Psssttt…I have a confession. I am a BIG J. Kenner fan. I fell in love with her, thanks to her Stark series, and I am slowly moving through her Stark Universe of books. When I saw the chance to read and review for her newest book, Sexy Little Sinner, I jumped at the chance.

Sexy Little Sinner is the third book in the Blackwell-Lyon series. You do not need to have read the first two, although context is always nice when reading a series. This story follows Kerrie and Connor. Kerrie is the younger sister of Connor’s partner at Blackwell-Lyons, a high-tech security/investigative company. The issue with Kerrie and Connor is age. Connor is fourteen/fifteen years older than Kerrie, and he does not want to hold her back in life. The story begins months after their break-up when Connor decided that his age would cause Kerrie to give up aspects of her life later down the road. As she privileged their friendship, she agreed to the break-up even though she did not agree with his reasons for it. Unfortunately, their chemistry and connection are not abating, and the two struggle to maintain their professionalism and friendship. Eventually, Kerrie makes the decision to forgo a friendship which is quickly undermined when Kerrie and Connor must go undercover to catch a notorious billionaire accused of criminal wrongdoings. This undercover assignment involves a weekend-long $ex party. Will Kerrie and Connor survive the weekend, or will it destroy any type of relationship between the two?

This is what I love most about this story. It is uncomplicated. It reads more novella than novel, and the angst is minimal. J. Kenner has this way of getting in and out of a story with your heart intact. You feel for the characters of the story, but you don’t find yourself brow-beaten by every horrible thing that can go wrong with them. This is the case with Connor and Kerrie’s story. Now, that being said, I did want to reach through my iPad and smack Connor upside the head. It took him most of the story to move beyond his worries about age. Even more, his reasons were absurd in the grand scheme of a life worth living. Thankfully, he has an epiphany at just the right time.

If you like a short and sweet, well-written story, with characters you can love, then you really ought to read Sexy Little Sinner (and the prior two). It’s a nice afternoon read that adds a little sizzle to your day.

Overall:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In love and romance,

Professor A

I received an email to sign-up to read an ARC of L.B. Dunbar’s book, Second Chance. Prior to the email, I had never read anything by Dunbar. I became intrigued by the ages of the main H/h of this book. I’ve read so many books in the past year (something like 457…), and I have never read a romance with two older (not in their 20s) characters. I thought they are my age. What would a “second chance” romance at my age look like? So…I went for it. For the most part, I enjoyed this read. I could commiserate with the changes in bodies and the struggles of re-discovering each other after almost two decades apart. I loved many aspects of this book, but I also struggled with the main male character, Denton. Let’s talk about the good first:

1. Mati. I love Mati. She has endured being left behind by a former friend, finding out she was pregnant at 18 with twin boys, giving up several dreams to find different dreams, and encountering the death of a spouse unexpectedly. She is also the only female in her family with lots of testosterone focused on her in the form of her brothers and sons, yet she holds her own. She is a power-woman. Her sons are older, one is married and one is struggling to figure out his life. Yet, she loves them both through their differences and challenges. She coaches the local high school volleyball team, and she’s successful. She is trying to find a new big dream for herself: coaching college volleyball. And she is trying to move past her grief and find her new “normal.” I admired her tremendously in this story. Quite frankly, if she laid down in her bed, pulled the covers over her head, I would deem it justified. However, she encounters every challenge in her life and with Denton with grace and resiliency even when she wants to give up. She held my heart in this story.
2. I really liked the older age storyline. I think it’s different, and it shows that anyone over the age of 40 can still get “it on” AND they can still follow their dreams. Mati’s character is the best representation of continuing to challenge one’s self no matter one’s age in contrast to Denton’s sister, who has allowed her life to stagnate. Thankfully, after Denton’s return home, his sister can follow her heart and find a new life for herself, regardless of her age. A lesson for all of us in the over 40 set.
3. The story, in general, is strong. This a second-chance romance story, so it is a common romantic trope. It isn’t really doing anything new here, other than putting it in the lives of older characters. However, it works. There are quite a few moving parts to it that can border on confusing. The chronology moves between past and present, but Dunbar does a good job of keeping it clear for the reader. All in all, the story is interesting.

Now, to what I didn’t care for…

1. Denton. It took me most of the book to like this guy. He seemed self-absorbed and clueless. There are plenty of male characters I’ve read who are abhorrent characters. As I read dark romance, this isn’t unusual. However, Denton is disguised as a potential good guy who makes life all about him. For most of the book. Thankfully, Mati is the type of character to help Denton see the truth. Add the women in his family to the mix, and he finds out what he truly wants from this time in his life. Unfortunately, this epiphany comes late in the story, so you have to be patient for his change.
2. Mati’s son, Jax. He was a bully to his mom, as far as I could read. Yes, he’s fiery like her. Yet, he takes his ire towards Denton a bit too far for someone old enough to know better. I thought Mati should have “put him over her knee” in the story. Thankfully, like Denton, Jax matures by the story’s end, so he redeemed himself.

I love that L.B. Dunbar writes stories about people my age. I sometimes love to read romance where I find or see myself in the characters. I think she provides enough sexiness, angst, and love to draw you into the story and find the power in a second chance at love.

Overall:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In love and romance,

Professor A

Second Chance, an all-new sexy, silver fox standalone from L.B. Dunbar is available now!

Her.

A widow at forty-four, her husband left her a letter.

Contact Denton.

Once upon a time, the three of them had been best friends.

Mati Rath isn’t sure she should look back.

Her heart isn’t ready, or so she thinks.

Him.

A pleading phone call forces him to make a decision.

I’ll be there.

Yet, he hasn’t been home in twenty-seven years.

Denton Chance isn’t sure he should return.

The past still haunts his heart.

A desire that never left them, along with circumstances beyond their control, brings the past to the present.

Can one sexy silver fox face the woman he once left behind but never let go?

Sometimes love deserves a second chance.

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

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Excerpt:

1

The Letter

Dear Mati,

If you’re reading this, something has happened to me. Hopefully, it wasn’t something long and drawn out, but quick and peaceful. Baby, I’m also hoping it didn’t take you, too, although you know I’d find you in heaven if you are here with me.

So, you’ve made it to cleaning out my office, which you’ve been asking me to do for years. I never was the neat one.

Reassure the boys I’m watching over them. I have faith that the two halves of us will find their way in the world, hopefully as fathers, as fatherhood has been one of the greater joys of my life.

The greatest joy has been your love, Mati. I know you gave it to me willingly, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer. We know we’ve covered all four areas. Death does not part us, but I don’t want it to stop you from living. We promised each other, young or old, whichever one of us went first, the other would continue to enjoy the gift of life. It’s an adventure. Ours has certainly hit some bumps, taken curves, and ridden steep hills, but we enjoyed the ride, right? Don’t stop now. You’re the driver, Mati. A new road awaits.

I want you to do me a favor. Just consider it before you get mad at me. (Those vows should have included in moments of conflict and peace.) Contact Denton. He was one of our best friends. He loved you as I did, only I’m the luckier man. Despite riches and fame, I won you. I had your ear and your heart and your body. You might need someone to talk to, and he could be the ear for you. I have no doubt his heart is still open to yours. As for your body, well, I’d be a selfish man, deserving hell instead of heaven, if I expected it to waste on earth without attention. We gave each other permission, in vows outside our wedding, babe. I expect you to accept them. For once, don’t argue with me.

Live life.

Love from heaven,

Chris

About L.B. Dunbar

I’ve been accused of having an over-active imagination. To my benefit, this imagination has created over twenty novels, including the creation of a small-town world (Sensations Collection), rock star mayhem (Legendary Rock Star series), MMA chaos (Paradise Stories), rom-com for the over forty (The Sex Education of M.E.), and a suspenseful island for redemption (The Island Duet). My alter ego, elda lore, creates magical romance through mythological retellings (Modern Descendants). My life revolves around a deep love of reading about fairy tales, medieval knights, regency debauchery, and strong alpha males. I love a deep belly laugh, a strong hug, and an occasional margarita. My other loves include being mother to four grown children and wife to the one and only.

Connected with L.B. Dunbar

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Sexy Little Sinner, a sexy, new standalone from New York Times bestselling author J. Kenner, is available now!

It was wrong to stay together … but we couldn’t stay apart.

I’ve been with my share of women, but none touched my heart and fired my senses the way she did. Her smile enticed me. Her caresses teased me. Her body aroused me.

And yet, it couldn’t last. There were too many years between us. A gap we couldn’t breach, and we broke it off. No. I broke it off. And I’ve regretted that decision ever since.

Now she’s in danger, and there’s no one else I trust to protect her. But the more time we spend together, the more I want her back. And all I know now is I have to keep her safe—and despite both of us knowing better, somehow, someway, she will be mine again.

Download your copy today!

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About J. Kenner

Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over one hundred novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.

Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.

JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A six-time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy) and in 2017 for Wicked Dirty in the same category. Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development as a television show.

Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages.

In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.

Connect with J. Kenner

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Website: www.jkenner.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J.L. Beck is the author of over thirty different novels and novellas. She resides in Wisconsin with her two children and husband. When she’s not reading, or writing you can find her shopping, catching up on her favorite tv shows or spending time with her loved ones.

C. Hallman: Born and raised in Germany, Cassandra moved to the United States when she was eighteen. She’s now a stay-at-home-mom to three boys and happily married. She always had a love for reading, that love slowly transpired into writing. She put fingers to keyboard and started writing about the dark side of romance. She is known for her intriguing stories and complex characters.

 

THE WRONG GENTLEMAN by Louise Bay
Release Date: February 19th

Add to Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43527877-the-wrong-gentleman

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Blurb:
I’m an all-or-nothing man—100 percent focused on whatever has my attention.

First, it was serving my country in the Special Forces. Then it was building my business. Right now it’s the hot blonde at the bar who’s about to become another notch on my bedpost.

But women never keep my attention for more than a night.

Until I peel off Skylar Anderson’s clothes and her mask starts to crumble, showing me glimpses of the girl she’s hiding. She’s funny, sexy and vulnerable and throws me out of bed before I can catch my breath and suggest breakfast.

When I start my last undercover job on a yacht, turns out, she’s one of the crew. I try, but I can’t look away.

Her high ponytail shows off her kissable neck that tastes like summer.

Her short uniform reveals the killer legs that were wrapped around me last night.

And her provocative smile? I know what that mouth is capable of.

I want to explore her body, discover her secrets and sail off into the sunset with her.

I might want to go all in for Skylar, but she should stay away from me. I’ve got secrets of my own and they can only bring her trouble.

 

About the Author:
USA Today bestselling author, Louise Bay writes sexy, contemporary romance novels – the kind she likes to read. Her books include the novels Faithful (not currently on sale as undergoing maintenance!), Hopeful, The Empire State Series, The Royals Series, The Nights Series (both series of standalone books each following different characters) and the standalone Gentleman series.

Ruined by romantic mini-series of the eighties, Louise loves all things romantic. There’s not enough of it in real life so she disappears into the fictional worlds in books and films.

Louise loves the rain, The West Wing, London, days when she doesn’t have to wear make-up, being on her own, being with friends, elephants, and champagne.

She loves to hear from readers so get in touch!

Connect w/Louise:
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Sweet Liar (Dirty Sweet #1) by Laurelin Paige

Release Date: February 26th, 2019

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40261255-sweet-liar

#Preorder Sweet Liar Today!
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Nook: laurl.in/sweetliarBN
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*** THE FIRST THREE CHAPTERS OF SWEET FATE WILL BE IN THE BACK OF SWEET LIAR WHEN IT’S RELEASED. ***
⠀
#preorderalert #dirtysweetduet #dirtyuniverse #duet #sexybrit #olderman #youngerwoman

BLURB

British ad exec Dylan Locke isn’t looking for love. He isn’t looking for fate. He’s definitely not looking for Audrey Lind. She’s pretty, far too young, and overly romantic–in short, exhausting.

But when the girl, young enough to be his daughter, literally lands in his lap and asks for his expertise, he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t interested. In her body, in her innocence, in her philosophy.

In the kind of kismet that starts with kisses.

But Audrey isn’t looking for love either–she’s looking for lessons, and she’s certain Dylan knows everything she needs to learn.

If he agrees to play the teacher can he keep his heart?

Of course, he can.

Then again, he might be lying.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

With over 2.4 million books sold worldwide, Laurelin Paige is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author. Her international success started with her very first series, the Fixed Trilogy, which, alone, has sold over 1 million copies, and earned her the coveted #1 spot on Amazon’s bestseller list in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia, simultaneously. This title also was named in People magazine as one of the top 10 most downloaded books of 2014. She’s also been #1 overall books at the Apple Book Store with more than one title in more than one country. She’s published both independently and with MacMillan’s St. Martin’s Press and Griffin imprints as well as many other publishers around the world including Harper Collins in Germany and Hachette/Little Brown in the U.K. With her edgy, trope-flipped stories of smart women and strong men, she’s managed to secure herself among today’s romance royalty.


Paige has a Bachelor’s degree in Musical Theater and a Masters of Business Administration with a Marketing emphasis, and she credits her writing success to what she learned from both programs, though she’s also an avid learner, constantly trying to challenge her mind with new and exciting ideas and concepts. While she loves psychological thrillers and witty philosophical books and entertainment, she is a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there’s kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters. Her husband doesn’t seem to complain, however. When she isn’t reading or writing sexy stories, she’s probably singing, watching Game of Thrones or The Walking Dead, or dreaming of Michael Fassbender. She’s also a proud member of Mensa International though she doesn’t do anything with the organization except use it as material for her bio. She is represented by Rebecca Friedman.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONNECT WITH LAURELIN PAIGE

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So, I have a sad little confession for my review. I am a clear Cat Carmine fan, yet this is my first review of one of her books, even though, I have read ALL of them. Yes. That is right. I have been remiss in my reviewing duties to this author because she is WORTHY of all of my 5 stars. So here goes…

The Break-Up Bet tells the story of Lucy. Now, if you’ve read any of Cat’s Breaking All the Rules series books (Rori, Emma, and Blake’s stories), then you’ve met Lucy, the fabulous baking blogger roommate to these sisters. While Lucy doesn’t insinuate herself greatly into Rori, Emma, and Blake’s lives (yes, they are all roommates of Lucy’s at one time or another — never at the same time), she offers them a shoulder to cry on and a baked good or two. In their stories, we know she has a boyfriend, Lou. However, he is a mystery. She spends her time at his place, but no one ever meets him. Her eyes dull a bit when she talks about him, and everyone is suspicious about him. There were times in those books when I thought he was a made-up boyfriend, but he isn’t. He is real-life flesh and blood, and he’s a douchecanoe (yes, I said that).

In this book, The Break-Up Bet, we find Lucy post-breakup with Lou. She is struggling to understand why a solid, vanilla guy would end their relationship. She carries baggage from her past (read: daddy issues), and she’s been careful to protect her heart with an “average joe.” Unfortunately, this doesn’t save it. Enter Connor, her brother’s best friend since first grade and, now, her new roommate. Like Lucy, Connor has uprooted his life from San Jose and moved to New York to escape a break-up. From the start, Lucy is nervous around Connor as she nursed a crush on him as a young girl. Everything about him is hot, but, to Lucy, he is a player, a guy to be avoided.

To help each of them move past their break-ups, Connor challenges Lucy to a bet: offer the best way to get over each other’s break-up. He will teach her his ways, and she will teach him hers. So what happens when these two start spending more time together? Well, read the book to find out. That’s all I’m giving you of the plot.

Here’s the thing. Cat Carmine can write rom-com/contemporary romance. If she writes a book, I’m reading it because the characters are funny and quirky and interesting. Her male characters are uber-masculine, a bit cocky, and they fall madly for the heroine of their story. And usually, the love of the heroine causes the hero to change, to become an even better man.

This is the case with Connor. Yes, Lucy makes assumptions about him, but, unlike the sisters’ husbands, Connor is more down-to-earth. He is still self-assured and cocky, but there is a sensitivity to him that makes you fall in love with him. You want him to realize that he can (and should) choose Lucy.

Now, Lucy has been one of my favorite characters through the series. She is a shoulder to lean on. She uses her baking to help you heal, and she does this for herself, but, throughout this story, she often irritated me because she struggled to see the true Connor. It takes most of the story to finally “see” him as he is. I would have loved for her to realize it sooner in the story, but, well, this is a Cat Carmine story, and there has to be a bit of angst.

Together, Connor and Lucy are funny. Reading them brings you comfort, and they simply fit. I would love to read an extended epilogue/bonus scene of these two, as there is some unfinished business between these two, at least in mind there is. I think Cat has introduced us to the next characters of her upcoming books (Lucy’s friends —and I’m hoping we’re going to meet Nathan Goodwin, the underwear model, in her next book). So, here’s hoping we get more Connor and Lucy in future books.

I loved this book. It is a read that will put a smile on your face, a tear in your eye, and it will warm your heart. Get. This. Book. Now.

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In love and romance,

Professor A