The perfect man for her is the one she hates most. #gofigure

Dating is hard.
Dating in your thirties is even harder.
Dating in Chicago is harder still.

I haven't given up on finding my happily-ever-after, but in the age of swiping right and Netflix and chill, I'm wondering if everything is as temporary as my marriage turned out to be.

Truth is, there is one guy I can't get my mind off of.

Roarke Baldwin has salt and pepper hair I've dreamed of running my hands through and I'm pretty sure that if I checked he really does have a six pack of abs underneath his suit. And I've always wondered what that stubble on his face would feel like between my thighs.

The problem? He's the one man I hate more than my ex-husband…

His divorce attorney.

Goodreads | Amazon

Prelude in the American Gods series.

Young. Wealthy. Elite. Attractive. The gentlemen’s secret society at Yale was filled with them.

And Nathaniel Radcliffe, the bane of my existence, was one of them.

As the right hand of the American Gods, he was conceited and arrogant. A dangerously handsome man in a tailored custom suit and shiny black oxford loafers.

The classroom was our battlefield. We made a sport out of arguing and debating, ready to do anything in order to win over the other.

Deadly opponents, deadlier minds.

I'd sworn I'd never give him the upper hand, until...

The secret I’ve been hiding for the last three years?

He just discovered it… and now he has all the power.

Add to your TBR: Goodreads

MY REVIEW

First of all... that cover!! I am so sorry for the objectification, but...


Not sorry!! Hmmmm... Nathan(iel)

What is it about stories that revolve around characters that seem to hate each other that I love so much? In Filthy Gods, Juliette and Nathaniel gave me the push-and-pull, the resistance, and the undeniable chemistry that I was looking for.

Young. Elite. Wealthy. The American Gods ruled. Today it may be Yale, but one day they would control the world. Men wanted to be them and women wanted to be owned by them. Is it any wonder that they believed they could have anything and anyone they wanted? Juliette didn't stand a chance against Nathaniel.

Whether it was through Juliette’s memories of their ferocious debates or the present tension-filled circumstances, the inevitability of these two had me all tingly. The disparity between the characters, such as wealth, social status and background, only served to make their union that much sweeter.

It seems that no matter the sub-genre, R. Scarlett is an accomplished master of words. She won my devotion with her paranormal Blackest Gold world series and this foray into the contemporary romance scene was nothing short of a success. I only wish this story was longer. Rebecca, you are not allowed to write standalone novellas anymore. I need more of your words and I would have loved to get more of Juliette and Nathaniel’s story.

Reagan
I hate him. Jude Titan is everything that's wrong with the male sex: cocky, domineering and loaded with swagger. Oh, and did I mention he's a Republican? Yeah, the guy's so conservative he leans to the right when walking. And lucky me, I'm running against him for Senate. But I've got plenty of fight in me. A golden boy war hero opponent with a smile that leaves melted panties in its wake? Bring. It. On.

Jude
Damn, she's sexy. Reagan Preston intrigues me from the moment I lay eyes on her. And speaking of laying...I want between those thighs. But I want to make her burn for me first. Every debate and stolen moment is foreplay for us. She claims she hates me, but her body tells a different story. I plan to win this election, but I also want to win the sharp, fiery Democrat who captures my attention like no woman ever has. Politics is filthy, just like all the things I want to do to Reagan Preston.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2FbwNKV

REVIEW - 3 stars

I find it hard to resist a book that involves a politician at its forefront. I blame it on my Scandal addiction. So when I read the blurb and figured out this was about two politicians... I couldn't say no. I enjoyed this story. I did, so don't let those three stars make you think differently. It's just that part of me wasn't super happy with the turn of events towards the end. It could be that my inner feminist hackles were up, but I wasn't thrilled with Reagan becoming the assist rather than the star.

Love doesn't give a shit about our plans. It's more stubborn and unyielding than any of us will ever be. Once it takes hold, all we can do is give in.

That right there rings true with me. I loved how surreptitiously these two, Jude and Reagan, carried on their affair. I loved their texts, their phone calls, and every single one of their face-to-face interactions. Their love grew in an authentic way and aside from the drama that came from Reagan's family, their love was easy. I haven't read much from Chelle Bliss or Brenda Rothert, but this story makes me want to read more.

The whole stethoscope-and-white coat thing isn’t my cup of tea.

I prefer a man with an artistic vein in his body. 9 - 5 hours. And I can definitely do without the half-lidded, sleepy bedroom eyes. (Okay, so those are kind of sexy.)
Tall, dark, and handsome doesn’t change the fact that he’s arrogant, cocky, and rude.
Not that I care, but he’s made it clear he wants nothing to do with a quirky girl like me, which is why he said no.

Turns out no isn’t an option.

I have a quickie wedding to plan, and Dr. Jake Kissinger doesn’t have a choice. He looks at our situation like he’s stuck with me, but in reality I’m stuck with him. Stuck with his pouty mouth. His long, lean body. And stuck with those loose, low riding scrub pants. (Okay, so the doctor thing is growing on me.)

When spending time together turns into more than it should, I know I’m in trouble.
He isn’t supposed to make my heart pound.
I’m not supposed to make him look twice.
And we aren’t supposed to spend the night together. (Okay, so he has more than one artistic vein in his body, and other places.)

Falling for him is definitely a mistake.

Here’s the thing…
Jake is unavailable, and I know it.
Just not in the way you might think.

I guess you can’t have your cake and eat it too.

MY REVIEW

Anyone who has paid attention to the books I read or the authors I one-click, you’d know that Kim Karr’s collection always makes the cut. While I haven’t read everything she’s written (yet), I’ve read tons of her books. So when I say that The Thing About Love was unlike anything I’ve read by her so far, you know that I’m onto something.


Juliette was having a really rough go of it. She took over her uncle’s successful event planning business and she’s failing at it. While she’s great at creating the visual and putting the event together, the actual day-to-day operations go over her head. She’s drowning and she needs one stellar client to put things back on track. The only thing standing in the way of her landing her latest potential client is the brother, Dr. Jake Kissinger, or Dr. Kiss, who is decidedly unimpressed with Jules, especially after she throws a cake in his face.


I’ve gotta say, that cake did sound super delicious though. Well, circumstances change and all of a sudden the wedding has to be rushed. So lucky for Juliette, her schedule’s wide open. The only hitch… she has to work with Jake. But then things turn out for the better because these two finally act on the sparks that fired off from their first meeting. Unfortunately, there’s an unspoken deadline to their romance. Will their hearts come out whole on the other side?

As I said, this book was a bit different from what I’m used to from this author. It had heavy doses of pain that threaded throughout the story that stayed with me right to the end. It’s never easy to tackle an event that still gives ripples of anguish through many of us who witnessed it. I’m thrilled that the author wove this tragedy into the plot and tied it to the characters. It added another element of depth to their relationship and continued to strengthen the traces of fate that could be found everywhere.


Both Jake and Juliette were fighting their own personal demons and it was difficult to watch. It made me just want to give them huge hugs. Especially Jake. His guilt was potent and the driving force for everything he did. The fact that his demons rode him so hard for most of this story made me want more of him. It felt like from one second to the next he was fighting the inevitable connection he had with Jules and then diving headfirst into forever. I think I needed more of his perspective to make this transition truly believable.

Regardless, what won me over from the start, aside from Juliette’s awkward, clumsy quirkiness, was the banter between her and Jake. It was hard to get a real read on him but I loved the ways Juliette tried to decipher the meaning behind his words, looks and actions. I was busy trying to figure him out right along with her. Together, these two were insanely hot and sweet, which is one of my favorite combinations.


Now I’m going to not-so-patiently wait for Jaxson and Finn’s books. These side characters have me curious as all heck and I’m desperate for their happy endings!!

How to Date a Werewolf:

1. Never call him ‘Good Doggie'!

I’ve got a problem. A big, hairy… sexy problem. An enforcer from the Werewolves MC broke into my house and refuses to leave. He thinks I know the Werewolves’ secret, and he’s here to keep me quiet!

2. During a full moon, be ready to get freaky!

By the time he decides I’m no threat, it’s too late. His wolf has claimed me for his mate!

Too bad we can’t stand each other…

3. Bad girls in the bedroom get eaten...

...until instincts take over. Things get wild. Naked under the full moon, this wolfman has me howling for more!

4. Break ups can get hairy!

Not even a visit from the mob, my abusive ex, my crazy mother - and a road trip across the state in a hippie VW bus can shake him!

5. Beware the mating bite!

Because, there’s no running from a wolf when he decides you’re his mate!

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Standalone - Chicago Syndicate #7
Release - October 3, 2017
Genre - Mafia Romance
Dual POV - 1st person
Heat - 4 out of 5
Length - 293 pages

He’s an ass.
She’s the enemy.
It's hate at first sight.

Carmine Montesi is a killer disguised as a refined lawyer.
He’s a loyal member of the notorious mafia – the Chicago Syndicate – and the boss just happens to be his brother.
He has wealth, influence, and sinful looks and is rejected by no woman.
Until the moment feisty Eva ruins his New Year’s Eve, when one heated encounter starts an illicit underworld game, placing them on opposite sides.

Eva Conley is an escort.
She’s working to make the money she desperately needs to pay an outstanding debt. That is, until he gets her fired.

Carmine’s only supposed to be her assignment.
And Eva’s the one woman he isn’t allowed to fall for.

Because neither of them can sleep with the enemy and make it out alive…

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Standalone - #ThreeLittleLies #2
Release - November 16, 2015
Genre - Contemporary Enemies-to-lovers Romance
Length - 165 pages

Secrets, secrets, everybody has them...
Tabitha Thompson is many things, but a liar isn't one of them. Unless you count the sexy secret she's spent a year hiding from everyone: her friends, her family. The secret she never counted on anyone discovering...

One chance encounter.

One clumsy mistake.

One sexy discovery.

Now, only Collin Keller stands in the way of her secret--and everyone else. And he just may be the one who ruins it all...

Tabitha Thompson, you secretive little sneak...

This novella is intended for those 17+ and older: Contains foul language, cursing, and sexual content. PLEASE NOTE: This book is told through alternating POV and social media content in the form of Texts, Emails and Book within a Book...

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Now called Tangled Twosome
Standalone - Binghamton #3
Release - August 3, 2017
Genre - RomCom
Dual POV - 1st person
Heat - 4 out of 5
Length - 333 pages

From the first day I met Racer McKay, I knew our interaction was going to be incredibly brief. First impressions really do matter and unfortunately, I didn’t make a very good one.

At the time, I didn’t think much of it. I was never going to see this man again, right?

Wrong! When I’m met with the opportunity of a lifetime, there is only one man in the state of New York who can assist me. And can you guess who it is?

But what I don’t realize is he needs me just as much as I need him. I have money he’s desperate for, and he holds the key to making my dreams come true.

So, we reluctantly join forces.

Our pranks turn from sarcastic banter, to sexual tension and lust-filled glances. Bickering matches quickly morph into slow burn moments. We’re hot, we’re cold. We push and pull. I need him, I don’t want him. We’re on the verge of combusting with an agreement dangling dangerously between us. Neither one of us can afford to lose one another and yet, we’re finding it quite hard to decipher the line that rests between love and hate.

Find your copy of Tangled Twosome here:
Goodreads | Amazon
FREE with Kindle Unlimited

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Standalone
Release - July 29, 2017
Genre - Contemporary Enemies-to-lovers Romance
Dual POV - 1st person
Heat - 3.5 out of 5
Length - 245 pages

You can call me arrogant as much as you want. But when you're the best at what you do and have the hottest restaurant on the west coast, with enough Michelin stars to make Gordon Ramsay's head spin, you've earned the right to your confidence.

When I give an instruction in the kitchen, it's not a suggestion--it's an order. So when a new chef thinks she can do things her way, and dares to say so to my face, even her sharp wit and gorgeous pouty lips don't make it okay.

But I have to admit, she's got talent. She's creative in the kitchen and not even that double-breasted chef jacket can hide her perfect body. As I get to know her, I can't help wanting to know everything she thinks. I've never met a more talented chef. And I've never met a sassier and sexier woman in my life.

There's only one way this push and pull can end.

With her in my bed, begging for more.

Find your copy of Cocky Chef here:
Goodreads | Amazon
FREE with Kindle Unlimited

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Standalone
Release - July 14, 2017
Genre - Contemporary Enemies-to-lovers Romance
Dual POV - 1st person
Heat - 4 out of 5
Length - 500 pages

I’m no princess. He’s the anti-prince-charming. This is our happy ever disaster.

Anastasia

Here’s the first thing you should know: this is not a fairytale. Happily-ever-afters are fables, and Prince Charming is a sweet little lie.

I know all this because he taught me.

Once upon a lifetime ago, the rich, arrogant, sinfully gorgeous, and tragically broken dark prince of the Hamptons was my tormentor. My darkness, my shameful attraction, my all-consuming, forbidden temptation.

I hate Sebastian Crown because nine years ago, for one night, I was stupid enough to think I loved him. And I’ve been paying for it ever since.

Except now, he needs me to help him save his empire.

…And he’s not taking no for answer.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Standalone - Sexy Jerk World #1
Release - May 25, 2017
Genre - Contemporary Enemies-to-lovers Romance
Dual POV - 1st person
Heat - 4 out of 5
Length - 262 pages

My best friend is married.
Everyone I know is married. It doesn’t bother me. I like my life the way it is.

Since I’m single though, when my best friend and her husband finally decide to go on their dream honeymoon, she asks me to watch their three-year-old son.

Of course I say yes.

What my best friend neglects to tell me is that I won’t be babysitting alone.

Feeling Max might be too much for me to handle, her husband asks his only single friend to help.

Nick Carrington and I have met a couple of dozen times. I’ve never really given him a second thought—other than to say he’s kind of a jerk. Out loud. So he can hear. Sure, he’s tall, dark, and handsome. And yes, he has the best ass I’ve ever seen, and I mean ever seen quite literally. You see he mooned me at last year’s Fourth of July barbecue because, like I said, he’s a jerk.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Standalone - UltraSecurity #1
Release - April 1, 2013
Genre - Paranormal/SciFi Superhero Romance
Multiple POV - 3rd person
Heat - 2.5 out of 5
Length - 302 pages

UltraAgent Surefire’s plan is simple: Capture the transhuman thief Raven. Win back the respect of her father. Get a raise.

Easy, right?

Except Surefire just broke the number one rule of her employer, UltraSecurity, a niche security firm that solves crimes committed by genetically enhanced humans like Raven. She trailed Raven into a warehouse without backup. And something more powerful than any transhuman is waiting inside.

Raven’s plan is simple: Atone for his past crimes. Return stolen spiritual artifacts to restore the world’s balance. Don’t get caught by UltraSecurity.

Easy, right?