Dani René – Between Lust & Tears (Backstage Series Book #2)

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REVIEW

This is a short book packed with a lot of heat. I’m not usually a fan of short books because I like to have time to get know a character for a while.  This books jumps right in and I couldn’t help but get attached to the characters quickly.

I like how this Rock Star is in his thirties. It makes the story feel more realistic, because he’s reached an age and maturity where he is tamable.

There was suspense element to this book that I wasn’t expecting. It ties in really well to the first book in this series. I love the continuity between the books in this series.

I’m eagerly looking forward to the next in the series.

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HIM

Irresistible. Bad Boy. Manwhore.

That’s what they call him.
But I know better.

You can’t change someone
who doesn’t want to be changed,
but it didn’t stop me trying.

Can I really be the person
to break down those walls?

HER

Innocent. Sweet. Beautiful.

That’s what she is.
I know her better than she knows herself.

You can’t make someone stay,
but you can show them your truth
and let them choose.

Can I ever be enough for her?
Can I be the man worthy of her heart?

*This story is for mature audiences only. Contains explicit scenes intended for adults 18+

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ADD TO GOODREADS

Thank You Arc to Dani René!

Author Bio

Hey darlings,

I am an indie author and freelance graphic designer. I started focusing on writing in January 2015 and after a few fan fiction stories, I decided to publish Ace of Harts it was my first full length novella. On a daily basis I have a few hundred characters, storylines, and ideas floating around in my mind. If I am not on Pinterest or Instagram looking for my next muse, you can find me on Twitter or Facebook. So head on over, I love meeting new readers and authors.

When I am in the cave, I am happiest. If you can’t find me sitting behind my trusty MacBook writing about hot alpha males, I am probably drinking coffee at a coffee shop, or wine tasting one of the few hundred wine farms in my home city of Cape Town, in South Africa.

I have an addiction to reading (who doesn’t?), TV series, music, tattoos, chocolate, and ice cream. I am constantly looking for a new book to get lost in and new book boyfriend to fall in love with. My favorite authors include – M Never, K Webster, KL Kreig, Meghan March, and that’s just to name a few!

Chat soon xo

Author Links

WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / TWITTER

GOODREADS / INSTAGRAM

PINTEREST / NEWSLETTER / AMAZON / TUMBLR
FACEBOOK GROUP / SPOTIFY  /  BOOKBUB

 

Melissa Foster – Tempting Tristan

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REVIEW

This is an amazingly sensational (worthy of repeating similar adjectives and adverbs) combination of perspiration inspiring hot romance and perhaps the most heartfelt gay romance I have ever read.  (And, yes – I’ve read a LOT).

The depth of the love between Tristan and Alex is unprecedented.  Their strength and desire to be everything for one another is tear jerkingly tender. They work hard to be what each other deserves.  As they work towards that goal, they win the hearts of readers.

The book is a dual perspective book, where the chapters alternated between Tristan and Alex.  I often found that I forgot who was narrating the chapter. It seemed like their souls meshed into one.

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Tempting Tristan is a stand-alone M/M romance featuring two sexy, lovable alpha heroes.

TRISTAN AND ALEX

Fresh off the heels of yet another bad relationship, Tristan Brewer is taking a break from men to try to figure out where he keeps going wrong. He knows his biggest fault―he leads with his heart, not his head―and that’s never going to change. But after several introspective weeks, he’s beginning to get a handle on things. That is, until badass heartthrob Alex Wells walks into his bar…

Alex has spent eight years in the army, months in a hospital bed, and far too long hiding his sexual identity. He’s guilt-ridden, damaged, pissed off, and up for a Silver Star for the incident that nearly cost him his life―and kept him from his grandmother’s funeral. But all he wants to do is live the life he’s always dreamed of and forget his stint with the institution that allows but doesn’t necessarily accept.

The chemistry between Tristan and Alex ignites from the moment they meet, and the more time they spend together, the hotter the flames burn. But the closer they become, the more Alex’s walls go up, and when the two walk onto a military base, Tristan finds out Alex’s physical scars aren’t the ones that run the deepest.

BUY LINKS

KINDLE US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EZ3ZZIY

NOOK: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1123838764?ean=2940158132759

KOBO:

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/tempting-tristan-a-standalone-m-m-romance

GPLAY:

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Melissa_Foster_Tempting_Tristan_A_sexy_standalone?id=5f0VDAAAQBAJ

iBOOKS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/tempting-tristan-sexy-standalone/id1109510535?mt=11

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Tempting-Tristan-stand-alone-romance-Harborside/dp/1941480519

Thank You Arc to Melissa Foster!

NEWSLETTER:

http://www.melissafoster.com/newsletter

CONNECT WITH MELISSA

FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor

TWITTER:

https://twitter.com/Melissa_Foster

WEBSITE:

http://www.MelissaFoster.com

STREET TEAM:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/melissafosterfans

Kelly Jamieson – Top Shelf (Aces Hockey, #3)

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REVIEW

This is a sincerely thoughtful hockey romance story. It has all the critical elements of a hot hockey romance: sinfully sculpted male, spicy sex scenes, endearing love interest, and a fanatical drive to win games. In addition to all this, this book sets forth a theme about the importance of mental health.

I think this book sets a great message about the need for people to seek help for depression when they need it.  Life can send people some incredible difficult challenges that can put them in a temporary state of depression.  With a little help from professionals, depression can be addresses and conquered. I appreciated the fact that the book stresses that even if a person needs a little help at some point that it doesn’t undo their ability to become strong and independent.

I loved this book, in lieu of the fact that the author downplays the skills of my favorite NHL hockey team.  The heartfelt tension overpowered any irritation I had about choice of hockey teams.

Most of all, I LOVE the TITLE of this book!

This was the first book that I’ve read in Kelly Jamieson’s  Aces Hockey Series. I just added the rest of the books to my TBR.

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Whether it’s a clutch goal or a cocktail, nothing beats “top shelf.” In this novel from the bestselling author of the Heller Brothers Hockey series, a fun-loving jock and an ambitious career woman mix business with pleasure.
 
Not only is Jared Rupp one of the stars of the NHL’s Chicago Aces, he’s also the owner of the Sin Bin, the after-hours hot spot where the whole team hangs out. Lately, Jared can’t take his eyes off the woman he’s hired to give the Bin a more modern feel: a sexy, sophisticated consultant who has carved out a niche updating drink menus. She’s as passionate about her career as Jared is about hockey—and yet he can’t help wondering what kind of cocktail she really wants.

In her line of work, Sidney Frayne is used to guys hitting on her in bars, but Jared gets her hot enough to burst into flames. When he’s wining and dining her, he’s sophisticated as hell; on the rink, he’s a testosterone-fueled powerhouse. Still, Sidney’s bitter divorce taught her to keep her emotions on ice. With her busy schedule—and Jared’s playboy reputation—she’s not sure she’s ready for a fling. Because if she lets Jared into her bed, she just may have to let him into her heart.

BUY AT AMAZON

https://www.amazon.com/Top-Shelf-Aces-Hockey-Novel-ebook/dp/B015BCX0OO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1475757870&sr=8-2&keywords=top+shelf

OTHER GREAT BOOKS THAT I’VE READ BY KELLY JAMIESON:

Kelly Jamieson – How to Love

Kelly Jamieson – Jilted

Kelly Jamieson – Reward of Three

Kelly Jamieson – Rhythm of Three

Kelly Jamieson – Slammed

Kelly Jamieson – Wicked One Night

Kelly Jamieson – With Strings Attached

Thank You Arc to Kelly Jamieson!

Joshua Edward Smith – Duality

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REVIEW

If you read the first book in this series, you can understand how it was nearly impossible not to start reading this book. Fortunately, I had the pleasure of not having to wait between finishing book 1 and book 2.

Book 2 continues with a flare of originality. In the sea of many repetitive books, I give a lot of credence to the newness of the material. Also, the heat is turned up a bit higher in book 2.

Following a 10 month time lapse in the story between book 1 and book 2, the relationship between Lisa and Sir takes on a physical relationship.

Sir’s personality or needs (I’m not even quite sure what the proper reference word would be) is not very likable.  That is not intended to be a negative about the book. Hatred for a character makes for a good read sometimes. I admit to having hopes that Sir would eventually redeem himself. I’ll keep that opinion to myself. I will say that I do believe that Sir’s final moments seem to be out of character. I had a difficult time reconciling his final choices.

There is a large cast of characters in this book. I would have liked to have had the chance to know Annie a bit more.

BLURB

Lisa and Sir have finally managed to balance their kinky love life with the vanilla world of suburbia. But when Sir starts training a sexy young submissive, the strength of his relationship with Lisa is tested. Could polyamory be the key to maintaining the stability Lisa needs while giving Sir the variety he craves? This captivating sequel to Entropy is a provocative journey through the complex world of physical and virtual sexuality.

Thank You Arc to Joshua Edward Smith!

Joshua Edward Smith – Entropy

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REVIEW

This book breaks the standard formula for a romance novel. First, the concept of an online romance is uniquely fantastic. To make things more interesting, it is a D/s relationship.  Coincidentally, I had just first heard of the concept of an online D/s relationship a few days before I started reading the book. I felt like I was reading an entirely new genre, which was new and exciting.

The ebb and flow of the developing relationship is less linear than most romance novels.  There are a number of issues that derail or set-back the progression of the relationship.

The depth of Lisa’s feelings grow incrementally throughout the book. The author never seems to make those unexpected leaps that ruins the believability of the book.

I fell in love with Lisa’s character when she starts tweeting from her hospital bed.  (Hey, it’s in the first 20% of the book, which I’ve decided doesn’t count as a real spoiler). Her humor and strength completely endeared me to her.

Sir always says, “Excuse me?” when Lisa says something disrespectful. When I finished the book I screamed, “Excuse me!” Beware of cliffhanger.

BLURB

Lisa is adrift—searching for connection on social media to compensate for the absence of love and attention in her marriage. But when a dominant married man entices her to become his online submissive, Lisa’s world starts to collapse around her. Could giving up all control be the secret to finding the serenity she longs to have? Cerebral and erotic, Entropy explores the murky depths of an online affair and how upheaval of the status quo reverberates through a woman’s life and sense of self.

BUY LINK

https://www.amazon.com/Entropy-Joshua-Edward-Smith-ebook/dp/B01442G67A/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1476462156&sr=8-4&keywords=entropy

Thank You Arc to Joshua Edward Smith!

AUTHOR

Joshua Edward Smith was born in Michigan, and now lives with his beautiful wife and three unbelievably awesome children in central Massachusetts. He started writing early, and was a columnist for his college newspaper. He now makes his living as a technology executive, but continues to scratch the writing itch on his blog and on Twitter. “Entropy” is Joshua’s first novel.

Cindi Madsen – 12 Steps to Mr. Right

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REVIEW

Unlike the ’90s dating book “The Rules” this is a nice clean fictional romance story.  This definitely isn’t some crazy self help book.

Through various characters, there’s a glimpse of how the steps can help some find love, but how a lot of it is left up to interpretation of the steps.  I really liked the emphasis on the combination of respect and chemistry.

The book is filled with a fantastic mix of humor and great friendship. The HEA is sure to please any romance book lover.

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12 steps to finding Mr. Right, composed by dating coach extraordinaire Savannah Gamble

1: Admit to being powerless over your attraction to the wrong type of guy. (Like Lincoln Wells, who broke your heart after an unforgettable one-night stand.)
2: Believe Mr. Right is out there.
3: Take inventory of past mistakes. (See step #1.)
4: Make a list of qualities you want in a man. (Avoid charming baseball players/reason you made these rules in the first place)
5: Take charge of your own life.
6: Learn to love yourself.
7: Sort the hookup guys from the relationship guys. (Avoid a painful brushoff after an amazing night together.)
8: Never, ever settle. (Even if the chemistry is off-the-charts.)
9: Don’t believe you can change a guy. (Once a commitment-phobe, always a commitment-phobe)
10: Communicate your needs.
11: Open your heart & love fully. (Still working on this one…)
12: Don’t ever, ever stray from the steps.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31428210-12-steps-to-mr-right

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Steps-Mr-Right-Cindi-Madsen-ebook/dp/B01LM0F2Y0

Barnes & Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/12-steps-to-mr-right-cindi-madsen/1124511470?ean=9781633757370

Thank You Arc to Cindi Madsen!

Jerry P. Gore, MD – Holistic Medicine

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REVIEW

This book came to me as a welcome deviation from the books that I generally review.

Typically, when I review a book, it is one of my choosing that I have high expectations of enjoyment.  Almost all of the books that I read are fiction. My Review Policy

Because I believe that a book’s rating is directly reflective of the reader, I feel that I need qualify a few things about myself.  The author of this book is my neighbor, but I have never visited his Center for Holistic Medicine.  I do believe that wellness is directly related to living a healthy life and I am not one to eagerly seek out medical treatment.

As such, I opened the book with an open mind.

First off, I’ld like to make note of the fact that the author does have a M.D.  I believe that intrinsically it offers a lot more credibility to the topic than others.  This is a non-fiction book and therefore the background of the author is critical to the integrity of the material.

As a whole, I enjoyed learning more about the intricacies of holistic medicine.  The author made numerous case connections.  This offered a more practical understanding of the methods of holistic medicine.  Often times, I considered how the approach could benefit people close to me. This was something that surprised me, because I tend be skeptical.  I have degree in engineering and law and tend to need to have all things proven in order to believe.  However, the book doesn’t contain any formal scientific proof to back up the holistic theories.  The book is more of an introduction into the world of holistic medicine.  In the end, the author’s words moved me enough to suggest his services to a friend.

I found it particularly interesting that homeopathy in Great Britain is, “widely practiced, recognized, and paid for by health insurance plans[.]”  Whereas, in the United States, my home, homeopathy is not subsidized by health insurance (at least none that I am aware of).   The author notes that there are some cost savings by opting his services to those of “standard medicine.”  However, I would have preferred more discussion in this area.

Chapter 8 is entitled Food for Health and Wellness. This chapter read like a typical nutrition or diet book.  It is this chapter that made me reduce my star rating for this book.  There are certain aspects of all nutrition books that are consistent.  For example, you can’t live on baked goods (ah, to dream).  I have read many nutrition books and am in contact with a trainer and nutritionist on a weekly basis.  I felt this chapter contained an opinionated perspective.  This chapter lacked continuity with the rest of the book.

While I might not have agreed with all the methodologies in the book, they were discussed with clarity.  I am pleased to have gained a better understanding the practices of holistic medicine.  Overall, I found the book to be quite informative.

BUY LINK

AMAZON https://www.amazon.com/Holistic-Medicine-Physical-Clarity-Consciousness-ebook/dp/B01HJ2IIUK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1476024274&sr=8-2&keywords=holistic+medicine

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Have you ever had a body ailment that no physical treatment could cure? Has your state of mind ever affected your health—for better or worse?

These are the types of questions that only alternative medicine can address. Holistic medicine isn’t a passing fad; it’s a comprehensive approach to health that recognizes the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit. Rather than writing off traditional medicine, however, author and holistic medical practitioner Jerry P. Gore, MD, acknowledges it as one approach within the bigger picture of health possibilities.

Introducing the basic concepts of holistic medicine, this easy-to-read guide highlights the range of methods you can practice in your everyday life, from nutrition and exercise to yoga chakras and meditation. Examples are accompanied by real-life case studies to better illustrate how these techniques work and what they can accomplish. There’s even a twenty-four-hour health plan included in the appendices so you can immediately put what you’ve learned into action.

Your health and well-being are essential if you want to fulfill your potential and enjoy your life. Discover how to build a partnership between your body, mind, and spirit through the art of holistic medicine and start reaping the benefits today.

Thank You Arc to Jerry P. Gore, MD

Doctor Jerry P. Gore M.D. Medical Director & Holistic Psychiatry in North Shore, IL

Dr. Jerry Gore practices holistics psychiatry in North Shore, IL

Doctor Gore is a holistic doctor and obtained his M.D. from the University of Illinois Medical School, and completed his post-graduate program at Northwestern University’s Institute of Psychiatry. He is a co-founder and Medical Director of the Center for Holistic Medicine in Riverwoods/Deerfield IL where he practices both general medicine and psychiatry. He has over 35 years of experience specializing in integrating the body, mind and spirit of the person into an individualized medical treatment plan specific to that patients needs. His vision is to treat symptoms, educate the patient about his/her health and help people transform their lives using holistic medicine.

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http://www.holistic-medicine.com

Samantha A. Cole – The Devil’s Spare Change (Malone Brothers – Book 2)

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REVIEW

This book reads like a snowball rolling down a mountain. The pace of the book really picks up after the beginning until there’s no way that you can stop reading. (sorry about the winter reference during fall)

The author’s background in law enforcement brings an exceptional level of authenticity to the killer’s madness. I enjoyed how the profiler added a better understanding to the workings of the character.

The banter between the brothers offered up some comedic relief in contrast to the intensity of the murder case.

The romance is uncomplicated and satisfying.  There is a natural feel that compliments the tension of the suspense elements, which leaves the reader interested but not feeling unnerved.

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FBI agent Sean Malone put in a transfer to return home to North Carolina in order to be closer to his expanding family. What he didn’t expect was a pleasant surprise from his youth. Little Gracie Whitman is all grown up now and drop-dead gorgeous, and he finds himself thinking about her in ways he’d never done before.

When Grace’s parents retire to Arizona from New York, she decides to follow her dream of opening her own physical therapy center. Whisper, North Carolina, where her aunt lives and where Grace had spent her summers, is the perfect place for it—especially when she finds her childhood crush has returned to Whisper as well.

As the two get to know each other all over again, Sean’s month-long planned vacation is brutally interrupted. A deranged serial killer has settled in Dare County, North Carolina, and after three victims, the local law enforcement is bringing in all the help they can. Are the killings over or have they just begun? And if they continue, who will be the next victim?

The Malone Brothers series can be read as stand alones but they follow a timeline and are best read in order.

Book 1 – Take the Money and Run (KC & Moriah)

Amazon – http://hyperurl.co/TDSC

SEE RELATED POSTS:

Diane Thorne – A Gift to Remember & Another Gift to Remember

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REVIEW

Why review two books in one post?  Easy – as soon as I finished the first book, I couldn’t stop reading and had to read the next.  I mean that literally.  As soon as I finished A Gift to Remember, I fumbled with my kindle app.  My finger shook with anticipation.  I cursed every millisecond that it took my app to load my library.  I frantically scanned my page searching for where previously downloaded Another Gift to Remember.  I eagerly touched on the image of the cover.  Ah … page 1.

The blurbs and the covers make the plot crystal clear.

The story is hot, considerate, and loving – A GUARANTEED PLEASURE TO READ.

Although the stories are on the short side, I still felt like I got to know the characters.  The characters themselves had history so the story revolves a change in dynamics rather than getting to know one another.  It was also great that this wasn’t just another insta-love story.  I loved how everyone’s needs were able to be satisfied.

The ratio of story to sex scenes was perfect.  The pace and lure of the story kept me turning the pages quickly.  The steamy scenes made my blood boil, heart race, and a few other bodily reactions that aren’t appropriate for discussion on a PG13 blog.

I will be gifting this book combo to all my closest friends for the holidays this year.

BLURB – A GIFT TO REMEMBER

One man. Two women. A birthday surprise he will never forget…

Carol has spent the last five years working as an assistant for her boss, Thomas Barrett. She enjoys her job, and is a good friend to his wife, Lynn. Every year Lynn asks Carol for assistance in obtaining a gift for Thomas’s birthday. With his big fortieth arriving in a week, Carol expects she’ll need to snoop around the office for Lynn. To Carol’s surprise, Lynn already has an idea for Thomas’s present, and it’s one he will never forget.

Lynn invites Carol to join her and Thomas in a menage a trois. Although shocked, Carol considers such a rare opportunity to broaden her sexuality. But if she joins her boss and his wife in the bedroom, will Carol be able to continue a relationship with them? Moreover, can she keep her job working for Thomas?

BLURB – ANOTHER GIFT TO REMEMBER

Thomas Barrett has it all. He’s part owner of a marketing firm with his best friend of twenty years, Andy. In addition to having a successful career, Thomas enjoys the love of two beautiful women: his wife, Lynn, and his assistant, Carol. He couldn’t be happier with life.

Tasked with finding a gift idea for Andy’s fortieth birthday, Thomas comes up with a perfect one. Not only will it please Andy, but Thomas is certain his idea will provide great pleasure for Lynn and Carol. Thomas wants his favorite naughty women to bring Andy into their love nest. But will Lynn and Carol be willing to have sex with Thomas’s best friend? Better yet, can Andy maintain a working and sexual relationship with them?

giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enter for your chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card.

Giveaway runs the duration of the blog tour (September 26 – October 2). Good luck!

Thank You Arc to Diane Thorne!

About the Author:

Diane Thorne is an erotic romance writer living in Indiana. She writes in a variety of genres such as Contemporary, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Erotic Romance and Menage a Trois. When she’s not slaving away at her day job, she creates erotic adventures with hot and seductive men. Reader beware, she is not responsible for any titillation, increased temperatures, or hormonal stirrings. Blame her characters and read responsibly.

Facebook  ||  Twitter  || Website  || Goodreads

Maggie Way – Sydney (Entangle Me Book 1)

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REVIEW

This is a fun quick read.  Lacey’s rehearsal dinner turns into a complete disaster, but her reaction to Adam is laugh-out-loud funny.  He is so awful that you can’t help but laugh.

Lacey … GO GIRL POWER!  She’s a bit sassy and determined but a romantic at heart.  You can’t help but like her for the mere fact that she doesn’t allow her a**hole ex-fiance destroy her spirit.

Gabe is the fantastic gay best friend/business partner.  He brings a bit of levity to the situation.

Looking forward to getting to know Tristan better in the next book in the series.

The only thing that would have made this better, is if I were drinking a glass a wine along with the characters.  Oh, maybe some chocolate, too.  (If Lacey gets to imbibe, I should, too)

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A jilted girl…
A wicked boy…
A forbidden kiss…
A happily ever after?

Lacey Ryan’s perfect life was well underway, until her fiancé blindsides her with a betrayal so deep it changes everything. Now her life’s gone to hell, and the only way out may be at the hands of the last person she’d have expected to come to her rescue, Tristan Keys—the deliciously sexy player she’s fantasized about her entire life.

Sure he’s arrogant, cocksure, and frustratingly handsome, but he’s also offering exactly what she needs, a fresh start planning destination weddings. First class flights, the chance to see the world, and maybe a little harmless flirtation while she’s at it. Yes, it’s just what she needs.

Only there’s one glaring problem: Tristan happens to be her brother’s best friend. Which means he is completely off-limits. She knows it, he knows it. It’s completely forbidden. Even though she’s always followed all the rules, suddenly Lacey find herself wanting to break them all. Is he worth the risk? Or will he only break her heart—and possibly her bed springs? There’s only one way to find out, and it’s going to involve a lot of suitcase packing, merlot and chocolate.

Thank You Arc to Maggie Way!