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Southern Rapture Blog Tour

2/11/2021

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Southern Rapture

SERIES: Enchantment Novella Series
AUTHOR: Bryanna Gonzalez and Katie L. Tyler 
GENRE: Contemporary Small-Town Romance
RELEASE DATE: September 25th, 2020
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Blurb

One girl, one boy, one ill fated past. 

Life takes twists that no one sees coming; it's inevitable. The key to coping with that is knowing that you are the only person who turns the knob.

Pricilla left her small town after graduation and hasn’t looked back since. She has a perfect life, perfect boyfriend but most importantly, she has some not so perfect scars. In a desperate need of a break, Cilla goes home to visit her best friend, Allie. The only downfall is while she's in search of the answers regarding her future, she begins indiscreetly digging in the past.

Some untold secrets create a chain of events that cannot be escaped, no matter the time that has elapsed. Colton, being Allie's brother, is nothing short of the perfect man, but he happens to be hiding the biggest heartbreak of all. Tall, dark and constantly brooding, it's easy to understand his pain, but when Colton decides to take a leap of fate and opens up his heart one last time to the only girl he's ever cared about, he seeks revenge on feeling everything he's ever lost all over again.

Praise for Southern Rapture

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"MUST READ!"
"A down home story of 2 people just trying to find their way back to one another. They’ll leave you crying one second and laughing the next, always keeping you on the edge of your seat! A love story for the ages along with some great supporting characters!"
- Sarah Williamson
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"Here is home. With us. We are your home.
"This book definitely pulled on my heart strings today. There is so many mixed emotions between Cilla and Colton. The chemistry of the story is beautiful from lover/friends back to lovers is just amazing written. Took me less than 24 hours to read but I definitely can't wait to read more I would love to know what the future truly does hold for Cillia and Colton."
- Camille Goldberg
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About Katie Bryanna

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Katie L. Tyler

Katie L. Tyler is an independent writer and an avid reader of romance books. She is currently residing in a small town in Texas and is a senior at Sam Houston State University. She is studying English as a major with a minor in Technical and Professional writing while pursuing a career in senior living. She is also a free-lance editor. She writes for the souls who share similar pain and hopes to bring them a sense of release: no one is alone. She spends her free time reading, watching re-runs of the Golden Girls and enjoys being with her family and her dogs, Kallie, Dakota and Kody.
@katieltylerauthor
@chasingbookmarks
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Bryanna Gonzalez

Bryanna Gonzalez is an independent writer and a long-time dedicated reader to all things romantic, painful, and passionate. She currently resides in the small town of Eastvale in California. She is also currently pursuing a career in mortuary science to become a mortician. She writes for the release of anxiety, depression, and inner thoughts that once tried to bring her down. She encourages you to find what you love and work for what you want, even when times get tough. This is her debut novel. She loves spending time with her friends, family, loving boyfriend, and sphinx, Lestat.
@bryxhex

Pick up Southern Rapture today!

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Now Live: The Hardest Play by A. S. Teague

4/20/2020

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"The Hardest Play is everything I love about sports romance. A.S. Teague once again masterfully delivers a book full of heart that will surely stay with you long after the last page.”
                              - L.K. Farlow, bestselling author

​The Hardest Play, an all-new emotional new-adult standalone from A.S. Teague is available now!
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​It’s easy to convince the world that you have it all.
 
I’m Quinn Miller­­––record breaking running back, professional football’s favorite rags-to-riches story, all-around good guy.
 
What’s not so easy? Repairing your reputation after mistakes both on and off the field leave you labeled as a disgrace to the league.
 
With only one team willing to give me a chance, I have no time for a relationship.
But after one night with Georgia Reed, the hopeless romantic with fiery red hair and an attitude to match, I’m hooked.
 
With Georgia cheering me on, it doesn’t feel like the world is against me anymore.
That is, until her father steps into the locker room as my new head coach.
Finding the woman of my dreams was the easy part; it’s keeping her that will be the hardest play of all.
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Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
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Add The Hardest Play to Goodreads
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Excerpt

​“Quinn Miller? Is that really you?”

I turned, and my eyes landed on a face that I hadn’t forgotten. “Georgia Reed.”

Her lips parted in a smile that lit up her entire face, and she jumped from the stool she’d been perched on next to where my sister had been sitting and threw her arms around my shoulders. “I thought I saw you walk in earlier!”

I wrapped my arms around her waist and gave a quick squeeze before pulling back and looking her up and down.

I’d met Georgia last year at my best friend, Aiden’s, Christmas party. Her brother was a famous orthopedic surgeon who’d saved Aiden’s knee after a devastating hit. The two of them had forged a friendship, and Dr. Hampton Reed had brought his sister along when he’d been invited to the famous Shaw Christmas Party. 

I’d seen her from across the room that night, unable to miss the gorgeous auburn hair that she’d let flow down her back. I’d walked over to introduce myself, but her green eyes had sparkled when she informed me that she already knew exactly who I was.

I wasn’t sure what I’d said after that, probably something ridiculous and cheesy, but we’d spent the rest of the evening chatting.

“How ya been?” I asked.

She stuck the straw that was floating in a pink drink between her pink lips and lifted a shoulder. After a quick sip of a fruity cocktail she said, “Same old. What about you? I heard you’d been traded and was hoping I’d run in to you sometime.”

I’d completely forgotten that the Reeds lived in Atlanta, where my new team was, but suddenly, that shitty trade that I was forced to accept didn’t seem so bad after all.

“Hey.” I glanced over to where my sister was eyeing us, her lips pressed together to conceal what had to have been the biggest shit-eating grin ever and squinted at her before turning and looking back to where Georgia was still sipping her drink. “You know, I don’t know much about this town. You’re a local, right?”

“That I am. Born and bred in the great state of Georgia. You know, my parents, they probably could have been a little more original when they named me.”

“Any chance you’re free this weekend to play tour guide?” I asked, hoping that I sounded fun and flirty and not like the pathetic loser that I felt like.

Jamie choked on a laugh and tried to cover it with a cough. I swung my head in her direction just as she covered her mouth and quickly looked away from my death glare. God, my kid sister was an asshole.

I felt fingertips on my bicep, forgetting my stupid sister immediately when I glanced down to see the perfectly manicured yellow fingernails that were resting on my arm. “Let me make sure I am clear on what you’re askin’.” Georgia’s eyes were gleaming, and she stepped closer to me. “Now, am I going to show you the popular clubs and bars, the parks to take your dog, and the restaurants that cater to locals, and then you’ll thank me and we’ll go about our ways? Or is this tour going to consist of me taking you back to my place, and before I know it, your lips are on my neck and my dress is around my waist?”

My mouth fell open and I sputtered. “I, uh, I, what?”

“Well, you know at Aiden’s Christmas party, after you kissed me­­––”

“Woah!” I stepped back, her arm falling to her side. “What are you talking about?”

Her head shook back and forth. “I’m not sure if I should be insulted or not that you are this clueless. We had a drink outside around the fire pit, and then you leaned in and kissed me, remember?”

“That is not at all what happened!” I fired back incredulously. I’d had a couple of beers that night, but I never let myself get so drunk that I would completely forget kissing the gorgeous woman standing before me.

She frowned, pulling her bottom lip between her teeth, and I couldn’t stop my eyes from watching the way she worked it. No, I would most definitely remember if my lips had tasted hers. “It’s not? Are you sure?”

My eyes bugged out of my head. “I’m pretty sure we didn’t kiss. Think I would have remembered that.”
​
“Oh.” She frowned. “Maybe that’s just what I hoped would happen.”

About A.S. Teague

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A.S. Teague enjoys the warmth of South Carolina with her husband and two daughters. The stereotypes about peach cobbler and sweet tea are not overstated.

​After years in the medical field, she is now enjoying every minute of being a stay-at-home mom. She loves wine, the beach, wine on the beach, and crying at Disney movies.

​When she doesn't have a book in her hand, she can be found pestering her husband with pictures of animals she wants to rescue, as well as debating whether to exercise or take a nap.

 Connect with A.S. Teague 

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Now Live:Sweet Dandelion by Micalea Smeltzer

3/31/2020

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Sweet Dandelion

by Micalea Smeltzer
Add to your Goodreads TBR today!

Copyright © Ella Ro- 2020

 What to expect:

✔ Angst ⁣
✔ Slow Burn ⁣
✔ Forbidden Romance (Student/Guidance Counselor)⁣

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Available in Kindle Unlimited ⁣
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Blurb

Dandelion Meadows is cursed.
Horrible name.
Horrible luck.

At eighteen she should be headed off to college, all smiles and naivety.
Instead, a victim of a school shooting, she’s starting her senior year in a new city and living with her brother.
Nightmares of that terrible day haunt her, affecting her daily life and the relationships around her.
Forced to meet with the school counselor, Dani finds him chipping away at the walls she’s built around herself, and even her heart.

Lachlan Taylor doesn’t know what to make at first of the broken student he’s tasked with helping. She’s survived a trauma he’s not sure he can save her from, but he knows he has to try.

The more time they spend together, the more they learn about what it really means to live.

Some things are forbidden.
Some things are necessary for survival.

Their love is both.
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About the Author

Micalea Smeltzer is a twenty-something author from Northern Virginia. She has four dogs, which is as crazy as it sounds. As a recent kidney transplant recipient she’s dedicated to raising awareness around the effects of kidney disease, dialysis, and transplant as well as educating people on living donation. She enjoys writing about fantastical paranormal creatures and sexy rock stars. When she’s not writing you can catch her with her nose buried in a book.
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Y'all, words cannot even begin to describe how much I love this book. I finished  Dandelion last week, and Dani and Lachlan are still taking up residence in my head!
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I put together the video above as a thank you to Micalea Smeltzer for writing one of the best and most beautiful novels I have ever read. Sweet Dandelion may have tragedy, heartbreak, and loneliness, but it also has hope, light, and above all else, love. This story moved me mind, body, and soul, and I highly recommend it to all of you! 
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Keep your eyes peeled on my website because  Dandelion has officially become one of my all-time favorite books ever! 
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Connect with Micalea

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Now Live: Keeper by Harloe Rae

3/6/2020

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Keeper

by Harloe Rae​
Add to Goodreads today!
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Blurb

“Will you help me remember?”

That’s the second thing I ask the stranger hovering just outside of my hospital room. To me, Decker Fredric is another nameless face in the crowd. To him, I’m a forgotten girl he hasn’t seen in years. But he agrees to be my crutch through the fog as if we were once friends.

Everything is a blank canvas spreading far and wide in front of me. Any direction I take, my steps stumble over the unknown. Decker becomes the only reliable constant in my life. I lean on him too hard, but he doesn’t seem to mind. His unwavering patience and guidance restore some semblance of normal I don’t recall having.

My attraction to Decker is instant, but he appears indifferent. Until the day his stare holds a bit too much heat. In return, I dare to let my touch linger. Our hugs cling tighter than a simple embrace should. But we have no business defying the distinct line cutting between us. 

Decker Fredric was never mine to keep. But that doesn’t stop me from wanting him to be.
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About the Author

Harloe Rae is a USA Today & Amazon Top 10 bestselling author. Her passion for writing and reading has taken on a whole new meaning. Each day is an unforgettable adventure. 
​

Harloe is a Minnesota gal with a serious addiction to romance. She’s always chasing an epic happily ever after. When she’s not buried in the writing cave, Harloe can be found hanging with her hubby and son. If the weather permits, she loves being lakeside or out in the country with her horses. 

Harloe is the author of the Reclusive series, Watch Me Follow, #BitterSweetHeat Series, Ask Me Why, and BREAKER. These titles are available on Amazon.
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From the moment I opened the first page, I was hooked. Harloe Rae is such a talented writer that you can’t help but fall in love with her characters. One thing I love most about Harloe’s books, especially Keeper, is the story never felt rushed. I was able to really invest in Delaney and Decker’s journey and truly felt a part of it.

There is drama and suspense, swoony moments, and steamy, and I guarantee this book will make you feel ALL the feels plus a hundred more. I could not recommend Harloe’s books more if you haven’t read her, you must. She has so many fantastic standalone novels to choose from, but Keeper is always a great place to start! In the meantime, if you need me, I’ll be at Howlers hanging with my new fictional friends!

Connect with Harloe

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Find all the latest on her site: www.harloe-rae.blog
Subscribe to her newsletter: http://bit.ly/HarloesList
Join her reader group, Harloe’s Hotties!
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Now Live: Fool Me Once by Nikki Ash

3/5/2020

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Fool Me Once

Author: Nikki Ash
Genre: New Adult Romance
​Release Date: March 5, 2020

Blurb

I met Keegan when I was on the beach in Florida.
He literally crashed into my world.
I wasn’t looking for romance, but his two-dimpled charm made my heart go haywire.
 
We both had one thing in common: we were here to escape our realities.
One week. Just the two of us. Not a care in the world.
I didn’t know it at the time, but that week would forever change my life.
 
Four years later, and as fate would have it, Keegan and I are brought together again.
It’s as if the universe is telling us this is our second chance.
The more I get to know him, the harder I fall.
Falling hopelessly in love is inevitable with a man like him.
 
Only the joke’s on me, because the guy I’m falling for isn’t the man I thought he was.
You know how the saying goes: Fool me once...
I’ll be damned if I’m fooled again.  ​
​
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ADD TO GOODREADS
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
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Purchase Links

$2.99 for a limited time!

​AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
​UNIVERSAL
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Free in Kindle Unlimited
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Excerpt

Just as I’m turning the page in my book, someone yells, “Watch out!” Unsure of where the voice is coming from, I look to the left and then to the right, but before I can grasp what’s happening, the circular object hits my hand, and my book flies out of my grasp and into the water.

“Shit! I’m so sorry.” A half-naked guy comes running over, sand kicking up around him as his strong legs pound into the ground. The closer he gets, the more of him I’m able to see, and holy shit, do I like what I see. Messy brown hair I could picture running my fingers through, tanned, smooth skin I would enjoy kissing and licking, and if I’m feeling frisky, biting.

My eyes rake over his tattooed, sculpted chest and down to his abs. Two-four-sex… I mean six. God damn! Look at that six-pack. He must work out, probably several times a day. Damn, I’d love for him to work me out…

As he jogs over, his corded arm muscles flex, making it appear as if the ink on his arms is coming alive, and I briefly imagine holding on to those arms while he fucks me good and hard. He runs past me, and I follow his every move. When he bends over, I check out his butt that’s hidden under his low-hanging board shorts as I fantasize about my legs wrapped around his waist and my heels digging into that butt…

But then he turns around, and in his hands is the now sopping wet copy of Wuthering Heights, and I instantly snap out of my lust-filled thoughts.

“Here you go,” he says sheepishly, the soaking wet book dangling from his fingers. Drops of saltwater fall down and land on my knee. My eyes meet his, and just as I’m about to snap at him, the corner of his mouth lifts into a nervous smile, and a single dimple pops out on his cheek, and once again, I’m momentarily distracted by just how good-looking he is.

“Thanks so much.” My reply drips with sarcasm. Taking the book from him, I examine the saturated, ruined pages, and mumble, “At least it wasn’t my mom’s copy.”

“I’m Keegan.” His half-smile turns into a cocky grin. Oh, hell, no…

​“I’m not interested.” 


He throws his head back with the most beautiful laugh I’ve ever heard. It’s raspy and deep and sexy. My eyes land on his Adam’s apple, and my tongue darts out, wanting to lick down his throat.

“Fair enough.” He nods. “I really am sorry about the book.” His gorgeous forest green eyes meet mine. “Can I do something to make it up to you?”

“Like sleep with me?” I give him a playful smirk. I haven’t slept with many guys, but I’ve had a couple one-night stands over the last few years. My way of lashing out over my mom’s death.
​

“No.” He shakes his head. “We’ve already established you’re not interested. Although, I think, based on the way you were eye-fucking me on my way over here, I could probably convince you otherwise.”
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Review: Puck Performance by Alley Ciz

2/11/2020

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​"5 Stars and a Standing Ovation!"

Once again, Alley Ciz has surrounded her readers in a world, unlike any other. After reading the first book in the series, Power Play, I was envious of the BTU cast. However, after reading Puck Performance, I feel like I’m apart of it. Alley does a fantastic job developing her characters, and there is such a fluidity to her writing that you truly get lost in the BTU community.

Now you might be wondering what you should expect in a BTU Alumni book, and the answer is simple. 
Humbled alpha men and a wickedly talented girl squad. 
Puck Performance is the fourth book in the BTU Alumni series, and I am so pleased to share that it will not be the last.

Now, let’s get down to the stars of the show, Jase Donnelly and Melody Brightly.
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Enter stage left, Jase Donnelly, our NHL all-star with a heart of gold. We were introduced to Jase in Power Play when his sister, Jordan, fell for his teammate and neighbor, Jake. Immediately we find out that Jase is a family man who will stop at nothing to protect those he loves most in the world. However, who is there for Jase to help him with his demons lurking in the shadows?

Enter stage right, Melody Brightly, our pink-haired Broadway showstopper! 
You will fall in love with Melody long before she hits center stage, secrets and all. Groomed by her crazy covenesque-like best friends, Ella and Zoey, Melody is the perfect addition to the BTU alumni family. Melody is so relatable with her quick wit, strength, and talent that I believe anyone who reads Puck Performance will see a little bit of themselves within her.

I was smiling like a fool only two pages into the prologue, and it didn’t stop there. I laughed, I got a bit emotional, and my stomach did that little flip thing when the steamy scenes came around. Also, can I just say, Jase Donnelly with a tongue ring = HOT! I just wish I knew what his wombmate and the rest of the BTU gang had to say about that when he got home.

Anyway, I highly recommend not only this book but the whole BTU Alumni Series if you are looking for delicious sports romcoms! You won’t regret it! Be sure to show Alley some love on her social media accounts, and if you read or have read any book in the BTU series, drop a comment below!
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Review: Rebel Soul by LK Farlow

1/23/2020

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"Although falling in love for West and Stacia wasn't fast, it sure was furious."

LK Farlow has done it again and brought us a swoon-worthy hero and kickass heroine. This novel will hit you right in the feels as you read about the strength of Stacia Kellan and the old-world charm of West Larson.

​With a "small" stipulation set in his trust fund, West Larson finds himself looking for a baby mama before he turns twenty-five. Little did he know that person would be his long-time friend Stacia Kellan. With a business proposition and an extra bedroom, West and Stacia strike up a deal. 
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Stacia will stop at nothing to support her family. When circumstances beyond her control threaten the security of her family, Stacia searches for anything to help her family out of the hole. With the encouragement of an incredible and, at times, overbearing best friend, Stacia must accept West's offer.
 
The constant push and pull between our main characters is beyond addicting, and it immediately sucks you into their world of General Tso's tacos (yum) and Superbad. LK Farlow has ensured that you will be laughing, crying, and falling in love with their story almost as fast as the cars they drive.
 
I devoured this novel, and I can't wait to reread it! LK is such a talented storyteller and writes with so much enthusiasm you can't help but consider these characters your friends! I absolutely loved this book, and I highly recommend Rebel Soul as well as Rebel Heart, which is about Stacia's best-friend, AJ, and her other half, Brock. As standard in all LK's novels, happily-ever-after— guaranteed!
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Review: Even When I'm Gone by Nicole Fiorina

1/2/2020

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"If you're psycho, then I'll love you insane."

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PHOTO: AMAZON
Even When I'm Gone by Nicole Fiorina is not only the second book of the Stay With Me Series but Nicole's second published book ever. I am still blown away by the sheer talent Nicole possesses to create a world that encapsulates so many people instantly. Even When I'm Gone is a suspenseful romance novel about two young adults fighting to remain the center of each other's world.

​One thing you can always expect from Nicole is how much respect and delicacy she employs while discussing the various types of mental illness within this series. Nicole has created a platform where she not only introduces her readers to these mental illnesses but forces us to walk in shoes of those who suffer and begin to discuss this
topic that, at many times, would be considered taboo. I felt the pain and the heartbreak, the restraint, and the freedom, the distress, and the darkness. But I also experienced the small glimpses of light and hopefulness, the unconditional love displayed within the pages of this beautiful novel. I felt like I was a student at Dolor and truly got lost within the world Nicole so expertly created.

Once I finished Even When I'm Gone, I had a major book hangover and was lost because what could I possibly read next that could measure up to the perfection of this novel? The answer… not much. I was left speechless and spent days trying to get my feelings and thoughts in order. I am in love with this world and pray that Nicole never stops writing because what she writes and how she writes is revolutionary.

Though this novel ended on a cliffhanger, I have complete faith in Nicole for obtaining the happily ever after Ollie and Mia are so deserving of. Love conquers all things, and Ollie and Mia's love will do just that. As anxious as I am for the third and final book in the Stay With Me Series, I'm so looking forward to what Nicole has in store for us. I highly recommend Even When I'm Gone and Stay With Me if you are looking to embark on a journey that could quite possibly change your life. Nicole is the author to watch out for because it won't be long until she's being recognized as a New York Times Best Selling Author. You heard it here first, this woman is going places, and I'm just honored to be along for the ride.

Warning- This book contains subjects and events that will be sensitive to some readers and could be considered a trigger.
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Best of 2019 Romance Books

12/29/2019

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Heather from @bookandablanket on Instagram hosted a challenge for anyone to share their favorite romance books of 2019 leading up to the New Year.
The break down of the days were:
  • Day 1: Best Female Main Characters (December 26)
  • Day 2: Best Male Main Characters (December 27)
  • Day 3: Best New-to-me authors (December 28)
  • Day 4: Best Covers (December 29)
  • Day 5: Best Series (December 30) 
  • Day 6: Best Standalones (December 31)
I had so much fun participating in this challenge and look forward to doing more in the future! Please let me know in the comments if we had similar favorites for 2019! 

Day 1:

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I love reading about strong heroines. Women who know what they want and go get it. Women who admit they may need help and show their vulnerability. Women who, when faced with adversity, rise above it and come out stronger than when they started. And finally, women who have an incredible support system.
  • The Coven is a group of women who live within the pages of the BTU Alumni Series by Alley Ciz. Even though each Coven member does not have her own book, they are well represented within Power Play, Tap Out, and Sweet Victory. (Be on the lookout in 2020 for Puck Performance, the fourth book in the BTU Alumni Series!)
  • Natalie from Best Laid Plans by LK Farlow is a kick-ass single mom who would do anything for her Tater Tot. Natalie is as selfless and nurturing as they come. She is always striving to be the best she came to be for her daughter, and it was a gift to read/watch her relationship with Alden unfold.
  • The Fighting Series by Nikki Ash is full of strong, independent, and vulnerable women. Liz, Kayla, Hayley, and Ashley all have such different stories, yet at the end of the day, they all want to be loved. I was moved while reading this series and thoroughly enjoyed every single page of it.

Day 2:

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What do I look for in a book boyfriend? Someone caring, hardworking, and a true mans-man. He understands that he needs to step back and let his woman shine like the diamond she is, and sexy, of course.
  • Beginning with Lachlan from Nikki Ash's Through His Eyes, he is one of my most favorite heroes I’ve read this year. Not letting an age difference separate him from the one his heart truly desires; he is determined to show Quinn that she is enough.
  • Next, a few men from the Charleston Heat series by Jessica Peterson. Elijah, Luke, and Ford are sexy southerners who know how to treat a woman right. From friends-to-loves to brother’s best friend to single dad, these gentlemen are the epitome of southern class and are exactly what I look for in a book boyfriend.
  • Ford from All Grown Up by Vi Keeland is a sexy 25-year-old who has fallen for his 37-year-old single neighbor. When age seems to get in the way, Ford proposes a plan that is a win-win for everyone involved. Ford is a caring big brother and an intelligent businessman, which means he looks good with a suit on and off.
  • The Put a Ring On It series by Maria Luis is a trilogy composed of irresistible Alpha men. Nick, Damon, and Owen are as manly as they come. A best friend’s brother, enemies to lovers, and slow-burn forbidden romance are just what you will need for your 2020 TBR list.
  • And last but certainly not least, Able from Desperately Seeking Roommate by Micalea Smeltzer. With an existential choice between pink starbursts or yellow, loving Able was never a question. From the first time he was introduced in this book, it felt like fate. Able is so accepting and understanding and just a real favorite!

Day 3:

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I read many new authors this past year, but these where the three who really stuck with me. Each one of them wrote stories unlike any other I’ve read.
  • Wait For Me by Tia Louise is a newer release and is by far one of my top reads for the year! Taron and Noel’s chemistry is off the charts. The delicate way Tia touches on Taron’s PTSD is a true testament to how talented of an author she is. I look forward to reading more of her books in 2020!
  • I read The Kiss Thief by LJ Shen back in February for an online book club. I had no idea how much I was going to love the premise of this story, as well as the writing style of LJ. I have so many of her books in my TBR! I highly recommend The Kiss Thief if you are interested in an enemies-to-lovers romance with a twist… One kiss. Two men. Three lives. Entwined together.
  • And finally, no surprise, Nikki Ash. Nikki is just a mastermind when it comes to writing. She forces her readers to go on a journey whither they want to or not. There are plot twists and tears and laughter and more tears! I had to take breaks to mentally and emotionally prepare myself for specific chapters in Unbroken Promises. If you haven’t added Nikki Ash’s books to your Amazon cart, you must!! 

Day 4:

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  • The Put A Ring On It series by Maria Luis contains my favorite covers from 2019. I love the colors, the font, the models, the stories! You must read these books if you haven't yet! The attention to detail within these covers blows my mind! I could keep gushing, but I LOVE them!
  • The Stay With Me series by Nicole Fiorina has not only beautiful covers but also a beautiful story. Ollie and Mia wrecked me and then put me back together and then wrecked me again. I have never been so emotionally moved by two books before, and Nicole is releasing the third and final book of the series in 2020! I don't think I'm ready!
  • LK Farlow has some of the prettiest covers for not only the Bay Ridge series but all her books. (Have you seen the cover for Rebel Soul releasing January 23?!) I had so much fun reading this series. I laughed, I cried and envied the relationship displayed in each story.
  • ​Finally, Wait For Me by Tia Louise. Wow. I could not picture a more beautiful cover for this amazing story! This brother's best friend stand-alone romance will forever sit pretty as one of my all-time favorite books! (I'll have a whole post dedicated to it this book in the coming year, so stay tuned!)

Day 5:

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​I love me a good series and these books here are some of the best! Each one of these books has profoundly impacted my life. Within these pages, I have learned so much about myself and the woman I want to be. I am so thankful for the time each of these authors poured into their words because I know my life is forever changed because of them.
  • The Blades Hockey Series by Maria Luis was the bunch of books that not only introduced me to Maria but made me fall in love with reading. I found myself relating to Charlie from Power Play with her curly hair and straight forward attitude. I laughed out loud reading Zoe and Andre's love story in Sin Bin. While reading Hat Trick, Gwen and Hunt's story, I remembered my first love… even though it was unrequited. Finally, I was moved to tears reading the unstoppable, unbreakable, and unconditional love between Holly and Jackson in Body Check. I learned lessons about trust and taking risks and the different types of adrenaline. But now, I believe I need to make it a tradition to reread this series at the start of every year because I owe my love of reading to the Boston Blades Hockey Team!
  • Next, the Put A Ring On It Series by you guessed it, Maria Luis. Nick Stamos from Hold Me Today is the ULTIMATE book boyfriend, and because of it, I need to find myself an Adonis with dark curly hair, tattoos, and skillful hands! This series is a must-read, y'all! You will fall in love with each Alpha and sassy Heroine, and I promise you won't be able to put it down! I will leave it at this, Maria is an author I will follow until the end of time. Maria, you can never stop writing because what you have to say is important and need to be heard by millions. I love you!
  • Moving on, the Imperfect Love Series by Nikki Ash is a newer read for me, but is no question one of my favorites! Each book is so uniquely different that I became so invested in each story and character that I never wanted the books to end. This series is one I will absolutely read again because of how beautifully it is written. Celeste and Jase's story from On the Surface is one everyone needs to read. There is such an intimacy between the two that you truly get lost within the pages!
  • Last, but certainly not least, the Charleston Heat series by Jessica Peterson. Wow, what a series! I pray that Jessica never stops writing about the men of Charleston because they are steamy and sweet and just everything I want in a good romance. Each book can be read as a standalone; in fact, I read Southern Player first because I love the brother's best friend trope. However, Southern Charmer is the book that has my heart. Olivia's journey of self-discovery and awareness is so inspiring; I believe every woman should read it! Jessica is another author I absolutely love reading and will for a very, VERY long time!

Day 6:

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Finally, the time has come to announce my favorite standalone romance novels of 2019! I am obsessed with each and every one of them and have recommended them to everyone I know!
  • Voyeur by Fiona Cole was one of my favorite reads of 2019. The teacher-student trope is one of my favorites, and the chemistry Callum and Oaklyn have is truly jumping off of the page. Callum may be the voyeur in the story, but Fiona makes you the reader feel like the voyeur. I highly recommend this book.
  • Unbroken Promises by Nikki Ash is an MFM and MM standalone staring Delilah, Cole, and Xander. I was very emotional during this book, and the Nikki wrote with such sympathy; it was just an honor to read this story.​
  • Josh + Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren was such a cute and fun read! If you are looking for something that will make you laugh out loud and make you swoon, then here it is! It's the perfect read for a relaxing weekend!
  • Breaker by Harloe Rae is a brother's best friend trope featuring Grady, the broody and broken hero, and Sutton, the sweet and genuine heroine! This small town, country romance is full of trials and tribulations that will undoubtedly hit you in the feels.
  • Sugar Daddies by Jade West is a deliciously naughty MMF and MM story featuring Englishmen Carl, Rick, and their Little Miss Right, Katie. I don't want to say too much, but this novel is HOT, and if you've read Sugar Daddies, let me know what you think of it in the comments. Reader discretion is highly advised.
  • Wait For Me by Tia Louise is a beautiful brother's best friend love story between Taron and Noel. It's a small-town, second-chance romance that will have you feeling all the feels! I absolutely loved this story and wished there were another 200 pages of it!
Thank you for following along with my best romance books of 2019!
​Happy New Year to each and every one of you! 
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Jolabokaflod, a Christmas Eve Miracle!

12/24/2019

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PHOTO: MILAN_JOVIC | GETTY IMAGES
An Icelandic tradition has come Stateside. The rationing of goods always plays a significant role during war times. During World War II, paper and the printing of books were some of those goods. ​However, in 1944, when Iceland gains its independence from Denmark, the publication of books resumed. The luxury of reading came back in full force and resulted in the Icelandic Christmas Eve tradition, Jolabokaflod.


Jolabokaflod roughly translates to 'the Christmas book flood.' Every year since 1944, Icelandic families would exchange books on Christmas Eve and spend the rest of the evening reading and eating chocolate. Pretty amazing, right?


I know you are probably wondering why you're getting a history lesson. Well, here's why! Within one of the Book Clubs I'm in on Facebook someone posted about Jolabokaflod. I explained to the group that no one in my family reads *insert gasp here*, and I had no to celebrate this tradition with.


Much to my surprise, another bookish friend responded to my comment saying she too had no one to celebrate with, and it was within that moment that we decided to celebrate together. At the beginning of December, we exchanged addresses and sent each other a book/gift to be opened on Christmas Eve.


Well, book lovers, it's Christmas Eve, and I got one amazing gift! I hope y'all are having a safe and relaxing holiday, and if you are reading anything good this evening, drop a comment below… I need to build up my TBR for 2020! 
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