Review: "Until We Break" by Jamie Howard

When Sloane Avery stops to help a stranded driver, she finds more than a broken down car on the side of the road. Luke Evans is faster and sexier than her Maserati, but with her heart still on the mend, she’s not interested in taking him for a test drive. Despite their initial disdain for each other, emotion and passion simmer, complicating their fragile friendship. But when a tragic loss and devastating betrayal send them spiraling, their growing love isn’t enough to save them. That was five years ago, practically a different lifetime and definitely a different Sloane. Before she’s been hardened by booze, sex, and as much distance as she could get from the past. Now, called home on a family emergency, she’s determined to hold onto her heart the next time she sees Luke. Except Sloane’s not the only one who’s changed. Luke’s turned his life around. Only the reappearance of Sloane and the reminder of his biggest mistake can put a dent in his plans. Luke is set on fixing what he’s broken. But with her emotions boiling to the surface, Sloane needs to decide if falling in love is life’s greatest gift or its cruelest joke.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press via Netgalley for the free review copy in exchange for my honest opinion!

When I picked this book up, I was expecting a typical New Adult read, one with mediocre writing, a bad boy hero, a good girl heroine, some instalust/love, and a lot of sex. And sometimes, to be honest, that's all I'm looking for. I am very much a mood reader. Still, the "typical" New Adult read, for me, anyway, is fun while it lasts but forgettable once it's over. They don't often leave a lasting impression. 

There are exceptions to this rule, and I'm happy to say that "Until We Break" was one of them.  The way this book led me to believe it was going one way, and then ended up turning in a completely different direction, kept me fascinated! I really was not expecting to be surprised! And I was, so that is great!  

Let's see, where do I start? Oh how about Luke? Yes, Luke and I did not get off to a great start. To put it mildly, I hated him! He absolutely revolted me, and I did not think there was any way he could be redeemed in my eyes. But, I guess I have more forgiveness in me than I thought, because once I found out why he was such an ass, he started to worm his way into my heart. As for Sloane, she was even more surprising than Luke!!! All innocent and as Mary Sue as they come, she did a complete 180 degree turn part way through the book and my reading experience was forever changed. So yes, if you are like me and enjoy the occasional surprise, you will love what happens here! 

There's quite a bit of angst and drama when Luke and Sloane are reunited after five years apart, and although I didn't love every aspect of how it all went down, I was still rooting for these two to get their happily-ever-after. I'm so happy I gave this new author a chance, and I'm looking forward to diving into any new books by Jamie Howard I can get my hands on!

"Wicked Grind" by J. Kenner - Cover Reveal!!!

We are very excited to bring you the cover from New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author J.Kenner for WICKED GRIND. This is a brand new standalone releasing on July 11, 2017.

       

Sometimes it feels so damn good to be bad

Photographer Wyatt Royce’s career is on the verge of exploding. All he needs is one perfect model to be the centerpiece of his sexy, controversial show. Find her, and Wyatt is sure to have a winner.

Then Kelsey Draper walks in. Stunning. Vibrant. And far too fragile for a project like this. Wyatt should know—after all, he remembers only too well why their relationship ended all those years ago.

Determined to break free from her good girl persona, Kelsey wants spice. Adventure. And she’s certain that Wyatt is just the man to help.

But when Wyatt agrees to give her the job only if he has complete control—on camera and in his bed—Kelsey can’t help but wonder if she’s in too deep. Because how can a good girl like her ever be enough for a man like Wyatt?

All Wicked novels stand alone

 

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J.Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres. Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit. JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A five time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy). Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development with AwesomenessTV/Awestruck. Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages. In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats. 

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Review: "Second Chance Summer" by Jill Shalvis

Cedar Ridge, Colorado, is famous for crisp mountain air, clear blue skies, and pine-scented breezes. And it's the last place Lily Danville wants to be. But she needs a job, and there's an opening at the hottest resort in her hometown. What has her concerned is the other hot property in Cedar Ridge: Aidan Kincaid-firefighter, rescue worker, and heartbreaker. She never could resist that devastating smile . . . The Kincaid brothers are as rough and rugged as the Rocky Mountains they call home. Aidan has always done things his own way, by his own rules. And never has he regretted anything more than letting Lily walk out of his life ten years ago. If anyone has ever been in need of rescuing, she has. What she needs more than anything are long hikes, slow dances, and sizzling kisses. But that can only happen if he can get her to give Cedar Ridge-and this bad boy-a second chance . . .

Thanks to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the free review copy in exchange for my honest opinion!

Wow, my first Jill Shalvis book! Where the heck have I been? I've been hearing about this author since I joined Goodreads almost five years ago, but for some reason I didn't try any of her titles until now.  What a shame! I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more, especially about these Kincaid brothers!

I loved the small town feel of this book, and the fact that both Aidan and Lily are regular people with relatively regular jobs. No rock stars or royalty here! That said, I didn't feel like Lily's occupation really suited her personality. Knowing that Lily loved to be outdoors, hiking, rock climbing, and skiing, I couldn't picture her being a cosmetologist, at all. Aidan's career, however, seemed to suit him perfectly. Forest firefighters are so appealing, and I say that with the utmost confidence since I married one!

The relationships shown here are great! I loved how Aidan and his brothers were so rowdy and rambunctious with each other, but they always had each other's backs when times got tough or they needed to be serious. I also loved the boys' relationship with their mother - too funny!  And Gray and Penny were hysterical - have they had their own book in another series? I couldn't seem to find anything, but I would totally read that book if it was ever written!

What else? I liked pretty much everything about this book, but if I could change anything, I would have loved to see more of the history between Lily and Aidan. If memory serves correctly, they were a bit friendly in high school, shared one kiss, and ended up pining over one another for ten years. Really? There must have been more to it than that, but aside from the odd little mention, we don't learn a lot about their connection before Lily left town. Still, I liked the steam and banter between them. It was obvious they each cared for the other a lot.

I'll definitely be reading more Jill Shalvis books in the future. If "Second Chance Summer" is any indication of her brand of romance, I have a ton of good titles to check out soon!

My rating:

Cover Reveal: "The Hot Shot" by Kristen Callihan

Happy St. Paddy's Day! What do you think of this cover from Kristen Callihan? I think it's smokin'!!!

                 

First we were friends. Then we were roommates. Now I want more…

What can I say about Chess Copper? The woman is capable of bringing me to my knees. I know this about five minutes after getting naked for her.

No one is more surprised than me. The prickly photographer my team hired to shoot our annual charity calendar isn’t my usual type. She’s defense to my offense, a challenge at every turn. But when I’m with her, all the regrets and darkness goes away. She makes life fun.

I want to know Chess, be close to her. Which is a bad idea.

Chess is looking for a relationship. I’ve never given a woman more than one night. But when fate leaves Chess without a home, I step up and offer her mine. We’re roommates now. Friends without benefits. But it’s getting harder to keep our hands off each other. And the longer we live together the more I realize she’s becoming my everything.

Trick is… Now that I’ve made her believe I’m a bad bet, how do I convince her to give this player a true shot at forever?

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Kristen Callihan is an author because there is nothing else she’d rather be. She is a three-time RITA nominee and winner of two RT Reviewer’s Choice awards. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly and the Library Journal, as well as being awarded top picks by many reviewers. Her debut book FIRELIGHT received RT Magazine’s Seal of Excellence, was named a best book of the year by Library Journal , best book of Spring 2012 by Publisher’s Weekly, and was named the best romance book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she is not writing, she is reading.

 

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Review: "Playing the Player" by Amy Andrews

After a long history with crappy guys, high school teacher Em Newman is going man-vegan. Four months of revirginization has opened her eyes to her doormat imitation but, baby’s got spine now, and some smooth-talking—even if he is sinfully hot—rugby player, won’t be adding her as a notch anytime soon. Lincoln Quinn loves rugby, women, and poker. And he likes to win at all three. When his team mates bet him he can’t break through Em’s resolve, he’s more than up for the challenge. But this lady has a shoebox of stipulations before she’ll even go on a date with him, much less use that mouth for kissing instead of giving orders. Something’s gotta give but this time Em’s not settling. And Linc’s questioning everything he ever knew about matters of the heart.

Many thanks to Entangled Publishing via Netgalley for the free review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Mmmm, there's just something appealing about those hot rugby player types, I don't know what it is exactly. Maybe the itty bitty shorts? Anyhoo, after reading "Playing it Cool", the second in this series, in under two days and loving every minute, I was super stoked to pick up "Playing the Player". Did it live up to my lofty expectations? Uh, not quite. Let me explain:

The good:

1. This was a speedy read, with fairly quick pacing.
2. I appreciated the lack of angst. For example, when Em found out about the bet, she realized it was a silly, stupid mistake on Lincoln's part and didn't hold it against him for long.
3. The banter between Em and Linc was great, and I loved it when Lincoln was trying to guess what "Em" was short for - I never would have guessed in a million years!
4. I liked that Em was a really smart science geek and loved her teaching job. Probably someone I would like to be friends with.

The not-so-good:

1. There honestly wasn't much of a plot here. I mean, Lincoln and Em didn't really do a whole lot together, besides the sexy times, but I think the not-sexy times were my favourite. For example, the Nerd Girls show could have been elaborated on, as well as the time Linc did a rugby clinic at Em's school. Any details of these happenings were simply left to the imagination, but I think by leaving out the details, while reducing the reading time, also cut down on the amount of character and relationship development.
2. I felt Lincoln's transformation from player to devoted boyfriend happened a bit too quickly for me to believe. I'm not saying it couldn't happen, I just think his complete 180° turn might happen 10 degrees at a time over the course of a year or so.
3. I just didn't like "Playing the Player" as much as "Playing it Cool", and I think it's because Linc and Em were lacking the same amount of character development as Harper and Dexter had.  

So although I didn't love this one as much as I'd hoped to, I still liked it, and I am definitely wanting to check out the rest of the Sydney Smoke Rugby series when I get a chance. Fans of Amy Andrews or steamy sports romances won't want to miss "Playing the Player", either!

My rating:

"Blush For Me" by Kristen Proby - Release Day!!!

   

From New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Proby, comes a steamy new standalone romance in her bestselling Fusion Series…

 

BLUSH FOR ME!

   

About BLUSH FOR ME:

New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby continues to delight the senses with the latest novel in her delectable Fusion series.

As the take-charge wine bar manager of Seduction, Portland's hottest new restaurant, Katrina Meyers is the definition of no-nonsense, and she isn't afraid of anything. Well, almost anything: she hates to fly. When she's forced to travel on a death trap with wings, the turbulence from hell has her reaching for any safe haven—including the incredibly handsome guy sitting next to her.

Ryan "Mac" MacKenzie hasn't been able to get his sexy seatmate out of his head. The way she clung to him stirred something inside him he didn't think existed: tenderness. As the owner of a successful wine touring company, Mac thinks he's got a handle on what life can throw at him and he's not prepared for any surprises, especially in the feelings department. And when he brings a tour into Seduction, he sees the petite spitfire he just can't forget.   Mac is determined to discover what else they have in common besides fine wine and the inability to keep their hands off each other. But what will it take for two stubborn people to realize that what they have is so much more than a hot chemistry between the sheets and to admit to falling in love…?    

Order Your Copy Today!

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And Don’t Miss the First Two Standalone Novels in the Fusion Series!

LISTEN TO ME CLOSE TO YOU

                  EXCERPT:   “Have you flown before, Kat?”   “No.” I swallow hard and tighten my hands into fists.   “Okay, take a deep breath,” he says. He’s not touching me, which is good because I’d have to break his nose, and this is already stressful enough. But his voice is soothing. “Good. Take another one. Miss, can we get a bottle of water, please?”   I just keep breathing. The flight attendant returns with a little baby bottle of water, which Mac uncaps and holds out for me.   “Take a drink of this. Just a small sip.” I comply, the cold water feeling good on my throat. I feel ridiculous. This flight is full of people who are not having panic attacks.   “I’m sorry,” I whisper. “This is my biggest fear.”   “I can tell,” he says gently, and I raise my gaze to meet his. He’s a handsome guy, his short hair styled nicely, his jaw firm, eyes direct. He’s tall, with long arms and legs and a lean body. “How are you feeling?   “Better,” I reply, surprised to find it true. “The water helped. Thank you.”   “No problem. Are you going to Napa Valley on vacation?”   “Work,” I reply, shaking my head. “I’m attending a conference.”   “So you’re a wine enthusiast then?”   “You could say that,” I reply with a smile. “I own a wine bar in Portland.”   His eyes narrow for just a moment. “Really? Which one?”   “The one inside Seduction.” “I’ve heard great things about that place.”   I smile widely now, intensely proud of the restaurant that my four friends and I have built from the ground up. Seduction is our baby, our pride and joy.   “That’s nice to hear,” I reply. “You’ve never been?”   “Not yet, but I’ll make a point to go the next time I’m in the area.”   So he doesn’t live in Portland.   Bummer. Mac is one guy I wouldn’t mind running into again.              

"Wicked hot, charming, and wittingly captivating. Kristen Proby made me blush several times reading this sexy love story."

~Audrey Carlan, #1 NYT Bestselling Author

     

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                  About Kristen Proby:   New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle and Love Under the Big Sky series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong, humorous characters with a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves.   Kristen lives in Montana, where she enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.                

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BLUSH FOR ME Goodreads ** Kristen Proby Goodreads

       

"Blush for Me" by Kristen Proby: Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review and Giveaway!

 

From New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Proby, comes a steamy new standalone romance in her bestselling Fusion Series…

BLUSH FOR ME!

 

About BLUSH FOR ME:

New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby continues to delight the senses with the latest novel in her delectable Fusion series.

As the take-charge wine bar manager of Seduction, Portland's hottest new restaurant, Katrina Meyers is the definition of no-nonsense, and she isn't afraid of anything. Well, almost anything: she hates to fly. When she's forced to travel on a death trap with wings, the turbulence from hell has her reaching for any safe haven—including the incredibly handsome guy sitting next to her.

Ryan "Mac" MacKenzie hasn't been able to get his sexy seatmate out of his head. The way she clung to him stirred something inside him he didn't think existed: tenderness. As the owner of a successful wine touring company, Mac thinks he's got a handle on what life can throw at him and he's not prepared for any surprises, especially in the feelings department. And when he brings a tour into Seduction, he sees the petite spitfire he just can't forget.   Mac is determined to discover what else they have in common besides fine wine and the inability to keep their hands off each other. But what will it take for two stubborn people to realize that what they have is so much more than a hot chemistry between the sheets and to admit to falling in love…?

Order Your Copy Today!

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Preorder BLUSH FOR ME, fill out this form, and receive an email with the Early Excerpt from Kristen Proby’s EASY MAGIC (Book #5 in her bestselling Boudreaux Series) and an exclusive Seduction restaurant menu after Release Week!

       

And Don’t Miss the First Two Novels in the Fusion Series!

LISTEN TO ME CLOSE TO YOU!

 

Don't miss all the stops on the BLUSH FOR ME Tour!

Kristen Proby’s BLUSH FOR ME – Review & Excerpt Tour Schedule:

February 27^th

Alphas Do It Better Book Blog – Review

BFD Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

Books,Dreams,Life – Excerpt

East Coast Book Chicks – Review & Excerpt

Feeding My Addiction Book Reviews – Excerpt

Happily Ever After – Review

I Love Romance – Review & Excerpt

Reading Between the Wines Book Club – Excerpt

The Heathers Blog – Review & Excerpt

February 28^th

All Things Dark & Dirty – Excerpt

Aaly and The Books – Review & Excerpt

Heather's Book Ramblings – Review & Excerpt

JordansBookReviews - Excerpt

Movies, Shows, & Books – Excerpt

Romance Schmomance – Review & Excerpt

Same Book, Different Review – Review & Excerpt

The bookworms obsession blog – Review

What Is That Book About – Excerpt

March 1^st

a crazy vermonters book reviews – Review

Bridget's Book Bungalow – Review & Excerpt

Collector of book boyfriends – Review

Emmbooks – Review

IrishdaisylovesRomance – Review & Excerpt

Jack of All Trades, Master of None – Review & Excerpt

Melissa's Book Obsession – Review

My One True Obsession – Excerpt

Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews _ Review & Excerpt

March 2^nd

Abigail Books Addiction – Review & Excerpt

Book Babes Unite – Review

Friends Till The End Book Blog – Excerpt

Krista's Dust Jacket – Review & Excerpt

Melena`s Reviews – Review & Excerpt

Nerdy Soul – Review & Excerpt

Oh My Growing TBR – Review & Excerpt

Romanticamente Fantasy Sito – Excerpt

T & G Book Boutique – Excerpt

March 3^rd

BFF Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

I Heart Romance &YA – Review & Excerpt

Lili's books – Review & Excerpt

Marieke's Books – Review & Excerpt

Mommys naughty playground – Review

Pervy Ladies Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

Shayna Renee's Spicy Reads – Review & Excerpt

The Readdicts – Excerpt

V's Reads – Review & Excerpt

Wickedcoolflight – Review & Excerpt

March 4^th

Bookgasms Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

Cocktails and Books – Review & Excerpt

Gi's Spot Reviews – Review & Excerpt

Rebelspinster reads and reviews – Review

Reflections Of A Book Geek – Review & Excerpt

Roxy's Reviews – Review & Excerpt

The Reading Belles – Review

What I'm Reading – Review & Excerpt

With Love for Books – Review & Excerpt

March 5^th

Book Bitches Blog – Review

Jax's Book Magic – Excerpt

My Girlfriend's Couch – Review & Excerpt

Nose Stuck in a Book – Review & Excerpt

Obsessive Reading Disorder – Review & Excerpt

Reese's Reviews – Review & Excerpt

The Butterfly Reads – Review & Excerpt

Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin' – Excerpt

March 6^th

Books and Tequila – Review & Excerpt

Books, Coffee & Passion – Excerpt

Confessions From Romaholics – Review

EskieMama& Dragon Lady Reads – Review & Excerpt

Reviews by Tammy and Kim – Review & Excerpt

Ripe For Reader – Review

Sofia Loves Books – Review & Excerpt

Three Girls and a Book Obsession – Review & Excerpt

Wicked Babes Review – Review & Excerpt

March 7^th

Book Angel Booktopia – Review & Excerpt

Bookaholics Reading Haven – Review & Excerpt

Four Chicks Flipping Pages – Review

I'm A Sweet And Sassy Book Whore – Review & Excerpt

Live Read and Breathe – Review & Excerpt

Musings of the Modern Belle – Review & Excerpt

Naughty Girls and Their Books – Review & Excerpt

Shh Moms Reading – Review

The Book Avenue – Review & Excerpt

Two Book Pushers – Review & Excerpt

March 8^th

About That Story – Excerpt

Becca the Bibliophile – Review & Excerpt

Books Need TLC – Review

E-Romance News – Excerpt

Escaping Into Books – Review

Nerdy Dirty & Flirty – Review

Once Upon a Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

Renee Entress's Blog – Review & Excerpt

Shannon Loves Books – Review & Excerpt

Under the Covers – Review & Excerpt

March 9^th

Amo& Sarah Book Corner – Excerpt

Blazinbear's Book Blog – Excerpt

Blushing babes are up all night – Review & Excerpt

Nice Ladies, Naughty Books – Review

Queenzany – Review & Excerpt

Red's Romance Review's – Review

She Hearts Books – Review & Excerpt

The Book Maven – Review & Excerpt

Two Unruly Girls With A Romance Book Buzz – Review & Excerpt

Vanilla & Spice Books – Excerpt

March 10^th

Abibliophobia Anonymous Book Reviews – Excerpt

G & T's Indie Café – Excerpt

Love Drug Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

Once upon a romance blog – Review & Excerpt

Ramblings From This Chick – Review

Southern Babes Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

The Smut-Brarians – Review & Excerpt

Theory of A Dreamer – Review & Excerpt

We stole your book boyfriend – Review & Excerpt

Wicked Faerie's Tales and Reviews – Excerpt

 

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          About Kristen Proby:   New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle and Love Under the Big Sky series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong, humorous characters with a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves.   Kristen lives in Montana, where she enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.            

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BLUSH FOR ME Goodreads ** Kristen Proby Goodreads

Excerpt:

“You look like you’re feeling better.”
 Mac. That’s Mac’s voice in my ear. A shiver runs through me as I turn around and look up, way up, into his green eyes.
 “I am,” I reply and take a sip of my wine. Was he that good looking on the plane? “I didn’t realize you were attending this conference.”
 “You had other things on your mind earlier,” he says smoothly and motions for the bartender. “I’ll have what she’s having, and another for her as well.”
 “What if you don’t like pinot?” I ask and tilt my head to the side.
 “I like it all,” he says with a wink.
 Oh my.
 “Do you know many people here?” he asks, nodding toward Sally who has moved on to chat with another group of people.
 “A few. I’ve not met most of them in person, unless they were up in Washington or Oregon. How about you?”
 “Same,” he says with a grin. “This is my first conference down in Napa Valley. And it’s off to a great start.”
 “Right.” I laugh and shake my head. “Dealing with a crazy chick on the plane is exactly the best way to start your trip.”
 “It is,” he says and looks me dead in the eye. “She wasn’t that crazy. She was scared. There’s a difference.”
 “Well, she’s fine now.”
 “I’m glad.” His lips tip up into a smile and my stomach clenches. He has a dimple in his left cheek. 
 I want to lick it.
 I take a sip of my fresh glass of wine and smirk to myself. Perhaps Mac fits the sexcation bill.
 “What just went through that gorgeous head of yours?”
 “I’m not drunk enough to tell you yet,” I reply honestly. Mac’s eyes widen briefly, and then he simply smiles at me.
 “There’s a lot of wine in this place.”
 “Thank God for that.”
 A few hours later, after chatting with many people, new and those I already know, including Mac, he escorts me up to my room.
 Sexcation.
 But when we reach my door, he leans in and kisses my cheek. Just the cheek. I frown up at him.
 “This is supposed to be a sexcation, not a fucking dating game.” It’s a grumble, but I’m shocked to hear it actually leave my lips, rather than stay in my head where it’s supposed to be. 
 “A what?” Mac asks.
 “Nothing.” I shake my head and pull my key card out of my handbag. “Good night.”
 “Kat?”
 “Yeah.” I look back at him and sigh a little at the sexy dimple in his cheek and the way his shirt pulls against his shoulders as he leans on the doorframe. 
 “I’ll see you in the morning.”
 “It’s already morning,” I remind him.
 “It won’t be too long, then.”

Many thanks to the publisher via InkslingerPR for the free review copy in exchange for my honest review!

This is a fairly new author for me - I have only read one other book by Kristen Proby, and it was the first book in this series. As soon as I finished "Listen to Me", however, I was definitely in for the rest! The idea of five young women going into business together to open a trendy new restaurant was appealing to me. Each girl is unique in her own way, and brings her own talent or specialty to the business, so after watching Addie and Jake fall in love, I was more than ready to see who would capture Kat's attention!

Kat is that sassy, feisty redhead we all wish we had for a best friend. Loyal to the end, she'll tell it like it is and is a bit of a ballbuster! I really enjoyed her attitude and sense of style. She's more than your average bartender, though, being that she has an aptitude for wine and is some sort of certified genius. All part and parcel of what makes her so cool, in my honest opinion.  She hasn't been in a relationship for quite some time, however, so who will be the perfect man for her? Well, why not start with a man she meets at a wine tasting conference?  Actually, Kat first meets Mac seated beside her on a plane to Napa Valley for said conference. He soothes her through a major panic attack, and although they part ways in the airport, through the magic of fiction, they meet again at the wine tasting tour.  Must be kismet!

From here we get to see them start up a fling, for lack of a better word. They are both in Napa Valley for the week, so why not have some no-strings-attached fun? This is mutually agreed upon, as well as the fact that once the week is over, the fling will also be over. They try to keep things light and noncommittal, but come on! The chemistry between them is smokin' hot! This kind of connection, is this really the type of thing you just throw away after a week?

Well, both Kat and Mac try to forget about the other once their time in paradise is up, but eventually, contact is made and a more serious relationship is initiated - yay! I liked that there wasn't a whole lot of angst between these two, except a little bit in the beginning when Kat thought Mac was lying to her about who he really was. Fortunately, Kat was quick to realize she was wrong, and from there, they both fell hard and fast, but in a very believable way.

I also liked that the conflict in this story was due more to external factors, for example, Kat's and Mac's families, rather than a lack of communication between the two of them. So many times in contemporary romance novels, I want to yell at the characters and say, "Just talk to each other, dammit!" For the most part, in "Blush for Me", Kat and Mac had pretty decent communication between each other, so that was great.

There were, however, a few plot elements I didn't love, including one that occurred very near the end. I don't want to reveal too much for fear of spoiling things, but I thought this whole circumstance felt forced and was resolved way too quickly and neatly. There was also a bar scene near the end that I didn't really like. I'm not sure what purpose it served except to show that Kat knows how to throw a punch and is a loyal friend. However, the behaviour displayed by both parties involved in the conflict was a bit extreme and did not really endear me to the owners of Seduction the way it was supposed to.     

I also wanted a bit more background info on both Kat and Mac. For example, why did Mac find himself steered towards the wine business? There was a little bit of explanation, but no real passion behind any of it. Why did Mac like to call the shots in the bedroom? Was it something to do with his past? I have no clue. What was the significance of Kat's tattoos? Mac asked her about them, but she  said something rather dismissive like, "They're personal." Why did Kat dress like a 50's pinup? Did she love the attention, or was she an old soul, believing she'd been born in the wrong decade? People don't dress that way without a reason, and I wanted to learn Kat's reason but never did. 

All in all, this was a great read, with never a dull moment, lots of action, and steam galore. I'm not so patiently waiting to borrow the second book in this series, "Close to You", from my online library, and I will definitely be reading the other two Seduction owners' stories when they come out, too. If you love contemporary romance and you haven't read any of Kristen Proby's titles, you better get on that because she is certainly an author to watch!

My rating: