Blog Tour ☆ Meghan Quinn ☆ Stroked Hard

We're celebrating the release of 

STROKED HARD

 Check out the review and teasers below!

STROKED HARD

Scheduled to release: November 1, 2016

Sports Romance

Cover Designed by:  

Indie Solutions by Murphy Rae

Amazon ☆ Amazon UK ☆ Amazon CA ☆ iBooks ☆ Kobo

He’s hot. Like, stop breathing kind of hot with his killer body, vivid blue eyes, and constant five o’clock shadow.

Did I mention his body?

Watching Hollis Knightly, Olympic diving gold medalist, man-pony specialist—and cocky bastard—stand up on the diving platform in nothing but a small piece of Spandex? Yeah, I’m beguiled.

And easily seduced.

I want to keep things light but he won’t leave me alone. And hell, if he’s not wearing me thin.

What is supposed to be a simple summer fling with a very hot man, has now morphed into a f*cked-up mess of feelings, attachment, and dare I say it…love. But I don’t do relationships. And Hollis Knightly does.

NOW AVAILABLE!

STROKED 

by Meghan Quinn

Released: July 19, 2016

Cover Designer: Murphy Rae

Sports Romance

Amazon ☆ Amazon UK ☆ Amazon CA ☆ iBooks ☆ Kobo

Reese King: Olympic medalist, underwear model, Greek god.

His body is chiseled from rock, sculpted by the weight room, and refined by water.

On a daily basis his skin is completely bare for everyone to see, tan and defined, only covered up by a minuscule piece of spandex. There is no denying his sex appeal.

I hate to admit it, but I’m head over heels infatuated with him.

There is one HUGE problem though. His achingly gorgeous abs, inked up arm, and cocky swagger belong to my boss, the high-profile, reality star bitch from hell and certified heinous human being, Bellini Chambers.

What I think is going to be an easy job assisting a glorified wench turns into a cluster f*ck of epic proportions.

STROKED LONG 

by 

Meghan Quinn

Released September 20, 2016

Sports Romance

Cover Design: Indie Solutions by Murphy Rae

Amazon ☆ Amazon UK ☆ Amazon CA ☆ iBooks ☆ Kobo 

From his dirty-blond hair and breathtaking smile, to the abs from heaven and the irresistible V in his waistline, everything about Bodi Olympic-gold-medalist Banks screams hot piece of @$$.

Yet there’s more.

Dark shadows lurk behind his soulful, serious eyes.

I’m enamored. He’s captured me.

How can running an art foundation with Bodi Banks turns into a slow-burning, epic romance, even though he tries to push me away at every chance? How can I stay away from a broken, routine-driven man whose soul cries to be forgiven for a crime only he believes he committed? Or is that a lie?

**STROKED LONG can be read as a stand alone.

Born in New York and raised in Southern California, Meghan has grown into a sassy, peanut butter eating, blonde haired swearing, animal hoarding lady. She is known to bust out and dance if "It's Raining Men" starts beating through the air and heaven forbid you get a margarita in her, protect your legs because they may be humped.

Once she started commuting for an hour and twenty minutes every day to work for three years, she began to have conversations play in her head, real life, deep male voices and dainty lady coos kind of conversations. Perturbed and confused, she decided to either see a therapist about the hot and steamy voices running through her head or start writing them down. She decided to go with the cheaper option and started writing... enter her first novel, Caught Looking.

Now you can find the spicy, most definitely on the border of lunacy, kind of crazy lady residing in Colorado with the love of her life and her five, furry four legged children, hiking a trail or hiding behind shelves at grocery stores, wondering what kind of lube the nervous stranger will bring home to his wife. Oh and she loves a good boob squeeze!

 Like me on Facebook ☆  Find me on Goodreads ☆ Visit my website 

STROKED HARD

Stroked #3

by

MEGHAN QUINN

When you start reading a book by Meghan Quinn you know what you can expect. Quirky humor and low angst. Yet they aren't all the same. 

Hollis Knightley is working towards his next Olympic medal as a diver. When he runs into a beauty while on set of his best friend's Reese (Stroked) reality show he knows she is IT. He is not a one-night-stand-man, he loves relationships and how refreshing is that?  He pursues her with his funny text messages but the pretty Melony doesn't relent. She keeps saying that relationships aren't her thing. Hollis does everything to change her mind but will her walls crack?

Melony doesn't trust men. The first man in her life left when she was six years old. When she meets the stunningly hot and good looking Hollis she runs as fast as she can. His humor and his chase are too much for her, eventually he will leave her if she gives in, right?

Listen to John Mayer's song "Daughters" and you know everything about Melony and her daddy issues. That time when her father left cut her deeply and set her up for her view on relationships and love. She is guarded like few other heroine's I've read about. When I met her and spent some time with her I thought there was no way her walls will come down. And up until around the 60% mark that held true. I was so relieved when they started to crumble. 

Unfortunately something happens and they are right back in place and this is where the story lost me. I wanted to love her, I really did. She keeps Hollis on his toes and had a mouth like a whip...but I wanted a heroine who felt empowered by the love Hollis showed her. I wouldn't have had a problem with her showing insecurities but she wallows in self pity instead of taking control, she just allows her issues to drag her down again, despite him proving repeatedly that he is worthy. Sometimes you could see the sweet coming through and those moments made me like her but at no point did I fall in love with her.

Hollis on the other hand is a hero you can only wish for. His OTT quirky humor is hilarious, he is sweet and hot and a GOOD man. He has the patience of a saint.  Hollis' brand of wooing his girl is a mixture of humor and romance. Hollis has all those ridiculous nicknames for Melony (Lactose Lips, Turd Blossom, Bologna Breasts, Sparkle Butt...only to name a few). He isn't the airhead you might think, his serious moments are deep and have lots of insight. And he can be surprisingly intense.  I really adored him.  

I loved that evil Bellini had her comeuppance in the end. While this might not have been a total winner for me it was still a very enjoyable read. Meghan Quinn's sense of humor is peppered throughout a the whole book and I was left again asking myself how she comes up with this stuff. Please  don't let my reservations for the heroine keep you from reading this book. We all have different expectations and this totally might work for you!

(Teasers courtesy of Meghan Quinn)

4 STARS ✮ KATY EVANS ✮ MR PRESIDENT

Mr President

White House #1

by

Katy Evans

Heads up! This ends in a cliffhanger - the conclusion of Charlotte's and Matt's story will arrive in January 2017.

Matthew Hamilton is America's prince. His father was the President of the United States and immensely popular. So popular that when he was shot and died the whole country fell into a ditch and hasn't properly recovered since. Matt wants to change that. He is running as an independent contender for presidency. He wants to restore the US of A to the great country it used to be. He is a bachelor and doesn't intend to change that, having seen what the years of his father in the office have done to his mother. His father missed birthdays, was hardly at home, his duty sworn to the American people. Matt doesn't want to do that to somebody he loves.

Charlotte met Matt when she was eleven years old. She crushed on this charming young man and has never really forgotten him. More than a decade later he meets him again after he announced his candidacy and both feel a powerful pull towards each other. Matt wants Charlotte on his campaign team. She agrees because she wants to be part of the change that her youth crush promises. The longer she works for him the more she realizes that she is in over her head and that the affair they started is dangerous to Matt's goals.

I'm nerve-wracked, and I blame the twinkle in his eyes and that handsome love-me, take-me-home, mother-me-or-fuck-me-face. 

Phew. Holy Hotness. These two were burning up my Kindle. But first things first.

Charlotte is an idealistic young woman with a good head on her shoulders and more common sense I thought she would have. She is smart to realize that the secret game she and Matt are playing is can blow up in their faces anytime. She is also smart enough to know that she can't sway his decision to do this on his own without a woman at his side if he wins. Charlotte isn't a doormat though, she stands up for herself and is unapologetic about it. She is also a little bit shy and sweet and I liked her a lot.

"Don't give these lips to just anyone. They're too pretty. And too rare. And they're mine."

Matt - there is an obvious familiarity to his background story. We all know the late John F. Kennedy jr. and the potential he represented. We all remember the charismatic, good looking guy who broke thousands of hearts when he married Carolyn Bessette. Matt is pretty much the spitting image of John John in this novel. He is larger than life, has the sexy self confidence we love in men. He is tender, sweet but also fascinating and magnificent. Despite him knowing and holding steadfast that he can't have a relationship his feelings for Charlotte are pretty clear from the start.

"You make me want to be the best version of myself I can ever be."

You know that they both will have a rough time parting when the times comes. Yet, he can't seem to stay away and keep his hands off of her. I couldn't help myself but root for them although I found it selfish of Matt that he didn't want to let her go. Then again, with a man like him I wouldn't want him to let me go!

"Fuck, Charlotte - just let me have you! Let me have this!" His eyes pin me to my seat, his raw, unrestrained frustration bright. 

A note about the writing - while it was mostly fluent the unexpected time jumps in the beginning confused me and they were slightly disorienting.

I am really looking forward to the conclusion of this story and can't wait for Matt and Charlotte to get their happily ever after.

I'm running for the most powerful office in the land. Ironic that I can't promise something as simple as my love to her. 

5 STARS ✮ JAY MCLEAN ✮ LUCAS

Lucas

Preston Brothers #1

by

Jay McLean

Jay McLean is a new to me author although I've had her previous stories on my TBR for a long time. When I saw that she was starting a new series I thought this would be a good starting point. And let me tell you - I couldn't be happier. 

SIXTEEN CLICKS.
Eight seconds.
That's how long it took me to realize I'd been in love with her for four years.
Eight, life-changing seconds.
It's also the exact length of time it took to lose her.

The Preston family consists of seven siblings, one sister, six brothers. Lucas is the oldest son and ever since his mom passed away he has taken over caring for his family, relieving his father a little bit from his duties. His best friend Lois/Laney has become a sort of surrogate mom to this bunch of frisky boys. Lane and Lucas have been friends for years. And it's the same amount of years they have been in love, even when they were still too young to put a name to their feelings.

And so without meaning to, without wanting to, I started to fall in like with a girl who would later become my best friend. 

Lane is the glue who holds everything and everyone together, especially Lucas. 

One night changes everything. The dynamic of their relationship and friendship and their lives. Along the way lie heartbreak, hurt and devastation. 

I don't want to give away too much of the plot - I went in blind and I'm happy I did. However please be aware that there are triggers which I will post at the end of my review in spoiler tags. 

These two walk through fire for each other, even when they are at odds with one another. Their relationship is deep and has its roots in an all encompassing love. And Laney craves love. So bad that one decision will change the course of her life. What I admire about her is her strength, loyalty, strong will and backbone. She owns her decisions and always tries to keep her loved ones from the hurt that comes as a consequence to her poor choice. She protects them fiercely. 

Lucas is flawed. He has hurt Laney in the past, often without him realizing it because he is so tangled up in caring for his family and living the life of a teenager. He also makes one poor decision, although I don't think his brain was involved. You can look past it though because he is young and young people make stupid mistakes. The important part is how you deal with it, what you do to fix it and if you learn from it for the future. And Lucas does all that. You can see huge growth along the way.

"And I think, ultimately, that’s what true love is, you know? To want to be someone’s hero when they’re faced with villains. To want to be to be the one that saves them. To be their Wonderwall.”

I adored all the Preston brothers but one stood out in particular and that was little Lachlan. He made me laugh so hard. He is all of six years old when we first meet him and he repeats everything his older brothers teach him. He yells "SEXING" during a Shakespeare play or laughs about his brothers saying "F*ck". I think every mother would be horrified yet laughing on the inside. And generally Jay McLean inserts a lot of humor throughout the story so that you are never overwhelmed with the angst that certainly comes with the main themes of this book.

"We've had several parents complain that Lachlan's the one teaching their kids swear words."
Lachlan stands, shoves his finger in this teacher's face. "That's bullshit, lady!"

I am in love with this family. This author has a way of writing that made me feel all the things these characters were going through, from the main cast to the secondary, that's how well fleshed out they were. Lucas and Lane were relatable and lovable.

“I need you. I need to love you. And I need to love you right.”

I am so looking forward to meeting the love matches of the other Preston boys, they will definitely need someone special in their lives. 

...as much as I'd like to make my opinion known on how silly I think it is when parents give their kids matching names, I can't. Because:
Lucy
Lucas
Leo
Logan
Lincoln
Liam
Lachlan

The safety gang will have a field day with this one. Highlight to see triggers: Abuse, domestic violence, cheating

Follow Vanilla & Spice Books

  

Blog Tour ☆ Penny Reid ☆ Beard Science

Beard Science

by 

Penny Reid 

Winston Brothers #3 

Publication Date: October 11, 2016 

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Humor, Romance

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | iBooks | Kobo | Nook | Google Play | Smashwords

Make a deal with the devil and you might get what you want, but will it be what you need?

 Jennifer Sylvester wants one thing, and that one thing is NOT to be Tennessee’s reigning Banana Cake Queen. Ever the perpetual good girl and obedient daughter, Jennifer is buckling under the weight of her social media celebrity, her mother’s ambitions, and her father’s puritanical mandates. Jennifer is officially desperate.

 And desperate times call for Cletus Winston.

 Cletus Winston is a puzzle wrapped in a mystery covered in conundrum sauce, and now he’s in a pickle. Despite being convinced of his own omniscience, extortion by the exalted Banana Cake Queen of Green Valley has taken him completely by surprise. So… what’s a maniacal mastermind to do?

 Likely, the last thing you expect.

‘Beard Science’ is the third book in the Winston Brothers series, is a full-length romantic comedy novel, and can be read as a standalone.

SEX! It all started with sex, between my parents. Personally I don’t like thinking about it, but whatever works for you is a-ok with me. No judgment. The sex happened in California and much of my life also occurred in that state until I moved from the land of nuts (almonds), wine, silicon… boobs, and heavy traffic to the southeast US. Like most writers I like to write, but let’s get back to sex. Eventually I married and gave birth to 2 small people-children (boy-6, girl-4 as of this writing). By day I’m a biomedical researcher with focus on rare diseases. By night I’m a knitter, sewer, lino block carver, fabric printer, soap maker, and general crafter. By the wee hours of the morning or when I’m intoxicated I love to listen to the voices in my head and let them tell me stories. I hope you enjoy their stories.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“So Cletus told me I needed to change one thing every day. He wasn’t specific about what I should change, just that I should decide on the one thing myself.”

Billy nodded.

I continued. “At first I didn’t see the purpose, but—do you know?—Cletus was right. Something as trivial as paining my nails a different color made me feel like I could do anything I set my mind to.”

Billy smiled.

I continued. “Cletus also said-”

Billy cleared his throat. “Do you go to the jam session much? I think I’ve only seen you here a handful of times.”

“I don’t, actually. I’d like to, but Saturdays are busy. I’m usually making special orders on Friday night. I’ve heard you sing a few times, though. You should do it more often, you have such a nice voice.”

Billy smiled again, his eyes sliding to me then away. “Thank you.”

“And Cletus is amazing on the banjo. Last year he did a folksy version of Thriller, during Halloween. It was spectacular.”

Billy sighed.
 

Conversation was surprisingly easy with Billy Winston, once I stopped being afraid of saying the wrong thing. Instead of worrying, I just said whatever I wanted. He wasn’t a big talker, other than asking me questions, so I filled the silence. Sometimes what I said made him laugh. Sometimes it made him nod. Sometimes it made him cough.

But usually whatever I said made him smile. And that was nice. He was nice.

He pulled his truck into the community center lot and it was clear the jam session was already in full swing. The evening was chilly, so folks were dressed in coats.

I pulled my shawl over my shoulders and Billy opened my door, helping me from the car. I slipped my fingers back into the crook of his elbow while trying to suppress a new, and more powerful, flutter of excitement as we approached the community center.

I wondered if Cletus would be there. I wondered what he would think of my dress, and my hair in a bun, and my purposefully minimal makeup, and my nail polish. Even though I was nervous, I grinned at the thought.

“What are you smiling about?” Billy asked, giving me the side eye.

“I’m nervous,” I answered honestly, feeling breathless, then asked before I could catch myself, “Do you think Cletus is here?”

Billy’s mouth tugged to the side and he studied my face. “I’m sure he is. Why?”

“I wonder what he’ll think of my dress,” I admitted excitedly.

Billy chuckled and shook his head.

“What? What is it?” I pressed, searching his profile for a sign as to why he was laughing.

He pulled us to a stop and faced me. “Since this is a practice date, do you want me to give you a tip?”

I nodded eagerly. “Yes, please. All tips are welcome.”

“Okay. Here goes,” he gathered large breath, like he was bracing himself, and said, “When you’re on a date with a man, it’s probably best not to bring up a different man.”

My lips parted as my face fell. “I’m sorry. I keep talking about your brother.”

“No, no. It’s fine.” He reached for my hand and squeezed it. “This is a practice, no need to apologize. I’m not upset. But if this were a real date, you bringing up Cletus and wondering what he’s going to think of your dress would definitely rub me the wrong way. If I’m on a date, I want that woman to be thinking only of me. Does that make sense?”

I nodded, because it did make sense. “Just like, I probably wouldn’t like it—if this were a real date—if you kept bringing up other woman.”

“That’s right.” He moved my hand back to his arm. “You’ll want to keep the conversation about the two of you.”

I considered things as we walked. “Thank you, Billy.”

“For what?” He opened the double door for me, placing his hand on the small of my back to usher me inside. The entryway was full of people, but I hardly noticed them.

“Thanks for doing this, and for the tip. Thanks for sacrificing your Friday night.”

Billy covered my fingers on his arm with his hand. “It’s not a sacrifice, Jennifer.”

“Well, it can’t be pleasant.”

He grinned again and gave me an incredulous look.

“What? What did I do this time? Do you have more tips?” I needed to know. I hoped he filled the whole night with tips, so I would be an expert when the time came for a real date.

Billy’s grin faded as his piercing blue eyes moved over my face. If he’d done this just last week I think I would’ve fainted on the spot, mortified and terrified and assured of my own failure.

But so much had changed in a week. I wasn’t afraid of him anymore. I was changing, becoming braver. So I met his glacial eyes straight on and lifted my eyebrows encouragingly.

“You can tell me, whatever it is,” I whispered earnestly, stepping closer. “Like I said, all tips welcome.”

Finally, he said, “You have no idea how gorgeous you are, do you?”

I gaped at him, because that was not what I’d expected him to say.
 

But before I could recover, a stern voice to my left interjected. “She has no idea whatsoever.”

I turned and found Cletus standing at my shoulder. Startled, I stumbled a step to the side so I could see him better. What I found surprised me.

His jaw was clenched.

His mouth was curved into a frown.

And Cletus’ eyes, a dangerous and fiery blue, were narrowed on his brother.

5 Penile Engorgement Stars

Every now and then you get a book in your hands that surprises the hell out of you. This was the case with Penny Reid's Beard Science. My friend Christie raved about the last one so I really wanted to see what the fuss is all about. Now let me tell you, this was my first Penny Reid book but it definitely won't be my last and I really need to catch up with this author's other books. This story can be read as a standalone but trust me when I say that you will want to read them all. 

Jennifer is known as the Banana Cake Queen. She is a brand her mother knows how to market, Instagram account and a follower-ship of more than a million included. When she visits the sheriff's office to make a testimonial video about her baked goods Cletus, one of the Winston Brothers is there as well. When she watches her video at home she is surprised to find she has evidence of something Cletus did that gives her leverage to blackmail him into doing something for her. 

When Jennifer approaches Cletus he is confused. This meek and docile woman blackmails him into helping her finding a worthy man she can marry and have a family with. But she doesn' t know his cunning mind...

Cletus

Cletus is the oddball in the Winston family and the protector. He is quirky and extremely intelligent and a lot of people have been on the receiving end of his revenge pranks. Nothing is simple about Cletus but when he talks he tells simple truths. There is something very wise about him that had me sit back a couple of times and mull over what he had just said. He is a unique character who uses his overactive brain first and feels second but Jennifer mixes it all up. She brings out the sweet in him and his confusion when he starts falling for her is hilarious. What I love about all of the Winston brothers is how they treat women. It's almost a little bit antiquated and all kinds of adorable.

Jennifer

Jennifer was a bit of a riddle to me in the beginning. I didn't understand why she let everyone bully her but every time somebody did my heart broke a little bit for her. 

"And - oh God - Cletus, I'm the worst. I'm so awkward, my awkward is embarrassed by my awkward."

I loved how she started to rebel and once the backbone was firmly in place she stood up for herself. Jennifer is an incredibly sweet heroine with a kind heart and immense strength. She surprises the hell out of Cletus at every turn and his confusion about this slip of a woman is hysterical. 

As a rule, I didn't like change. My Jennifer continuously surprised me, and her surprises were a thing of beauty.

The way they grow into something more is a slow but sweet burn. There is nothing hurried about them. They give a lot of thought to consequences but don't overthink too much. I loved them together. 

She was so beautiful, my Jennifer. And not because of her eyes, or face, or any other outward attributes. The person she was held me transfixed. How could I have disregarded her? How could I have looked at her with anything but wonder and respect and desire?

Penny Reid's writing style is just wonderful. There is an old fashioned quality about the way people talk to each other - I really loved that. If you look for a sweet, funny book with tons of romance and a sweet kind of steam this definitely is one you should consider. I'm looking forward to Billy's story because I think there will be some heartbreak there. 

"You want to know what you are to me? Fine. You're my beginning, my middle, and end."