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“Madden-Mills masterfully handles the protagonists’ insecurities and traumas to produce a love story that’s equal parts tantalizing, gut-wrenching, and sweet.” –Publishers Weekly

Not My Match, an all-new sports romance full of smoking hot chemistry from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills, is available now!

Read my 5 ⭐️ review HERE.

Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills delivers a smart and sexy romance about a professional football hottie and the girl he’s sworn to never touch.
Homeless and heartbreakingly innocent, Giselle Riley walks into my penthouse and chaos follows.
I shouldn’t have invited the girl genius to live with me, but it’s clear she needs my help—not only for a place to lay her pretty blonde head but in finding real love, which she’s not going to get with the crazy men she picks up online.
Too bad she’s a twenty-four-year-old virgin and I’m a bad boy wide receiver. She’s off limits for a hardcore player like me—and we’re just friends.
Instead, I’m her matchmaking service, no matter how jealous it makes me when I tag along on her dates.
I can keep my self-control. Right? No way will I give in to everything inside me that dreams of a girl like her in my world.
I may be the best wide receiver in the country, but how could I hold on to a girl like her?

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About Ilsa Madden-Mills
Wall Street Journal, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills is best known for her angsty new adult romances and romantic comedies.

Eight of her eleven novels have placed in the Amazon Top 10 Best-seller List: Dirty English #1; Fake Fiancée and I Dare You #2; I Bet You, Filthy English, and Very Bad Things #6; Boyfriend Bargain #8; The Last Guy, her collaboration with Tia Louise, #4.

A former high school English teacher, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice, and of course, Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero.

She’s addicted to frothy coffee beverages, cheesy magnets, and any book featuring unicorns and sword-wielding females. Feel free to stalk her online.

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“Heartwarming, swoony moments, sizzling chemistry, and just enough intrigue to keep me completely invested–this book had me hooked from page one!”– Willow Aster, USA Today bestselling author

Wrecked Palace, an all-new emotional slow-burn standalone romance in the Wrecked Series by author Catherine Cowles is available now!

Read my 5.5 ⭐️ review HERE.

One night was all it took for everything to change.
From college student to guardian in a single breath.
My siblings became my world.

No time for date nights or romantic dreams.
I traded quiet weekends for sleepless nights.
Giving my all to make sure they were cared for.

But Griffin had a brokenness that called to me—one that mirrored my own.
Gruff and just a little bit reckless.
He was the last thing I needed. But everything I wanted.

Only someone isn’t happy about this new life I’m building.
Deciding to set fire to everything I hold close.
And when the smoke clears, there might be only ashes left behind…

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Excerpt

I climbed out of my truck in the parking lot of The General Store. Why was it that I always ended up here? There was just something about the brown-haired beauty who worked at the kitchen inside. Normally, people who shined with that life-is-beautiful kind of positivity made me want to punch something. But with Caelyn, I was fascinated.

I started towards the store when a man called my name. I stiffened and turned, expecting to see a stranger, maybe one of the reporters still holding out hope that I’d share my story with the world. The set of my shoulders eased a bit when I saw that it was Ford Hardy, owner of The Catch Bar & Grill. I said nothing but waited for the man to make his approach. He wasn’t a stranger exactly, but I had no desire for idle chitchat.

“I’ve been hoping to run into you,” he greeted.

I stayed silent.

Ford chuckled. “Not too talkative, are you?”

“Not much to say, I guess.”

Ford’s expression grew serious. “I just wanted to thank you for your help a few months back.”

“I didn’t do anything anyone else wouldn’t do.” Ford had been attacked by someone sick in the head. He’d been jumped from behind and knocked unconscious. I’d just come along at the right time.

“Either way, thank you.” He held out a hand, and I took it for a shake. “Come into the bar sometime. I’ll treat you to a beer and a meal. It’s the least I can do.”

I fought the wince that wanted to surface. The last thing I wanted was to sit around at the island watering hole. People whispered, thinking they were being discreet when they were anything but. Even worse, they sometimes thought it was completely acceptable to approach and ask me a million intrusive questions. “I’ll try and come by.”

Ford grinned. “I’m taking that as a fat chance in hell.”

My lips twitched. “You’re not a stupid man.”

“Thank God for that. Well, if I can ever do anything to repay you, just let me know. My brother’s a contractor. We could give you a couple of days on that house of yours if you’d like.”

My jaw tightened. “I’m good. But thanks for the offer.”

Ford nodded and gave me a wave before heading back towards The Catch. “There’s no expiration date on that.”

I wouldn’t take Ford up on his offer of help unless I got desperate. I needed to do this on my own. I started towards the store. Pulling the creaking screen door open, I walked inside. It was still a bit early, but when 4:00 a.m. was your usual wakeup call, 4:30 p.m. was just about perfect for dinner. Plus, I could avoid the after-work crowd.

I made my way towards the kitchen at the far end of the grocery but stopped in my tracks when I heard Caelyn’s voice.

“Is there any way you could give me more hours? Or more of the bookkeeping to do?”

Mr. Walters, the owner of the store, chuckled. “You’re doing it all already, deary. I barely show up here anymore.”

“Well, do you know of anyone else who might be looking for some help for things I could do from home?” she pressed.

“Are the two jobs you have not enough? You’re gonna work yourself to the bone. And you need to be home for those kids.”

“I know.” Caelyn’s voice seemed to deflate on the words. “But Mia got accepted into this gymnastics program, and it costs an arm and a leg.”

Walters’ voice gentled. “I’d be happy to loan you the fees—”

“No,” Caelyn cut Mr. Walters off. “You’ve done more than enough for us.”

A foreign feeling invaded my chest. A twisting sensation that burned. I’d heard the talk around the island that Caelyn had taken in her three younger siblings after their parents had been involved in some sort of drug bust. I couldn’t imagine taking all that on when she must’ve been barely more than a child herself.

I cleared my throat, stepping around the end of the aisle. Caelyn looked up, the frown marring her gorgeous face quickly turning into a bright smile. “Griffin. It’s good to see you. Have you finally given in to trying one of my salads?”

I gave my head a shake. “I think I’ll stick with the sandwich.”

Walters grinned. “I don’t know, Caelyn can make kale pretty tasty.”

I didn’t try to fight the twisting of my face. “No, thank you.”

Walters chuckled. “Maybe another day. All right, I’m off.” He turned to Caelyn. “You let me know if you change your mind.”

Caelyn reached up on her tiptoes, pressing her lips to the old man’s cheek. “Thank you.”

Walters headed out of the store, and just Caelyn and I were left. I slid onto a stool at the counter. It was rare that I waited here for my food, but I couldn’t seem to resist the temptation today. I had this undeniable urge to make sure she was okay.

“So, what’ll it be? Some version of meat and cheese?”

I almost chuckled. Almost. “Sounds good to me. But I know you’ll sneak some vegetables on there somehow.”

“Gotta keep you from getting scurvy.”

I almost choked. “I thought that was from not enough vitamin C. I drink my orange juice.”

Caelyn shook her head and started pulling things out of a fridge below the counter. “There’s vitamin C in vegetables, too. And lots of other nutritious things you need.”

“Good thing I come in here a few times a week then.”

“Good thing.”

An idea was forming in the back of my mind. One that just might be the answer to helping Caelyn out of her predicament and giving me some nice benefits, as well.

The screen door banged open. “Cae Cae!” a young girl’s voice called out. Soon, there was a flash of movement past me.

Caelyn stepped around the counter and lifted the little girl into her arms as she hurled herself at Caelyn. “How was your day?”

“So good. I taught cartwheels at recess, and you left me my favorite cookie in my lunch.”

Caelyn laughed. “Sounds like a good day to me. Where are the rest of the tiny terrors?”

The little girl beamed up at Caelyn. “They’re coming, but they were being too slow, so I ran when I got to the parking lot.” Her gaze caught on me. “Whoa. Are you a giant?”

I wanted to laugh but seeing the easy affection between the girl and Caelyn stole my ability to speak.

“Mia, this is Mr. Griffin. Griffin, this is my little sister, Mia.”

The girl looked so much like Beth had at that age, I struggled to find words. “It’s nice to meet you, Mia.” My voice came out rougher than before, and I tried to force my lips into a smile, but the action felt foreign.

“Hey, sis,” a male voice called.

I turned to see a boy who looked to be about sixteen or seventeen. As soon as he caught sight of me, wariness filled his features. He quickly crossed to his sisters, tugging another girl behind him. “Who’s this?”

Caelyn pressed her lips together as if holding back a laugh. “This is Mr. Griffin. Griffin, this is Will and Ava, my other two siblings. I hope you don’t mind, but they usually hang with me for thirty minutes before Molly takes over. Kids, you can go hang out in the office while I get Mr. Griffin’s sandwich ready.”

“I wanna stay with you and help,” Mia whined.

“I’ll go into the office,” Ava offered. She had taken a step behind her brother as if hiding from me.

“They can stay.” The words were out before I could stop them. Awkward and a little gruff, but Mia beamed.

“See, Mr. Griffin wants me to help make his sandwich.”

Caelyn shook her head. “Well, if that’s the case, we better wash our hands.”

Ava headed for the back office while Will took a seat next to me at the counter, eyeing me carefully. Caelyn helped Mia up onto a little stool by the sink, and they washed their hands, Mia singing some sort of song that counted off the seconds.

“All clean,” she called. “No germies can last to thirty.”

I couldn’t hold in my chuckle this time. “I guess they can’t.”

“I never thought I’d see the day,” Caelyn started, putting a hand over her heart. “I do believe you laughed, Griffin Lockwood. Who knew all it took was a seven-year-old singing about germs?”

About Catherine
Writer of words. Drinker of Diet Cokes. Lover of all things cute and furry, especially her dog. Catherine has had her nose in a book since the time she could read and finally decided to write down some of her own stories. When she’s not writing she can be found exploring her home state of Oregon, listening to true crime podcasts, or searching for her next book boyfriend.

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Is there a sweeter spot in his life for the woman who’s always had his back–and possibly even his heart?

Gimme S’more, an all-new sweet and sexy opposites-attract standalone romantic comedy in the Hot Cakes Series by New York Times bestselling author Erin Nicholas is available now!

Read my review HERE.

A friends-to-lovers romance that will make you melt.

Oliver’s a dreamer who is always ready for the next big adventure.
Piper’s the steady one who keeps his feet on the ground.

He’s wildly successful, thanks to her always being there to catch him when he leaps before he looks. But she wants more. While he’s as clueless as ever.

So she just gave her two weeks notice.

Ollie doesn’t know how he’ll survive without Piper. So for the next two weeks, he’ll be sticking to her like the marshmallows on the s’mores she loves so much.

But does he want her as his assistant… or is there a sweeter spot in his life for the woman who’s always had his back–and possibly even his heart?

Download your copy today!
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Excerpt

The guys were going to kill him.
Ollie scrubbed a hand over his face.
They wouldn’t be surprised, of course. But they were going to be pissed.
They’d all known that Piper quitting was a risk and that one day she’d probably wise-up and lose her patience and that would be it.
They’d also all known that when it happened there was a 90 percent chance it would be because of Ollie.
The other 10 percent chance was that it would be because of Ollie and Dax together.
And now it had finally happened.
If it came down to choosing between him and Piper, he wasn’t sure he wanted to know how that debate would end up. Or how short the discussion would be before they decided they wanted and needed her more.
That was only one of the reasons he hadn’t told them yet.
The other was because he was still processing the part where she’d said she loved him.
What was he supposed to do with that?
She wasn’t just supposed to say that out loud right to him, was she? He had not been expecting that. The guys and their girlfriends had insinuated for a while now that Piper might have a crush on him but no, he hadn’t expected her to ever say anything herself.
It was a might have. A crush. Okay, they were adults and maybe adults didn’t have crushes exactly, but everything anyone had said suggested that it was just that Piper thought he was interesting at times and that she didn’t hate spending time with him.
But a crush wasn’t love. For fuck’s sake.
And it had to be Piper?
Piper Barry was amazing. She was gorgeous. She was smart. She was capable. She could do anything. She was funny and sweet and sassy and tough.
She was intimidating as hell.
What was he supposed to do with her now?
What was he supposed to do without her now?
Well, the solution seemed pretty obvious. She’d basically given him the answer herself—I can’t be in love with you and work for you. And the only one of those two things I can change is the working for you part.
So he needed to get her to not be in love with him anymore. Then she’d come back to work and all would be fine.
Now he just had to get her to realize she could do a hell of a lot better than him.
Of course, he’d been a pain in her ass for five years now. If that didn’t do it, he wasn’t sure what would.

About Erin Nicholas

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Erin Nicholas has been writing romances almost as long as she’s been reading them. To date, she’s written over thirty sexy, contemporary novels that have been described as “toe-curling,” “enchanting,” “steamy,” and “fun.” She adores reluctant heroes, imperfect heroines, and happily ever afters.
Erin lives in the Midwest, where she enjoys spending time with her husband (who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books), her kids (who will never read the sex scenes in her books), and her family and friends (who claim to be “shocked” by the sex scenes in her books).

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DARK REIGN (The Bennett Duet #2) by Xavier Neal

Release Date: January 28th

Cover Designer: Dana Leah, Designs by Dana

Photographer: Wander Aguiar

Models: Lucas Loyola & Amber

Add to Goodreads:

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Preorder is NOW AVAILABLE!!

WILL BE AVAILABLE IN KU!!

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Blurb:

I am going to restore my reign over both worlds.

First, with a pen.

Next, with a knife.

Remind them who sits on the throne of this concrete jungle.

Repair the structure that was shattered when my Mia Bella was stolen from me.

Revenge will be had.

Restitution received.

And for me to reestablish order, I will do whatever is necessary.

For there is no cost that is too great.

For there is no distance that is too vast.

For there is no sacrifice that is too sizeable.

I am a different man because of the only woman I’ll ever love.

And that man is more dangerous than anyone could’ve ever predicted.

About the Author:

Xavier Neal is a best-selling romance author who enjoys hopping from sub genre to sub genre like a game of Hopscotch she can’t resist.

In between writing, she loves to read (everything from romance to self improvement books), watch movies (old and new), eat too much Tex-Mex (her Chuy’s t-shirt collection is out of control), and watch AHL hockey games LIVE (preferably against the glass whenever possible).

She currently resides happily in Texas with her bearded husband “Lumberjack” and her rather lazy dog, Missy.

Connect w/Xavier:

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PRINCE CHARMING (Cinderella #2) by K. Webster
Release Date: January 26th

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Start the Series today with Stroke of Midnight!
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Blurb:
Winston Constantine is no prince charming…
I crave him so badly I think I might be losing my mind. He’s right in front of me, but he’s just as remote as my dreams of getting away from my stepbrothers. I keep playing his twisted games, and I want to stay just as distant as he is. But I can’t. I never could. I’ve fallen for him. Hopelessly. Irrevocably.
But Winston isn’t a lover, he’s a business venture.
A way for me to pay for college.
A ticket out.
He’s never pretended to be anything other than that.
I can’t blame him for making me fall in love.
There can be no happily ever after between a maid and a prince, no matter what the stories say.

Excerpt:
“Let’s see what the poor maid bought her boss,” he taunts, his fingers digging into my thighs as he roughly holds onto me.

“I didn’t buy it,” I sass back. “I made it.”

He rolls his eyes, making him seem much younger like Keaton. It makes me laugh. I reach over to the nightstand and grab the envelope off the top.

“Here.”

“A gift card to Starbucks. How original.”

I smack at his bare chest. “It’s not a gift card, asshole.”

He smirks as he opens the card. His brow lifts in question as he pulls out a handmade booklet. “Coupons.”

I grin at him. “Cool, right?”

Ignoring me, he flips open the booklet. “A coupon for one free massage from Ash.” His eyes dart to mine, amusement dancing in them. “I could go to the spa and get a massage from someone qualified.”

“Would they do it naked?” I taunt.

“Hmm,” is all he says as he flips to the next page. “Bedtime story by Ash. A bedtime story, huh? A story about the big, bad wolf with his dick up Goldilocks’s ass?”

I cackle and smack him again. “You’re an idiot.”

He flips the page and shakes his head. “A free cuddle. I can assure you, I’m never using this coupon.”

I pout, earning a smile from him. “You never know. They don’t expire so you’re good there.”

“You thought of everything, I see,” he remarks, his eyes back on the booklet. “A trip to the candy store. Hmm.”

“There’s a really neat place where you can mix and match—”

“I don’t eat candy,” he interrupts, flashing me his perfect white teeth.

“Fine, we’ll buy some for Perry. We’re going and soon. I’m running low on cherry Starburst.”

He flips the page. “Movie night in Winston’s bed.”

“Sounds fun, right?”

“All of this sounds like torture if we’re being honest.”

“But you love torture,” I argue.

“When I’m the one doing the torturing.” He tosses the coupon book away and grabs onto my neck, pulling me to him. “That was the most ridiculous gift I’ve ever received.”

“You’re welcome,” I say with a grin.

His lips press to mine, and he kisses me like he’s thankful for the most ridiculous gift. Since I was naked and waiting for him, it doesn’t take long for him to shove his boxers down, freeing his thick, eager cock. Greedily, I slide up and down his length, letting him feel how hot he gets me. His tongue spears into my mouth, and his grip on my ass is nearly painful. I arch my back, lining my opening up with the tip of his dick and then flex my hips so that he slides inside my body. With a hard thrust, he bucks into me. His fingers are going to leave bruises as he forcefully guides me to meet his rhythm. I pant heavily against his mouth, trying to keep up with his maddening pace.

“Oh god,” I groan, grinding against him, loving how he hits me in all the right spots. “So good.”

He pinches my nipple and twists it until I whimper. His lips pepper me with hungry, open-mouthed kisses along my jaw. When he gets to my throat, he sucks hard enough to make me gasp. With each powerful thrust up into me, I grow more and more dizzy by the need to come. Raking my nails over his chest, I revel in the sharp hiss that escapes him. He nips at my throat hard enough I cry out.

Mine.

I feel the word whispered over my flesh more than I hear it. It’s enough to send me over the edge. Stars glitter around me as my orgasm tears through me, obliterating my every nerve ending. He comes with a growl that sets my soul on fire. Heat floods into me, claiming me as his, just like he said.

I collapse onto his sweaty chest, breathing heavily. “How much to keep you right here for the night just like this?”

“Everything you earned tonight.”

It’s then, I realize we can do this. Without the money if we have to. I’d have to get a real job and an apartment, but we could still have this. We could keep our games and our fantastic sex and our teasing conversations. He’s protective and caring and in tune with my needs.

I’m not Meredith.

I would take care of his heart, not break it.

He just has to let me inside.

“Deal.” I stroke my finger over his shoulder. “Happy birthday, Win.”

“Indeed it is, Cinderelliott.”

I make him happy.

The billionaire who has everything finds enjoyment in the company of me. Some might say it’s a fairy tale ending, but even I know Winston’s no charming prince.

About K. Webster:
K Webster is a USA Today Bestselling author. Her titles have claimed many bestseller tags in numerous categories, are translated in multiple languages, and have been adapted into audiobooks. She lives in “Tornado Alley” with her husband, two children, and her baby dog named Blue. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, drinking copious amounts of coffee, and researching aliens.

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HATE ME by Ashley Jade
Release Date: January 28th

Add to Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55000548-hate-me

PREORDER IS AVAILABLE!
WILL BE AVAILABLE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED!
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Blurb:
I’m the whispers in the dark you can’t ignore.
The bully you can’t run away from.

I’m the tormentor who makes your life a living hell.

The villain you love to hate.

I’m the vicious stepbrother sleeping in the next room.

The one who knows all your secrets.

And I’ll stop at nothing to make you pay.

WARNING: This book is recommended for mature readers due to graphic language, sexual content, and dark elements. It is NOT a safe read.

Excerpt:
Tightening his grip, he escorts me to what appears to be a coat room.

“What the hell?”

“Let’s get one thing straight,” he snarls, cornering me until my spine meets a row of coats. “Your whore mother marrying my father changes nothing between us.”

I almost want to laugh, because I don’t like this new arrangement any more than he does.

However, it’s comical just how much it’s ruffling his feathers.

“Awe, what’s the matter, Trenton?” I taunt. “Afraid I’ll—”

Words die in my throat when one hand slams across my mouth and the other one hovers over my throat, threatening to squeeze. “I’m not afraid of anything, Stray.”

He utters the last word with so much venom I nearly wince. Out of all the cruel nicknames Knox has given me over the years, this one hurts the most.

Because it’s the truth.

Ever since my dad died, I’ve felt lost and abandoned.

Like a kitten who lost its way and will never find home because they don’t belong anywhere.

He leans in close, his ruthless stare burning a hole right through me. “But you should be.”

A shiver runs down my spine, not only because of his threatening words and the hostility they’re laced with…but the lethal way he’s looking at me.

As if he’s contemplating the best method to kill me and dispose of my body afterward.

I’ve heard all the rumors going around school.

His mom was murdered when he was thirteen…

And his dad sent him to a mental institution for a year while he covered it up.

Because Knox was the one who did it.

People weren’t terrified of him just because he was a bully who got off on terrorizing others.

They were terrified because he was a legitimate psychopath who was capable of homicide.

Until now, I wasn’t sure I believed any of the gossip.

At six foot three he towers over my five-four frame, but I force myself to peer up and look him right in the eyes. “Go to hell.”

Deep down I’m petrified of the lunatic, but I refuse to let him see that.

My breath hitches when he presses his body against mine and the hand looming over my throat constricts. “I live there.”

Live? More like ruled because as far as I’m concerned, he’s the devil.

My retort falls by the wayside, though, when he leans in and his mouth brushes mine.

I’m about to ask what the fuck he’s doing, but a sharp sting shoots through my flesh when his teeth clamp down on my bottom lip and I taste a hint of copper.

I try to pull away, but that only makes the pain worse.

Thinking quick, I knee him in the balls.

With an aggravated grunt, he finally releases his hold.

I expect him to be pissed so I brace myself, preparing for another attack, but to my surprise there’s a trace of amusement in his expression.

His tongue darts out and I see the glint of metal from his piercing as he swipes the blood gathered on his lip. “Welcome to the family, sis.”

About the Author:
Ashley Jade loves to tackle different genres and tropes within romance. Her first loves are New Adult Romance and Romantic Suspense, but she also writes everything in between including: contemporary romance, erotica, and dark romance.

Her characters are flawed and complex, and chances are you will hate them before you fall head over heels in love with them.

She’s a die-hard lover of oxford commas, em dashes, music, coffee, and anything thought provoking…except for math.

Books make her heart beat faster and writing makes her soul come alive. She’s always read books growing up and scribbled stories in her journal, and after having a strange dream one night; she decided to just go for it and publish her first series.

It was the best decision she ever made.

If she’s not paying off student loan debt, working, or writing a novel—you can usually find her listening to music, hanging out with her readers online, and pondering the meaning of life.

Check out her amazon page and Facebook page for future novels.
She recently became hip and joined Twitter, so you can find her there, too.
She loves connecting with her readers—they make her world go round’.

Connect w/Ashley:
Website: https://ashleyjadeauthor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ashley-Jade-Author-788137781302982/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ajadeauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyjadeauthor/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14175946
Bookbub:https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ashley-jade
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2RGsIJ9

Overall Grade: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Going into Not My Match by the incomparable Ilsa Madden-Mills, there were two preconceived notions about her hero and heroine. After Not My Romeo, this reader may or may not have had unkind thoughts about Elena’s sister, Giselle. As the boyfriend-stealing sister of Elena, for much of that book, it was difficult to like her. Add to that Jack’s best friend, Devon Walsh, wide receiver extraordinarie, female-loving playboy. What Ilsa Madden-Mills has done so well with Not My Match is take two seemingly complicated characters, a hero and heroine who make you feel equal parts curiousity and concern, and she crafts a love affair between the two that leaves you wishing for more of their story. I was anticipatory for Madden-Mills’s Not My Match because, by my estimation, she has never written a book I didn’t love and adore. And once again, she’s shown why you should never miss a Madden-Mills book. 

In Not My Match, Giselle and Devon run into each other at Devon’s club. Devon rescues Giselle from an online date gone wrong, but their evening ends with Giselle storming away from Devon. Later that night, Devon goes to Giselle’s apartment to find it on fire. Without a place to go, Devon invites Giselle to live in his penthouse. With him. From the beginning of this book, it’s clear that Giselle and Devon have chemistry but Giselle, being the sister of his best friend’s new wife, along with a precarious past that taints his present, Devon refuses to act on his attraction to Giselle. Until he doesn’t. Is Giselle just one of Devon’s hook-ups, or is he relationship material?

If you’ve read Ilsa Madden-Mills previously, you know that one of her superpowers is writing heroes who have these larger than life outward personalities while hiding a soft underbelly. Devon is more of the same here. What Madden-Mills does well is keeping that fresh. Writers have signatures with their storytelling, and that is clearly one of hers. It’s what draws me to every one of her romances, but she constantly reinvents her heroic characterizations in ways that invest you in her hero. I adore Devon Walsh because Madden-Mills crafts him as complicated. He simply cannot give his heart to Giselle when it’s really the only thing he wants to do. As such, the tension of this story lies in his constant want of her while spurning her as well. 

In Giselle, Madden-Mills takes a character who seemed spurious in Not My Romeo. For much of that book, you struggle with liking her because her actions seem unkind. However, much like we see in this book, nothing is really as it seems. Through Giselle, Madden-Mills treats us to so many layers: a science girl existing in a male-dominated world and all of those complications, a woman still struggling to forgive herself, a woman waiting to break out of the binds of virginity and other people’s ideas about her, and a woman whom her advisor says has a multi-faceted life, given her love of writing sci-fi romance. Giselle’s characterization is meant to challenge the idea of womanhood. Is it possible to have it all? Even more, are goals set in your youth still pertinent in your future? With both Devon and Giselle, Madden-Mills treats her readers to splendidly complicated offerings in her characters. 

There is witty banter in Not My Match. There is a chemistry that foreshadows a deeper well of love. There are other characters such as Giselle’s best friend, Myrtle, or Jack’s nemesis, Aidan, who add color and humor to Giselle and Devon’s journey. Mama and Aunt Clara are here too, as well as Elena and Jack (in small bits). There are truths about how our past informs our future, and the need to live more deliberately in the present, living in your current dreams. There is the symbol of a butterfly, a symbol strewn all over Madden-Mills’s social media right now, because the butterfly reminds us of a new life, of a new sense of self. And that truth is what makes Not My Match an emotional juggernaut, a romance that captivates and steals your heart. 

If you don’t do anything else this week/weekend, read Not My Romeo and Not My Match. These two books remind you that Ilsa Madden-Mills is a force in romancelandia. These two books are a perfect combination of quirky, sentimental, steamy and romantic. You will end these books feeling down deep in your soul that a life lived in abundance is the only life you need. 

In love and romance,

Professor A

Overall Grade: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2

“You made this wrecked palace a home.”

I knew from Catherine Cowles’s earlier books, Reckless Memories and Perfect Wreckage, that Wrecked Palace, her newest book, would be my favorite thus far in this series of standalones. I knew that Griffin “Griff” would steal my heart in his sullen, mysterious way. I knew that Caelyn’s story as guardian and caretaker of her siblings would steal another portion of my heart, but until I jumped into the beauty of Wrecked Palace, I didn’t really know. At each turn of the page, Catherine Cowles reminded me why I will always buy and read her stories. Her ability to invest you into her broken characters is her superpower, and it compels you to pick up her book and read to the very last page. 

I won’t speak to the plotline of Cowles’s newest romance. I wish for you, potential reader, to read it on your own. It has too many secrets. Even more, the story is so beautifully drawn at Cowles’s hand that I simply want you to experience it on your own. What I will tell you are the reasons for its beauty. 

Firstly, you should know that unlike her other books this is a seriously slow burn. There are definitely sparks, but that isn’t the focus of this book. Instead, this book is about growth, about finding the salve to the broken parts of one’s soul. It’s about a saving grace to pull you through difficult times. Instead of drawing you into the bedroom, Cowles deftly draws you deeper into Griffin and Caelyn’s lives, and it’s a masterpiece. 

Secondly, Wrecked Palace is much like her other stories and other series which means more romantic suspense. There is something to be solved in this story, and Cowles guides you carefully through the story to a resolution that is perfect in its rendering. 

Thirdly, Griffin and Caelyn are magical together. These are my favorite types of characters: a brooding, silent broken hero, and a heroine who is the light to his dark even in her own brokenness. I know this is written often enough in romance, but Cowles does a superb job with this couple. I hated to leave their story because Cowles invested me so deeply in them that it was difficult to say goodbye. There is simply too much to love about them and their friends who, once again, remind us of the idea of a crafted, constructed family. That element is one more reason why this book is my current favorite of 2021. 

Lastly, Catherine Cowles’s style is enigmatic. There is a quietude to her careful storytelling, and it juxtaposes against the violence of her story. Over and over again in her books, her words whisper across the page, crafting beautifully romantic scenes between her characters, and it contracts against the mysteries that need solving as characters’ lives sit in danger. That is one of the qualities of her storytelling that keeps me coming back for more. 

So, what does it mean to love and be loved? Is man meant to live a life alone? Can two broken people find completion in each other, in a family of friends constructed out of love and respect, not blood? Those are the questions that pervade Catherine Cowles’s Wrecked Palace. This book destroyed and reconstructed a part of my heart. Yes, the story title is Wrecked Palace, but this book is a reminder that something that is wrecked doesn’t have to remain that way. Instead with love, care, and attention, out of the ashes can come a palace of beauty. Run and read this story. 

In love and romance, 

Professor A

Overall Grade: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2

If you’ve read any of Erin Nicholas’s Hot Cakes series, you know about Piper and Oliver. As each of the other Hot Cakes’ guys and gals found their happy endings, Piper and Oliver’s attraction for each other has grown in the periphery. I have been waiting for Gimme S’more because Piper, as a heroine, is interesting, independent, and protective of the guys of Hot Cakes. Her larger than life characterization has intrigued me from the first book of the series. Pair her with the creative genius of the Warriors of Easton, the playboyish, flighty, intelligent Oliver, and you have romance gold. I knew that Erin Nicholas had saved the best for last, and I wasn’t wrong. 

I have liked the other books in the Hot Cakes series to a varying degree. I do believe that Erin Nicholas has a style that oftentimes repeats itself in the course of the elaboration of her story. That is still the case with Gimme S’more. However, where it felt overly redundant in the earlier books, in this book, it underscores nicely the main struggle between her hero and heroine. Piper (along with the other Hot Cakes guys) have always viewed Oliver as a genius flibbertigibbet. They take him seriously to an extent, and Oliver’s friends and partners have used Piper to reign in Oliver’s creativity. What is profound about this story is, as Piper acknowledges her attraction and love of Oliver, something that distresses him, she recognizes, that in being buoyed by the other guys of Hot Cakes to reign in Oliver, she is, in essence, failing to fully understand and accept him as he is. This revelation adds gravity to this series that has been vacant in the other stories. Just like the earlier books in this series, Nicholas builds these great moments of witty banter between her hero and heroine. She incorporates their own dessert into their $exy times. All of the lightheartednesses that prevails in the other books is also in Gimme S’more. However, Oliver’s recognition of Piper’s interest in him and his eventual acceptance of it, along with Piper’s understanding about the part she plays in his life, adds a depth to this book and the series that had been lacking. I loved Piper and Oliver’s story, as I knew I would because it’s witty, charming, and compelling. Oliver’s utter lack of confusion over Piper’s interest and adoration of him make for some of the best parts of this book. Yet, it’s the end that makes for the best spectacle, and you will find yourself ending this series with a big happy sigh. 

I am thankful that Erin Nicholas saved Oliver and Piper until the end. Her adept plotting of this series illustrates her talent in writing meaningful, yet fun series. I am hoping that we might see this crew in the periphery of future series because it wasn’t easy to leave them at the end of Gimme S’more. 

In love and romance,

Professor A