Mr. Nice Guy by Jennifer Miller; Jason Feifer

This husband and wife writing duo made me laugh. A few things within the story seemed a bit unrealistic but I suspended belief for the sake of the story which I'm glad that I did. 
Lucas Callahan left his small town existence and carefully plotted life for the Big Apple as a fact-finder for Empire magazine. Lucas didn't let the entry level job deter him from his dream of becoming a journalist--even if he has zero writing experience. He's especially feeling confident after having a one-night stand with Carmen Kelly--Empire's resident sex columnist. At the time Lucas thought she was just an gorgeous New York woman who wanted him. Carmen blasts their one-night stand and Lucas in her column. Lucas responds with a letter signed Mr. Nice Guy. The rivalry begins. 
Carmen's editor and Lucas' boss, Jays tells them that they will continue their sexual relationship and write about it in the column. At first, Carmen rips Lucas every chance she gets while Lucas does the exact opposite. He tells her a few shortcomings but mostly he flatters her. But Lucas is also being sucked into Jays web and can Lucas survive a cut-throat manipulative world where Jays calls the shots? Carmen has decided to leave Empire and get away from her editor and ex-lover. She tries to warn Lucas about Jays and how he operates. Is Carmen's warning too late? Can Lucas survive the New York life? What happens if Carmen or Lucas fall in love with each other?  

Just this Once by Mira Lyn Kelly

Sean Wyse has an image of his ideal wife--the right education, pedigree, and social standing. But when it comes to the women he dates for fun--the complete opposite. And they are all blonde with blue eyes much like his best friend, Molly Brandt. Sean needs to uphold the family reputation--lately, his mother has been pressuring him to find the ideal wife. Sean doesn't want a marriage like his parents. He recently discovered that his parents have never been faithful to each other--that explains his two half brothers by his father's mistresses. His parents only remain married for appearance sake. Sean wants to marry for love not as a business deal. 

Molly Brandt has been in love with Sean since she was 15 when her parents were killed and she had to move in with her older brother and his roommate (Sean).Sean did everything he could to get Molly out of her depressive funk and to smile. Molly has been secretively in love with Sean since then. She tries to hide it. She finally has a handle on it--she doesn't cry every time he seriously dates someone. Her heart no longer yearns for him. That's when her crush was only one-sided. Sean goes and changes things beginning with throwing her deadbeat roommate out and replacing him. Molly can take care of herself--she has three jobs and two businesses to run. She doesn't need Sean to rescue her. She can take care of herself. Molly asks Sean to move out. No way can her heart handle a near naked Sean in her apartment--she could barely handle it when she was a teen. Now, she could do something about it--only if Sean feels the same way. No way is she going to be just another notch on his bedpost. 

What happens when Sean feels the same way? He has always been protective of her much like her brother, Max. But unlike Max, he wants to savor every inch of her. He can't stop thinking about her. His mother and other people make Molly insecure about herself. Can he get through to her about how he feels about her?

Girlfriend, Interrupted Patricia Caliskan

Ella Shawe met the man of her dreams--who also has two children. This isn't a story of how she wants/needs the children's approval. It is how she adapts to life after living with Dan and his children for the past seven months. Ella is trying to be the best step-girlfriend she can be but creating home-cooked meals and going on a cleaning frenzy--both things she is not comfortable doing. None of it is anything that Dan asked her to do. Ella also feels like she is competing with Dan's ex-wife, who seems to be completely perfect.  She wanted the children to embrace her and become a family. But Ella also has to content with her mother--a sex therapist who has a radio show. Ella feels like that nothing she does is enough for Dan's children especially his tween daughter who is starting her teen angst early. To add to her insecurities, Dan's mother keeps making off-handed comments about how Ella isn't doing anything correctly especially when it comes to Dan's two children. What does Ella do? She breaks up with Dan because--well a girl can only take so much. But will Dan be able to bring her back? Can they ever be together as a family? How can she measure up to all that pressure?

Changed T.S. Murphy

Kate McGuire has had a crush on her brother's best friend, Quinn Haley for years. This is her senior year of high school--a year that should be memorable. This is a year that she will never forget--for all the wrong reasons. Kate is 18 and has never had a period. She finally tells her mother--for years Kate has been lying to her mother about her cycle. Her senior year is filled with doctor appointments and trips to specialists. What Kate finds from these appointments changes every fiber of her being. Who is she? Can she overcome these issues? How will her future look?
Kate also discovers that Quinn doesn't see her as his best friend's kid sister. If he was honest with himself, he hasn't felt that way for years. He has a girlfriend and preparing for law school. Oh, and his biological father decides to reappear in his life--who wants an active part of his life. Even after he declares his love for Kate, she pushes him away afraid to tell him about her health issues. He stays and supports her though she keeps her health issues from him. But can they survive with so many issues between them? 

The Serial Dater's Shopping List Morgen Bailey

It is rare when I don't adore a rom-com. This one sounded like I would be laughing but back side off. But it was not what I expected. There are scenes that could have been hilarious but were just okay. Each chapter is set up as a different date that she goes on--ok one or two are combined in the chapter but the chapter headings are nicknames for the date. Izzy is a technology journalist for the local Northampton newspaper. She loves her job! Izzy adores everything related to technology. Companies send her samples and freebies to review in her daily column. Her editor, William gives her a new assignment--go on 31 dates in 31 days using an online website. She is supposed to detail the dates. But Izzy doesn't really do that. She briefly describes the dates without giving too much info about the dates themselves or what happened. She accepts dates from a wide variety of men from an environmentalist who doesn't keep up with politics to two married men to a gay guy. But with each of these men she learns something new about herself and what she wants from a man. One thing she realizes is that sometimes you have to shop around for that perfect dress--man. As a woman knows, you have to try on multiple dresses before finding that perfect one. Sometimes that first comfy, and sexy dress is the perfect one. But you don't know that until after you've tried on all the other dresses. 
I love that analogy Bailey had at the end with Izzy's character. It is perfectly describes how Izzy found her perfect dress--man. 
While, I had moments of disappointment with this novel. I still enjoyed the trials and tribulations that Izzy endured.  

Coming Home Audrey Wick

Book 2 of Texas Sisters Series

Mallory Fredrick has her dream job--too bad that her self-esteem is tarnished from a student threatening her on social media. She questions everything from her own safety to her teaching abilities. Due to the threat, Mallory is forced to take emergency sabbatical without pay. She has to leave Santa Fe and move in with her younger sister and nephew during her sabbatical. Mallory needs help moving her stuff from Santa Fe to her sister's place in Texas. 

Four guys moving is a company that Alec O'Donnell started with his buddies shortly after college. A company that started out as a bunch of guys helping other people move in and out of their dorms. Now, the guys have families and can set their own schedules and pricing. They all have families of their own except Alec--who is the lone single guy. And he is the only one around during the holidays to help Mallory. Alec is instantly attracted to her--one small problem, she's moving to another state. But they continue a friendly relationship. Alec even invites Mallory to his family reunion. That's where Mallory almost comes face to face with the student who nearly ruined her life--both professionally and personally. Alec is determined to find out why Mallory ran from Santa Fe and to help bring her back to the job and city she loves. 

Cover Reveal!! Sugar Rush Series Nina Lane

SWEET DREAMS

He makes sweet the new sexy.

Sugar Rush Candy Company CEO Luke Stone is a devoted businessman who doesn't do relationships. He does short-term affairs with clearly defined rules. But when a sexy bohemian sweetheart propositions him in a bar, Luke is tempted to want more.

Polly Lockhart is horrified when she wakes the morning after her twenty-fifth birthday to realize she made a fool of herself with a sinfully delicious man. She tells herself she doesn't have time for romance anyway, as she's fighting to keep her mother's beloved bakery afloat. That all changes when Polly collides with her dream man again.

As she succumbs to their hot attraction, Polly soon realizes her bakery isn't the only thing that needs saving. Luke, driven and unyielding, will burn out unless someone convinces him to taste the sweetness of life. But can Polly remember this sugar rush is only temporary?

WARNING! Contains chocolate eclairs, skinny dipping, hard candy, hammocks, hippie music festivals, and super hot tent sex.

SWEET DREAMS is a sexy contemporary romance by New York Times bestselling author Nina Lane. It can be read as a standalone or enjoyed as part of the Sugar Rush series.

Amazon: http://bit.ly/2qJsaRE

iBooks: http://apple.co/2q3nlGu

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Kobo: http://bit.ly/2pLAjrl

SWEET ESCAPE

She wants to leave. He has to stay.

Hannah Lockhart travels the world and blogs about love. At least she used to before she promised to look after her sister's bakery. Now, stuck in small town California for the next six months, Hannah is desperate to find romantic content for her blog or risk losing both readers and income.

Then a whipped cream disaster sends her into the arms of sexy, charming Evan Stone, heir to the Sugar Rush Candy Company.

Since childhood, Evan has been battling his overprotective family. Known as "The Heartbreaker," he's found an outlet with women. And when bad news strikes him, he seeks a diversion by offering to show Hannah the romance of the Bay

Area.

Hannah jumps at the chance...as long as they keep things platonic. But soon Evan's hot combination of charm, perfect kisses, and a serious sweet tooth melts her defenses.

As Hannah and Evan surrender to their delicious attraction, they are forced toconfront the reality of her wanderlust and his responsibilities. When love and hearts collide, can Hannah and Evan find their sweet ending?

WARNING! Contains Sparkle Pops, knee-high socks, wanderlust, road trips, and wicked acts involving a chocolate mousse cake laced with Kahlua and ancho chilies.

SWEET ESCAPE is a sexy contemporary romance by New York Times bestselling author Nina Lane. It can be read as a standalone or enjoyed as part of the Sugar Rush series.

Amazon: http://bit.ly/2faYAm9

iBooks: http://apple.co/2fdVJXy

BN: http://bit.ly/2uJna3U

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SWEET SURRENDER

He's an encyclopedia of sex. She's ready to do some research.

Super-efficient Kate Darling needs lessons in love. As executive assistant to the CEO of the Sugar Rush Candy Company, Kate knows everything about organization and nothing about relationships. Then she literally falls into the arms of Tyler Stone, youngest Sugar Rush heir and notorious bad boy.

After a colossal screw-up involving a pretty girl and a stolen speedboat, Tyler is facing the punishment of an actual job. His father has sentenced him to organize the company library, which is Tyler's definition of cruel and unusual punishment. But if he can convince industrious, resourceful Kate to help him, he'll earn his release in no time.

Kate is no fool. Tyler is an encyclopedia of sex, and she's ready to do some research. She'll help him with the library - if

he'll teach her about the erotic side of romance.

Cataloging, alphabetizing, and metadata collide in a storm of lust, sweat, and dirty talkas Kate and Tyler get to work on both the library and each other. But when he starts falling for her, their hot affair will be one for the books.

WARNING! Contains kitchen sex, disco music, classic cars, pancakes at 2:00am, dirty movies, and bad puns.

SWEET SURRENDER is a sexy contemporary romance by New York Times bestselling author Nina Lane. It can be read as a standalone or enjoyed as part of the Sugar Rush series. 

Amazon: http://bit.ly/2pOq5n3

iBooks: http://apple.co/2ojSmkZ

BN: http://bit.ly/2oKKyK1

Google: http://bit.ly/2JOjKl4

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SWEET TIME

A rock-hard bodyguard gets a sassy, sweet treat.

Stuck in a boring insurance job, vivacious Mia Donovan has spent the last few years searching for her life's true path. She fills her time helping plan the wedding of her best friend to the CEO of the Sugar Rush Candy Company.

Mia has also been trying to attract the impossibly rigid Sugar Rush security chief Gavin Knight. But for well over a year, the unyielding Mr. Knight has ignored her, despite her short skirts, tight sweaters, and patently obvious flirting. And when he finally approaches her, it's only to assess the wedding plans for potential security risks.

A former soldier, Gavin has intercepted hostile anonymous letters threatening the high-profile wedding. Determined to keep everyone safe, he's forced to work with the maddeningly sexy Miss Donovan of the thousand-watt charm and irresistible body.

Irked by Gavin's many months of disregard, Mia takes her teasing flirtations to a whole new level. But her coquettish ways are no match for the edgy, lust-fueled dominant he conceals behind his impassive exterior. And when Gavin exerts his full control, Mia discovers he can protect everything except her heart.

WARNING! Contains caramel coffee with rainbow sprinkles, fairy coloring books, Rodents Of Unusual Size, and a hot controlling hero who does dirty things with a whoopie pie.

SWEET TIME is a sexy contemporary romance by New York Times bestselling author Nina Lane. It can be read as a standalone or enjoyed as part of the Sugar Rush series.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Abja1s

iBooks: http://apple.co/2xllw6Q

BN: http://bit.ly/2ObhdVB

Google: http://bit.ly/2NDFPFe

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2ydi42A

SWEET LIFE

He knows if she's been bad or good.

Amidst the sugarplums andmistletoe, fashion stylist Julia Bennett is every inch a scrooge. Known for her ice-queen ways, she's having a meltdown over a botched business deal and an upcoming milestone birthday. Add the pressure of forced holiday cheer, and she's ready to dive into the spiked eggnog and not come out until summer.

Warren Stone, president and owner of the Sugar Rush Candy Company, is determined to make Julia slow down and enjoy the holidays. As her friend and confidante for thirteen years, he knows her better than anyone. But when decking the halls leads them to an explosive, sexy night, everything suddenly changes.

When Warren decides Julia is all he wants for Christmas, will she risk their longtime friendship for the gift of love?

WARNING! Contains Christmas peppermint martinis, Grinchiness, designer gowns, red stilettos, mountains, pickles, mistletoe sex, Rubik's Cubes, mulled wine, and a hot silver fox.

SWEET LIFE is a sexy contemporary romance by New York Times bestselling author Nina Lane. It can be read as a standalone or enjoyed as part of the Sugar Rush series.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2yzsU2F

iBooks: http://apple.co/2yTGU8R

BN: http://bit.ly/2A4uwEl

Google: http://bit.ly/2LHZvHo

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2AyHJoM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Nina Lane writes hot, sexy romances about professors, bad boys, candy makers, and protective alpha males who find themselves consumed with love for one woman alone. Originally from California, Nina holds a PhD in Art History and an MA in Library and Information Studies, which means she loves both research and organization. She also enjoys traveling and thinks St. Petersburg, Russia is a city everyone should visit at least once. Although Nina would go back to college for another degree because she's that much of a bookworm and a perpetual student, she now lives the happy life of a full-time writer.

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One More Moment Samantha Chase

Band on The Run Book 3 of Shaughnessy Brothers Series

I want to begin this posting with how much I love, love, love this author! I have read and own all of the Montgomery Brothers Series and almost all of the Shaughnessy Brothers Series. I have the rest of the Band on the Run series in my Amazon wish list including this book. I couldn't pass it up when this novel came across my email as an ARC. Of course, Chase does not disappoint! Even though, I have not read the first two books in Band on the Run series, I was still able to follow and relish this book. If you haven't read Riley's story --Book 4 of Shaughnessy Brothers, then you may struggle a bit not too much. Chase does build up each novel from the previous. Although, not too much that if you miss a novel or beginning to read in the middle of the series, you as a reader are not lost. Chase does give a brief recap of what's been happening to each of the characters from both series. If you are just starting on either series, you will be able to completely follow the characters and storyline. 

I believe this is the last novel in both series--unless Mick gets his own novel. That might be interesting! 

Julian Grayson is the drummer of Shaughnessy--a premier rock band that was named after their lead singer, Riley Shaughnessy. The band has taken a five year hiatus and now all the member but one is ready to get back into the studio. Julian is scared and feels like a fool. He has spent the last five years with a woman who has constantly lied and cheated on him. He feels ashamed to show his face. He wants to hide from the media, studio, and everything associated with music. After leaving his toxic bride-to-be at the alter after showing a video of her cheating on him at his wedding, Julian takes a three month road trip on his motorcycle to clear his head. He thinks it helped--but did it? He is still angry and miserable. He moves out of the house he bought for Dena and into his manager's rental on the beach. 

Charlotte Clarke is a vocational rehabilitation social worker who also volunteers at a local homeless shelter. Her passion is helping people find work and get back on their feet. She is surrounded by poverty everyday, but she still travels to Malibu every morning for her beach fix and coffee. It centers her.  She always puts her heart and soul into helping as many people as possible. Even when enjoying her morning ritual. 

Charlotte helps the man in front her get his morning coffee and breakfast. He looks homeless and down on his luck. But what she doesn't realize is that Julian doesn't need help with finding a job. He needs help finding himself. She invites him to the shelter for the job hunting session. Julian feels like he accomplished something that day, helping unload the truck and clean the building. He returns everyday for a week before Hank, the shelter director realizes who he is. Julian is forced to reveal his true identity to Charlotte. He wants to spend more time with her but he isn't sure she will accept him due to his celebrity status or the size of his bank account. But there are other issues in their way as well--namely Julian himself. Julian doesn't talk about his feelings nor does he communicate. Instead, he buys Charlotte gifts--gifts she neither wants nor needs. She feels insulted every time he does it. 
Another issues for Julian--is he going to retire from the band when he has spent his entire life with music? Will he let his lifelong friends down? How can he face the music industry after what Dena did to him? Can he get over it enough to build a relationship with Charlotte?

Highly recommend!!

A Thousand Letters Staci Hart

A Thousand Letters  is one of my re-read novels. I realized a week or so ago that I haven't left reviews for the novels that I actually bought! I felt that is a HUGE disservice to the authors. In between my ARC reviews I'm going back to re-read the novels that I've bought. I'm starting my my re-read list. Perhaps in another post I'll give my entire re-read listing. It is a bit long. But my all time favs!! I continue to go back to them over and over. 

Staci Hart is slowly becoming one of my favorite contemporary romance authors--I own two of her novels with two more in my wish list on Amazon. This novel sealed the deal for me. I will automatically add a Staci Hart novel after reading this novel. Ok, onto the actual review of this fabulous novel. Like I said this is one of my all time favs. 

Elliot has been in love with her best friend Sofie's older brother Wade since high school. They were high school sweethearts. Sofie and Wade's family was Elliot's salvation from her own self serving father and sisters. Elliot has always been a people pleaser and peacemaker--some might say a bit of a wallflower. She blends into the background and sacrifices for those that she loves. She had to make the hardest sacrifice her senior year of high school. Wade had enlisted in the Army. Their plan was that he would go to BASIC training and get situated in his first duty station and come back for her after her high school graduation. They would get married and run off into the military sunset together. 

Wade was scared. He thought that Elliot would forget him or worse that Wade would be killed while deployed in Iraq. He wanted to ensure that Elliot would always be taken care of. He asked Elliot to come with him--now instead of waiting until her graduation. Elliot's father and Wade made Elliot decide between her family and her heart. 

Seven years later, Wade has returned. His father had a stroke and was has cancer. He only has weeks to live. Wade comes home to take care of his younger siblings, Sofia and Sadie. Sadie is a senior in high school. Rick, Wade's father is Elliot's mentor. He encouraged Elliot to get her literature degree and to write. Only Elliot is a nanny for her older sister and doesn't publish any of her poetry. When Wade sees Elliot all of his buried feelings surface--anger, love, empathy--all he can think about is holding her again. His pride gets in the way. He's still hurt. Sofie and Sadie need him so he will need to find a way to be around Elliot. Even when Elliot reads his father poetry and soothes his younger sister. The more he's around her the more the ice is melting around his heart. The more he understands why she made the decision she did. 

But can Elliot finally get completely through to Wade or will he continue to hurt her? Will Elliot finally be able to stand up for herself or allow her family to railroad her?  

Author Website: https://www.stacihartnovels.com/a-thousand-letters/