Friday, 3 April 2020

FRIDAY READS #11 | CHASING CASSANDRA (THE RAVENELS, #6) BY LISA KLEYPAS

Book Beginnings is a book meme hosted by Rose City Reader where participants share the first sentence (or so) of the book, along with initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires.

The Friday 56 is hosted by Freda’s Voice, and the rules are quite simple: Grab a book, any book, turn to page 56 or 56% in your e-reader. Find any non-spoilery sentence(s) and post.

This week’s book:

Chasing Cassandra(The Ravenels, #6) by Lisa Kleypas

Goodreads Summary:

Everything has a price...

Railway magnate Tom Severin is wealthy and powerful enough to satisfy any desire as soon as it arises. Anything—or anyone—is his for the asking. It should be simple to find the perfect wife—and from his first glimpse of Lady Cassandra Ravenel, he’s determined to have her. But the beautiful and quick-witted Cassandra is equally determined to marry for love—the one thing he can’t give.

Everything except her...

Severin is the most compelling and attractive man Cassandra has ever met, even if his heart is frozen. But she has no interest in living in the fast-paced world of a ruthless man who always plays to win.

When a newfound enemy nearly destroys Cassandra’s reputation, Severin seizes the opportunity he’s been waiting for. As always, he gets what he wants—or does he? There’s one lesson Tom Severin has yet to learn from his new bride:

Never underestimate a Ravenel.

The chase for Cassandra’s hand may be over. But the chase for her heart has only just begun.

BOOK BEGINNINGS:

Hampshire, England June 1876
It had been a mistake to invite himself to the wedding. Not that Tom Severin gave a damn about politeness or etiquette. He liked barging into places where he hadn’t been invited, knowing he was too rich for anyone to dare throw him out.

FRIDAY 56:
Cassandra suspected Tom knew something no one else did. He seemed to be playing some kind of cat-and-mouse game. “Do you have information regarding his whereabouts, Mr. Severin?” she asked unsteadily. Tom looked directly at her then, the nonchalant mask temporarily falling away. His intense, searching gaze somehow burned through the numbness of the past twenty-four hours. “No, sweetheart,” he said gently, as if there were no one else in the room. The deliberate endearment caused a few breaths to catch audibly, including hers.

MY THOUGHTS:

I am always looking forward to reading Lisa Kleypas' historical books also I love the Ravenels so its a fun ride reading this book because it has Tom Severin as the hero. I have just started it so I am curious about what's that all about at 56%

Which book features in your Friday Reads below? Comment the links below, I would love to visit your blog!

Wednesday, 1 April 2020

COVER REVEAL | EASY RISK BY BETHANY LOPEZ

Today we are celebrating the cover reveal for EASY RISK by Bethany Lopez. This title is part of the Boudreaux Universe. These titles are releasing from Lady Boss Press and EASY RISK will release on April 27th. Follow them on Facebook for details and make sure to add the book to Goodreads.

Easy Risk: A Boudreaux Universe Novel by Bethany Lopez

Preorder Now

Amazon (Kindle Unlimited)

Book Blurb:

They say you can’t go home again…

Tyler “Doobie” Dubois is excited about moving back home to New Orleans after being away for five years. He left with a broken heart, determined to make it through the police academy and become a great cop, while finding his place in the world. Now, he’s ready to come home and regain his place in the family. Unfortunately, not everyone is ready to welcome him back with open arms.

Time heals all wounds…

Alicia loves her life. Ever since she moved to New Orleans from Michigan, she’s been accepted for who she is and is thriving in The Big Easy. She’s open to love, although not actively looking for it, so when her best friend and roommate asks her to steer clear of Doobie romantically, she readily agrees. After all, she’s never even met him.

A chemistry that can’t be denied…

What begins as a friendship quickly turns to something more and they’ll both discover that loving each other is an Easy Risk.

Add the book to Goodreads

-------------------------

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Bethany Lopez is a USA Today Bestselling author of more than thirty books and has been published since 2011. She's a lover of all things romance, which she incorporates into the books she writes, no matter the genre.
When she isn't reading or writing, she loves spending time with family and traveling whenever possible.
Bethany can usually be found with a cup of coffee or glass of wine at hand, and will never turn down a cupcake!

AUTHOR LINKS:

Tuesday, 31 March 2020

TOP TEN TUESDAY | TOP TEN REASONS I'M OBVIOUSLY A BOOKLOVER

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created and previously hosted by The Broke and the Bookish is now moved to That Artsy Reader Girl

How is Quarantine life, everyone? I am hanging in there. Most of the times it feels like nothing has changed since I love staying at home, but I can't deny that sometimes it gets overwhelming and suffocating. So I turn to books or Netflix or Korean variety shows to keep my mind off of worrying matters.

This week’s topic is a fun one. It's bookish without books. What bookish qualities do you possess that make it obvious to everyone who knows you that you’re a book lover? Here are my top ten reasons:

1. Reading in every spare time I get

Whether I am waiting for my sister to get off her class as I pick her up on the way home or waiting for an appointment, I always find myself reading on the kindle app on my phone.

2. Having social media accounts only for books

I actually didn't have my personal social media accounts until recently. Years ago, I was on Facebook(like 10 or so years ago), but I deleted that account and I made Twitter & Instagram accounts solely for books. I made a personal IG account only a few months ago, but I don't post as often on there. I spend HOURS on bookish social media including Goodreads.

3. Remembering random bookish things at all times

I definitely am not kidding with this one. I remember random bookish scenes, dialogues, stories, characters, whatever, even if I have read that book years ago at random times or because of things that trigger these bookish memories. My bookish friend in real life loves that because then we spend hours talking about those books.

4. Bragging about Books

I brag about any bookish thing like, I have read so many number of books in a year or till now, I own so and so number of books, I have read this gigantic book or this gigantic series, I have read this book in one sitting, bragging about my reading speed. Doesn't matter if its in front of a reader or a muggle in the bookish world.

5. Recommending Books

Recommending books is not easy if you don't the person and their preferences but I love to spend time on research to recommend someone a book they would like based on the research.

6. Book hangovers

They suck, don't they?

7. Buying things for bookish reasons

Not just bookish but I buy non-bookish things sometimes because they remind me of certain bookish things. Like, the other day I bought PJs cause they had ice cream cones and ice candy bars on it, cause they reminded me of Avery from Wait for You, having them. And I buy props for my bookstagram all the time!

8. Making friends because of books

I have made so many friends because of books! Through blogging, social media like Twitter, Goodreads and especially on IG. Also, I am still friends with the person who introduced me to this world. She has become my life long friend now.

9. Still, remember the first books that got me into reading

I still do remember the characters, stories, authors that got me into reading properly. I have grown out of the genres but I will still go back and reread them if I ever get some time to do so. I am grateful to them for making me stay in this awesome world.

10. Changing Profession/Studies because of Books

This is a big one. I used to study Engineering.. but midway through I realised, I can never work in a non-bookish field, so changed my degree studies, and got my BA in English Literature, currently preparing to apply for the masters. It was a huge life-changing decision.

Do we have any of these in common?
What are your top ten things that make you an obvious book lover? Leave the links to your posts too!

Wednesday, 25 March 2020

RELEASE BLITZ | SEXY LOVE BY CARLY PHILLIPS

We are beyond excited to be sharing this release from Carly Phillips with you today! SEXY LOVE is part of the Sexy series and it is releasing as part of 1001 Dark Nights. It just went live today! Check out an excerpt and book trailer from the title below. Click here to grab your copy now.

Purchase your copy of SEXY LOVE today!

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

About SEXY LOVE:

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carly Phillips comes a new story in her Sexy series…

Learning curves have never been so off-limits.

Professor Shane Warden is on the verge of getting tenure. He never thought he'd see the day, after a false accusation from a student years ago that nearly destroyed his career, and decimated his ability to trust. But the moment he walks into class and lays eyes on the seductive blonde with legs that go on forever and lips he immediately wants to kiss, he knows he’s in trouble.

This time for real.

Single mom Amber Davis is finally living her dream of going back to college. In the ten years since she dropped out to have a baby--and recover from his father's death--it's been the goal that always felt just out of reach. Until now. But one look at her hot, sexy professor, and Amber is head over heels in lust. It doesn’t take long before their attraction blazes out of control.

Neither of them can afford a forbidden affair.
Yet it's the one thing they are powerless to stop.

It will only take one hint of a rumor to destroy everything they’ve worked so hard to achieve... and in this case the rumors are true.

**For fans of Carly’s Sexy Series, Sexy Love is book four in that series.**

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Add SEXY LOVE to your Goodreads TBR here!

Purchase your copy of SEXY LOVE today!

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

Excerpt:

She glanced at Shane. “I need to get going. My son is going to FaceTime with me soon, and I don’t want to miss the call.”

“I get it. You’re a good mom.” He smiled at her, the beauty in his expression taking her breath away.

“Thank you. I try to be.”

Because they’d ordered and brought their trays outside, she started to gather things together.

“I’ve got it,” he insisted.

“Okay … well, thank you for getting me to the right place. And for dinner.” He’d paid despite her protests.

“You’re welcome.”

A pause ensued, the first truly awkward silent moment since they’d met. She didn’t know what to say, and he seemed equally uncertain. Would he ask to see her again? Take her number? She realized they hadn’t even exchanged last names.

And she wasn’t even sure if she wanted to get involved with a man now. Although her best friend from Tampa, Layla, insisted it was time Amber tried dating again, she wasn’t ready. Consideirng she’d just moved to a new state, a new guy was the last thing she thought she needed.

And since Shane, despite the occasional intense and lingering looks her way, didn’t seem inclined to make a move, she decided to wrap things up. “Well, thanks again and it was nice meeting you.”

Feeling like a dork, she waved a hand in the air, turned, and walked away, hoping she was headed in the right direction this time. And doing her best not to turn around and look back to see if he was watching her.

BOOK TRAILER

"Love Carly Phillips and a curvy woman as our main gal? Um, sign ME UP! There aren't enough books out there like this, and I love the Dare brothers." --Rachel Van Dyken, # 1 New York TimesBestselling Author

"Carly Phillips brings on the swoon. A must read." --Natasha Madison, USA Today Bestselling Author

"Carly sure knows how to write intense and real stories that make you fall in love with the characters and want the best for them." - Karen, Goodreads Reviewer

"Woah. Once again Carly Phillips has delivered another emotional rollercoaster plot that had me complete spellbound from page one, all the way through till the last page of the book." - The Sassy Nerd Blog

--------------------------

About CARLY PHILLIPS:

Carly Phillips is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of over 50 sexy contemporary romance novels, including the Indie published, Dare to Love Series. She is happily married to her college sweetheart, the mother of two nearly adult daughters and three crazy dogs. Carly loves social media and is always around to interact with her readers.

Connect With Her:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Reader Group | Twitter | Bookbub

Wednesday, 18 March 2020

CAN'T WAIT WEDNESDAY / WAITING ON WEDNESDAY | #49

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books that we are excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they are books that are yet to be released as well. It's based on "Waiting On" Wednesday hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

Title: ALPHA NIGHT (PSY-CHANGELING TRINITY, #4)
(Click on the title to know more about it on Goodreads.)
Author: Nalini Singh

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy
Publication Date: June 9th, 2020

Goodreads Summary:

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh returns to her breathtaking Psy-Changeling Trinity series with a mating that shouldn’t exist…

Alpha wolf Selenka Durev’s devotion to her pack is equaled only by her anger at anyone who would harm those under her care. That currently includes the empaths who’ve flowed into her city for a symposium that is a security nightmare, a powder keg just waiting for a match.

Ethan Night is an Arrow who isn’t an Arrow. Numb and disengaged from the world, he’s loyal only to himself. Assigned as part of the security force at a world-first symposium, he carries a dark agenda tied to the power-hungry and murderous Consortium. Then violence erupts and Ethan finds himself crashing into the heart and soul of an alpha wolf.

Mating, at first sight, is a myth, a fairytale. Yet Selenka’s wolf is resolute: Ethan Night, broken Arrow and a man capable of obsessive devotion, is the mate it has chosen. Even if the mating bond is full of static and not quite as it should be. Because Selenka’s new mate has a terrible secret, his mind surging with a power that is a creature of madness and death…

I'm waiting because...

This series is my top recommended series, I read and love each and every book in this series! Actually I haven't read Wolf Rain yet but I am soon going to read and enjoy this when it releases as well!

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Monday, 16 March 2020

BOOK REVIEW | PLAYING FOR KEEPS (HEARTBREAKER BAY, #7) BY JILL SHALVIS

Goodreads Summary:

If you’re planning on falling in love…

When it comes to the confident, charismatic Caleb Parker, Sadie Lane feels the spark—the kind that comes from rubbing each other the wrong way. She’s a tattoo artist, he’s a straight-laced mogul. But after they accidentally co-rescue an abandoned dog from a storm, Sadie sees a vulnerable side to the seemingly invincible hottie.

you’d better be sure…

Caleb doesn’t do emotions. Growing up the underdog, he’s learned the hard way to build up an impenetrable wall. Perfect for business. Disastrous for relationships. He’s never worried about it before—not until he finally gets behind Sadie’s armor and begins to fall.

… someone is there to catch you.

Both guarded and vulnerable, Sadie and Caleb are complete opposites. Or are they? Shocked at their undeniable connection, can they ever admit to wanting more? That all depends on what they’re each willing to risk.

RATING - 5 STARS

My Review:

Playing for Keeps is the seventh book in the Heartbreaker bay series, which like every other book in this series can be read as a standalone, but at this point, I would suggest you to read the other books in the series as well, because they are worth it! When I met the two leads in the book, I was intrigued about them because they were an unlikely pair, so I did something which I rarely do, I read the first teaser chapter, it piqued my interest even LOT more in the couple AND I waited in agony till the book was released.

Sadie Lane is a tattoo artist who works two jobs to make the ends meet. She is an independent woman, who is learning to love herself, which is tough since her family doesn't understand her well and want her to be "normal" per their definition. With all this going on, she doesn't really have time for men. Enter Caleb Parker, his appearance with his expensive suits only put off Sadie, but why does she find him attractive? Becoming parents to a three-legged adorable puppy, Sadie and Caleb are more in each other's lives than ever before and can't deny the attraction any longer.

I was surprised by Caleb in a good way, we do meet him in the previous books, especially more so in Spencer's book, but I wasn't sure how his character was. But he was really nice and book boyfriend worthy. He was so sure about Sadie and he is a genuine guy, who knows what he wants and will get what he wants but also, so very understanding. Sadie was really scared of this thing with Caleb since the beginning and he is always patient with her. Even dealt with his crazy sister trio and Sadie's mother like a pro! I wanted more of Caleb's family scenes and their dialogues with Sadie to forgive them properly, but I can live.

This was a nice story, different from other books in the series, but then each story is different and unique in the series so I feel that after reading every book in the series I guess. You meet some of the old and some new characters. Really looking forward to Ivy's book!

*Thank you for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.*

Saturday, 14 March 2020

STACKING THE SHELVES | #13

Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews and it's all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

All the books I got this month are ebooks, I bought some, I got some for review. It is kind of a big haul in a long time, so that makes me happy haha.

(Click on the links to go to the Goodreads pages of the mentioned books)

1. Chasing Cassandra(The Ravenels, #6) by Lisa Kleypas:

I love this series, so had to get this ebook once I saw it was released.

2. Almost Just Friends(Wildstone, #4) by Jill Shalvis: