Monday, December 7, 2015

Release Day Blast: Brazen Novels by Tessa Bailey, Katee Roberts, and Diane Alberts



Looking for some naughty reads that are oh-so-nice? Welcome the newest Brazen releases to your ereader today!

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Crashed Out by Tessa Bailey


Jasmine Taveras is the reason Sarge Purcell grabbed his six-string and bailed the hell out of New Jersey four years ago. She's the fuel for every song he's ever written—each one laced with bitter, hard-edged, hungry lust. Now, with his hugely successful band on temporary hiatus, Sarge is determined to prove to Jasmine that this “kid” turned into every inch the man she's always needed...

Men are slim pickings for a single factory girl in Hook, New Jersey…until tall, broad-shouldered hotness walks—or rather storms—into Jasmine's life. Sarge's return shouldn't affect her this way. He's her best friend's much younger kid brother, and the kind of rough, gritty, sexiness Jasmine has no right to taste for herself. Even if he lets her.

But lust is a blinding, insatiable force. And when it crashes, it will take both Sarge and Jasmine down with it...     


Find your copy of Crashed Out by Tessa Bailey: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | Entangled | Goodreads


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His to Take by Katee Robert


Erin Robinson is having an epically bad year. Her blossoming career on Broadway tanked, forcing her to crawl back to home to Wellington. The icing on her failure cake? Her former on-again, off-again fling is in town, and the sexy Marine is taking up way too much space.

Warren Davis always knew Erin was special, which is exactly why he can’t have her. A girl like her deserves something permanent—something neither of them wants. But now that they’re both back in town and she’s right there in front of him, a challenge in her eyes he’s never been able to resist, he’s questioning everything.

That challenge quickly escalates into an epic game of Truth or Dare. Erin’s sure she’s got him on lock, but as the night progresses, Warren’s dares intensify, drowning her in lust. But with the past still breathing down their necks, there’s no way either of them can win…

Find your copy of His to Take by Katee Robert: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | Entangled | Goodreads



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Say You're Mine by Diane Alberts


Navy SEAL Steven Thomas has only ever been able to count on three things: waking up in the morning, going to sleep sometime during the night, and Lauren Brixton. She’s been his best friend since grade school, and what they have is the only relationship he’s managed not to ruin.

Until one drunken night puts that all in jeopardy.

Lauren’s watched Steven flit from one-night stand to one-night stand, seemingly not interested in something more. So when the long-ignored attraction between the two of them blows up in their faces, she does the only thing she can—she pretends she doesn’t want him. But all’s fair in love and war, and Steven’s not about to lose the only person in his life who matters…
Find your copy of Say You're Mine by Diane Alberts: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | Entangled | Goodreads  

Monday, November 23, 2015

BLOG TOUR- Review & Giveaway: NOVEMBER 9 By Colleen Hoover


Hello Readers!! Thanks for stopping by and checking out my blog tour stop for Colleen Hoover's newest novel November 9! I could not be more elated to bring you my review for this wonderful novel. I could not get enough of this book. I read this novel at the beginning of November and I am still thinking about it. Fallon and Ben's story is one to last through all the ages! Now before we get to my thoughts and the giveaway, here's a little bit about the book!


Title: November 9
Author: Colleen Hoover
Publisher: Atria Books Paperback
Pages: 320 pages
Pub Date: November 10, 2015



Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day of her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.

Can Ben’s relationship with Fallon—and simultaneously his novel—be considered a love story if it ends in heartbreak?






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Colleen Hoover is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Slammed, This Girl, Point of Retreat, Hopeless, Losing Hope, Finding Cinderella, Maybe Someday, Ugly Love, Maybe Not, and Confess. She lives in Texas with her husband and their three boys.



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Even though it has been almost a month since I read this amazing novel, and the feels are still going strong I am going to do my best to get coherent thoughts written down. As you all know I am a HUGE Colleen Hoover Fan. There has not been a book of her's that I have not loved. She is one of my instant buy authors. The minute I know she has a new book coming out. I've got to have it. With November 9, there was no disappointment.  I truly believe that Colleen Hoover has out done herself with her latest novel. 

From the minute you turn the first page and meet Fallon. This young actress who has suffered a tragic accident, feisty, strong, and witty! However, not away at how strong she really is. You just felt this instant connection with her. She is having an argument with her father, which we all have done with a parent a time or two. You cant help but root for her to prove her father wrong. Without getting to spoilerish, you'll see what I mean. 

Then in walks the WONDERFUL Ben!! Making his grand entrance, and probably one of my favorite book entrances. I LOVED him from that moment. I knew though that he was going to break my heart, because there was no way you couldn't fall in love with Ben. He is charismatic, witty, smart, and sexy as hell!

The way this story was told was fantastic. How Fallon and Ben decide after having an amazing day together, to meet every year for the next five years. That they will not follow each other on social media of any kind, or exchange phone numbers. But that they will meet up on the same day, November 9 at the same restaurant they first met to catch up.  Now of course there is much drama, and things happen. You find yourself yelling at the book, "WHY CANT YOU JUST EXCHANGE PHONE NUMBERS!! "

A quick story, I was reading this book at work (Barnes & Noble) and I only have the kindle app on my phone. So I'm reading and it gets to a specific part in the book. I am literally crouched down beind the registers. Holding my phone inches away from my face, practically in tears. I knew I should stop but I could not help myself, I needed more! It got so bad my manager heard me, came back to the music department and I make-up running down my cheeks. Lets just say I am no longer allowed to read at work. lol. But it was so worth it!




Now back to the book and my thoughts.....

The writing of this novel is amazing, I have half the book highlighted because there are so many great quotes throughout the book. 

You could relate to both Fallon and Ben in such different ways. Since Fallon was in a horrific fire when she was younger, she has major confidence issues that she is learning to live with. Issues that make her vulnerable when she is with Ben. But the most beautiful thing about Fallon and Ben's relationship is that he brings out this confidence in her. Which I think is the most perfect thing in the world. Every woman, and man should have the person in their life that just makes them feel better about themselves and make them realize that no matter what. They matter, their feelings matter, and its ok.

And Ben has secrets of his own, but Fallon helps Ben heal in ways that I don't think she will fully ever understand. Just like he will never fully understand what he's done for her. The development of their characters, watching them grow. It was like watching a flower bloom in the spring, and the color of the leaves changing in the fall. Absolutely breath taking to watch and I still want more!!

Bravo Colleen! Bravo! 

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Now for the fun part.....a GIVEAWAY!!! Enter the Rafflecopter to win a prize bundle of one signed copy of NOVEMBER 9 and a pair of #November9 sunglasses! (5 prize bundles in total) Contest is open until November 30th.



Make sure you grab your copy TODAYY!!!!


Visit www.November9book.com for teasers, tour dates and more




Friday, November 20, 2015

BLOG TOUR: EXCERT & GIVEAWAY- Long Way Down by Krista & Becca Ritchie



EEEEP!! Hello my readers!!! It's FINALLY HERE!!!! LONG WAY DOWN! The final installment in the Addicted/ Calloway Series!! This is most definitely a bittersweet moment!! I love this series and could not be more excited to be participating in this blog tour! But I can not help but be said because this series has finally come to an end. Yes, we still have the Epilogue book, which is amazing, but I hate change and this is a BIG moment of change. All these feels and I'm not even half way through the book yet...haha. Well...with out furthur adeu. I bring you the last excerpt on this blog tour! 

But first a little  bit about the book! 


Title: Long Way Down
Authors: Krista & Becca Ritchie
Series: Calloway Sisters #4
Pub Date: November 20th, 2015


SUMMARY

With a seven-year age difference, Ryke & Daisy have faced an uphill battle in the eyes of the world and their families. Known as the most adventurous, fast-paced couple — their next step has always been elusive to the rabid media.

Behind the scenes, heartbreaking troubles continue to test Ryke & Daisy’s resilience and shape their future together.

They promise:

To never slow down.
To never compromise who they are.
To never abandon their love for each other.

But preserving their happiness also means adding more risks. Ones that Connor Cobalt wouldn’t even take. As a professional free-solo climber, Ryke is no stranger to risk, but his next step with Daisy wagers more than just his health.

With their lives on the line, Ryke &  Daisy head towards the vast, wild unknown in this epic final conclusion to the Addicted series.


Grab your copy of LONG WAY DOWN TODAY!!!!



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Krista & Becca Ritchie are New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors and identical twins—one a science nerd, the other a comic book geek—but with their shared passion for writing, they combined their mental powers as kids and have never stopped telling stories. Now in their early twenties, they write about other twenty-somethings navigating through life, college, and romance. They love superheroes, flawed characters, and soul mate love.



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EXCERPT #5  - Daisy's POV

Ryke leans forward now, enough to lift my chin with his fingers. “You’re fucking trouble, Calloway.” 

Then he kisses me, a tender kiss that aches to become ravenous. So we kiss again, his hand sliding through my hair, his tongue skillfully teasing mine. My chest rises in a deep, longing breath.
And my pulse thumps in excitement.

I smile into the last kiss, my lips tingling beneath his. “Wow,” I breathe when we break apart. “I think I’d like to get to know your mouth better.” I smile. “Let’s do that again.”


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Both giveaways are open internationally! Make sure you enter, the prizes are some good ones!!

Thank you to both Becca and Krista Ritchie for allowing me to be apart of this blog tour, and for writing such a wonderful series!! It is coming to a close but I can not wait to see what comes next!!! 

Make sure to add Long Way Down to your GoodReads


and as always THANK YOU for stopping by and checking out this tour post!!! BIG HUGS!

Monday, November 16, 2015

COVER REVEAL: Inflict by Cora Carmack

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the dual cover reveal for Cora Carmack’s Muse Series! INSPIRE and INFLICT are New Adult Paranormal Romance novels and are book 1 and 2 in the Muse Series. INFLICT is due to be released in January 2016! These beautiful covers were designed by Regina Wamba of Mae I Design. Be sure to grab your copy of INSPIRE today!


Inspire - cover
   

Amazon eBook ** Amazon Paperback


INSPIRE (Book 1):

Kalliope lives with one purpose.   To inspire.   As an immortal muse, she doesn’t have any other choice. It’s part of how she was made. Musicians, artists, actors—they use her to advance their art, and she uses them to survive. She moves from one artist to the next, never staying long enough to get attached. But all she wants is a different life— a normal one. She’s spent thousands of years living lie after lie, and now she’s ready for something real.   Sweet, sexy, and steady, Wilder Bell feels more real than anything else in her long existence. And most importantly… he’s not an artist. He doesn’t want her for her ability. But she can’t turn off the way she influences people, not even to save a man she might love. Because in small doses, she can help make something beautiful, but her ability has just as much capacity to destroy as it does to create. The longer she stays, the more obsessed Wilder will become. It’s happened before, and it never turns out well for the mortal.   Her presence may inspire genius.   But it breeds madness, too.    

Inspire - full cover wrap

 

 And check out the gorgeous cover for INFLICT, coming January 2016!

Inflict -cover
       

About INFLICT (Book 2):

Wilder Bell made a dangerous bargain...   For a chance at love, he gave up his life.   History knew Kalliope as an ancient Greek muse, but to Wilder, she was simply the woman he wanted to fall asleep with every night and wake up next to every morning. He made a deal with Hades, but the only thing the Lord of the Underworld deals in is death. Now Wilder is wasting away in a cold and wretched afterlife, waiting for Kalli to come for him. She will come. He has to believe that. Because the alternative is worse than death.   Kalliope lived her entire existence knowing that she was both a blessing and a curse to anyone she encountered. Wilder was no different. She loved him, and she got him killed. Now to get him back, she’ll have to face a scheming god, a perilous task, and death itself. But before it’s done, the Underworld will take more from her than she ever thought possible.   To be made whole, all must first be lost.
         
Inflict - full cover wrap





Cora Carmack - author pic          About Cora Carmack:   Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She’s done a multitude of things in her life– boring jobs (like working retail), fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). Raised in a small Texas town, she now lives in New York City and spends her time writing, traveling, and marathoning various television shows on Netflix. In her books, you can expect to find humor, heart, and a whole lot of awkward. Because let’s face it . . . awkward people need love, too. Her first book, LOSING IT, was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.          

Website ** Twitter ** Facebook **Newsletter **Author Goodreads**

INSPIRE Goodreads ** INFLICT Goodreads

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Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Release Day Blitz & Review: LUX ( Nocte Series #3) by Courtney Cole

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The dramatic series finale to Courtney Cole's bestselling Nocte trilogy!







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My name is Calla Price and I’m broken.

My pieces are all around me, floating on the wind, even as I desperately try to grasp them.

Who is dead? Alive? Insane?

What is the truth?

I don’t know.

I do know this: The darkness is strangling me. With every breath, I choke on another lie.

My mind has protected me, but that shield will soon be lowered.

All will be revealed.
Every answer to every question.

It’s all been leading to this.

Don’t be afraid.
Be terrified.



Get LUX 




Series reading order: Nocte (#1), Verum (#2), Initium (#2.5), Lux (#3).

Get NOCTE: Amazon | iBooks | Nook | Kobo | Audible (Add on Goodreads)
Get VERUM: Amazon | iBooks | Nook | Kobo | Audible (Add on Goodreads)
Get INITIUM: Amazon | iBooks | Nook | Kobo (Add on Goodreads)
Get LUX: Amazon | iBooks | Nook | Kobo (Add on Goodreads)

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Courtney Cole is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling novelist who would rather write than eat chocolate. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business, but no amount of working in the corporate world could quell her urge to write.

Courtney was born and raised in Kansas, home of incredibly friendly people and the most horrendous weather on the planet. Because summer days were so hot, she grew up reading stacks of books... and when she didn't like the ending, she wrote her own.

Courtney has relocated to Florida where she writes beneath palm trees. To learn more about her, please visit her website.  To sign up for her newsletter and receive exclusive sneak peeks and super-fan perks, click here.



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This series....wow!! I read this entire series within a week and my goodness. I have to tell you as I was reading this I was like....am I going crazy?? I was finding myself re-reading certain parts of this series just to make sure I wasn't reading it incorrectly or didn't miss anything.

At first I was not sure what I really thought about this series. Now that I have finished it I am still not sure what I feel. But I think that by the end of the series I had all of my emotions and thoughts back in check. Well, I would at least like to think that I did. haha. 

This whole series was a literal whirlwind of emotions. I found myself crying, laughing, depressed, any emotion you could have. I felt it while reading this series. There was a lot of death and sadness in this series and at times it was a little too much. But I was able to prevail and make it though somewhat unscathed. 

Not going to lie, this series is very dark, twisted and sad. There are not many lighthearted moments in these books. They are few and far between. But the mind is not always a happy, safe, and sane place. Tragic things can twist the mind, making you think sometimes that up is down, and down is up. Making you seem and feel a little bit crazy. 

That is how this series starts the make character Calla has suffered a traumatic loss, and these weird things start happening. People are coming and going out of her life. She is having dreams that she isn't sure are real or not. What she does know is Nocte Libre Sum....By Night I Am Free!

I truly felt for Calla, Finn, and Dare! Calla who is so much stronger than she even knows had my heart breaking throughout this series. Knowing that all the people around you know what is going on but being told you have to figure it out on your own. That everything has to happen in order. 

That can be frustrating and upsetting. I know that if my family, friends, and the people I love were being so cryptic around me I would have reacted a completely different way. But not Calla, she keeps digging and searching for answers. 

So with the help of the people she loves, they are able to discover fully the truth of what has been going on and why Calla may think that she is crazy.

I can not say much more without revealing everything, and even if I did I am not sure if what I would be revealing are what is true. You shall understand completely what I am talking about once you pick up this last a final book in this series and read it. I will say though, that this series was very well written. The concept brilliant, and I am so glad that I picked up this series. Even though there are things that were touched upon that I am not ok with at all. In the end I believe that everyone lived happily ever after, and that everything that was supposed to be changed was changed, and that life will go on. 



What secret does Whitley hold, why the children have to pay for the sins of their parents, and is Calla really crazy? Is Finn really dead? Is Dare a figment of Calla's imagination? 

ALL will be revealed!

And now that I have you all probably totally confused, GO! Make sure you grab your copy today and I promise you this review will no longer be confusing!! 

Monday, October 5, 2015

BOOK SALE BLITZ: Phoenix Rising by Elise Faber

PHOENIX RISING is on sale!! To celebrate, we’re spotlighting Phoenix Rising with an excerpt and giveaway! Check it all out!
  Phoenix Rising Sales Banner

  About Phoenix Rising:

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A dangerous man with piercing green eyes.   A powerful ability that is rearing out of control.   Daughtry stumbles into a world where magic is real and the possibilities for her future are greater than she’s ever believed possible.   But the road to that future isn’t easy to navigate.   As she engages in a wrenching game of give and take with Cody, the man who’s gripped her heart in his sexy-as-hell fist from the moment she’s met him, Daughtry must decide whether she’s willing to risk it all — heart, mind, and magic — to take a chance on the man she loves.



Exclusive Excerpt:


 "Dammit. I need—"   Cody rolled to his back, pulling her with him. She ended up sprawled across him, the ceiling pressing along her back so that she was plastered against the wide expanse of his chest. His muscles were hard against her breasts, but she didn't mind in the least.   Daughtry couldn't get enough of him. She pressed her nose to his neck and inhaled his wholly masculine scent. It was addictive. She wanted to linger, to rub against his body until the smell of him was imbedded into her pores.   But Cody wasn't patient. He grabbed her face, stealing her lips.   Finally she broke away, gasping for air. She pressed a row of careful kisses all along his scar, as if her mouth might somehow erase the reminder of the grievous injury.   He shivered and pulled her face back up. She squirmed, wanting — aching — to get closer and came in contact with—   Holy shit.   She couldn't stop herself from rubbing against the hard length of him, making them both groan in pleasure.   A distant part of her mind screamed at her to slow down, that sex was bad for her. But the bigger part soaked in Cody, absorbing the whirlwind of arousal she'd never felt before.   Was this what it could be like?   His hands went to her hips, and he started to move her, as if to flip her onto her back. She gave a little cry of pain when her hair snagged on a root in the wall.   "No," she said when he began to push her away, attempting to slide out from beneath her. They'd started this—   "Why is this damned hole so small?" she asked as she reached up to claw at her hair until it came loose then finished rolling to her back. Her every nerve was on fire for him. There was no stopping.   "It's only made for one person. Just enough room to lie down and sit up." Cody's voice was husky, his words quiet. His heavy weight pressed her down into the earthen floor, making it hard for her to concentrate. "There was nowhere else."   "It's fine," she said. And it was. The sensation of the entire bulk of his body holding her in place was heady.   Forget claustrophobia. If this were what she could expect being trapped with him, she would sign up every time.  

 About the Author:   

When she's not writing best-selling dark and sexy paranormal romances, Elise is often found on the ice rink where she and her husband hold regular hockey date nights. She is the mom to two exuberant boys and addicted to Dancing With the Stars. The beaches, mountains and redwood forests of Northern California serve as inspiration for her books.

Connect with her on facebook (facebook.com/elisefaberauthor), twitter (@faberelise) or www.elisefaber.com
   
 Author Links:   Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Tumblr | Website | Pintrest | Wattpad        

 Enter Elise’s Giveaway!

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Review & Excerpt: Shape of my Heart by: Ann Aguirre

Hi my fellow readers!

Today I bring you the third and final installment of the 2b series by Ann Aguirre!

I have to say that I am very sad that this is the last book in the series. I have truly loved getting to know each and everyone of these characters. With that said, I am very happy to bring this review today. 

As well as an excerpt. I just know your going to love Courtney and Max! 

But first lets give you some info about the book!


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The Shape of My Heart
Ann Aguirre

Published: Nov 25, 2014
eARC, 352pages
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Amazon | B&N | BAM | Indiebound | Vroman’s | Book Depository Powell’s


Some people wait decades to meet their sole mate. Courtney Kaufman suspects that she met hers in high school- only to lose him at seventeen. Since then, Courtney's social life has been a series of meaningless encounters, though she's made a few close friends along the way. Especially her roomate, Max Cooper, who oozes damaged bad-boy vibes from every pore.

Max knows about feelings lost and trying to move beyond the pain- he's been on his own since he was sixteen.  Now it's time to see if he can ever go home again, and Courtney's the only one he trusts to go with him. But the trip to providence could change everything.....because the more time he spends with Courtney, the harder it is to reconcile what he wants and what hehinks he deserves.

It started out so simple. One misfit helping another. Now Max will do anything to show Courtney that for every heart that's ever been broken, there's another that can make it complete.




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In this third and final installment of the 2B series, We follow the main heroine Courtney and the main man Max. Max and Courtney have always been friends. This story starts off with Max getting a phone call from home saying that he needed to return due to family issues. Which is not something he wants to do by any means. He asks Courtney to go along for the ride. While they are visiting emotions run high, pasts are confronted, and ALL the feels are felt

I really enjoyed the natural progression of Max and Courtney's relationship.  This is not one of those love stores where the couple instantly falls in love with each other. There relationship  was a true organic evolution from friendship to being together as a couple.  Max and Courtney just felt so easy. I felt myself wanting the book to never end, because I wanted to know what their lives were like beyond the book.

What I love most about the series like this is getting to know those supporting characters more. Learning about their friends and family,  and the best part is....you still get the updates on the characters that you love. While falling in love with the current characters.  Because I don't know about you but I like to believe when I finish a book. The lives of each of the characters goes on. Even when we stop reading,  these types of series give us just that. 

Not only did we get that, but so much more! Max and Courtney's story was filled with so much raw emotion that you could not help but feel for them. Your heart even breaking at times. There were some spots I needed the box of tissues at my side.  The banter between Courtney and Max was great! There were some real LOL moments throughout the book. Which I felt was much needed with all of the intense moments throughout the book. 


I instantly fell hard for Max, there was just something about him in the previous books that just drew me to him. He seemed to have this hard tough exterior, but once you got to know him. Boy was it worth the wait. Maybe because he seemed sort of tortured and broody, but with a complete heart of gold. Did I also mention that he fits the bill for tall, dark, and handsome. I am a complete sucker for tall, dark, handsome, tortured and broody! 

Now Courtney, I did not like her that much at first. I mean she seemed like a nice girl, but I was still bitter about Lauren leaving. Although after following Lauren back home in As Long As You Love Me.  I realized that she was wear she needed to be. It wasn't until we started seeing the emotional side to Courtney did I start to warm up to her. Seeing that she was not just this sarcastic hardass. Don't get me wrong she is both those things, as well as a pain in the ass. But it was a journey seeing all of her layers revealed throughout this book. The same went for Max. 

Usually when it comes to series I am usually not a big fan of the last and final book. There is always something missing for me, not allowing me to have the full closure that I need. However, in this third and final installment I came across none of those issues. OF COURSE I wanted more, because I became so emotionally invested in all these characters. Which I tend to do, I can not help myself. That's why I have not been able to fully get into Game of Thrones, no character is safe. I need that stability, that connection with the characters. That is what Ann Aguirre has done with this entire series. 

This book is filled with intensity, fire, sexiness, drama, comedy, and heartfelt moments that we as readers long for when diving into a book.  If you haven't yet started this series, you're gonna wanna add this to your list. You won't want to miss a single moment of these characters lives! 

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Excerpt: Chapter One


CHAPTER ONE


If my life was a romantic comedy, I wouldn’t be the star.


I’d be the witty, wise-cracking friend, telling the Reese Witherspoon character to follow her heart, and I’d be played by  by CrossBrowser-1.2">AMERICAFerrera, Hollywood’s idea of an ugly duckling. But not conforming to societal beauty standards didn’t cause me any angst; I wasn’t harboring a secret desire to take off my glasses and flip my hair, so my secret love interest would realize I was beautiful all along. In my view, my looks supplied simplicity. Anyone who got with me wanted the real me, no question. Romance ranked dead last on my to-do list at the moment, however.


“You’re too picky,” Max said.


He was curled up on my bedroom floor, skimming emails on his tablet. With her boyfriend’s help, our soon-to-be-ex-roommate Nadia was currently carting the last of her early belongings downstairs, and the other half of my room was conspicuously empty. I scowled and threw a common cold plushie at his head. He batted it away with impressive reflexes, still scrolling. Since he’d posted flyers around campus, along with his email, Max was handling first  by CrossBrowser-1.2">CONTACT on the apartment.


“Swap with me. You and Angus can share the master bedroom and then you can put whoever you want next door.”


As expected, he passed with an as-if gesture. “We’ll keep looking. How about this one? ‘Hey, my name is Kara. I’m a physical  by CrossBrowser-1.2">EDUCATION major, I work part-time at Kelvin’s, and I’m a sophomore. I saw your flyer, and I’d love to meet you guys. My apartment fell through when the landlord sold the place out from under us and now I’m scrambling.’ She seems fine. All the words are even spelled correctly.”


I pretended to mull it over. “Basic language skills are important to me. Put her on the call-back list.”

“You make it sound like we’re casting a movie.”

“This is way more critical,” I reminded him. “This person will be living in my room, potentially watching me sleep.”


“I wish you’d let me help,” Nadia said, coming in to grab the last of her boxes.

Ty, her tall, ginger boyfriend, plucked a carton from her arms. His kid was running around the living room, bothering Angus, who didn’t seem to mind. I waved at both of them but didn’t get up. Truthfully, I was more than a little verklempt over her leaving, even if she was only going downstairs. In the six months since I’d moved in, we’d become good friends. When I moved in, I took over Lauren’s half of the room; she had been Nadia’s best friend from high school, so it wouldn’t have been surprising if Nadia had resented me. Instead she did her best to make me feel at  by CrossBrowser-1.2">HOME. And it wasn’t like she hadn’t given us notice. I just didn’t act on it because I secretly hoped their cohabitation wouldn’t pan out, like maybe she’d realize what a huge step it was to take on someone else’s kid.


“It’s fine,” I said. “I’m the one who procrastinated.”

Max nodded. “If I hadn’t made flyers, Kaufman here would still be waiting for the perfect roommate to drop out of the sky.”


“It could work. A skydiving roomie would be pretty sweet.”

Ty grinned. “I’d be worried about the rent.”


“The man makes a good point.” Max waved as they left, taking the rest of her worldly belongings. “Here’s another possible. ‘Saw your ad. About me: Carmen, drama major, junior. I have no annoying habits and an aversion to being homeless. Email me back!’”


“How am I supposed to choose—”


“She attached a picture.” Max handed me the tablet. “I’m inclined to say yes.”

When I saw it, I knew why. Carmen had long silky black hair, golden skin, big brown eyes, and an amazing body. While I’d definitely bang her, I didn’t want her living in my room. The possibility for problems boggled the mind.


Shaking my head, I passed the Ipad back. “No way.”

“Why not? She’s perfect!”

“She sent a wet T-shirt contest photo, dude. To random strangers. Does that speak highly of her common sense?”

He sighed. “Not really.”


“I don’t want to come home to someone shooting amateur porn in my room.”

“Are you sure? I’m positive that would look great on a resume.”

“You’re such a weirdo.”


“Guilty.” Max glanced toward the doorway, where Angus had propping himself like a fashion model.

In different ways, my two roommates were both hot as hell. Blonde-haired, green-eyed Angus radiated the moneyed, GQ vibe; he was always put together, clean-shaven, well-dressed and delicious smelling. Max, on the other hand, was a dimpled and scruffy, tattooed, motorcycle-riding hooligan. Right then I had the bad boy and the dream boy in my bedroom, pretty much winning the whole hot guy lottery, but neither was interested in me. Angus had a boyfriend, and Max always had women blowing up his  by CrossBrowser-1.2">CELL PHONE. But it wasn’t like I was pining; I hadn’t been in a relationship since Amy, and I wasn’t looking either. Still, for pure eye candy, it didn’t suck to be me.


“House meeting,” Angus said, sauntering over to flop across the foot of my bed. “Any progress on the roommate issue?”

Hunching my shoulders, I wrapped my arms around another plushie microbe, an adorable ovum this time. “I’m working on it.”


“It’s true. She’s rejected four possibles since I came in.”

I cut Max a look. “You’re not helping.”

“But I’ve been reading emails to you for the last ten minutes.”

Ignoring that, I nudged Angus’s thigh with my foot. “Do you know anyone who’s looking? Preferably not a random stranger.”


“Actually that’s part of the reason why I’m in here.”

When I bounced, his head jogged on my mattress. “Spill it.”

“I’ve been in pre-med with Kia since freshman year. She mentioned she wants to break up with her boyfriend, but she’s been putting it off because it’ll mean moving out. I didn’t say anything because I wanted to talk to you guys first. But—”


“Is she nice?” I cut in at the same time Max asked, “Is she hot?”

Angus smirked. “Yes and yes. I think she’d make you both happy.”

Then he got out his phone, flipping through the gallery until he found a selfie of him with a pretty African-American girl. She had a great smile, bright and friendly, dark skin and short, natural hair. Sometimes the faces people made in photos gave me a vibe about them, and she seemed like she’d be fun.


I took his cell, brought up her contact info, and said, “Call her.”

“You mean I made flyers for nothing?” Max grumbled, but I could tell he was glad to have it settled. Maybe.

He got off the floor and wormed his way between Angus and me. Three people on a twin, probably not what the  by CrossBrowser-1.2">MANUFACTURER intended. “If you break my bed—”


“Shh. It’s ringing.” Angus frowned at us like we were delinquent children. “Kia? It’s me. Do you have a minute?” That sounded like code for, can you talk freely

The volume was loud enough for me to hear her reply. “Yeah, I can email you the notes.”

“I get it. Call me back when you can.”


“Whoa,” Max said. “Sounds like he’s a controlling asshole.”

Angus nodded. “I’ve been telling her to get out for three months.”

“Is he abusive?” The answer wouldn’t change my mind about  by CrossBrowser-1.2">ROOMING with her, but we might need to amp up security around here.


“Depends on your definition. In my view, he’s overly invested in where she goes and who she talks to. And he disapproves of me. A lot.”

“Homophobe?” I asked.

“Young Republican, so… probably? He wears a lot of sweater vests, comes from a conservative political family in the Bible Belt.”


“Ah. He’s lousy with privilege,” Max guessed.

Angus’s phone buzzed then and he grabbed it on the first ring, putting it on speaker. “Kia?”

“What’s up?”

“Is Duncan giving you a hard time today?”

“Always.” She sounded tired.


No wonder. Between the last year of pre-med and a demanding boyfriend, she must be sick of the drama. But we needed to speak up before she said something she’d hate revealing to strangers. “Hey, this is Courtney, one of Angus’s roommates.”

“And I’m Max, the other one.”


“Are we on a conference call? What the hell.” She sounded amused more than annoyed, so that was a decent start.


“I talked to them and if you really want to dump the D-bag, you can move in here. Courtney would be sharing with you. Want to come over, see if it’s a good fit?”

“Yes, please.” Her response was heartfelt.


An hour later, Kia was on our couch, after a quick tour of the apartment and my half-empty room. She was taller than me, thinner too, no surprise there, but nowhere near as imposing as Nadia. From listening to her conversation with Angus, I already knew I wanted this to happen. If it didn’t work out and we had to call in Physical  by CrossBrowser-1.2">EDUCATION Kelly, I’d be bummed.


“I feel like I need to be up front about this,” I said.

Max elbowed me. He thought I was going to tell her that I was bi, but there was no reason to lead with that. Frowning at him, I went on, “I’m a touch OC and I might alphabetize your books and/or CDs if you decide to move in.”


She laughed. “Girl, have at it. That’s not my thing, I don’t have time to obsess. But it won’t bother me if you organize. Just don’t move stuff so I can’t find it.”

“Don’t worry, you won’t come home to find all your makeup sorted by brand.”

“Hey, I’d much rather be sharing with somebody who cleans. My boyfriend doesn’t.”

“You mean your ex?” Angus asked hopefully.


“Give me a few days. Is next weekend soon enough?” Kia pushed to her feet with an inquiring look.

“Yep, it’s great.” I fought the urge to hug her, mostly because it was settled.

“Let’s swap numbers.” Angus forwarded her info before she finished speaking and I sent a test text. Her phone pinged again, suggesting Max had done the same.


Kia grinned. “I guess I don’t have to worry about being welcome. Wish me luck.”

“Dump him.” That was my best encouraging tone.

Max walked her to the door. “Agree. Dump the crap out of him.”

Once the door closed behind her, I grabbed Angus’s hands and whirled him around in a circle. “She’s perfect. Seriously, thank you. You don’t know how relieved I am.”

“Save the victory dance until she moves in. You never know, Duncan could talk her into giving him a second chance. She’s been on the verge of leaving him for like a year.”

I sighed as the satisfaction drained away. “Now you tell me.”


“You worry too much. If need be, we’ll split the rent three ways until we find the right person. I can manage a month of that, and I know Angus can.” Max slung an arm over my shoulder and hauled me to the sofa. “Come on, let’s shoot stuff.”

Angus ruffled my hair and I pretended to swat him. “Hey. Hands off the purple.”

“Can’t help it, it’s all adorable and spiky.”


My mother called my current look a ‘punk’ phase, and she expressed a devout wish for me to get over it, every time I saw her. She hoped I’d trade Doc Martens and cargo pants for dresses that sparkled, grow my hair out, and get a nose job. That would never, ever happen. Which bummed my mother out; she’d rather I married a nice Jewish doctor over becoming one. Of course, that wasn’t on the table, either. Since I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do, I was studying business, though friends who’d already graduated were telling me I needed to specialize or there was in way in hell I’d find a job.


But the idea of wiping my originality like a dry erase board for a corporate gig bummed me out; I liked my piercings—at last count I had eight: eyebrow, nose, three in my left ear, two in my right, plus the belly button ring; I couldn’t remember if my mother had ever seen the latter. Maybe I’d use the money my granddad left me to start my own company, though at this point, I had no idea what product or service I’d offer.


Max bumped me with his shoulder. “Are you playing or not?”


“I’m in.” Picking up the controller, I joined him onscreen, though it pissed me off that in most of these shooters, I always had to play a dude.


“Have fun. I’m out with Del tonight.” The brightness in Angus’s voice told me things were going well, so I just waved as he left, focused on not shooting Max in the back.


We played for an hour before I got hungry. I pushed pause on the controller and ambled to the kitchen. Max came up behind me, resting his head on my shoulder as I peered into the fridge. Max was exceptionally hands-on with his friends; maybe he didn’t get hugged enough as a kid or something. When I first moved in, I thought he was hitting on me, but he thumped and patted Angus about as much, so I went with it.


“Cook something,” he pleaded.


I jabbed him in the  by CrossBrowser-1.2">GUT with my elbow. “Get off me and maybe I will. How do patty melts sound?”

“Like manna from heaven. I speak for all starving college students everywhere when I say, words cannot do justice to your munificence.”


Snickering, I put the ground beef in the microwave. “Calm down, I already agreed to make the food. No need for sweet talk.”


“But it’s fun. Your nose wrinkles when you laugh at me.”


I fought the urge to cover said nose. Some girls could do adorable bunnies wriggles, but mine was too long, beakish,  by CrossBrowser-1.2">ACCORDING to an ex who’d had enough of my shit. As personal problems went, however, it wasn’t exactly original. There were tons of other Jewish girls in the same situation; I wasn’t special. In fact, I probably wasn’t even the only princess rebelling with piercings and alt-hair. So I made a face instead of revealing that he’d made me feel self-conscious for a few seconds. On two occasions, Max and I had made out. Both times, we were messed up emotionally and it was good that we’d confined the rebound sex to kissing. Otherwise it might be tough to fry meat while he talked about the work he was doing on his motorcycle.


“Wait, I thought you were done?”


He sighed at me. “The mechanical overhaul is done, but now I’m working on cosmetic restoration. I can’t stop until it’s finished.”


“The fate of the world hangs in the  by CrossBrowser-1.2">BALANCE?” I teased, shaping the thawed meat into patties. Next I sliced up some onions to caramelize.


“I promised somebody, that’s all.” His expression was strange and serious, unlike the guy I’d known for three years.


But Max was… odd. Like, he gave the impression he was all jokes, all about the party, but then he flipped a switch and revealed glimpse of the real person underneath. In all honesty, I was much more interested in that guy—the serious, smart, intense one. Most people had no idea he was a mechanical engineering major, which required knowledge of physics, thermodynamics, kinematics, structural analysis, and electricity. And hell, I only knew that because I looked it up on Wikipedia, after finding out what he was studying.


“That sounds like a story,” I said quietly.


He held my gaze for two beats, then looked away. “I guess it is.”

Message received.


I finished our food and we ate in front of the TV, then went back to killing things in the game. But by nine, I was bored. I put down the controller, stretching my stiff muscles in an exaggerated arch of my back. “Okay, I’m done.”

“Don’t go,” he said.


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