EMILY'S REVIEW THE BALLER...BY VI KEELAND

Well hot damn, one look at that cover and I knew I was in!!!  The Baller is a new novel out by Vi Keeland, and I really loved it!  The story centers around New York Steel QB Brody Easton and sports newscaster Delilah Maddox. 

Brody Easton is every single thing I love in a book boyfriend.  He is a seriously hot football player, a dirty talker, an alpha male and I loved everything about him!  As the story unfolds and I got to know Brody better I could clearly see what a loving, generous and really good man he was, unlike the arrogant a-hole persona he often allows people to believe he is. 

Delilah Maddox is a woman trying to make it in a man’s world and doing a pretty good job of it!  I think she has my dream job, by the way!  Landing the coveted job of football sportscaster for her TV station Delilah knows she has to work extra hard to be taken seriously and she does just that.  She’s smart and sexy and confident in herself and her skills.

Delilah and Brody meet when she does her first locker room interview with the Steel. Brody pulls a stunt, that frankly should make Delilah hate him, but well let’s just say that Brody has A LOT going for him in lots of ways!  Despite the attraction, Brody and Delilah get to know each other first, which as a reader I really liked.  There was so much flirty banter, friendship and some serious sexual tension between the two and it made for such a better story!

Both Brody and Delilah have been in love in the past and for both of them things did not end well, to say the least. These circumstances make both of them hesitant to start new relationships and afraid of getting hurt. Honestly, I couldn’t blame them. Throughout the story, they each reveal the stories of their sad pasts and, well, let’s just say that in some cases our pasts come back to haunt us!

There were things that I loved and really enjoyed about Brody and Delilah and their personalities… Little things that made me laugh or warmed my heart!  Delilah and the way she put together people’s initial to make words.  Her friendship with Indie totally cracked me up more than once.  Then there is Brody, who would rather send a vase full of sticks rather than roses.  What made me love Brody the most was his relationships with his pseudo grandma Marlene who suffers from dementia and the elderly worker Grouper from the home she is in.  Brady goes above and beyond for both of these people every week and it made him such a loveable and admirable man!

Tragedy, pasts, death and jealousy all come in to play in this book, but is the love, honesty and trust that Delilah and Brody build strong enough to see them through it all?  You’ll find out!!  I highly recommend this smart, witty sexy and warm novel by Vi Keeland!!  The Baller gets 5 loving lip smacks from me!!

EMILY'S REVIEW DARK ROOM: A SOCIETY X NOVEL...BY HEIDI MCLAUGHLIN AND L.P. DOVER

***WARNING… There are some spoilers in my review but the main one is not too far into the beginning of the story***

Holy Hell!!  I just finished Dark Room by Heidi McLaughlin and L.P. Dover and let me tell you I absolutely LOVED it!  The premise of this book is something very different than I have read before, making it even so much more enjoyable!  I had a hard time figuring out how I could write this review without some spoilers and I just couldn’t.  Though the big secret is revealed early on by the reader it is not by the characters.

Parker Ward runs his family business, and he does it very well.  Parker is smart and strong in the boardroom, yet sexy and hot as hell in the bedroom! He is also seriously romantic but very guarded and cautious at the same time.  I’ve seriously got it bad for him.  Through an old friend and business deal, Parker ends up in the dark room of Society X, where the room is pitch black; therefore you are utterly and completely anonymous. There is not talking allowed, and still Parker finds himself completely taken by the woman he spends his time with….

Mia Hudson, works an unfulfilling job at her brother’s gym has just gotten out of a pretty toxic relationship. Wanting to rebel against the bad feelings she was left with, Mia also finds herself in the dark room at Society X.  Little does she know her brother’s best friend Parker Ward is the man she ends up in there with!!

And so the fun and hot stuff begins…. Parker would never go near his friend’s sister and in an effort to keep his distance he hires Mia to help him out with a deal his company is getting into and where her fashion background is needed. These two have all kinds of chemistry both in the dark room and out of it!  Imagine, living out your anonymous fantasy with the person you are fantasizing about and not even knowing it?  Well, this made for some seriously hot scenes!

As the story unfolds the attraction between these two both at work, and at play… well it totally intensifies. Walking that fine line between friends and colleagues gets harder and harder. Now throw in a jealous office girl and an asshole of an ex-boyfriend and this story goes from hot to on fire!!! 

I really loved how Heidi and L.P. set up the backgrounds for Parker and Mia and slowly gave us little tidbits into their pasts as friends throughout the book.  It was so wonderful to see they had such a strong foundation, making it easy for them to trust each other and their feelings.  The attraction seemed so natural and effortless for them… And little did they know that their sexual chemistry was off the charts!!

Everything seems to come to a head at once, and boy was it explosive.  I was literally sitting up biting my nails to see if they could fix the volcano that seemed to have erupted right at their feet! And the way the big reveal happened!!!  Brilliant!!  The Dark Room: A Society X Novel by Heidi McLaughlin and L.P. Dover was a really fun, sexy and intriguing read.  Definitely earning 5 big lip smacks from me!!!

RILEY'S REVIEW PUCKED OVER...BY HELENA HUNTING

A good reader friend of mine kept asking me if I read Pucked by Helena Hunting. She knew it was on my TBR and she loved it. So of course she wanted to be able to talk about it. I had been in quite the reading slump and was trying to get out of it so I finally picked it up and thank goodness because Pucked is the book that got me back to reading. Good Lord, Alex Waters and his MC just got me right out of that slump. Of course I read Sunny and Miller's story in Pucked Up (both five star reviews btw). Obviously, I couldn't wait to get my hands on Pucked Over. I was fortunate enough to get an ARC and I'm pretty sure I read it the day I got it.

In case you're not from this planet, Pucked Over is the story of Sunny's best friend Lily and Miller's and Alex's friend and teammate Randy "Balls" Ballistic. You remember Randy Balls, right? Miller wanted to fix him up with Violet, but Violet couldn't even say his name with a straight face. Well she still can't even hear his name or see him without doing something hilarious.

But this book is about Lily and Randy so let me get on with their story. After an embarrassing and hilarious first meeting at Alex's house in Canada, Randy who is quite the ladies man offers a proposition to Lily who's on the rebound after breaking up with her long time boyfriend. Personally, the long time boyfriend is a jackass and Lily was too good for him, but that's just my opinion. He was the kind of guy that brought Lily down instead of build her up. And let's face it, Randy Ballistic is hot AF, who wouldn't want to rebound with him.

Now remember, Lily and Sunny are best friends, so Miller, Sunny's boyfriend basically is all over Randy about not hurting Lily. Of course Randy says don't worry we're just having fun. Let me tell you they have the kind of fun that made me pretty jealous. Several times in the bathroom, in the bedroom, on the counter. Randy is named perfectly, if you know what I mean. He is also very, very giving.

Another thing about Randy, he's not really about the bunnies, but he doesn't do relationships either. So you would think he wouldn't be a candidate for a good book boyfriend, right? Wrong! He's completely honest with Lily and they basically both start this relationship for fun. Randy makes Lily promise if it gets to be too much she tells him and they both walk away. Sounds like a plan right?

Did I forget to mention how hot Randy is? Generally, I am not about facial hair, but Randy Ballistic works it like nobody's business and those tattoos and honey colored eyes....yum. Don't forget he's a pro athlete, so his body is ridiculous.

Randy and Lily's chemistry is super hot. Wherever they are, whenever they're together sparks fly. They feel electricity as soon as they touch. So imagine how steamy their sexy time is!

I love the way Helena Hunting writes. She writes an awesome book boyfriend, but I LOVE her female characters as well. They're funny, sometimes they totally lack a filter (Violet) and they're definitely not shy about their sexuality. I love the way all three couples interact in this book and you will absolutely have some definite laugh out loud moments. Actually Helena Hunting, I think I love you! Thank you for ending my book slump with a sexy, very humorous read!

 Pucked Over an absolutely funny, definitely sexy,  small bump in the road read. It gets an absolute five lip smack review from this girl. Alex Waters I still love you best, but Randy Balls you came very close to taking first place!

RILEY'S REVIEW CAMMIE..A MITCHELL/HEALY SERIES...BY JENNIFER FOOR

Ok, I'm going to admit something. Don't get crazy, but I've never read any of the Mitchell Family series books before. I know, I know, EVERYONE loves them. Unfortunately, I've never read one before, so Cammie was a brand new experience for me. I need to give a huge THANK YOU to Jennifer Foor for putting a totally detailed Mitchell/Healy family history at the beginning because it was super helpful.

With that being said, I really enjoyed Cammie. Yes I will read the following books in this series and I'll absolutely be digging into the Mitchell Family.

Cammie is the daughter of Conner and Amy Healy. She is one of four children, three girls and one boy. For all intents and purposes, she is the perfect child. Beautiful, brilliant, she has her whole life planned out for her. 

Cammie's in her last semester of undergraduate school (Pre-Med) with a full academic scholarship. She's on her way to Stanford Medical School also on scholarship. That is until she has a class with one very sexy, very married Professor Jameson Willis. Cammie tries her hardest to stay away, but Professor Willis is a very persistent man and he wants Cammie. After a lot of sweet talk, (Jameson does say all the right things) he and Cammie embark on a steamy affair. You get the picture. He makes a young, naive Cammie a boatload of promises he never intends to keep. 

After facing problems no 23 year old who's as smart as Cammie should have to face, she decides to travel across country back to her family for their support. Here's where it gets tricky. Mom and dad (especially dad) are devastated by what Cammie reveals to  them. There's a ton of family drama and I truly felt sorry for Cammie. 

Then there's the book boyfriend part. You didn't think it was Jameson Willis did you? No way. The book boyfriend comes in the shape of extremely handsome and perfect Wesley Parrish. Wesley happens to be the best friend of Cammie's brother. He has also had a crush on Cammie for as long as he can remember. His childhood nickname being Bucky, it's safe to assume that Cammie didn't return those feelings when they were younger. 

Where Cammie traveled 3,000 miles from her North Carolina home to find herself, Wes stayed put and plans on taking over his family's business. When Cammie comes back and sees Wes, he feels it's finally his chance to get the girl of his dreams. Hmmmmmm...did I mention Cammie's younger sister already has a thing for Wes?

Book boyfriend wise, Wesley Parrish is perfection. He is beautiful. Dark wavy hair, light blue eyes surrounded by dark lashes and full lips. Not to mention an outstanding, fit body. His personality is equally stellar and damn if I didn't want him for myself. 

Can Cammie get her life back on track? Have we heard the last from Professor Willis? Most importantly, will Cammie give Wes the chance he's been waiting for forever? I'm not telling! You have to one click Cammie and find out for yourself.

Again, I completely enjoyed this book and Jenn Foor's writing and yes I'd absolutely recommend reading it. I plan on reading the next installment of the Mitchell/Healy series and getting caught up on the books I've missed out on. 

A four lip smack review for Jennifer Foor and Cammie. I'm definitely looking forward to what's coming up next!

RILEY'S REVIEW BUILT...BY JAY CROWNOVER

"He was the reason she was here. In that split second that I laid my eyes on her I wanted to be the reason she stayed."

OMG can you say swoon??

Like most of Jay Crownover's fans, I was sad to see The Marked Men Series come to an end with Asa's story. Of course learning about Zeb and the Saints of Denver Series definitely lessened the blow.

I was totally excited to read Zeb's story the second I found out he was going to have his own book. At first I thought Zeb and Sayer were an odd couple (which they are), but, they are also perfect for each other. Unless of course Jay could have written me into the story. Then I would have fought Sayer for him.

Zebulon Fuller, tatted up ex-con, with forest green eyes and dark mussed up hair had my attention from the start. But what made him my first book boyfriend of the New Year was what an unbelievably incredible person he is. He's intense and passionate in everything he does. He never tries to hide who he is. He is beyond sexy and I was hot and bothered through the entire story.

We met Zeb in Rowdy. He's a good friend of Rowdy and Asa. We learn a little bit about him. He's an ex-con, He owns his own construction company and he's a really cool guy.

Of course in Built, Jay gives us more of his background story and you learn what makes him tick. He cuts an imposing figure being over six feet all and covered with ink. And yet something about him is so sexy, you want to know more about him.

Ok back to Built, actually wait, back to Rowdy, only because that's the first time Zeb saw Sayer Cole and well that first quote says it all. He saw her and even though he didn't know her and she was only at The Bar for Rowdy, he wanted to be the reason for her to stay in Denver.

In case you don't know, Sayer is Rowdy's half sister. She reaches out to him because the idea of having an actual family is everything she's ever dreamed of. So she uproots her life and moves to Denver to bond with her newly found brother. Said brother gets Zeb to do the remodeling work on Sayer's house and a crush is born.

Yep, as opposite as they are, they are both totally into each other. The kind of lose sleep and have sexy dreams nightly into each other. Zeb is ready to go all in with Sayer. Sayer, as much as she wants Zeb (and believe me she wants him) is afraid. Afraid for Zeb to see all the broken parts of her.

Someone from Zeb's past comes back into his life and the two embark on a strictly professional relationship. Except, let's be real here, there is far too much chemistry between this couple to even pretend they only want professional. The kisses they share are panty melting and when they finally seal the deal....well let's just say, I needed a cooling off period.

Zeb and Sayer are both broken in different ways. Zeb's never afraid to put his pieces back together. It's one of the things I loved most about him. Sayer is a different story. She's afraid. Afraid to try and love Zeb. Here's a beautiful thing, he never pushes Sayer to love him. He let's her come to her truth on her own.

I love the way Jay Crownover writes. I believe she's one of the best out there since I happen to love everything she writes. Her stories flow seamlessly and there's so much feeling put into them you absolutely become completely invested in her characters.

I also am thrilled the Marked Men are popping up in this new series because I need to know what's happening in the lives of my Denver people.

And can we just talk about the cover model for a second? I could stare at him all day long. I can't tell you how many times I flipped my iPad back to the cover just to look at him. 

A five lip smack review for my first read of the New Year. Thank you Jay Crownover. I'm looking forward to the rest of this series!!

RILEY'S REVIEW COMPLICATE ME THE GOOD 'OL BOYS SERIES...BY M. ROBINSON

 "Since I was a kid you've been the first and last thing I have thought about every day of my life. I know everything about you, your, eyes, your smile, your laugh, your sassy spitfire personality, taking no shit from anyone, including me. I lie awake every night missing you, there's this huge hole in my heart where you used to be, and I don't care because it reminds me of you. It doesn't matter where I go, where I'm at, or whom I'm with, you're with me. I love ever single thing about you. I love you because I need you. I love you because there is no me without you. I love you because I can't stop loving you, and I would be lying if I said I had tried." 

I had already been in love with Lucas Ryder even before he said these words to Alexandra "Half Pint" Collins. I loved him despite all of the stupid boy things he did. I loved him even when he hurt Half Pint and brought me to tears. I loved him even though I literally cried my way through this entire book. M. Robinson, you have created a character that gave me my first book hangover in a long, long time. As I typed the quote I used, my eyes filled up with tears. And if you think that quote was beautiful, what he says next will blow you away.

So like everyone else in the world, my TBR list is ridiculously long and of course, I'm always adding to it. I came across this adorable teaser of a little boy holding a newborn baby girl. I read the blurb, one clicked and started reading. Once I started, I couldn't stop.

M. Robinson has written such a beautiful story of friendship, love and heartache, it shattered me into a million pieces and put me back together again. Have you one clicked it yet? Go ahead, hurry up. You need to read this book.

Complicate Me is the story of a group of kids that basically have been friends since they were babies. Their parents are friends, so of course the children grow up together and become best friends. Lucas, Dylan, Jacob and Austin are the boys of the group. Lucas, Dylan and Jacob are the same age. Austin is one year younger and then there's Alexandra "Half Pint" Collins, the youngest of the bunch and the proverbial "little sister".

Here's the thing, Lucas and Alex have always had this really intense bond. All of the boys are protective of Alex, but Lucas is especially protective of her. As children they told each other they loved each other and truly meant it. As children, Alex was always trying to prove herself as one of the boys. To Lucas it was always Half Pint and all other females were "just girls".

Until one day Alex isn't one of the boys anymore. She's a beautiful teenage girl. One thing Alex has always been sure of is that her heart belongs to Lucas Ryder. She never doubted it for a minute. Lucas knows he loves Alex, but she's younger than him by two years and she's innocent and pure and for some reason he doesn't think he's good enough for Alex. 

The two spend years fighting through their feelings, breaking each others hearts, walking away from each other, and every once in a while coming together in a way everyone reading Complicate Me knows they should be together. 

From their first innocent kiss when Alex was eleven, to the night Alex asks Lucas to take her virginity, their relationship is a heart breaking roller coaster ride. And I loved every minute of it. M. Robinson writes such amazing characters, you'll truly believe you know Alex and Lucas. You'll feel everything they feel. The joy and the pain.

Alex such an amazing character. She is totally wise beyond her years and is someone I would definitely be friends with. She loves Lucas with every fiber of her being. When she hurts you'll hurt and want to knock Lucas upside the head. 

I wanted so much to be able to hate Lucas, but I couldn't. He loved Alex fiercely. From the time she was a tiny baby,  Alex told everyone she belonged to him. Even so, Lucas spends a lot of Complicate Me hurting Alex and pushing her away. Eventually, he pushes her into the waiting arms of Cole Hayes. I'll let you sort through that when you read it.

I can't lie, this is an incredibly angsty read. Usually I don't do well with angst, but I'm telling you, this story is just so amazing. It's one of those books that grabs a hold of your heart and doesn't let go.

Since Complicate Me is the first book in this series, all of the characters play a big part in Lucas and Alex's story. You really get to know the good ol' boys. You also get insight into what and who kept Lucas and Alex apart for so long. Sometimes we think we're doing the right thing, but it turns out all wrong. Oh my Jacob, here comes karma for you...

M. Robinson, thank you for giving me my best read of 2015. Thank you for giving me Lucas Ryder and the rest of the good ol' boys. I've already finished Jacob and Lily's story and I can not wait for Dylan and Aubrey. 

A five lip smack review for Complicate Me and if you haven't one clicked it yet...what on earth are you waiting for??

The reason I one clicked...

Why I'm completely in love with Lucas Ryder...