Bully (Fall Away #1) Penelope Douglas June 17, 2013
My name is Tate. He doesn’t call me that, though. He would never refer to me so informally, if he referred to me at all. No, he’ll barely even speak to me.
But he still won’t leave me alone.We were best friends once. Then he turned on me and made it his mission to ruin my life. I’ve been humiliated, shut out, and gossiped about all through high school. His pranks and rumors got more sadistic as time wore on, and I made myself sick trying to stay out of his way. I even went to France for a year, just to avoid him.
But I’m done hiding from him now, and there’s no way in hell I’ll allow him to ruin my senior year. He might not have changed, but I have. It’s time to fight back.
When we first meet Tatum Brandt, or Tate as she prefers, she’s a scared sixteen year old girl. What is it she’s scared of? That would be Jared Trent, her childhood best friend. When Jared and Tate started high school, Jared became mean, cruel and hateful, he would spread rumors about Tate and bully her to the point of tears, Jared made it so no one would want to date her or let alone even be her friend, except for a very small amount of people.
Tate is determined not to let Jared ruin her senior year, what better way to start fighting back than to punch his best friend in the face and break his nose? I think that right there sends a big message, but was it a clear enough message to the two?
This was my first Penelope Douglas book and I’m a little ashamed to say I’ve never read her other books, outside of the Fall Away series because I love these books and characters so much. One day, I will read the rest of her books. I highly recommend this angst filled book, as well as the rest of the series.
Penelope Douglas is a writer living in Las Vegas. Born in Dubuque, Iowa, she is the oldest of five children. Penelope attended the University of Northern Iowa, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, because her father told her to “just get the damn degree!” She then earned a Masters of Science in Education at Loyola University in New Orleans, because she HATED public administration. One night, she told the bouncer at the bar where she worked that his son was hot, and three years later she was married. To the son, not the bouncer. They have spawn, but just one. A daughter named Aydan. Penelope loves sweets, The 100, and she shops at Target almost daily.
Admittedly, it was extremely hard for me to choose just 10 authors I loved, because I have found very few books I don’t like and even when I have had a book I didn’t like, it usually wasn’t until the ending. It was even harder to choose my favorite books by these authors, some of them, like Nightshade and Scoring Wilder, both books vastly different, were easy to pick out of their list. I hope, if you’ve yet to read one of these books, that you click the amazon link and give the books a shot.
Do you have an all time favorite book or author that you haven’t seen on my blog yet? I’m always open to recommendations and would love to hear what you like!
The Design (A Heart Novel) R.S. Grey March 1, 2015
Five minutes until the interview begins.
Fresh on the heels of her college graduation, Cameron Heart has landed an interview at a prestigious architecture firm. Four minutes until the interview. She knows she’s only there because the owner, Grayson Cole, is her older sister’s friend. Three minutes. For the last seven years, Grayson has been the most intimidating man Cammie has ever had the pleasure, or displeasure, of being around. Two Minutes. But the job opportunity is too good to pass up. So, Cammie will have to ignore the fact that Grayson is handsome enough to have his own national holiday. One. After all, she shouldn’t feel that way about her new boss. And, he will be her new boss.
If you loved the witty and comical banter in The Duet by R.S. Grey then you are going to love The Design, this book is a complete standalone, despite being A Heart Novel book. While I always recommend reading a series in order, even when it’s side characters, you can absolutely read this with out having read The Duet. Cameron always had dreams of leaving. After she finally receives her bachelors and masters degree in architecture, she wanted a change of scenery, to travel and see the world. She dreamed of filling her backpack with only the essentials and setting off to unknown destinations. If you’ve read The Duet, then you already know what happened to Cammie and Brooklyn’s parents and while money was no issue after their untimely deaths, Cammie was determined to do everything on her own.
I really loved everything about The Design, it was definitely another light hearted rom-com from R.S. Grey, I highly recommend grabbing this book!
R.S. Grey is the USA Today bestselling author of thirteen novels, including THE FOXE & THE HOUND. She lives in Texas with her husband and two dogs, and can be found reading, binge-watching reality TV, or practicing yoga!
The Duet (A Heart Novel) R. S. Grey November 11, 2014
When 27-year-old pop sensation Brooklyn Heart steps in front of a microphone, her love songs enchant audiences worldwide. But when it comes to her own love life, the only spell she’s under is a dry one. So when her label slots her for a Grammy performance with the sexy and soulful Jason Monroe, she can’t help but entertain certain fantasies… those in which her G-string gets more play than her guitars’. Only one problem. Jason is a lyrical lone wolf that isn’t happy about sharing the stage—nor his ranch — with the sassy singer. But while it may seem like a song entitled ‘Jason Monroe Is an Arrogant Ho’ basically writes itself, their label and their millions of fans are expecting recording gold… They’re expecting The Duet.
The Duet was such a fun read. If you’re looking to step away from the heavy angst and read something light and witty, The Duet is perfect. Actually, any book by R. S. Grey is perfect for you. I love all the books I’ve read so far.
At the prime of her career, some would say Brooklyn is self centered. But her sister, Cammie would tell you otherwise, given that they’ve been attached at the hip since their parents death.When she is called in for a meeting with her label, she isn’t expecting to be forced into writing a Duet with a less than thrilled Jason Monroe.
Upon arriving in Montana, Brooklyn realizes she has a strong attraction to Jason, who is a complete rude ass to her, while also realizing these two are very different people. Brooklyn tries her best to make peace and write the song they need, but Jason is determined to write said song and send Brooklyn on her way. Out of his ranch and definitely out of Montana.
As is any rom-com, at least the ones I’ve read, Brooklyn and Jason start to get a little closer and that’s when we, especially Brooklyn, start to understand Jason’s coldness towards her. When you’re in the middle of no where Montana, on a very secluded ranch it’s going to be easy. But what happens when you realize you still have ghosts and the whole world is watching and waiting to see what happens? How much of this can you take?
The last thing I want to leave you with is that R. S. Grey completely nailed Brooklyn’s sass and quirky side. Add Cameron into the mix and the two are definitely comical. And let’s not forget that Grammy performance.
Grab your copy today and fall in love with all things Brooklyn, Jason, Cammie and R. S. Grey!
R.S. Grey is the USA Today bestselling author of thirteen novels, including THE FOXE & THE HOUND. She lives in Texas with her husband and two dogs, and can be found reading, binge-watching reality TV, or practicing yoga!
When the Time is Right, an all-new single dad contemporary romance standalone from USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez and M. Mabie is coming July 30th, and we have the irresistible cover!
When the Time is Right Aly Martinez & M. Mabie July 30, 2020
Fate doesn’t always happen overnight.
Hudson Bradley is the cockiest, most stubborn, hard-headed man I’ve ever known. Andfor fifteen years, he’s been my brother’s best friend. But lately, what I’m feeling for him isn’t friendship at all. Why is my heart racing every time his blue eyes lock on mine? Why does every word he rumbles in my ear make my body come alive? And worst of all, why did I bet him that I could find a woman he and his son would both love?
If I hadn’t given up on love altogether, Hudson would have been perfect for me. After all, he was there the day my world fell apart. He’s spent the last six years piecing me back together.
There are a million reasons why we could never work, but after a single kiss, I can’t remember any of them.
Now that the time is right, I have to make him mine—before I lose him forever
Originally from Savannah, Georgia, USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez now lives in South Carolina with her husband and four young children.
Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, mystery leggings, and olives. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person.
She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.
Sign up for Aly’s newsletter by visiting her website
M. Mabie lives in Illinois with her husband. She writes everything from steamy romantic comedies to angst-filled, pull your hair out drama. She enjoys it all. With her unconventional love stories, she tries to embody “real-life romance.”
She cares about politics, but will not discuss them in public. She uses the same fork at every meal, watches Wayne’s World while cleaning, and lets her dog sleep on her head. She has always been a writer. In fact, she was born with a pen in her hand, which almost never happens. Almost.
M. Mabie usually doesn’t speak in third-person. She promises.
Every sip of air is shallow and burning, because in the arms of my best friend’s brother, I’m the closest I’ve ever been to sin.
His eyes flick to my lips, and I remember the first time I tasted him, seven years ago before I left this town and vowed never to return. His hands grip my waist, and I remember the pain when he rejected me, when my entire world crashed down at his command. His jaw clenches, and my senses come alive with one stinging reminder.
I’m not his to kiss, and he’s not mine.
I tried to stay away from Tyler Wagner, putting an entire country between us. But when his sister’s wedding brings us back to the same town, to the same house, I can’t avoid him, no matter how hard I try.
He’s always there, his dark eyes bewitching, luring me into their depths. The memory of us pulls me under like a rip current, and when he flashes that smile, I lose my breath, along with my will, unable to escape his grip and find the surface.
Now, hours before our plus ones arrive for the wedding, I’m in his arms, begging him to make me hate him, knowing he never could.
If he kisses me right now, I’ll drown.
And I’ll take him down with me.
Make Me Hate You is a best friend’s brother romance that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Y’all, this book is everything and more. I love almost any love story but Jasmine and Tyler’s story is just so good. Let’s also factor in that it’s a sisters best friend trope and you have me hooked. I can’t ever turn those down.
Jasmine and Tyler? They were as close as Jasmine and Morgan growing up, it was always the 3 of them even though Tyler was almost a year older than them. But then one bad day messed it all up, after Jasmine and Morgan graduated high school, Jasmine fled their cute little New Hampshire town and never looked back. She moved on to something bigger, warmer and better. Until 7 years later and she’s the maid of honor in her best friends wedding. When your best friend asks you to come home for that, there’s no possible way you could deny them that.
And so Jasmin returned to that town in New Hampshire that she swore she’d never go back to. And as soon as she returned her life was flipped back upside down, but in the best and worst way possible.
Like I said in the beginning of this review, Kandi Steiner is a genius. This is her 21st release and I swear each book is so vastly different from the others but all the same at the same time that I can’t help falling in love with every story and every character, main or side, I love them all. Except the evil ones, those ones I don’t like.
So if y’all are looking for your next great read, grab your copy of Make Me Hate You today, exclusive to amazon but that means it’s free in KU for those that have it!
Kandi Steiner is a bestselling author and whiskey connoisseur living in Tampa, FL. Best known for writing “emotional rollercoaster” stories, she loves bringing flawed characters to life and writing about real, raw romance — in all its forms. No two Kandi Steiner books are the same, and if you’re a lover of angsty, emotional, and inspirational reads, she’s your gal.
An alumna of the University of Central Florida, Kandi graduated with a double major in Creative Writing and Advertising/PR with a minor in Women’s Studies. She started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed it to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.” She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a diehard hopeless romantic, and likes to highlight all the challenges of love as well as the triumphs.
When Kandi isn’t writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, talking with her extremely vocal cat, and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys live music, traveling, anything heavy in carbs, beach days, movie marathons, craft beer, and sweet wine — not necessarily in that order.
“This is a return to the Kandi Steiner of 2016 who brought us Weightless and A Love Letter to Whiskey. Prepare for the burn.” — Author Sarah E. Green
Make Me Hate You Kandi Steiner June 25, 2020
If he kisses me right now, I’ll drown.
Every sip of air is shallow and burning, because in the arms of my best friend’s brother, I’m the closest I’ve ever been to sin.
His eyes flick to my lips, and I remember the first time I tasted him, seven years ago before I left this town and vowed never to return. His hands grip my waist, and I remember the pain when he rejected me, when my entire world crashed down at his command. His jaw clenches, and my senses come alive with one stinging reminder.
I’m not his to kiss, and he’s not mine.
I tried to stay away from Tyler Wagner, putting an entire country between us. But when his sister’s wedding brings us back to the same town, to the same house, I can’t avoid him, no matter how hard I try.
He’s always there, his dark eyes bewitching, luring me into their depths. The memory of us pulls me under like a rip current, and when he flashes that smile, I lose my breath, along with my will, unable to escape his grip and find the surface.
Now, hours before our plus ones arrive for the wedding, I’m in his arms, begging him to make me hate him, knowing he never could.
If he kisses me right now, I’ll drown.
And I’ll take him down with me.
Make Me Hate You is a best friend’s brother romance that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Seven miles and an hour later, and all the anxiety I’d felt the night before was completely gone.
At least, until I rounded the foyer into the kitchen and saw I wasn’t the only one up early on Sunday morning.
Tyler sat at the kitchen island, still in his navy blue sweat pants and simple white t-shirt, with one foot planted on the ground and the other hooked casually on the lower bar of his stool. His hair was an absolute disaster, the boyish waves sticking up this way and that. He had both hands wrapped around a mug of hot tea, his eyes focused on the iPad he had propped up in front of him, and bluetooth headphones in his ears.
At first, he didn’t notice me, and I slowed my steps, standing silently at the entry of the kitchen and watching him. I’d done everything I could last night to avoid his gaze, to not look at him, and now that I had a stolen moment to observe, I found my chest tightening again, my mouth dry and sticky.
His brown eyes were hidden beneath bent brows, expression serious as he watched whatever was on the screen. Small lines creased the edges of his eyes — lines that weren’t there when we were kids. He’d grown into a man somehow, overnight, it seemed. Then again, it had been years.
I’d seen him on social media, watched from afar as his YouTube channel took off. I’d seen pictures of him on Instagram — traveling through Europe, hiking in Australia, swimming in hot pools in Iceland. I didn’t follow him, of course, but his profile was public, which allowed me to flip through picture after picture on the nights when I was a pathetic mess.
But, pictures and videos didn’t do justice to the actual man who sat studiously at that kitchen island.He was something between the boy I used to love and the man I’d never know, familiar and unreachable all at once.
Tyler shook his head at something, letting out a frustrated sigh and kicking back the bar stool a little before taking a sip of his tea. His eyes flicked to me then, back to the screen, and then, he did a double take, this time fixing his gaze on me and leaving it there.
Something changed in his eyes when he looked at me, like a shadow passed over them and held him captive. I was dressed in jogger shorts and a modest tank top, but from the way he watched me, I might as well have been completely naked.
That’s what his gaze did to me, what it always had done.
It stripped me bare.
Y’all, this book is everything and more. I love almost any love story but Jasmine and Tyler’s story is just so good. Let’s also factor in that it’s a sisters best friend trope and you have me hooked. I can’t ever turn those down.
Jasmine and Tyler? They were as close as Jasmine and Morgan growing up, it was always the 3 of them even though Tyler was almost a year older than them. But then one bad day messed it all up, after Jasmine and Morgan graduated high school, Jasmine fled their cute little New Hampshire town and never looked back. She moved on to something bigger, warmer and better. Until 7 years later and she’s the maid of honor in her best friends wedding. When your best friend asks you to come home for that, there’s no possible way you could deny them that.
And so Jasmin returned to that town in New Hampshire that she swore she’d never go back to. And as soon as she returned her life was flipped back upside down, but in the best and worst way possible.
Like I said in the beginning of this review, Kandi Steiner is a genius. This is her 21st release and I swear each book is so vastly different from the others but all the same at the same time that I can’t help falling in love with every story and every character, main or side, I love them all. Except the evil ones, those ones I don’t like.
So if y’all are looking for your next great read, grab your copy of Make Me Hate You today, exclusive to amazon but that means it’s free in KU for those that have it!
Kandi Steiner is a bestselling author and whiskey connoisseur living in Tampa, FL. Best known for writing “emotional rollercoaster” stories, she loves bringing flawed characters to life and writing about real, raw romance — in all its forms. No two Kandi Steiner books are the same, and if you’re a lover of angsty, emotional, and inspirational reads, she’s your gal.
An alumna of the University of Central Florida, Kandi graduated with a double major in Creative Writing and Advertising/PR with a minor in Women’s Studies. She started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed it to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.” She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a diehard hopeless romantic, and likes to highlight all the challenges of love as well as the triumphs.
When Kandi isn’t writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, talking with her extremely vocal cat, and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys live music, traveling, anything heavy in carbs, beach days, movie marathons, craft beer, and sweet wine — not necessarily in that order.
Holy freakin hell, this book y’all, I thought I loved Raven and Maddoc, but throw in Captain and Victoria to the mix and I can’t handle it. Scratch that, I already loved everyone in Boys of Brayshaw High, this just made it even better because now we understand what Victoria really went through, what sacrifices she made and how she became who she is today.
Don’t think I forgot or feel any less about Royce, because man, I love that kid and my love for who he is as a person, a Brayshaw, brother and friend just continues to grow the farther I got into Be My Brayshaw. He’s a tough cookie, but I already know the one he chooses is going to give him a run for his money. I guarantee she wont be a piece of cake, I’m thinking she’ll be just like RaeRae and VicVee, but probably with more sass and I. Can not. Wait. Maddoc and Raven are even cuter in this book than they were in their books but since BMB can be read as a standalone, I don’t want to throw out too much about them for those that want to read their books later, though I highly suggest reading BOBH, TABH and ROB first. You can find the correct reading order on Meagan’s Goodreads profile as well as her website.
Y’all for real, I can not get enough of these characters and the world that they live in. I, we, all knew that Captains book would be amazing given that he’s the quietest brother and he’s always so broody, we should have known that the second he laid eyes on Victoria it would be game over for both of them, but of course they have to go on this wild roller coaster, luckily it’s not as wild and Maddoc and Raven. But Royce’s? He’s in for a treat. And he might be my favorite brother..
“This is a return to the Kandi Steiner of 2016 who brought us Weightless and A Love Letter to Whiskey. Prepare for the burn.” — Author Sarah E. Green
Make Me Hate You Kandi Steiner June 25, 2020
If he kisses me right now, I’ll drown.
Every sip of air is shallow and burning, because in the arms of my best friend’s brother, I’m the closest I’ve ever been to sin.
His eyes flick to my lips, and I remember the first time I tasted him, seven years ago before I left this town and vowed never to return. His hands grip my waist, and I remember the pain when he rejected me, when my entire world crashed down at his command. His jaw clenches, and my senses come alive with one stinging reminder.
I’m not his to kiss, and he’s not mine.
I tried to stay away from Tyler Wagner, putting an entire country between us. But when his sister’s wedding brings us back to the same town, to the same house, I can’t avoid him, no matter how hard I try.
He’s always there, his dark eyes bewitching, luring me into their depths. The memory of us pulls me under like a rip current, and when he flashes that smile, I lose my breath, along with my will, unable to escape his grip and find the surface.
Now, hours before our plus ones arrive for the wedding, I’m in his arms, begging him to make me hate him, knowing he never could.
If he kisses me right now, I’ll drown.
And I’ll take him down with me.
Make Me Hate You is a best friend’s brother romance that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Kandi Steiner is a bestselling author and whiskey connoisseur living in Tampa, FL. Best known for writing “emotional rollercoaster” stories, she loves bringing flawed characters to life and writing about real, raw romance — in all its forms. No two Kandi Steiner books are the same, and if you’re a lover of angsty, emotional, and inspirational reads, she’s your gal.
An alumna of the University of Central Florida, Kandi graduated with a double major in Creative Writing and Advertising/PR with a minor in Women’s Studies. She started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed it to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.” She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a diehard hopeless romantic, and likes to highlight all the challenges of love as well as the triumphs.
When Kandi isn’t writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, talking with her extremely vocal cat, and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys live music, traveling, anything heavy in carbs, beach days, movie marathons, craft beer, and sweet wine — not necessarily in that order.
“The joyous, heartfelt romance we need right now!” — Lexi Blake, New York Times bestselling author
Queen Move, an all-new powerful and moving, not-to-be-missed second chance romance from RITA® Award-winning and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Kennedy Ryan, is available now!
Queen Move Kennedy Ryan May 26, 2020
The boy who always felt like mine is now the man I can’t have… Dig a little and you’ll find photos of me in the bathtub with Ezra Stern. Get your mind out of the gutter. We were six months old. Pry and one of us might confess we saved our first kiss for each other. The most clumsy, wet, sloppy . . . spectacular thirty seconds of my adolescence. Get into our business and you’ll see two families, closer than blood, torn apart in an instant. Twenty years later, my “awkward duckling” best friend from childhood, the boy no one notices, is a man no one can ignore
Finer. Fiercer. Smarter. Taken.
Tell me it’s wrong. Tell me the boy who always felt like mine is now the man I can’t have. When we find each other again, everything stands in our way–secrets, lies, promises. But we didn’t come this far to give up now. And I know just the move to make if I want to make him mine.
A RITA® Award Winner and USA Today Bestseller, Kennedy Ryan writes for women from all walks of life, empowering them and placing them firmly at the center of each story and in charge of their own destinies. Her heroes respect, cherish and lose their minds for the women who capture their hearts
Kennedy and her writings have been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, Glamour and many others. She has always leveraged her journalism background to write for charity and non-profit organizations, but has a special passion for raising Autism awareness.The co-founder of LIFT 4 Autism, an annual charitable book auction, she has appeared on Headline News, The Montel Williams Show, NPR and other media outlets as an advocate for ASD families. She is a wife to her lifetime lover and mother to an extraordinary son.
Scripted Words 