Sandy Curtis – The Marriage Merger

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This book was an unexpected delight.  I had many preconceived ideas about it based on the title alone.  I wrongly assumed that the book would be the typical rich guy needs to get married for some bizarre reason and then the guy and girl fall in love.  I was pleasantly surprised by the nature of the plot.  The story was fresh and believable.  It drew me in so much so that I completely lost track of time and barely got to my kids’ pick-up line on time.

Jenna’s resistance to falling for the hot rich Braden Fleetwood rang true because her reasoning was based on a thoughtful process rather than petulance.  She realizes, “That dependency can be misread as attraction, but it’s an attraction which doesn’t outlast the patient’s treatment.”  She acknowledges, “I want all the things you despise – marriage for love, children for love.”

In the beginning of the book, the author mentions that Braden is immensely wealthy but throughout the story his money doesn’t play into an extravagant lifestyle used to impress Jenna.  Again, this made the story charming.

I would recommend reading this book.

Buy Links

AMAZON  http://www.amazon.com.au/Marriage-Merger-Sandy-Curtis-ebook/dp/B00W6Y3G90/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432633161&sr=8-1&keywords=marriage+merger

SMASHWORDS  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/535707

KOBO  https://store.kobobooks.com/search?Query=the+marriage+merger+sandy+curtis

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Bio for Sandy Curtis

Sandy Curtis writes contemporary romance for Ormiston Press’s Lavish Novels line, and is also the author of seven romantic thrillers published in Australia and Germany, two of which have been finalists in the Romantic Book of the Year Award.  Sandy has presented many writing workshops including 10 days teaching creative writing at the University of Southern Queensland McGregor Summer Schools, given library talks, and been a panellist at writers’ festivals.  She is a member of many writing organisations, and has organised the Bundaberg writers festival, WriteFest, since its inception in 2005.  In 2010 she was awarded the Regional Arts Australia Volunteer Award for Sustained Contribution to the arts in regional Queensland, and in December 2012 she was selected by the Queensland Writers Centre to receive the Johnno Award for outstanding contributions to writing in Queensland.

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Abbi Glines – Bad For You (Sea Breeze # 7)

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Sea Breeze Series: Beware – totally additive reading!  The characters are young, mature, fun, sensual, and I cannot get enough of them.  The stories moves at such a pace that it is nearly impossible to put down.  (I say “nearly” because I still have kids to tend to).  At one point in Bad for You, Blythe thinks to herself that, “I felt like I was watching an episode of Dawson’s Creek.”  That is how I feel when reading these books.  The stories are effortless and entertaining.

Krit is a sexy bad boy rock star that behaves like a man whore, but is attracted to a truly innocent girl, Blythe.  Despite their huge differences, there is a mutual spark between Krit and Blythe.  Krit’s new found jealousy for Blythe is absolutely entertaining.  His friend chides, “Krit, meet jealousy.  It’s a bitter bitch.”  My favorite heart wrenching moment was when Krit begged Blythe not to leave him.

Bad for You is full of love and evil.  Evil is defined by one’s actions.  Some of the characters are obviously evil while others are better at hiding it.  The contrast between the two ideas make the feeling of love and respect all the more amazing.

See Related Posts from Abbi Gline’s other series, Rosemary Beach:

Abbi Glines – When I’m Gone

Abbi Glines – Kiro’s Emily

Abbi Glines – “You Were Mine”

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Samantha Young – Moonlight on Nightingale Way (On Dublin Street #6 )

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Pain, humor, and love.  This book packs a powerful punch.  This book seemed more intense than the others in the series.  The life-changing surprise that occurs early on sets in motion the development of layers in multiple relationships.  The love and jealousy that takes place is warm, sad, and funny – at different points in the story, of course.  It’s interesting how jealousy can mold relationships.

Logan and Grace’s relationship is like a percolating kettle.  It takes a while to heat up, but when the whistle blows it’s hot and steamy.  I like how Logan plays a role of a dominant man in bed without needing extra tools of implementation like canes and whips.

Favorite quotes from the book

PAIN

“She’s a bitter, cruel, conniving bitch! … Cancer doesn’t erase that … Sickness doesn’t automatically erase people’s sins.”

“It was a special kind of agony knowing your own mother didn’t love you.”

HUMOR

“I only enjoy the really dirty stuff, and I have to be able to know and trust a man before I’ll let him do absolutely anything he wants to me in bed.”

LOVE

“The things I’m going to do to you, babe.  I’m going to make you mine, every single piece of you.”

Non-Spoiler Alert!!!  This is the last book in this series.  I had no idea before I read the book.  I started reading the Epilogue, where the author provides a nice conclusion to each couple.  I felt like the rug was pulled out from under me.  When I finally came to my senses, I realized that I don’t have to say goodbye to the characters forever.  I’ll just re-read the series.

See Related Post:

Samantha Young – Echoes of Scotland Street

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Samantha Cole – Leather and Lace (Trident Security Book 1)

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This book is like a delicious dessert recipe that has just the right combination of ingredients.  It’s got a “sexy six pack” of men that happen to be well built ex navy seals.  Devon comes from a lot of money; but doesn’t flaunt it, act superior because of it, or use it to manipulate Kristen. He does own a sex club and is a well skilled Dominant.  I love how he humorously refers to Kristen’s ex-husband by an assortment of derogatory names like “goat fucker.” But Devon’s best quality is the way in which he enables Kristen to forget her displeasing sexual history and guides her to discover pleasure.  The sex scenes are hot!  There is also an edge to Devon that makes him come across as thoughtful rather than just a domineering ass.

Kristen is a relatable character – she’s a fan of romance novels.  She says, “Too bad life wasn’t a steamy romance novel with a hot and hunky hero knocking on her door.”  Who hasn’t thought that at one time or another?

Finally, the crime/suspense story line didn’t detract from the romantic story line.  It did leave me wanting to get to know Carter better.  I’m hoping to get to know him better as the series progresses.

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Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars

lizellyn Sweets

Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars

It’s not technically summer yet, but the weather seems to be turning that way.  I decided it was time to switch to some summer flavors.  Lemon always seems to signify summer to me.  Despite my daughter’s hesitation, lemon and blueberry make a remarkable combination.

Blueberry Lemon Pie Bars (recipe from Fresh April Flours)

Print
Prep time
30 minutes
Cook time
1 hour
Total time
1 hour 30 minutes
Creamy and sweet pie bursting with blueberries and citrusy lemon on top of shortbread crust. In portable bar form!
Author: freshaprilflours.com
Yield: 16 bars
Ingredients
FOR THE SHORTBREAD CRUST
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (plus more for sprinkling)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • the zest of one lemon, divided
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
FOR THE FILLING
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (or one 5.3 ounce container) Greek yogurt, lemon flavored
  • remaining zest of one lemon
  • 2 teaspoon lemon juice
  • pinch of salt
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen, unthawed)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line an 8″ x 8″ or 9″ x 9″ baking pan with foil. Leave an overhang on the sides. Set aside.
  2. To make the shortbread crust: stir the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and half of the lemon zest together in a medium bowl. Add the flour and stir until combined. Reserve ¾ cup of the shortbread crust and place in the refrigerator or freezer until needed. Press remaining crust evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18 minutes while you prepare the filling.
  3. To make the filling: in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a medium sized bowl with a hand mixer, beat cream cheese on high until smooth. Beat in eggs, scraping down the sides as necessary. Add sugar, lemon flavored Greek yogurt, remaining lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt and mix thoroughly. Add flour and mix again until just combined. Gently fold in blueberries with a spoon or spatula.
  4. Pour filling into crust and add a few blueberries on top of filling. Remove reserved crust from refrigerator and crumble over top of the filling (you may need to separate into crumbs with a knife or fork). Sprinkle with sugar (or Sugar In The Raw). Bake bars for 55-60 minutes minutes, or until toothpick placed in center of pan comes out mostly clean. Allow pan to cool at room temperature on a wire rack. When completely cool, chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
  5. When bars are completely chilled, lift out of the pan using foil overhang and cut into squares. Top with lemon zest before serving. Bars can be stored covered in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
Notes
Shortbread crust from Sally’s Baking Addiction

HAPPY BAKING!

Nalini Singh – Rock Addiction (Rock Kiss #1)

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I love Molly!  She’s strong and independent.  She’s willing to go for what she wants.  Despite never have been with a man, she decides she wants a one night stand with the hot rock star and when given the opportunity she jumps at the chance.  Unbeknownst to her, Zachary Fox has no intention of letting her go.  I really liked when she decided to follow Fox to the states, she still worried about her career that she was giving up.  Further, to her credit, when she has to face some of her worst fears, she handles it with grace.  Shockingly, she doesn’t run from the situation.

The group of guys in the band make a great supporting cast.  It was heart warming how Molly was ingratiated into their friendships.  Thus, I’m looking forward to the rest of the series: Rock Courtship and Rock Hard.

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Book Boyfriend Boards 5/28/15 – featuring Samantha Young’s On Dublin Street

lizellyn Bookish

Pinterest Book Boyfriend Boards

Great romance authors make the reader fall in love with the characters. The descriptions of their build, the way in which they speak, and their prowess in bed electrify the characters and make them hot and desirable.  Enjoy these pinterest boards that celebrate some of the most titillating characters and combine both provocative images and amazing quotes.

On Dublin Street by Samantha Young

13_pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/scrapqueent/on-dublin-street-series/

Sinners on Tour by Olivia Cunning

13_pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/mariskabell/olivia-cunning-%7E-sinners-on-tour-series/

Lauren Dane’s Brown Siblings, Delicious, Hurley Boys, Chase Brothers

13_pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/chelse6787/lauren-dane/

Original Sinners by Tiffany Reisz

13_pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/kyo31/original-sinners/

Rosemary Beach by Abbi Glines

13_pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/natapou/rosemary-beach-series-by-abbi-glines/

Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward

13_pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/mamawnurse/black-dagger-brotherhood/

Rough Riders by Lorelei James

13_pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/twopervs_inapod/rough-riders-by-lorelei-james/

Chaos Novels by Kristen Ashley

13_pinterest  https://www.pinterest.com/holyhotness/chaos-series-by-kristen-ashley/

Wicked Lovers Novels by Shayla Black

13_pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/vibrantbride/shayla-black-wicked-lovers-series/

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

13_pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/catarinafsilva2/fifty-shades-of-grey/

Sea Breeze Series by Abbi Glines 

13_pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/billanddallas/sea-breeze-series-by-abbi-glines/

Kellan Kyle in Thoughtless Series by S.C. Stephens

13_pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/wallinmt/thoughtless-kellen-kyle/

Drew Evans in Tangled Series by Emma Chase

13_pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/mariskabell/emma-chase-%7E-tangledtwistedtied/

Remy by Katy Evans

13_pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/lilyslibrary/real-mine-remy-by-katie-evans/

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

13_pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/beckybookworm/travis-mad-dog-maddox-3/

Olivia Cunning – Tease Me (One Night with Sole Regret #7)

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What makes for great sex?  Is it the act itself or the emotional connection behind the act?  That’s the question in Adam and Madison’s ignitable relationship.  Adam is a recovering addict and Madison was his counselor, turned lover.  This is unethical for Madison and she ultimately gets fired for it, but it is indicative of the undeniable chemistry between Adam and she.  After being together for a year casually, Adam’s love turns more serious quickly.  Madison is reluctant to want more in their relationship.  Adams teases Madison relentlessly for 24 hours to prepare her for an escapade at a sex club in New Orleans.  I could feel Madison’s achiness as Adam splendidly tortured her.  After Madison behaves as he hoped at the club, he unexpectedly becomes possessive and angry.  Madison is sent into a tail spin trying to rectify Adam’s irritation at her behaving exactly as he wanted.  He further shocks her by proposing marriage.  Adam’s unpredictable reactions leave Madison completely unbalanced and stunned into silence.  This role reversal between Adam and Madison is amusing.

Related Posts:

Olivia Cunning – Tell Me (One Night With Sole Regret #6)

Olivia Cunning – One Starry Night

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Olivia Cunning – Tell Me (One Night With Sole Regret #6)

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If you like romance books about rock stars, you must read this series.  Olivia Cunning is a goddess author of rock star romance!

Gabe is the epitome of the phrase ‘Don’t judge people by the cover.’  He is a mohawk, tattoo emblazoned metal rock band drummer with the mind of a physicist.  He puts his mind to good use by designing sex toys.  (I definitely majored in the wrong type of engineering in college).  His creativity in the toy realm is reason enough to read this book.  Beyond, the incredible bedroom scenes, the book delves into the concept of being accepted by one’s own family.  Sometimes how one believes that they are viewed is vastly different from how their family actually views them.   I love how Gabe’s mom knows immediately that Melanie is the right person for him.

Related Post:

Olivia Cunning – One Starry Night

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J. Kenner – Say My Name

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This is a spin off of the Stark Trilogy and is written in the same vein.  The connection between the two series is fantastic but I refuse to spoil it.  Similar to Damien, Jackson Steele is a wealthy and powerful architect that gets what he wants.  He is controlling and manipulative, but for a submissive those are all good attributes.  Sometimes the line between good control and bad control aren’t clear, which makes relationships complicated.*  He has a history of pushing Sylvia Brooks too far.  Is he out to win her heart or just out to win control over her?  Sylvia Brooks left Jackson once before, but will returning to his bed be too much for her.  Beware, this book ends such that you’ll feel compelled to read the next.

* This complication only relates to the adult relationship between Sylvia and Jackson.  Sylvia’s childhood past includes being assaulted by an adult.  Under no circumstances should an adult take such action on a minor child.  This distinction is clear in the story as well.

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