real marriage, but James is certainly making it feel that way. 

He's also hiding something from me.

But I've hidden the truth from him as well.

Lies.

So many filthy lies. 

~Winter Blackstone

Review: Jo

I absolutely loved Raine Miller's "Filthy Rich", so I have been eagerly awaiting this book as soon as it was announced. I couldn't wait to get my hands on the story of James and Winter Blackstone. It's needless to say that I began reading as soon as it hit my kindle. 

"I've wanted you for a long time. This is my fantasy moment." 

The main thing that I enjoyed about this friends-to-lovers romance, was that the characters were so easy to like and therefore to root for. Winter was the selfless heroine of the story. A girl with an enormous heart and who loved to take care of people, especially those that were in need. It was plain to see that Winter deserved a good man to care for her in the way in which she cared for everyone else. And gorgeous James, was the perfect guy for her and it just so happened that he was secretly hopelessly in love with Winter. From then on, the story that played out was one that was filled with the best combination of heat and heart. A novel that I swooned over and also had me switching my electric fan on to help stay cool. Raine Miller sure is good at writing smokin' hot sex scenes. 

"In his bed, in his house that he kept from everyone...

James was making up for all of the years we'd both had to wait to get here." 

If you love dreamy romance and the childhood friends turned to lovers type of story, this one could be for you. 

"I would carry you until my arms fell off." 

"Filthy Lies' gets 3.5 ❤️'s from me.

Release Blitz & Review: Debra Anastasia's "Havoc."

The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog are pleased to be part of the Release Blitz & Review for Debra Anastasia's "Havoc." 

Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/2GDJxvy

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2GD6Buz

Synopsis: 

I named myself. I took the word Animal out of their mouths, wore it like a badge of honor then shoved it down their throats. I’ve fought for what I have. I see you coming, before you even know you want a piece of me. In a city riddled with warring families, I’ll rise up between them. My people, the broken souls I gather will have power by the time I’m done with them.

I protect mine.

Him. My brother, Nix.

Her. The girl that is the only home I’ve ever had. She knows me.

I’m coming at you, Sweetness. Stay ready.

Review: Jo 

Debra Anastasia's "Mercy" was one of my top favourite reads from last year, so reading this book was a given. After meeting Animal I was left intrigued by the part of his life that we didn't get to see in the previous book. I couldn't wait to start "Havoc" and get to know more about this mysterious man. 

"She was my family. My girl. My wife. My T. My greatest love. My only future." 

This book started off brilliantly, pulling me from the very beginning. Reading about both Animal and T's brutal childhood broke my heart. I felt so sad for what the pair had to deal with when they were so young. It wasn't easy to read and there was one particular scene that brought tears to my eyes. Discovering Animal and T's early connection helped me understand how they were now living their lives as adults and also how important they were to one another. 

"Galaxies collided, souls rejoiced, 

and in the smallest part of me and the smallest part of her,

 two teenage kids clung to each other, 

wondering what the hell had taken us so long." 

The novel then progressed into a story that was filled with non-stop action as the pair battled through their dangerous world with Nix, Becca and the rest of the gang. As well as all of the gripping drama, there was also the will they/won't they scenario between Animal and T. For the most part of the book, I really didn't know if anything would happen between the pair. Animal wasn't acting at all like their relationship would progress into something more, but I really wanted it to, especially for T. 

"His weight on top of me was everything I'd ever hoped for.

 This was it. This was love."

Thankfully, the story did go in the way that I had hoped and it was a joy to see Animal and T together. They were finally how they were meant to be and that made me so happy. I loved seeing Animal madly in love and T get the future that she deserved. I could breathe a huge sigh of relief for this perfectly matched couple. 

"We were tighter than family; we were closer than soul mates.

 It was bigger than the universe-how it was for us." 

If you like your books to be filled with kick-ass characters, a whole lot of action and some steamy romance, this one could be for you. 

"For the first time in my life, my heart and my dick felt the same way. 

Big, ready and in love." 

"Havoc" gets 3.5 ❤️'s from me. 

Review: Katee Robert's "Make Me Want."

Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/2HFSxkL

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2CfuPw3

Synopsis: 

“I want everything.”

She’s taking control. And it’s driving him wild!

Lucy Baudin’s ex did a number on her self-esteem, but it’s time for her to regain control. In her job as a lawyer she’s bold, confident. But in the bedroom she needs inspiration to reawaken her inner seductress. Asking her friend Gideon Novak for help seems wrong…yet so deliciously right! 

Review: Jo 

As soon as I started reading this one, I immediately became intrigued by the characters and then I realised the premise of the story and I was excited for what lay ahead. This friends-to-lovers story was a sexy slow burn with the most perfect ending. If you are looking for a red hot quick read this could be for you. 

"I want you. You want me. We fit, Lucy. You can't deny it's true."

When I first met Gideon, I had all kinds of sexy expectations and for the most part they came true, however there was a few things about this passionate man that frustrated the hell out of me. It was pretty clear from the first page that he had feelings for Lucy, but he took so long in expressing those feelings. I wanted him to be more dominant, more alpha. To tell Lucy that he was the guy she was looking for, which he did get to in the end, it just took a hell of a long time to do it. He drove me crazy!! I was slowly losing my patience with each new chapter. As you can probably tell, slow burns usually aren't my thing. Lol. 

Although I was feeling slightly irritated with the Gideon, I did love the spicy sex scenes. Lucy and Gideon were on fire together. There was one particular scene in a dressing room that had me burning up! If you love a good amount of steam in your book, you will love Lucy and Gideon's sexcapades. 

Overall, I did enjoy this quick read and I just loved the way it ended. I was completely surprised by the final chapter and I did have a big smile on my face as I turned the final page. It was just the slow burn that drove me mad. 

"There's a right time and place. This is our time and our place." 

Make me want gets 3.5 ❤️'s from me.

Review: Whitney G & Nicole London's "My Enemy Next Door."

Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/2CORuMn

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2D1OiBh

Synopsis: 

We used to be close.

We used to be best friends.

Until we became enemies all over again...

Courtney Ryan ruined our on and off again friendship with one swipe of her sexy, red pen. After the final rude message she wrote in my yearbook, I decided that we didn't need to see each other anymore. (But if we ever did, I would show her exactly why I had every reason to be "cocky," and make her admit that I really *was* "that damn sexy.")

Now that it's ten years later, I've graduated from law school at the top of my class, and I'm being recruited to work at the number one law firm in New York City.

Since I'm in desperate need of a change and want to meet new people, I don't hesitate to accept the offer.

Until I find out that Courtney Ryan graduated from law school, too.

Until I realize that she'll be working at the same exact firm, in the office right across from me.

And if this timing isn't unfortunate enough, she's far more tempting and sexier than I originally remembered.

(Oh, and last night I found out that she lives right next door...)

We don't have to be close.

We don't have to be best friends.

But she's going to pay me back for making us enemies all over again..

Review: Jo 

Ever since first reading Christina Lauren's "Beautiful Bastard", I have loved office based romance and Whitney G never fails at delivering these kind of stories that are filled to the brim with sexual tension and heat. "My Enemy Next Door" was both a steamy love story between two lawyers and also a tale of second chance love. This was another book by Whitney G that I enjoyed. 

"Jace's mouth still looked as if it was made for kissing me,

 and I knew all these years later that his piercing blue eyes 

could see right through mine." 

Jace and Courtney's story had started when they were in high school, but it sadly didn't last past their collage years. In this book the couple found themselves working for the same company and get the opportunity of fixing their relationship. From the very start Jace and Courtney were giving off highly charged chemistry and angst. I just knew that their relationship was going to be both fun and sexy. I loved watching the pair in action together and couldn't wait for them to finally give in to their desire for each other. It was a given that this Jace and Courtney were going to be one hot couple. 

"I wanted us to keep this, this thing that still-ten years later, felt so right." 

As well as getting to know the older Jace and Courtney, I loved reading the flashback chapters and discovering how the couple's story first began. It was like having a cute YA as well as reading a hot sexy adult romance at the same time. Going back to the past also gave me the chance to get to know the characters well and I gotta say that I just loved how sweet and romantic Jace was. He was so bloomin' gorgeous. 

"I won't be able to "just friends" with you. Ever. It's all or nothing, 

and I'm not going to accept nothing." 

I would say that for the most part, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, however I did feel a little disappointed with the the final few chapters. After such an exciting romance I wanted an ending to match and sadly I didn't think I got the perfect ending that I was looking for. To me, it felt rushed and ended all too soon without any kind of epilogue and at eighty-two percent. I would have loved just few more chapters to give Jace and Courtney the swoony ending that their story deserved. 

"My Enemy Next Door" gets 4-3.5 ❤️'s from me.

Review: Lauren Rowe's "Misadventures on a Night Shift (Misadventures #6)."

Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/2yrHvPe

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2iXZ6Hs

Synopsis: 

Hotel clerk Abby Medford has always enjoyed the quiet solitude of the night shift. The long, boring hours allow her time to study her law books. But when bad-boy-rocker Lucas Ford checks into the penthouse suite one night and demands Abby personally deliver his room service request, her formerly quiet nights are quickly filled with Lucas's erotic games. 

But as Abby soon learns, if she thinks she can indulge her innermost desires with Lucas without giving him her heart, she's dead wrong.

Review: Jo 

I love rock star romance so this was a novel that I was excited about reading. "Misadventures on the Night Shift" got off to a promising start and I was looking forward to seeing this story develop. What followed was book that was filled with sex, sex and more sex. If you love a smokin' hot tale that involves a heartthrob singer, this one could be for you. 

Abby was a normal girl working her ass off at a hotel during the night and studying law during the day. She seemed like she had a lot on her plate and really didn't have time for a man in her life. Things soon changed though when she met the famous rock star, Lucas who offered Abby something she couldn't resist. From that moment on this story just gets hotter and hotter. Both Lucas and Abby are wrapped up in a steamy affair that happens so fast it took me by surprise. Another thing that surprised me was how bold Abby was when it came to sex. She had no problem whatsoever in acting out her dirtiest fantasies with Luke. The couple were so kinky! 

Now I'm all for the red hot sex scenes in my books and I usually love a good love story but there was something about this book that didn't quite capture me in the way that I wanted it too. I didn't really feel any kind of chemistry between the main couple and I didn't find Luke as hot as I thought I would. I was quite disappointed that this story didn't affect me in the way that I had expected it too. Maybe it was too much sex and not enough swoony romance for me. I also felt that the story ended so abruptly. I was kinda disappointed with how the book came to an end. 

Overall this one was a good read that I would recommend to anyone that loves a steamy erotic tale. 

"Misadventures on a Night Shift" gets 3.5 hearts from me.

Review: Rhyannon Byrd's "The Weekend:London Affair Part 1 (London Affair: An International Love Story #1)".

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2i4Dad7

Synopsis:

American art-history graduate Emmy Reed is in London, hoping to land her dream job by getting an exclusive scoop on a famous reclusive artist. When a dangerous encounter throws her into the path of millionaire playboy Jase Beckett, Emmy is grateful for his quick-thinking - but equally determined to turn down his proposal to be his date for a family wedding. That is, until she discovers that her sought-after artist is his grandfather.

Tired of the game-playing women in his circle, Jase finds Emmy refreshingly fascinating. And as the weekend progresses and they work together to survive his insufferable family's devious scheming, Emmy and Jase find themselves drowning in an intoxicating sexual chemistry that leaves them both desperate for more...and reeling emotionally.

When their stunning weekend is over, neither is ready to let go. But dark secrets surround the Beckett family - can their fledgling relationship survive the damaging revelations to come? 

Review: Jo

This book sounded right up my street so I couldn't wait to get started. Although it didn't quite grip me in the way that I'd hoped, it was still a good read and I was left wanting more. I can't wait for book two to see what happens next for Emmy and Jase. 

The premise of this story is one that I've read hundreds of times, but it's one that can never grow old with me. Rich, alpha and stunning hero with a down to earth heroine that is easy to relate to. I will always want to read these kind of romance novels so in the story department it did not let me down. Jase was the hot single guy with a bit of a mysterious past and family issues that I was curious of. Emmy was a sweet and sassy girl who gave Jase a bit more of a fight than what he was used to, which of course made Emmy even more attractive. 

This quick read continued with a steamy romance between Jase and Emmy that I enjoyed and left me with a bit of a cliffhanger ending. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next and also getting a bit more into Jase's past. I'm pretty certain there is a lot more to discover about him and his family. 

"London Affair" gets 3.5 hearts from me.

Blog Tour: Katy Regnery's "Unloved."

The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog are pleased to be part of the Blog Tour for Katy Regnery's "Unloved."

Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/2xqPIT2

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2g20oAb

Synopsis: 

My name is Cassidy Porter...

My father, Paul Isaac Porter, was executed twenty years ago for the brutal murder of twelve innocent girls.

Though I was only eight-years-old at the time, I am aware - every day of my life - that I am his child, his only son.

To protect the world from the poison in my veins, I live a quiet life, off the grid, away from humanity.

I promised myself, and my mother, not to infect innocent lives with the darkness that swirls within me, waiting to make itself known.

It's a promise I would have kept...if Brynn Cadogan hadn't stumbled into my life.

Now I exist between heaven and hell: falling for a woman who wants to love me, while all along reminding myself that I must remain...

Unloved.

**NOTE: This book is intended for readers 18+**

Review: Jo 

"Live quiet, and no matter what happens inside of you, 

you won't never be able to hurt someone, Cassidy."

I've spent so much time thinking about what to write in this review. For me "Unloved" was not what I had expected and there were things about the book that I didn't like, but there was also parts that I enjoyed and I know that it has had so many great reviews so I would hate to put readers off by sharing my opinion. This clearly is a novel that you should read for yourself and make up your own mind on what you truly think of Brynn and Cassidy's story. When I first read the synopsis to this book, I couldn't wait to get started. It sounded like a book that would capture my heart and leave me a big emotional mess. Unfortunately, the story of Brynn and Cassidy didn't quite grip me in the way that I had hoped. Don't get me wrong, I did like this book, and there were moments that piqued my interest, but I felt overall that this novel was more of a tender love story. 

"I saw the colors of his heart and I loved them all." 

I loved the premise of this story. Brynn and Cassidy were two people who had both suffered in their past and had back stories that broke my heart, especially Cassidy. I had mixed feelings about Cassidy. My heart really went out to him for the life that he had been dealt.  I completely understood his innocence because of how he been brought up but there were a few things that completely put me off him. I don't want to go into details because of spoilers, but there was a few elements of Cassidy that really didn't appeal to me. As book boyfriends go, sadly Cassidy wasn't the guy for me. 

I enjoyed the sweet development of Brynn and Cassidy's relationship. The pair shared so much innocence between them that they both seemed a lot younger than their years, so at times I felt that I was reading YA. Brynn and Cassidy's story continued throughout most of the book to be a slow burner and I did find my interest wavering at times, however there were also parts that I enjoyed, especially during the later chapters with a few twists that left me feeling shocked and confused. I felt that this part of the story picked up pace and left me wanting to know more, but for the most part I felt that this was a more of a gentle love story between Brynn and Cassidy. 

Another thing I did love about this book was the writing. Written in duel POV, Katy's words were just beautiful and I felt myself swooning over some of the dialogue that Cassidy spoke to Brynn.  There was a few moments where he melted by heart. 

"She is, and always will forever be, my life's greatest treasure.

 Because of her, I am loved."

"Unloved" gets 3.5-4 hearts from me.

Review: Karen Erickson's "Temporary Arrangement (The Renaldis 0.5)."

Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/2fAvqyZ

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2y92Ooe

Synopsis: 

Alone and broke, Paige Stewart can't believe her good luck. Who hires a virtual stranger out of a New York City coffee shop to care for their adorable grandson? Apparently Claudia Renaldi does.

Widower Matteo Renaldi isn't pleased that his mother found a replacement nanny so soon after he fired the last one. Yet little Matty takes to Paige like no other nanny before. And Matteo can't deny he's quite taken with her as well. She's beautiful, sweet, and far, "far" too young for him.

There's something about the gorgeously sexy Matteo that fills Paige with longing to break through his wall of formality and touch his softer side. But no one knows better than she that crushing on her boss is one thing. Acting on those feelings is forbidden. Foolish.

Inevitable

Warning: Sexy, grumpy Italian hero who is determined to keep his walls up. No matter how much his son's sweetly beautiful nanny drives him to distraction.

Review: Jo 

This was a short read focusing on the introduction of the characters and the story of Matteo and Paige. As a former nanny I'm always excited to read romance novels involving a nanny and her boss, so reading this book was a given. I couldn't wait to start. 

"To want this, want him would surely ruin her."

I enjoyed this quick read and it definitely left me wanting more from Paige and Matteo. Paige was the sweet and caring nanny employed by single, hot Italian father, Matteo. Things escalated pretty quickly between the pair and I have a feeling the next book is going to be even steamier. I'm off to find out! 

Temporary Arrangement gets 3.5 Hearts from me.

Release Blitz Review: Lesley Jones' "Cowsex."

Amazon.com:    http://amzn.to/2fvQHWA

Amazon UK:     http://amzn.to/2xDhBXm

Synopsis:

Throw together two strangers and strand them in a Cabin during the middle of a snow storm, the obvious is bound to happen… CowSex!

When Essex lifestyle blogger and fashionista, Gracie Elliott crash lands into the life of former country rock star, Koa Carmichael's world, fists, chemistry, and flirty banter ensue. After sharing some sweet, emotional as well as laugh-out-loud moments, they find it impossible to deny that they might have just discovered what neither of them knew they were looking for.

CowSex, sometimes all you need is a little bit.

Review: Surj

So, Lesley jones' "Cowsex..." the title alone had me intrigued and I've loved everything else this author has written so of course I was going to give it a go. Did I enjoy it? Yes absolutely but word of warning, I think my review is going to be a little bit different to most. But that's ok right? Because reading is such an individual experience And we all get different things from different books. At the end of the day it's how the book made us feel, don't you think? 

This time, we haven't lost the battle; we've lost the whole war. 

Ok, so here goes, there was so much I loved about this book. The story line was absolutely fab. It started off pretty light hearted which is different to what I'm used to reading from this author. I mean an Essex girl getting stranded in a log cabin in the middle of bumfuck nowhere with a broody, moody cowboy country singer. What could possibly go wrong? Well everything actually and from the minute Gracie met Koa, it was priceless comedy reading. The whole situation of their initial introduction was hilarious and as I read, I had the cheesiest grin on my face.

I loved Koa and Gracie. Both characters had history and not of the good kind. Unfortunately Koa had a truck load of baggage too and when you come from a small town like he did, it seemed to follow him around, a constant reminder of past mistakes. For me,  despite some funny moments, I didn't find "Cowsex" as much of a light hearted, romcom as others have. Firstly because of some of the serious subject matters covered in this book and the way they made me feel. Secondly, I found my heart ached for both Gracie and Koa, for all they had been through, the predicaments they suddenly found themselves in and the choices they had to make. Theirs was by no means a plain sailing romance and my heart felt battered and bruised for each of them at one time or other. 

"If I didn't feel like I was hurtling along the bakery line 

in the dark with no brakes, I'd let myself enjoy it."

And lastly, I'll be honest and say i'm an awkward bugger when it comes to comedy and I've said this in another review I wrote recently. Humour is such an individual thing and what will have one person rolling around in laughter will have absolutely no effect on  another and I guess when it comes to this book, that was definitely the case with me. The situational comedy in "Cowsex" was brilliant but for me but I just couldn't click with some of the verbal humour, especially when it came to the "cockney rhyming slang" stuff. Like I said though,  I'm a bit weird when it comes to the funny stuff so yeah, I reckon this will be a  case of "it's me, not you." 

One of the things that got me so excited right from the outset of "Cowsex" was the setting. If you've ever experienced Colorado in the height of winter you'll know what I mean. The setting was just magical and took my breath away. Those log cabins surrounded by snow with log burners making them feel all cosy and snug was like something from a christmas card and that alone had the story begging to be read. Obviously the that fact there was the cowboy that came with the log cabin just added to the appeal of this story even more!!! 

"You think we're complicated don't you?"

"I think we're perfect."

So all in all, I really enjoyed Koa and Gracie's journey to finding their HEA. they had their bumps and hiccups but the epilogue was just perfect and way too cute. If you love Lesley Jones, then this really is a must. Despite some of the humour being lost on me, I really did love the story line and the characters. This one gets   ❤️❤️❤️❤️  to ❤️❤️❤️❤️  hearts from me. 

Excerpt:

“He scoops ice out of a drawer in the freezer and wraps the tea towel around it before heading back towards me and placing his makeshift ice pack gently on the back of my wrist.

“Hold this in place,” he orders. I do as I’m told—with a lot of concentration, this is something I am occasionally able to do.

I continue to watch him as he repeats his movements from earlier, only this time he slides the ice pack under my wrist.

He then proceeds to retrieve what I assume are a couple of painkillers from a pack he takes from the pantry. He hands them to me, and I put them in my mouth before accepting a bottle of water he pulled from the fridge.

“You drugging me?” I question.

“Yep. They’re magic pills that stop you from talking, but they only work on beautiful girls. Not sure if you qualify.”

“Oh, and he’s a fucking comedian as well as a first-aider. What other skills can you impress me with, Cowboy?”

He scratches at his beard and gives his head a slight shake. “You have a smart mouth for a little-bit, anyone ever tell you that?”

All the time.

“And you should quit with the cussing. It doesn’t become you.”

“Fuck you.”

“Charming.”

We stare at each other in silence for a few seconds, and I feel a bit mean for being rude. He didn’t have to help me out with my arm, but he did, and he did it with a gentleness that surprised me.

“So, where’d you learn the first-aid skills?”

“Played a lot of football, got a lot of injuries, learned how to fix myself up.”

“By football, I assume you mean that game where men wear lots of padding, run along carrying a wonky ball, knock other men out of the way until they reach a line, where they then proceed to throw down the wonky ball and score a point, or a goal, or something similar? Would that be the game you’re referring to?”

He folds his arms across his chest and leans back against the worktop opposite where he sat me.

“It would be the game that’s played something like the way you described that I’m talking about, yes.”

I nod and then shake my head. “Always puzzled me why you would call that football when so much of the game is played with the hands. The foot and the ball, rarely actually coming into contact.”

“Well, what would you call it?”

“Big men that are scared of getting hurt, so they wear lots of padding while they run, ball.”

“Now who’s being a comedian?”

“I’m female, so it’s comedienne.”

“What’s the difference?”

“We’re actually much funnier.”

That earns me a smirk, and I swing my legs while sitting on the worktop, basking in the satisfaction that I’ve almost made him smile.”

Author Bio:

Lesley Jones was born and raised in Essex, England but moved to Australia in 2006 with her family. Her first book, Saviour, was published in 2013 and she quickly gained a reputation as a writer of gritty, down to earth characters, involved in angsty and emotional plot lines. Carnage, her third novel, has won a number of awards for ‘Best Ugly Cry’. Her readers love the fact that she can switch her stories from hot and steamy, to snot bubble ugly crying, followed by laugh out loud moments, in the space of a few sentences. She has declared that the very best part of her job is meeting her readers and has travelled the world a number of times over the past few years to do exactly that. When not writing, she has admitted to being a prolific reader, getting through around four or five books a week. She is a fan of trashy reality TV, listening to music, watching her son play football and enjoys a glass of wine… or three.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LesleyJonesAuthor

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ForTheLoveOfLesleyJones

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LesleyKJones

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesleyjonesauthor

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2xXPm39

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2jep2OG

Blog Tour: Ruth Clampett's "Encore."

The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog are pleased to be part of the Blog Tour for Ruth Clampett's "Encore."

Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/2wT1oKq

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2uLBQ4H

Synopsis: 

When shy programmer, Charlie, is dragged to a male revue show in Hollywood by his co-workers, the last thing he expects is to be pulled onstage. But when he’s approached by Ramon, a dancer whose only focus is to bring him pleasure, something awakens in Charlie that can’t be denied.

Heated attraction only goes so far however when one man dreams of true love and a life finally fulfilled, and the other is still grieving the one he lost, and the mistake that cost him everything.

Can a realist and a dreamer from completely different worlds move forward and build a future together, or will their painful pasts keep them from fulfilling their destiny?

Review: Jo 

"Encore" was a M/M love story that brought together two completely different characters. Charlie was the sensible, slightly nerdy computer guy who needed someone to hold his hand on his journey of sexual awakening and Ramon, who I had already met in "Unforgiven", was the confident and sexy erotic dancer that seemed like the perfect man to help Charlie find his true identity. 

"In the presence of this man, I have nothing to fight against, 

and everything to surrender to." 

I loved the premise of this story and became immediately supportive of Charlie, rooting for him from the very first page. Because the book was written from Charlie's POV, I found it extremely easy to get to know and like him. Charlie was so sweet, but he also appeared to be a little naive, so when he quickly fell head over heels in love with Ramon, I was a little concerned that he was going to get his heart broken. Ramon was the complete opposite of Charlie, confident in everything, including his sexuality and he seemed willing to help Charlie on his journey of self-discovery. Although there were occasions during the story where I didn't fully trust Ramon's actions, I truly wanted his relationship with Charlie to work and after a while I realised that it wasn't just Charlie that needed support, Ramon too needed help and his life wasn't as simple as I'd first thought. I loved getting to know this new side of Ramon and I found myself warming to him more and more as the story progressed. It soon became obvious that these two boys were just about perfect for one another. 

"He will own me with every word spoken, every touch that pulls us closer together." 

This book was a much slower paced novel compared to Ruth Clampett's previous M/M romance, concentrating more on the development of Charlie and Ramon's relationship with the sex element taking a bit of a step back. Charlie and Ramon's story was a true tale of sweet love and with a few steamy scenes thrown in to heat things up, "Encore" was a story that I enjoyed reading, although I wouldn't have complained if there was just a little more heat. Lol! For me, my favourite part was the epilogue, which was a surprising treat. As well as being written from Ramon's POV, it also saw the coming together of all of the characters, including Jason and Dean from "Unforgiven". It was the best way to end the story. 

"Charlie is my present and my future, 

and I know without a doubt he was meant to be my destiny." 

If you love a swoony M/M romance this one is for you. 

"Encore" gets 3.5 hearts from me.

Excerpt:

There’s another round of cat-calls from the pent up audience when the dancers step to the front of the stage and dance provocatively to amp up the viewers. Suddenly they split apart again and move toward us. 

My mind is momentarily jumbled, and when the images sort themselves I realize that instead of the woman, the male dancer is approaching me. I can’t help but stare at his incredible body as my gaze slowly works it’s way up from his muscular thighs, to his abs, built chest and shoulders and when I get to his face I realize I’m blinking repeatedly. 

The confusion that must be evident in my expression apparently is amusing, because he nods at me before leaning in closer and I feel a flush from his hot breath against my ear. “Hey, Prince Charlie … ready to have some fun?”

I can feel my eyes bug out and a lump form in my throat. It is him. “Ramon?” I ask in a strangled voice. 

“The one and only,” he answers with a wink. “I thought you could use a little loosening up.” He widens his legs and steps closer, straddling me and running his fingers through my hair while he slowly rotates his hips. 

“You’re gay?” I ask, my mouth gaping open. 

His bold laugh makes my cheeks feel hot. “Oh, baby,” he whispers. “You’re so damn cute. Ask me again when I’m done with you.” He gives me a sexy smile and then slowly rocks his hips forward making me want to rip his briefs off.

“Oh God, oh God, oh God.” I whisper, feeling like my face is on fire. 

He backs away again to dance around me, brushing his hand over my shoulders and down my thighs while he moves. Every sweep of his touch excites me until I’m sizzling like a lit fuse. 

I’ve never seen anyone other than on music videos who could dance with such a natural rhythm and sexual vibe. He turns toward the audience partway through the dance and then bends forward so his ass is presented to me and I’m in agony not to touch it. He has the most perfect gorgeous ass I’ve ever seen. I get harder thinking about what it would be like in this moment if we were alone, and he wasn’t wearing the tiny briefs. Oh God. I think with a sigh.

I’m trying to hide as best I can how turned-on I am. Has there ever been more proof that it’s not a woman that I want in my bed, but a man like Ramon?

I’m having trouble catching my breath when he straightens and swivels, then straddles my legs as he thrusts his hips bringing his bulge tauntingly close to my face.

Shifting back until he’s almost sitting on my knees, he slowly drags his way up my thighs until his ass is against my crotch and he sinks down firmly enough to know I’m painfully hard for him.

The edges of his mouth turn up with delight. “Damn, Charlie,” he says. “You feel so fucking good.”

About the Author: 

Ruth Clampett, daughter of legendary animation director Bob Clampett, grew up surrounded by artists and animators. A graduate of Art Center College of Design, she has been VP of Design for Warner Brothers Studio Stores and taught photography at UCLA. Today she runs her own studio and as the Fine Art publisher for Warner Brothers Studios has come to know and work with some of the world’s greatest artists in the fields of animation and comics.

Ruth lives and works in Los Angeles, strictly supervised by her teenage daughter, who helps plan their summer around their yearly pilgrimage to the San Diego Comic Con.

Connect with Ruth: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RuthClampettWrites/

Twitter: @RuthyWrites

Stay up to date with Ruth by signing up for her mailing list:

https://goo.gl/XK6tdd

Website: http://ruthclampettwrites.com

Release Blitz Review: Stylo Fantome's "Muscle Memory."

The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog are pleased to be a part of the Release Blitz Review for Stylo Fantome's "Muscle Memory."

Amazon.com:    http://amzn.to/2infjp1

Amazon UK:     http://amzn.to/2xpzpBG

Synopsis:

Her lips, the way she feels, how she moves against me. Her voice when she laughs, her eyes when she cries. Her soul connected to mine, for better or for worse, for all eternity.

I don't remember.

A blank face. Unrecognizable. The darkness and impenetrable fog, day after day after day. Who am I? And for that matter, who is she?

I can't remember.

Two sides to the same coin – one wants to remember, and the other wants to stay forgotten. Which side will win? Can he trust his heart to bring him back to her? Or will she stay lost in the fog forever?

I might never remember.

Review: Surj

Stylo Fantome's "Muscle Memory" was such an unexpected story that still has me scrambling to gather my thoughts. I read the synopsis and expected one thing and the reality of it was something completely different. This isn't a bad thing mind you because if nothing else, Jon and Delaney made me feel. God did it make me feel, and not always good things. If you're looking for a hearts and flowers, walk in the park on a sunny afternoon kind of read, this really isn't it. If you want a book that will rip so many unexpected emotions from you, then seriously, jump right in and prepare to be glued to the pages as this car crash of a story unravels before your very eyes. 

Her heart was breaking for a man that didn't exist anymore. 

For a love that should have lasted forever.

Was this a love story? Yes it most definitely was but for me, it was a love story of two halves. The before and the after. The before is what I just wasn't expecting and for some reason I found myself getting on my high horse about it. Why I got my knickers in a twist over it, god only knows but I felt like a mother on the side lines wagging my finger saying "nothing good will ever come of this" and "it will only end in tears!!!" Yeah think destructive, dangerous, unhealthy, reckless and careless. Think two people that were so bad for one another yet the love they shared was just so undeniable. Boy did the chapters from the past send my emotions into a tail spin. 

"It was crazy. She was yelling, I was yelling, and it was like, snap!

I kissed her like i was taking a breath. It felt so... natural."

Then there were the chapters from the present and again, this author was no kinder on my heart or my emotions. In fact I came to the conclusion that she was really going to make me work bloody hard for that HEA, if there was ever going to be one!!!! There were moments I did wonder, the twists and turns making it even harder to work out. 

So I guess you're wondering why the 3.5 hearts if it got me feeling so much? I really wish this book had been written in first person. I honestly do feel that it would have added so much in terms of my relationship with the characters and it really would have given their story an edge. I wanted to get inside their hearts and minds and really feel what they were going through but unfortunately, I felt that I was told this more so than anything else. I guess my feelings and emotions stemmed more from the situations the characters found themselves in as well as the twists rather than the impact such events had on the characters emotional well being. But that is just me and I know others that have read this book have absolutely loved it. 

Because when true love finds its counterpart, it always recognises it. 

It's all in the muscle memory. 

All in all, I did enjoy "Muscle Memory" and the unusual story line that was delivered but I wish I had felt more connected to the characters. This one gets ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Author Bio:

Crazy woman from a remote location in Alaska (where the need for a creative mind is a necessity!), I have been writing since ... forever? Yeah, that sounds about right. I have been told that I remind people of Lucille Ball - I also see shades of Jennifer Saunders, and Denis Leary. So basically, I laugh a lot, I'm clumsy a lot, and I say the F-word A LOT.

I like dogs more than I like most people, and I don't trust anyone who doesn't drink. No, I do not live in an igloo, and no, the sun does not set for six months out of the year, there's your Alaska lesson for the day. I have mermaid hair - both a curse and a blessing - and most of the time I talk so fast, even I can't understand me.

Yeah. I think that about sums me up.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stylofantomeauthor

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Stylo-Fantôme/e/B00M4QNXUC

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8306834.Stylo_Fantome

Twitter: https://twitter.com/StyloFantome

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stylofantome/