REVIEWS: ON THE SURFACE + ACROSS THE LINE BY KATE WILLOUGHBY

Kind of a fun change of pace for us today, y'all. Court read book one of a companion series, and Shel read book two so we could bring you oodles of info about this hot hockey series by Kate Willoughby. Check it out below! 

NHL player Tim Hollander lost his temper one time and threw a water bottle at an abusive fan. After "Bottlegate," he's traded to the San Diego Barracudas, where he'll need to keep the bad publicity to a minimum while proving he can still compete with the younger guys on the ice.

Erin Collier is a pediatric nurse who's never seen a hockey game, but gets in line for Tim's autograph at a PR event in hopes of impressing the doctor she has a crush on. When an obnoxious fan gets pushy toward Erin, Tim rushes to defend the pretty stranger, throwing a punch in the process.

Grateful for the rescue, Erin agrees to stand by Tim during the resulting press conference and host him at a hospital charity event. Their chemistry is palpable, and soon their lives are intertwined. But Erin doubts a hockey player is capable of anything resembling a real relationship. And if Tim can't get her to see beyond what's on the surface, they'll never last longer than a single season…

Kindle Edition, 272 pages
Published April 14th 2014 by Carina Press

Source: Purchased
Purchase: Goodreads | Amazon

I have a great affinity for hockey novels, and I was very intrigued by this series that seems to be companions about several guys on this team, the San Diego Barracudas. And I discovered that there is a great number of guys on this team that intrigue me. On the Surface gives us the story of Tim and Erin, and how they truly are one of the most down to earth, basically real to life couples that you might read about and enjoy. 

Erin is a nurse, and low and behold (since I am also a nurse), I didn't find anything that raised a brow for me, and that is surprising. I find it difficult sometimes in fiction to be authentic, and not bend medical facts to fit the story, or it might not be well researched, so I was very, very excited to not be annoyed by anything like that. (Ask Shel. It is a sickness, when I get bent out of shape over this.) More power to Erin, and all pediatric nurses out there, for they are rock stars. 

Tim is a great hero, especially as a hockey player. He lives for the game, and I loved that. He has some really tragic material in his past, and how he overcomes that, or ya know, decides that he might just be alright just how he is was pretty awesome. There were a few inconsistencies in the timeline that was a little confusing, but the overall vibes of the story I enjoyed. Tim is a mans man, that cares about his woman. I was intrigued from the interesting way they got together, and was a big fan of these two, til the end. I had some minor hangups with a few of the explanations about life or about hockey that went wordy, kind of like this post is right now, and so maybe it could've been a tad more cut in editing...but, this is a sweet story, about some bad ass hockey dudes, and I really love the bromance we've started already. 

Book two of In the Zone

Calder Griffin needs to get back in shape. Sidelined last season by a knee injury, he's determined to return to the San Diego Barracudas and play the best hockey of his career. This might even be the year he gets out of his talented older brother's shadow.

For months, Becca Chen has poured her energy into Cups, the restaurant she owns, desperate to prove to her parents that she can succeed in the career of her choice, not theirs. But after she spends a five-hour plane ride flirting with charming, magic-on-the-ice Calder, she tells herself she needs a fling.

Becca and Calder can't keep their hands off each other, but they know the relationship can't last. They live on opposite coasts, and they're both too devoted to their careers. All they have to do is prevent their feelings from crossing the line from lust to love…

See how Calder's teammate Tim found love in On the Surface.

Kindle Edition, 287 pages
Published August 11th 2014 by Carina Press (first published January 1st 2014)

FIND IT HERE: Amazon    FIND KATE HERE: Website

I wasn't really sure what to expect because Court is/was reading book one in this series and since they are stand alone novels, I decided to do book two and I can vouch that there is absolutely no trouble in picking up with book two; it was not confusing at all.

In this book we have Calder and Becca's story-- a story that involves hockey and her business and long distance romance and all of the joys and troubles that come along with these things. Calder is coming off a season ending injury and flying home for a visit when he meets Becca --his flight-mate. We learn early on that they knew each other a loooooong time ago and as they catch on their lives, they hit it off. Soon, Calder is visiting her business, inviting her on dates, and before we know it something that was a casual, fun fling is now developing into something more. As the novel progress, so does their relationship; there are a few bumps in the road --but honestly the angst was low.

Calder was interesting. He's very sweet and he ate his feelings--I sorta loved that. His reactions to situations with his brother were raw and honest and his feelings with Becca were sweet and adorable. Becca was more stubbornly independent and it takes her a little while longer to get with the program, but once it all clicks, it's allll good.

This is a very sweet romance. There's some steam and some fun and would make a good weekend read.

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RELEASE DAY BLITZ: RED + WOLFE BY ELLA JAMES

Congrats & Happy Release to Ella James! 

The Red & Wolfe Box Set  is LIVE!

Meet Sarah “Red” Ryder & James Wolfe in this erotic fairytale box set at an absolutely AMAZING price!

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Blurb

Red & Wolfe (Part One)

When Sarah "Red" Ryder loses her job as an art critic for a Boston newspaper, she's brokenhearted. Worse than that? She's broke. Her boyfriend recently left her - for a tatted-up hottie with a dick - so she's stuck paying her hefty apartment rent alone. After two months unemployed, there's no money left. With no immediate family to turn to, Red reaches out to her estranged grandmother, a reclusive writer living on an island off the coast of Charleston. Several days later, Red receives $30,000 and an invitation to visit.

James Wolfe is not Red's grandmother. But he beckons her. Red has the ability to give him something he needs. He won't take "no" for an answer, and he doesn't mind screwing her over. He lost his conscience six years ago, when he was tried for the murder of his wife. Since then, life is about him - and the paintings he does under the mysterious pseudonym "W."

Wolfe needs the island to keep painting. To live his life away from prying eyes. To keep up the anonymity of "W."

Once he sees Red, he finds that he needs her, too. And Wolfe will have her. Any way he can.

Excerpt

"Red?" I push her gown down a little further and close my mouth over her breast, working her nipple with my lips. Caressing it with my tongue. I'm rewarded by a soft moan that goes straight to my cock. I need to be inside her, despite knowing I don't have the time.

I pull the covers down and slide my hand up her shin, then up her thigh. She's warm from sleep. Her skin feels like burnished velvet. My fingers brush her pussy and she lifts her hips. She wants it. I love the way she always wants it.

"Race."

I love the way she says my name: a mew.

"I'm going to fuck you with my fingers," I say, leaning near her face. "Then you'll go to sleep again."

A dreamy smile floats over her lips. She nods a little, pressing her head into the pillow.

I slide a finger into her. She's hot and tight, softer than silk. I can feel her clench as I pump into her. She's wet this morning. So fucking slick. I stroke in and out, painting her pussy, using my fingertip to smooth warm lines around her swollen clit.

I'm rewarded by her crying out.

"Say my name."

I still my hand. I can hear my blood rush in my ears. Race. Say Race.

Her hands grab at my wrist. "Race."

I allow myself a brief grin. It's undiluted satisfaction. She knows - or at least suspects - I'm James Wolfe, but she's still in my bed.

"Say 'Race, please.' I like to hear you beg." I push another finger into her. Her body quivers. "I like to feel you jump."

I stretch her with a third finger and slide my thumb over her clit. I'm moving slow. So slow.

"Race, oh God - yes. Please."

"That's right, sweetheart." 

Author Information

Ella James

Ella James is a USA Today bestselling romance author. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including the Movers & Shakers list and the Amazon Top 25 overall; two were listed among Amazon's Top 100 Bestselling Young Adult Ebooks in 2012. To find out more about Ella's projects and get dates on upcoming releases, you can stalk her on the following social media sites:

Website | Facebook | Twitter  |  Goodreads

Subscribe to her newsletter HERE

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Candice and Jason Woodruff had everything going for them: a strong marriage, the family they’d dreamed of, and successful businesses. When they made their wedding vows, they promised to love each other through infinity and beyond…but Candice doesn’t remember making that vow. Candice doesn’t remember the last eighteen years.

After a medical emergency, Candice awakens to find herself a married mother of four. She’s surrounded by a loving family of strangers, but Candice struggles to claim an identity while learning to be a wife and mother.

Candice is no longer the same woman Jason fell in love with all those years ago. Can they learn to love each other in this new reality?

Through Infinity is one woman’s journey as she rediscovers the love of her husband and children. But will that new found love be strong enough to carry them through infinity and beyond…

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NEW RELEASE + GIVEAWAY: 'TIL DEATH BY BELLA JEWEL

Title: 'Til Death: Volume One

Series: 'Til Death #1

Author: Bella Jewel

 Release Date: November 25, 2014

Synopsis

They say there's a fine line between love and hate.

There is.

I married a douchebag.

I didn't know it at the time.

He came in like a handsome stranger and blew me off my feet.

I fell madly in love, like the naive girl I am.

Then he left me high and dry.

Turns out, I was nothing more than a business plan for billionaire playboy, Marcus Tandem.

He needed to be married in order to obtain his grandfathers business, and I was the poor victim in his path.

I believed in what we had, until the truth reared its ugly head.

I never meant anything to Marcus. Not a damned thing.

With my world spinning on its axis, the girl I once was has long since died.

Instead he left me as this empty, emotionless shell.

I may have made a vow before God to love and cherish him ‘Til Death do we part, but it’s time for me to give back to Marcus, exactly what he gave me.

He has to pay.

And pay he will.


*This is part of a two book series and it will contain a HEA – Readers over 18+

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Author Bio

Bella Jewel is a self published, USA Today bestselling author. She’s been publishing since 2013. Her first release was a contemporary romance, Hell’s Knights which topped the charts upon release. Since that time, she has published over five novels, gaining a bestseller status on numerous platforms. She lives in North Queensland and is currently studying editing and proofreading to further expand her career. Bella has been writing since she was just shy of fifteen years old. In Summer 2013 she was offered an ebook deal through Montlake Romance for her bestselling modern day pirate series, Enslaved By The Ocean. She plans to expand her writing career, planning many new releases for the future.

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NEW RELEASE: THE JOURNEY HOME BY KELLY ELLIOT

Fate has a way of stepping in and righting itself when we least expect it.

Maddison Powers has been regretting the biggest mistake of her life when she walked away from the only man who has ever sparked something deep inside her. After comparing every guy she dates to Cale Blackwood, she finally gives up all hope of ever finding him.

One dare by Maddison throws Cale back into her life...and into the arms of her best friend.

Cale Blackwood thought he had found the woman of his dreams, until she walked away from him one night and didn't look back. Attempting to find love again, Cale finds himself in a relationship built on one lie after another. Forced to take on the biggest challenge of his life, Cale must seek help from the woman who walked away from him and broke his heart.

Sometimes it takes more than one journey in life to truly be home.

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EXCERPT:

Maddie's POV

“Cale, you need to go home.”
He closed his eyes and shook his head. “You’re doing it again. You’re pushing me away. I’m tired of it, Maddie. I’m so tired of it.”
I swallowed hard and turned to find my phone. I needed Jack to come pick up Cale.
I was about to dial my phone when Cale grabbed me. He turned me around and backed me up until I hit the living room wall.
His eyes were filled with lust. That look had my panties soaked in seconds.
He lifted up my dress and, in one quick movement, he ripped my panties from my body. I wanted to cry out yes. I wanted to let him take me, but I couldn’t.
“Cale,” I said. “Don’t do this.”
He kissed my neck and I started to give in. When his hand touched my inner thigh, I startled. His lips moved to mine and I moaned, desperately, into his mouth as he lifted my leg.
“Oh God,” I whispered. I tried to come to my senses. “Cale, please don’t do this. We can’t do this.”
He moved his lips to my jaw line as he kissed around to my ear. “Are you turned on by me? Or by him?”
The moment he asked, I felt like a whore. I dropped my leg and pushed him back.
I wiped the tears from my eyes.
“Jesus. I didn’t mean that Maddie. I just—”
“Get out,” I said. “Get out of my house and don’t you dare set foot near me again. I hate you, Cale.”

Copyright 2014 The Journey Home Kelly Elliott

Kelly Elliott is married to a wonderful Texas cowboy who has a knack for making her laugh almost daily and supports her crazy ideas and dreams for some unknown reason...he claims it's because he loves her!

She’s also a mom to an amazing daughter who is constantly asking for something to eat while her fingers move like mad on her cell phone sending out what is sure to be another very important text message.

In her spare time she loves to sit in her small corner overlooking the Texas hill country and write.

One of her favorite things to do is go for hikes around her property with Gus....her chocolate lab and the other man in her life, and Rose, her golden retriever. When Kelly is not outside helping the hubby haul brush, move rocks or whatever fun chore he has in store for her that day, you’ll find her inside reading, writing or watching HGTV.

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RELEASE BLITZ: LOVE LAUGHTER, AND MERRILY EVER AFTERS

Love, Laughter, and Merrily Ever Afters

(Holiday Novella Collection)

Release Date: November 25, 2014

By New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Authors:

Sawyer Bennett

Mari Carr

Janelle Denison (aka Erika Wilde)

Violet Duke

Karen Erickson (aka Monica Murphy)

Jessie Evans

Cathryn Fox

Melody Grace

Alannah Lynne

Marquita Valentine

 

TEN fun, romantic holiday novellas by ten New York Times & USA Today bestselling authors

 

An all-star gathering of some of today's most popular NYT and USA Today bestselling romance authors in a fun-filled collection...holiday style! With the overwhelming response to the chart-topping summer boxed set, we've brought together even MORE of your favorite authors for a winter compilation, and this time, we've giftwrapped TEN stories for you all. From the funny & sweet, to the STEAMY & heartfelt, each novella is packed with a whole lot of romance, and hand-picked to infuse perfectly-portioned holiday cheer into your busy days this season...along with hot bursts of holiday steam for those winter nights.

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THE BOXED SET INCLUDES

IF I RETURN by Sawyer Bennett Hope Camden is relentlessly serious, awkwardly shy, and in complete need of a walk on the wilder side. At least, that's what her sister tells her when she drags her off on an impromptu Christmas getaway in the mountains, where Hope meets gorgeous, enigmatic Army helicopter pilot Jack Freeman...who's headed off to war in a week.

SEDUCING SANTA by Janelle Denison (aka Erika Wilde) All Faith Roberts wants for Christmas is one sexy night with Matthew Carlton, the hot, gorgeous pediatric surgeon posing as Santa for a visit to the children's ward where she volunteers. While Matthew is more than willing to fulfill her naughty wishes, he's determined to show Faith that he's the kind of gift that keeps on giving.

TWELVE DATES OF CHRISTMAS by Jessie Evans (aka J. Evans) When Lula Jo refused Carter's proposal one dark December night--unwilling to abandon her hometown to live the dangerous life of a treasure hunter's wife--the holiday lights went out in her heart. She vowed to keep her distance from dangerous men and untamed cowboys. But now Carter is back and hoping for a holiday miracle to reunite him with his first and only love.

DECKING DREW by Violet Duke If anyone can make Drew Lawson believe in the magic of Christmas, of course the universe would pick the addictively sweet, mind-wreckingly beautiful Skylar Sullivan to try. She's only the girl-next-door of his dreams he'd classified as completely off-limits two years ago...the same one now standing on his doorstep on Christmas eve.

FAIRIES & WISHES by Karen Erickson (aka Monica Murphy) Lily the holiday fairy is given a new assignment this Christmas season--teach a lonely doctor how to love again. But all Lily knows how to do is gently coerce people into embracing the Christmas spirit; she doesn't have a clue what love really is. So imagine her surprise when she falls madly in love--and lust--with the good doctor in the process.

WILD IRISH CHRISTMAS by Mari Carr It's Christmas Eve, and all seven of the Collins siblings have gathered together to give their father Patrick a precious gift. Gather 'round the tree and join the Collins family as they pass a bottle of Jameson, and Patrick shares the story of how he won the heart of Sunday, his true love, his soul mate...and the mother of his seven Wild Irish.

UNWRAPPED by Melody Grace Lacey James is wild, spontaneous, and up for anything. Daniel Sullivan is careful, sensible, and mending his broken heart. When the unlikely pair get stranded together on the way home for the holidays, Lacey finds her long-term crush impossible to ignore. And as a game of truth or dare spins out of control, Daniel discovers the one girl he truly wants is the last person he expected.

HIS CHRISTMAS WISH by Marquita Valentine War hero Joaquin Morales is back in Holland Springs for the first time in years. His mission? To convince his wife that they have a future together. But falling in love with her husband for the second time is not a part of Sage Caswell's plans this holiday Season. With the help of a little Christmas magic (and a well-timed snowstorm), can Joaquin and Sage's dreams come true?

HOLIDAY SPIRIT by Cathryn Fox What's a girl to do when she finds herself held captive in a bedroom--with the man she's been lusting after for months--by a voyeuristic spirit on Christmas Eve? Give it what it wants, of course. If a holiday romp with her sexy co-worker is what it'll take for Elly Watson to solve her latest Paranormal Task Force case, she's up for the challenge...over and over again if need be.

A CHRISTMAS HEAT WAVE by Alannah Lynne All Samantha Mazze wants for Christmas is to create the perfect Christmas Eve celebration for her friends and family. The house is decorated, the meal has been prepared, the guests are arriving...what could possibly go wrong? Come spend the holidays with your friends from the Heat Wave series, and meet a few new additions.  

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