Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Tijan, J. Daniels, Helena Hunting, Bella Jewel and Tara Sivec - Eye Candy review and excerpts



EYE CANDY
by Tijan, J. Daniels, Helena Hunting, Bella Jewel, and Tara Sivec
SMP Swerve
Publication Date: September 5, 2017 
ISBN: 9781250148230
Price: $3.99

Buy Links
Description
A frightfully good time! Dive into these Halloween novellas from bestselling authors Tijan, J. Daniels, Helena Hunting, Bella Jewel and Tara Sivec. Featuring stories set in the worlds of their popular series. 

 Tijan’s Fallen Crest crew are back for a weekend of mischief that takes a sinister turn; all four couples from J. Daniels’ Alabama Summer series gear up for Halloween in their own sexy ways, with a special surprise at the end; Helena Hunting’s characters from Shacking Up plan a Halloween gala that features a few ghouls and witches; Bella Jewel brings the chills and thrills in her suspenseful take on Halloween night; and Tara Sivec gathers the Holiday family together one last time as they try to make this ghostly holiday one to remember—or one they’d rather forget…

 Cozy up with a mug of hot cider on a dark night and fall under the spell of this Halloween anthology!

My Review

 Now, I have to preface this by stating, the only author whose world I was familiar with was J. Daniels.  But, I LOOOOOOOOOOVED these stories! For the authors whom I had never read (Helena Hunting and Bella Jewel), I plan on reading soon! I do own Pucked, just haven't had a chance to read it yet. Even though the other stories I wasn't familiar with the set of characters I have read other books by these authors, their stories were easy to get caught up in and I didn't feel lost as to who the characters were. They were enjoyable, Halloween reads! They ranged from scary to fun and flirty.  A little something for everyone! And I now want to read these other series.

 J. Daniels' Alabama Summer series is one I'm VERY familiar with! I love me some Bama boys! I really enjoyed how this book was written from Ben, Reed, Luke, CJ and Nolan's perspectives. I enjoyed seeing what each couple was up to and how they were getting ready for Halloween this year :)  I felt like this story was aptly named, So Much More.  It wasn't long but I was completely sucked into their lives. I didn't want the book to be over.  J. Daniels pulled at my heartstrings, made me laugh out loud and made my little bookworm heart happy! I highly recommend this read!

 **ARC provided for my honest review**
Author Bios
Bella Jewel is a USA Today bestselling author of over 18 e-books, including the popular Alphas Heart eOriginal series with St. Martin's Press. She lives in North Queensland where she's working on her next novel.

 Tijan is a New York Times Bestselling author of the Carter Reed Series, the Fallen Crest Series, and the Broken and Screwed Series among others. She lives in north Minnesota.

 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto. She writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.

 Tara Sivec is a USA Today best-selling author and the Best Indie Author in the Indie Romance Convention Reader's Choice Awards in 2014. She lives in Ohio with her husband and two children.

 J. Daniels is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Sweet Addiction series, the Alabama Summer series, and the Dirty Deeds series. J grew up in Baltimore and resides in Maryland with her family.
Authors Links

Tijan

J. Daniels

Helena Hunting

Bella Jewel

Tara Sivec

Excerpts from EYE CANDY

 FALLEN CREST NIGHTMARE by Tijan
“Mason was in Los Angeles for a football game. He was playing tonight, and then he’d travel to Cain on Friday. We’d have a full weekend together.
I almost groaned. It’d been two weeks since I had last seen him, and I wanted him here now, but . . . one more day. I kept telling myself that, trying not to count the hours on the clock. One more day. Actually, half a day. Maybe I could get super drunk tonight and that’d make the time go faster? No. Even as I half-entertained the thought, I knew I couldn’t.
There’d be booze, Heather, Taylor, Courtney, Grace, and me. Plus pumpkins and carving tools, and I knew Logan would show up somehow. It wasn’t a recipe to get blitzed out of my mind. I’d need to stay alert tonight.
“Sam!”
I looked back, realizing that Heather had moved on without me. “Yeah?”
She waved to the wheelbarrow she was holding, filled with pumpkins. “I got enough of these things for tonight and the party tomorrow. Come on, let’s head out.”
We had been tasked with collecting them not just for carving tonight, but also for a party that Logan was throwing on Friday night. He was partially doing it in Mason’s honor, but also because it was Halloween and it was our last year of college. Logan was finding any excuse to throw a party this year. If I sneezed and the snot came out gold, he would throw a party to celebrate it.
I shook my head, making my way down the row to where Heather was paying for all the pumpkins. The penis one was on top.
“Really?” I looked at it. The thick root was sticking straight up. It had been pointing toward the air before, but now it was curved back against the pumpkin.
She grinned. “He’s happy to see you. I wanted to make you feel special.”
“A pumpkin has a boner for me. Special doesn’t describe how I feel.” But I was grinning too.

 SO MUCH MORE by J. Daniels
“Oh my God, look at that.” She points at what’s supposed to look like bodies wrapped in blood-stained sheets. There’s a group of them stacked together on the ground near an overturned wagon.
I think I hear something—a moan or a word I can’t make out. When we get closer, the body on the bottom of the pile begins to jerk and scream for help.
“Jesus,” I grunt.
Tessa gasps and squeezes my hand.
“Isn’t this supposed to be for kids?” I ask, brow furrowed as I watch the guy’s legs smack against the dirt. “Nolan would freak out seeing this.”
“Yeah, seriously. There were a lot of kids in that line.” Looking over at me with wide eyes, she shrugs. “Maybe this is the scariest thing we see?”
A chainsaw starts in the distance, startling Tessa. She stops on the path as several women scream, and squeezes my hand to the point of pain when a young boy runs toward us with his mother close behind.”
“What the fuck?” I squint through the fog.
When the boy gets closer, I can see how frightened he looks—like Chase when he has those night terrors.
Eyes wide with panic, mouth open and ready to scream, a steady stream of tears spilling down his face.
Jesus. This could scar him for life.
“Sweetheart, it’s okay! It’s not real!” the mother yells as the two of them run past us. “They aren’t really burning people alive! I promise!”
Tessa and I share a look.
“Um, why don’t we walk a little faster,” she suggests, tugging on my hand. “Come on.”
The path bends around a tree, and we move quicker now, Tessa not even bothering to look at the haunted displays around us. She clings to me with her arms squeezing my waist and her head smashed against my ribs, keeping her eyes focused ahead”

 GETTING DOWN by Helena Hunting
One eyebrow quirks as he asks, “You two playing dress-up?”
I grin. I assume it must look incredibly evil considering the makeup I’m currently sporting but am not allowed to see yet. “We’re practicing for Halloween.”
His mouth tilts in a smirk. “Fuck yes you are.”
Oh yeah. I’m getting so lucky later. I don’t think I’m changing out of this costume, as difficult as it might be to sit in all night considering the massive wings attached to my back. I’ll make it work. Bancroft is very well acquainted with my love of all things Halloween and horror.
“What’s happening in there?” Armstrong elbows Bancroft in the ribs so he can poke his head in the door.
He edges inside the bathroom and his eyes go wide as they move over Amie. I suppose I can understand why. I’ve managed to get her into a pair of red satin booty shorts and a tight T-shirt. Her bra is very, very visible through the thin fabric. Her amazing legs are on display. Her hair is pulled up into two pigtails. If I wasn’t 100 percent sure she wasn’t even close to Bancroft’s type, I might be inclined to make her cover up. But he’s not into leggy blondes. He’s into somewhat petite brunettes. He also likes the sass, which I have an abundance of.
“What’re you wearing?” Armstrong asks. He sounds very much like he’s sucked on a helium balloon for shits and giggles.
Amie looks down at herself, as if she doesn’t understand his concern. She does. Fully. We talked about how he wouldn’t approve of this costume at all before they arrived. Which is the exact reason I suggested she continue to wear it.
I’m not actively trying to interfere in my best friend’s relationship, but I’m not fully convinced he’s the perfect fit for her, either. He’s far too trust - fund - pickle - up - ass.

 UNSAFE HAVEN by Bella Jewel
“Oh my,” Kaity says when I pull the black and purple dress over my head. “That’s . . . sexy.”
I look down, realizing it must have shrunk in the last year, or I must have grown, because it’s a lot shorter than I remember. The purple satin just covers my backside. Oh my God. I tug at it, trying to get it down further, but it isn’t going to move. “It was longer than this last time, I swear.”
“Well,” Marlie says, raising her brows, “Oliver is going to be a happy man tonight.”
“I should change? Right?” I say frantically, tugging the dress.
“Absolutely not!” Marlie cries. “You’re going to wear that dress with pride and knock the socks off that man.”
I tug again, but to no avail. The dress is not moving.
I have nothing else to change into, so I have no choice but to wear it. Sighing, I pull on the long black tights, thanking God they’ll stop my panties from flashing, at the very least. I put on a pair of slim boots, pull on my black, tattered wings, and then let my hair down to flow around my shoulders and down my back. Then I get to work applying dark makeup. When I’m done, I spin around.
Kaity is wearing her sheet, which makes me grin. And Marlie is all decked out in a super cool witch costume. Both their eyes fall on me and widen. “Holy crap. I knew you were pretty, woman, but I didn’t know you could do hot, too. Oliver is going to lose his mind when he lays eyes on you,” Marlie says.
I look down and then back up again. “Is it too much?”
“Hell to the no,” Kaity says, coming over and grabbing my arm. “Let’s go before you change your mind.”

 THE PUMPKIN WAS STUFFED by Tara Sivec
“It’s a Halloween wedding, and you’re wearing a costume,” Scheva growls.
“You said this was a meeting to discuss any final changes to the outfits. Well, I’m making a final change. I’m NOT wearing the costume you picked out for me,” Noel argues.
“You will wear it and you will like it!”
“You made me a cardboard box you expect me to wear, painted like an oven, with a picture of a baby inside that rests right over my stomach. YOU’RE COOKING A BABY!” Noel screams.
“IT’S A BUN IN THE OVEN, AND IT’S CUTE!”
“IT’S NOT A BUN IN THE OVEN. IT’S AN ACTUAL BABY IN THE OVEN. BABIES DO NOT GO IN OVENS!”
“DON’T PISS ME OFF OR I’LL MAKE YOU WEAR THAT FLUORESCENT-GREEN TAFFETA MATERNITY PROM DRESS WITH THE GIANT PUFFY SLEEVES I FOUND AT GOODWILL!”
“You wouldn’t!” Noel fires back, attempting to push herself up from the couch, her belly getting in the way and making her fall back to the cushions five times. I sit next to her and do nothing but watch.
I could be a gentleman and help her up from the couch, but then I’d just be convicted of aiding and abetting when Noel finally gets to her feet, charges Scheva, and chokes her to death.
Noel finally manages to push herself up from the couch and waddles over to Scheva, getting right in her face.
“I’m NOT dressing up as an oven.”
“Yes, you are. I already bought Sam’s chef costume so you two match, and it’s too late to change the entire theme of your matching costumes,” Scheva argues.
“I’m dressing up as a slutty witch, or a slutty kitten, or a slutty devil, just like I do every year, and you’re not going to stop me!”
Posted by at 1 comment:
Labels: , , , , ,

Tracy Wolff - Royal Pain review

This book completely sucked me in and didn't let go until the last page! I do love a good Prince story! And Kian was His Royal Hotness, indeed.  When we first meet him, he comes off as pretty much a douchebag.  Then, things suddenly happen and he's whisked away from his playboy life and things get real. Unfortunately for him, he can't play anymore. 
I loved Kian and Savannah's first meeting! The vultures are circling around him and his saving grace is a commoner. She helps him out in the most unhelpful of ways. But sparks fly and the chemistry between them is intense. I enjoyed their banter and respected the way that she tries to shut him down and not be available to him.  But she's unlike anyone he's ever met before and he's drawn toward her like a moth to a flame. 
Savannah and Kian are a good fit for one another. They meshed well and I enjoyed watching their journey. They were hot in and out of bed and they enjoyed each other's company, even though Savannah tried hard not to fall for Kian.  He certainly wasn't looking for love and she didn't want anything to do with a prince!  There were parts of this book that I was holding my breath, waiting to see what would happen. It gave me the feels and I was consumed by Kian and Savvy! I enjoyed this book immensely and I HIGHLY recommend this read. 

**ARC provided by NetGalley for my honest review**

He’s a womanizer. He’s cocky. He’s not exactly a prince. Only he technically is. Meet your new royal obsession in this addictive novel from New York Times bestselling author Tracy Wolff.

Being rich opens a lot of doors. When you’re rich and royal, those doors lead to a new bedroom every night. I should know. The tabloids call me His Royal Hotness, Prince Kian of Wildemar. Women across the world see me as a naughty fairy tale, an image I’m happy to indulge. As the spare to the heir, I’m the prince with none of the power . . . and all of the perks.

Then my twin brother is kidnapped, and suddenly I’m the one who could be king. The crown chasers start circling—and yet it’s a luscious waitress who catches my eye. With a smart mouth and the curves to back it up, Savannah Breslin is as brazen as I’d expect an American commoner to be.

But Savvy’s not interested in playing Cinderella. As sexy as she is, she’s no stranger to heartbreak. Besides, a nice guy wouldn’t drag her into all the drama that comes along with royalty. Lucky I’m not a nice guy. And, as it turns out, I might not even be her first prince. . . .

Look for Tracy Wolff’s seductive Ethan Frost series:
RUINED | ADDICTED | EXPOSED | FLAWED

And don’t miss the first red-hot Lightning novel, DOWN & DIRTY

Or her standalone novel LOVEGAME:

“Tracy Wolff is at the top of my auto-buy list, and Lovegame is the perfect example why. From the very first page, Wolff sucked me in with a story that crackles with sensual energy and characters that are scarred, sexy, and wonderfully compelling.”—New York Times bestselling author J. Kenner

“Lovegame is a true masterpiece, with thrilling suspense, crazy hot sex, and writing so truly beautiful that it stays with you long after you put the book down.”—New York Times bestselling author Sawyer Bennett

This ebook includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: ,

Monday, September 4, 2017

Laura Heffernan - Sweet Reality review

I absolutely DEVOURED this book! This is the 2nd book in the series, and you definitely need to read America's Next Reality Star first! This book picks up where we left off in the prior book.  I enjoyed seeing the headlines to know what the media was saying and/or speculating and I liked seeing a little into Jen and Justin's lives prior to their next reality world jaunt. We see their normalcy and the things happening around them that stress them out.  They are looking forward to time away and a vacation together, despite it being part of another reality show.  They are so sweet and adorable together and I, too, wanted them to have a great vacation!
I LOVED getting old and new reality stars together on vacation. I felt like I was really watching a reality show unfold and the way Heffernan writes, she provides her readers with an insight into how they are really thinking/feeling plus doing what they need to do for the reality show. (i.e. confessions.) I was sucked into this story and couldn't put it down! 
As the story progressed, some things I could see coming due to drama needed for good reality show from the producers, but some things were not expected! I enjoyed the twists and the turns. There were a lot of "OMG" moments for me. Or "NO WAY!" This book is a must-read! 

 **ARC provided by NetGalley for my honest review** 

SUGAR, SEA SALT, AND SHOW BIZ

Jen Reid's life after walking off a reality show has been great--she's gone from being a broke twenty-four-year-old Seattleite with no love life and no job to the twenty-five-year-old who got the guy, moved to Miami, and is starting a bakery with her best friend. She thinks her showmance love might be about to propose. And with mouthwatering goodies based on everyone's favorite shows, her business, Sweet Reality, is destined for success.

That is, until a killer competitor opens right across the street. If she's going to save Sweet Reality, Jen has to come up with a secret ingredient--like the recipe that won Totally 80s Bake-Off. Jen can get it--if she steps back into the spotlight. Soon she and her boyfriend are out to sea on a cruise ship full of reality stars, including her nemesis, Ariana; her lying, cheating ex; and some wicked producers looking to bring the drama. Separate cabins, "surprises" from her past, and scenarios tailor-made to spark fights are just the beginning. But with her self-respect, her business, and her future on the line, the fallout from this made-for-TV plotline will be all too real . . .

 Praise for America's Next Reality Star

 "Smart, witty, and really freaking good, America's Next Reality Star is a fun read that has you cheering from the first paragraph through the last page. Laura Heffernan spins an entertaining tale, expertly mixing the main character's real life events with the reality show's challenges. With enough drama to not only satisfy fans of reality TV shows, but readers who thrive on a good story with humor and romance, this book is a perfect read." --Kerry Lonsdale, Wall Street Journal bestselling author

 "Reality TV fans, this is your book! Laura Heffernan captures all the drama and over-the-top craziness in this fun and flirty romance." --Amy E. Reichert, author of Love, Luck, and Lemon Pie

 "America's Next Reality Star is one sweet, sexy brain-candy read! You won't be sorry you indulged." --Leah Marie Brown
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: ,

Friday, September 1, 2017

Tarrah Anders - Froze review

This is the 2nd book in this series and I was excited to read Jacob's story! Jacob was known to be a partier and womanizer. However, despite his mother's expectations of him showing up at events for their company, he kept a low profile. But then Beth changes the game for him and he doesn't want that to be the case.  So we see Jacob struggle to be what he's lead everyone to believe and also have feelings for Beth.  Beth may have played a little dirty to get what she wanted, but Jacob finally stepped up and made his move. I enjoyed how Jacob didn't want to just party and hook up with various girls and he had to work on wooing Beth. He had done the exact opposite with her in the beginning and he needed to show her that he cared, that she wasn't like anyone else.  I enjoyed their story and their journey and I wasn't expecting the things that happened! I was glued to the book and had to know how things would turn out.  This was an interesting read and recommend it!  But, I do recommend reading Frozen Over first, as things will be better understood if you start in series order. Happy reading! 

 **ARC provided for my honest review**

HER: I work for the #1 fashion company, Mad Designs, I'm the personal assistant to the CEO, who also happens to be my best friend. Little does my boss know that I am completely and irrevocably in love or lust, or whatever with HIS brother.

 Jacob Maddox is hot, and not just hot but mouth-watering sexy, he is melt your panties, fan yourself like a girl with a crush, holy shit he is looking at me kind of hot!
We had an amazing drunken night together and then he acted as if the night never happened. Admittedly, I did too, except now I knew what it was like to have him naked on top of me, talking dirty in my ear and fucking me ten ways to Friday. 
So I may or may not have talked a friend of mine to pretend to be my boyfriend. And I may or may not have pretended that the night we shared was long forgotten just as he has. Actually, I’m lying, as he is all that I think about no matter how hard I try not to. 
Was I being catty and sneaky, you can say that. 
But I've learned that you got to go after what you want, and I want Jacob Maddox like I want to breathe air.

 But of course, I found out that he comes with complications.

 HIM: I am one part of Mad Designs and I’ve got it bad for my brothers best friend. We hooked up several months ago and I’ve tried to push back the feelings that I had for Beth, knowing that I wasn’t the type of guy she needed. My past isn’t pretty, and she knows that. But then she starts dating some jerk and I couldn’t have that. 
She thinks that she knows me, from what she has seen, but now it’s time for her to get to know the real me. 

 But then all sh*t hits the fan and I’m afraid I’m going to lose her after I’ve finally got her.
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)