Book Review: Fake Off by Michelle McLoughney

Title: Fake Off

Author: Michelle McLoughney

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: November 30, 2016

Blurb

Polly Doyle hates her job, her life, and being stuck in her hometown. Being a twenty-something, newly single, phone-sex operator isn’t exactly where she saw herself on career day. When Polly lands a spot on the popular TV show, The Bake Off, she vows to win. Baking is her passion and her ticket out of Cavern's Bend. There’s just one, very big man-shaped problem. It’s couples year. Polly doesn’t want a man, but for the first time in her life, she needs one. Faking it for a living comes naturally to Polly. Faking The Bake Off should be a piece of cake. If only her fake boyfriend wasn’t so edible, so hot, and so damn infuriating!

Keane Marshall loves his job, his life, and moving back to his hometown is the icing on the cake. Being a twenty-something, newly single chef of the hottest restaurant in Cavern’s Bend is exactly where he wants to be. Until he gets roped into a competition with a woman he hoped he’d never see again. Polly Doyle was the first girl he ever wanted. The first girl he fell in love with. And the girl who sucker punched him into 6th-grade infamy. Faking The Bake Off should be a piece of cake. If only his fake girlfriend wasn’t so sinfully spicy, so teeth tingling sweet and so damn infuriating!

A spoonful of sugar, and a whole lot of spice.

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My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

Ally has two children now too.  Well, calling them children and not devil spawn is being generous.  They are those kids.  Those kids that make you want to lie down on the pavement and thank the lord Jesus that they are not yours.  The kind that makes you want to stitch up your vajayjay and never let a man near you again. 

I look around the general store and watch as old Mister Olsen edges closer to us.  Sneaky old pervert, I can tell he is listening because he has had a can of cannoli beans in one hand and the price gun in the other, for the last two minutes.

I'll go with you as back up. I know Karate!... Okay, that's a lie.  Christ!  I've never actually done Karate, I had a huge man-crush on Ralph Macchio in my teens, and have seen the Karate Kid movies a hundred times.  Not exactly the same thing though, is it?

He leans in close and whispers in my ear.  'If the zombie apocalypse comes, he'll still save us, don't be worrying about that, 'kay?'  I nod seriously and incline my head.  'Wasn't on my list of potential subjects to worry about, but, good to know.'

My Review:

Fake Off was my first Michelle McLoughney experience, and make no mistake - it was an experience.  I adored every cleverly written and naughty sentence.  Packed with ribald humor and steamy sensual scenes, I snickered, smirked, and barked with laughter.  Ms. McLoughney has an irreverent and bawdy sense of humor and does witty banter like no one else.  Her characters were fun, smart, sassy, quirky, and flawed. Some were even a bit bizarre, but amusingly so.  The grouping had been friends since childhood with the life-long moniker of The Misfits - which was how they had remained... it was oh so perfect.  Cleverly written from a dual POV, the story was highly comical, erotically sensual, easy to follow, and unfailingly entertaining.  It was also exactly what I needed after a mind-numbing week of jury duty.

Empress DJ

Author Bio

Michelle McLoughney is an Irish author and child prodigy. That's a lie. As a child, she pretended she was a prodigy, and also that her father was Ming the Merciless. Thus, a career in fiction was born, or, lying for a living. Whatever. Michelle writes books that have hot men and kick ass heroines. Also, books that have hot women and kick ass women. There's a theme running here somewhere! Probably that hot kickass women should rule the world. Michelle likes cake and pie. In fact, she has never met a cake that she didn't like, first world problems. Please connect with Michelle in any way you'd like. She's a Facebook regular and appreciates the feedback. And cake. Send cake.

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Book Review: Twilight Christmas by Normandie Fischer

Twilight Christmas

A Carolina Coast Novella

by Normandie Fischer

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Two orphans. One barn. And a community in need of miracles. 

Linney needs protecting, and Louis is the only one left to save her. She may be his big sister, but her Down Syndrome will get her put in an institution if he doesn’t hide her well. Only, it’s getting harder and harder to pretend he’s older than ten and to keep her safe and warm in this old storage barn. Especially at Christmas, when all his sister wants is a tree with lights, like the one at the church next door.

Pageant preparations are in full swing, and Annie Mac and her crew are involved in the excitement. So is Lieutenant Clay Dougherty, her kids' faux-father and the man who still makes her yearn for a whole lot more than she’s comfortable offering, especially when she's plagued by crazy-making nightmares.

In this heartwarming tale of magic and miracles, the Beaufort, North Carolina, folk return to rescue more than themselves.

 

   

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

She didn't want to be the crazy mother who raised crazy kids.  There had to be an answer, somewhere.  Because, if there weren't, she didn't know how she'd cope.  The thing about being crazy, the real truth that scared the daylights out of her, was that sooner or later folk would find out, and when they did, she'd lose her babies, and then she'd die.

A promise was a promise - unless it became an impossibility.  And then it was merely a regret.

Katie wasn't hampered by her any of her mother's concerns.  She pushed past the other children and between the shepherds to march right up to Linney... And she sang the words she'd learned... As the song ended, Katie spoke into the hush of the church, loudly enough to be heard all the way to the back. 'I'm an angel.  I'm suppose to take care of you.'

I'm feeling dizzy.  A few days ago I was on the verge of homelessness and poverty.  Then I shifted income brackets with one phone call.  And now I'm contemplating marriage and a family trip to France. 

I'm marrying you for your kids... What can I say?  Katie has killer eyelashes.  She won my heart the first time she flashed them at me. 

The wonder of Linney was that she could love without thinking much.  If you were good to her, she'd give you the moon back.

Even if it was getting dark outside, in here, everything was light.  And it smelled like Christmas ought to, even if they were already in January.

  

My Review:

  I had adored the characters of Clay and Hannah in Ms. Fischer's masterful Heavy Weather, and I adored them even more in Twilight Christmas. I enjoy Clay's exacting nature, his coffee needed to be made just so - from the grinding of the beans on to the exact temperature of the water. This novella finds the season to be a stressful period of transition for many, with Annie Mac still feeling the after-effects of her prior abusive life and seems unsettled and untrusting of herself and her decision making. Two young children are also out of pocket and alone in the cold. The sweetness and purity of dear little Louis squeezed and tugged my heart, he took the responsibility of his role of caring for his older yet developmentally delayed sister with extreme seriousness. Ms. Fischer's writing was poignant and moving, and her magical combinations of words stung my eyes several times. But I was forced to a full stop while reading Katie's immediate and unflinching reaction to Linny during the Christmas service.   While the adults were flummoxed and at a loss, a young child knew just what was needed... my throat closes up just thinking of that scene. Sigh.  Normandie Fischer has mad skills.  

Empress DJ

About the Author

Normandie had the best of several worlds: a Southern heritage, access to schooling in the DC area (which meant lots of cultural adventures), and several years of sculpture studies in Italy. It might have been better for her if she'd used all these opportunities more wisely, but it's possible that the imperfect and the unwise also add fodder for the artist and the writer.  

Her life changed radically when she married the love of her life at an age when some would have said she was over the hill and way past her prime. (Clichés often speak the truth, don't they?) A lifelong sailor, she was delighted to find that Michael also longed to cruise lovely waters, which is what they did from Northern CA to Mexico, spending too-few years in the incomparable Sea of Cortez. Sea Venture, their 50' ketch, is back home in North Carolina now because Normandie's mama needed care. Still, it's gorgeous there, too, and she can write from home as easily as she could on the boat. 

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Book Review: What If It's Right? by JB Heller

  

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WESTON 
I have a problem. 
A big freaking problem. 
Her name is Tory Dixon.
I’ve been in love with her since I was 17. 
The problem you ask? She’s kinda my best friends mum. 


VICTORIA 
I have a six foot, three inch's tall, 22-year-old, problem. 
His name is Weston Banks. 
I’ve been pretending he doesn’t have feelings for me for the last six years. 
You see, fourteen years ago, I became my nephew's guardian. 
And Weston, well, he's my nephew's best friend. 
Which makes him ten years my junior and oh so deliciously complicated.   
  

      

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

Weston had brought a girl called Candy, and she was as dumb as her named sounded.  She'd looked like a stunned mullet when Finn had swept Nixie up in his arms and planted a kiss on her lips.

I'm going to need your full name, phone number, criminal record and employment status before I allow you to date my mum.

... the difference is I actually have a sex life, you don't.  If it's battery operated, it doesn't count.

Why was she smiling like that?  It was a smile I'd never seen her wear before, and I hoped I never would.  It was a cross between the crazed smile of The Joker and the creepy one of the Cheshire Cat.

My Review:

It first glance, the storyline sounds taboo - but it really isn't, the situation is indeed a bit complicated and not as it seems.  It is, in fact, a rather sweet, slow burn, and angsty love story, with a few bits of naughty along the way to keep us on edge until the heat is finally cranked up to atomic radiation levels.  JB Heller has mastered the skill of forcing the reader to take a second look at our misperceptions, giving us just cause to open our minds or rethink an anti-hero or stereotype.  I just adore that.  I also adore her clever humor, feisty characters, observant insights, sizzling sensual scenes, and witty banter.  She has mad skills. 

Empress DJ

New Release: Forever Mine (The Polaroid Series) Book 1 by Ava Danielle

Forever Mine (The Polaroid Series) Book 1

Ava Danielle

Synopsis

Amelia attends her high school reunion 
Only to run into her one and only true love Jared
Old feelings return and things start to take course. 

But she's engaged. 

In fact, she left Nathan behind to attend her reunion 
But something tragic happens 
And she has to re-evaluate her life. 

And Nichole might be the reason it all falls apart.

Releases Thanksgiving

Thursday: Nov. 24^th, 2016

For a limited time only:

$1.99

Pre-Order NOW★ Amazon US ➙ http://amzn.to/2f4Ncax
★ Amazon UK ➙ http://amzn.to/2dPlMoy

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Forever Mine is the first book in the Polaroid Series.

Forever Ours will be released February 2017

Forever Us to wrap the story Summer of 2017

Come join our Release Party on Wednesday, November 23^rd, 2016

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Book Review, Giveaway: Dangerous Love by Liz Lovestock

Title: Dangerous Love

Series: Unforgiven #1

Author: Liz Lovelock

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Cover Design: Letitia, RBA Designs 

Release Date: August 11, 2016

Blurb

Jay Jones, a first-rate police officer, is given a new undercover assignment which forces her to reassess her insecurities and to build a relationship of trust with her new partner. He’s the one man she thought she’d never see again. A man who once held her happiness and then took it with him when he left, Brayden Falcone.

Years after suffering a significant loss, Jay remains guarded. The pain of getting hurt still haunts her. She holds a secret so great, it eats away at her happiness. She wants to tell Brayden all about what they both lost. But, all she remembers is the loneliness she felt and, the heartbreak she suffered.

Working closely with Brayden, she knows he’s the one person who can save her from the hellish crimes she’s about to witness.

But Jay isn’t the only one who’s keeping secrets.

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Excerpt

Despite the heartbreak he caused me, the feelings I had for him have never completely disappeared. Reduced, definitely, but they’re still there. A first love leaves a special imprint on one’s heart. There was so much good with us, but also so much bad, and Brayden left me with a view that love will always be tainted. The L word is now a dirty word and something I’m incapable of. Serious relationships are non-existent in my life. He made sure he destroyed them for me, just like he shattered my happiness.

Relaxing into my pillows and releasing a breath, I try to calm my racing heart. Closing my eyes, I silently hope and pray that I will sleep better for the rest of the night. As I begin to settle in, a strange sensation prickles over my already clammy skin.

Someone’s watching me.

My eyes open slightly and move to a dark silhouette standing in my doorway. Panic begins to take over, and my machines beep crazily once again. Fumbling for my buzzer, I know I need a nurse, but as I hold the device in my hands my eyes catch the doorway, and the silhouette is gone.

My Rating:

Favorite Quotes:

Damn this woman.  It's as though she can read me like an open book.  It must be those magical therapist powers they have.

Damn these short world problems.  I'm trying to make a point, but he's not intimidated by me.

I think I just died and went to shoe heaven.  I might come across as a simple girl who only needs simple things, but shoes are in a different world altogether.  Shoes are like diamonds, a girl's best friend.

My Review:

Dangerous Love was a quick, easy to follow, and satisfying read.  Written for a single point of view, the narrative generally followed a woman's inner voice as she struggles with herself after her first love suddenly reappears in her life.  Additional drama unfolds when she discovers the identity of her biological parents after being raised in the foster system, with even more surprises and revelations to come.  The plot was interesting and intriguing, and the storyline held my attention and contained occasional hits of welcome humor to offset the drama, tension, and angst. 

Empress DJ

Author Bio

Liz Lovelock is from bright sunny Queensland in Australia. She is the mother of three little monsters, a wife to an amazing husband and very much a lover of everything books and reading. Liz has always loved books and, from a very young age she began reading comic books and then in high school her passion grew. She was given Tomorrow When The War Began by John Marsden for an assignment but, when that was done she continued to discover new books to fall in love with.

Liz always has a book she is currently enjoying and, a notebook beside her bed for in her handbag for when inspiration hits at those crazy times. She is a stationary addict and will buy more notebooks and pens then what she needs. Her one click finger likes to go crazy as well.

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New Release: Lucky Kisses by Addison Moore

TITLE: Lucky Kisses

AUTHOR: Addison Moore

GENRE: New Adult-Romantic Comedy

COVER: Gaffey Media

RELEASE DATE: November 22, 2016

From the NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling author, Addison Moore— Cosmopolitan Magazine calls Addison's books, "...easy, frothy fun!"

LUCKY KISSES

(3:AM Kisses 12)

*Can be read as a standalone*

She's mouthy and bossy as hell. He's a hot player who's not having any of it. He's determined to teach her a lesson. She's determined to take him down a notch.

Lawson Kent is a jackass of the highest order. Sure he's got the face of a god and the body of a prisoner dedicated to pumping iron, but every time he's in my way my blood boils. His obnoxious mug seems impossible to escape. So when we're paired together to work on the community interaction project, we call a truce. In fact, the more I hang out with Lawson, the more it seems he really gets me. Not too many people do.

Lucky Madden is a mouthy piece of work. Yes, she's gorgeous to a fault and that's precisely why her overprotective, tatted up brother, Jet, pays me the big bucks to make sure none of the idiots at Whitney Briggs University land her horizontal. Only, too bad for me, Lucky Madden is the last person I want to hover over every free chance I get.

Then one night, she cuts the mouthy routine and does something far more productive with those lips, she kisses me. Now I can't get Lucky Madden out of my mind. I'm addicted in every single way, and soon enough, the only person her brother will want to rip to pieces is me.

 

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Addison Moore is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author who writes contemporary and paranormal romance. Her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan magazine. Previously she worked as a therapist on a locked psychiatric unit for nearly a decade. She resides on the West Coast with her husband, four wonderful children and two dogs where she eats too much chocolate and stays up way too late. When she's not writing, she's reading.

               

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